Hugh de Acovere (101847614)

Hugh de Acovere

circa 1215 - 1269

Father	Robert de Acovere
Mother	Sarra de Chandos
Wife	unknown
Children	Robert, Lucy, Dionesia, John

Hugh was probably born somewhere around 1215 ⁽¹⁾, the son and heir of Robert de Acovere ⁽⁴⁾⁽²⁵⁾⁽⁵⁾

In 1241 he granted a lease of two bovates of his land in Swinscoe to Richard de la Forde ⁽²⁾. He had more dealings in Swinscoe in 1254 ⁽³⁾.

He granted a bovate of land in Sheen to Robert Russo de Throwley ⁽⁴⁾, and lands in Caldelowe to his sister Elena, on her marriage to Robert de Ashbourne ⁽²⁴⁾. In 1246 he swapped some of his lands in Woodhouses, for land in Caldwell ⁽⁵⁾.

In 1248 he remitted a claim to lands in Blore in exchange for concessions over his holdings in Swinscoe ⁽⁶⁾. This may have been related to a dispute his grandfather (also named Hugh) had been involved in.

In July 1251, he was granted a lifetime exeption from having to serve as sheriff or escheator etc against his will ⁽⁷⁾, and a few months later this was extended to include serving at assizes ⁽⁸⁾. However this exemption was either not honoured, or Hugh chose not to exercise it, as he appears involved in a number of offical capacities shortly after this ⁽⁹⁾⁽¹⁰⁾, and was appointed sheriff of Shropshire and Staffordshire in 1255 ⁽¹¹⁾. He held that office until 1257 ⁽¹²⁾⁽¹³⁾⁽¹⁴⁾⁽¹⁵⁾⁽¹⁷⁾⁽¹⁸⁾, during which time it seems that he was expected to outlay his own money in the execution of his duties ⁽¹⁶⁾, and indeed the job appears to have cost him a great deal, as two years after he left the post he still owed almost Ł60 to the exchequer ⁽²⁰⁾. In fact he never managed to pay off any of that debt, and his son Robert had to settle it following Hugh's death ⁽³²⁾.

At around the same time as he was sheriff, he got into a dispute with Burton Abbey over the lands in Ilam that held under them ⁽²¹⁾⁽²²⁾⁽²³⁾.

He was apparently knighted sometime before 1260 ⁽²⁵⁾, and this seems perfectly reasonable given his previous role as sheriff, and his father and grandfather having previously served as knights, but strangely only one other (undated)reference to him styled as a knight has been found ⁽²⁶⁾.

He was accused of stealing some cattle in 1260 ⁽²⁷⁾!

In the 1250s and 1260s he was involved in, or witness to, numerous transactions involving Matthew de Kniveton, whose mother Hawisa was seemingly related to Hugh somehow, but the nature of this relationship isn't clear ⁽²⁸⁾.

In 1265, Hugh was involved in a number of disputes following a "raid" on his lands by John de Auldithelega. He appointed his brother William to act for him ⁽²⁹⁾.

He was still alive sometime in 1268 ⁽³⁰⁾, but dead by Easter 1269⁽³¹⁾.

The identity of Hugh's wife is not known. His eldest son and heir was Robert ⁽³²⁾. He had another son John ⁽³⁵⁾⁽⁵⁰⁾⁽⁵¹⁾, and daughters Dionesia ⁽³³⁾⁽³⁴⁾ and Lucy ⁽⁵⁰⁾⁽⁵¹⁾. He may also have had other daughters Amice ⁽³⁶⁾⁽³⁷⁾⁽³⁸⁾⁽³⁹⁾⁽⁴⁰⁾⁽⁴¹⁾, Hawisa ⁽⁴²⁾⁽⁴³⁾⁽⁴⁴⁾⁽⁴⁵⁾⁽⁴⁶⁾⁽⁴⁷⁾ and Margery ⁽⁴⁸⁾⁽⁴⁹⁾ (if not daughters they were close relatives).

Brief details of his children:

Robert was the eldest son and heir of Hugh. He had a son John and a daughter Arabella and died about 1282.

Lucy has her own page.
Dionesia married Robert de Tholy.
John probably lived in Atlow.

Sources:

