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Sir Edward Grey of Morpeth's will. From the History Of Northumberland Vol II on page 354.
"The following is an abstract of Sir Edward Grey's will, dated at Morpeth castle 10 Jan., 1627, proved 1631 : 'Whereas I am seised of the demesne and mannour of Howicke, the one moitie in fee ferme, th' other in fee simple, to me and myne heires for ever, after the expiration of one lease, formerly made by me and yet unexpired; my will is, and I do hereby give and bequeath unto Margaret Gray, widdow, late wife of my eldest sonne Phillipp Gray, deceased, one annuity of £35 for life, out of the said mannour. Item, I do give the aforesaid mannour and lands in Howicke unto Edward Gray, eldest sonne of my sonne Philipp Gray, deceased, and to the heirs male of his body, etc., with remainder to John, Ralph, and Philip the sons of Philip Gray, deceased, respectively, failing them and their heirs, unto Edward Gray my own sonne. I give to John, Ralph and Philip, sons of my son Philip, £500 to be devided amongst them, and this five hundred poundes is to be raised, partly out of the stocke goinge and depasturinge in my lands in Howicke aforesaid, and partly out of certaine somes of money remaininge in the hands of Randall Fenwicke my sonne in law. I give unto Edward Gray, sonne of my said sonne Philipp Gray, all myne houshold stuffe remaininge in myne house att Howicke in the possession of my sonne in law Randall Fenwicke, but yet so as my said sonne Randall may retaine it payinge unto the said Edward Gray the some of in money. Item, I give unto my two daughters, Catherine Fenwicke and Elizabeth Gray, twenty poundes a peece to buy each of them a gowne. Item, I give unto my daughter, Elizabeth Gray, the third parte of myne houshold stuffe remaineing in Morpeth castle. Item, I give unto my grandchild Elizabeth Fenwicke, daughter of my daughter Catherine Fenwicke, the some of forty poundes for the helpeing of her portion or her other preferment; and whereas my sonne Thomas Graye hath in his marriage run a course to his owne prejudice and overthrow and to my discontent, yet neveryelesse, haveinge formerly intended him the lease of the tithe of Learmouth demesne for his naturall life, I doe, notwithstandinge his miscarriage by this my last will confirme the same unto him, accordinge to my former intencon, and I doe likewise give unto him, the said Thomas Gray, one horse, which is and shal be the filiall and childs portion he may expect from me, and no more . . . Item, I leave my men servants unto the care and consideracon of my sonne Edward Gray, to gratifie them with such thinge as he shall thinke necessarie. The residue I leave to my son, Edward Gray, whom I make sole executor.' Durham Probate Registry."
Thomas' children: Thomas and Edward in Angerton. Edward Grey of Angerton Mill. A number of property deeds connect Edward of Angerton Mill to the Fenwicks at Little Harle and Deanham near Wallington. This may be one of the ways that the catholic Greys protected their property.
1649 Nov 12 Eliz. Gray of Morpeth spinster grants to Edward Gray of Angerton Mill and Thomas Pye parson of Elsden gents. her village of Old Deenham in p. of H. with all appurtenances to hold to use of E.G. for her life and then of Katherine Fenwick (sister of E.G.) for her life and then of nephew John Fenwick of Little Harle and his heirs and assigns forever on condition J.F. pays to Edw. and Frances Fenwick (nephew and neice of E.G.) £10 apiece p.a. for their life. [NRO ZSW/173/15]
1654 Jul 3 By Edward Gray of Angerton gent. that an annuity of £10 out of lands etc., in New Denham assigned to him in deed of 3rd July 1654 is held by him as trustee for Mrs. Elizabeth Gray of Morpeth. [NRO ZSW/176/3]
Jul 18 Edward Graye of Angerton esq., acknowledges that the lease dated 15 Aug. 1653 from Algernon Earl of Northumberland and others of 3 tenements in Kirkwhelpington for 21 years at £6 annual rent was taken in his name in trust for his cousin John Fenwicke of Little Harle. [NRO ZSW/174/8]
1657/58 Mar 11 Kath. Fenwick of Morpeth spinster for £450 leases to Edward Gray of Angerton Mill gent and Rob. Lisle of Weldon gent New Deanham village with all houses, lands, etc., for 21 years at 12 pence p.a. rent. [NRO ZSW/173/17]
Mar 12 1. Edw. Gray of Angerton Mill gent. and Robert Lisle of Weldon gent. 2. Katherine Fenwick of Morpeth spinster Whereas K.F. by deed of 11 March 1658 leased to E.G. and R.L. for 21 years the village called New Deanham in p. of H. Now they agree that unless E.G. and R.L. pay to K.F. £700 by 1st May next, the above lease will be void. [NRO ZSW/173/18]
The will of Elizabeth Gray of Morpeth Dated 11 Oct 1656. Transcribed by owlcullom in a post in ancestry in 2014 with ongoing corrections by Julie Simpson and Claire Grey. Relatives shown in bold are indicated on the chart in red. Those in bold italics are not shown.
