Reference
OR1064
Title
“Therle of Kent’s petition”.
Petition [copy], 12 large quarto sheets, of Reignold Grey esquire, (de jure 5th Earl of Kent), relating to his claim to the family lands and title.
Date free text
not dated [? Circa 1563].
Production date
From: 1562 To: 1564
Scope and Content
He refers (page 3) to a conveyance by deed enrolled made by Richard, 3rd Earl, to Henry VII (cf. V.C.H. ii, 37 – 8, citing Cal. Anc. D., A. 13485). Henry VIII had a great liking for the manor of Ampthill, and understanding that the said deed was “no lawful assurance”, he promised recompense if the title were confirmed, as was done by recovery. Meanwhile, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth have taken for about 40 years the issues of the manors of Ampthill, Millbrook, Northwood, Brogborough, Podington, Bow Brickhill and Bragenham, and also of Tingrith, Flitwick, Pilling, Ridgmont, Segenhoe, Wootton and Walton and other lands in Maulden and Marston (page 4). Petitioner states that the original deed to Henry VII was only arranged by the latter “of purpose to stay the said Richard, Earl of Kent, from putting away the premises to others” (and thus only by implication refers to the latter’s debts); and the Earl, while he lived, was allowed to enjoy the profits.
.N.B. If there is no copy of this petition in the Lucas collection it will need summarising in greater detail, there; here its significance is only incidental, owing to the fact that the Greys held Podington manor till 1524/5.
Level of description
item