Hugh's date of birth is simply an estimate based on his parents marrying around 1215, and his daughter Lucy being born around the 1230s.
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 24, on p141-142 reads:
Omnibus hoc scriptum visuris vel audituris dominus Hugo de Okovere salutem, Noverit discretio vestra me. concessjsse et ad firmam tradidisse Ricardo de la forde duas bovatas terre in Swineskoc cum omnibus pertinentiis suis illas scilicet quas Yvelot in eadem villa tenuit. Tenendas et habendas sibi et heredibus suis, etc, a festo sancti Martini Anno regni Regis Henrici filii Regis Johannis xxvi, etc., usque in finem viginti et unius annorum proximo sequentum, solvendo sex solidos et duos denarios, etc. Hiis testibus Domino Willelmo de Aldithel, Johanne M.'ariscallo, Willelmo Meverel, Henrico de Ylum, Roberto Poutrel, Rogero de Wodhuse, Henrico de la forde et aliis. (26 Hen. III., A.D. 1241.)
(Seal destroyed.)
On page 6 of the same volume, the following commentary is also given:
This Hugh occurs as a knight as early as 1241, when he grants a lease of two bovates of land in Swinscoe to Richard de la Forde, the term to commence from the Feast of St. Martin, 26 H. III. This date would be November 11th, 1241.
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T34, catalogue entry reads:
Quitclaim by Henry de Bette to Hugh de Acovere [Okeover] his heirs and assigns of the homage and service of Richard de Swinescow [Swinscoe] which the said Richard was accustomed to perform for two bovates of land held of Henry de Bette in Swinescow and the homage and service of the men of Hutlesdale.
Witnesses: Richard de Draycot, William Meverel, Robert de Bette, William, marshal de Standton, Matthew de Kniveton, John, clerk, and others
Palm Sunday 13 Apr 38 Henry III
A transcript is given in "Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 30, on p144 which reads :
Omnibus presens scriptum visuris vel audituris Henricus de Wetton salutem, Noveritis me penitus relaxasse et in perpetuum quietclamase de me et heredibus meis Hugoni de Acovere et heredibus suis vel assignatis homagium et servitium Ricardi de Swinescowe et heredum suorum quod idem Ricardus mihi facere consuevit pro duabus bovatis terre quas de me tenuit in Swinescow et homagium et servitium omnium hominum meorum in Hutlesdale et heredum suorum, etc Hiis testibus Ricardo de Draycote^[1], Willelmo Meverel^[2], Roberto de Roce[ster], Willelmo Marescallo de Stanton, Matheo de Kniveton^[3], Johanne Clerico et aliis. Datum die Palmarum anno regni Regis Henrici filii Regis Johannis tricesimo octavo. (38 Hen. III., A.D. 1254.)
(Seal gone.)
^[1] Richard de Draycote was lord of Draycote on the Moors, co. Stafford, and at this date was Justiciary of Chester.
^[2] William Meverel was lord of Throwley, co. Stafford.
^[3] Matthew de Kniveton was lord of Bradley, co. Derby.
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T327, catalogue entry reads:
Gift by Hugh son of Robert de Acov[er] [Okeover] to Robert Russo de Throeleg [Throwley] and his heirs of a bovate of land with appurtenances in the territory of the villein of Chone [Sheen] namely that which Robert de Thorp at some time held from him (Hugh) and a whole croft with its ditch, and a plot of land in the same villein of Chone: to be held by Robert his heirs and assigns except for monks, burgesses and Jews: annual rent of six pence for all services except foreign and suit of mill at his court at Chone and suit of his mill at one twentieth of the grain Witnesses: William de Yppstones [Ipstones], William Meverel de Throeleg, Henry de Ylum, [Ilam] Hugh de Beveresford, William de Butterdun, [Butterton] William de Gouleword, Robert Puterel, Henry de Hyddelesdal, Gilbert de Longenor, Robert, clerk, and others
A transcript is given in "Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 23, on p141 which reads :
Sciant presentes, etc, quod ego Hugo filius Roberti de Acoure dedi, etc, Roberto Ruffo de Throelega et heredibus suis, etc., unam bovatam terre cum pertinentiis in territorio de villa de Chone (sic Shene) illam scilicet quam Robertus de Thorpp aliquand de me ad terminum tenuit, etc Hiis testibus Willelmo de Ippestones, Willelmo Meverel de Throel(ega), Hen(rico) de Ylum, Hugone de Beveresford, Willelmo de Butterdun, Willelmo de Gouseworde, Roberto Puterel, Henrico de Hyddelesdale, Gilberto de Longenov, Roberto Tici et aliis.
(Seal gone.)
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T2, catalogue entry reads:
Covenant between Hugh son of Robert de Acovere [Okeover] and Hugh de Coldewalle by which Hugh has granted and quitclaimed to Hugh de Acovere all the land he holds in Coldewalle with all appurtenances in exchange for 28 acres of land which Hugh de Acovere granted to Hugh de Coldewalle in Wodehus [Woodhouses], reserving the crop on the Coldewalle land and the greater garden to Hugh de Coldewalle in the 30th Henry III [1246] and reserving the crop on the Wodehus land to Hugh de Acovere.
A transcript is given in "Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 25, on p142 which reads :
Hec est conventio facta inter Hugonem filium Roberti de Acovere ex una parte et Hugonem de Coldewalle eo alteri videlicet quod predictus Hugo de Coldewalle concessit et quietclamavit dicto Hugoni de Acovere totam terram quam tenuit in Coldewalle cum pertinentiis pro escambia viginti et octo acrarum terre quas dictus H. de Acovere dedit Hugoni de Coldewalle in territorio de Wodehuse, salva vestura totius terre de Coldewalle, etc, excepto parco. Data anno Regni Regis Henrici filii Regis Johannis tricesimo, etc. (30 Hen. III, AD 1246)
(No witnesses. Seals destroyed.)
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", Vol 4, Part 1, 1884. "Calendar of Final Concords". Entry on pages 238-9 states:
Date: Lichfield, 3rd February 1248
Complainant: Hugh de Acovere.
Tenant or Deforciant: William de Aldedeleye and Clemence his wife.
Nature of Fine, and Result: Free chase in the park of Blore, and common of pasture in Blore. Hugh remits his claim to both, for which William and. Clemence grant to him and his heirs one fat buck and one doe in fawn yearly, and that Hugh and his heirs and their men of Swyneskow'may have common of pasture over all the arable land and meadows in Blore, for all manner of cattle, after the hay and corn have been carried. And William and Clemence remit half a mark of the annual rent which they formerly received from Hugh for half a Knight's fee, which William and Clemence hold in Swyneskow, so that Hugh shall not render in future for the said tenement more than 20s. annually for all services; and William and Clemence gave to Hugh 5 marks, (indorsed,"the Abbot of Roucestre put in his claim.")
"Calendar of the Patent Rolls preserved in the Public Record Office, Henry III, 1247-1258", page 207, lists:
[1251] July 3 Exemption, for life, of Hugh de Akovre from being made sheriff, coroner, escheator, verderer or agister, against his will.
"Calendar of the Patent Rolls preserved in the Public Record Office, Henry III, 1247-1258", page 118, lists:
[1251] Nov 8 Exemption, for life, of Hugh de Hockovere from being put on assizes juries or recognitions.
"Close Rolls of the Reign of Henry III, 1251-1253". Entry on p49 reads:
Quod subboscus non vendatur.- Quia datum est regi intelligi quod vendicio subosci regis in comitatu Stafford' est ad dampnum regis et nocumentum foreste sue, mandatum est Roberto de Haleweton', Nicholao Meverel', Willelmo de Wasteneys et Hugoni de Acovere quod de cetero nullum subboscum vendant in foresta regis comitatus predicti. Teste ut supra. Per R. Waler'.
"Close Rolls of the Reign of Henry III, 1251-1253". Entry on p479 reads:
Pro vicccomite Salop'.- Mandatum est Ricardo de Caumvill', Hugoni de Acovre, Ricardo de Draicot' et Roberto de Knychtel' quod diligenter inquirant quantum Robertus de Grendon', vicecomes Salop' et Staff, posuerit in pace regis conservanda in comitatu Staff per defectum hominum ejusdem comitatus postquam idem Robertus recepit custodiam eorundem comitatuum: et, cum custum quod ad hoc posuerit per inquisicionem illam sciverint, illud super homines ejusdem comitatus assideri et predicto Roberto reddi faciant. Teste rege apud Windes' xj. die Junii.
"Calendar of the Patent Rolls preserved in the Public Record Office, Henry III, 1247-1258", page 446, lists:
[1255] Nov 2 Appointment, during pleasure, of Hugh de Acovre to keep the counties of Salop and Stafford and the caatlea of Shrewsbury and Bruges; answering at the Exchequer for the profit of the said counties Ł126 13s 4d, and keeping the said castles at his own cost, and perfecting (perficiat) the corpora of the said counties, and being allowed in the said farm so much as the king receives of certain hundreders of the said counties, and of the hundreds placed to them at farm at the time that Robert de Grendon was sheriff.
"Calendar of the Patent Rolls preserved in the Public Record Office, Henry III, 1247-1258", page 482, lists:
[1256] June 12 Writ de intendendo to the tenants of the manor of Ellesmere in favour of Hugh de Acovre, sheriff of Salop and Stafford, as keeper and bailiff of the said castle and manor.
"Calendar of the Patent Rolls preserved in the Public Record Office, Henry III, 1247-1258", page 531, lists:
[1256] Nov 20 The like [exemption for life], for a fine, of Saer Mauveysin of the county of Salop from taking the arms of a knight, as it appeara by inquisition made by Hugh de Acover, sheriff of Salop and Stafford, in the full county [court] of Salop, tbat he has only Ł15 yearly of land in those counties or elsewhere in the realm.
