The Crombleholme of Dutton Family from C15th

This is a general account of the family in the Dutton starting in the earliest times and running through to the late 1660's when the family left Dutton. There are links to the other sections which give more detail on particular members or generations of the Crombleholme family.

Dutton is a township in the Blackburn Hundred to the north east of Ribchester.  More detailed information on Dutton is available using this link :  http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol7/pp54-61#highlight-first

This Crombleholme family who settled in the Dutton area almost certainly descended from the earlier families living in nearby Ribchester.  The first Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] on the chart below was the administrator of Robert Crombleholme, [Cro0011] the Rector of Ribchester. He had taken the Abbot of Whalley to court as he had not paid Robert's pension. After the dissolution, in 1544, he had purchased lands in the area from the Crown some of which he sold only days later presumably at a profit ! The family married into the Hothersall, Townley and Sherburne  families over time and seem to have built up quite a few relationships that show up on indentures and wills. 

Note : There are some dates of certain individuals that need checking but this chart (at long last) shows how the Crombleholme Fold and Long Preston families descend from the Dutton one and also (after many years of head scratching !) the relationship between the Rev Richard & William Cromleholme - both vicars of St Michael on Wyre 

The records below are set down in chronological order :

Earliest Families :

1420 - Joan Crombleholme (nee Bradley) [Cro0004] the wife of Thomas Crombleholme [Cro0003] and sister of Henry Bradley of Chipping in 1420 received from the feof fees lands in Ribchester, Thornley and Wheatley the remainders being to Christopher Crombleholme  [Cro0005] son of Thomas and Joan and to Joan's right heirs.  (Source : History of Goosnargh p176: (Harl MSS No 2077 fol 281)

1420 - 20th March :.... Know that we Henry de Bradley of Chipping and William de Metes of Preston confirm to Johanne [4] wife of Thomas de Crombylholme [3] sister to me the said Henry all lands and tenements -- render and serve – aforesaid [?] in the vills of Ribchester and Thornley and the hamlet of Wheatley to have and to hold by the same Johanne [4] as head lessee of those feoffs by customary service for the whole life of the said Johanne and after the remainder to Christopher Crombilholme [5] son of the said Thomas [3] and Johanne [4] and heirs of the body --- of the said Christopher [5] --- heirs of Johanne against all gentlemen [?]. In testimony sealed in the presence of these witnesses Richard del Knoll, Thomas del Bradley, Adam de Hodersall, Henry Jonson de Preston, Richard de Townely and dated at London the day immediately after [?] the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the seventh year after the coronation of Henry V.

(Source : Townely MS D.3.2 held at Chetham Library, Manchester - obtained & transcribed by MM June 2022)

Note : the feast day is February 2 and is also known as Candlemas; the seventh year of the reign of Henry V is March 21 1419 – March 20 1420.

Note : Feof fees were rents from lands held in trust. Thornley with Wheatley was a township just to the north of Ribchester and Dutton. Thomas C [3] above could be Thomas C [15] - a carpenter & keeper of the pale at nearby Leagram deer park where there are records relating to him in 1422 & 1435. However, the Bradley family feature in many local records and the name also occurs in many place names in the area - they were obviously a wealthy family and it therefore probably unlikely that a daughter would have married a carpenter.

From 1432 :  Earlier members of the family had been chaplains and priests at nearby Ribchester (see early clerics) . Lands in the Dutton area had been granted to them and it seems very probable that this Dutton based family was related to them probably with some sons not marrying and becoming clerics instead.

1447/8 - Robert Clitheroe (Cliderow) gave Bailey Hall on lease to Richard Crombleholme [Cro0007]  (Source : History of County of Lancaster Vol 7 (pub 1912) footnote 282 - this cites Shireburne Abstract Book Ref 282 & Pal of Lancs Plea R 5 m 15 + )

Note : The following footnote (283) states "Richard was living in 1466 and Alice his widow 1473 ibid" - this was misread ! It does not refer to Richard C [Cro0007] but to Richard son of Robert Clitheroe and Alice his wife made a feoffment in 1459-60 fn283  The current "online" version uses different footnote numbers although the text is the same and it cites same sources.

Robert Cliderow son of Nicholas Cliderow leased Bailey Hall to Richard Crombleholme [Cro0007] for twenty years at 6 marks a year starting in 1448.   (Source : Paper by Rev C A Newdigate Nov 1915 - p138 footnote 2 -   incl the illustrations below + Shirburn Reg 32 iii 16; ii 35, 38)

Note : The present Bailey Hall is on the site of the earlier moated hall and dates from the late 16th century. The remains of the old Chapel of St John the Baptist is on the north side of the hall. It was built as a Chapel of Ease (to the Mother church at Mitton) and as a chantry for the Cliderow family. There is also evidence of earlier fishponds and the moat can still be seen on the east & west sides. 

It would have been the earlier moated Hall that Richard Crombleholme [Cro0007] leased and would suggest that at a rent of 6 marks a year (ie £4866 in 2019) he was a man of some wealth. A mark was an accounting value only and was never an actual coin - it was worth 2/3rd of a pound = 13s 4d when a master craftsman daily wage was about 6d. For how long he lived in the Hall is not known.

Curiously enough some three centuries later in 1718 - Richard Sherburn was outlawed for high treason (during the first Jacobite Rising) and was seized of an estate called Bayley Hall in the parish of Mitton

.........."and that the said Ric Sherburn made his escape from Preston after the battle there, and it is pretended conveyed his estate after his escape to one William Crombleholme [Cro0 ???] to prevent its forfeiture...."    In the following year, the estate was put up for auction in London  and  the leasehold bought for £81 by Mr Rishton.  (Source : Record of English Catholics 1715 - p144 +  Paper by Rev C A Newdigate Nov 1915 - p150) 

Note : It is possible that Richard Crombleholme [Cro0007] who leased Bailey Hall was a son of Thomas Crombleholme [Cro0004] & Joan (nee Bradley) [Cro0005] his wife. The lease was from 1447/8, so Richard [Cro0007] would had to have been at least 21 years old putting his birth date as no later than 1426, a few years after the marriage of Thomas [Cro0004] & Joan [Cro0005]. 

Richard [Cro0007] must have inherited money to be a position to lease Bailey Hall - perhaps the Bradley marriage was the source of wealth and raises the possibility of Richard [Cro0007] being the grandfather of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] (1490-1576) below. (Source : Speculation by Mike Murtha Jan 2022 !)

1461 to 1483 : Elizabeth Crumbleholme [Cro0053] married Robert Ash son & heir of Thomas Ash in the time of Edward IV (i.e. 1461-83)   (Source : Add. MS 32107 No 912 - Hist of County of Lancs -Dutton; Vol VII p57. (**see below)

Within the parish of Mitton in the county of Yorke : Robert Ashe holdyth certen lands there by estimacion one acre, ii s, and the same Robert for fre rent payd furth of his tenements there ii s, in all dewe eisdem terminis   iv s. (Source : The Chantry of St John Baptist at Bailey - Rev Newdigate 1915)*

*Note : This Elizabeth C [Cro0053] could be a daughter of Richard C [Cro0007] and in turn Richard C [Cro0007] could be a grandson of the earlier Thomas C [Cro0003] see above - the timeline above illustrates this possibility.

** Unfortunately a cyber attack on the British Library in 2024 prevented Mike M obtaining more information on the Victoria History of Lancashire Vol 7, page 57 foonote 21 - (reference in footnote : Add 32107 No 912).

However, finally in May 2025,  RC visited the British Library and managed to locate this record. It was contained in the British Library additional MS 32107 "Transcripts of Charters Lancashire". MS CHr Towneley [375]. 

This record was created by Christopher Towneley lettered "GG". It is a large bound book with many records seemingly gathered by Richard Towneley in 1702. The records are numbered in sequence (about 2500 in total). No 912 being shown below.

Mike M has kindly transcribed this as follows :

[March 4th 1462 - March 3rd 1463]

Know that Edmund Solater and Edmund Whitehead gave to Robert Assh son and heir of Thomas and Elizabeth [Cro0053] daughter of Richard de Crombeholme [Cro0007 ??]  messuage in Aighton that Christopher de Assh previously held to be had for the aforesaid Robert and Elizabeth without inheriting his rightful inheritance Robert de Assh [presumably meaning it does not affect/is not part of his inheritance]. 

Robert de Assh (this was likely his signature in the original as it is on a new line and ahead of the witnesses)

Witnesses: Robert Shirebourne Junior, Robert Shuttleworth, James Ridding

Date: 2 : E : 4 year 2 of the reign of Edward IV. [ i.e. between March 4 1462 and March 3 1463]

Note by MM : The footnote in the Victoria History refers to a marriage but it is not explicitly stated here. However, the fact that Elizabeth [Cro0053] is referred to by her maiden name and noted as the daughter of Richard de Crombeholme [Cro0007??] and that Robert and Elizabeth (nee C - Cro0053]will occupy the messuage together suggests that this is a marriage settlement.

A speculative family tree

By Mike Murtha June 2025

With the early information at hand it is possible to build a speculative family tree – and speculative is the key word. The records are isolated, with few providing family relationships. Most families were probably large, despite high infant mortality, so there would have been numerous branches.

·      Thomas Crombleholme [Cro0003] married Johanne Bradley [Cro0004] and at the time of her receipt of property from her brother Henry in 1420 they already had a son, Christopher [Cro0005], who was the future heir to the lands. At that period people typically married about the age of 20, although the legal marriage age was much lower, 12 for girls and 14 for boys (but people died at a much younger age than now). After marriage, the first child was typically born about two years later, so we can assume that the marriage occurred by 1418 and Johanne and Thomas would have been born in the late 1390s. The property settlement might have been in response to the birth of their first son. They likely had more children through the 1420s and 1430s

·      Richard C [Cro0007] leased Bailey Hall from Robert Clitheroe in 1447/8 and to do so he had to be of legal age, 21 years old. Consequently, he had to have been born no later than 1426 so he might have been a son of Thomas and Johanne and a younger brother of Christopher. And if Richard was leasing property it means that Christopher, his presumed brother, was still alive and perhaps occupying inherited property. The lease was for 20 years, suggesting that Richard planned to settle in and raise his family there

·      Elizabeth [Cro0053] married Robert Ash in 1462/3, assuming the property settlement accompanied the marriage and was not later. Given the typical marriage age, she would have been born about 1442 or 1443. Her father was named Richard [Cro0007] and it seems reasonable to assume that this is Richard [7] as it was a gentry marriage. If so then Richard would have been born about 1421/2 in order to have a daughter about 1443 and would have married about 1441. He could have been about two years younger than Christopher. Elizabeth and her husband settled into a messuage in Aighton, close to Richard’s [7] home at Bailey Hall

·      Rev. Robert [Cro0011] was ordained in 1470 and the usual ordination age was 24, so he was born about 1446/7. Could he have been a son of Richard [7] and a younger brother of Elizabeth? He was “of Ribchester”. Robert died intestate in 1528 and Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] sued the Abbot of Whalley for his pension. Richard [13] had been born in the late 1490s and could have been a nephew, the son of another brother of Elizabeth [53] and Robert [11]. Or perhaps a great-nephew if there was another generation in between

Clergy

A number of C clergy with known origins in the local area were contemporaneous with the identified family individuals. They might have been siblings or descendants of other branches. Either way, they were family members.

