Early Ecclesiastical Members of the family

This section of research deals with the cleric members of the Crombleholme family who served as Clerics in York,  Ribchester and Whalley (in Lancashire) and also in Coventry and Cockersand  in the 13th to 16th centuries.  They served as chaplains and priests prior to the Dissolution of the monasteries in 1536-1541.

Their relationships are not known 

The timeline below hopefully gives an overview :

York :

From the Raines  Collection (held in the Chetham Library - Manchester) - Volume 28 Yorkshire Compotuses;  Deeds of Vicars Choral at St Peter's Minster in York; pp119-429 Pedigrees.  Located and searched in October 2023 by my co-researcher Mike Murtha (BC Canada) - many thanks. 

1270's - Robert de Cromholm [Cro1366] - recorded as a priest at St Peter's York Minster 

1277 - Robert de Cromholm [Cro1366] - recorded as "maior" - ie senior priest at St Peter's York Minster

1298 -  John Cromholm [Cro1367] - recorded as a priest at St Peter's York Minster  (p262 - Pedigrees : only reference))

At 18/11/2023 - the above is incorrect   it is Bromholm rather than Cromholm

Note : St Peter's Minister is otherwise known as the famous York Minster - the present gothic style cathedral was constructed between 1220 and 1472. So in 1276, it was only some 50 years into its construction. Vicars Choral probably refers to chantry priests.  

The coloured drawing below gives an indication of the construction phases of York Minster. The early English styled transepts were built between 1220 and 1260 with the Decorated style between 1280 and 1350. The famous east window was not completed until the near the end in 1472.

Also in York :

1485 - John Cromholm [Cro1368] and Agnes [Cro1369] (wife) - members of Guild of Corpus Christi at York  

(Source : Surtees Society Vol LViIII - The Register of Corpus Christi Guild in the city of York - p116 List of Members  : Recorded as "Joh. Cromholm et Agnes"

Note : The religious guild of Corpus Christi was established in York in the 1408 by certain "chaplains and other worthy parsons, both secular and regular" and dedicated "to the praise and honour of the most sacred body of Our Lord Jesus Christ". The principal object of its founders appears to have been to promote the decorous observance of the religious festival of Corpus Christi and to provide for the due performance of the ceremonies of the day.

Coventry :

1494-1497 - Robert Crymholme / Cromholm [Cro1370] : chantry priest at Holy Trinity Church in Coventry

Whalley Abbey :

The map below (from an exhibition at the Whalley Abbey site Sept 2012) shows the very large area that contributed to its this Abbey's wealth together with the churches and chapels it appropriated and to which it supplied clergy.

The Abbey had been established in 1296 when the Cistercian order had moved from their frequently flooded site at Stanlow or Stanlaw on the River Mersey. The monks of this order always wore white habits and had an ordinance that stated that they should build in places remote from the habitation of men. The order had pioneered many farming methods including sheep rearing on a scientific basis. 

The Abbey at Whalley had taken some time to build and although in use by 1340, it took another eighty years to complete fully. In the early days, it was the mother church of the whole area with the dead of Bolland being brought from miles around to Whalley for burial.

Henry de Lacy had initially funded this Abbey and his family had granted many lands to the church which by the Middle Ages had thus amassed much wealth. This was also increased due to the tithes paid by its tenants and to other gifts donated. The monks did consider a further move but the funds generated by the wool trade probably tipped the balance and they remained at Whalley until the dissolution in 1536. 

In these very early days, the Parish of Ribchester comprised of the townships of Alston, Dilworth, Dutton, Hothersall and Ribchester. A parish functioned as a body with corporate funds and with its own elected churchwardens. It still remains the smallest unit of administration with its own church and a priest competent to administer the sacraments. Funds were built up from church rates and church ales. The latter were feasts to commemorate the dedication of the church at which ale was sold in aid of funds.

Below : A conjectural reconstruction of Whalley Abbey c1500 (from 2012 exhibition on site)

Above left :  Interior view (RC 2014). The 14th century was a period of many alterations and additions, the main ones being the addition of a porch and a chapel. This Dutton Chapel, which was added by forming an opening in the north wall, was erected for the Townleys who lived at nearby Dutton and were Lords of Ribchester for two centuries from approximately 1400. The chapel was richly endowed with much land in Dutton. 

It is thought that a St Mary altar existed on the south side of the church in C14th.

Above right : A medieval wall painting has been uncovered in this chapel of St Christopher carrying the Christ Child. The church would have been rather unsymmetrical until Sir Richard de Hoghton erected a chantry (now known as the Hoghton Chapel) with a finely carved screen on the south side. (Source : Lancs & Cheshire Antiquarian Soc Vol XLI pub 1924 - p40-42 by Isaac Taylor FRIBA)

St Saviour Chapel, Stydd :

Below - The present small chapel at Stydd situated approximately half a mile to the north east of Ribchester and dates from Norman times.     (Sketch & photos RC)                                                             

Below - Internal views and entrance door in south porch  (all photos RC 2014) ... A delightful little building.

The small Chapel of the Saviour at Stydd has an obscure early history. The Manor of Stydd was in the possession of the religious order of The Knights of St John during the 12th century period and there is evidence of earlier buildings on the site. 

It was a Hospice at this time although it may well have been built originally as the domestic Chapel of the Lord of the Manor. The adjoining buildings consisting of a Refectory, Dormitory, Infirmary, Kitchen, Precinct Wall etc have all long disappeared. Stydd first occurs as a name here in 1276 (alternatives are : Styd, Steed, Stidd, Styd or Stid) and means a farm or place ("farmstead" has the same origin) - it was more of a secular settlement than a clerical one. 

Later in 1686, a Catholic consortium of local gentlemen bought the whole small holding including the chapel. These included James Stanford, Richard & John Sherburne of Bailey Hall and their cousins Richard & John Walmsley of Showley Hall at Clayton-le-dale. They supported a catholic priest and the rights of burial in the churchyard at Stydd. 