"Close Rolls of the Reign of Henry III, 1254-1256". Entry on p319 reads:
De quercubus ad operaciones castri de Brug'.- Mandatum est foreste regis de Scistleg' quod in eadem foresta regis faciat habere Hugoni de Acovr', vicecomiti Salop', x. quercus ad maeremium ad emendacionem castrorum regis de Brug' et Salop'. Teste.
"St Thomas' Priory, Stafford" archive at Staffordshire Record Office. Item ref D938/531, catalogue entry reads:
Contents:
1. Thomas son of Adam de Drengeton
2. God and Church of St. Thomas the Martyr by Stafford and Canons there serving God
Quitclaim in free alms for salvation etc. 13ac. in fields of DRENGETON viz: 12ac. of which Geoffrey de Drengeton enfeoffed him, 1ac. that he had of Richard Meverel and William de Ja[m]be by exchange of land. To hold of Thomas and heirs free and quietly etc. as in charter of feoffment made by said Geoffrey and which Thomas has given to Canons.
Witnesses the lord Hugh de Acoure, then sheriff (Sir Hugh de Okeover (1241-69), Sheriff of Salop and Staffs., 1265: S.H.C. N.S. vii, 17.), Bertram de Burgo, then Coroner, the lord Stephen Meverel, knight, the lord Payn [...] de Wastineys knight, Thomas de Bromshulf, William Griffin de Colton, Walter de Hawengate, Richard Toli and others.
Seal missing
[7922]
This date of 1265 given to this item in the Staffordshire Achives Catalogue is obviously an error. It appears to be based solely on the fact that Hugh de Okeover was sheriff, and cites "S.H.C. N.S. vii, 17". However what is actually correctly stated at that reference is that he was sheriff in 1256, as shown by various patent roll entries ^(???).
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", 1911. "Liberate Rolls, Henry III". Two entries on p18 read:
40 HEN. III.
The King informs the Sheriff ^[1] of Salop and Stafford that he proposes (God being willing) to proceed at once to the neighbourhood of Shrewsbury, and the Sheriff is thereupon commanded to go immediately to Bristoll and there to purchase 20 pipes of wine, and to carry 8 pipes to Shrewsbury, 4 pipes to Wenlock, 4 pipes to Bridgnorth, and 4 pipes to Bobinton, and to place them in the cellars of those places against the King's arrival there; and the cost shall be allowed to him at the Exchequer. Winchester, 27 January (1256).
To the Sheriff ^[1] of Salop to send the 30 or 40 stags and the 15 bucks, after they have been salted, which William de Clare and Roger dc Somery took in the forest of Kinfare, to the King at Woodstock, so that they may be there on the Sunday next before the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. - Woodstock, 6 May (1256).
^[1] Hugh de Okeover, 30 Oct 1255 - 26 Sept 1257
Another entry on page 20 of the same volume reads:
To the Barons of the Exchequer to allow Hugh de Acovre, ^[1] formerly Sheriff of Salop and Stafford, out of the issues of those Counties, Ł29 7s. 6d., which he spent in the purchase of 107 oxen, bought in his bailiwick, by the King's command, against the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which the King celebrated at Woodstock, in the 40th year of his Reign, and for driving the same oxen to Woodstock. Westminster, 29 October (1257).
^[1] He has been succeeded as sheriff on 26 Sept 1257, by Peter de Montfort,
"Calendar of the Patent Rolls preserved in the Public Record Office, Henry III, 1247-1258", page 554, lists:
[1257] May 13 Appointment, doting pleasure, of John de Grey to keep the castle of Shrewsbury, answering at the exchequer for the issues, if any, as the keepers have been used to answer. Mandate to Hugh de Acovre, sheriff of Salop, to deliver it to him.
"Calendar of the Patent Rolls preserved in the Public Record Office, Henry III, 1247-1258", page 579, lists:
[1257] Sept 26 Appointment, during pleasure, of Peter de Monte Forti to keep the counties of Salop and Stafford, with the castles of Salopbyry and Brug[es]. Mandate to Hugh de Acovere to deliver the counties and castles to him.
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 40A, on p149 reads:
Die veneris proximo post festum Sancti Michalis anno regni Regis Henrici filii Regis Johannis quadragesimo primo, Dominus Petrus de Monte forti recepit a domino Hugone de Acovere castrum de Bruges cum rebus subscriptis, videlicet puteum ejusdem castri bene reparatum cum boketo, ferro ligato, cum catena et corda bona, due mense dormientes et una magna mensa mobilis cum uno trestello, et decem prisones (sic) in prisona et novem paria de Buys cum octodecim paribus de anulis, et undecim ligna ad mangonel1: et quatuor alneas cum uno plumpbo fracto et uno furno male reparato et sexdecim claves de seruris. In cujus rei testimonium hec scripta inter ipsos ad modum cyrographum confecerunt. Hiis testibus Waltero Palmerio de Bruges, Johanne de Castro, Nicholao capellano, Ada de Stottesdone, Roberto le Mazun, Ricardo de Ps clerico et aliis. Idem vero Petrus recepit de dicto Hugone quatuor arcus de alblistar et quatuor telers.
The above deed reached me too late to be described in the narrative of the life of Sir Hugh de Okeover. It states that on the Friday after the Feast of St. Michael 41 H. III. (October, 1257), Sir Peter de Montfort took over from Sir Hugh de Acouve, the castle of Bruges (Bridgenorth) with its contents, viz., the well of the Castle in good repair, with bucket, bound with iron and with a chain and good cords, two dormer tables and one large one moveable with a trestle and ten prisoners in prison, with nine pairs of "Buys," with eighteen pairs of rings and eleven timbers for mangonells and four "alneas" (? troughs), with a broken lead, an oven in bad repair and sixteen keys for locks.
Sir Hugh was Sheriff of Salop and Staffordshire in the years 1256-57, and in that capacity would have charge of the Royal Castles in those counties. By the above deed he hands over the Castle of Bridgenorth and its contents to Sir Peter de Montfort, who succeeded him as Sheriff in September, 1257.
"Calendar of the Fine Rolls of the Reign of Henry III" (avaialble at http://www.finerollshenry3.org.uk), 43 Henry III, entry 523, dated about July 1259 reads:
For Hugh of Okeover. For the damages which Hugh of Okeover, formerly sheriff of Shropshire and Staffordshire, sustained in the marches of Wales by reason of the king’s last Welsh war, the king has granted him that he may render Ł10 per annum at the Exchequer of the Ł59 7s. 11d. which he owes him at the Exchequer for the arrears of his account from the time he was sheriff of the aforesaid counties, namely 100s. at the Exchequer of Michaelmas and 100s. at the Exchequer of Easter next following, and Ł10 thus from year to year at the same terms until the aforesaid money has been paid to the king. Order to the barons of the Exchequer to cause him to have those terms and to cause this to be done and enrolled thus.
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T7, catalogue entry reads:
Grant by Laurence, Abbot of Burton to Lord Hugh de Acovere [Okeover] and his heirs that they may pay to their attorney at Ilam the farm which they are bound to pay to the abbey for the vills of Acovere and Ilum and also the lands of Casturn [Calton]: to pay two marks a year at the feast of St Martin.
A transcript is given in "Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 31, on p144-145 which reads :
Omnibus Chrispi fidelibus hoc scriptum visuris vel audituris Laurentius permissione divina Abbas Burtonie et ejusdem loci conventus salutem in domino sempiternam. Noveritis nos concessisse, etc., domino Hugoni de Acovere et heredibus suis quod ipsi de cetero, persolvant apud Ilum altornato nostro firmam nostram quam nobis pro villa de Acovere et de Ilum et terra de Casturne solvere tenentur scilicet duas marcas singulis annis in die sancti martini sicut solvere consueverunt apud Burton sine difficultate. In cujus rei testimonium huic scripto sigillum capituli nostri est appensum. Datum apud Burtona anno gratie millesimo decentesimo quinquagesimo sexto.(A.D. 1256.)
(Seal gone.)
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", Vol 4, Part 1, 1884. "Plea Rolls of the reign of Henry III". Entry on page 138 reads:
[MICHAELMAS 42 & 43 Henry III]
Staff. The Abbot of Burton sued Hugh de Acovere for deforcing him of a mill in Ilum, which Henry de Ilum had demised to him for a term which had not yet expired; and within the term the said Henry had sold the mill to John de Ilum his son and Amice his wife, on which occasion the said John and Amice and the aforesaid Hugh, to whom they had demised the mill, had ejected the Abbot; and Hugh did not appear, and had made default before. The Sheriff is ordered to distrain him by his lands, &c, and produce him at the Octaves of the Purification, in. 21, dorso
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", Vol 4, Part 1, 1884. "Plea Rolls of the reign of Henry III". Entry on page 139 reads:
[HILLARY 43 Henry III]
No heading; supposed to be Pleas at Westminster of Hillary Term, 43 E. Ill [January, 1259.]
Staff. The suit of the Abbot of Burton versus Hugh de Acovere, respecting the mill of Ilam, is adjourned to a month from Easter, m. 23, dorso.
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 40B, on p149-150 reads:
Quietum clameum Elene quondam uxoris Roberii de Essheburn factum Hugoni de Acouere de villa de Caldelowe.