Elias [9] of Mitton ordained 1451 so born about 1427; a contemporary of Richard 7

Edmund [1289] of Mitton ordained 1477 so born about 1453; a contemporary of Elizabeth 53 and Robert 11

John [1292] of Chipping ordained 1505 so born about 1481; a contemporary of Richard 13

Elias [1290] ordained 1513 so born about 1489; a contemporary of Richard 13

Aighton location :

There is no location, no hamlet named Aighton, even on the earliest 1840s OS map.  Mike Murtha has found two references online:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aighton,_Bailey_and_Chaigley

https://www.facebook.com/hurstgreenandstonyhursthistory/posts/hi-all-im-still-working-on-making-a-post-about-the-shireburn-almshouses-one-abou/115318557300008/

It would seem that Hurst Green is the likely location. And just to the west, Dean Brook is the boundary between Aighton and Bailey parishes. There are maps that can be accessed from the facebook article.

So when Elizabeth 53 and Robert Ash were granted use of a messuage in Aighton, they were close to the Crombleholme home at Bailey Hall.

Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] (c1490-1576)

c.1490  - Richard Crumbleholme  [Cro0013]  was born in the Dutton area. His parents are not known but his father may have been a brother of Robert Crombleholme [Cro011] the Rector of nearby Ribchester.  This Richard [13] was made Robert's [11] administrator in 1528.

He was involved in a law suit against the Abbot of Whalley in 1530 and later in 1544 purchased monastic lands from the Crown after the Dissolution of the Monastries by Henry VIII.                           

Note : Another earlier farmhouse at nearby Stydd may have been built by the family. It is presumed that this is where the family lived before, perhaps even prior to the land purchase of 1544. The "messuage" (a term for property including a dwelling house) could, of course, refer to a house already on the site of Huntingdon Hall in 1576.

Marriage :  

c1518/1520 : Unfortunately, the date of his marriage and the name of his wife [ID : Cro0643] are unknown.  As one of their sons Richard Crombleholme [Cro0056] married in ±1535/38, they must have married themselves in say 1518/1520 ?? 

Children :

Only two sons are known and it is not known which one was the eldest. There may, of course, have been other children.

William Crombleholme  [Cro0055] - Born c1518, Gentleman of Dutton; he is noted in a conveyance of land in Clayton-le-Dale in 1548. It is not known when he married his wife Margaret (nee ??) [Cro0175] but this would have been about 1540 ?  Little is known about Margaret C [175] apart from being recorded on the Recusant Roll of 1592 and as a widow on the later 1595 Roll.

 William C [55] died in 1576 shortly before his father Richard C [Cro0013].  Only one son Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] is known; this son in turn, had three children.   There may have been another son William C [Cro0174] who is noted in the 1595 Recusant Roll - his father William C [55] was deceased by then. 

Richard Crombleholme [Cro0056] -  Born c1520-1544], married  Margaret Hothersall [Cro0057] and had three children. These children produced no Crombleholme issue; Richard C [56] died young, before 1544, as his wife was a widow by this date.

1530 - Richard Crumbleholme [Cro0013] was the administrator to the deceased Robert Crombleholme [Cro0011] (Rector of Ribchester 1466-1527). Richard was the plaintiff against the Abbot of Whalley is probably the same Richard who in 1537 is described as "of the parish of Stidde" and who opposed (with others) the claims of Richard Towneley to the Lordship of Dutton (see below)  (Source : Hist of Goosnargh p176 & Duchy Deposition Rec Office XXVI T24)  

Note : The name / maiden name of the wife [Cro0643] of Richard C  [Cro0013 ] is as yet unknown See Lawsuit v Abbot of Whalley for full details

± 1535 ..  Richard Crumbleholme [Cro0056] (c1520 - 1544) married Margaret (nee Hothersall) [Cro0057] the daughter of Robert Hothersall of Hothersall Hall  

Note : Robert Huddersall married Isabel, daughter of Nicholas Rishton & his wife Margaret (nee Ratcliffe) and died in 1558. Their son John was born on 22nd May 1522 and he in turn married Anne (daughter of John Talbot of Salesbury) and was a staunch Catholic. In 1576, John was reported to the Privy Council by the Bishop of Chester as "one of longest obstinacy against religion". Their daughter Margaret [Cro0057] married Richard Crombleholme [Cro0056] of Dutton gent c1535 but she was a widow by 1544. (Source Lancashire Old Families Chap XI p225)

1535/6 - Joan Threlfall widow complains that tithe grains were wrongfully carried into the barn of Wm Singleton by order of Sir Richard Hoghton .......Anna Crom [Cro0170] now wife of William Crom [Cro0169] and late wife of Brian Singleton deposed that she had never hired or commanded John Threlfall nor Richard Cowell (noted as age 30 years and also mentioned in will NR23) to take any parcel of tithe corns whereas John Threlfall alleged that he had done so by her commandment. Decided in favour of Sir Richard Hoghton.  (Source : Kirkham in Amounderness - R Cuncliffe Shaw p133 Lancs CRO) 

1537 -  Dispute : Crumbleholme v Towneley : 

Reign : 29 Henry 8 = 1537; Plaintiff : John Towneley, son & heir apparent of Richard Towneley; 

Defendants : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0056] & others; Matter in dispute : Disputed title to messuages, lands, rents and appurtenances & particularly a piece of land called Kerlynghurst with certificate & depositions thereon; 

(Note : Kerlynghurst = Carlinghurst which is a little south of Huntingdon Hall in Dutton)

Places : Dutton Manor, Kerlynghurst, Ribchester & Baile in Aughton all in Lancashire.  (Source : Ducatus Lancastriae Vol 2 p60 - Calendar of Pledaings in the reigns of Henry VII to first 13 years of Queen Elizabeth. Printed by command of HM King George IV in pursuance of an address of the House of Commons of GB 1827) 

Note : Baines Vol IV describes the case : In 1537 Richard Crombleholme [Cro0056] is described as "of the paryshe of Stidde" and opposed with others the claims of John Towneley to the lordship of Dutton and Ribchester and particularly a piece of land called Darlinghurst (Carlinghurst) in Dutton. Henry Townley of Dutton gent brother of John had a son John$$ (& other children).

(**Note : Baines like myself had made an error in having the younger John Towneley $$ above marrying  Alice Crombleholme [Cro0014] c1565)  

Here is a link to an excellent website for the Towneley family (see the Dutton branch p30) http://www.towneley.org.uk/downloads/TTv4_web.pdf

1543 - Dissolution of the Monastaries : purchase of lands from the King :

By Richard Crumbleholme [Cro0013] - please use this link for full account of this.

Before 1544 - Richard Crombleholme [Cro0056]  son of  Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] dies leaving his wife  Margaret (nee Hothersall) [Cro0057] a widow . Burial or will etc not found as yet. 

Note : Entry below gives this information also on from History of Lancashire Vol IV - Herald’s visitations of 1664 : Hodereshall or Hothersall of Hothersall & Alston in Ribchester : 

1548 - 3rd September : ( Final Concords 2 Edward VI) Between William Crombelom [Cro0055] and John Woodeburne plaintiffs and James Halsill & Elizabeth his wife and Richard Parker son and heir apparent of the said Elizabeth, deforeiants (sic) of a messuage, a toft, 30a of land , 6a of meadow, 20a of pasture, 10a of wood, 40a of moor and 20a of furze and heath in Clayton-le-dale . The deforeiants acknowledge the said tenements to be right of William for which William and John granted to the said Elizabeth an annuity of 43s  8d. (Source : Lancs Fines Part IV 1510-1548 Vol 60  - Soc of Gen London)  

Note : He was son of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] - unknown wife ?? [Cro0644] only one son Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] known

c1552 - Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] was born, son of  William C [55] -  this information is from 1578 record (see below) when he is noted as 26 years old

1555 - 4th May : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] (aged about 8) of Dutton - Feoffment in Trust 

1) Hugh Asshe of Bayley gent; 2a) John Bradhill of Whalley; 2b) Richard Sherburn senior of Chagley, gent; 2c) Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] of Dutton; 2d) John Cowell of Peel Hall nr Preston yeoman.  All property of 1) in Aighton, Bayley, Dutton & Ribchester to the use of 1) in tail, remainder to Edmund s/o Robert Asshe of Stubbin in tail, remainder to John, brother of Edmund in tail, remainder to Edward son of Robert Asshe of Dutton & Robert his son in tail, remainder to 2d) and Henry his son. (Note a feoffe : beneficiary inheritor)  (Source Farrer Papers Manchester archives L1/33/2/1-2 in latin 12"x8" crossed)

Note : An earlier Robert Ash had married Elizabeth Crombleholme [Cro0053]  in the time of Edward IV (i.e. 1461-83). 

John Bradhill is, no doubt John Bradyll, who had dealings with Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013]  over the purchase of monastic lands in the 1540's

Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] was Richard Crombleholme's [Cro0058] grandfather, his father being William Crombleholme [Cro0055]

Margaret Crombleholme [Cro0063] was the daughter of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] who married Robert Sherburn of Wolfhall c1600

1563 .. (Eliz 6) In consideration of £1107  17s  1d, Charles Jackson of Ffyrbecke co York Esq & William Mason of Egmanton co Notts gent. had granted to them ......... a rood of land occupied by Richard Crumbleholme [Cro0013]... all of which were parcel of the domain or manor of Dutton formerly belonging to the late Monastery of Whalley and had been secretly & subtlety kept from the Queen and her forefathers.   (Source : History of Ribchester p52 -  M26)  

Note :  This piece of land presumably was part of the purchases from the Crown in 1543-45 ? - it is not clear whether it was secretly kept from the Queen by Richard Crumbleholme or another ??  Original record not seen  CHECK

Above : Towneley Coat of Arms plus a draft tree showing presumed relationships. Little information is available. 

Note : The History of Ribchester  notes Alice C [14] as the wife of John Towneley  - this is incorrect and disproved by William C [60] in his 1618 will (SR11).

See also 1537 above for dispute with Townley family. John Towneley  & Alice had sons John; Henry (m. Lucy d/o Edmund Sherburn of Mitton); Robert & a daughter Margaret. After Alice's death, John T married Jane d/o Roger Winkley of Aughton - they had no children.     (Source : Baines Lancashire Vol IV)

1574 ....Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] listed in 1574 amongst the gentlemen in Blackburn Hundred required to furnish arms for the Queen's Service for a general levy of that year.  (Source : Harl MSS No 2219 fol 35-46)

1576 ... Richard Crumbleholme [Cro0013] held a messuage in Huntingdon in (& ?) Bailey in the township of Dutton and various lands and made a settlement of part thereof in the same year (just before he died?). He died in 1576 with his son and heir William C [Cro0055] having died shortly before him. William  C [Cro0055] was living and died "Apud Cromeleholme apud Dutton". (apud : near by; in or at) William C [Cro0055] died before his father and he was succeeded by a grandson Richard C [Cro0058] the younger who died in Dutton in 1588 holding Huntingdon etc of the Queen by 1/100th part of a knight's fee and other land in Dutton of Sir Richard Shireburne as of his manor of Dutton.  A further Richard C [Cro0064]  the son and heir of the younger Richard [Cro0058] was only 7 years old in 1588. (Source : Duchy of Lancs Inq p.m.  xiv No 40)   

Note : It is thought at present that  William Crombleholme's  [Cro055]  wife was Margaret (nee ??) [Cro0175]  and that William c [174] was a possible further son. 

1578 - 28th November : (21 Eliz) William Burghley Master of the Court of Wards*, grants in her Majesty's name a Liverie to be had in all the Lordships and Manors of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] his cosen and heir Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] (signed Wm Burghley)   (Source Extract from a letter sent to Preston Guardian by J W Bone in 1881)  

Note : A Lordship is a manorial holding. A manor was an estate held by a landlord, who himself was a tenant of the Crown or of a mesne Lord. A manor could be large enough to spread over several parishes. The Lord of the Manor retained part of the land called "demesne, for his own use, with the rest being tenanted or used for common or waste.

