Birth and Early Life :

c.1490 : Richard Crumbleholme  [Cro0013]  - it seems reasonable to suggest that he was born at about this date in the Dutton area. His parents are unknown but his father may have been a brother of Robert Crombleholme [Croo11] (1460-1528) the Rector of nearby Ribchester who made Richard [Cro0013] his administrator in 1528.  There are no more details of his early life.

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 c1520, Gentleman of Dutton; wife [Cro0644] unknown; only one son Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] known; this son had three children. William [55] died in 1576 shortly before his father Richard [13]      

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

1524 - Lay Subsidy ???  To be checked 

1530 - Lawsuit against the Abbot of Whalley :

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)   

For full details please use this link 1530 Lawsuit 

This case records the actual words spoken by Richard Crombleholme [13] during the hearing. He claims to be a poor man compared with the wealth and position of the Abbot. Unfortunately, the record of the outcome of the case has not been found.  

1537 - Dispute with John Towneley :

Dispute : Crombleholme v Towneley : 

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

Defendants : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] of the parish of Stydd & 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 a little south of Huntingdon Hall in Dutton)

Places : Dutton Manor, Kerlynghurst, Ribchester & Bailey in Aughton - all in Lancashire.  (Source : Ducatus Lancastriae Vol 2 p60 - Calendar of Pleadings 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 1827) 

Note : Baines Vol IV describes the case : 

In 1537, Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] 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. 

1543-46 : Dissolution of the Monastaries : Purchase of lands from the King :

1543 - Richard Crimbleholme [Cro0013] - purchased lands in Whalley & Blackburn (Source : L & P xviii (I), 623, g. 79 Appendix B Purchasers of Monastic Lands p 149)

1543 - Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] of Dutton - after the suppression of the monasteries this land was sold by the Crown to Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013]. The land was Barnside in Marsden - these two oxgangs of land had been gifted to the Cluniac Priory of St John in Pontefract in C13th by William de Vescy.  (Source : Marsden British History Online Lancs p536-541. A footnote fn27 adds : L & P Henry VIII, xviii (l), g. 623 (79))

1543 - 26th -31st May : Grant 

Ric. Crimibilhome, of Dutton, Lanc. Grant, in fee, for 231l. 15s. 7½d. of a tenement in Huntyngden and Baylie in the township of Dutton lately leased to him by copy of court roll, and four other tenements (tenants named) in Huntyngden; and lands (described and tenants named) in Ribchester and Preston in Amounderness, Lanc., all which belonged to the commandry of Newland, Yorks., and hospital of St John of Jerusalem in England; lands (tenants named) in Marsden, Lanc., parcel of the manor of Barnesett in the parish of Colne, Lanc., which belonged to Pontefract mon.; the house of the late Graye Friars in Lichfield, Staff., and certain of its lands described there, except the church, dorter, frayter, cloyster, chapterhouse, and all the lead, bells, glass and iron, save the leaden gutters upon the buildings. Also, for 168l. 16s. 7½d., certain lands (described and tenants named) in Wiswold in the parish of Whalley, Lanc., which were lately leased to John Kechin and belonged to Whalley mon., and other lands in Wiswold and Witton in Blackborne parish, Lanc., which belonged to Whalley. Westm., 14 May 3[5] Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 20 May "anno subscripto."—P.S. 

(Source : Henry VIII: May 1543, 26-31', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 18 Part 1, January-July 1543, ed. James Gairdner and R H Brodie (London, 1901), pp. 346-368. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol18/no1/pp346-368  [MM Oct 2022]) 

Before 1544 - Richard C [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 from History of Lancashire Vol IV - Herald’s visitations of 1664 : Hodereshall or Hothersall of Hothersall & Alston in Ribchester : 

1544 -  Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013]  of Stydd gent, son of Richard purchased of the Crown for the sum of £231 : 15s : 7 1/4d. including, amongst others, certain lands in Huntingdon, Bailey, Ribchester, Preston and Colne. Tenements mentioned Fastandeford, land at Boynes Bridge, Stevenfolde, Milne, Clough Banke, and Kyrdenhouse. lately belonging to the Knights Hospitallers. All were sold subject to an annual rent of 19s and service of a twentieth part of a Knights fee. (Source : Patent Roll Part 27) 

Also at this time Richard [Cro0013] granted 6 acres of land to his daughter in law Margaret (nee Hothersall) [Cro0057]  daughter of Robert Hothersall widow of his son Richard C [Cro0056]   (Source : History of Ribchester Smith + Patent Roll Part 27)

Note : This grant is also recorded in the Inquisition Post Mortem of Richard Crombleholme (58] of 8th September 1588 who was the grandson of Richard [13]. It is also a primary source for these family relationships.

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:

-   That before his death Richard [13] held as a feoff five acres of land and one acre of meadow in Dutton which he was awarded on August 18 in the 36th year of the reign of Henry VIII [1545] – signed and 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 [?] 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 [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]  and if he should perish, the remainder to the rightful heirs of Rich [13]

-   Rich. Crombleholme [13] of Dutton, yeoman, gave an indenture 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. [58]  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}

-   Rich. [13] --- sealed indenture dated August 18 1545 --- Margaret [57] was seised --- still in full life and living in Dutton

Rest of document not reproduced here (full transcription by MM Feb 2022 see :     

1544 - 20th May : At Westminster [36 HenVIII]  The King of special grace and for payment of 4s  3d in the hanaper (a repository for treasure or money) grants to Richard Crumbylhome [Cro0013]  of meadow and lands in Redley under Colyngbank and on the north of Cargreve and near Hepegreve and near Tephen Crosse, parcels called Prystes croft and le Newe Felde Samtsoneshay (? for St John's Hey) and copyhold of Agnes Yorke, all being parcels of the Preceptorye of Newland co York and lately of the Priory of the Hospital of St John in Jerusalem which the grantee has by gift of the King by letters patent 20th May 1544 to hold in chief, that is to say, he may give or sell them to Richard Hoghton kt. for which he has special licence of the Crown. Paid 4s 3d for fine. Paid 20s 4d for seal. HALES Portion of large seal.  (Source - Lancs Record Soc No 88 De Hoghton Papers  p67  ref M678 dd1014)   