James Stanford died in 1695 and left monies to fund a local charity for the poor (the Stanford Dole - still exists ?) and a stipend for a catholic priest at Stydd or Bailey Hall. (see Dutton family 1487 for more on this Hall) John Sherborne died later in 1726 leaving funding for the Stydd Almhouses and the nearby farmhouse Stydd Manor which has a stone inscription shown below :

General Background : 

In early times, the average parish clergyman was as poor as his parishioners. It was not until the Reformation in the 17th century that the status of the privately sponsored incumbent rose in line with that of the Squire in his local community. Many early clergy could not read or write, they relied chiefly on the tithes (OE tcotha = 1/10th) payments arising from lands granted for that purpose. There were other cash gifts and grants of land and fees for services rendered. The rites of the church touched every aspect of life - baptism, marriage, work, play, warfare & burial. All ventures were commended to God, each trade had its patron saint and blessings were sought for every undertaking. 

The 14th Century was not an easy period in which to live. This particular area of Lancashire suffered from raids by the Scots from the North. In 1323, Ribchester itself had in fact been reduced to ruins by such a raid. Later in 1348 the Black Death (which was brought into England via Weymouth in Dorset) killed nearly a third the country's population. In the Ribchester area, it lasted  until the spring of 1350. Probate of Wills alone show that in the town, a 100 people died from the plague and overall estimates quadruple this figure.

As a result, prices tumbled, and although these years ironically produced excellent crops, basic land cultivation suddenly became very difficult due to simple lack of manpower. There was an air of revolution, men seeking work found that for the first time that they were masters of the labour market. Parliament had to take severe steps in the form of the Statute of Labourers. This effectively imprisioned all able bodied men and women (under 60 years of age) not willing to work for an employer when required at a wage paid to them 2 years before the plague. 

There were even three attempts to impose a Poll Tax during this century. In 1388, an attempt was made to control vagrants. If a parish could not support a beggar who was unable to work, he was sent back to his birthplace. Such a person could not leave his own parish without authority granted by the local justice of the peace.

The priest of St. Mary Church in Ribchester appears to have been an established institution before 1349, when a rent-charge of 2s. on lands in Dutton was made in his favour by Henry de Clayton. Ten years later a small sum was left to the priest singing at St. Mary's altar which was probably on the south side of the church. In 1407, Sir Richard Hoghton obtained the Royal licence to re-establish or at least to endow a chantry at her altar on the north side of the church. 

The endowment, derived from lands in Ribchester, Dutton, Chipping and Goosnargh, was unusually liberal, the net income of the chantry priest in 1547 being £10 17s. 4½d. Robert Whittingham was the first priest in 1409; Ellis Crombleholme [Cro0009] was appointed in 1467 and was still there in 1496 ; James Schlacter, chaplain, held it in 1504; James Tarleton appears in 1525 and was still in the post according to his foundation in 1547, when the chantry was suppressed. The confiscated estates were, in 1550, granted by the Crown to Thomas Reeve and others.  (Source : 'The parish of Ribchester', A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 7 (1912), pp. 36-44.)

The construction of Whalley Abbey commenced in 1296 with the Abbot and monks of Stanlow or Stanlaw Abbey having abandoned their abbey on the banks of the River Mersey (due to flooding ?) and moved to Whalley. It appears that the gift made below, before this move, was transferred to Whalley Abbey. (Source : MM)

Early C13th : Although not recording the surname there is an interesting record in the Coucher Book or Chartulary of Whalley Abbey, (Lancashire) where there is a Latin record of a gift being to the Abbey which includes ......"the land which lies between the earth of Elias the clerk"   and later ..."Elias the clerk of Ribchester" 

This gift appears to have been made by Walter Moton of Ribchester who, from other research into his family, seems to have lived there during  King John's reign [1199-1216]. It may be possible that the Elias above is an ancestor of the Elias Crumbilholme [Cro0001] below (see 1334) (Source : Remains Historical & Literary connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster & Chester pub by Chetham Society Vol XVI (MDCCCXLV11 = 1848 ?) page 870 with research into the Moton family on p 868)  

Note : This information was found and researched by Mike Murtha in Dec 2020.   In the same volume (page 875) there is a further record which also records in Ribchester   ...........Elie clerici 

1310 - 1333 Robert de Holand : The Abbot of Fourneys holds the hamlet of Crooholme and Clomore with 13 acres of land in the same of the fee of Adam son of Gilbert and William Fraunceys and renders yearly to the lord 18d. at the 4 said times.   (Source Lancashire Inquests Part II 1907 p54 edited by William Farrer - Soc of Gen London)

1334 - 12th July : (8 Edward III) At Lancaster.

Writ to the sheriff:     If Elias Crumbilholme [Cro0001] chaplain make him secure to prosecute his claim, the sheriff shall take pledges for the appearance of Ellen Walmesley widow, William Walmesley labourer and Eliz Walmesley labourer, all of Ribchester before the Justices at Lancaster to show why by force and arms they broke down the plaintiff's close at Ribchestr', overturned his soil with ploughs and took grass to the value of 40s., reaped it, trod it down and consumed it with other enormities to the great damage of the plaintiff. (N709).  (Source : De Hoghtons Deeds & Papers  - Lanc Rec Soc Vol 88 p151 - No 809.  + History of Lancashire p35 check )

Note : Elias Crumbilholme [Cro0001] was recorded as a chaplain - one who was usually a priest and in charge of a chapel. If he did not have a benefice or living from a church office, he would have ministered to private bodies such as hospitals or to private families. His close was simply an enclosure from the open fields and was probably part of lands granted to his chapel for his upkeep.  He presumably did not live very close as the above damage and theft must have taken some time to carry out !  To date the outcome of the writ has not been located. 