Omnibus presens scriptum visuris vel auditoris Elena quondam uxor Roberti de Esseburne salutern in domino, Noveritis me in viduitate mea et legitima potestate mea relaxasse et quietam clamasse de me et heredibus meis Hugoni de Acouere fratri meo et heredibus suis villam de Caldelowe cum omnibus pertinenciis suis sine aliquo retenemento, quam villam predictus Hugo dedit mihi in liberum maritagium cum Roberto de Esseburn. Ita scilicet quod nee ego nee heredes mei nee aliquis nomine meo in predicta villa de Caldelowe cum omnibus pertinenciis sicut predictum est pro aliquo iure vel clamio quod habui vel habere potui in ea de cetero aliquid exigere poterimus. In cuius rei testimonium huic presenti scripto sigillum meum apposui. Hiis testibus domino Willelmo de apporteyn (? Ippesteyn), domino Willelmo de Venables, Henrico de Alsop, Roberto de Wednisleg>, domino Sampsone capellano de Wykesworth, Hugone de Bentleg, Roberto de Fenton et aliis.^*
^* Okeover Chartulary, Wood MS., No. 6, fol. 33, Bodleian Library, Oxford.
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/Z1, catalogue entry reads:
Grift by Hugh de Achour, [Okeover] knight, son of Robert de Achour, to God and the church and monks of Burton of William, son of William de Achour with all his following and goods, for 3˝ marks paid by Lawrence, Abbot of Burton
This can be dated to 1260 or earlier by Lawrence being named as Abbot of Burton.
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T6, catalogue entry reads:
Gift by John, Abbot of Burton, to Hugh de Acovere [Okeover], knight, of a place in the villein of Acovere, in which the chaplain of the chapel of Acovere used to live and all services enjoyed by the said chaplain without diminution or deterioration, in exchange for another place in the same villein in which Symon, clerk, Gilbert the shepherd and Walter the carter used to live, and four shillings they were accustomed to receive for tithes of pasture, turbary and heath in or near Stonam.
Witnesses: John de Aldetheley, Lord of Blore, Matthew de Kniveton, Thomas Meveral de Throueleya, [Throwley], Henry de Casturna [Castern], John son of Henry de Ylum, Robert Fichet de Mapeltona [Mappleton], Adam of Ilam, Thomas Meverel of Mapleton, Roger of the same place, Nicholas son of Symon de Ylum [Ilam].
A transcript is given in "Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 38, on p148 which reads :
Omnibus, etc, Johannes permissione divina Abbas Burthoii etc., Noverit universitas vestra nos dedisse etc., domino Hugoni de Acoure militi unam placeam in villa de Acoure, illam scilicet in qua solebant capellani capelle de Acoure servientes que pertinere solebat ad dictam capellam salva via usque ecclesiam, etc. Hiis testibus Johanne de Aldetheleya, Domino de Blora, Matheo de Kniveton, Thoma Meverel de Thouelega, Henrico de Casterne, Johanne filio Henrici de Ylum, Roberto Fichet de Mapelton, Adam de Ylum, Thoma Meverel de Mapelton, Rogero de eadem villa, Nicholao filio Symonis de Ylum et aliis.
(Seal gone.)
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", Vol 4, Part 1, 1884. "Plea Rolls of the reign of Henry III". Entry on page 144 reads:
Headed, "Adhuc de quindena Paschce." (Supposed to be a Banco Boll of Easter Term, 44 H. III) [April, 1260.]
Staff. Robert de Merse, Robert de Worthyn, and five others, sued Hugh de Acovere for seizing their cattle in Salopscire and driving them into Staffordshire, and unjustly detaining them there. Hugh did not appear, and is to be re-summoned for fifteen days after Michaelmas, m. 12, dorso
"The Kniveton Leiger", Derbyshire Archaelogical Society Record Series, Volume 7. Entry 1. The precis reads:
Grant in fee by Henry son of Eugelard of Brailsford to Matthew II of Kniveton of his moiety of the manor of Bradley, Sturston and Fenton, together with his possessions in the fee of Kniveton, Hulland and the fee of Offcote and also whatever his mother Hawisia held in dower in the aforesaid places, at an annual rental of a pair of white gloves. Matthew is to perform the services due to the capital lords of the fee (c. 1260).
The transcript lists the witnesses thus:
Hiis testibus: Roberto de Valle Torta, Willelmo de Landa, Hugone de Acovere, Nigello de Langford', Roberto de Camera, Eytropp' de Osemundeston, Henrico de Esseburn', Simone de Clifton, Johanne de Offedecote, Alexandro mercatore de Esseburn', Rogero de Mercinton', Rogero Payn, Hugone fratre suo, Rogero le Hepe, Johanne clerico et aliis.
(See also entries no 6,7,8,14,15,19,27,29,183,209,210,212,213,217,220,221,224,261,264,306,362,402,405,448, along with entries 557 & 561 from Dale Abbey, and 552 from Darley Abbey)
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "Plea Rolls of the reign of Henry III". Entry on p159 reads:
[MICHAELMAS, 49 H. III]
Staff. Hugh de Acoure appeared against John de Auldithelega, in a plea that on the occasion of the late disturbances in the kingdom, the said John had taken and carried away his goods and chattels from Acoure. And John did not appear, and the Sheriff had been commanded to distrain him, &c, and had done nothing in the matter. The Sheriff is therefore commanded as before, and to produce him at fifteen days from St. Martin.
The same Hugh sued Henry, the Parson of Blore, for preventing the restitution of the said goods and chattels, and he did not appear; and the Sheriff had been ordered to distrain him, and returned he held no lay fee. The Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield is therefore commanded to produce him at the said term. m. 6, dorso.
Derb. The same Hugh appeared against Alexander the Mercer, Robert Pirim, of Esseburn, and three others named, in a plea that on the occasion of the late disturbances in the kingdom, they had taken and carried away his goods and chattels from Acovere, Shene, and Sneyleston; and they did not appear, &c. (as before). The Sheriff is ordered to distrain them, and to produce them at fifteen days from St. Martin. Hugh puts in his place William de Acovere his brother, m. 6, dorso.
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 33, on p145-146 reads:
Anno gratie M° CC° LX° octavo in vigilia beati Oswaldi Regis ita convenitur inter dominum Willelmum de Venablis (sic) ex parte una et dominum Willelmum Wyther ex alteri videlicet quod predictus dominus W. Wyther solvit predicto W. de Venablis centum solidos sterlingorum et solvet eidem W. apud Akovere vel Snellesdale viginti libras et dimidiam marcam sterling pro duabus bovatas terre cum pertinentiis in Snellesdale et pro tota terra cum pertinentiis quam dictus W. de Venablis tenuit de domino Hugone de Akovere citra Festum beati Martini proximo sequentem. Et facta solutione predicte pecunie dicto Willelmo de Venablis sive heredibus suis sive assignatis suis per predictum Willelmum vel heredes suos sive assignatos suos, statim et sine dilatione et sine impedimento predictus Willelmus de Venablis sive heredes sui mittet predictum W. Wither in plenam saysinam omnium predictorum tenementorum etc Hiis testibus Willelmo de Caveriswelle, Willelmo de Chetilton, Roberto filio suo, Henrico de Mapilton, Henrico de la Forde, Thoma de Mapilton, Henrico pistore Henrico Eiiis Willelmo de Hulde clerico et aliis.
(Seal destroyed.)
Sir William Wyther was a distinguished man-at-arms of this period. He married Orabil the widow of Sir Richard Draycote, see p. 31, Vol. VII Staff. Collections
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", Vol 4, Part 1 "Plea Rolls of the Reign of Henry III". Entry on page 171 reads:
EASTER, 53 H. III
Leyc. William de Acorve gives 2 marks for a license of concord with William de Venables and Amice his wife in a plea of warranty of charter, and upon that came one Robert de Acorve (Okeover) stating he was the heir of one Hugh de Acorve his father, and that half the manor of Minsterton and 10s. of rent in Werehengle, to which the chyrograph referred, were given to Amice and her heirs on her marriage, and he gave 20s. to the King that enquiry might be made. A day is given to the parties at the Octaves of Michaelmas at Leycester, and 'William de Venables and Amice put in their place William de Langeford or Richard de Wylburham. m. 5.
"Close Rolls of the Reign of Henry III, 1268-1272". Entry on p215 reads:
[1270]
Pro Edmundo filio regis.- Rex baronibus de scaccario salutem. Sciatis quod dedimus Edmundo filio nostro karissimo illas quinquaginta et novem libras decem solidos et decem denarios et obolum in quibus Hugo de Acovre defunctus nobis tenebatur ad scaccarium nostrum de tempore quo fuit vicecomes noster Salop' et Staff'. Et quia Robertus de Acovre filius et heres predicti Hugonis satisfecit eidem Edmundo de predictis quinquaginta et novem libris decem solidis et decem denariis et obolo, vobis mandamus quod prefatum Robertum inde quietum esse faciatis. Teste rege apud Chauton' xxx. die Julii.
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, gives the following commentary of this on page 18 :
... on the Close Roll of 54 H. III. (1270) there is a writ to the Barons of the Exchequer notifying that the King had granted to his son Prince Edmund the sum of Ł59 10s 10˝d. owing to the Exchequer by Hugh de Acoure deceased for the time he had been Sheriff of the counties of Salop and Stafford, and that Robert de Acoure, the son and heir of Hugh, had paid the same to the Prince.
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/E241, catalogue entry reads:
