The Early History

For many centuries, Somercotes and the surrounding hamlets were part of the Parish of Alfreton. It is therefore within the records of Alfreton that information can be found on the history of Somercotes and its neighbouring communities.

THE EARLY HISTORY FROM 1086
THE CHAWORTH FAMILY AND THE GRANTS OF SIR THOMAS CHAWORTH
THE VALOR ECCLESIASTICUS OF 1535
CHANTRY OF THE BLESSED MARY, ST. MARTIN OF TOURS, ALFRETON, 1549
THE COMMONWEALTH TAXATION SURVEYS, 1652
APPENDIX
1. GLOSSARY - DEFINITIONS OF SOME OF THE OLD ENGLISH WORDS USED IN THE FOLLOWING TEXT
2. THE LORDS OF ALFRETON - A TABLE CHARTING THE TITLE UP TO ITS DEMISE IN 1963

1. THE EARLY HISTORY FROM 1086

The land around what is now the parish of Somercotes was used mainly for grazing. It consisted of pasture, water meadow and woodland and was used during the summer months for the grazing of cattle and sheep. During the summer the herdsman would stay with his animals, usually staying in a purpose built hut or cottage. It is believed that the name Somercotes derived from the old English words Sumor and Cotts, meaning summer cottage.

There is conflicting research regarding the earliest use of the name. Although the historian A. D. Mills suggests that the first written use was in 1276, Reginald Johnson found written evidence dating from 1225, when Rad fil de Rad Sumcot was fined with other tenants of Alfreton Manor for an offence in connection with Sherwood Forest. Here, Johnson is probably referring to a “Pipe Roll” of Henry III, which states [in part] “Pleas of the Forest … Roger fil Orm, Rad de Wudburc, Robert de Crois, Rad fil de Rad Sumcot, Robert Molendinar de Auferton, Roger de Auferton, Roger Colling, Hugo de Wermodeworde for land in Cotgrave…” Note that in this “Pipe Roll” reference is made both to “Sumcot” (Somercotes) and “Auferton” (Alfreton). Although Johnson does not mention the “Pipe Roll”, this is his likeliest source for the reference.

Further back in time the documented history of Somercotes and the surrounding hamlets and villages starts with the history of Alfreton. The Lords of Alfreton owned much of the land, rights and privileges associated with it.

The first mention of the town is in the Great Survey ordered by William I in 1086, and commonly known as the Domesday Survey. The town was called Elstretune and the translation from the original document can be read as follows:

In Elstretune, Morcar had four ox-gangs and a half, and four acres of land to be taxed for one manor. There is land to one plough. There are nine villanes and three bordars with two ploughs. There are five acres of meadow. It was formerly worth 20s., now 30s. Ingram holds it under Roger de Busli.

The Domesday Book gives a picture of a small hamlet with nine tenant farmers and three farm labourers. The survey found that there was one ploughland [sufficient for 2 plough teams], which was arable land equivalent to 120 acres along with 5 acres of meadow. The original assessment of 20s was increased by the Commissioners to 30s but the reason for this large 50% increase in assessment was not given.

At the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, Earl Morcar held the manor, but by 1086, Ingram was Chief Baron under a Norman chieftain named Roger de Busli. Ingram held lands in both Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, including the Manor of Alfreton. The lands that Roger de Busli held were escheated to the Crown during the reign of Henry I [this means that land and property reverted to the Crown due to a failure of a person to legally claim or inherit it]. Ingram, however, seemed to have retained the Royal favour, and kept his own estates and titles. He became Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, a position which his son, Ranulf [or Ralph] inherited, along with the Manor of Alfreton and other estates.

It is noticeable and significant that no church is mentioned in the Great Survey. The Church of St. Martin of Tours in Alfreton was established in the years after the survey of 1086, but is known to have been founded by the year 1174. The church was the focus of village and town life, and would have been the most important and substantial building in the district. The church owned land and raised tithes or taxes from the local community, in return, of course, for looking after the spiritual welfare of the parishioners, which was to the mediaeval population of England an important factor in their lives.