1345 -  Johannes de Commbeholme [Cro1291] adhuc acoliti (still acolyte)  at Whalley    (Source : York - Archibishop's Ordination register 10A - page 37/138, folio f14 (recto)  MM Dec 2020) 

Note : John de C [Cro1291] above was probably born in about 1320 and an obit = Prayers for departed).  Note : see 1381 record below

1348/9 - The Black Death in England :  

This did not reach Lancashire until early in 1349 having started in Weymouth (Melcombe Regis) in Dorset (my home town !). How the family members were affected by this is no known. Up to a third of the entire population of England lost their lives. Latest research says that it was the fleas on rats that carried the plague rather than the rats themselves.

Despite the immediate decline, in a relatively short time there were many opportunities as the The Black Death made more land available and those who survived were in greater demand and could sell their services for hard cash rather than land or items in kind. Prior to this plague, there were few smallholdings above 30 acres in size with about 15 acres of arable and pasture being the minimum to sustain a family. From 1380 to 1540, landholdings doubled in size allowing surpluses to be produced and sold in local markets. Decaying villages were deserted and rents declined making the land cheaper for entrepreneurial peasants and yeomen to buy and develop. Grazing animals on abandoned arable fields produced better returns than grain and the many new town dwellers were a ready market for more meat for their improving diets. (Source : Current Archaeology June 2013 "Peasant Houses" p 12-19) 

1349 - The priest of St Mary in Ribchester Church appears to have been an established institution before 1349, when a rent charge of 2s on lands in Dutton was made by Henry de Clayton. It is thought that St Marys was an altar on the south side of the church.  (Source : Victorian County History - Lancashire Vol 7 p45)

1366 - 29th September : ........  ? Crombleholme [Cro0002] is recorded as among: Roll of Persons who promised to subscribe to the stipend of the Priest of the Altar of Our Lady of Ormskirk. (Source : Lancashire Archives Ref DDSC 19/2.     Note : There is a note "see LCRS Vol 31 App B - Original not seen .  This record was also included in the University of Leicester Dept of Genetics "Excavating past populations structures using surname-based sampling : the genetic legacy of the Vikings in northwest England"  Website link : http://www.le.ac.uk/ge/maj4/VikingPoster.pdf) although it does not appear in the transcription of names in LCRS 31 AppB. (MM)

1381 - Dominus Johannes Crom'   [Cro1291] vjs. viijd   - Nomina Vicariorum eiusdem Ecclesie  (Names of the Vicars of the same Church)

(Source : The Clerical Population of the Province of York : An adition of the Clerical Poll Tax Enrolments 1377-1381. (2 volumes) - Thesis submitted by Frederick Peter Mckie BA (Hons) for the degree od D.Phil  University of York. History Dept  Sept 1988.  Vol 2 p2 E179/63/12/1381 Religious Houses and Seculars 24) 

Note : His church is not specified; possibly associated with St Peter's Cathedral in York (ie York Minster) as the record is in that section of the lists . See John C [1291] earlier record in 1345 above - he obviously survived the Black Death. See also 1276 record above.

(Located by Mike Murtha Sept 2023)

1432  - William de Cromelholme [Cro0006] appears as chaplain at Ribchester.   (Source : Shireburn Abstract Book: + History of Goosnargh p96 + Footnote Harl MSS No2077 fol 281)  (See also 1442/3, 1457 & 1464) 

Note : here the use of "of Cromelholme" refering perhaps to the area of land so named.   See also 1457 & 1464 below

Summary of Ordinations :

1442 / 3 - William Crumbelholme [Cro0006]  Land grant by the Richard Worsley to Johannes Elleswicke and Willus Cromelhome [Cro0006] capellanis (caplain) in 1442, confirmed in 1443. This was confirmed in 1464 after the death of Richard Worsley. Land in the Downham - Rabbinholme ?     (Source : Chetham Soc Vol 99 Lancashire Inquisitions Richardus de Worsley page 75)

1450 - 30th May : Eliseus Crombyholme [Cro0009] Ordination celebrated in the conventual church of the Dominicans, York on 30 May 1450 by Brother John, bishop Philopolensis, the archbishop's suffragan, by authority of John, cardinal archbishop of York, Master Robert Dobbes being the vicar-general. 

Among the Acolytes listed .....Eliseus Crombyholme [Cro0009] of Mitton  (Source 4  [folio 295r] p6) §§

1450 - 19th September : Elias Crombyholme [Cro0009] Ordination celebrated in the conventual church of the Franciscans, York on 19 September 1450 by Brother John, bishop Philopolensis, the archbishop's suffragan, by authority of John, cardinal archbishop of York, Master Robert Dobbes being the archbishop's vicar-general in spirituals.

Among the Subdeacons listed ..... Elias Crombilholme [Cro0009] of Mitton, York diocese to title of Whalley Abbey (Source 5 p9) §§

1450/1 : 20th March : Elias Crombyholme [Cro0009] Ordination celebrated in the conventual church of the Carmelites, York on 20 March 1450/1 by Brother John, bishop Philopolensis, the archbishop's suffragan, by authority of John, cardinal archbishop of York, Master Robert Dobbes being the archbishop's vicar-general in spirituals.

Among the Deacons listed ..... Elias Crombilholme [Cro0009] of Mitton, York diocese to title of Whalley Abbey (Source 7 p14) §§

1451 - 10th April : Elias Crombyholme [Cro0009] Ordination celebrated in the church of St Leonard's hospital, York on 10 April 1451 by Brother John, bishop Philopolensis, the archbishop's suffragan, by authority of John, cardinal archbishop of York, Master Robert Dobbes being the archbishop's vicar-general in spirituals.