* The Court of Wards and Liveries : 

This Court (formed in 1540) administered funds received by the Crown for its right of wardship, marriage and livery. Land held of the Crown in chief, either by Knight Service or Grand Serjeanty was subject to royal guardianship if it fell by inheritance to a son under 21 or a daughter under 14. The Crown had the right to the management and profits of it until either the minority ended or the ward was given in marriage during minority. The Crown also had the right to choose a spouse ! 

NB : However, it was not limited to situations where the heir was a minor. They applied to people of wealth or status who held their land of the monarch. It was a way for the Crown to extract more money - similar to present day inheritance taxes in the UK. (Thanks to Mike Murtha for this note and locating NA guide June 2021 - see link below)

In practice, the Crown sold its rights, usually to a near relative of the minor, and also the use of the land but not necessarily to the same person. A further payment for livery, was due from the estate when the heir came of age. The business of wardship and marriage was transferred from the Chancery to the newly instituted Court of Wards in 1540 with liveries added two years later.

The occurrence of a minority in a tenancy-in-chief  would be revealed by the Inquisition Post Mortem (IPM). These inquisitions were started by regional officials called Escheators upon the death of a tenant-in-chief holding lands in fee. They took possession of the deceased's land and summoned juries of free local men in the local area to give details under oath about the date of the death and identity and age of the heir in addition to details of the lands, their values and the services by which they were held. The esheator’s report (the IPM) was sent to the Court of Chancery with a copy to the Exchequer and after 1540, if relevant to the Court of Wards and Liveries. Unfortunately most IPM are in Latin.

Understandably, many families avoided holding Inquisitions, so the Crown relied on informers who were rewarded by being allowed a low price for the wardship and the land to their own use. As wardships were avoided by marriage, the child of an elderly or sick father were married as soon as possible (14 for a boy and 12 for a girl). Children’s guardians were allowed “exhibitions” or allowances for the maintenance and education of the children (wards). From the C17th Roman Catholics were banned from being guardians. Wardships often meant the ruin of estates as the guardian only had short term interest in its exploitation. The system was abolished in 1646.  (Information Source : Dictionary of Genealogy by Terrick V H Fitz Hugh p295)

There is a very useful guide on the National Archives website explaining the Inquisitions Post Mortem

 Link :  www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/inquisitions-post-mortem/ 

1578 - 29th November 1578 : Indenture of covenants between the Master and Surveyor of the Courts of Wards and Liveries, on behalf of the Queen, on the one part, and Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] the heir of the late Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] gentleman, on the other, previous to a grant of general livery; with a valour attached *.  (Source Manchester University, John Rylands Library : Clowes Deeds Ref CLD/335) 

Valor attached to 1578 award of livery * - below is a summary transcription made by Mike Murtha (August 2021)  : 

Annual value of a messuage and land held through inheritance by Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013], deceased, and by fine [payment] post mortem to Richard Cindon, Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] confirmed as the proper heir and descendent of Richard C [Cro0013] and in possession. [Which was paid?] by Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] on August 20 1578 in the twentieth year of the reign of Elizabeth. Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] [has reached?] the age of 26 years, confirmed by his trustee Gilbert Moreton, appointed by the Queen for the county of Lancaster, and on November 10 in the twentieth year of her reign the queen confirmed his liberties [?] for the messuage and lands listed below subject to [payment of the required amounts?]

County of Lancaster

Part 1

A messuage, twenty acres of land, ten acres of meadow, thirty acres of pasture thereto belonging, in Huntingdon and Bayley in the vill of Dutton in the aforesaid county, held of her lady the Queen in capite [directly i.e. tenant in chief] per military service and clear annual value of [last two words unknown – ultra something]

30s 8d

Part 2

Five [?] acres of land, one acre of pasture and seven [?] rods of fallow land thereto belonging in Dutton, Aghton and Bayley in the same county of Lancaster, held by unknown service and an annual value of

8s 4d

Total value 39s

Left side: “in possession”      The date of the award is Nov 29 1578

Note : William C [55] died in 1576 shortly before his father Richard C [13]. This meant that the inheritance passed to William C [55]'s son Richard C [58]. The delay between Richard C [13]'s death in 1576 and Richard C [58]'s receipt of livery in 1578 was probably due to the time involved in paying the fee (relief) and as Richard C [58] is noted as being 26 years old in 1578 having already achieving majority age (ie over 18 years old). This gives his birth date as 1552

1579 - .........?  : Richard Crumbleholme  [Cro0  ]  of Stydd, Ribchester married nee ?? [Cro0  ]  (Source IGI)  TO BE CHECKED

1581 - 2nd June : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] son of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] born.         

(Source : See * in 1588 Inquisition PM below - also recorded in History of Ribchester p238 + IGI but mother's surname not recorded)  

Note : At his father Richard C [58]'s death on 19th March 1588, Richard [64] is recorded as being 7 years 8months 6 days old - this gives his birthdate as Monday 2nd June 1581

1584 ...Richard Crombleholme [Cro0056] (deceased) and Margaret's (nee Hothersall) [Cro0057] son William Crombleholme [Cro0060] was arrested as a papist in 1584 by the under Sheriff and twenty javelin men along with others at Sankey House (nr Warrington). Under Sir Edmund Trafford's orders they broke into the house at 3am on February 12th 1584 in an attempt to capture a catholic priest Thomas Worthington. William C [60] was finally (on 21st October 1584) condemned to the the pit in the Tower of London for 2 months and 21 days and on June 7th for another 7 days. When first imprisoned in the tower he is said to have blessed his chains, which he kissed, and declared that they were more to him than a collar of gold.    (Source : History of Goosnargh, Old Halls & Families Chapter X p 176 foonote 105 : Concertatio Eccl. Cathol. in Anglia by Joan Aquepontanus (Bridgewater) Treves 1589, 1594. )

1586 - 17th September:  Bond of William Garstinge of Preston in Amoundernes, yeoman, to Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] of Dutton, yeoman respecting tenements, lands etc in Preston, granted to the said Richard's grandfather, Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] deceased, by letters patent of 20th May 1544.  (Source : Manchester University, John Rylands Library : Clowes Deeds Ref CLD/1096) NOT SEEN AS YET)

1586 - 16th December : Thornton (Bradford, Yorkshire) Release by John Lacy of Cromwellbothome in the parish of Halifax, gent...... (Source : Yorkshire Deeds Vol 3 Item 399 edited by William Brown) 

1588 ...Ten  years later Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] the younger died holding Huntingdon (Dutton) and Bailey of the Queen by a 1/100 th part of a knight's fee (a payment in lieu of service) and other land in Dutton by Sir Richard Shireburne. The younger Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] was only 7 years old at this date.  (Source Pal of Lancs Feet of Fines Bundle 28.m.206)  

Note : Richard C [58] is noted in the valour of 1578 as being 26 years old - this gives his birth date as 1552 and he died in 1588 only 36 years old (Also see IPM of 8/9/1588 below

1588 - Spanish Armada defeated - Queen Elizabeth I's reign (1558-1603)

1588 - 19th March : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] died (anno vicessimo Elizabeth I). His son Richard Cromblholme [Cro0064] was recorded as being 7 years 8months 6 days old.   (Source : See * in Inquisition PM below)  

Note : This gives Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] birthdate as Monday 2nd June 1581

1588 – 8th September : Richard Crombleholme [58] Inquisition Post Mortem

Held September 8 1588 at Preston in the 30th year of the reign on Queen Elizabeth I.

Jurors: Richard Parker of Lawkley, gent; Thomas Jollyburn, gent; Edmund Ashe, gent; John Tomlinson, gent; John Hourst, gent; Nicholas Rihcton [sic], gent; William Baron, gent; John Croscley [sic], gent; Richard Goodshawe, gent; Lawrence Hawoorth [sic], gent; Richard Blundell, gent; William Walton, gent and William Clenghe [?], gent.  Who say:

-   By some (quidam) sacred sworn (?) oath before the death of the said Richard [58] Jun. some (ie “ONE” quidam) Richard Crombleholme [13] sen. Grandfather of Richard. Jun was seised as tenant in chief (in dominico) and feodary (? feod) of five acres of land and one acre of meadow in a part of Dutton in the said county existing seisin on August 18 in the 36th year of the reign of Henry VIII [1545] by his indented charter wielding – by the same day and year all one part sealed themselves swear Rich [13] sealed.

-   His inquisition [post mortem 1576] confirmed [gift to?] Margaret Crombleholme, [57] widow, nee Margaret Huddersall, daughter of Robert Huddersall, gent, of the five acres of land and one acre of meadow--- some clandestine [ private?] land named Alcocke acre and the Helghe meadow -- hereditaments and tenements [to] Margaret [57] for the term of her life with the remainder to Rich. Crombleholme  sen. [13] for life and the remainder to William Crombleholme [55] and the legitimate male heirs of the body of William  [55]  -- perish [i.e. for want of such] the remainder to the legitimate male heirs of the body of Rich. [13] sen. and if he should perish, the remainder to the rightful heirs of Rich [13]. (impxitam), all of which charter tender (?) sequently in her words (presumably confirmed verbally by Margaret)

-    Let them know in the present and future that Rich. Crombleholme [13] of Dutton, in the county of Lancaster, yeoman, gave a concession and by this present – indented charter confirmed to Margaret Huddersall, [57] daughter of Robert Huddersall of Huddersal confirming those lands [tried and clandestine?] in Dutton called Alcocke acre and Henghe meadow [to hold and occupy?]----  assigned for the natural life of the said Margaret [57] and after the decease of Margaret [57] the remainder to Rich. Crombleholme [58] 13 for life ----- and after the death of the said Rich. [13]  the remainder to William Crombleholme [55] the son and heir apparent of the said Rich. [13] and the legitimate male heirs of the body of the said William [55]  [and in the absence of?] the remainder to the legitimate male heirs of the body of Rich. [13] etc.

-   Rich. [13] appointed as trustees Thomas Huddersall and Thomas Walmsley (then a couple of lines about their responsibilities – it is probable that they were appointed to protect Margaret’s interests and that Thomas Huddersall was a brother)

-    Rich. [13] --- sealed indenture dated August 18 1545 --- Margaret [57] was seised --- remainder to Rich Crombleholme [13] sen then to William Crombleholme [55] and the legitimate male heirs of his body--- Margaret [57] still in full life and living as a widow in Dutton

-    And finally they swear --- that Rich. Crombleholme [13] sen. was seised as tenant in chief and feodary of a messuage and tenement in Huntingdon in Bailey in the vill of Dutton and 15 acres of land, 8 acres of meadow and 30 acres of pasture in Huntingdon and Bailey and six roods of land in Bailey and Aighton.