The name "Great Seal" is given to all seals used by monarchs and were held in the custody of the Chancellor. A Great Seal was made for each reign and destroyed after it had ended. Seals were applied directly to the document or, as in this case, attached by a strip of parchment. They were  also sometimes attached with silk or hemp cords. This seal shows Henry VIII charging into battle on his horse. The seal was usually made with hot beeswax being impressed with a "matrix" (like a mould) - a Great Seal matrix was either made of silver or gold. The other (obverse) side of the seal showed Henry VIII on his thorne with orb and sceptre.

Note : Also on the photocopy, written in pencil, was  "History of Feilden”  ??? (see 1546 below)

1544 - The Hospitallers lands in Preston were given (?) to Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] (Source : Pat 36 Hen VIII pt xvii +  British History Online : Preston vcc/vol 7 / pp91-105 footnote 102)

1544 - 20th May : ..........Witton Hall passed into the hands of the monks. It was sold to Richard Crombilholme [Cro0013]  of Dutton yeoman on 20th May 1544 and he sold it 4 days later to George Astley of Stales gent.  (Source : History of Ribchester vol 6 p263)

1544 - 20 May : to Richard Crumbilholme [Cro0013] of Dutton for (1/10th- error)  (Note this should be 1/20th - they would have been paid "in capite" ie tenant in chief  [MM July 2021]) knights fee and 2s rent -- a messuage in Marsden in the tenure of Henry Mankenholes and lands in Marsden in the tenure of the wife of John Jackson, all of which have been lately demised to Laurence Towneley and Henry Towneley and are part of the manor of Barnesett and previously belonged to the monastery of Pontefract, co. York. and for a further rent of 17s. 11d -- the following property in Wiswolde in the parish of Whalley previously belonging to the monastery of Whalley : a barn and orchard, 4 ac. land, 2½ ac. meadow and 2½ ac pasture in the tenure of Elene Wirsdale and in the occupation of John Lawe; a messuage and 2½ ac pasture in the tenure of J.L., a messuage and garden in the tenure of John Wood, a messuage, garden, 4 ac. pasture and 3½ ac land in the tenure of Robt. Lawe, a messuage, garden, 6 ac. pasture, 5 ac. land and 4 ac meadow in the tenure of Humphry Dogeson, a messuage, garden, 6 ac. pasture, 5 ac. land and 4 ac. meadow in the tenure of the widow of Henry Feldon, a messuage, garden, 2½ ac, meadow, 1½ ac. land and 2 ac. pasture in the tenure of Geo. Craven, a messuage, garden and 2 ac. land in the tenure of the widow of Wm. Radcliff, a messuage, garden, 3 ac. land, 2 ac. meadow and 2½ ac. pasture in the tenure of the widow of Richd. Dewhurst, a small orchard called Wiswolde Shawe in the tenure of Eustace Bruscoo, amessuage, garden, 3 ac. land, 3 ac. meadow and 3 ac. pasture in the tenure of Elene, widow of Robt. Standen, a parcel of meadow in the tenure of Christopher Smythe, 1 ac. pasture in the tenure of Miles Carier, a piece of land called Screyestall Lande in the tenure of Wm. Seller, ½ rod of land in the tenure of Henry Lawe, 1 ac. meadow in the tenure of the widows of Wm. Sager and Wm. Gregson, a cottage in the tenure of Thos. Dodson, a cottage in the tenure of the widow of Thos. Lawe; and the following rents and payments in lieue of work in the "Workes Silver" in Wiswolde:- from John Lawe 6d per annum; from John Woodde 6d, from Robt. Lawe 6d, from Humphrey Dogeson 3d, from the widow of Henry Feldon 3d, from Geo. Craven 6d, from Agnes, late wife of Wm. Ratcliff 6d, from Ricd Dewhurste 6d and from Elen Standon 6d; and messuages and tenements in Witton in the parish of Blackburn in the separate tenures of John Elswick and the widow of Robt. Lever, previously belonging to the monastery of Whalley.

There is one more grant recorded :

1544 to Wm. Ramysden of ?? -[lands previously belonging to various persons & abbeys etc]  

(Source : via MM : Lancashire Archives Ref DP/355/2) 

Note : The name Feldon (bold faced) - any bearing on the "History of Feilden” ? - see 1544 seal above. Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] conveyed the demesne of Witton four days after he purchased it from the Crown to George Astley of Stakes, gent. and William his son * fn 19 in whose line it continued until Rev George Astley  dispersed the estates early in the reign of George III. Witton Hall was was acquired by Joseph Feilden of Blackburn, who paid land tax in 1788 of £4 10s2d out of £11 10s charged upon the township. The Feildon family became important members of the Blackburn area in C19th. Witton Hall was rebuilt but was demolished in 1950's as it had fallen into disrepair.  (Source :  Victoria County History (Lancs) Vol 6 Townships : Witton p 263)

Note : * footnote 19 in the above gives a ref for this transaction : Pat. 36 Hen VIII pt. v, 20 May; Pal. of Lanc. Plea R. 179, m. 12.    