Among the Priests listed ......Elias Crombilhome [Cro0009] of Mitton, York diocese to title of Whalley Abbey (Source 8 - p16) §§

1452  John Boyes of Ribchester gave Elias Crombleholme [Cro0009] perpetual chaplain of the chantry (founded in honour of the Blessed Mary the Virgin) a parcel of land lying in an angle of the southern part of Bernard Park and all his lands "lying in Inntel Hole". (Source Mrs J  HH notes)  

1457 - 25th September : William Crumbilholme [Cro0006]  Confirmation of a land grant from the late Richard Balderston to Johannes Elleswyk parson and Willimo Crumbilholme chaplain (both) of Ribchester     (Source : Chetham Soc Vol 99 Abstracts Inquisitions post Mortem Christopher Towneley & Roger Dodsworth extracted from MS at Towneley p62)

1464 - 27th July : William de Cromelholme [Cro0006] Confirming a land grant by the late Richard Worsley to Johannes Elleswicke and Willus Cromelhome [Cro0006] capellanis (caplain) in 1442, confirmed in 1443 and presumed still in affect in 1464. (Source : Chetham Soc Vol 99 Lancashire Inquisitions Richardus de Worsley page 75)

1467  This Chantry dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary was situated on the north side of the choir in the church of Ribchester and was founded by Sir Richard de Hoghton Knight. who succeeded his father Sir Adam de Hoghton in 10 Richard II (1422). His son William predeceased him and his daughter Dame Kathleen Venables vested lands in trust for a chaplain to celebrate divine service daily in this chapel. (Source - as below)

1467 - 8th July :  Elias de Crombholme [Cro0009] Capell in Cantariam per(pet). - Chantry priest at the Blessed Mary chapel in the church at Ribchester for the lives of  Sir Richard Hoghton, John Osbaldeston and William Mutton presented by Sir Henry Hoghton (Source : Chetham Soc Vol II No 60 p195 - Lancashire Chantries)

Note : Both the above records refer to Elias Crombleholme [Cro0009] and serve to illustrate the method by which Chapels were founded. Land was given in trust and the income arising from its use was used to maintain both the chapel and its Chaplain. A Chantry was a chapel that, if not built on its own site, was within a Church established by a wealthy person or body. Its endowment supported the cost of the building and the perpetual saying of mass was for the souls of the founding family or body. Some 2400 chantries were finally suppressed by Henry VIII in the 1540’s.

The priest of St. Mary in Ribchester Church appears to have been an established institution before 1349, when a rent-charge of 2s. on lands in Dutton was made in his favour by Henry de Clayton. Ten years later a small sum was left to the priest singing at St. Mary's altar. This was, no doubt, the altar on the south side of the church.

In 1407, Sir Richard Hoghton obtained the Royal Licence to refound or at least to endow a chantry at her altar on the north side of the church. The endowment, derived from lands in Ribchester, Dutton, Chipping and Goosnargh, was unusually liberal, the net income of the chantry priest in 1547 being £10 17s. 4½d.

Robert Whittingham was the first priest appointed in 1409; Ellis Crombleholme [Cro0009] was appointed in 1467 and was still there in 1496 being succeeded by James Schlacter in 1504. James Tarleton appears in 1525 and held it until the chantry was suppressed in 1547. (Source : Parish of Ribchester - A history of the County of Lancs Vol 7 (1912) pp 36-44)

Various other extracts found relate to Elias Crombleholme's [Cro0009] overal time as a chantry priest at Ribchester:

From the History of Ribchester p238:

Elias (Ellis) Crombeholme [Cro0009]: chantry priest from 1467 - 1487)    (Source : History of Goosnargh p176 - as above but only to 1487. Also mentioned in a footnote in Chetham Soc Vol IX p195 + Kuerden's MSS.)

1469/70 - 17th March :  Robert Crombilholme [Cro0011] Ordination celebrated in the conventual church of the Austin friars, York, on 17 March 1469/70 by Brother William, bishop of Dromore.

Among the Acolytes of the clergy of the Archdeaconry of Richmond : Robert Crombilhome [Cro0011] of Ribchester (Source 128 p213) §§

1470 - 7th April :  Robert Crombilholme [Cro0011] Ordination celebrated in the conventual church of the Franciscans, York, on 7 April 1470 (note 60 written originally & scratched out) by Brother William, bishop of Dromore.

Among the Subdeacons of the clergy of the Archdeaconry of Richmond : Robert Crombilhome [Cro0011] to title of Whalley abbey. (Source 129 - [Folios 203v-204r] p215) §§

1470 - 21st April :  Robert Crombilholme [Cro0011] Ordination celebrated at the altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary in York Minster, on 21 April 1470 by Brother William, bishop of Dromore.

Among the Deacons of the clergy of the Archdeaconry of Richmond : Robert Crombilhome [Cro0011] to title of Whalley abbey. (Source 130 - [Folios 204v-205r] p217) §§

1470 - 16th June :  Robert Crombilholme [Cro0011] Ordination celebrated in the conventual church of the Dominicans, York, on 16th June 1470 by Brother William, bishop of Dromore.

Among the Priests of the clergy of the Archdeaconry of Richmond : Robert Crombilhome [Cro0011] to title of Whalley abbey. (Source 131  p219) §§

1470 - Robert Crombleholme [Cro0011] noted regarding some land and a water mill at Dillworth - noted earlier in 1443 about the same items (Source : History of Longridge - T C Smith)

1474 - 24th September : Edmund Cromhome [Cro1289] : Ordination celebrated in the conventual church of the Dominicans, York on 24 September by Brother William bishop of Dromore.

 Among the Acolytes listed ...  Edmund Cromhome [Cro1289] of Mitton (Source 156 [folio 229v] p271) §§

There is an out of the area record, but no doubt relating to a member of this branch of the family who had travelled further afield:

1474  (14.....1474) William Crombilholme [Cro0010] Incumbant of St Thomas Chantry in Hemsworth Church, Yorkshire. Died in 1474.  (Source : Fawcett Clergy Index Soc Of Gen (London).   Note : Hemsworth is in South Yorkshire just south of Sheffield and near Pontifract .

1476 - 22nd December : Edmund Crombilhome [Cro1289/27 ?] Ordination celebrated in the conventual church of Holy Trinity, York on 22 December 1476 by Brother William, bishop of Dromore.