Ranulf, son of Ingram, was favoured by Henry II, and served as Sheriff of Nottingham & Derby twice, the first time 1155-1156 and the second 1160-1164. He had two sons, William and Robert, both of whom also became Sheriffs of Nottingham & Derby. Robert Fitz Ranulf [‘Fitz’ meaning ‘son of’] became Lord of Alfreton, Norton and Marnham and later took the name of de Alfreton. He was a considerable landowner, owning swathes of land in Alfreton, Norton, Marnham, Wymeswold, Edwalton and certain family estates at Rowsley, Calver, Moneyash, Hassop, Blackwell and Dronfield. He also owned other sizable estates in the county of Nottingham. The lands in Alfreton included much if not all of Somercotes, and the surrounding hamlets.

At some time around 1176, Robert de Alfreton made a gift of land to enable monks to establish an Abbey at Beauchief. The abbey was dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin and St. Thomas the Martyr (this being Thomas Beckett). As well as the land, he also gifted the churches of Alfreton and Norton to Beauchief, along with their appurtenances and a tenth of his rent. Over his life, Robert continued to gift lands and rents to Beauchief and other institutions to enable them to thrive.

Robert’s son, William de Alfreton in turn became Lord of Alfreton and Norton, and was also a benefactor of the abbey, granting a mill situated at Coal Aston. The family line continued, with William’s son Robert de Alfreton [grandson of the first Robert] who married Agnes de Verdun. This Robert de Alfreton made various grants to the canons at Beauchief, partly which were lands and properties at Norton. In one deed he “gave to the canons sixty acres of land [24 feet to the perch] in Alfreton, with all the wood growing thereupon”. Robert had one son, Thomas and several daughters. Although Thomas inherited the lands and titles he died in 1269 without issue, and his estate passed to the elder of his sisters, named Alicia [in Reginald Johnson’s book “A History of Alfreton” she is named as “Alice of Alfreton”]. Alicia married Sir William Chaworth Lord of Marneham and much of the estate passed to him by the marriage in the form of a moiety.

PHOTO: The Chapel at Beauchielf Abbey, 2015

2. THE CHAWORTH FAMILY AND THE GRANTS OF SIR THOMAS CHAWORTH

The Chaworth family could trace their roots back to Maine, Northern France, and originally came to England at the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066. By the mid-12th century they were already wealthy landowners, much of which had been acquired through marriage. William Chaworth (born about 1164) acquired the lands of Alfreton through his marriage to Alicia of Alfreton around 1200.

Sir William and Alicia had a son, Sir Thomas Chaworth who was also a generous benefactor to the Abbey of Beauchief. Sir Thomas was a minor at the death of his father in 1242, and became ward to his uncle Robert de Lathom, who had married his aunt, Joane de Alfreton. He became full age in 1247 when he then had possession of his land and titles [the Reverend Pegge, in his book “An Historical Account of Beauchief Abbey” suggests that he was born about 1226, based on this date]. In 1301, in the 29th year of the reign of Edward I, he obtained a licence “to grant unto the canons of Beauchief, in com. Derb ten tofts, eleven ox-gangs, fifty eight acres of land, sixteen acres of wood and £ii.xviiis per annum rent in Alfreton, Norton, Grenehull, Bradeway, and Wodesets for the maintenance of one priest to celebrate divine service daily, in the abbey of Beauchief for the health of his own soul and also for the soul of Joane his wife and their ancestors; whereupon he gave unto them the whole hamlet of Grenehull, lying within the Soke of Norton with certain rents in Alfreton and Norton”. Sir Thomas would have been around 75 years of age at the time. It is known that he was living in 1312 as his grants were witnessed and confirmed, and probably died shortly after, at a great age for the time.

The Chaworth family continued to support the abbey at Beauchief, as well as other institutions. Royal confirmation of the grants was passed in 1316, after the death of Sir Thomas, and were laid out in a chartulary. Not all the grants referred to Alfreton and although each grant is transcribed in numerical sequence for completeness, only information relating to the Alfreton area is included.