1544 - 21st May : Licence to Alienate : for 7s  6d : Henry VIII to Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] - a messuage and 21/2 acres of pasture in Wyswold, late in tenure of John Lawe, and a barn, an orchard, 4 acres of land, 21/2 acres of meadow and 21/2 acres of pasture in Wyswold late in the tenure of Ellen Wyrsdall and now of John Lawe, all late belonging to Whalley Abbey; also the lands of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] in Marsden, late in the tenure of John Jackson, dec’d, late belonging to the monastery of Pontifract - to be conveyed to John Braddyll, gent.  Great Seal (Source : Lancs Archives Ref DDBR 21/2 - not seen)

Note : Alienation - the transfer of a holding by sale rather than by inheritance. A feudal tenant was unable to alienate without licence from the Lord (the King in this case) who would collect a fee from granting the transfer. Note that later in 1555, John Bradyll & Richard Crombleholme [13] were both trustees for the Asshe inheritance.

1544 - 24th May :  Bargain and Sale - for £20. 12s. 8d : Richard Crombythome [Cro0013] of Dutton, yeoman, to John Cromboke of Whalley, gentleman -- messuage and garden in Wyswolde in the tenure of John Woodd; messuage, garden, 4ac. of pasture, 3½ac. of land in Wyswold in the tenure of Robert Lawe; also messuages there in the tenure of Humfrey Dogeson, widow of Henry Felden, George Craven, widow of William Ratcliffe, widow of Richard Dewhurst, Elyn Standen, Christofer Smith, Myles Carryer, Henry Lawe, widow of William Sager, widow of William Gregson, Thomas Dopson and Thomas Law; also little grove called Wyswold Shawe, in the tenure of Eustas Bruscoo, and a piece of land called Strestall Land, in the tenure of William Seller.   (Source : Lancs Archives Ref DDG/18/1 -The Clerk Hill Muniments 18 Wiswell)  

Note : The same record also found but dated 26th May with ref DDG/18/2 ??  Note : This transaction helps to disprove various sources equating Crombleholme and Crombock. (ie they were different families)

For full transcription please use this link : Indenture 24th May 1544 DRG 18/1 

1544 - Franciscan Friary at Lichfield, Staffordshire

Bishop Lee and Dr. Thomas Legh tried to secure the house for Wetwode, who had 'formerly shown great pleasure' to both of them. (fn. 37) Their attempt, however, was unsuccessful, and in October the house and its contents were put up for sale. (fn. 38) The items ranged from a friar's mass book, sold for 4d., and a holy water stoup, which went for 1s. 8d., to the entire stock of copes, vestments, and tunicles, which fetched £2. The household furnishings were of the simplest; for instance, a press, a bedstead, and a door, sold as a single lot, went for 4d. Such things as timber, stone and tiles from the structure and pavements found ready buyers. 'The glass that is loose in the new lodging' was sold for 3s., but 'the long new house' on the east side of the inner cloister with the church and choir, the cloister quadrangle, the frater, and 'the chambers stretching to the kitchen' went for £42 13s. 4d. to a group of eight purchasers; lead, bells, paving (except that in the church), and gravestones were reserved. It was stipulated that unless the purchasers secured a licence to the contrary they must deface tower, cloister, 'and choir forthwith the church' within 4 months and pull down the rest of the buildings in 3 years. 

In 1544 the site and certain lands were sold by the Crown to Richard Crumbilhome [13] of Dutton near Blackburn (Lancs.); the church and the conventual buildings were excluded from the sale, but 'an inn called le Bishop's Lodging or le Great Chamber' was included. Crumbilhome [13] was evidently a middleman for a few days later he received licence to sell the property to Gregory Stonyng and his wife, who were already in occupation. (fn. 39)

fn39. L. & P. Hen. VIII, xviii(1), p. 366; xix(1), pp. 378, 386. In 1552 Stonyng was licensed to assign the property to trustees: Cal. Pat. 1550-3, 430. He was a civil lawyer who became one of the first two bailiffs of the city on its incorporation in 1548: Harwood, Lichfield, 419.

(Source : A History of the County of Stafford : Vol 3 p268-270; Originally published by Victoria County History London 1970  [MM Oct 2022]

Link :  https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/staffs/vol3/pp268-270#highlight-first )    

1546 - 16th July :  Grant by letters patent of Henry VIII to John Braddyll of Whalley for £220.10s

Recites previous grants by letters patent as follow :

23 Mar. 1545 : to John Bradyll of Whalley for 1/10th knights fee and 9s.4d rent -- land and buildings at Bankehey in Little Harwood previously belonging to Whalley Monastery, in the tenure of Roger, Bolton, John Pele and John Butler -- 21 Mar. 1542: to Robt. Holt of Stubley in the parish of Rochdale for 1/10th knights fee and 7s.1d rent -- a messuage in whalley in the tenure of John Braddyll and a messuage and garden in the tenure of Robt. Lawe and two closes called Lower Bromyssh Bankes and over Bromyssh Bankes in the tenure of J.B., and for 1/10th knights fee and 8s. 8d rent, a messuage and garden, 7 ac. land, 6 ac. pasture, 3 ac. meadow in Calcotte in Little Mitton in the tenure of Giles Grene, and a messuage and garden, 7 ac. land, 8 ac. pasture and 4 ac meadow in Calcotte in the tenure of Giles Hamond, all previously belonging to Whalley Monastery -- 