Among the Deacons listed ......Edmund Crombilhome [Cro1289] of Coventry & Lichfield diocese by letters dimissory to title of  Whalley abbey. (Source : 12  p 21) $$

1476/7 - 1st March : Edmund Crombilhome [Cro1289] Ordination celebrated in the conventual church of the Austin friars at York on 1 March 1476/7 by Brother William, bishop of Dromore, suffragan of Archbishop Laurence, acting for the latter who is in remotis and by the authority of Master William Poteman, the vicar-general

Among the Priests listed ......Edmund Crombilhome [Cro1289] of Coventry & Lichfield diocese by letters dimissory to title of  Whalley abbey. (Source : 13 [folio 364r]  p 23) $$

1479 - Robert Crombelholme [Cro0011] : Confirmation - Laurence Tounley, (Towneley) John Bradeley and Robert Crombelholme [Cro0011] chaplain to Ric Tounley of Tounley esq; one piece of land called Jakhey in Clyuacher which lately I have, with other lands & tenements of the gift of Thos Tounley of Brunley (One seal, damaged & 2 tags)  (Source : Lancs CRO Ref DDTO/0/12/129 - Towneley of Towneley)  Note Tounley = Towneley

1480 - 10th March : Elias Crombleholme [Cro0009] and Oliver Halle, chaplains  granted 3 messuages, 40 acres of land, 20 acres of meadow in Clayton in la Dale (Clayton-le-Dale) and 6 acres in Salebury (Salmesbury ?) as well as 2 messuages, 30 acres of land, 10 acres of meadow and 8 acres of pasture in Ribchester and the charter which gives this it is the 10th day of March in the year of Edward IV 21. (Source : Chetham soc Vol XCIX (99) p143 -  Abstracts of Inquistions post Mortem - Christopher Towneley & Roger Dodsworth extracted from MSS at Towneley )

The several extracts which follow continue to show the granting of lands for the upkeep of the chaplains and their chapels:

1482  In 1482 Sir John Talbot of Sailebury granted Richard Banaster of Alvetham Nichols Townley Lawrence Aynesworth and Roger Talbot Knt. Eli Crombelholme [Cro0009] & Oliver Hall chaplains lands in Ribchester (Ibid) 

(Source Lanc Rec Soc Vol 88 *  there are several records - the first is No920 (p168):

1487 - 20th November  (3 Hen VII)  At Ribchester:  John Blakeburne son and heir of Thomas Blakeburne of Ribchester quitclaims (released) to Ellis Crombilholme [Cro0009] chaplain of the perpetual chantry of the Blessed Mary on the north side of the church of Ribchester, all right in certain lands, part lying between the house of St Saviour at Stidd and Chester Brook and 2 roods in Ribchester Eyes called le Croketreids (Crookedroyds) (Source : Lancs Record Soc Vol 88 p168 De Hoghton Deeds No 920; ee310 + Victoria Hist of Lancs (Farrer) Vol 7 p43/44)

Note : This grant was followed by an arbitration (Ref 419 folio 316). (From same source: No 921*) and a further grant in 1496 (see below)

Note : Quitclaims : was the release or  "quit claim" to the rights of the first party to the second party - sometimes  (as in this case) concerning the rights of someone not being the property owner. The house of St Saviour le Stede almost certainly refers to the hospice at Stydd mentioned earlier in this section. The other names are now long lost but serve to show that the process of land transfer and dealings has always been a precise and rather complex affair. 

1488 - 17th February : Westminster - Presentation of John Cromylholme [Cro1344] chaplain, to the perpetual chantry in the parish church of Flamsted, (Hertfordshire) in the diocese of Lincoln, void by the death of Robert Tynmouth, in the King's gift by the minority of Edward, Earl of Warwick (Source : Calendar of the Patent Rolls (PRO) Henry VII Vol 1 (1485-1494) pub 1914 - pages 201-202 Membrane 15 (12)  Note See 1493 below - this was a Royal Appointment 

1488 - 27th June : (3 Hen VII) : Indenture.  Ellis Crombleholme [Cro0009] priest of the perpetual chantry of Ribchester and John Blackburne son and heir of Thos. Blackburne agree to abide by the award of Alex Houghton and John Talbot of Saylebury Knts. regarding all actions especially the right title and possession of certain lands and tnts in Ribchester with other free rents of the said chantry - to wit that John shall have half an acre of meadow between the house of St Saviour and Chesterbroke; and the Croked Rodes in Ribchester Eyes only to be divided between Ellis and his successor (sic); and for the free rent John to show sufficient and lawful deed and then to be paid: also to Ellis a toft, a barn and 2 Lands arable pertaining to the toft; and the arrears of the said free rent Ellis and John to abide.  English (Source : Lancs Record Soc Vol 88 p168 - De Hoghton Deeds No 921 ff419 )

Note : A toft was a plot of land on which a building stood, or had formerly stood. Common rights might still attach to the house even though the actual building had gone !

1491 - 3rd April : Robert Crombolholme [Cro0011] : Billington - Mortgage for £4 : Richard Cuncyliff to Christopher Fesar, chaplain and Robert Crombolholme [Cro0011] of Whalley.  ( Source " Lancs CRO Ref DDPT 6 - Petre of Dunkenhalgh item 96)  Note : A note states as 92) Quitclaim : pursuant to 89) 6th April 1462 - 89) being a grant of lands made 15th April 1454]

1493 - 9th April : Canterbury - Grant for life to John Mymmes, chaplain, of the perpetual chantry in the lordship of Flamstede, co Hertford, which is not above the value of 4£ a year and is void by the death of John Cromwelholme [Cro1344], late occupier of the same.   (Source : Calendar of the Patent Rolls (PRO) Henry VII Vol 1 (1485-1494) pub 1914 - pages 425 Membrane 10 (12) Note See 1488 above

1494 - 9th April : Rob Yorke, Thos Whalley and Robert Crombilhome [Cro0011] chaplains grant Will Hoghton Esq Br and Alex Hoghton Kt. the messuages and lands in Ingelheide in Broghton late of Rob. Blundell.  (Source : Lanc Rec Soc No88 p97 De Hoghton Papers) 

1494 - 24th June  (9 Hen VII) : Ughtered Cotom and Rob. Cotam his son and heir grant to Rob. Crombilholme [Cro0011]  and Will Barkar chaplains, their messuage and lands with a water mill in Dillworth hamlet of Ribchestr' with common of pasture, moor, turbary and easements. Render a red rose in the time of roses.  Witn: Rob Hoydershall, Ric Linols, Ric Hoydershall gents, Rob Walmerysley and Ric Coke. Two seals in bags (Source : Lancs Record Soc Vol 88 p97 - Dilworth - No 513 C141; ee92)

Note : A "public announcement" of the above transaction has also been found and is worth reproducing here as it adds a little colour to the rather formal record above. 