SECOND GRANT: At Alfreton, 18s rent, which Robert le Redsmith, [or Redesmit], paid him for the tenement held of him in Swanwyk, near Alfreton, with appurtenances. All that assarted land, with toft and croft, and appurtenances, which Roger Faber held in Birchwood, in the Soke of Alfreton. [Note: Roland Babbington esq. died 6 June 1463 possessed of lands and tenements late belonging to the abbey, worth 14s per annum. It is called in the instrument Nether Birchwood]. One bovate of land, with appurtenances, which Adam de Birchwode held in the same village. All that land, with appurtenances, which Roger de Bercher held in the said Soke of Alfreton. All that assarted land which is called Robert…[illegible] …Riding’s with appurtenances. Two shillings rent from the tenement which Roger Mousfield held in Alfreton. One shilling rent from the tenement which Nicholas Thoreld or Torald held in Alfreton. {The grant continues with land at Norton and other places].
FIFTH GRANT: A toft and croft, with their buildings and appurtenances, in Cokshet, which John Faber held. [The name of John Faber is mentioned in Reginald Johnson’s Book “A History of Alfreton”, although previous instances of the word “Cockshet” referred to an area near the village of Norton]. One cartilage, in Aufertone, near the Canon’s Barn.
SEVENTH GRANT: All that land which is called Whitek (or Quytekar, as in the Chartulary) and 12 acres of land in a place called Barsfield, or Bersfeld, in Alfreton. That piece of land which Peter Textor held in Alfreton.
EIGTH GRANT: [various grants of land]; 5½ acres of land, which Richard Everard held in Alfreton, with appurtenances. [The Latin text quoted refers to the land as in “Birchwood in the territory of Alfreton”]
THIRTEENTH GRANT: One piece of land lying to the west side of his hall at Alfreton.
FOURTEENTH GRANT: [This grant refers to his gift of the hamlet of Grenehull for “…his own soul and that of his wife and family”] Also, twelve shillings and eight pence of yearly rent, which the abbot and convent were wont to pay him from divers tenements which they held of him in Alfreton and Norton.

The Reverend Pegge surmises that the above grants may well constitute the full amount of land, ox-gangs etc. as laid out in the licence originally granted by Edward I, but no actual reference to the acreage or appurtenances is given in many of the grants. Given that might be the case, Pegge goes on to surmise that the following grants may have been made without a licence due to Sir Thomas’ zeal in arranging salvation for his soul and the souls of his family.

SEVENTEENTH GRANT: All the waste that lay intermixed with their lands and tenements within the Sokes of Alfreton and Norton, with appurtenances, and a privilege of taking land wheresoever they have occasion, throughout all his waste grounds, for enlarging and making their ditches. Earth and turf for repairing and covering their houses, both from his own waste [says the chartulary], and their own.
EIGHTEENTH GRANT: Licence and full liberty of getting coals, drawing of them and carrying them away, both for their own use and the use of their tenants, whether bond or free, whenever they want, and that both in the lands of the tenants of the said abbot and convent, and in their own lands, and in the waste grounds lying amongst their lands, within the Sokes of Alfreton and Norton.

The coal measures around Birchwood, Smotherfly and Cotes Park were near to the surface and it is known that they were extensively mined in ancient times, using Bell Pits, This grant would have been of considerable value to the abbey. The Reverend Pegge also includes reference to a document written in French relative to the mining of coal at Alfreton and dated 1368, stating that “whereas Sir Thomas had granted the canons a rent of 13s 4d out of his manor of Alfreton for 40 years, they, nevertheless, if the coal mines failed in that term, or Sir Thomas should choose not to work them, released the payment. This was in consequence of a demand made by the Abbey on the tithes of coals gotten at Swanwicke and elsewhere in the rectory of Alfreton, which was brought to arbitration in 1368, during the reign of Edward III, when it ‘was accorded on the penalty of £20 each to pay and accept this 13s 4d’.”

It is interesting that Swanwick is mentioned in relation to the coal. Most of the mining is thought to have taken place at Birchwood, Smotherfly and Cotes Park, although this reference implies that Swanwick may also have been extensively mined during this period. There is, of course, the Swanwick Collieries complex, developed in the 19th and 20th centuries, where early mining could also have taken place. The coal mined in this area was noted for its quality.