Demise by Robert son of Robert son of Tholy, with the assent of Dionisia his wife, to Robert son of Hugh de Acove[re] [Okeover], in consideration of 40 silver shillings, of four bovates of land in Bradeburn [Bradbourne], which Hugh de Acove[re] gave in free marriage with Dionisia his daughter
Witnesses: Nicholas, parson, of Esseburn [Ashbourne], Hugh, chaplain of Acove[re], Thomas de Curzon, Roger son of ?Geoffrey, Peter Blunt, Geoffrey, clerk, Matthew de Kniveton, Thomas Young and others
"Descriptive catalogue of Derbyshire charters", Jeayes, also gives an abstract of this as entry 386:
Lease, for 20 years, from Robert fil. Rob. fil. Tholy, with the assent of Dionisia, his wife, to Dom. Robert fil. Hugonis de Acouere, of four bovates of land in Bradeburn, which Hugh de Acouere gave in free marriage with the said Dionisia, his sister; the said term to begin at Michaelmas, "anno eo decennonal[is] cicli quarto et dominicali littera F" [1275 ?]. Witn. Nicholas, persona de Esseburn, Hugh, capellanus de Acoure, Thomas de Curzeun, Roger fil Josei, Geoffrey Blundus, Peter Blundus, Geoffrey, clericus, Matthew de Kniveton, Thomas Juvenis. (Okeover.)
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, gives the following transcript, as deed no 58, on page 156 :
Sciant etc. quod ego Robertus filius Roberti filii Tholy assensu et voluntate Dionisie uxoris mee concessi etc. Domino Roberto filio Hugonis de Acovere pro quadraginta solidos sterlingorum quos idem Robertus mini pacavit per manibus quatuor bovatas terre in Bradeburne, illas scilicet quas Hugo de Acovere dedit mihi in liberum maritagium cum Dionisia filia sua et uxore mea. Tenendas etc a festo Sancti Michaelis etc. usque in finem viginti annorum sequentum completorum etc Hiis testibus Nicholao Persona de Esseburne, Hugone capellano de Acovere, Thoma de Curcun, Rogero filio Joscelini, Galfrido Blundo, Petro Blundo, Galfrido clerico, Matheo de Kniveton, Thoma Juvene, et aliis.
(Seal destroyed.)
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, deed 60 on pages 156/7 reads:
Carta Dyonisie uxoris Roberti filii Tholi facta Roberto de Acouere de iiij bovatis terre in territorio suo in Bradeburne.
Sciant presentes et futuri presens scriptum visuri et audituri quod ego Dionisia quondam uxor Roberti filii Tholi in vidualitate (sic) mea et ligitima potestate mea vendidi Roberto de Acouere fratri meo et heredibus suis quatuor bovatas terre cum omnibus pertinentiis suis in teritorio de Bradeburn illas scilicet quas Hugo pater meus dedit mihi in liberum maritagium. Habendas et tenendas de me et heredibus meis sibi et heredibus suis libere ct quiete plene et pacifice. Reddendo inde annuatim mihi et heredibus meis de se et heredibus suis unas albas cyrothecas ad Nativitatem Domini pro omni servicid et exactione ad me vel ad heredes meos pertinente salvo forinceco servicio. Pro hac autem vendicione prefatus Robertus dedit mihi pre manibus quinque marcas argenti. Et ego Dicnisia et heredes mei predictas quatuor bovatas terre cum omnibus pertinentiis suis predicto Roberto et heredibus suis contra omnes homines warantizabimus. Et ut hec vendicio rata et inconcussa permaneat presens scriptum sigilli mei appositione munivi. Hiis testibus Philippo de Tok, Galfrido de Acouere, Jordano de Sniterton, Johanne capellano de Acouere, Radulfo de Acouere, Roberto de Wednislega, Roberto de Thorp, Radulfo clerico de Peverwico, Henrico filio Johannis de Mapulton et aliis.^*
^* Okeover Chartulary, Bodleian Library, fol 28.
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T133, catalogue entry reads:
Gift in tail by Robert son of Hugh de Akovere [Okeover] to John his brother of two bovates of land with buildings and superstructures along with a toft, croft and meadow and all appurtenances in the fee of Attelow [Atlow], all of which Adam son of John de Attelowe once held from Hugh de Akovere: to be held by John and the lawful heirs of his body at an annual rent of 6s 8d for all services except foreign and suit of frankpledge and reserving also to the said Robert the enclosures in the Park and the Mulneclif and also suit of his mill at Attelowe and a twentieth of the growing corn
Witnesses: Matthew de Knyveton [Kniveton], Ralph de Munjoy, Robert de Fenton, Thomas de Mapilton [Mapleton] Thomas Heruy, John Blundo [Blunt] de Murkaston, Henry Knyveton, William de Hulton and others Monday the Feast of St Petronilla (31 May) 6 Edward I
An abstract and transcript also appears in "Descriptive catalogue of Derbyshire charters", Jeayes, as entry 137.
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T273, catalogue entry reads:
Gift by Hugh de Akovere, [Okeover] to William de Venables his heirs and assigns except monks, burgesses and Jews of two bovates of land with appurtenances in the villein of Snellisdale [Snelsdale] namely those which Matilda formerly wife of Robert de Snellisdale held except for the Oldeflat and the park of Akovere: rent of a penny payable at the feast of St Martin
Witnesses: Thomas, Jordan de Snitterton, Hugh de Henil, Serlo de Munjoy, Robert de Audew, Roger de Wodchuses, [Woodhouses] Robert de Wednisle [Wensley?] and others
A transcript is given in "Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 39, on p148 which reads :
Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Hugo de Akovere dedi, etc, Willelmo de Venables et heredibus suis seu assignatis et eorum heredibus exceptis religiosis Burgensibus et Judeis pro homagio et servitio suo duas bovatas terre cum omnibus pertinentiis suis in villa de Snellisdale, illas scilicet quas Matilda quondam uxor Roberti de Snellisdale tenuit. Tenendas et habendas de me et heredibus meis, etc., salvo le Oldeflat ct parco de Akovere. Hiis testibus Thoma de ( ) Jordano de Snuterton, Hugone de Menil, Serlone de Mungay, Roberto de Andew [ ] Henrico. de Ylum, Rogero de Wodehuses, Roberto de Wednesle et aliis.
(Seal gone.)
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/E649, catalogue entry reads:
Misterton, Leicestershire: Covenant between William de Venables and Amicia his wife and Philip Lovell rector of the church of Hamslap [Hamslape, Buckinghamshire,] by which de Venables has leased to Philip all his land of Menstreton [Misterton, Leicestershire], with all appurtenances and 10s annual rent for Beruhanger for 12 years at an annual rent of 10 marks: further the said Philip shall not take more than two marks of silver by way of aid at the feast of St Michael from the men of the said William holding virgates of land in Menstreton nor extort any money from them unjustly, and the said Philip shall return the fallow land and the house and gardens at Easter preceding the end of the term
Witnesses: Sir Peter le Poter, Lord John de Chetwind, knights, Robert, priest, vicar of Geldesburg, Richard Chamberlain, parson of Luffenhum, William de Haselbech, parson of Wycham, Walter de St. Paul, parson of Misendon, Nicholas de St. Edmund, and others
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 33, on p145-146 reads:
Anno gratie M° CC° LX° octavo in vigilia beati Oswaldi Regis ita convenitur inter dominum Willelmum de Venablis (sic) ex parte una et dominum Willelmum Wyther ex alteri videlicet quod predictus dominus W. Wyther solvit predicto W. de Venablis centum solidos sterlingorum et solvet eidem W. apud Akovere vel Snellesdale viginti libras et dimidiam marcam sterling pro duabus bovatas terre cum pertinentiis in Snellesdale et pro tota terra cum pertinentiis quam dictus W. de Venablis tenuit de domino Hugone de Akovere citra Festum beati Martini proximo sequentem. Et facta solutione predicte pecunie dicto Willelmo de Venablis sive heredibus suis sive assignatis suis per predictum Willelmum vel heredes suos sive assignatos suos, statim et sine dilatione et sine impedimento predictus Willelmus de Venablis sive heredes sui mittet predictum W. Wither in plenam saysinam omnium predictorum tenementorum etc Hiis testibus Willelmo de Caveriswelle, Willelmo de Chetilton, Roberto filio suo, Henrico de Mapilton, Henrico de la Forde, Thoma de Mapilton, Henrico pistore Henrico Eiiis Willelmo de Hulde clerico et aliis.
(Seal destroyed.)
Sir William Wyther was a distinguished man-at-arms of this period. He married Orabil the widow of Sir Richard Draycote, see p. 31, Vol. VII Staff. Collections
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", Vol 4, Part 1 "Plea Rolls of the Reign of Henry III". Entry on page 171 reads:
EASTER, 53 H. III
Leyc. William de Acorve gives 2 marks for a license of concord with William de Venables and Amice his wife in a plea of warranty of charter, and upon that came one Robert de Acorve (Okeover) stating he was the heir of one Hugh de Acorve his father, and that half the manor of Minsterton and 10s. of rent in Werehengle, to which the chyrograph referred, were given to Amice and her heirs on her marriage, and he gave 20s. to the King that enquiry might be made. A day is given to the parties at the Octaves of Michaelmas at Leycester, and 'William de Venables and Amice put in their place William de Langeford or Richard de Wylburham. m. 5.
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T4, catalogue entry reads:
Gift by Hugh de Acovere [Okeover] to William de Venables his heirs and assigns (except monks and burgesses), of an assart in the territory of Acover under Woodhul, situated between the road and the Longflat which Robert de Snellesdale [Snelsdale] held. To be held at a yearly rent of one pair of white gloves to be given at the feast of St John the Baptist.
