Kirknewton and Westnewton : Selected Sources and Surveys

1. Liber Feodorum (The Book of Fees) II, 1120; Northumberland, 1242

Baronia de Ros

Willelmus de Ros tenet in capite de domine rege Werke, Leuermuwe, Mindrum, Karham, Prestfen, Manilawe, Dunum, Palwiston, Schotton, Killum, Holthal, Neuton et alteram Neuton, Langeton, Lilleburn, Hildirton, Weperden, Russeden, Schauden, Titlington, Bowilton, Alburwye, Butlisdon, Grangiam de Stratton et medietatem de Glatendon per duo feoda et dimidium feodum de veteri feoffamento.

Robertus de Ros tenet predictas villas de predicto Willelmo per duo feoda et dimidium feodum de novo feoffamento exceptis Bowilton, Karham, Titlington et Grangiam de Stratton.

Translation:

Barony of Ros

William de Ros holds in chief from the lord king Wark (on-Tweed), Learmouth, Mindrum, Carham, Pressen, Moneylaws, Downham, Pawston, Shotton, Kilham, Howtel, (Kirk)newton and the other (West)Newton, Lanton, (West) Lilburn, Ilderton, Wooperton, Roseden, Shawden, Titlington, Bolton, Abberwick, (Low) Buston, the Grange of Sturton and half of Glanton for two and a half (knights') fees by ancient feoffment.

Robert de Ros holds the aforesaid townships from the aforesaid William for two and a half (knights') fees by new feoffment, with the exception of Bolton, Carham, Titlington and the Grange of Sturton.

2. The Laing Charters/Deeds relating to Kirknewton and West Newton

Set out below are those documents which specifically relate to Newton-in-Glendale included amongst a large collection of deeds assembled by the Scottish scholar-antiquarian David Laing and bequeathed to the University of Edinburgh. The documents were edited and published in chronological sequence by Anderson (Calendar of the Laing Charters, Edinburgh, 1889). The 71 deeds relating to Northumberland up to 1500 were subsequently calendared again by Macdonald (Archaeologia Aeliana 4th ser., 28 (1950), 115-131), whose readings are followed here. References to both calendars are given here.

The majority of the Northumberland deeds deal with lay estates in the Glendale area and many appear to be associated with the rise to prominence of the Strother lineage, which held Kirknewton and Westnewton in the later medieval and early modern periods.

• Laing Charters no. 9; Macdonald 1950, no. 1

[1253-1280] Charter by Nicholas Corbet to Simon de Holtehall and his wife, granting and confirming to them for their lifetime all the conditions contained in the charter granted by Sir William, son of the Earl, the granter's father; namely, of the hospital in Neutona in Glendall, with a half carucate of land belonging to the said hospital. To be held to the said Simon and his wife as freely as Walter Corbet the giver of the alms (dator illius elemosine) first gave and granted it.

Witnesses: Sir Philip Le Brun, Sir Robert de Nesebite, Patrick Corbet parson of Kinhull, Simon de Conhatheam, John de Grubeshewed.

• Laing Charters no. 11; Macdonald 1950, no. 3

[1270-1280] Charter by Patrick Corbet, brother and heir of Sir Nicholas Corbet, to Thomas Baxter (Pistori) of Langetona in Glendal, granting to him half carucate of lands, in tofts and meadows as well as arable lands (tam in toftis et pratis quam in terris arabilibus), belonging to the Hospital of Great Newton in Glendal', for the purpose of sustaining three poor men of Christ (ad sustentacionem trium pauperum Christi) in the said hospital in reasonable food and clothing in the sight of faithful men (ad victum et vestrum rationabiliter per visum virorum fidelium); and if the three poor men will not work, or do the best of their power or degree of infirmity (modum suarum infirmitatum) what they are commanded, then at the will of the granter and his heirs or assignees they shall be expelled from that alms, and other three poor men substituted. To be held freely to the grantee; reserving to the granter and his heirs the wood of Ruttok', which Thomas and his heirs are not to cut or use without leave; the said Thomas and his heirs being "rumfre"and quit of multure for the grain of the said Hospital at the mill of Langetona. With clause of warrandice.

Witnesses: Sir William Heron, Sir Michael de Kylnum, Sir David de Coupeland, knights; Maurice de Ewrth, Robert de Neuton, Hugh de Heddon, Thomas de Paluxston, Nicholas son of Stephen de Coupeland.