-  And they say existing seisins [holdings] before the death of the said Rich. Crombleholme (Jun = vid error)  [13] by charter dated Sept 7 1576 [18th year of the reign of the Queen] --- inquisition evidence showed feoffed [?] and confirmed some Anthonie Silverwood, Richard Goodshawe and Thomas Clarke yeomen indicted [granted?] aforesaid messuages and tenements and permitted alienations [?] last rental [?] had and held aforesaid Anthonie, Richard and Thomas heirs and assigns --- aforesaid Rich. Crombleholme [58] and Elizabeth [59]  then his wife for the lifetime of Rich. Jun [58] and Elizabeth [59] and alternatively --- living

-   And after the death Rich. junior [58] and Elizabeth [59] his wife then to the works and uses of the heirs of Rich. Crombleholme [58] jun on the body of Elizabeth [59] --- by virtue of such charter and vigor [strength of?] such acts of parliament made at Westminster in the 27th year of the reign of Henry VIII [1536] --- possession transferred the aforesaid Richard Crombleholme [58] jun and Elizabeth [59]  his wife --- seised by the aforesaid indictment [grant?] --- Richard [13] in the demesne [?] --- and the aforesaid Elizabeth [59] --- free holding of the remainder of the aforesaid Rich. Crombleholme sen  [13]--- heirs ---

-   And --- the aforesaid William Crombleholme [55] of Crombleholme near Dutton, deceased and --- the aforesaid Rich. Crombleholme sen [13] --- seised of the said remainder ---------- descending to the aforesaid Rich. Crombleholme [58] --- consanguiner [? blood relative?] heir ---of Rich. Crombleholme [58]--- son of the aforesaid William Crombleholme [55] son of the aforesaid Rich. [13] by virtue of the same, Rich. [58] is seised of the remainder and feodaries --- and other indictments [grants?] ----------------

-    And the said Elizabeth [59] his wife still living [?] seised of other indictments [grants?] and other premises herself free and heirs themselves of Rich. junior [64] --- by the very  body of the aforesaid Elizabeth [59] --- remainder --- direct heirs --- Rich. junior [64] and of the reversion of the aforesaid five acres of land and one acre of meadow in part of Dutton after the death of the aforesaid Margaret [57] the same of which the deceased Rich. Jun [58] was so hence seised and the aforesaid Elizabeth  [59]  surviving and after her death---- free holding  of the accretions which of course Elizabeth [59] still alive (standing up)  – and in full life in Dutton living (existing).

-   And the aforesaid jurors say ---- that the aforesaid indictment [grant?] et cetera in Huntingdon and Bailey of which the same Rich. [58] deceased was seised --- tenements [?] and at the time of his death were held of the Queen and the Duchy of Lancaster by 1/100th part of military service [knight’s fee] and valued at more than £15 and 4s

-   And they say that the other indictment [granted?] messuages and tenements of which Rich. [58] died seised and the said Elizabeth [59] similarly tenements and at the time of the death of the said Rich. [58] were held of the Queen and the Duchy of Lancaster by 1/100th part of military service and valued per annum at more than £15 and 8s

-   And they say the five acres of land and one acre of pasture in Dutton the said tenements at the time of death were held of Rich. Shireburne, knight, and of the manor of Dutton free of forinsec and valued per annum at more than £5

-    And they say that Rich. Crombleholme [58] on the day of his death did not have or hold [other] land or tenements in reversion or service of her lady the Queen ------ which they swear and strongly assert

*   And lastly they say that Rich. Crombleholme [ 58] of Dutton in the county of Lancaster died on March 19 1588 [30th year of the Queen’s reign] and that Richard Crombleholme  [64] is the son and heir of Rich. [58] and on the day of this inquisition was aged seven years eight months six days

-   In the testimony of this inquisition ---- the jurors sign ---  other side of this inquisition --- on the day and year first [inscribed]

(Source : Nat archives Ref CP 25/2/328/8 JASMICH - transcribed with our ID's inserted by Mike Murtha Feb 2022)

1589 (32 Eliz) - John Crombleholme, [Cro0  ]  Robert Parker, Renold Parker & Thomas Lyvesaye, defendants versus John Dewhurst, plaintiff at Ribchester regarding “Unlawful entry into a messuage and land” at Ribchester (Source : Calendar to Pleadings; 32 Elizabeth, Lancashire p499) 

1592 .. Recusant Roll No 1 Mich 1592/3 Lancs - Margareta Crombleholme [Cro0175] nuper de Stede in com pridividua cxl l virtute ads prid proc cons  (Source CRS Vol 18 p 178)

Note : The above Margaret Crombleholme [Cro0175] was the wife of William Crombleholme [Cro0055] who is not recorded in the 1592 Recusant Roll above. However, in the later 1595 Roll below, he is noted as lately deceased. There is another William Crombleholme [Cro0174] recorded and it appears that this was a younger son ?

1595 .. Recusant Roll No 4 Mich 37-38 1596 Lancs - William Crombleholme  [Cro0174]  of same, yeoman  £40 for the like; Margaret Crombleholme  [Cro0175]  of Dutton Stede parish spinster lately wife of William Crombleholme  [Cro0055]  £40 for the like (Source CRS Vol 61 p167)

Note : Recusant - one who declined to attend his parish church. After 1570, the term usually applied to Roman Catholics. Under the Act of Uniformity of 1559, a 12 pence fine was levied for every absence. In 1581, the fine was raised to £20 per lunar month. Later acts were more severe with confiscation of property. The Rolls list fines and forfeitures but do not record the person's religion. Many members of the gentry appear to have been "overlooked" by the authorities.  (Source : Dictionary of Genealogy - Terrick V H FitzHugh  pub 1985 p247)

c.1600 - Margaret Chrombleholme [Cro0063] of .....**(daughter of ) .... (Richard - my insertion) Chrombleholme [Cro0058] of Dutton in parish of Ribchester married Robert Sherborne of Chippendale & Wolfhouse, son of Roger Sherburne and Isobella (Knolles) - daughter & heiress of John Knolles of Chipping & Wolfhouse. Robert & Margaret Sherburne had four sons Roger; Hugh; Henry and Robert.   (Source Sherburn family papers Lancs CRO) Note ** = Richard Crombleholme) 

Note : Margaret [63] was born ±1580. The Protestation Returns of 1641 record William Parker of Wolf Hall  (not taking the oath) - so the Sherburns must have sold it prior to this date.. 

1601 - 11th February : Richus Cromloholme [Cro0064] married Triphana (nee Bymsome) [Cro0065] at Standish (Source CFI / IGI   [LRS Vol 46  ??])   Note : Tryphena C [65] died in Sept 1628 - see below.

1605 - 25th March : Richard Cromleholme [Cro0068] baptised at Standish, Lancs son of Richard Cromleholme [Cro0064] and Triphana (nee Bymsome) [Cro0065]  (Source : Family Search Eng Births & baptisms 1538-1975)

1608 - 1610 : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] of Dutton - One of up to 12 No Jurors under the King's Officer to decide the fate of lands that tenants died seized of :

2/8/1608 - Thomas Starkey gent (p101); 13/9/1608 - Richard Alston yeoman (p108); Laurence Shuttleworth STB ? (p109); Richard Goodstraw (p110); 29/3/1601 - Richard Bamber yeoman (p154); John Aynyon yeoman (p155); 19/4/1610 - Anthony Veale gent (p163); Giles Hamworth (p164); Edward Asshe (p165).  (Source : LCRS 3 - Lancs Inquisitions Pt 1)

1609.... In an extent (valuation) of 1609, Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] was stated to have "held Huntingdon and Bailey in Dutton by a 1/20th part of a knight's fee and 3s:1d rent and to have granted out many portions of land".(Source Pat 38 HenVIII pt. xvii)

1610 - 29th March : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] of Dutton - Inquistion taken at Preston in Amondernes on Thursday 29th March 1610 (8 James : 1610) before Edward Rigby Esq, Escheator, after the death of Richard Bamber yeoman by the oath of  (8 persons oncluding >)........Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064 ] of Dutton.......  (Source : Record Soc of Lancashire & Chester Vol 3 pub 1880)

1610 - 28th July : William Hesketh of the Parish of Goosnargh Lancs and Elizabeth Crombleholme [Cro0090]  of the parish of Ribchester married. Sponsor Bondsman : John Reed of Sherrington at Ribchester . (Source : LRS Vol 53 p83 Chester Marr lice 1606-1616) 

Note : She may be the same person as Elizabeth C [Cro669] who was born in Chipping in October 1581.

1610 - Michaelmas Term (8 Jas 1) : John Clarke, quer* : Rich Crombleholme [Cro0064], Wm Crombleholme [Cro0390] and Steph Walton and Agnes his wife, def. Two parts of a messuage and lands, in 3 parts to be divided, in Long Preston. (Source : Yorkshire Archeological Soc -  Record Series Vol III : 1914. page 136;  Yorkshire Fines for the Stuart Period Vol I 1603-1614 edited by William Brigg BA) 

Note : This and the 1613 case below are both referred to in a later 1667 case. Richard [64] of Dutton & William [390] are brothers and sons of Richard C [58].   *The word "quer" is an abbreviation of querent or plaintiff and def is obviously short for defendant or deforciant.

1611 - 3rd February :  John Cromelholme [Cro0070] of Seede (sic) parish [Stydd Parish] baptised at Ribchester.  (Source : Parish Reg Ribchester - LPRS Vol 26 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p5 christenings)

Note : No mention of father but John was second eldest son of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] and became minister at Tosside Chapel

1612 - (9 Jas I) : The manor of Stydd was parted to George and Thomas Whitmore of London gent. " for various good causes and considerations". Various tenements are named with annual rent on tithes of 19s received on land parted to Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064 ???] : a chase called Wellfielde in Dutton annual rent 4d..............    (Source : Hist of Ribchester p129)

1613 - Michaelmas Term (11 Jas 1) : Wm Crombleholme [Cro0390], quer : Thos Clarke and Margt his wife and John Clarke and Sibil his wife, def. Messuage and lands, in Longpreston. Warranty against heirs of John Silverwood and Anth Silverwood deed. (Source : Yorkshire Archeological Soc -  Record Series Vol III : 1914.  page 216; Yorkshire Fines for the Stuart Period Vol I 1603-1614 edited by William Brigg BA)  

Note : This and the 1610 case above are both referred to in a later 1667 case. Richard C [64] of Dutton & William C [390] are brothers and sons of Richard C [58]. The word "quer" is an abbreviation of querent or plaintiff and def is obviously short for defendant or deforciant.

1614 - April : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] : Involved in a complaint concerning the inappropriate and scandalous behaviour of the vicar of Ribchester, Henry Norcross, who ran the vicarage more like a pub and bawdy house ! Ribchester was in the Chester Archdiocese the complaint was sent to the Archbishop, who then appointed a commission headed by the Bishop of Wigan. The record was therefore deposited at the Cheshire Archives. There were three persons making the complaint : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064]; Radcliffe & Hawkshead (the latter two made their mark but Richard C signed his name. The documents include the original complaint, the appointment of the commission and some of the testimonials against Norcross. (Source : Cheshire Archives Ref EDC 5/1614/7 + Chetham's Library, Manchester - Raines Collection Ref c.6.53   Vol 22 pages 350& 352 (351 is blank).   MM 11/2023.      

1616 - 20th September ....Survey of the possessions of the Archbishop of Canterbury in co. Lancaster, taken before Roger Nowell, Humphrey Davenport, & John Hart, at Blackbourne, upon oaths of John Roades of Thornly, Henry Hamond of Pendleton, John Ward of Ribchester, Richard Crumblehulme [Cro0064] of Dutton, John Roades of Ribchester, John Moore of Foulrigge, Thomas Ryley of Green, James Aspinall of Mearley, John Middleton of Downeham, Richard Parker of Lovely, Robert Parker of Weeteley, Edward Houghton of Smithbotham, Henry Hurst of Ribchester, & John Cottam of Ribchester, gents. by authority of Commission of Survey, 19 Jun. 1616.   The lands belonging to the Rectory of Whalley (very detailed).  (source - Lancs CRO ref PR50)

1618 - 20th June : Enclosure of common & waste lands in Blackburn : Decree ascertaining the rights of the Lords of the Manor of Blackburn in the commons or wastes there and the Vicar and several freeholders and copyholders in the same. At this time 1266 out of 3600 statute acres were still common land. The commissioners having ascertained ownership of the various lands decreed that all the waste lands were to be enclosed and to be allowed pro rata among all owners of land in Blackburn. Amongst numerous persons making oaths .............Nicholas Crombleholme [Cro0651]  (Source : A History of Blackburn Town & Parish pub 1877 p 256). 