20 May, 1544: to Richd Crumbilholme [Cro0013] of Dutton for 1/10th knights fee and 2s rent -- a messuage in Marsden in the tenure of Henry Mankenholes and lands in Marsden in the tenure of the wife of John Jackson, all of which have been lately demised to Laurence Towneley and Henry Towneley and are part of the manor of Barnesett and previously belonged to the monastery of Pontefract, co. York. and for a further rent of 17s. 11d -- the following property in Wiswolde in the parish of Whalley previously belonging to the monastery of Whalley:- a barn and orchard, 4 ac. land, 2½ ac. meadow and 2½ ac pasture in the tenure of Elene Wirsdale and in the occupation of John Lawe; a messuage and 2½ ac pasture in the tenure of J.L., a messuage and garden in the tenure of John Wood, a messuage, garden, 4 ac. pasture and 3½ ac land in the tenure of Robt. Lawe, a messuage, garden, 6 ac. pasture, 5 ac. land and 4 ac meadow in the tenure of Humphry Dogeson, a messuage, garden, 6 ac. pasture, 5 ac. land and 4 ac. meadow in the tenure of the widow of Henry Feldon, a messuage, garden, 2½ ac, meadow, 1½ ac. land and 2 ac. pasture in the tenure of Geo. Craven, a messuage, garden and 2 ac. land in the tenure of the widow of Wm. Radcliff, a messuage, garden, 3 ac. land, 2 ac. meadow and 2½ ac. pasture in the tenure of the widow of Richd. Dewhurst, a small orchard called Wiswolde Shawe in the tenure of Eustace Bruscoo, a messuage, garden, 3 ac. land, 3 ac. meadow and 3 ac. pasture in the tenure of Elene, widow of Robt. Standen, a parcel of meadow in the tenure of Christopher Smythe, 1 ac. pasture in the tenure of Miles Carier, a piece of land called Screyestall Lande in the tenure of Wm. Seller, ½ rod of land in the tenure of Henry Lawe, 1 ac. meadow in the tenure of the widows of Wm. Sager and Wm. Gregson, a cottage in the tenure of Thos. Dodson, a cottage in the tenure of the widow of Thos. Lawe; and the following rents and payments in lieue of work in the "Workes Silver" in Wiswolde:- from John Lawe 6d per annum; from John Woodde 6d, from Robt. Lawe 6d, from Humphrey Dogeson 3d, from the widow of Henry Feldon 3d, from Geo. Craven 6d, from Agnes, late wife of Wm. Ratcliff 6d, from Ricd Dewhurste 6d and from Elen Standon 6d; and messuages and tenements in Witton in the parish of Blackburn in the separate tenures of John Elswick and the widow of Robt. Lever, previously belonging to the monastery of Whalley --

14 Sep. 1544: to Wm. Ramysden for 1/10th knights fee and 8s rent the manor of Extwysell and Berecliff, previously belonging monastery of Newbro, co. Lincs --

Grant -- all the rents mentioned above;     a messuage arable land, and 1 toft in Setell, late in the tenure Samerstall, deceased, now in the tenure of Hugh Somer messuage, garden and ½ bovate of land and meadow in Co co. York. in the tenure of Thos. Walbank, a messuage, garden bovates of arable land and meadow in Calton in Meladale, co in the tenure of John Chatburn; a messuage, garden and 1 bovate arable land and meadow in Calton in Meladale in the tenure of Wm. Wilcock and land at Acton, co. York. belonging to Robt. Elles, in the tenure of Rich. Salley, the property in Settell, Colde Conaston, Calton and Acton being lately forfeited by attainder of Stephen Hamerton, knight; the following property in Walden in the parish of Ayscarthe, co. York, previously belonging to the Hospital of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem at Mount S. John co. York:- a messuage tenement and divers lands in the tenure of Robt. Spence, a messuage and tenement in the tenure of Wm. Robynson; a messuage and tenement in the tenure of Humphrey Spence, a piece of vacant land and marsh called Karne in Kyrkeham, co. Lancs. in the tenure of Jas. Lightollers previously belonging to the priory or monastery of Vale Royal. co. Chester, a messuage, land, meadow and pasture in Holkame alias Holkome and Tottington in the tenure of John Brigge, previously belonging to the monastery or priory of Monkebretton, co. York; the following properties in Northwicke, co. Chester:- salt works of 8 leads in the tenure of Wm. Whalley, Elene his wife and John their son, previously belonging to the monastery of Norton, co. Chester, a saltworks called Wechehouse between the lands of the lord of Wynyngton on the E. side, the lands of Rich. Manwaryng of Ightefeld, knight, on the W. side, and the king's highway on the S. side, and the lands of the late abbey of Vale Royal on the N. side, in the tenure of Rich. Bromefelde, a messuage, tenement, the "Kolne House" and garden in the tenure of Elizabeth Lee, previously belonging to the monastery of Vale Royal. The annual value of the properties being as follows:- In Settell 29s. 8d, at Colde Conaston 6s. 8d, at Calton in Meladale 30s, at Acton 2s, at Waldon 38s. 4d, in Northwicke formerly belonging to Norton monastery 24s. and in Northwiche formerly belonging to Vale Royal monastery 32s.

Seal.                 Westminster     (Source : Lancashire Archives : Ref DP 355/2 - purchased from Mrs B.C.K Wallis of Bath)

Parliamentary Papers 

Crombylholme, Richard [Cro0013]  (date illegible) Request to purchase (1) - Farms and Rents in Wyswold in the parish of Whalley (Lancashire), and in Wilton in the parish of Blackburn (Lancashire), late of the monastery of Whalley (Lancashire). Memoranda and Woods (3); Farms in Huntingdon, in the village of Dutton (Lancashire), in Rybechester, and in Preston (Lancashire), parcel of the late Preceptory of Newland (York), late of the Priory of St John of Jerusalem in England, Memorandum and Woods (2); Farm of a parcel of the manor of Barnesett in the parish of Colne (Lancashire), late of the Monastery of Pontefract (York), the Answer to the Articles of the Commissioners, and Woods (2); Farm of the Scite* and Lands of the late House of Friars Minors in the city of Lichefield (Stafford), the Answer to the Articles of the Commissioners, Woods, Summary and Particulars of Sale (2) - 10 Membranes.  (Source : Vol 38 p196 - App II to 9th report Inventory of Particulars for Grants, preserved in the Records of the late Augmentation Office via free e-book)

Note : There is a similar extract for John Braddyll (as above but p 174); * “scite" could mean part of the whole in this context ?