In the name of God Amen I Elizabeth Gray of Morpeth in the County of Northumland Spinster daughter of Sr: Edward Gray knight deceased late of Morpeth Castle in the said County of Northumbland being weake in body but of perfect mind and memory praysed be God for the same doe make this my last will and Testamt in manner and form following, First I bequeath my Soule to Almighty God my creator and redeemer and my body to be buried where my Executors shall appoint, And as touching my worrdly Estate of what kind soever, I doe dispose thereof as followeth, and first whereas I have an Anuity or rent charge of thirty pounds per ann lawfull English money issuing going and coming forth out of the lands and tenements of Sr John Fennwick Knt and Barronett and William ffenwicke Esqr his sonne in Ashington within ye parish of Bothall and County of Northumberland, payable by the said Sr John ffinwicke and William ffenwicke his sonne yearly at Martinmas and Penticost by equall porcons as appeareth by their Deed Indented bearing date the tenth day of June in the three and twentieth yeare of the Late King Charles, with one bond bearing date the three and twentieth day of June and three and twentieth years of the said King Charles for performance of covenants, which rent charge is taken in the name of my Cosen Robert Gray of Langton in the County of York Esqr as ffioffie in trust for my life, I do give twentie pounds yearly out of the said rent charge unto my nephew Edward ffinwike sonne of Randall ffenwick gentl deceased and to his heirs and assignes for ever together with all the deeds, evidence & securities granted for the same, To have and to hold the said Anuity or rent charge of twenty pounds per ann unto the said Edward ffenwike Esq heires and assigns for ever, and for all the other tenn Pounds of the said annuity or rent charge of thirty pounds per ann, I give the said tenn pounds per ann yearly unto my niece ffrances ffinwike daughter of Randall ffenwike aforesaid and to her heirs and assigns for ever; To have and to hold the said annuity or rent charge of tenn pounds per ann unto the said ffrancis ffinwicke her heirs and assigns for ever, and if any tyme hereafter the aforesaid Sr John ffinnwike and William ffinwicke his sonne or any of their heires please to pay in the principall money for which the said rent charge of thirty pound p ann ?was granted then my will is that my nephews Edward ffennwike and his heirs shall have two parts of the said principall money and my niece ffrancis ffinwicke and her heirs shall have the other third part. Item wheras
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I am seazed to me and my heirs of one Anuity or rent charge of tenn pounds per ann lawfull English money issueing going and comeing forth out of the lande of Ralph Midleton deceased in Whoton in the County of Northumberland payable by the said Ralph Midleton of Trewicke and his heirs yearly upon the ninth day of June, and the ninth day of December by equall porcon & as appeareth by a conveyance made betwixt the said Ralph Midleton and me, I doe give the said anuity or rent charge of tenn pounds per ann with all the deeds evidences and securities granted to me for the same unto my Nephew Henry Graye sonne of my brother Edward Gray and to his heirs and assigns for ever, To have and to hold the said annuity or rent charges of tenn pounds per ann unto the said Henry Graye his heirs and assigns for ever; Item whereas I am seised to me and my heirs for ever of one annuity or rent charge of five pound per ann lawfull English money issueing goeing and coming out of the land of Nicholas Thornton gentl in Gally hill in the County of Northumberland payable by the said Nicholas Thornton and his heirs at the feast of St Martin the Bushopp in winter and penticost commonly called Whitsonday yearly by equall porcons, I doe give the said Anuity or rent charge of five pounds per ann unto my nephew Thomas Graye of Angerton sonne of my brother Thomas Graye deceased; and to his heirs and assigns for ever; To have and to hold the said annuity or rent charge of ffive pounds per ann unto the said Thomas Graye his heirs an assigns for ever, Item whereas I am seised to me and my heirs for ever of one an Anuity or rent charge of twenty pounds per ann lawfull English money issuing going and comeing forth out of the Lands and tenements of Sr Edward Widdington Barronett in Snitter in the County of Northmberland, payable by the said Sr Edward Widdington yearly at Martinmas and Whitsonday by equall porcons as appeareth by his deed Indented bearing date the five and twentieth day or Maie in the Eighteen year of the late King Charles, I doe give and bequeath the said Anuity or rent charge of twenty pounds per ann unto my nephew Edward Graye Grandchild of my brother Edward Graye and to his heirs and assigns for ever, And my will is that the evidences and deeds for the said Anuity or rent charges shall be kept in the hande or custody of my Cosen Joseph Charles Brandling Esqr of ffelling till the child come to the full age of one and twenty years and if he dye before that tyme, then I do desire that the said writing may be delivered to my Nephew Henry Graye sonne of my brother Edward Graye, Item whereas I am seised to me me and my heirs for ever of one dwelling howse in Morpeth in a street called Newgate, which is the Howse I now dwell in with a garden back Court, two ?rigge of land and two back houses thereuto belonging. I doe give and bequeath the said dwelling howse with the premises before menconed and all and every their appurtinence unto my niece Katherine ffenwicke for and during her life naturall and after her decease to my nephew Edward Graye of Angerton mill and to his heirs and assigns forever, provided allways that my nephew Henry Graye may have his Lodging Chambers & Closett now in his possession and one Stall in the Stable for his life naturall only for his own use but not to let or dispose of to any other. Item I doe give and bequeath my garden and front Joyning to Thomas Soppette howse unto my niece Katherine ffenwicke for and during her