(Note - no details of any lands that he may have held) 

1620 .. 29th March .. High Constables of Amounderness now appointed :

Blackburn Hundred :  Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] of Dutton           } Gentleman

                                       Thomas Barcroft of Lodge                                              } Gentleman

The Treasurer appointed at the same time for Loynesdale, Amoundrness & Blackburne Hundreds was Paull Fleetwood.  (Source LCRS Vol 121 + Manchester Sessions : Notes of proceedings before Oswald Mosley (1616-1630) & other magisters Vol 42 p 112)

Note : High Constable - an officer of the Hundred responsible for law and order together with the performance of manor and parish constables. He also acted as an assistant to the Lieutenant of the County. He was appointed by the Court Leet of the Hundred or by the Justices of the Peace. Sometimes referred to as Hundred Constable. Hundreds were formed by the Saxons back in the 10th century and it is thought to originally be an administrative division of a shire containing a hundred families or ten tithings

1620 - 18th February : Mathew Cromblhoolme [Cro0071] son of Richard Crumbleholme [Cro0064] of par of Steed (baptised at Ribchester) (Source : Par Reg Ribchester - LPRS Vol 26 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p9 christenings)  

Note : This Mathew Crombleholme [Cro0071] became an apothecary in Leeds. His will Ref PCC 2 mentions two sisters Margaret and Jane. There is more detail in the Matthew Crombleholme section. 

1621 - 1623 : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] of Dutton recorded as Juror / witness at the following Inquisitions :

                  24/8/1621     At Lancaster      Richard Parkinson regarding Enfield House (Claughton) [p250]

                  2/5/1622       At Preston         Richard Heisham of Heighfield (par Haughton) [p302]

         8/4/1623        At Blackburn     Thomas Cuncliffe of Longhill yeoman (ref land at Plesington & Mellor) [p359]

                 8/4/1623        At Blackburn     Robert lonesdale of Simonstone yeoman [p363]

                12/9/1623        At Blackburn      William Barcrofte gent [p401]

(Source : Lancs CRO  Lancs Inquisitions Stuart Period Pt II LRS 1887 Vol 16 [pages]

1622 -  2nd May : Richard Cromleholme [Cro0064] gentleman - a juror at an Inquisition taken at Preston in Amondernes before James Rigby esq escheator after the death of Richard Horsham (Heisham) of Heighfield in the parish of Houghton by oath of Richard Cromleholme [Cro0064] and others gentlemen.......   (Source : Thornton FH website) 

1623 - 8th April : Inquisition taken at Blackburn before Edward Rigby esq Escheator : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] (with others) a witness by oath regarding lands held by Thomas Cuncliffe (deceased) of Tonghill, yeoman.  (Source : Lancashire Inquisitions ref 359)

1625 - 6th February : Henry Cromblholme [Cro0074] the son of Richard Cromblholme [Cro0064].  baptised at Ribchester.  (Source : Hist of Ribchester Smith & Shortt Ch VII p196 & LPRS Vol 26 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p16 christenings)  Note : This Henry C [74] is probably the Henry buried at Dutton in 1697

1625 - Sherborne v Crombleholme : Duchy of Lancaster : Court of Duchy Chamber.       

Deposition - Plaintiffs : Sherborne v defendants (Crombleholme)  (Source : NA Kew  Ref DL4 / 75 /30 Depositions -  (RC photographed 11/2018 to be transcribed)

1626 - Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] (for wife)  i.e. Tryphena [Cro0065] : amongst a large number others paid as non-communicants (others of note : Richard Shireburne , Roger Winckley, Richard Haighton, Thurston Tomlinson, Richard Holden, Bartholomew Gooday, Richard Read, John Whitaker, Henry Hayhurst, the wife of Richard Shireburne and a large number of others.  (Source : Hist of Lancaster p18 No 317 - Hundred of Blackburn Mitton (part of) - Aighton, Bailey & Chaigley)

1626 - 12th June : Roger Cromblhollme [Cro0075] son of Richard Cromblholme [Cro0064] in yer parish of Stid gent at Ribchester (baptised) (Source : Par reg - LPRS Vol 26 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p19 christenings)  

Note : It would appear that he died young ? 

1627 - 29th January : A child (name unknown - [Cro0078]) of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] in the parish of Steed, gent (burial) (Source : Hist of Ribchester Smith & Shortt Ch VII p196 & The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p 90 burials + Ancestry PR 2905/1/1)

1627 - 15th August  : A child (name unknown - [Cro0079]) of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] in the parish of Steed, gent (burial) (Source - LPRS Vol 26 & The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p91 burials)

1627 - 1st September : Robert Cromblhollm [Cro0076] son of Richard Crombhollme [Cro0064] in ye pishe of Steed, gent.  (baptised at Ribchester) (Source : Par Reg   LPRS Vol 26 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p22 christenings)

1627 11th December : A child (name unknown - [Cro0080] of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] in the parish of Steed, gent (burial) (Source : The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p91 burials)

1628 - ?? September : ??   (Tryphena) Croumblehoul [Cro0065]- wyff Richard Croumblehoul [Cro0064] buried at All Hallows, Mitton  (Source : Lancs Mitton OPC Burials 1610-1650 p 21 entry 1 - Par reg transcription)  

Note : This appears to be Tryphena C (nee Bymsome) [65] wife of Richard Crombleholme [64] of Dutton. (her last child Robert C [76] was born 1/9/1627)

1630 - 21st September : A chyld (name unknown - [Cro0081]) of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] in the parish of Steed, gent (burial) (Source : The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p93 burials)

1632 - 4th March :  Allice Comblehollm (sic) [Cro0089]  buried at Ribchester  (Source : LPRS Vol 26 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p94 burials)

c1632 - Probable marriage date of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] of Dutton to Katherine (nee Tomlinson) [Cro0069)        

Note : Katherine was baptised in 1612 at Mitton, the daughter of Thurston Tomlinson of Bailey, so she would have been about 20 years old with their first son John [82] being born in 1633. See Marriage Settlement of March 1636 below. She moved to London after the death of her husband in 1664 and lived in Holborn with her younger children.

1633 - 5th May : John Crombleholme [Cro0082] son of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] in ye parish of Steed baptised at Ribchester. (Source : Par Reg LPRS Vol 26 +The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p32 christenings))  

1634 - 29th January : Elizabeth daughter of Rich. Sherburne in ye parish of Mitton, gent baptised at Ribchester.  (Source : Par Reg Hist of Ribchester Smith/Shortt p190) 

1633/4 - 1st August : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] recorded .....as having purchased two suits on the 1st August 1633/4 from a local tailor John Cutler of Ribchester.    (Source : Hist of Ribchester p58)

1634 - 19th May : Richard Crombleholme of Dutton [Cro0064]  recorded in a conveyance : 1) Sir Edward Osbaldeston, knight, 2) John Osbaldeston his son and heir, 3) Richard Crombleholme of Dutton, gent. William Carter of Dutton, yeoman. Robert Chew of Potterford, gent. Roger Byrley of Baldeston, yeoman. Property - messuages and lands in Over Darwen.  (Source : West Yorkshire Archive Service, (Bradford Yorkshire) : Sir Matthew Wilson of Ashton Hall, Gargrave family and estate archive Ref 68D82/6/2/a/62) 

1636 - 16th August :  Richard Crumbleholme [Cro0064] of Dutton in County of Lancashire gentleman recorded at Clitheroe Crown Court ....as having been sued by William Lickbarrow, clerk,  Minister of Queen Marys Grammar School Clitheroe for repayment of a debt of 20s. incurred by his son James Crumbleholme [Cro0077] on 20th June 1636 on a mutual reckoning, and that on the 24th September of the same year the defendant promised to pay it to the plaintiff.    (Source:  Queen Marys Grammar School Clitheroe Pt 1 CS 92 - p94)           Note : What happened ?? - Who is James ?? - he would have been say 15 - 18 years old = b±1620)

1636 - March 20th : 12C : Indenture between Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] of Dutton, Co Lanc., and Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] Son and heir app. to said. Richard., senior., the 1 pt. Thurston Tomlinson of sd. Co., 2 pt., and Sir John Talbot, of Salesbury, sd. Co., Knt. and John Tomlinson and Francis Tomlinson, sons of said. Thurston, 3 pt. - A marriage is already solemnd. between Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] the son and Catherine [Cro0069] daughter of sd. Thurston Tomlinson, and in consideration of £250, her Marriage portion, and for her maintenance if she survive her husband and his father convey to the sd Trustees for her benefit, in lieu of Dower, the Mansion called Huntingdon Hall, & c.. After their deaths, to the use of their eldest Son, John C [Cro0082] in default, Remr. to 2d son, Henry C,[Cro0084] and in default to each succeeding Son in tail male of said Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] and Catherine Crombleholme.[Cro0069]

Henry Earnley, Francis Curnbason and John Crombleholme [Cro0082] pts, Answer to Edward & James Chetham defts.(usual reservations) - Wanting money did Repaye to Edward Chetham Esq, at the time named in the Bill of Complaint to borrow £400, did saie that he was lawfullie seized of Estate mentioned truly in the Bill wch. hee would assure  to said Edward Chetham of he would give him a Lease for 2000 yrs at £24 per ann, which was all done wth power for Chetham to re-enter if yt rental was unpaid. (This property came from Richard Crombleholme [64 ?], and the dispute seems to depend upon other persons having a claim upon the property.) (Source : A letter to the Preston Guardian in 1881 from a Mr J W Bone [ref 1,077]- see also 1578 entry above & c.1664 entry below) 

Note : (J W Bone was a keen researcher and relative of the Crombleholme family - this was found in the Preston Record Office. It also noted some manuscripts given to John Bone by Canon Raines the well known Lancashire historian.  Unfortunately John Bone notes that he had been given these details some years before and had no recollection of where they had been found ! I cannot find any of his research documents !! What an annoying man ! However the record below 1637 appears to be the same :

Thurston Tomlinson had married Elizabeth the daughter of Francis Paslew (Shireburne Abstract Book). Elizabeth had a sister Alice Paslew who married John Nutter of Old Laund - they were found to be aunts and next heirs of Alice Townley in 1645 . 

Katherine (nee Tomlinson) [Cro0069] (d/o Thurston Tomlinson) who married Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] prior to the 1637 Indenture was baptised in Mitton in 1612* and the Tomlinson family appear to have lived in Bailey. Katherine had two brothers John and Francis who are noted in the 1637 Indenture.

*Katerin Thomlinsonn - fillia Thurston Thomlinsonn baptised 23rd November 1612 at All Hallows, Mitton, Lancs. (Source : Mitton Parish Reg baptisms 1610-1643 p3 entry 32 via OPC site

Comment : (with thanks to Mike Murtha - Nov 2018) 

Huntingdon Hall would have probably been part of the dowry of Typhena (nee Bymsome) [65] if her husband Richard Crombleholme [64] predeceased her. It might not have been available as a dowry for Katherine [69] at that time. Common law granted widows one third part an estate for life and it therefore appears that Tryphena [65] had died prior to 1637 - no burial record has been found as far. This possibility is further supported by the detailed provisions for Richard C [64] if he were to remarry. These conditions were not phrased conditionally on what would happen after Tryphena’s death and seem to assume that Richard C [64] was already free to remarry. 

Dowry is the transfer of wealth / property from the bride’s family to the groom or his family at the time of her marriage. It was designed to provide some financial security in widowhood or against a negligent husband and eventually perhaps to provide for her children. Dowries could also include items such as furnishings, linen or furniture to assist the couple setting up their household.

It contrasts with :

Dower is property settled on the bride herself by the groom at the time of marriage and remains under her ownership and control. Properties named "The Dower House" are quite common.