• Laing Charters no. 21; Macdonald 1950, no. 9

[1315 or 1317]  Charter (intended in the form of a cyrograph) by Walter Corbet to William del Strother and Johanna his wife, granted to them his manor of Langton' in Glendal', with all his demesne lands belonging thereto, excepting for his husband-lands and cottar lands and the rents of his free tenants in the same town, and for the mill and his wood (bosco) in the same town: granting also to the said William and Johanna all the demesne lands in the town of Neuton' in Glendal', and all the services of his men in the town of Langeton, which the said men and their ancestors were wont to pay to the granter and his ancestors, except for the rents of the said men: and granting to the said William and Johanna a reasonable estover (rationabilia estoueria, i.e. allowance of wood) in his wood of Langeton', to be taken when and as often as necessary, along with the right to pasture in the said wood; and granting that the aforesaid William and Johanna and their men and servants within the manor and demesne lands aforesaid should grind their corn at his mill of Langton free, without multur, and that the aforesaid William and Johanna should be "rumfre" in the said mill;and that they may hold a law-court on all offences committed against them and theirs by any of the granter's men or tenants within the aforesaid manor and demesne lands, with all amercements and fines pertaining to the said court; the said lands (excepting as above) to be held to the said William and Johanna for their lives, of the granter and his heirs. With clause of warrandice.

Witnesses: Sir Adam de Swynneburn, then sheriff of Northumberland, Sir Roger Heron, Sir John de Boroudon, knights; John de Ellewik, Thomas Baxster, David de Langton, John Archer de Kilnom, Nicholas de Kilnom

• Laing Charters no. 23; Macdonald 1950, no. 10

3 June 1318.  Release by Walter Corbet remitting and releasing to William del Strother and Johanna his wife, and their heirs or assignees, all right and claim which he has to all lands, holdings, rents, etc., which William and Johanna hold by his demission for their lives, in the towns of Langton and Neuton in the county of Northumberland, as is more fully stated in the writ made to them. With clause of warrandice.

Witnesses:  Thomas de Carliolo, Thomas de Halbescotes, Robert le Surrey, John Pouerdy.

• Laing Charters no. 25; Macdonald 1950, no. 12

11 November 1319.  Charter by Walter Corbet to William del Strother and Johanna his wife, granting them the whole lordships and services of Sampson de Neutone, David de Langetone, and of all other free tenants of all lands and holdings which they hold of him in the towns of Langetone and Neutone in Glendale, and in the town of Colewelle, in the county of Northumberland; excepting the services they owe to the granter's mill in Langetone, and except 40s. of rent in which the said Sampson is bound to the granter yearly from his holdings in Neuton; to be held to William and Johanna for ever, the granter renouncing all claims against the free tenants in future.

Witnesses: Sir Walram de Rochessore, Sir William le Bane, knights Geoffrey de La Lee, John Marshall de Staundon, William de Vabadoun, Richard de Ware, John de Staundon, clerk.

Dated at Sauecampe, Tuesday next after the feast of St. Martin Bishop and Confessor (11 November), in the thirteenth year of King Edward II (1319).

• Laing Charters no. 31; Macdonald 1950, no. 16

22 May 1322.  Release and quitclaim by Elena, sometime wife of Adam de Colwell, in her widowhood, to William del Strother and Johanna his wife, of 40s. of rent due from certain lands and holdings which Sampson de Neuton held in Westerneutona in Glendall; renouncing all claim.

Witnesses:  Thomas de Herona, David de Langeton, Robert de Scughall, Joan de Wallemere, Richard de Atona, Gilbert Horyng, William de Suatham (?), Gilbert Hawkyn.

Dated at Newcastle upon Tyne, 22 May 1322.

• Laing Charters no. 33; Macdonald 1950, no. 17

8 May 1329.  Demise (indented in the form of a cyrograph) by Roger Corbet de Langeton to William del Strothir and Johanna his wife, granting to them all the holdings in lordship and service (omnia tenementa in dominicio et servicio) which he has in Langeton in Glendal, Westerneuton and Kircneuton, except six husband-lands in Westerneuton; To be held to the grantees for their lives of the granter and his heirs, paying to him and his heirs for the first two years, one mark yearly (to be paid in equal portions at Whitsunday and Martinmas) for the six following years, two marks each year and 46s. 8d. each year thereafyer for their lifetimes, beginning at Whitsunday 1330.  With power to the granter or his heirs to distrain if the rent be in arrear at any term, until full satisfaction be made.

Witnesses:  Sir Thomas Grey, Sir Thomas de Heton, knights; Robert de Maneres, Robert Archer, Thomas son of Davit Baxster, John de Wollor, Patrick de Kylum.

Dated at Langeton in Glendal, 8 May 1329.

• Laing Charters no. 34; Macdonald 1950, no. 18

[c. 1330].  Release by Roger, son of Walter Corbet, to William del Strother and Johanna his wife, remitting and releasing to them all right as he has to the holdings, services, etc., which the grantees possess in the towns of Langton in Glendal, Westerneuton and Esterneuton, Holtalle, Collewell, Schoton and Croukes.  With clause of warrandice.