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Her life naturall, and after her decease to my Nephew Edward Graye of Angerton Mill and to her heirs and assigns for ever Item I do give unto my neece Katherine ffenwick all the interest I have in John Coupers back kitchen Item whereas I am seised to me and my heirs for ever of one annuity or rent charge of ten shilling p ann lawfull English money issuing and goeing forth of fored(?) Riggs of land within the Burroton(?) of Morpeth known by the name of Stony flatt payable yearly by Robert Wardhaugh and Isabell his wife at the feast of St Martin the Bushopp in winter as appeareth by their deed bearing date the seaven and twentieth day of January anno dni. one thousand six hundred thirty seaven I doe give and bequeath the said annuity or rent charges of Tenn shillings p an. unto my nephew Edward Gray of Angerton and to my neece Katherine ffenwicke and to their heirs and assigns for ever, Item whereas I have an annuity or rent charge of thirty two shillings p anno. lawfull English money issueing and goeing out of a burgage howse messuage or tenemt of Nicholas Swann in Morpeth lately purchased of Thomas Reedhead and out of his mault- kiln in Morpeth aforesaid in a street called Newgate at a place called Clopper Chargert(?)Capper Chayne? which rent charge or annuity is taken in the name of my nephew Edward Graye of Angerton Mill in trust for my use, I doe give and bequeath the said annuity or rent charge of thirty two shillings p anno unto my nephew Edward Graye of Angerton Mill and to my neece Katherine ffenwicke and to their heirs and assigns for ever or towards the payment of Legacies. Item whereas I have a debt of ffiftie pounds lawfull English money oweing to me by Edward Lewin of Limmouth/ Learmouth? gentl for securing of which money certen lands are engaged to my nephew Edward Graye of Angerton Mill in trust for my use called by the name of Bells Close part of the Northfield lands in the parish of Morpeth and County of Northumbland I doe give and bequeath the said some of ffifty pounds & all the interest clayme and title I have in the said lands unto my neece Katherine ffenwicke, and my nephew Edward Gray of Angerton mill and to their heirs and assigns for ever towards the payments of debts and Legaies, Item whereas I have a debt of two hundred and threescore pounds lawfull English money oweing me which is to be paid out of the lands at Riplington and Whoton (Whalton) in the Countie of Northumberland late belonging to Cuthbert Sapwith In body? of London deceased the security for the said moneys being taken in the name of my nephew Edward Graye of Angerton mill as ?feoffe in trust for me, I doe give and bequeath the said debt of two hundred and threescore pounds with all the deeds Leases Evidences and writings which were passed and granted to my said nephew Edward Graye in trust for me unto my three neeces vizt Elizabeth Graye Katherine Graye and Ann Graye all daughters of my brother Thomas Gray deceased thus to be devided vizt to Eliz. Graye one hundred pounds, to Katherine Graye one hundred pounds and to Ann Graye threescore pounds, Item whereas Sr ffrancis Brandling knight late of Alnewick abbey deceased and Sr Nicholas Tempest knight late of fflattworth deceased in the County of Northumberland and their heirs stand bound to me in a penall Bond of six hundred pounds lawfull English money which bond
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Bond of six hundred pounds Lawful English money which bond I have ?served/sured and have obteyned a judgement upon the said bond against the said Sr Nicholas Tempest, I doe give and bequeath the said bond and all the moneys due and payable uppon the said bond or judgmt. and all the interest and title I have in or to anie? the lands of the said Sr Nicholas Tempest aforesaid by virtue of the said bond and Judgment unto my nephew Henry Graye my nephew Charles Graye, and my four nieces videlicit, Mary Riddell Margarett Gray, Katherine Graye and Elizabeth Gray all children of my brother Edward Graye equally to be devided among them part and part like, Item whereas I have a debt of two hundred pounds lawfull English money owing me uppon bond by John Thornton esqr of Nether Witton in the County of Northumberland w’ch bond is taken in the name of my nephew Edward Gray of Angerton mill in trust for me, I doe give and bequeath the said two hundred pounds unto my said nephew Edward Graye of Angerton mill his heirs and assigns with all the bonds and writings