Witnesses: Robert de Wednesle [Wensley?], Roger de Wodehouse [Woodhouses], William de Ippeston [Ipstones], Robert de Casterne, Henry de Ylum [Ilam], Hugh de Colderwall, Henry de Huntistone, clerk.
A transcript is given in "Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 40, on p148-149 which reads :
Sciant omnes presentes et futuri quod ego Hugo de Akovere dedi, etc., domino Willelmo de Venables pro homagio et servitio suo unum assartum in territorio de Akovere subtus Wodehus quod jacet inter viam et Le Longeflats quod scilicet Robertus de Snellesdale tenuit, etc Solvendo inde 'annuatim mihi et heredibus meis unum par albarum cirotekarum ad festuro Sancti Johannis Baptiste, etc. Hiis testibus Roberto de Wednesle, Rogero de Wodehous, Willelmo de Ippestone, Roberto de Kasterne, Henrico de Ylum, Hugone de Koldewall, Henrico de Huncistone clerico et aliis.
(Seal gone.)
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T5, catalogue entry reads:
Gift by Hugh de Akovere [Okeover], son of Robert de Akovere, to William de Venables and his heirs of all the land with messuage, building, orchard and hedge, with all appurtenances in Akovere which Richard White formerly held: to hold the same with all liberties, rights of common and all appurtenances except for Pincheneye and the Oldeflat, paying to the Prior of Tutbury 6 shillings annually and also to Hugh de Akovere and his heirs twelve pence at the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Mary for all services except suit of his mill at a twentieth of the grain and foreign service.
Witnesses: Robert de Ashbourne, Robert de Lea, Serlo de Mungoie, Robert de Wednesle [Wensley?], William Leigh, Henry de Ylum [Ilam], Roger de Wodehus [Woodhouses] and many others
A transcript is given in "Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 22, on p141 which reads :
Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Hugo filius Roberti de Acovere dedi, etc, Willelmo de Venables et heredibus suis, etc., totam terram, etc, quam Ricardus Albus tenuit de me in villa de Akoure. Tenendam et habendam de me et heredibus meis, etc, salvis michi et heredibus meis defensis meis scilicet Pincheney et le Oldeflat et parco meo de Akovere. Solvendo inde annuatim, etc, sex solidos, etc, pro omnibus mihi et heredibus meis pertinentibus salvo secta molendini mei de terra ilia ad vicesimum granum et salvo forinseco servitio, etc. Hiis testibus Roberto de Esseburne, Roberto de Lea, Serlone de Mungoie, Roberto de Wednesle, Willelmo de Lega, Henrico de Ylum, Rogero de Wodehuse et aliis.
(Seal gone.)
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T36, catalogue entry reads:
Gift by Hugh de Akovere [Okeover] son of Robert de Akovere to Hawisia de Akovere her heirs and assigns (except monks), her homage and service, to two bovates of land in the villein of Swineskoe [Swinscoe] with tofts, Crofts and buildings and all other appurtenances which William Morsel once held of him: paying annually six barbed arrows and twopence
Witnesses: William de Aldithle, Robert de Thorp, then seneschal, William Meveral, William de Ippeston [Ipstones], Henry de Ilam, Roger de Wodehus [Woodhouses], William of Leigh Robert de Kasterne [Calton], Henry Wodegrim and others
A transcript is given in "Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 27, on p142-143 which reads :
Sciant omnes presentes et futuri, quod ego Hugo de Akovere filius Roberti de Akovere dedi et concessi, etc., Hawisie de Akovere et heredibus suis vel assignatis et eorum heredibus exceptis viris religiosis, pro homagio et servitio suo duas bovatas terra in villa de Svineskoc, etc., quas Willelmus Morsel quondam tenuit de me, etc., solvendo inde annuatim mihi et heredibus meis sex sagittas barbatas et duos denarios, etc Hiis testibus Domino Willelmo de Aldithle, Roberto de Thorp tune senescallo, Willelmo Meverel, Willelmo de Ippestone, Henrico de Ylum, Rogero de Wodehus, Willelmo de Leya, Roberto de Kasterne, Henrico Wodegrim et aliis.
(Seal, a crescent and star, legend illegible.^[1])
^[1]This seal of a crescent and star (the banner of the Turks) is supposed to have been adopted by Crusaders,
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T37, catalogue entry reads:
Gift by Hawisia de Akovere [Okeover] to Lord Hugh de Akovere and his heirs, that if Cecilia, wife of William Morsel should survive her husband and claim her dower in two bovates of land in the villein of Swineskoe [Swinscoe] which she (Hawisia) holds of Hugh de Akovere, then she (Hawisia) shall give her full dower or make peace with her (Cecilia)
Witnesses: William de Alditle, Robert de Thorp, then seneschal, William Meverel, William de Ippeston [Ipstones], Henry de Ylum [Ilam], Roger de Wodehus, William de Leya, Robert de Kasterne [Calton], Henry Wodegrim
A transcript is given in "Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 28, on p143 which reads :
Sciant omnes presentes et futuri quod ego Hawisia de Akovere concessi et hoc presenti scripto confirmavi domino meo Hugoni de Akovere et heredibus suis, etc, quod si ita contigerit quod Cecilia uxor Willelmi Morsel dictum virum suum supervixerit et tertiam partem illarum duarum bovatarum terre quas de Hugone de Akovere teneo in villa de Svineskoch nomine dotis exigent, Ego et heredes mei sive assignati dicte Cecilie plenam dotam vel cum ea pacem faciemus sine aliqua warantizatione a dicto Hugone de Akovere vel heredibus suis pro me vel heredes meos sive assign atos de ilia tertia parte exigenda, etc. Hiis testibus Domino Willelmo de Aldithel, Roberto de Thorp tune senescallo, Willelmo Meverel, Willelmo de Ippestone, Henrico de Ylum, Rogero de Wodehuse, Willelmo de Lega, Roberto de Kasterne, Henrico Wodegrim et aliis.
(Seal destroyed.)
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 29, on p143-144 reads:
Notum sit omnibus presens scriptum visuris vel audituris quod ego Ricardus de Ednesovere et heredes mei tenemus domino Hugoni de Acovere et heredibus suis vel assignatis in octo solidatis annui redditus scilicet, medietatem in festo Nativitatis Beati Johannis Baptiste et aliam medietatem in festo Sancti Martini in tota vita domine Hawysie quondam uxoris domini Andree de Grendon pro duabus bovatis terre cum pertinentiis in villa de Snellestone faciendo insuper forinseca servicia ad predictam terrain pertinentia. Et si contigerit me vel heredes meos de predicta firma deficere aliquibus terminis supradictis, volo et concedo (power of distraint) et notandum quod eandem terram cum pertinentiis tenuit prius Lewinus de Grendon. In cujus rei testimonium huic presenti scripto sigillum meum apposui. Roberto de Wedneslega, Willelmo filio Andree de Grendon Thoma Meverel, Roberto Fichet, Willelmo de Accovere in Snellestona, Ricardo de Pz.^* et aliis.
(Seal destroyed.)
^* Richard de Pz. probably Prez, who is styled Clerk elsewhere, was one of the witnesses when Sir Hugh de Okeover handed over the Castle of Bridgenorth to Sir Peter de Montfort in 1257: see Deed 40A. He was no doubt the Sheriff's Clerk, and identical with the Richard de Patris of Deed 32.
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T40, catalogue entry reads:
Gift by Hawisia de Thorp, widow, to Hugh de Acovere, [Okeover] his heirs and assigns, of two bovates of land in the villein of Swynesco, [Swinscoe] namely those she held from Hugh de Acovere himself for homage and service
Witnesses: Robert de Wednesleg, [Wensley?] Thomas Meverel, Robert Fitchet, Hugh de la Coldewall, [Caldwall] Henry de Ilum, [Illam] Richard de Patris and others
A transcript is given in "Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 32, on p145 which reads :
Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Hawysia de Thorp in ligia viduitate mea relaxavi et omnino quiet clamavi, etc., domino Hugoni de Accovere et heredibus suis vel assignatis, duas bovatas terre cum pertinentiis in villa de Swinesco, illas scilicet quas ego de ipso Hugoni tenui prius in eadcm villa pro homagio et servitio, etc Hiis testibus, Roberto de Wedneslega, Thoma Meverel, Roberto Fichet, Hugone de la Coldewalle, Henrico de Ilum, Ricardo de Patris et aliis.
(Seal destroyed.)
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T35, catalogue entry reads:
Quitclaim by William Mossel to Lord Hugh de Akovere [Okeover], son of Robert de Acovere of two bovates of land in the villein of Swineskoch with all appurtenances in Swineskoch. [Swinscoe]
Witnesses: William de Aldithele, Robert de Thorp, then seneschal, William Meverel, William de Ippeston, Roger de Wodehus [Woodhouses], William Leigh, Henry de Ilam, Robert de Kasterne [Calton], Henry Wodegrim and others
A transcript is given in "Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 26, on p142 which reads :
Sciant omnes presentes et futuri quod ego Willelmus Mossel concessi et quietas clamavi et in manu domini mei Hugonis de Akovere filii Roberti de Akovere resignavi duas bovatas terre in villa de Svineskoch, etc, tenendas, etc, sibi et heredibus suis. Hiis testibus Domino Willelmo de Aldithele, Roberto de Thorp tune senescallo^[1], Willelmo Meverel, Willelmo de Ippestone, Rogero de Wodehus, Willelmo de Lega, Henrico de Ylum, Roberto de Kasterne, Henrico Wodegrim et aliis.
(Seal attached, effigy destroyed.)
^[1]This Robert de Thorp, the Steward of the Earl of Derby, appears to have married Hawise de Okeover. See deeds Nos. 23 and 31