......."Be it known that Ughtred Cotome, son and heir of the aforesaid Robert, gave to Robert Combilholme [Cro0011] (Crombilholme) & William Barker chaplains all our messuages & lands together with the water mill in the vill of Dillworth, hamlet of the vill of Ribchester, to be held by the aforesaid Robert & William and their heirs of the chief lord paying therefor yearly a red rose if required at the season of roses.   These being witnesses: Robert Hodersall, Richard Lynols, Richard Hodersall, Robert Walmsley & Richard Coke and many others.     Given at the Nativity of St John Baptist yr 9 Hen VII (1494)"  (Source : from History of Ribchester [Smith] p14/16)

As background information, there are a number of interesting common rights mentioned:

Common of pasture was the right to pasture cattle on common land.

Turbary was the right to dig on common land for peat or turf for fuel.

Some more obscure rights were:

Cartbote      right to take wood to make or repair carts.

Piscary         right to fish in manorial waters.

Firebote      right to take wood for fuel.

Foldbote     right to take wood to make sheep folds.

Haybote     right to take wood to make/repair fences.

Housebote right to take wood to build/repair houses.

Pannage    right to feed pigs in manorial woods.

Ploughbote   right to take wood to make/repair ploughs.

Dilworth is north west of Ribchester town itself. The water mill mentioned could well be an early mill at Spade situated near the present reservoir. The mill would have almost certainly been a corn mill and would have played an important role in the early history of the area. There are also several weirs on the small brooks in this area.

Note : The "rendering of a rose" was simply a formal acknowledgement of a nominal rent in kind being paid. Another common form was " a clove of gillyflower (cloves) at Easter ". The witnesses to such deeds were chosen carefully being people of standing in the community. Other witnesses would be adjoining landowners and tenants who could vouch directly for the transaction.

The name Hoydershall above is no doubt a spelling variation of the local family of Hothersall, a family into which the Dutton branch of the Crumbleholme family later married. (From the same source No 512:  Dilworth *)

1494 - 26th June  (9 Hen VII) : Rob Crombilholme [Cro0011] and Will Barkar chaplains grant to Ughtored Cotom and Ellen his wife for life, their capital messuage with 3 closes adjoining in Dilworth called Oyver rydding, the Laigher rydding and le Holt which they lately had by gift and feoffment of the grantee and Rob his son. Render a rose. There being witnesses Robert Hodersall, Richard Lynols, Richard Hodersall gent, Robert Walmsley, Richard Coke and many others. Given at the last feast of St John and Paul in the year 9 HenVII.    (Source : Lancs Record Soc Vol 88 p97 - Dilworth No 513 C142; ee103 + Hist of Longridge Smith p16)

Note : Messuage is simply a property or dwelling. It would appear for some reason that it was a transfer back to the Cotom family in this case.   Ryddling is understood to be a clearing.

1495  Robert Crombilholme [Cro0011] styled as "chaplain" of the parish of Ribchester.   (Source : Hist of Goosnargh p176 (Harl MSS No 212 fol 100)  Note : History of Ribchester notes his resignation before  31/7/1527.

1496  16th March - Robert Crombleholme [Cro0011] presented to church at Ribchester. Patron : The King.

He succeeded William Talbot. He finally resigned the rectory in 1527 on a pension but died soon afterwards intestate, when his administrator began a suit against the Abbot of Whalley. Upon Crombleholme's resignation the bishop as surviving trustee presented one Thom Brerewood and complained that William Clayton unjustly hindered his obtaining possession.  (Source : Hist of Ribchester - Smith  p140/1) .  William Clayton D.Can.L. succeeded Robert on 31st July 1527 and was in post until he died in 1532.

Note : A patron would normally "present" someone to a living in the church. The patron (if any) in this case is not known. The law suit against the Abbot of Whalley is dealt with in some detail later.

1496 - 9th April : (11 Hen VII)  At B. (Blackburn??) Rob Yorke, Thos Whalley, Rob Cromleholme [Cro0011] chaplains grant to Will Hoghton esq. brother of Alex Hoghton Kt. the messuages and lands in Ingolheide in Broghton late of Rob Blundell, Will Barker chaplain and Hen Synleton to deliver seisin. Wtn: Ric Osbaldston esq, Rob Clifton, Christopher Parker, Will Browne, Thos Clif. (ee772)  Quitclaim on May 4th. (Source : Lancs Record Soc Vol 88 p216 - De Hoghton Deeds No 1242 A62; ee645)

Note : Livery of seizin was a ceremony in which a token part of the property - a key or a piece of turf was handed over to the new owner in the presence of witnesses.

The next extract (Ribchester Church and Walton) appears to record a simple exchange transaction:

1496 - 5th May (11 Hen VII) At Ribchester. Indenture. John Boyes of Ribchest' grants to Ellis Crombilholme [Cro0009] chaplain of the chantry of Ribchester a parcel of land lying in a corner on the south of Bernard Parke as enclosed by a new ditch  with his land in Isabel Holle between the land of the chantry on both sides in exchange for the land of the chantry lying between Bernard Parke and the land of Rob Ribchest' abutting on the common way and on grantor's land. Wtn: Ric linols, Rob. Ribchest, John Blakeburn. Small black seal    (Source : Lancs Record Soc Vol 88 p168 - De Hoghton Deeds Ribchester No 923 O785 ff471)

1500 - 4th November : Edmund Crombleholme [Cro0027] noted amongst others as being a tenant of lands in Barton (near Preston) in a Feoffment  with parties :

(1) William Houghton, vicar of St Michael's on Wyre, Roger Singleton and Robert Clifton, feoffes of Gilbert Barton, of Barton Esq and Henry Denyson, chaplain deceased.