granted for the same, Item I doe give and bequeath unto my brother Edward Graye, my silver Bason and Ewer, Item I do give and bequeath unto my nephews Henry Gray sonne of my brother Edward Gray two silver flaggons. Item I do give and bequeath unto my Cosen Robert Graye of Langton. Esqr my Cosin Edward Gray his brother, and my Cosen Martha Gray his sister five pounds a piece each of them to buy a ring, Item I doe give unto my Cosen Margarett Reed daughter of my Cosen Henry Gray of Kyloe twenty pounds; Item I doe give unto my Cosin Elizabeth Wood my God daughter Twenty pounds. Item I doe give unto my nephew Phillip Gray of Howicke tenn pounds, and to his three brothers five pounds a piece each of them, Item I doe give unto my sister Katherine ffenwicke my gold borders, Item I give unto my niece Kath. Ffenwicke my Ruby buttons and to my niece ffrancis ffenwicke my pearle buttons, And I desire my Executors as speedily as they can after my death to pay my debts Legacies and funerall expenses, but my will and mind is that my Executors or either of them shall not be sued troubled or molested for any Legacies given to any person whatsoever until they have made sale of my personall estate which I have left for the payment of my debts and Legacies, Lastly I doe make constitute and appoint my nephew Edward Gray of Angerton Mill, and my neece Katherine ffenwicke daughter of Randall ffenwicke gentl deceased full Executors of this my last will and testament; unto whom I doe give the remainder and surplusage of all my p.sonall estate equally to be devided betwixt them part and part like my debts Legacies funerall expenses and other charges defrayed. In witnes whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale the Eleaventh day of October in the year of our lord God one thousand six hundred and ffifty six; Elizabeth Gray; Signed sealed and acknowledged by the above said Elizabeth Graye to be her last will and testament before these witnesses Roger Rames(?) John Challener(?) his mark Thomas Pearson William Barker
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This will was probated at London before the Judges for pobate of wills and granting adminacons the fourth day of June gr by the oaths of Edward Graye and Katherine ffenwicke Executors named in sc to whome was remitted adminacon of all and singular (of) the goods that chattels and debts sc They being first by Comission sworne truly to administer.
Left: A version of part of Raine's Grey pedigree which was copied by Hepple, with some additions to show the relatives mentioned in the 1656 will of Elizabeth Gray of Morpeth, the daughter of Sir Edward.
This will was written during the time of Oliver Cromwell. The monarchy was not restored until 1660. Quite a number of those mentioned had supported the King. Edward Grey of Morpeth's son Edward of Bitchfield had married into the Widdrington family as had his brother Henry of Newminster. In 1648 Sir Edward Widdrington had raised an army of 2,000 foot soldiers and 200 horsemen to fight for the Royalist cause.
The Howard Family Papers index refers to a Grey family in Ponteland. N15/5 24/25 February 1789 (1) Roger Shotton, late of South Blyth, now of Ponteland (2) John Gray of Ponteland, Yeoman. Grant of the Walk Mill Close, etc
N15/6 18 June 1791 (1) Elizabeth Clark of Newcastle, widow of Joseph Clark (2) John Gray Release of her dower in the Walk Mill Close.
N15/7 10 August 1792 Copy will of John Gray of Morpeth, Yeoman. “Wife Margaret, son Andrew under 21, my daus. Jane and Mary under 21 my dau. Isabella, wife of Robert Laing, hairdresser of Newcastle, my eldest son James Gray, my son John Gray under 21, my dau. Margaret Gray under 21, my brother James Gray of Millfield, Co. Northumberland, farmer”. (Notes that he died soon after and his widow proved the will at Durham. Counsel's opinion. R t. Hopper Williamson, 8 March 1808).
N15/8 24/25 March 1808 (1) C.G.Wheler Edward Lawson James Gray John Gray Andrew Gray Robert Laing and Isabella his wife Jane Gray Margaret Gray (2) Jacob Hudson of Morpeth, merchant Grant by (1) to (2) of Walk Mill Close. N15/9 25 March 1808 (1) Peter Talmadge of Newcastle, gentleman and Margaret his wife, formerly Margaret Gray, spinster (2) Jacob Hudson Release of Margaret's interest in the estate of John Gray, her father.
A number of these legacies come from family members, whose connections to the Greys are being followed up. They include the Fenwick family who were based at Wallington: "Sr John Fennwick Knt and Barronett and William ffenwicke Esqr his sonne in Ashington"; the Middleton family based at Belsay Castle, "Ralph Midleton deceased in Whoton (Whalton) in the County of Northumberland payable by the said Ralph Midleton of Trewicke" The Widdrington family: "Sr Edward Widdrington Barronett in Snitter ", the Thornton family; "land of Nicholas Thornton gentl in Gally hill in the County of Northumberland, & John Thornton esqr of Nether Witton"; and others: "my Cosen Joseph Charles Brandling Esqr of Felling", Robert Wardhaugh and Isabell his wife, Nicholas Swann in Morpeth , Edward Lewin of Limmouth/ Learmouth? gentl , the land of Cuthbert Sapwith in Riplington and Whoton (Whalton) late belonging to Sr Francis Brandling knight late of Alnewick abbey deceased and Sr Nicholas Tempest knight late of Flattworth".