Bride price / service is a transfer of wealth or property by the groom to the bride’s family.

1637 - 20th March : Settlement after the marriage of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] the son and heir of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] of Dutton, gentleman) and Katherine [Cro0069] his wife (daughter of Thurstan Tomlinson of Baley, gentleman)  (Source Manchester University, John Rylands Library : Clowes Deeds Ref CLD/336) 

Full transcription (by Mike Murtha Oct 2018) can be assessed using this link to CH data site : https://sites.google.com/site/crumbleholmefhdata/1637-indenture-rc-dutton. (There four transcribed documents relating to this settlement)

1639 - 13th January : Tryphana C,[Cro0085] ye daughter of Ric.Crombhollm [Cro0068] baptised in ye pishe of Steed.  (Source : Hist of Ribchester Smith & Shortt Ch VII p196 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p38 christenings)  

Note : daughter named after his mother probably deceased by this time.

1640 - Sept :  Richard Crombleholme (s ?)[Cro0068] recorded having been amongst the names of Burgesses and freemen of Clederhow in Sept 1640 voting for members of parliament. For Raphe Asheton esq .......Rich Crombleholme [Cro0068] ; for Richard Lister .....Rich Crombleholme [Cro0068] (Source "Clitheroe in the C17th C p 229)

Note : Whether this records two Richard C's or perhaps you were allowed to vote for two candidates amongst several ??

1641/2 - Richard Crombleholme :[Cro0068 ?] recorded as having not signed the Protestation Return of 1642 in Dutton (ie he was a Catholic). (Source : Protestation Return Dutton 1641/2)

1642 - Richard Crombleholme : [Cro0068 ?]  as being required to furnish "one muskett" for the parliamentary forces. (Source : Hist of Ribchester)

1651 - 7th August : At Preston - To the Commissioners for sequestions for the county of Lancaster :   The following examinations were taken at Preston touching the education of the children of Richard Sherburne in Popery.

fo 471 : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] of Dutton, co Lancs, gent. sworn, said that it was a common report that the children were educated as papists; he believed the same to be true, for that he being a near neighbour to Stonihurst, where Mr Sherburne had for the most part lived, he never saw them in church. He said that Mr Sherburne had only one son and daughter, who both had then been lately married.

fo 471 : Peter Hesketh of Aighton, vintner, deposed similarly; fo 472 : Richard Hill of Aighton yeoman; Roger Boadley of Bayley husb. & Roger Walmsley all deposed to the same effect.

fo 473 : Richard Winckley of Aighton, yeoman deposed that he knew petitioner and that he had two children only, one a son aged 24 years called Richard Sherburne and the other a daughter called Anne aged 18 or 19 years and that he had known them from their birth. He said that Mr Sherburne lived at his house  at Wiglesworth in Yorkshire about 11 miles distant from deponent's residence, till about five years then preceding   ( ie. in Wigglesworth from about 1625/30 - see note below) when he repaired to his house at Stonyhurst in the parish of Mitton, in which parish deponent lived. There he remained for three years or thereabouts, during which the said son and daughter did not live or inhabit  (with their father ?) to deponent's knowledge...(Source : LCRS Vol XCV pub 1941 Royalist Composition Papers - Committee for Compounding  Vol VI pt 1 p67 - from PRO) 

Note : Royalist Composition Papers : These are records for "compounding delinquents who took part of the King and who professed Roman Catholic religion" - set up by a committee which operated from 1644 to 1657 (i.e. Cromwell's Commonwealth Period). The Sherburne family as staunch Catholics suffered some very severe fines and sequestrations during this period. Did they recover this after the Restoration in 1660 ?

It would appear that Richard Sherburne lived at his Wigglesworth Estate from about 1625/30 - this was when William Crombleholme [Cro0390] and his sons were at nearby Long Preston and this may be a reason for the move to this area ?

1650 - 1665 : Shireburn of Stonyhurst Court Rolls §:  The original book was compiled in 1657-65 by the court steward, Robert Chew and contains copies of rolls for the manors of Aighton, Bailey and Chaigley, Carleton, Dutton, Hambleton, Haworth* & Stidd, Ribchester & Wiswell. (* location of Haworth is uncertain). An edited transcript of the book was made in 1920 by Father Newdigate at Stonyhurst College where the original MSS is in the College archive. It consists of 155 ff and measures 11.5” x 7.5”. The writing is mostly by Rob Chewe, Shireburne’s steward with some earlier ones by Will Shawe. The records are in English during the Commonwealth period but in Latin after the restoration in 1660. The book is bound in parchment with the title written across the front :

“ A Booke of the Court Rolls belonging to Richard Sherburne esq beginning in April 1652 and continewing until October 1665. By Robert Chewe.  (Source : Lancs CRO Ref : P/128 - copy of Shireburn Court Roll Book 1650-65 : Transcript made in 1920. RC photographed Sept 2018)

1652 - 30th September § (Thursdaie) : The Court Leet of Richard Shireburne esq of his Manor of Aighton, Bailey & Chagley before Robte Chewe gent. steward there : ............ extract from the Call Book that recorded various fines and orders made 

Wee present John Crombleholme [Cro0082] sone of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068]  of Dutton for delving (digging) and loading of turffe out of Bailey into Dutton therefore at the mercy of the Lord .............iii s  iiid.    (Source : Lancs CRO Ref : P/128 - copy of Shireburn Court Roll Book 1650-65 : Transcript made in 1920. page 9)  

Richard Crombleholme gent.[Cro0068] recorded in a list of Free Tenants in Manor of Dutton.  (Source : Lancs CRO Ref : P/128 - copy of Shireburn Court Roll Book 1650-65 : page 36)

1655- 16th April § (Mondaie) : Court Leete of Richard Shireburne holden at Hayrst ..........

John Crombleholme [Cro0082] & Robert Ashe both of Dutton for delving (digging) and loading of turffe out of Bayley into Dutton   6s 8d.  (Source : Lancs CRO Ref : P/128 - copy of Shireburn Court Roll Book 1650-65 :  page 16) 

(before )1656 - John Crombleholme (Cro0082) married Abigail (nee Nicholson) (Cro0. ) the daughter of Edmond Nicolson of Thundersley in Essex before 1656. Edmund Nicholson had died intestate prior to 1656 - he was wealthy with the Thundersley Estate having an annual value of £100. He also owned other real estate of similar value in addition to a personal estate of £3000 plus.

Note : At September 2025, no record has been found of the above marriage or the Nicholson family in general

1656 - John Crombleholme (Cro0082) had taken over the responsibility of the Nicholson Estate via his wife Abigail [ ] . She was the supposed sole heir of the estate as her brother John Nicholson had emigrated to Barbados some years earlier and, having not been heard of since, was assumed to be dead.

In 1656,  John Crombleholme (Cro0082) had hired Christopher Parker of Braithwaite in Lancashire to manage the Nicholson estate. However, two years later he took Parker to court for mismanagement  (see 1658 below)

A seemingly unrelated record ??

1657/8 - Lancashire Courts of Quarter Session - Petition at  Preston, Epiphany (6th January) :  Bastardy of John Crombleholme [Cro0092] son of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0091] of Dutton  

Note - it is uncertain which Richard this is - transcription kindly made by Mike Murtha (BC Canada - Jan 2017)

Transcription : To the right worthies [?] the justices of the peace

The humble petition of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0091] of Dutton

 Showeth that [--] there is in court [he that ?] fathered one John Crombleholme [Cro0092] petitioner’s son And that the petitioner hath become surety for the maintaining of the said bastard child according to the sentence of this court.

    May it therefore please the worships [?] to cause the mother of the said bastard to have condign punishment according to the statute in the case provided or otherwise that this court will be pleased to order that the mother of the said child may bear the one half of the charge or what this court may think fit having then but punishment for three months which promises the petitioner commits to the worships [?] considerations And as in humble duty [--] [--] bound to pray thee [?]

[Decision] Committed until further order [?]    (Source : LCRO Ref QSP/154/2 - transcribed by Mike Murtha BC Canada)   

Note : It is not totally clear which Richard C [91] this is !! and the mother is not recorded.

(Source : Lancs Record Office - Lancs Courts of Quarter Sessions Petitions 154 Preston Epiphany 1657/8 Ref QSP/154/2/2)

1658 - John Crombleholme [Cro0082] : Court of Chancery : (Six Clerks Office Pleadings before 1714 Bridges)

Plaintiff : John Crombleholme [Cro0082] v.    Defendant : Christopher Parker        

Bill only regarding property in Thunderseley, Essex         (Source NA Kew C5/600/113) - (RC photographed 11/2018)   

Note : The John C in this record is very likely John C [82] (1633-1673) son of Richard C [68] and his wife Katherine (nee Tomilson) [69]. The court identifies him as "of Huntingdon" and he dealt with the sale of the Huntingdon Estate in the 1660's. He would have reached his majority in 1654 and in 1658 was 25 years old. As noted in 1656 records above, he took over the responsibility for his wife's Estate (her father having died prior to 1656) and had engaged Christopher Parker to manage it on their behalf.

Below : Transcription by Mike Murtha (September 2025)

1658    Crombleholme vs Parker       NA C5/600/113

1.To the right honourable the Lord’s [?] Court of the Great Seal of England

2. Humbly complaining showeth [?] unto the Lords that -- orator John Crombleholme of Huntington in the County of Lancaster gentleman that the said orator happening to

3. enter marriage and take to wife one Abigail Nicholson daughter and supposed surviving heir of Edmond Nicholson late of Thundersley in the County of Essex esquire

4. deceased which said Edmond Nicholson was in his lifetime and at the time of his decease which happened about [blank] years since seized in his -- as of -- or

5. some other -- and indefeasible estate of inheritance of and in a -- messuage or tenement called Thundersley lodged -- lying and being in the said County of

6. Essex and of and in deeded [?] lands unto which land belonging and through [?] which all usually ---- and enjoyed being of the clear yearly value of one hundred pounds and upwards

7. and was also paid in fee [?] of deed [?] per [?] other means  messuages lands tenements and hereditaments in the said County of Essex and elsewhere within the Dominions of England to the yearly

8. value of at least [?] one hundred pounds more and was likewise possessed of a very great personal estate amounting to three thousand pounds and upwards and being so [?]