NINETEENTH GRANT: A liberty of cleansing their lands and the lands of their tenants both bond and free, from Goldae [the latin is goldarum and here refers to the cleansing of a mill or fish pond, a work of importance in monastic establishments and enforced by strict rules and penalties] by them and their descendants, according to the custom of the manors of Alfreton and Norton, and if [says the Chartulary] they find any default in the cleansing, that they might punish their tenants and take amerciaments of them, in like manner as they had been accustomed to be punished by him and his ancestors. [This grant continues with other grants and gifts given by Sir Thomas, including: “gave half a rood of land lying near their mill of Afton [or Hesilhyrst], on the west side of the water-course of the mill, for the purpose of transferring the mill from the east side to the west for the greater advantage of the mill, to be erected on that spot which Rog. Pykard held of him”. The canons gave Sir Thomas in exchange a rood of land in Afton-Field. [It is not stated whether or not “Afton” is “Alfreton” in this part of the text]. It continues “He quit-claimed also to the canons all the land in Thorteley in the Soke of Alfreton, which they held by the assignment of John de Abru, about 1304. [Again, the place name Thorteley is not known in relationship to Alfreton or elsewhere].
TWENTIETH GRANT: Sir Thomas, in this deed, requires that all the previous grants and charters be fulfilled in accordance with his wishes. He therefore consented that any disputes or contests arising from the grants should not be dealt with by the courts of Alfreton or Norton, but by the church of Alfreton or Norton, depending on where the offence or dispute took place. Judgement was to be made in each case by “good and lawful men to be chosen by the respective parties”.

The importance of Alfreton and the surrounding lands can be seen in these grants, but sadly only general areas are mentioned.

Birchwood is certainly an ancient name. In the 21st year of the reign of Henry III [1237] mention is made in the records “Of Knight’s Fees and of those holding them in the honour of Peveril in Derbyshire”

Roger de Cokefield 10s for ¼ of a fee of the custody of Alfreton; Roger de Watenhow 20s for half a fee of the custody of Alfreton; Henry de Birchwood ½m for one-sixth of one fee of the same custody

A Knight’s Fee was a unit measure of land, deemed sufficient in size to support a knight, his retinue and everything necessary for him to carry out his duties [the area of land was not fixed]. A knight or Lord of the Manor was assessed for tax according to the number of Knight’s Fees he held, although he could create his own feudal retainers who pledged allegiance to him and who would be liable for a part of the Knight’s Fee, depending on how much of the manorial estate they owned [this practice was outlawed in 1290].

Over time, several hamlets were established in the area, and were originally known as Nether [Lower] Birchwood, Upper Birchwood and Birchwood Green. The name Birchwood Green disappeared from the records during the early to mid-18th century. Only the hamlet of Lower Birchwood officially remains, although this name too is rarely used.

An early mention of Somercotes is recorded in the Journal of the Derbyshire Archaeological and Natural History Society published in 1895. This work includes the details of the Assize Rolls for Derbyshire, and in the 53rd year of the reign of Henry III [1264] records that “Hugh de Somercotes, Smith, placed himself at the Church in Alfreton, and acknowledged that he slew Gilbert de Riddings and abjured the Kingdom before the coroner. No Chattels. The vils of Alfreton, Wynefeud [Wingfield] and Penkeston [Pinxton] came not to the coroner’s inquest, wherefore they are in mercy. It was afterwards testified by the jury that the said Hugh was placed in straits in the last iter and outlawed in the country because of his contumacy in the King’s suit on account of the aforesaid death. He was very much commiserated in this county after the said outlawry was promulgated. The whole county was in judgement because they had not taken him.” Hugh de Somercotes seems to have taken Sanctuary in Alfreton Church and confessed to the Coroner of the Scarsdale Hundred. As was his right, he elected for exile sooner than stand trial for the crime, but it appears that he did not leave the country and was therefore found guilty of contempt and declared an outlaw. The interesting part about the piece as quoted, is that the residents of the area seemed to have had much sympathy for Hugh de Somercotes, but sadly the reason for this, and what became of him, will forever remain a mystery.