George Errington (married Jane Ewbank d/o Toby Ewbank and Mary/Margaret Grey- d/o Henry Grey & Mary Widdrington) who is mentioned in the will of Catherine Horsley, was the son of Katherine Tempest the sister to Nicholas Tempest of Flatworth. The Erringtons were based at Ponteland.
By 1638 Little Harle appears to belong to Edward Grey of Newminster and the Riddles who pass it to Katherine Fenwick. This may mean that not only is Randall Fenwick dead but Thomas as well?
Copy of Agreement - ref. ZSW/174/6 - date: 2 Aug 1638 1. Sir Wm. Riddle of Gateside (Durham) kt., Thomas Riddle of Newcastle and Edward Gray of Newminster Abbey esqs. 2. Katherine Fenwicke of Lt. Harle widow of Randal Whereas on 29 July 10 Charles I Randall Fenwicke, Edward Gray and another granted to Sir Wm. and Thomas Riddle the capital messuage and demesne lands called Little Harle in p. of Kirkwhelpington, Now the first parties covenant that if Katherine and John pay £1,250 to Edw. Gray then they will convey the premises to Kath. for her life and then to John and his heirs and assigns forever. Northumberland Record Office: Swinburne (Capheaton) estate records [ZSW/60 - ZSW/672] Swinburne (Capheaton)
Angerton and Angerton Mill Houses and farms bearing the Angerton name include High Angerton which is called Home Farm on modern maps, Angerton Hall, Low Angerton, Mill Greens which may have been the site of Angerton Mill, Angerton Moor Cottage, also called South Moor and Angerton Steads.
Sir Edward Grey of Howick was constable of Morpeth castle and sheriff of Northumberland in 1597 and 1598. In July 1598 Sir Robert Carey wanted to use it , writing that Sir Edward had no grant to use the Queen's Castle. See below and here. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne, Vol X Jan 1901-Dec 1902
Left: Whalton with Riplington to the north west, and Gallowhill the home of Nicholas Thornton. According to Hodgson it was sold in 1642 to John Swinburn, which is before the date of Elizabeth Grey's will.
North and East Trewick. "Ralph Midleton deceased in Whoton (Whalton) in the County of Northumberland payable by the said Ralph Midleton of Trewicke" This branch of the Middletons can be seen here.
The Northumberland Archives have these records:
Reference: ZMI/B1/III/6 Description: (1) Lancelot Meggison and John Spraggon of Whalton, Northumberland, yeoman. (2) Ralph Middleton of Trewick. Bond from (1) to (2) for £500. Conditions: security for well ordering tenancies etc. in Whalton. Signed: mark and seal of Lancelot Meggison, mark and seal of John Spragon. Seals, two on placard. Witnessed Rob. Fenwicke, Edw. Wiggham, Rich. Osmotherley. On paper. Date: 1618 February 12
Reference: ZMI/B2/IV/7 Description: (1) William Middleton of Trewicke, Northumberland, gent., son and heir of Ralph Middleton, late of Trewick. (2) John Brownell of Furnivalls Inne, co. Middlesex, gent. Further agreement concerning the mortgage of Eddington, Trewicke, and Whalton. Signed, Will. Middleton. Seal lost. Endorsed: witnessed, Francis Anderson, Nich. Hardinge Date: 1657 July 20
Howard Family Papers relating to Angerton leases continue to show an Edward and Thomas Grey at Angerton into the 1700s: "N79/1-13 12 April 1704 Leases (counterpart) of messuages in High Angerton, all granted by Charles, Earl of Carlisle to the following (all in High Angerton, unless otherwise stated). N79/2 To Mr Edward Grey of High Angerton, two messuages. N79/3 To Mr Thomas Grey. N79/7 To Edward Grey, Thomas Grey, Francis Smith, Nicholas Jowsey, William Smith, Mathew Soppett and Mathew Wardell. Messuage late in the tenure of Gawen Collingwood, Yeoman deceased. N79/14-20 18 September 1725 Counterpart leases, all granted by Charles, Earl of Carlisle for 21 years. N79/14 To Edward Grey of Morpeth, Gentleman, Low Angerton, rent £30".
Was the Edward Grey of Morpeth a son? An Edward Gray of Morpeth appears holding power of attorney in 1720 in catholic estate records here. p.77.
Catholic families continued to be rebellious. James Radcliffe the Earl of Derwentwater was executed after supporting the rebellion in 1715. The catholic Thornton family also supported the rebels. John Thornton, the head of the family and owner of an estate believed by the government in 1705 to be valued at £500 came out on behalf of the Pretender and was subsequently captured, tried and sentenced to death but reprieved in August 1716 and released from custody in February 1717, but he was not able to avoid the forfeiture of his estates. By late 1720 the property was back in the hands of the family. He died in 1742 and the land passed to his son Thomas. A list of the properties and their tenants was made in the 1760s. It included land near Longhorsley: " Wingates Middle farm and Moor, John Gray £100 No written agreement, but verbally for 11 years from 12 May 1765 and East part of Wingates William Gray £82 No written agreement, but verbally for 11 years from 12 May 1766".