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/E652, catalogue entry reads:
Misterton, Leicestershire: Lease by Hugh de Acove[re] [Okeover] to Hawise de Grendon of all his demesne land in Munstreton along with a rent of 10s for Buruhanger and seven virgates of land which the customary tenants of Munstreton held at an annual rent of 10s.; to be held for 20 years at an annual rent of Ł7 19s 3d: further the said Hawise has leased to Hugh for 20 years, all lands, rents, villeins and other things she has by right of dower in Snelleston [Snelston], if she can recover the same against William Mongomery; if not she will pay to Hugh 40s additional rent during the 20 year term
Witnesses: William Purefrei, Robert Chernel, John Smith, Thomas Hay and others
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T38, catalogue entry reads:
Copy of a gift by Hugh de Akovere, [Okeover] to Richard de Swineskoe, [Swinscoe] and Cecilia his wife, for homage and service, of two bovates of land and a toft which Richard once held, with all appurtenances of the villein of Swineskoe, namely those two bovates which the said Richard held of Margery de Akovere and Geoffrey her son and also 4 acres of waste, namely 3 acres next to Bothesley and an acre next to Haram (?) and also 4 cart loads of timber from his wood at Swineskoe and free common of herbage in the wood: paying annually 16 pence for all services except suit of court at Akovere and suit of mill at Akovere at the rate of one twentieth of the grain
Witnesses: Lord William of Cheddleton, William of Ipstores, [Ipstones] Thomas Meverel of Throwley, Benedict de la Coudrey. Hugh de Beresford, William Putrel, Henry de la Ford, Henry of Castern and many others
"Okeover of Okeover" archive at Derbyshire Record Office. Item ref D231M/T42, catalogue entry reads:
Gift by Hugh de Acovere, [Okeover] to Richard de Swynscou, [Swinscoe] and Cecilia his wife of two bovates of land which Oky formerly held in the villein and territory of Swynscou, which said bovates Richard formerly held of Margery de Hultone and Geoffrey her son, also four acres of waste next to Richard's land, namely three acres at Bothisleg and one acre next to the hedge which belongs to Ivor de Swynscou, also four cart loads of timber from his wood at Swynscou as long as the wood remains in his forest and also free common of herbage in the wood: also a reasonable part of the uncultivated land appurtenant to the two bovates: paying annually to Hugh de Acovere, 16 silver pennies, for all services except foreign, suit of court at Acovere and suit of mill at the rate of one quarter of one twentieth of the grain
Witnesses: Lord William de Chetilton, William de Ipstones, Thomas Meveral de Thrueleg (Throwley), Benedict de la Coudray, Hugh de Beveresford, William Putrel, Henry de la Forde, Henry de Casterne, [Calton] and others
A transcript is given in "Collections for a History of Staffordshire", New Series, Vol 7, 1904. "An account of the family of Okeover of Okeover - Okeover Deeds", no 36, on p147 which reads :
Sciant omnes presentes et futuri quod ego Hugo de Acovere concessi etc, Ricardo de Swynscou et Cecilie uxori sue pro homagio et servitio suo duas bovatas terre et unum toftum quod Oky quondam tenuit etc in villa et territorio de Swyniscou illas scilicet bovatas terre quas dictus Ricardus prius tenuit de Margeria de Hultone et Galfrido filio suo. Concessi etiam etc eisdem Ricardo et Cecilie uxori sue quatuor acras terra de vasto meo propinquiores terre sue, scilicet tres acras jacentes apud Bothislega et unam acram juxta hayam que fuit Ivones de Swyniscou et etiam concessi eisdem Ricardo et Cecilie uxore sue quatuor plaustratas clausture de bosco meo de Swyniscou etc Reddendo inde annuatim michi et heredibus meis idem Ricardus et Cecilia et heredes eorum sexdecim denarios argenti etc. pro omnibus servitiis secularibus demandis et exactionibus salvo forinseco servitio quod pertinet ad predictam terram et salva secta curie mee de Akovere pro tota terra sua et etiam salva secta molendini mei de Acovere ad vicesimum quartum grani etc Hiis testibus Domino Willelmo de Chetclton, Willelmo de Ipestanes, Thoma Meverel de Thruleg, Benedicto de la Coudrey, Hugone de Beveresforde, Willelmo Putrel, Henrico de la Forde, Henrico de Casterne et multis aliis.
(A small round seal of green wax with an effigy on it, apparently an antique classical head ; legend illegible.)
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", Vol 13, 1892. p184 (Extracts from the pleas rolls):
DE BANCO. MICH, 7 Ric II
Derb. The record of an assize was returned into Court which had been taken at Derby on the Monday after the Feast of St. James the Apostle, 7 Ric. II [July 1383], in which Philip de Okoiire (Okeover), Chivaler, claimed the manor of Caldelowe against Goditha, formerly wife of Ralph de Stathum, and others. Goditha answered as tenant, and stated that one Elizabeth, daughter and heir of John de la Launde, "was formerly seised of the tenements and had married one Richard, son of Richard Foljaumpe, and afterwards a Fine was levied in 3 E. III between Joan, formerly wife of John de la Launde, complainant, and the said Richard, son of Richard Foljaumpe, and Elizabeth, deforciants of the manor of Caldelowe and of other lands and tenements, by which Joan acknowledged the said tenements to be the right of Elizabeth, for which the said Richard and Elizabeth granted them to Joan for her life, with reversion to the said Richard and Elizabeth and to the heirs of Elizabeth. And she produced the Fine in Court, and she stated that the said Richard and Elizabeth continued in seisin of the tenements for a long time after the date of the Fine, and at length Richard died, and after his death Elizabeth continued in seisin of them, and died leaving no issue, and after her death the said Goditha and one Peter Peyntour entered as cousins and heirs of Elizabeth, viz., Goditha as daughter of Lucy, daughter of Lucy, daughter of Joan, sister of John, father of the said Elizabeth, and Peter as son of Joan, son of Matilda, another sister of the said John, father of Elizabeth, and she stated that Philip was kinsman of the said Elizabeth more remotely, viz., as son of Thomas, son of Roger, son of John, son of Hugh, father of Lucy, the mother of John, father of the said Elizabeth. And the said Philip, without admitting that such a Fine had been levied, stated that long before Elizabeth held anything in the manor, one Hugh de Okoure, his ancestor, and whose heir he was, viz., father of John, father of Roger, father of Thomas, father of the said Philip, was seised of the manor in demesne as of fee, and gave it to one William de la Launde, Knight, and to Lucy, his wife, and to the heirs male of their bodies, and from the said William and Lucy the manor descended to one William as son and heir, and from this William, who died leaving no male issue, the manor descended to one John as brother and heir, and from this John, who died leaving no male issue, the right reverted to the said Philip, as kinsman and heir of the said Hugh, and after the death of John, Elizabeth had intruded herself into the manor, and Philip being under age had then entered, and was seised of it until the said Goditha and the other defendants had disseised him.
And Goditha stated she knew nothing of the gift of the manor by the said Hugh, but that the Fine had been levied as above stated, in the third year of King Edward III, and this Fine was a Fine upon surrender, "finis super redditionem," and was levied before the Statute by which the non-claim, of such a Fine was restrained, "per quod non clamewm cujuscunque talis finis restringitur." And at the date of the Fine, Roger, the ancestor of Philip, was of full age, and out pf prison, and within the four seas; and the said Roger had not put in his claim to the manor within a year of the levying of the Fine, and therefore Philip was precluded from the present assize. After some further pleadings a day was given to the parties at Westminster on the Wednesday after a month from Michaelmas,* on which day the suit was adjourned to the Morrow of All Souls, and from that date to the Morrow of St. Martin, and from that date to the Octaves of St. Hillary, in statu quo nuno. A postscript states that on that date Philip did not appear and the suit was dismissed. m. 393.
^* As it involved a question of law, the decision was left to the Judges in Bank
"Collections for a History of Staffordshire", Vol 13, 1892. p188 (Extracts from the pleas rolls):
DE BANCO. EASTER, 7 Ric II
Derb. William de Skypwyth and William de Burgh, Justices of Assize in co Derby, transmitted the record and process of an assize of novel disseisin taken before them on the Monday the feast of St James the Apostle, 8 Ric II, in these words:-
An assize, etc, if Goditha, formerly wife of Ralph de Stathum, and others named, had unjustly disseised Philip de Okore (Okeover), Chivali, of the manor of Caldelowe, and a messuage and an acre of land in Caldelowe and Snellesron.
In this suit Goditha repeated her plea as in the former assize, claiming by virtue of a Fine levied on the Quindene of St Michael, 3 E III, between Joan, formerly wife of John de Launde, complainant, and Richard, son of Richard Foljambe, and Elizabeth, his wife, daughter and heir of John de la Launde, and claiming to be nearer of blood to the said Elizabeth than Philip, and she gave these pedigrees:-