Over time, such was the power and prestige that such people as the de Chaworth’s yielded, the Royal revenues began to suffer as more of the taxes did not find their way to the exchequer. The ordinary people also began to suffer privations under the weight of tax imposed by their lords and masters, who also had the power of life and death over their subjects. Edward I sent out commissioners throughout the land to establish inquisitions to enquire as to where the landowners had obtained their authority. A Commission was established in Derbyshire to make inquisition through the Hundred Courts, and Juries were appointed by the Commissioners. The Commissioners were sent out in the second year of the reign of Edward I, after he had returned from the Holy Land. The Patents for their appointment are dated 11th October that year [1275].

The transcriptions are from “The Feudal History of the County of Derby”, but only the reference to Alfreton is included here:

THE WAPENTAKE OF SCARSDALE “…OF SOME WHO CLAIM BY THE KING THE RETURN OF WRITS &c. – They [the Jurors] say that ….Thomas de Cadurcis [Chaworth] at Alfreton ….have assize of bread and ale, but they know not by what authority
”NEW CLAIMS &c. They say …Thos. De Chaworth at Alfreton and Norton … claim for themselves warren, but they know not by what authority.”

By the year 1318 it can be seen just how much land and importance was given to Beauchief Abbey around Somercotes from a document written that year in the Parliament Roll of Edward II [pt. 1. M 24d]. It appears that the abbot of Beauchief became involved in a dispute concerning a claim to property and had decided to take the law into his own hands. A commission of Oyer & Terminer was issued when John le Cippere of Nottingham claimed that William, Abbott of Beauchief, Walter de Cotes [the abbot’s sergeant], William, son of Walter de Urton and Robert le Gardiner of Codnor, with others, “brake his close at Riddings by Somercotes, Co. Derby, felled his trees, wrecked his house and carried away timber, trees and goods”.

Walter de Cotes was sergeant or bailiff to the abbot and lived at Cotes Park Hall, taking his name from this area as was the custom. The position of bailiff was of considerable importance, and as a servant of the Abbot of Beauchief, he would have been above the civil law of the land and answerable only to the Church. The office of bailiff became hereditary in his family, the last holder of the title being Richard de Cotes who was disposed in 1536 when the lands and property became forfeit to the Crown.

Further information regarding the ancient parish can be taken from the Subsidy Roll granted by the first Parliament of Edward III in the year 1327. Parliament granted the King a Subsidy of one-twentieth part of all “movable goods” for defence of the Kingdom against the Scots. Collectors were appointed for the County of Derby, who, in turn, selected a number of “true men” from each parish or district to make an honest assessment. The details were transcribed from the Rolls by John Pym Yeatman in “The Feudal History of the County of Derby”. The Roll included not only the chief landowners but also smaller freeholders, tradesmen and merchants, as well as ordinary tenants. The book lists only the larger sums:

ALFRETON:Wm. Le Baggr 60s; Wm le Taylor 60s; Peter Thorald, Ad fil Isabella, Hy Cosell, Wm. Bere 60s; John fil Adam, Rich de Northeg 33s 4d; John Bars, John Batemon, Robt fil Roger, Will le Walsh, Rich Gilbt, Robt de Lancroft 40s; Robert le Walsh 40s. A total for Alfreton was recorded as £26 13s 4d

In the year 1330, Edward III also summoned those who exercised certain privileges to produce some evidence of their right to do so. Pleadings took place before William Herle “and his associates”, Justices Itinerant for the Counties of Nottingham and Derby.

Thomas de Chaworth senr. View of frankpledge, fair, market and free warren &c. in Alfreton; claimed only park inganthef and furcas from time immemorial, and produced Charter of Henry III of 12 Sept. 41 of his reign to Thomas de Chaworth, grandfather of defendant, whose heir he is, as to free warren and a Charter of the same King dated 6 July in the 36th year of his reign [1252] to Robert de Lathom [Thomas’s uncle] and Thomas de Chaworth granting them a market. Jury found for the rights, and Wm. De Uston and Thomas de Radcliff fined 20s for having confirmation.