1544/5 - 23rd March : Grant by letters patent of Henry VIII to John Braddyll of Whalley for £393. 12s  6d : 

........Numerous lands and properties recorded before last two paragraphs `; 

..................a messuage, tenement and garden and 2 bovates of land and meadow in the township of Preston in Craven, co. York. in the tenure of Wm. Elles and Rich. Mone, late parcel of the lands and possessions of Stephen Hamerton knight, attainted of high treason and all rights and privileges pertaining to the knight's fee, ............................ excepting two messuages of the clear annual value of 19s in the manor of Barnesett in the tenure of Henry Mankyhoyles and John Jacson which previously were granted by letters patent to Richd Crombylholme [Cro0013] .Seal. Given at Westminster

(Source : Lancs CRO Ref DP/355/1)

1544 - 26th - 31st May : Grants in May 1544

63. Ric. Crumbilhome. [Cro0013]  The grant of lands in Dutton, Ribchester, Preston, and Marsden, Lanc., the Grey Friars of Lichfield, and lands in Wiswold and Witton, Lanc., calendared in Vol. XVIII Pt. i. No. 623 (79) is apparently of the year 1544, being inrolled on Pat. 36 Hen. VIII., p. 27, m. 45. 

116. Licences to alienate lands (fn. n6) n6. All are dated at Westm. In this abstract the day of the month appears in parenthesis before the reference to part and membrane of the Patent Roll of 36 Hen. VIII.

Ric. Crumbylhome [13] to Gregory Stonynge and Alice his wife, in fee to the said Gregory. House and site of the Grey Friars in Lichefield, Staff., in tenure of the said Gregory Stonynge, a watercourse within the said site descending from a place called Polefurlonge to a place called le Crucifixe, in tenure of John Weston, an inn called le Bisshoppes Lodging or le Great Chamber, and certain pastures (named) within the said site, and the churchyard, in tenure of John Strenger, all which belonged to the said Grey Friars and were granted to Crumbylhome by pat. of 20 May 36 Hen. VIII. (22nd.) P. 18, m. 41.

The same to John Bradill. House and lands in Wyswolde in Whalley parish, Lanc., tenant John Lawe,—Whalley; and lands in Marsden in Colne parish, Lanc., late tenant John Jackson, dec,—Pontefract, Yorks.; which premises were granted to the said Ric. by pat. of 20 May 36 Hen. VIII. (22nd.) P. 25, m. 25.

The same to George Asteley and Wm. his son. Lands in tenure of John Elsweke and Robt. Leyver in Wytton, within the parish of Blackburne, Lanc.,—Whalley; granted as above. (22nd.) Ib., m. 26.

The same to John Crumboke. Messuage in Wysolde or Wyswolde. Lanc., late in tenure of John Woodd, and other messuages, &c. (specified and tenants named) there.—Whalley mon.; granted as above. (22nd.) Ib.

The same to Robt. Byrley. Messuage in Rybchester. Lanc., called Kyrden House, and lands leased with it to the said Byrley,—Newland preceptory, Yorks., and St. John's of Jerusalem; granted as above. (22nd.) Ib.

The same to Thos. Eccles. Moiety of a close called Fastanffeld in Rybchester, Lanc., in tenure of Robt. Walmersley,—Newlande preceptory and St. John's of Jerusalem; granted as above. (22nd.) Ib

The same to Sir Ric. Houghton, of Ley, Lanc., the King's servant. Lands (specified) in Preston in Amoundernez, Lanc., in tenure of Agnes Yorke,—Newlande preceptory and St. John's of Jerusalem; granted as above. (22nd.) Ib., m. 27.

The same to John Thrope. Messuage, &c., in tenure of the said John Throp, in Huntyngdon within the town of Dutton, Lanc., — Newlande preceptory and St. John's of Jerusalem; granted as above. (22nd.) Ib.

The same to Ric. Haryson. Messuage, &c., in tenure of Jas. and Ric. Haryson, in Huntingdon within the town of Dutton, Lane,—Newland preceptory and St. John's of Jerusalem; granted as above. (22nd.) Ib.

The same to Hen. Mankynholes. Messuage. &c., in Marsden, Lanc., in tenure of the said Hen. Mankynholes—Pontefract mon.; granted as above. (22nd.) Ib., m. 28.

The same to Ric. and Hugh Asshe. Messuage, &c. in tenure of Roger Dewhurst and John Haworth in Huntyngden within the town of Dutton, Lanc., and lands (specified) in Rybchester, Lanc., in tenure of Thos. Dewhurst,—Newland preceptory and St. John's of Jerusalem; granted as above. (22nd.) Ib., m. 29.  (Source : British History - Letters & papers, Foreign & Domestic Henry VIII Vol 19 Part 1 Jan-July 1544  - orig pub HM Stationery Office 1903 via MM)

1545 -    Grants in March 1545

65 . John Braddyl of Whallet, Lancs Grant , in fee £393 12s 6d of ....... numerous properties in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Kent ..... except two messuages within the Manor of Barnesett in tenure of Hen Mankynhayles and John Jacson, heretofore granted to Ric. Crombylholme.[13]

Del. Westm 23 March 36 Hen VIII - SB (Pat p11 m43) 

An overview of Land Transcations :

Overview of the above land transactions made by Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013]  of Dutton between 1543  & 1546.

There is an excellent general overview in "The Last days of the Lancashire Monasteries and the Pilgrimage of Grace"  by Christopher Haigh; Manchester Univ Press / Chetham Soc 1969 (book by author 1986)

Extracts relating to Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] (in the book as Crimbleholme for some reason !) are set out below.