(2) William Singleton and William Barker, chaplains 

3 pendant seals   (Source : Lancashire CRO Feoffment DDKS 1/24 = note made of related material Chetham Series vol 91 p84 B40)

Note : It is not known at present, how this Edmund Crombleholme [Cro0027] is related to the other Crombleholme’s. Many of the place names recorded are now unfortunately long lost in the mists of time. (ID 1289 = 27)

1503 - 7th July : (18 Hen VII)  Indenture.  (Friday) Rob. Crumbylholme [Cro0011], clerk, Will Barker chaplain, Ughtred Cotome and Rob Cotome his son and heir lease for 14 years to Lawrence Cotome son of Edmund Cotome their messuages, lands, tnts, meadows, pastures, closes and grazing lands in Dilworth in Ribchester called Herryfall, Meton intakke and le Copthyrst lately in the tenure of Will Bayley and Christopher Baschall gents. Render a red rose. Rob Cotome to occupy the lands lately in Baschall's holding at a rent of 15s. Wtn: Rog Syngleton, Rob Clifton, Ric Linollez, Thos Whittyngham, Thos Lawrence and others . Given the seventh day of July in the 18th year of Henry VII (1503).  (Source : Lancs Record Soc Vol 88 p97 - Dilworth No 513 C143; ee107 + LRS No 88 p97 de Hoghton Papers)

Cockersand Abbey :

As another avenue of research and after many hours of searching by Mike Murtha, a Crombleholme cleric has been found at Cockersand Abbey.  The first entry is interesting as it gives Johannes Crombleholme of Chipping suggesting that his family lived in that area close by to Loudmytham. It is very unlikely that we will find a link to other families.  Cockersand is about 20 miles north west of Chipping.

1504 - September : Johannes Crombeholme [Cro1292] de Chipping - ordination as an acolyte      (Source : York : Archbishop Register 25 f125 recto - located by MM Jan 2021)  Note : Just to the left of his name is  "Rich" - it is presumed that this refers to Richmond Archdeanery.

1504 - December : Johannes Crombleholme [Cro1292] of Cokersand monastery - ordination as sub deacon.  (Source : York : Archbishop Register 25 f126 verso - located by MM Jan 2021)    

1505 - February : Johannes Crombleholme [Cro1292] of Cokersand monastery - ordination as deacon.  (Source : York : Archbishop Register 25 f127 verso - located by MM Jan 2021)     Note : Church year 1504.

1505 - May : Johannes Crombleholme [Cro1292] of Cokersand monastery - ordination as priest.  (Source : York : Archbishop Register 25 f129  verso - located by MM Jan 2021)    

Life in this exposed and isolated site would have been hard but this did not appear to hinder the number of novices that were attracted. Its nickname was St Mary of the Marshes being built upon a low island of clay in undrained marshland. Guides were often required for visitors as the marshes were quite difficult to cross safely.

A hermitage occupied by Hugh Garth existed on this location in 1180. He was known as "a hermit of great perfection" and his reputation caused a hospital to care of the sick including lepers to be founded. In under a decade, it was large enough to become a priory and this in turn attracted endownments raising its status to that of an abbey.

The Abbey occupied a narrow coastal strip of land with marshland and deep dykes on the inland side. The majority of the buildings were built in the local red sandstone. It was founded in 1184 and by 1190 had become an Abbey of the Premonstratenian Order (named after the French mother house of Premontre).  The main building was completed in about 1350 - it appears relatively small when compared with Whalley Abbey. From the map above, it can been seen that it held extensive lands in northern Lancashire.  Acquistion of lands into church hands was curtailed by the Statute of Mortmain of 1279. A Scottish raid of 1322 did a lot of damage. It was in a very exposed position with Leland describing it as "standing veri blekely and object to al wynddes" during his visit in the 1530's. It was pulled down during the later stages of the Dissolution and much of the stone was reused to construct a sea wall and a local farm.

There is not a lot of information on the abbey and the 1923/4 excavation appears to have been poorly carried out and recorded.  (Source : A later report (1975 ?) on the excavations at Cockersand abbey 1923-27 by H Sherdley & A J White  from https://www.archaeologyuk.org/lahs/Contrebis/3-1-Sherdley.pdf)

Back to Ribchester ...........

1505 - 22nd January : (21 Hen VII)  Indenture. Lease for 18 years by Ughtrede Cotom, Rob Crumbylholme [Cro0011] of the church of Ribchestr' and Will Barker priest to Ric Cotom of 3 closes in Dylworth called The Overcroft, The lyttyll Dylworth and the Little Carre in the holding of Ric, wh Rob and Will had by gift of Ughtrede as well as 2 closes in Dylworth called the Mor Dylworth and the Mor Carr for 8 years. English.  (Source : Lancs Record Soc Vol 88 p97 - Dilworth No 514 C144) 

1508/9 - 20th May :  Robert Crombilholme [Cro0011 ?] is a witness to a transaction relating to a place named Francis Green (NW of Ribchester ?) 