This dates Alfreton’s Charter for a weekly market and annual fair to 1252. The importance of the market and fair to people in the locality of Alfreton is immense. Considerable privileges were associated with the Royal Grant, and the importance of the town and its parish were seen to be growing in recognition. Reginald Johnson devotes a chapter to the market and fair in his book “A history of Alfreton”.

A Muster Roll also survives for the 21st year of the reign of Edward III [1348]. This lists the men available for the King’s wars with the French. Wealthy men could avoid the Muster by paying a fine, which was listed after their name.

ALFRETON & NORTON: Thomas de Chaworth is Lord of Alfreton, £10. Simon de Birtvill, 40s; bowmen, John Osmond and Henry de Ufton. Thomas, Lord of Norton c.s., 1 freeman 40s; 2 bowmen, Adam Parcar and Robert fil Hugo.

Court cases seem to figure prominently in the records. In 1422, during the reign of Henry VI, it was recorded that Thomas Chaworth, Knight, the Plaintiff, brought before the Courts of Debt persons from the counties of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, including John Robynson, of Somercotes, Yeoman and John Shakespere of Somercotes, husbandman [both in the County of Derby]. Nothing more is known of these two persons, or the results of the trial.

The Chaworth family would keep much of the Alfreton estate for many years. A descendant of Sir Thomas, William de Chaworth, born in 1351, acquired the manor of Wiverton, in Nottinghamshire through a marriage with Alice, daughter of Sir John Caltoft of East Bridgford. Their son, Thomas, obtained a licence to establish a park at Wiverton, from which point Wiverton Hall superseded that of Alfreton as the family seat. Sir Thomas’ granddaughter, Joanna inherited the manor of Alfreton (her brother dying without issue), which became vested in her husband, John Ormond Esq. He died on 5 October 1503, and was buried under a chest tomb within the chancel of Alfreton Church. Joanna died some few years later in 1507.

THE VALOR ECCLESIASTICUS OF 1535

The Valor Eccleasiasticus [Church Valuation] was a survey of all church lands and properties carried out under the instruction of Henry VIII. A year earlier in 1534, Henry VIII broke with the Catholic Church so that he could divorce his wife, Catherine of Aragon, and became head of the church in all of his lands. As a secondary but important consequence of the divorce with Rome, Henry was able to impose taxes on the clergy [where before surplus monies raised by the church through tithes and rents were sent to the Vatican). To assess the amount of tax he could raise, a tax survey was commissioned by Henry on all church lands and their revenues. In January 1535, commissioners were appointed and the clergy, priests and heads of all monasteries and abbeys were commanded to give sworn testimony as to their wealth and income.

As part of the survey, the commissioners visited Beauchief Abbey, which had been gifted the Church at Alfreton as well as extensive land and privileges in the area. The commission reported on the holdings and revenues of Beauchief which included the following:

In the year 1535 the living for the Church of St. Martin’s was recorded as follows:

The Glebe	£4 0s 0d per annum
Tythe Corn and Hay	£6.0s 0d
Lamb and Wool	£1 3s 4d
Mortuaries	£0.6s.8d
SUB-TOTAL	£11.10s.0d
Less Synodals & procurations	£0.10s.7d
GRAND TOTAL	*£10.19s.5d*

The abbey of Beauchief had also a temporal estate at Alfreton, of which, in 1535, the account was:

In Alfreton Rents	£2 4s 0d
In Somercotes Rents	£0 17s 4d
In Swanwick Rents	£1 12s 0d
GRAND TOTAL	£4 13s 4d

Specific entries were also made relating to land and dwellings owned and rented out by the Abbey.