Note : It will be seen that he appears to have been of of the very few speculators who purchased the various lands with a view to selling them soon afterwards in small parcels. How he financed the purchases and how much profit was made is not known. Earlier in 1530, he had taken the Abbot of Whalley to court for non payment of  Robert Crombleholme’s [Cro0011]  (Rector of Ribchester) pension. The outcome is not known but if he won the day, he may have been awarded a considerable sum of money. 

Lending money and charging interest (usury) had been forbidden as against the Law of God but by Henry VIII's (1509-47) reign the needs of capitalism made this uncontrollable and he decreed the law of interest rates up to 10%. His son Edward VI (1461-83) made this illegal again only to allowed again by Elizabeth I in 1571. 

P129 .......John Braddyll (see more detail below) began his career as a servant of Thomas Sherburne, who died in 1536 during his term of office as sheriff of the county. After Sherburne’s death Braddyll, who throughout his life was always quick to spot a good opportunity, transferred himself to the service of Thomas Holcroft (fn L & C Wills ii 106 f), and acted as his deputy in the Duchy receivership for Lancashire and Cheshire. .............Braddyll seems to have taken some time to accumulate capital and his purchases did not begin until 1542 when he bought of of Whalley’s land from Robert Holt. As yet, he was not of sufficient stature and importance to secure grant directly from the government, and his next purchase was also from an earlier grantee, with more Whalley land from Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] in 1544. (see 21st May 1544 above) (fn L & P xix (i), 610, g . 116). Thereafter Braddyll was able to make purchases from the government himself......

p132 ........The only real example of largely speculative purchases is that of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013], of whom, unfortunately, little is known (!!). Crombleholme who lived in Dutton, bought lands in Blackburn, formerly of Whalley Abbey in May 1543 (fn L & P xviii (i) 623, g . 79) and in the following year he sold small plots of it in Wiswald to John Braddyll and Richard Crombocke, and in Witton to John Astley (fn ibid xix (i) 610, g . 116). He did not confine his speculation to the lands of Lancashire houses, but purchased land in Dutton and Preston which had belonged to St John of Jerusalem, and more land in Colne, formerly owned Pontefract Monastery. (fn ibid xviii (i)  623, g . 79). He sold most of this in the following year, in eight small parcels, land in Marsden to John Braddyll and Henry Mankinholes, in Ribchester to Robert Byrley and Thomas Eccles, in Dutton to John Thrope, Richard Harrison and Richard & Hugh Ashe, and in Preston to Sir Richard Houghton (fn ibid xix (i) 610 g . 116). It is unlikely that Crombleholme [Cro0013] would have decided to sell and arranged so many sales in only fourteen months, and he must have bought the lands with the intention of selling them...........

p 133 ...........Sir Richard Houghton had been a member of the tenths committee in 1535, a J.P, Sheriff in 1540 and an MP in 1547. He had assisted Derby against the rebels in 1536 and helped in the collection of evidence afterwards......Thus Houghton had a reasonably safe expectation of such property as he could afford to purchase.........he began in June 1539 with lands which had been held by Whalley Abbey. ...........he was one of the first Lancashire men to obtain a grant and in May 1540, he was able to purchase lands that he had already leased. This was the only purchase monastic lands which Houghton made from the government, though in 1543 he bought land late of Preston Friary from Thomas Holcroft and in the following year (1544) Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] sold him land in Preston which the order of St John of Jerusalem had owned.(L & P, 610, g. 7.)

p137 .........There is a clear distinction, among the twenty four grantees who have been mentioned, between those able to purchase lands and those who only obtained leases. Except for those whose financial circumstances precluded any investment in more land, the lessees were all men of lower social status than the fourteen purchasers; the purchasers, except for Crombleholme [Cro0013], who seems to have been out for speculative gains, were all substantial gentry who had connection, however tenuous, with the government, and had proved their worth in local administration. These were the “new monastics”, those who really profited from the Suppression. The Crown’s gain was largely ephemeral as lands were sold off to pay for the expensive Scots wars and the promised schools and hospitals which were to replace the social activities of the monasteries were never built.

p138 .......It is difficult to see the grantees as a class of land hungry Protestant exploiters, eager to dismantle the Catholic Church and enrich themselves on the proceeds. Of the fourteen purchasers considered, the families of twelve were largely Catholic under Elizabeth, (fn see * below) they do not seem to have been particularly aggressive landlords, and they were no more litigious than any other Lancashire gentry.

* Twelve catholic families : Thomas Holt of Gristlehurst; William Eccleston; John Kechyn  (Kenyon ??)  John Braddyll; Lord Mounteagle; Sir Richard Houghton; Robert Holt of Stubley; Sir Alexander Radcliffe; Thurston Tildesley; Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] (VCH vii 60); William Thornborough; John Holcroft.

Chart showing properties purchased by Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013]

Created by Mike Murtha Nov 2022

The Braddyll Family : 

John Braddyll of Braddyll and Brockhole, gent. was a son of Edward Braddyll (c1480-1553). He was born c1505 and therefore was a similar age to Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013]. In 1533, he married Jennett d/o John Foster of Whalley gent. and they had sons Edward (heir) (1533-1607), Richard (1545 -  ) who married Dorothy d/o Thomas Catterall and relict of Robert Sherburne of Mytton, and daughters Jennet w/o Uchtred Morley of Braddyll gent; and Ann w/o John Chew of Parkhead; and Cecilia w/o Bernard Blakley gent. The Braddyll family had extensive dealings with Whalley Abbey from the early C14th.

John Braddyll (c1505-1578) was a lawyer and traded largely in lands of the suppressed monasteries. After the abbot of Whalley Abbey, John Paslew, had been executed in March 1537, the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Robert Radcliffe (Earl of Sussex) was responsible for pacifying the county. In April 1537, he moved into the the abbot’s lodgings and drew up an extensive inventory of the Abbey's property. One of the King’s surveyors, Richard Pollard came to Whalley to supervise the letting out of the abbey’s lands in small units to local people now as tenants of the Crown. 