Most catholics were on the side of the Royalists in the Civil war. Among the catholic colonels in the Loyalist army were Charles Brandling of Alnwick, Edward Gray of Chillingham, and Sir Edward Widdrington of Cartington.
The Thorntons were related to the Fenwicks and also related to the Grey family though their great great grandmother. Sir Nicholas of Netherwitten was perhaps more closely connected because he was married to Anne Widdrington the daughter of Sir Henry Widdrington. Sir Edward Widdrington(s/o of Roger Widdrington, brother of Sir Henry), was cousin of Margaret Widdrington (d/o Sir Henry Widdrington) who married Edward Grey (1587-1658). Roger's wife being Mary Radcliffe d/o Francis Radcliffe and Isabel Grey d/o Ralph and Isabel Grey.
Records of the Committees for Compounding, Etc. with Delinquent Royalists in Durham and Northumberland During the Civil War, etc 1643-1660. The Publications of the Surtees Society Vol CXI, MCMV ( 1905) :Pages 360-362.
‘" 'Delinquents, conquered Royalists, are now getting themselves fined, according to rigorous proportions, by a Parliament Committee which sits, and will sit long, at Goldsmiths’ Hall, making that locality very memorable to Royalist gentlemen.’—Carlyle, Oliver Cromwell's Letters and Speeches. Introduction to Letter xl., dated Oct. 6, 1646."
1651. May 21. Cuth. Sapwith of Gray’s Inn Lane, begs reference- to counsel of his right to lands in Riplington, Whalton, etc., Northd., sequestered last Feb. by the Cou. Com. as belonging to Thornton and Gray, papists, but held by petitioner before the late wars.—Referred to Mr. Reading.
1652. May ? Francis Cheeseman, officer in the army, begs discharge on the Act of Pardon of lands in Riplington, par. of Whalton, co. Northd., the rents of which were stayed in the tenants’ hands as belonging to Edwd. Grey, and Nich. Thornton, but they really belong to petitioner. 1652. May 21. Thos. Anderson and Hen. Jolly, citizens of London, beg discharge on the Act of Pardon of lands in Riplington, bought by Cuth. Sapwith in 1643, of Edwd. Grey and Nich. Thornton, and by him sold to petitioners, who have always been well affected.—Order, on report, that the sale of 1643, on which Sapwith claims, cannot be allowed on the present proof.
On page 362 Nicholas Thornton is also listed as owning the farm of Windgates in Longhorsley.
1654. Jan. 12. Elizth. Grey petitions to contract for two-thirds of her sequestered estate.
"Certificate that Edwd. Grey farmed her estate at £55 a year on lease for 21 years, or for her life, and that she died, Dec 7, 1657, when the sequestration was discharged, he being a Protestant." See here:
15 July 1598 Sir Robert Carey writes: "There is not so fit a place for me in the whole country as the Queen’s castle of Morpeth, now in possession of Mr Edward Graye, but by no grant from her Majestie as I am informed. I would be very sorry to prejudice him in any way, but the castle being the Queen’s, and so equally dividing the march, as it lies in the heart and very middle thereof, if your Lordship be pleased, I doubt not, her Majesty will think is fitter for her officer than any other. Mr. Graye may have many other houses within the town of Morpeth to serve his turn and enjoy his living as heretofore. I will not seek his hindrance in any way, only desiring to be in the castle and have some few grounds about it for hay and grass ’, etc. On 19 July Lord Burghley approves of the plan to Sir Robert Cecil; and on 14 Sept. of the same year Mr. Edward Graye makes light of the Queen’s warrant to give up the castle to Sir Robert Carey and declines to give up possession."
Thomas Gray has left few traces. It seems that he was living at Morpeth castle in 1623, married before 1627, John Fenwick at Wallington granted him Little Harle with his brother Edward in 1623, he is a witness to his brother Edward's purchase of Biitchfield from the Fenwicks in 1630, contesting his father's will in 1632/33, but dead before 1656.
Hodgson records that on 15 Aug. 1633, proceedings were commenced against Edward Grey of Morpeth castle, esq., for an unlawful or clandestine marriage, he, as one of the witnesses deposed, having been married ‘ by a stranger about Easter, now gone 3 yeares at Easter last.’ The proceedings continued for some time.— Court of High Comm, at Durham (B4 Surt. Soc. publ.), 70. This Edward Grey of Morpeth castle is likely to be Sir Edward Grey's second son Edward, Thomas' brother. His name is associated with Bitchfield. According to Hodgson he also possessed Angerton mill, which he settled 10 March, 1641, on Edward Grey, who Hodgson thinks was his probably his son." Hodgson MSS. But it seems more likely that it was Thomas' son Edward of Angerton Mill , named as such in his sister Elizabeth's Will dated 1656, as he would not have been of age i.e. 21 years, prior to that[so born 1620?]. It isn't known if these proceedings are the same as those recorded over the will, in which case perhaps it was Mary Smith he had married?