Witnesses:  Sir Gilbert de Burugdon, Sir John de Burugdon, his brother, knights; Thomas de Carliol, John de Midilton, Patrick son of William, Henry de Tughale, William de Cornhale.

• Laing Charters no. 35; Macdonald 1950, no. 19

15 April 1330.  Writ by Roger Corbet, declaring that he has granted and demised to William del Strother and Johanna his wife, all the holdings which Isolda his mother held in dowry, in Langton, Westerneuton, and Kirkneuton, with rents, services, etc.  To be held to the grantees for their lives, at a rent of 13s. 4d. yearly (in equal portions at Whitsunday and Martinmas) for eight years complete from Martinmas 1330, and thereafter for their lives, 20s. a year.  With clause of warrandice.

Witnesses:  Sir Thomas Grey, Sir Roger Hayron, Sir Thomas de Heton, knights: Robert Archer, Thomas Baxter, John de Wollor, Walter Mautalaunt', John Aldirth, Roger de Holtal.

Dated at Langton, 15 April 1330.

• Laing Charters no. 38; Macdonald 1950, no. 21

20 February 1334.  Release by John de Colwel, son and heir of Adam de Colwel, remitting and for himself and his heirs quitclaiming in favour of Johanna del Strothyr, formerly (quondam) wife of William del Strothyr, her heirs and assignees, his whole right in and to 40s. of annual rent which Sampson de Neuton and his heirs were bound to pay to Adam de Colwel for half of the town of Little (parve) Neuton in Glendale, with all services, etc.

Witnesses: Sir Thomas Gray, Sir John de Borudon, Sir Robert de Maners, knights; William Heroun, Thomas Baxster, Robert Archer, Patrick de Kyllum, Adam son of Thomas de Kyllum, William de Presfen.

Dated at Langton, 20 February, 1333[/4].

• Laing Charters no. 41; Macdonald 1950, no. 22

9 September 1348.  Charter by William son of Sampson de West Neuton in Glendale, to John de Couplande and Johanna his wife, granting to them all the lands and holdings etc., which the granter has in the town and territory of West Neuton' in Glendale, with his wood of Ruttok', and with half of the lordship of the town above named.  To be held to the grantees for services due and wont.  With clause of warrandice.

Witnesses:  Sir Thomas Gray, Sir Robert de Manerijs, Sir William Heroun, knights; Walter de Hakford, Henry del Strothir, Robert Archer, Roger Corbet, Roger de Holtale.

Dated at Wester Neuton, Tuesday the day after the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (9 September) 1348.

• Laing Charters no. 54; Macdonald 1950, no. 33

6 July 1365.  Letters of Attorney by Henry del Strother, constituting William de Farnyley and John de Wedelesmore his attornies, to receive for him sasine of all his lands and holdings which Cristiana, who was the wife of Hugh de Tyrwhit, granted to him in the town of Tyrwhit Nether; to be held in terms of her charter

Dated at Kyrkneuton in Glendale, 6 July, thirty-ninth year of Edward III (1365).

• Laing Charters no. 60; Macdonald 1950, no. 39

[c. February 1372].  Release Elienora, who was the wife of John Corbett of Leuirchilde, in her widowhood, remitting and quitclaiming to Henry del Strother, her father, all her rights etc, in the manor of Langtoun in Glendale, with all the lands, holdings and rents which she has, has had or may have in towns and territories of Wester Newtoun and Kirkeneuton in Glendale.

No Witnesses:  undated.

• Laing Charters no. 63; Macdonald 1950, no. 42

27 September 1379.  Letters (in Norman French) by Henry del Strothe, lord of Newtoun, acknowledging that he is bound to Roger Corbet and his heirs in an annual rent of 100s. for certain lands, which he has by grant of the said Roger, in Westernewton, in exchange for the above rent, as appears by a charter made therupon, and by declaring that he had atturned (moi avoir attourne) by payment of one penny to Robert Ra and Elizabeth his wife, daughter of John Corbet, son and heir of the said Roger, in acknowledgement of the said rent, before Sir John del Strother his son, Sir William de Daltoun, chaplain of Killum, Sir Robert Gower, chaplain of Newtoun, and John Ercle.

Dated at Newtoun, the Tuesday (Mercredy) before the feast of St. Michael (27 September) 1379

• Laing Charters no. 75; Macdonald 1950, no. 44

27 September 1387.  Release of Quitclaim (in Norman French) by John de Caretoun of Newcastle upon tyne and Elizabeth his wife, in favour of Sir Thomas del Strother, kt., of all right and claim they have or had over the lands, holdings, rents, and possessions which the said Thomas has in reversion or in demesne (en desmesne) in Glendale, and obliging themselves to warrant to the said Thomas for ever an annual rent of 100s purchased by him from them and existing on their lands in Wester Neuton in Glendale.