(Source : British Library Add. MS 32107 #884 page 109)

[Transcripts of Charters Lancashire collected by Christopher Towneley in 17th century] (MM 19/6/2025)

Hoc indenturar testator quod Roberto Walmsley de Francer/Hancer [?] Grene et Rogera fil eius et herds [heredibus] ad firmam[?] --- unum --- vocat Dicconson Grey [?] Roberto Ribchester de Ribchest. Habendam et tenendam &c ad terminud 40 acrerud Reddendo sex solides sterlingorud vizt ad festa Pentecost et St Martin -- equales pourcones. Hiis  Test Roberto Crombleholme Jacobo Solater Ricardo Newell et aliis

Dat vicesimo die maii Anno regni &c 23:H:7

Transcription by MM 19/6/2025

This indenture testifies that Robert Walmsley of  Francer/Hancer [?] Green and Roger his son and heir give a ---- called Dicconson Hey [?] [to] Robert Ribchester of Ribchester. To have and to hold etc the 40 acres paying six shillings sterling at the feasts of Pentecost and St Martin in equal portions

These witnesses: Robert Crombleholme [Cro0011?]  Jacob [James?] Solater Richard Newell and others

Date May 20 in the reign etc 23:H:7

[23rd year of the reign of Henry 7th i.e. 1508/9]

Note : 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 884 being shown below. (Photographed RC British Library May 2025)

1508 - Rob Crombilholme [Cro0011] and Robert Singleton founded a chantry endowing it with a messuage and lands called Middleton in Goosnargh.  "Rob Crombilhome Clero Recori ecclic pochial de Ribchester" (Source  Hist of Goosnargh - Fishwick p216)

1508 - 26th August : Robert Crombilholme [Cro0011] as  Rector of Ribchester on 26th August 1508.(Baines & Whittaker)  He belonged to a local family which numbered among its members William Crombelholme [Cro00 ?? ] chaplain of Ribchester and a comtemporary of Rector Ellyswyk (1419-1460) and Elias Crombelholme [Cro0009] chaplain. He resigned in 1527. (Source : History of Goosnargh p176 (FN Cal Pldgs Rec Office + Hist of Lancs Vol 1 p101)

1511 - 10th October : Elias Crumbilholme [Cro1290] , priest mentioned in inquisition on lands of John Talbot, knight. (Source : Chetham O.S. Vol 510)

1513 - February : Elias Crombleholme [Cro1290] of Whalley Monastery - ordination as subdeacon    (Source : York : Archbishop Register 26 f122 recto - located by MM Jan 2021)    

1513 - March : Elias Crombleholme [Cro1290] of Whalley Monastery - ordination as deacon    (Source :  York : Archbishop Register 26 f123 verso - located by MM Jan 2021)    

1513 - September : Elias Crombleholme [Cro1290] of Whalley Monastery - ordination as priest    (Source :  York : Archbishop Register, 26 f126 recto - located by MM Jan 2021)    

1518 /19 - Robert Crombleholme [Cro0011]  is noted in a case involving Richard Haidock v John Singleton; re Title to Lands and tenements at Chernock and Heath Charnock. Hugh Swansey as a witness on behalf of Haidock said that ....”he knew John Syngleton of Chyngyhalle (in Goosnargh) deceased, also his son William Syngleton his son, but he did not know Robert Crombleholme [Cro0011]  nor William Barker”   (Source : via MM - Record Soc of Lancs & Cheshire; Vol 32 p77; Lancashire Pleadings Henry VII & VIII.) 

1526 - Robert Crombilholme [Cro0011] noted as "parson" of the parish of Ribchester. (Source : Hist of Goosnargh p176 FN cal Pldgs Rec Office)

Parson is derived from the Latin persona and literally means an important member of the parish.

1527 - July 31st - Robert Crombleholme [Cro0011]. He is recorded by Smith in his " A History of Lancashire "  as succeeding William Talbot (who was parson from 1476/7) on August 26th 1508. He had been a chaplain in the parish since at least 1494 and would have thus been nearing 60 years of age when he resigned on July 31st 1527. He was succeeded by William Clayton who was presented to the church of Ribchester.  "vac per res Roberti Cromleholme [Cro0011] ult ine" - however he died three years later.   

1528 - before Easter : Robert Crombleholme [Cro0011].  Died

Note : Burial record ??

In 1520, the King had granted the next presentation to John Veysey (the Bishop of Exeter) and Sir Edward Belknap; (Duchy of Lanc. Misc. Bks. xxii, 229 d.) On Robert Crombleholme's [Cro0011] resignation (in 1527) the bishop, as surviving trustee, presented one Thomas Brerewood, and complained that William Clayton unjustly hindered his obtaining possession; (Source : Pal. of Lanc. Plea R. 142, m. 2 d.)   A letter from William Clayton to Cromwell is at the P.R.O.; (ibid, iv, 2248.)

The new Rector (D. Can. Law, 1528; Foster, Alumni Oxon.) held various benefices and dignities, including Windermere, Doncaster and Bromfield Churches, and Canonries at Lichfield and York; (Le Neve, Fasti, i, 627; iii, 193; L. and P. Hen. VIII, v, 608, 700). He died 14 Oct. 1532, and it appears that Edmund Bonner was recommended as his successor at Ribchester; (ibid, v, 604, 687).  

1536 - Robert Crombatholme [Cro. ??] Tithes & Oblations received by the Abbot of Whalley from the whole parish of Whalley & Parochial Chapelries in the year 1536

The Chapel of the Castle of Cliderhow. - From sheaves (presumably a tithe on crops) Robert Crombatholme 2[s] 0[d]

Source : Court Rolls of the Honor of Clitheroe (Lancs) Vol III translated & transcribed from the original rolls and preserved in the PRO, London and at Clitheroe Castle by William Farrer Hon D Litt  1913)

Note : Robert 11 is listed as 1440-1527; resigned as rector in Ribchester in 1527. (He would have been 87). The Victoria History says he died soon after. This must be a different Robert – perhaps a brother of Richard 13?

Robert Crombleholme [Cro011] had probably resigned due to his age and seems to have agreed to resign with a considerable pension of £500 with the Abbot of Whalley John Paslew and the new parson of Ribchester William Clayton (who held the post only for a few years until his death in 1532). 

Robert Crombleholme [Cro0011] died intestate and Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] & Thomas Walmesley became his administrators. As such, later in 1530, they were both to become involved in a law suit against the Abbot of Whalley over this unpaid pension and other matters. The Abbot was liable as surety for William Clayton, the succeeding rector and alleged that the covenants had been fulfilled.

Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] was probably a relation of Robert - perhaps a nephew. Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] belonged to the family living in nearby Dutton which was part of the Ribchester Parish . Later in 1544, he bought monastic lands (after the dissolution).  

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