9. paid and possessed as aforesaid about the time aforesaid to depart [?] this life intestate without making dispersion [?] of any of his said real or personal estate whatsoever

10. by awards [?] whereof all his the said Edmond Nicholson’s real estate as was ---- unto the said Abigail the orator’s wife as also the right of

11. administration of all and singular his personal estate she being daughter of him the said Edmond who had [?] then at this orator’s said marriage no other issue living

12. or were relation far [?] only and --  [smudged, not readable] named John Nicholson who long before departed out of England for the Barbados Islands and had not been heard of or from

13. of many years being eight years -- [?] his departure but was generally deduced and adjudged [?] to be dead and he the said orator further showeth ---- good and --

14. he the said orator being in a repute and capability of having -- [smudged] a comprehensible [?] estate by his said wife if the business -- handsomely carried and

15. this orator fairly dealt withal and not abased for want of ingenuity or skill in the land and Christopher Parker of Braithwaite [?] in the County of Lancaster ----

16. unto the said orator and pretending unto him that he the said Parker was skillful in the lands and could assuredly through such his experience and careful

17. felicitation in the business  -- the orator in the possession of all his the said deceased Edward Nicholson’s real estate and likewise personal and get him the said

18. -- and possession of all his personal estate also if he the said orator would suffer him the said Parker to take upon him the felicitation and management of --

19. the said Parker alluding further that the same though [?] cost the said orator little or nothing for the felicitation he the said Parker having [?] told all other businesses

20 of his award [?] to follow which he could carry on at once and the same -- trouble and charges whereupon your said orator was in -- to give credit to the fair

21 and -- of him the said Parker and to condescend to let him have the felicitation of the said business and thereupon it was about two years since agreed between

22 him the said Parker and your said orator that he the said Parker should accordingly follow and felicit the said business for and on the behalf of him your said orator

23 and reckon and obtain for him not only possession of his the said Edmond Nicholson’s estate  [sic] lands and real estate but also the ------- and possession

24 of all his the said Edmond Nicholson’s personal estate and your said orator in respect he the said Parker must be notified [?] to lay out some money and there-

25 abouts he your said orator should enter [?] into -- two hundred pounds or -- such like generally conditional [?] that your said orator should upon

24 a just [?] and true accompt to be given by the said Parker unto him of what he the said Parker should really disburse about your said orator’s business affairs

25 from time to time satisfied and pay all same unto him the said Parker and about of two hundred pounds or the like generally being thereupon drawn --

26 by him the said Parker or his order for him your said orator to seal he not at all doubting but that the same was conditional according to the agreement aforesaid

27 between them and he not so well billed in written hand as to discern [?] the wrong therein ---- [given?] him by the said Parker did accordingly steal [?] and --

28 the same as his art and deed unto him the said Parker well hoping that he the said Parker would have dealt not otherwise than uprightly and

29 with him your said orator in the --  But so it is May it please your good lordships that the said Parker having written [?] such bond sealed and

30 delivered him by your said orator did not according to his course [?] and undertaking with him your said orator so manage and solicit [?] your said orator

31  -- aforesaid as to get him the estate real and personal of the said Edmond Nicholson and settle [?] him therein but on the contrary did Parker out and cried [?]

32 that said John Nicholson who was supposed as aforesaid to be dead in the Barbados to return home into England and to avoid your said orator [John C.]

33 of the whole estate of him the said Edmond Nicholson his father and not only so but although he the said Parker did expand and lay out

34 little or nothing at all about your said orator -- aforesaid yet doth he the said Parker now plead that he made many journeys

35 to London out of Lancashire and thereby and otherwise did expend and disburse great sums of money for and on your said orator’s behalf to the

36 value of ---------- bond and that the same bond is conditional [?] -- for payment of moneys unto him and thereupon hath put

Etc etc

Wrinkles in the lower part of the document make decipherment difficult but there is no additional biographical information

Deposition of John Crombleholme; no other contents

Note : The outcome of the above court case is not known. It would appear that John Crombleholme [82] had returned to Huntingdon Hall by 1661 and was party to a type of mortgage of this property. He handled the final sale of the property later in 1665. 

It would also appear that his wife Abigail (nee Nicholson) [  ] had died prior to his move back to Huntingdon

1658 - 21st February : Articles of agreement between Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] of Dutton, gentleman, and Henry Turnley of Baley, yeoman, respecting closes in Dutton called the "Blacke Earth" and the "Bent”.   (Source Manchester University, John Rylands Library : Clowes Deeds Ref CLD/337) NOT SEEN AS YET^

1658 - 3rd April : Mary,[Cro0088] the daughter of Ric Crombholm, [Cro0068 ??] in the pishe of Steed baptised at Ribchester (Source : Hist of Ribchester Smith & Shortt Ch VII p196 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p45 christenings))   

(Note Richard [Cro0068] = 54 years old - 2nd marriage ??)

1658 - 30th September § (Thursdaie) : Court Leet of Richard Sherburne holden att Hurst .............

Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] being a homager to this court and having free lands within Bailey doeing all suites & services for the same has right to delve turffe on the common of Bailey for the drying of his corn at the lords kilns or otherwise ...... so that he be not a surcharger of the turbary of the said commons of Bailey but must not carry turf out of Bailey. (Source : Lancs CRO Ref : P/128 - copy of Shireburn Court Roll Book 1650-65 : page 24) 

Note : Homager = A tenant having sworn loyalty to the lord of the manor or assembled body of such tenants. Acceptance into homage obliged the lord or body to warrant him.  

1659 - 8th April §: Court Leet of Ric Shireburne at Dutton .....

Rich Crombleholme [Cro0068] ...... Hough meadow ditch; (Note - presume required to maintain it ?)  (Source : Lancs CRO Ref : P/128 - copy of Shireburn Court Roll Book 1650-65 : page 39)

1661.. 12th March Indenture of covenants between Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] of Dutton, gentleman, Katherine (nee Tomilson) [Cro0069] his wife, and John [Cro0082] son and heir of the first part, Francis Tomlinson * of Baley, gentleman, of the second, and Henry Marsden of Gisborne, co York, and Richard Towneley of Dutton, gentleman, of the third, for the levying of a fine respecting the mansion house with appurtenances in Dutton called Huntingdon, with demesne lands in Dutton and Bailey, and all other the messuages, etc of the said Richard, Katherine his wife and John [Cro0082] in Dutton and Baley.  (Source Manchester University, John Rylands Library : Clowes Deeds Ref CLD/339) NOT SEEN AS YET^     * 

(Note : Katherine C's [69]'s father was Thurston Tomilson & Francis Tomilson her brother)

1662 ....The Hearth Tax of 1662 records a Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] of Dutton being taxed on two hearths. As this is the only mention of the name in Dutton, it is presumed that this refers to the Huntingdon Hall. (Source : Lancs CRO NF 1/27/1 & PRO Kew ref E179/250/8)

1662 - 1st March :  Margaret Crumbleholme [Cro0099] of the par of Stid married Richard Setle of Dutton at Ribchester  (Source : LPRS Vol 26 & CFI)  

Note : She was the daughter of Richard C [64] & Tryphena (nee Bymsome) [65]. May be the same as Margaret  C [668] known from will NR24 and possibly the sister of unknown C [666] who married Ellin Hayhurst [665]

1662 - Jennett Cromblholme [Cro0093] - Rental due from freeholders of the Wapentake within Hundred of Blackburn : 

Item 15 Dutton - Jennett Cromblholme [Cro0093] for Walmesley House ....3d  (Source : Court Rolls of the Honor of Clitheroe Vol II p432)  

Note : Presumably Jennet was a spinster or a widow ? She was a tenant of a house owned by Walmesley (MM Sept 2021)

1663... Exemplification of proceedings in a case between Richard Cromleholme [Cro0068] gentleman, Katherine [Cro0069] his wife and John [Cro0082] his son, against Francis Tomlinson and John Crane, gentleman, concerning a messuage, a cottage and land in Dutton and Baley (Copy) (Source Manchester University, John Rylands Library : Clowes Deeds Ref CLD/341) 

1663 - 11th January :  the wife.........?  [Cro0101]  of William Crombleholme [Cro0527 or 174 ]  of Dutton buried at Ribchester.   (Source : LPRS Vol 26 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p105 burials)  

Note : 2nd wife of William C [527/174] ??

1663 - 20th April § (Mondaie) : Court Leet of Richard Shireburne holden at Bailey *........... Visus ffranc pledge cum Curia Baron - (Note :  After the restoration of 1660, many of these records were written Latin ; Frankpledge was a pledge or surety of all the inhabitants of a tithing vouching for the general good behaviour of each free born citizen over 14 years of age. View of frankpledge was a meeting held at regular periods to see that all men who ought to be were in a tithing.)

Rog Winckley to remove Rich Crombleholme [Cro0068] from his house (Note by transcriber - ie Horrocks) - but this can hardly refer to Rd Crombleholme gent of Huntingdon Hall - also * a note on opposite page says all at Bailey] 

1663 - 30th September §: View of Francpledge ..........

Defalters : Rich Crombleholme [Cro0068] - 12d; (amongst five persons recorded)

(Source : both above 1663 Lancs CRO Ref : P/128 - copy of Shireburn Court Roll Book 1650-65 : page 30) 

1664....February 28th Dutton - Assignment from above John Crombleholme [Cro0082] to Thomas Mynshull of Manchester, gentleman, of the same . (Source Clowes Deeds Manchester University Library Ref CLD/349) NOT SEEN AS YET

1664 .. Answer of John Crombleholme [Cro0082] gentleman, to a Bill of Complaint of Edward Chetham and James Chetham n.d (c1664) copy (Source Manchester University, John Rylands Library : Clowes Deeds Ref CLD/343) NOT SEEN AS YET^

1664 - 11th April (Mondaie) : Visus francpledge ..............

Defaulters : Ric Crombleholme [Cro0068] , gen 12d; with five other persons.   (Source : Lancs CRO Ref : P/128 - copy of Shireburn Court Roll Book 1650-65 : page 31)

1664 - 10th August : Letters of Administration (RC Will Ref NR 24) for Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] who had died between April & July ? - he left no will, but Letters of Adminstration were granted to his widow Katherine [Cro0069] . There is a short inventory of his goods and chattels and he is still given as "of Dutton”. Richard would have been 59 years old at his death with his widow Katherine 52 years old. (Source : Will ref NR24)

1664 .. 19th November  Articles of agreement between John Crombleholme [Cro0082] of Dutton, gentleman, of the one part, and Edward Cheetham of Smedley gentleman, and his son and heir James Cheetham of the same of the other, respecting a conveyance of the capital messuage called Huntingdon with demesne lands and appurtenances in Dutton and Baley. (Source Manchester University, John Rylands Library : Clowes Deeds Ref CLD/344) NOT SEEN AS YET^

c.1664 ?? The letter from G Pigot below was found in the Manchester Guardian of July 1881 (In Preston CRO) . It was sent in by John W Bone FSA of Russell Square, London (J W Bone was a keen researcher and relative of the Crombleholme family - this extract from Manchester Guardian was found in the Preston Record Office. It also noted some manuscripts given to John Bone by Canon Raines the well known Lancashire historian.  Unfortunately John Bone notes that he had been given these details some years before and had no recollection of where Canon Raines had found them!  I cannot find any of John Bone's research documents !

"These for my Much Honor'd good friend Mr Edwd. Chetham, at Smeadley present

Sir, - I doe intend to proceed in your business with (John) Crombleholme [Cro0082] follows:

        Impr. I take a Lease and Release ** from Crombleholme in your and your eldest son's name, with all necessary and usual Covenants, and to make unto him a Lease for 2000 yrs., rendering 24 li at Midsummer and Christmas, to cause him to enter into Articles that you may out of the 900 li disengage all the thereon Incumbrances, and that you may retaine in your handes the 100 li supposed to be due unto Crombleholme's younger brothers and sisters, and until they shall come unto one and twenty years and Release, or yt. in ye meane time hee give you good Security that they shall Release the Dower. And that Richard Leigh and Mr. Rishton shall both of them give Warrants to acknowledge satisfaction upon record; and shall give release to Crombleholme. These are all for the present that are thought needful to be done, but if you shall further advertise me, the like care shall be taken for any further things within yr thoughts upon the least intimation to yr lovinge friend to serve you,                                  G.PIGOT.      

Comment : The above all sounds very suspect !!