Witnesses:  Robert Plummer, amyor of Newcastle upon Tyne, Laurence Dactoun, Robert de Rayntoun, and Thomas de Heryngtoun, bailiffs of Newcastle; Robert Olyuer, John de Thorntoun, John de Daltoun.

Dated 27 September 1387, eleventh year of Richard II.

• Laing Charters no. 76; Macdonald 1950, no. 45

29 September 1387.  Charter by Sir Thomas del Strothr, knight, to Sir Robert de Bugthrop, chaplain of the parish church of Newtoun in Glengale (sic), and John Burell residing there, granting them the half of his town of Wester Newtoun in Glendall, with pertinents, etc., formerly belonging to the late Roger Corbet:  To be held to the grantees, their heirs and assignees, of the chief lords of that fee, for services due and wont.  With clause of warrandice.

Witnesses:  Sir Roger Heroun, Sir Gerard Heroun, Sir John de Maners, knights; Robert de Maners, John de Howburn, John de Hesilrigg.

Dated at Neuton in Glendale, 29 September, eleventh year of Richard II (1387).

• Laing Charters no. 77; Macdonald 1950, no. 46

29 September 1387.  Letters of Attorney by Sir Thomas del Strother, knight, appointing Robert Maners and Thomas Vnyot his attorneys, to give sasine of the half of his town of Westernewtoun in Glendale (as in the previous writ) to Sir Robert Bugthrope and John Burell.

Dated at Neutoun in Glendale, 29 September, eleventh year of Richard II (1487).

• Laing Charters no. 78; Macdonald 1950, no. 47

30 October 1387.  Charter by Robert de Bugthrope, chaplain, and John Burell, to Sir Thomas del Strother, knight, and Matilda his wife, daughter of Sir John de Huthome, knight, granting them the half of the town of Westernewtoun in Glendall, which the granters had by the gift and feoffment of the said Sir Thomas: To be held to Sir Thomas and Matilda and the lawful heirs of their bodies, whom failing, to the heirs of Sir Thomas, of the lords of the fee.  With clause and warrandice.

Witnesses:  Sir Roger Heroun, Sir Gerard Herou, Sir (Thomas) Gray de Hourtoun, Sir John de Maners, knights; John de Hesilrig, John de Howburne, Robert (Maners?).   Dated at Newtoun in Glendall, 30 October, eleventh year of Richard II (1387).

• Laing Charters no. 79; Macdonald 1950, no. 48

30 October 1387.  Letters by Sir Thomas del Strother, knight, and (M)atilda his wife, appointing John kerre and Richard St[rother?] their attorneys, for receivingn sasine of the half of the town of Westernewtoun, with all its pertinents, which belonged to the late Roger Corbet, and which they had by gift of Robert de Bugthrop and John Burell.

Dated at Newtoun in Glendall, 30 October, eleventh year of Richard II (1387).

• Laing Charters no. 80; Macdonald 1950, no. 49

12 May 1388.  Charter by Robert de Maners to Sir Thomas del Strother, knight, and Matilda his wife, granting them half a carucate of his land in Kyrknewtoun, tofts, meadows, arable land, pasture, woods, and fields, except the wood of Ruttok:  To be held to Sir Thomas and Matilda and their heirs, whom failing, to the heirs of Sir Thomas.  With clause of warrandice.

Witnesses:  Sir Roger Heroun, Sir John de Maners, Sir Thomsa Gray de Hortoun, knights; John Burell, Richard Symondsone.

Dated at Kyrknewtoun in Glendale, 12 May 1388.

3 The 1296 Lay Subsidy (Fraser 1968, 116 no. 278)

Newton (Neuton) in the Ward of Glendale.

4. A View and Survey . . . of the borders or frontier of the East and Middle Marches of England, Sir Robert Bowes and Sir Ralph Ellerker'1541 (cf. Hodgson 1828, 184; Bates 1891, 32-3)

5. John Warburton's notes include useful descriptions of the towerhouse and the church in 1715 (Hodgson 1916, 11):

Kirknewton village . . . . . hath in it the ruin of a large tower with quadrangular wall and circular towers about it, belonging to Mark Strother, esq.  . . . .  The church, built 1669, hath nothing about worthy particularising, built in the figure of a cross, length 33 (yards), breadth 15 (yards); near the communion table are hung the arms of the Strothers and under it a vault where the family are reposited.