1643-1660. Civil War.
Thomas Grey had three daughters and two sons. Some of his relatives supported the loyalists in the civil war. Oliver Cromwell began to confiscate their properties. In 1646 among those listed as appealing against this are Thomas's brother Edward Grey of Morpeth "papist delinquent" whose properties included Bitchfield, Little Harle, and a mill at Learmouth. By 1644 Morpeth castle was described as being “ a ruinous hole, not tenable by nature far less by art” In 1655 Edward says his estate is much damaged for want of repairs. His appeals continue until 1656. Thomas's cousin Col. Edward Grey is listed for taking up arms against Parliament. He did so with such enthusiasm that " there is not a man in the north of England that hath done you more mischief than Col. Grey." His name was inserted in the list, dated March 13, 1649, of those who were to expect no pardon. Thomas's Aunt Elizabeth Grey's lands in Deanham were" sequestered for her recusancy". Thomas' son, Edward of Angerton appealed successfully against the decision in 1657, saying he was a protestant.
The will appears to have been contested by his children according to the index to records at Durham. Thomas and his sister Catherine against their brother Edward. It also raises the question of who was Mary Smith?
"Sir Edward GRAY, of Morpeth Castle in the county of Northumberland [Morpeth, Northumberland]; also spelt Graye Date of probate: 1631 copy will, 10 January 1628 (DPR/I/1/1631/G3/1-2) Full edition published in Wood, H.M. (ed) "Wills and Inventories from the Registry at Durham, Part IV" (Surtees Society, number 142, 1929, reprinted 1968), p 215-216 copy will, 10 January 1628 (DPR/I/1/1631/G3/3-6) with act of court, 23 March 1632 with act of court, 1 February 1633 acts of court: (1) in the house of Mary Smith, North Bailey, Edward Gray gentleman, son and sole executor, obtains a decree that the original will should be delivered to himself, probate currently being contested and under arbitration in a cause (at Durham), Edward Gray v Thomas Gray and Mrs Fenwick; (2) in the same place, the deceased is found to have had bona notabile in York diocese wrapper (DPR/I/1/1631/G3/7)"
BONA NOTABILIA Engl. ecclesiastical law. Notable goods. When a person dies having at the time of his death, goods in any other diocese, beside's the goods in the diocese where he dies, amounting to the value of five pounds in the whole, he is said to have bona notabilia; in which case proof of his will, or granting letters of administration, belongs to the archbishop of the province. 1 Roll. Ab. 908; Toll. Ex. 51 Williams on Ex. Index, h. t.
In 1623 Sir Edward's sons Edward and Thomas were given Little Harle by the Fenwicks: Estate Records item: Grant - ref. ZSW/174/2 - date: 11 Dec 1623 John Fenwicke of Wallington kt. grants to Edward Gray esq.and Thomas Gray gent., both of Morpeth Castle the capital messuage with demesne lands called Little Harle in p. of Kirkwhelpington to hold to Edw. and Thos. and their heirs and assigns forever Northumberland Record Office: Swinburne (Capheaton) estate records [ZSW/60 - ZSW/672] Swinburne (Capheaton)
Reference: ZMI/B1/IX/7 Description: (1) Robert ffenwicke of Beachfeild and Jane his wife. (2) Edward Graye of Morpeth Castle. Bargain and sale from (1) to (2) of capital messuage in Beachfeilde. Signed, Rob. ffenwicke, Jane ffenwicke. Seals, two, red wax, each on a tag. Endorsed: witnessed Thomas Gray, Edward Graye, John Horsley, Henry Horsley, Phillip Gardner, George Watson, George Moore his marke. Mem. that George Moore, tenant for a term of years, assented to the grant - witnessed as above with the exception of George Moore. Date: 1630 July 20 Held by: Northumberland Archives from records of the Middleton family at Belsay:
ZMI/B1/IX/8 1631 April 27 This record has no title (1) Edward Gray, esq., v. (2) Robert ffenwicke, esq., and Jane his wife. Exemplification of a final concord relating to Beachfeild: fine £500. Blake. Tag, but no seal.
These are not the only Edwards on Hepple's tree. There were a number of other candidates including Sir Edward's brother Henry's son called Edward of Staindrop, but he died by 1673. Henry's son Thomas of Ulgham Grange had two sons a Thomas and an Edward which Hepple has no further information on. There was also Col. Edward Grey, son of Ralph Grey of Chillingham whose name is associated with Ulgham , Nunnykirk and Cowpen, who supported the royalists and lost his lands.
The tree does not include other branches of the Grey family, the Greys of Shorestone or Kyloe etc. It is also possible that there were any number of local tenant farmers who may be candidates.