Note : ** Lease & Release : This was a legal device invented c 1600 to provide a secret but legally valid conveyance superseding the "Bargain for sale" and the "feoffment'. It gained popularity so that by the early C19th, it was virtually the only form of conveyance. It was finally abolished by the Real property Act of 1845. There were two linked deeds - the first part is a lease of the property by the vendor to the purchaser for one year at a nominal rent. This puts the purchaser in possession as tent. Then, on the following day, the vendor and anyone with an interest in the property releases their rights to the purchaser leaving them in full ownership.  (Source of note : Old Title Deeds by N W Alcock p41) 

1664 .. 19th November. Bond of Articles of agreement between John Crombleholme [Cro0082] of Dutton, gentleman, of the one part, and Edward Cheetham of Smedley, gentleman, and his son and heir James Cheetham of the same of the other for performance of the above.  (Source Manchester University, John Rylands Library : Clowes Deeds Ref CLD/345) NOT SEEN AS YET^  (Indexed as Bond (7) and Articles of Agreement (11)

1664 - 20th November : Release by Henry Marsden of Gisborne (Gisburn), Yorkshire, gentleman, to the above Edward Chetham and James Chetham of the above capital  messuage called Huntingdon, with appurtenances. (Source : Univ of Manchester Library Ref 133 CLD/346 (alt ID 1102)  NOT SEEN AS YET

1664.. Nov - Jan 1665. Four receipts of the above John Crombleholme [Cro0082] the above Edward Cheetham and James Cheetham   (Source Manchester University, John Rylands Library : Clowes Deeds Ref CLD/347) NOT SEEN AS YET^

1665 - 23rd February : Release by Henry Turnley of Baley (Bailey), yeoman, to the above Edward Chetham of Smedley, gentleman, and his son and heir James Chetham, of all his right in the above capital messuage called Huntingdon with appurtenances. (Source : Iniv of Manchester Library Ref 133/CLD 348)  NOT SEEN AS YET 

1665.. 28th February. Assignment from the above John Crombleholme [Cro0082] Thomas Mynshull of Manchester, gentleman, of the same. (Source Manchester University, John Rylands Library : Clowes Deeds Ref CLD/349) NOT SEEN AS YET^

1665 .. 6th March. Release by the above John Crombleholme [Cro0082] the above Edward Cheetham and James Cheetham of provisions in articles of agreement made between them on 19th November 1664.  (see above)     (Source Manchester University, John Rylands Library : Clowes Deeds Ref CLD/350) NOT SEEN AS YET^

1665 - 30th September § (Saturdaie) : Rich Shereburne - Viscus Francpledge

Defaulters : John Crombleholme [Cro0082] gent, 12d; Ric Walmsley 4d ; Edw Shereburne 12d.    (Source : Lancs CRO Ref : P/128 - copy of Shireburn Court Roll Book 1650-65 : page 33)

1667 - Referring to the farmhouse at Stydd "built by C17th Crombleholmes" (date stone over door ??). In 1667, the Sherburnes became its owners. Richard Crombleholme had bought the land in 1545 and the farmhouse was built 60 years later (??)  (ie c.1600)   (Source : Lancashire Fair Face - Jessica Lofthouse p56) TO BE CHECKED

1667 : Crumbleholme vs Allen   (Source : Nat Archives C 10/120/16)

This case was between Roger Crombleholme [Cro0097] and Thomas Allen relating to a land inheritance dispute in Long Preston. The land transactions had taken place in the early 1600's. (see 1610 & 1613 above) The 1610 transaction involved a Richard Crumbleholme and as the only Richard of Dutton alive at that time was Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064], this confirms his identity. It can thus be deduced that William C [390] and Richard C [64] were indeed brothers (both being of legal age in 1610) with Richard C [64] being the elder and inheriting the Huntingdon Estate.

Mike Murtha has provided the detail below :

Transcription of above letter by Mike Murtha Oct 2023 :

Sir

I intend god willing to be with you at Smedley at [----?]* and bring my rents with me

No longer time I desire

Sir I desire ye to forebear me unto there and that time without fail that shall it be ready

So with my respects and service to my [master and mistress ??] and your father and Mr. Humphrey first

Your servant to command

John Crombleholme

Huntingdon October 22nd 1668

Note :  * This looks like a church feast day, ........mas, but which one is unknown. The only significant one between late October and Christmas was Martinmas , November 11. John has written something different or misspelled martinmas. Perhaps the local dialectical pronunciation was something like “maralmas.”  

The letter was written to James Chetham (1640-1692) son of Edward Chetham of Smedley near Manchester. James published three editions of a book on Angling - one of the first books on the sport. 

For full details please use this link : https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Dictionary_of_National_Biography,_1885-1900/Chetham,_James

 John Crombleholme [82] lease from the Chethams required him to pay £24 at Midsummer and Christmas. Perhaps this letter refers to a late payment of the Midsummer amount for that year.

1671 : 21st December : A son [Cro0414]  of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0  ???]  in par of Stid buried at Ribchester.   (Source : LPRS Vol 26 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p115 burials)  

Note : Not sure which Richard C - as [0068] had died in 1664. The son is probably an infant.

1672 - 28th February :  A child [Cro0094]  of John Crombleholmes [Cro0082]  of ye parish of Stid att Stidd.  (Source : LPRS Vol 26 & Hist of Ribchester p190 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p117 burials)

1673 - 28th February : John Crombleholme [Cro0082] of Stydd gent. by his wife Catherine (nee ?? ) [Cro0083]  had a child [Cro0094] buried "att Stidd" on February 28th 1673.  (Source : Hist of Ribchester p239) 

1673 - last May : John Crombleholme [Cro0082]) buried at Stydd last May last (last day of May ?) , his widow Katherine [Cro0083]) surviving him. (Source : Hist of Ribchester p239 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p117 burials)

Note : His will is NR21 - Died intestate - Letters of admin 19th September 1673. His wife Catherine [Cro0083]  mentioned &  she made her mark a "C" - but no other details. They had a son [94] who died as an infant in 1672.

1675 - 11th March :  Edward Crombleholme [Cro0 ]  of Dutton buried at Ribchester.   (Source : LPRS Vol 26 +The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p119 burials)

1678 - 29th June : Counterpart release by above Edward Chetham of Smedley, gentleman, and his son and heir James Chetham, to Christopher Greenfield of Preston, of the above capital messuage called Huntington (sic) with appurtenances.  (Source : Univ of Manchester Library Ref 133/351) NOT SEEN AS YET

Edward Chetham : A minor estate named Smedley was acquired on lease by Edward Chetham in 1640 from Lord Strange. He had a legacy of £2,000 from his uncle Humphrey Chetham. Humphrey Chetham had started as a clothier and made his fortune from this trade allowing him to rise into the gentry. He was soon the owner of Turton Tower and later the founder of Manchester's famous Library. In 1659, he was mortgagee of Nuthurst, which his younger son Edward afterwards purchased. James Chetham, the eldest son, succeeded to Smedley in 1684 and dying unmarried in 1692 bequeathed it to a brother George, whose son James, High Sheriff in 1730, also dying unmarried, was succeeded by his sister Ann. She bequeathed it to her 'cousin Edward Chetham' of Nuthurst, son of the last-mentioned Edward.

Some other records relating to Ribchester & Dutton :

1662 - 1st March Margaret Crombleholme [Cro0099] pf the parish of Stid  married Richard Setle of Dutton at Ribchester  (Source : IGI batch M007191/0212 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p151 weddings)    

Note - could be Margaret c [0668] in will NR24 ?

1675 - 27th January :  Elizabeth Crombleholme [Cro0518] of the parish of Slaidborne married Edward Ash at Ribchester   (Source : LPRS Vol 26 & Hist of Ribchester p190 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p156 wddings folio 157)

1682 - 3rd July :  Richard Crumbleholme [Cro0116 ] ye son of Sherburne Crombleholme [Cro0105]  of Smith Bottom.    (Source : LPRS Vol 26 & Hist of Ribchester p190 +The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p60 christenings foloio 196)  Note This is Rev Richard C [    ] St Michaels

1683 - 2nd October :  Edward Crumbleholme [Cro0118] ye son of Sherburne Crombleholme [Cro0105]  of Smithbottom christened at Stid.   (Source : LPRS Vol 26 & Hist of Ribchester p190 +The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p62 christenings)

1686 - 24th June :  John Rawcklife of Dinkley. 12th June

................ye wife [Cro0415 ? ] ..............from Crombleholme Hovse ....... Pd  24th June

(Source : Ribchester Registers 1686- folio 248 p132, + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p132 burials) 

1691 - 5th July :  Elisabeth (nee Hoghton) [Cro0112]  the wife of Shereborne Crombleholme [Cro0105]  of ye parish of Stide buried at Ribchester.   (Source : LPRS Vol 26 & Hist of Ribchester p190 + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p137 burials)

1694 - 4th June :  Elizabeth  [Cro0119]  the daughter of Sherburne Crombleholme [Cro0105]  of ye parish of Stide buried at Ribchester.   (Source : LPRS Vol 26 & Hist of Ribchester + The Registers of Parish Church of Ribchester 1598-1694  by J Arrowsmith, Wigan  1906  Printed LPRS  p140 burials)

1696 - Henry Crombleholme [Cro0084] (s/o Richard C [Cro0068] died (Source = MP  -???)

1702 - 12th February :  Edward  [Cro0 ]  the son of Sherburne Crombleholme [Cro0 ]  buried at Stidd (Source : MP & Hist of Ribchester p190)

1709/10 : Thomas Crombleholme [Cro      ] Tenant of Shireburne of Stonyhurst) paid £1  5s  0d rent for a property called Crwashaw / Crowshaw in Bailey (between Aighton (Hurst Green) and Dutton. In 1708, the tenant had been Richard Holden. (Source : Kindly given by Andrew Snape email jan 2021.)

1729 -4th February :  "Widow" Crombleholme [Cro0416]  of Ribchester buried at St Winfrid, Ribchester  (Source : LDS film 1278946 burials 1694-1736 p39 entry 3 - via MM )

What happened to the Crombleholmes of Dutton ?

There was sharp inflation in the late C16th and this was especially difficult for families whose income was based in revenue from land. Some families managed to find employment in commerce or trade, the law or other professions but Roman Catholics especially were often barred from taking up such professions. The aftermath of the Civil war and Commonwealth Period which ended in 1660, had made matters even worse. During the Commonwealth period in the 1650's,  Roman Catholic and Royalist families were threatened with sequestration of their estates and some Catholic fines even doubled.

One option for a family was to borrow money on the security of their estate. There was no organised system of credit or borrowing so a direct approach to an individual had to be made. Humphrey Chetham with his brother and their sons organised mortgages for such purposes and in time acquired great wealth effectively buying estates and land very cheaply from such unfortunate families.

It would seem that the Crombleholme family of Dutton perhaps fell on harder times and were forced to part with Huntingdon Hall and land etc to meet debts and falling income. Richard Crombleholme [Cro0068] died in 1664 in Dutton and his wife and eldest son John Crombleholme [Cro0082] found themselves in dire financial straits and was forced to assign the properties over to Chetham and others in order to raise funds. He had no surviving children and died in May 1673. Nothing is known of the second eldest son Henry Crombleholme who is mentioned in the 1636 settlement.

However, Katherine Crombleholme [Cro0069] left Lancashire at some point after her husband's death and settled in London in the parish of St Andrew in Holborn, near her three younger children. Her daughter Tryphosa [Cro0804]  had married William Myles in Holborn in 1667. Her daughter Tryphena [Cro0085]   also married there in 1672. Her son Matthew C [Cro0086]  had married Dorothy (nee ??) [Cro0450] there in 1679 prior to becoming an apprentice patten maker in 1681. It is not known whether her other son Thomas C [Cro0087]  moved to London as well but he is mentioned in Katherine's will of 1695.  Katherine Crombleholme [Cro0069] died between July and October in 1695, her will being proved in November 1695. She only mentions three of her younger children as Tryphosa had died the year before.

Mathew Crombleholme[Cro0086]  and possibly Thomas Crombleholme [Cro0087] had sons but as yet their descendants have not been located.  

The nearby Goosnargh family also had reasonable wealth and the family of Richard Crombleholme (of Crombleholme Fold) [Cro0103] has now been proved to descend from the Dutton family (see family tree above)

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