It appears that John Braddyll had unofficially been made bailiff of Whalley Abbey by the Earl of Sussex by mid 1537. On 12th April 1539, by Royal Letters patent, the bailiwick of the Whalley Abbey’s lands was formally delivered to John Braddyll, officially making him the bailiff of Whalley Abbey. He would have been able to take possession of various household items including manuscripts and books. It is therefore very likely that he acquired a Book of Hours at Whalley and this was used between 1537 and 1645 to record births and marriages relating to the Braddyll, Talbot and White families. 

The book itself is English and dates from the mid C15th. ( Note : It was acquired finally by Lord Brotherton in the 1920’s and is known as Brotherton MS 15). It was not unusual for a post reformation family to annotate a pre-Reformation catholic devotional book in this way - similar to later family annotations in a Family Bible. 

John Braddyll then purchased various former monastic lands including on 21st May 1544 (see above) former Pontifract Abbey lands from Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013]

Whalley Abbey remained in sequestration for the next 15 years until June 1553, when John Braddyll purchased jointly with Richard Assheton of Lever, the Whalley Estate from the Crown for £2132  3s   0d.  This was potentially a high risk purchase as only 20 days later King Edward VI died and his heir Princess Mary, as a staunch Catholic, had already pledged to return the monasteries to their previous status. However, this did not take place and John Braddyll continued to amass vast wealth thorough his strong connections.

On 13th June 1563, Richard Assheton and John Braddyll of Whalley applied to the Sheriff of Lancashire Sir Thomas Hesketh requesting way for coal-wains through Marthome. (Source : Lancs Archives ref DDHE 55/1) Note : This would have been a early coal mine

John Braddyll died in November 1578 leaving a vast number of lands and properties in the area - in his will of May 1575, he charged his son Edward and his grandson John to spend on the estate wisely ....."the most part of the lands which I leave to them came upto me by special gift and suffrance of Almighty God.. by reason of buying and selling of lands that I bought of King Henry the Eighte”.      

(Sources : As noted and History of Blackburn p440 - History of County of Lancashire Vol 7; The Book of Hours of the Braddyll Family of Whalley Abbey (on line : University of Leeds; Brotherton MS 15  by Michael G Brennan)

1546 - 16th July : Grant of letters patent of Henry VIII to John Braddyll of Whalley for £220.10s - recites previous grants by letters patent ....1545 to John Bradyll of Whalley [lands previously belonging to Whalley Abbey];  1542 to Robt Holt of Stubley (Rochdale) [lands previously belonging to Whalley Abbey]

Will of John Braddill of Whalley esq (precis by archives)

Son Edward and friend Gilbert Gerrard, Attorney-General. To Thomas Singleton of Oxeforth £3.6s.8d; suspension of rent of tenement of servant Richard Craven in Dinckeley; to eldest son Edward "one Standinge Pece of Silver with a cover whereon is graven the armes of Brockehole" as an heirloom; 1d each to all poor at funeral, with dining for about 80; 5 marks to be distributed among poorest "aboute my howses at Whalley and Brockehole.... to pray for me, Jenet my wiffe, Richard Percie, Thomas Shirburne, esquiers, and Sir Thomas Holcrofte, deceased, whoe were all my speciall good maisters with whome I served one after another, and moste speciallie for kinge Henry the eight, by whome my firste risinge and gaine was gotten by biene and sellinge of landes and other divers bargaines".Refers also to son Richard, son Bernard Blakey, daughter Jenet, godson John Braddill, cousin John Crombooke, John son of son Edward Richard Assheton, esq., servant John Chowe, friend William Gerrard of Harowe, esq., sister Margery Chatburn, widow, Robert Chatburne, Thomas Chatburne, Robert Chowe of the Potterforthe, William Blackburne, James Holcar of Wiswall, James Holcar of the Crosse, Christopher Robinson the younger of Barrowe for the, Christopher Baldwin, John Speyke, John Pollard the younger, Mrs. Anne Gerrard, John Tempest of Wiresdale and Francis Samwell; to the repair of Whalley Church 20s; to Maister vicar 10s; to the repair of Langall Chappell 10s yearly out of a lease had of William Farington and Anne his wife of the tithes of Brockhole, also 10s yearly on repairing the highway of Billington between the Chowe milne and Langall chappell and on to Dinckeley brook.Refers to lease from the Queen of coalpits at Brodehead in Burnley and at Padiham 

Proved at York 1 Sep. 1579).   (Source : Lancs archives DDBR/20/1  Braddyll of Portfield in Whalley 1318-1773)

Note : It is interesting that he acknowledges King Henry VIII as the reason for his success and wealth. Richard Crombleholme [13] with whom John Braddill had many dealings had pre-deceased him in 1576.

Background to the Dissolution of the Monasteries :

Henry VIII’s desire to divorce and marry a new wife with the hope of having a male heir was a prime reason for initiating the dissolution of the Church. He also felt that he was "taking back" lands that earlier nobles and Kings had bestowed on the Church. He had parted from the Pope in 1534 and made himself head of the country’s church. He imposed a further 10% tax on church lands in addition to the taxes payable to the Pope that had been redirected to the Crown. A survey was required to properly assess the properties and revenues.

This was a large scale financial survey to examine how much property was owned by the Church in England and Wales. Local unpaid gentry, mayors and sheriffs were given this task and they would have been in good positions to make the most of any attack on religious houses in their area. The findings were fed back to Thomas Cromwell in the same year and he then ordered further visits using his own staff (mainly Thomas Legh and Richard Layton) who were both ambitious and it is assumed suitably adjusted their reports to fit in with Cromwell’s aims. Many house complained about these tactics but Cromwell ignored them. In the north of England (including Lancashire) these bullying methods by the “evil councillors” were partially responsible for the Pilgrimage of Grace in October 1536. 