Rhymes Of Northern Bards: being a curious Collection of old and new Songs And Poems, Peculiar to the Counties of Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, & Durham. Edited by John Bell, Jun. “Northumbria’s sons stand forth, by all confest “The first and firmest of fair freedom’s train; “Each brave Northumbrian Nurses in his breast “The sacred spoark, unsullied by a stain.” Newcastle upon Tyne: (printed in an old English style) Printed for John Bell, by M. Angus & Son, and sold by them, and other Booksellers in Town. MDCCCXII (1812)
It's difficult to know what this poem refers to. Was "poor" Grey bankrupt, a miser , a good payer of debts or does the poem refer to the unfair taxation of catholic estates brought in by George I? He may be the William Grey who married Dorothy Lisle.
The Horsley Widdringtons owned land in Longhorsley which they rented to Greys in about 1717: The estates of Edward Horsley Widdrington of Horsley Esq. They include Felton, Felton Hall, North Moor and the manor and lordship of Bockenfield. "A tenement called Bywell, with lands, let to Wm. Tully, John Blackett, Robt. Brown, Thos. Grey, 70 pounds, and A tenement called Burgham, with lands, &c., let to Edw. Gray, Robt. Brown, and Robt. Moore, 45 pounds". Among other farms there is one named Horsley Birks in Horsley.
The Widdrington family supported the 1715 rebellion. William the 4th Baron was captured at the battle of Preston with two of his brothers. He was convicted of high treason and condemned to death but reprieved. His estate and title were forfeited. Thomas Forster of Etherstone, MP was made general of the pretender's army. He was captured at Preston and imprisoned but escaped to France. The Forsters were cousins of the Radclyffes. James Radclyffe of Dilston, 3rd Earl of Derwentwater was a cousin of the Old Pretender and leader of the rebellion. He was put in the tower of London with Widdrington and beheaded on Tower Hill in 1716, and his estate was confiscated. When Forster marched across Northumberland every town supported him except for Newcastle. The 1745 Jacobite rebellion had little support in Northumberland. The Northumbrian Jacobite Society website here explains what the Catholic families did to save their estates. The Felton Greys appear to be catholic or connected by marriage to the catholic Widdringtons.
The first Earl of Howick, Charles Grey baptised in 1729 was a soldier who fought in Scotland with the Sixth Regiment to suppress the Jacobite Rising of 1745.
More on Thomas Grey of Angerton.
In the section on Wallridge Township in the Northumberland Histories Vol. XII pages 401 & 402, there is a family tree of Paston of Wallridge and Black Heddon. A Henry Paston I, apprenticed 1627/8, was married three times. His third wife Catherine, named in his will in 1669, married secondly Thomas, son of Thomas Grey of Angerton and was buried at Bolam on 18 April 1713. No memorials from this period have survived. No record of this marriage has been found so far.
The will of Henry Paston can be found at Durham. f163r 7 May 1669 registered copy of will; Henry PASTON, gentleman, of Blackheddon (Black Heddon) in the county of Northumberland.
Two documents mentioning a Thomas Grey of Blackheddon can be seen at the Northumberland Archives.
Reference: ZMI/B6/III/21 Description: (1) Edward Shaftoe of Fenwick, gent. (2) Jane Tooley of London, widow. Grant of the annual rent charge of £40 from the Black Heddon and Wallrigg Estates to secure £200. Seal, 1 red wax, applied on tag. Signed, Edward Shaftoe. Witnessed, Tho. Errington, jun., Gerard Stokeld, scriptor. 23rd May, Thomas Grey of Black Heddon, gent., as Guardians of Henry Pawston, an infant aged 4, entered into sosin of the property. Signed, Wm. Lilburn, Gerard Stokeld. Date: 1672 May 17
Reference: ZMI/B6/III/22 Description: (1) Edward Shafto of Fenwick, gent. (2) Timothy Robson of Newcastle, merchant. For £500, grant of the annual rent charge of £40, on the Black Heddon and Wallrigg property, or £500. Seal missing, tag remains. Signed, Edward Shafto. Witnessed, John Brabant, Joseph Atkinson, Gerard Stokeld. 7th November. Thomas Grey of Black Heddon, gent., and Catherine, his wife, guardians of Henry Pawston, aged 5, entered into seizen of the property. Witnessed, John Brabant, Joseph Atkinson, Gerard Stokeld. Date: 1673 October 27
There are number of Grey records at Bolam Church. An Edward Grey married an Elenor there on 19 February 1662. A number of children with a father called Edward have been found at Bolam, they include: Katherin, 7 June 1666, and William, 16 February 1679, who died a few days later. Is this the same Edward Grey who had two children baptised at Longhorsley, one called Edward baptised 7 January 1668 and a William, baptised on 2 February 1671?
A John Grey married an Isabel Robson at Bolam on 6 June 1689. A number of children whose father's name is John are baptised at Bolam Church: Dorothy on 16 October 1690, John on 5 January 1692, and Ralph on 10 November 1698. A Ralph Grey married an Elizabeth Horsley on 19 May 1725. There are three children of a Ralph Grey at Bolam: Mary baptised on 17 July 1726, who died on 7 February 1728, John baptised 17 May 1729 who died on 11 February 1730 and and Mary baptised 30 May 1731.