Lucy = William de la Launde ________________________________|_______________________________ | | | John de la Launde Joan Matilda | | | Elizabeth = Richard Foljambe Lucy Joan | | Lucy Peter Peyntour | Goditha Hugh de Okeover _____________________|____________________ | | John Lucy = Wiliam de la Launde | ___________|____________ | | | Roger William John | ob sp | Thomas Elizabeth | Philip, the plaintiff
Philip repeated his plea as in the former trial, but added that at the time the said Goditha stated that the Fine was levied, and for all the rest of his lifetime, Roger his ancestor was in Scotland, and not within the four seas of Enland, and that he died in Scotland. Goditha replied that at the time the Fine was levied Roger was within the four seas, becuase he wasat Mynsterton in co. Leicester, which she was prepared to prove. Philip repeated that on the date of the Fine and for a year and a day afterwards, the said Roger was in Scotland, and died there, which he was prepared to prove^*. A day was therefore given to the parties in Banco on the Tuesday after three weeks from St Michael, on which day both Goditha and Philip appeared in person, and because the plea could not be determined in co. Derby a day was given to the parties on the Thursday at a month from St Michael, on which day Goditha and Philip appeared in person, and stated that they were prepared to maintain their pleas as given above, and prayed that a jury might be summoned from co Leicester; and the Sheriff was ordered to summon a jury for the Octaves of St Hillary. A postscript shows that no jury had been empanelled up to the morrow of the Ascension. m334.
^* Philip was certainly wrong in his date, for Roger had Letters of Protection whilst in Scotland in 9 E III. It may be assumed, however, that he died or was killed in Scotland (Scotch Roll of 9 Ed III)

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