In March 1536, Parliament passed an act stating that any monastery with an annual income of less than £200 (as assessed by the VE) was to be dissolved and their property passed to the Crown. The heads of the houses were offered pensions and other members given to choice of transferring to a larger house or living in society free of any vows.

Some 300 houses fell into this requirement and the majority were closed down but with 67 with good government connections were given royal permission to remain open but they had to pay a year’s income to do so. The government commissioners moved quickly and their valuables - gold, silver, bronze and lead were removed and melted down. Lands were swiftly rented out and other items auctioned off locally. Many houses became ruins very quickly with the local population helping themselves to the high quality building materials. 

However, in the north, the local population did not widely support this action and this was also another reason for the Pilgrimage of Grace. Some houses were charged with helping the rebels. Henry restored order and then showed no mercy. The head of each house was declared a traitor in an act of attainder and executed. With somewhat dubious legality, it was declared that the houses were their property and transferred to the Crown as required by the act of attainder. 

This is what happened at Whalley Abbey with the head of the house (Abbot John Paslew) being tried and executed. Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] (who purchased some of the lands of Whalley Abbey - see above) as a executor of Robert Crombleholme [Cro0011] had taken John Paslew to court earlier in 1530. For this and more on the Pilgrimage of Grace :  (see law suit) .

With a second Act in 1539, Cromwell then tackled the larger houses with annual incomes over £200 mainly in the southern areas. His commissioners were, this time, able to use "fear tactics" relating to the recent Pilgrimage of Grace.  In total, about 8000 religious persons were affected with some 3200 monks/canons, 1800 friars and 1560 nuns affected by this second act. There were also many locals who depended on the religious houses and estimates for the numbers affected are in the region of 80,000.

Consequences : 

Although a major disruption at the time, there were great long term rewards for the country as a whole. Marriages and inheritances had been the only way of gaining new land since the Norman conquest. The confiscation of church lands resulted in a new way of regarding land as a commodity. These dramatic changes in land tenure disorganised many established geographical and kinship based social groups in addition to greatly restricting the power of the church within communities. 

In being able to sell off the church lands and create new titles, not only did Henry VIII generate wealth for the Crown but a new landed gentry class with capital and commercial investments was created. This new gentry class was allowed to conduct business that had been forbidden to the old nobles, who were only allowed to profit from war or agriculture. Although they recovered in time, many old estates were compromised and their long held rights and feudal obligations began to fall apart. The new gentry were able to extract wealth from their lands (ie coal, iron and timber - see John Braddyll in 1563 above). More capital was generated that gave more leisure and wealth to spend on education, research and emerging technology. In many ways, this process could be said to have unwittingly sparked the country's Industrial Revolution.    (Sources : Various including "Land tenure and the origins of capitalism in Britain" by S M Newman) 

1548 - 3rd September : ( Final Concords 2 Edward VI) Between William Crombelom [Cro0055] and John Woodeburne plaintiffs and James Halsall & 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)

1555 - 4th May : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] 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 [58] 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 of Whalley is John Braddyll to whom Richard C [13] had sold lands in May 1544

1557 - Sale of Wigglesworth Estate to Richard Shireburn. (Source : British Library Harleian MS ref 607) MM

Note : Not all the estate was attainted when Hamerton was executed for his part in the Pilgrimage of Grace. Some of it was retained by his widow but would have required Royal assent for the sale

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 Monastry of Whalley and had been secretly & subtlety kept from the Queen and her forefaters    (Source : History of Ribchester p52 -  M26)    Note : It is not clear what the implicatiuons of keeping this land "secretly and subtlety " from the Queen were. 

c.1565 - Alice Crombleholme [Cro0014] daughter of Richard Crombleholme [Cro0056] of Dutton married John Townley (Source : Baines Vol IV)  INCORRECT !

1567 - 10th October : Richard Cromylholme [Cro0013]  The like (licence) for Richard Cromylholme [Cro0013] to alienate lands in Ribchester, Co. Lancaster, now or late in the several tenures of John Blackburne and Roger Walmysley, late of the Preceptory or Commandery of Newland, Co. York, and granted to Crombilholme by patent 20 May 36 Hen VIII (1545), to Blackburne and Walmysley and the heirs and assigns od Blackburne . For 3s  6d.  (Source : PRO (now NA) Calendar of the Patent Rolls  Elizabeth I,  Vol IV 1566-1569  HMSO 1964 - page 42  item 368)

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 [Cro0055] having died shortly before him. William [Cro0055] was living and died "Apud Cromeleholme apud Dutton". (apud : near by; in or at) William [Cro0055] died before his father and he was succeeded by a grandson Richard [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 [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 : The name and maiden name of the wife  [Cro643] of William C  [Cro055]  is as yet unknown.

Death & Burial :

1576 : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] dies - the exact date or place of burial are not known.

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 ! 

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 Inquistion 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 Inquistions, 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)

1578 - 29th November : 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). Note : Richard Crombleholme [Cro0058] is given as being 26 years old giving his birth date as 1552.

1586 - 17th September : Bond of William Garstinge of Preston in Amoundernes, yeoman, to Richard Crombleholme [Cro0064] of Dutton, yeoman, respecting tenements, lands, etc. in Preston, granted to the said Richard's grandfather, Richard Crombleholme [Cro0013] , deceased, by letters patent of May 20, 1544. (Sept. 17, 1586).   (Source : University of Manchester Library Clowes Deeds Preston Ref 133/CLD/1096)

1588 - 8th September : Inquistion Post Mortem of Richard [13]'s grandson Richard C [58] - Richard [13]'s transcations and gifts are recorded several times (see 1544/5 above and also use this link for full transcription by MM Feb 2022)  

End