“Richard Bland held one toft, with land and meadow, which the said Richard late did hold in Somercotes, by lease of forty years dated 14 January 1501. Rent 14s”.
“Received of Berton Coker for one close in Swanwike, beneth the parish of Alfreton, called the Haught, late in the holding of Thomas Reyson for all the tenth of grain of Riddings and Sumercotts by lease of thirty years dated 24 June 1510. Rent 38s”.
“Robert Grenewood held one place in Swanwike, with all houses, lands, meadows and pastures, with other appurt. by lease for fifty years dated 12 January, 20 Henry VIII. Rent 24s.”
“Lady Anne Meryng held the tenth of all the grain and hay in Alfreton, except the tenth of the parsonage and tenement of Berton Baker there, by lease for her life, dated 29 September 1533. Rent £4.12s.6d”.
“Thomas Coswell held one tenement in Alfreton with all the tenth to the same tenement pertaining, except the tenth pertaining to the vicar there, by lease of sixty three years dated Candlemass 1534 Rent £5.6s.8d”.
“Johan Duffield held one close called Shiroks, with all his appurt. as they lie in Alfreton by lease let to her for twenty three years dated 6 January 1535. Rent 10s”.
“Rowland Babbington esq held all those lands, meadows and parcels of land which one Richard Cottes late held by lease for twenty one years dated 25 January 1535. Rent 14s.”

Between the years 1536 and 1541, a set of administrative and legal processes were set in place to disband all monasteries and abbeys that fell within the jurisdiction of Henry VIII. This process is commonly known as the “Dissolution of the Monasteries”. All assets, incomes and privileges owned by these institutions were appropriated by the Crown in a policy to boost the Exchequer.

The King and his ministers were not interested in removing tenants from the Abbey’s lands, or in altering leases already in place, but all rents and income due were to be collected on behalf of the Crown. For this reason, further information continued to be collected so that accurate assessments could be made, and new or extended leases processed:

In 1538 the rent of tithes of Sumercot and Ryddings held by:

Berton Coker	£2 0s 0d
Tythes of Alfreton*	£4 13s 11d
Glebe in Lease to Thomas Boswel	£5 6s 8d
GRAND TOTAL	£12 0s 7d

* (in the hand of Lady Anne Meryng)

It is probable that Berton Barker and Berton Coker is one and the same person mentioned in both 1535 and 1538, as is Thomas Coswell and Thomas Boswell.

“Anth. Babington, knt, held the common in Swanwike, in par. of Alfreton by lease for twenty one years dated 23 April, 27 Henry VIII. Rent £4.”
“William Bote held one cottage in Alfreton, with a close by lease of thirty six years dated Lady Day [25 March] 1538. Rent 13s 4d and sute to court”.
“In the 36th year of [the reign of] Henry VIII [1545] the King granted to Francis Leake esq. inter alia ‘the Rectory of Alfreton and all the tythes growing in certain lands in Somercotes, Ryding and all that Grange called Harwood Grange, within the Lordship of Birley [miswritten for Beeley], in the tenure of William Blackwell’”.
“Humphrey Clarke of Alfreton held one toft, with land and meadow in Somercotes, late in hold of John Bland, and divers parcels of land late in hold of John Webster, by lease for twenty one years dated 27 January 1541. Rent for the toft, with the appurtenances, and for the other land 16s 4d. and Robert Dighton had licence, 32 Henry VIII [1541] to dispose of all the messuages in the tenure of Alice Bland, widow, and of Thomas Webster and all that land called Le Chappel Yard in the holding of Robert Coker in Alfreton, late belonging to Beauchief Abbey, to William Bowls and his heirs. Bowles had licence 3 Edward VI [1464] to alienate all the messuages which Blande held to Thomas Babington and his heirs”.

Reginald Johnson in his book “A History of Alfreton” refers to further interesting items as result of the survey.

“In 1536, Catherine, the widow of Richard Bland [mentioned previously in the survey] was certified to be the tenant of a ‘farm in Somercotes’ at the yearly rent of 14s”

At the time, the rent per acre of land was 4d per annum, which means that Richard Bland farmed 42 acres. As he took the original lease in 1501 for a period of forty years the lease ran out in 1541. His widow Catherine seems to have extended the lease for a further 21 years, as, on 16 February 1540, a lease was confirmed by the King to Catherine Bland of one toft with lands and meadow in Somercotes, formerly owned by Beauchief Abbey. She was also granted ancient privileges in connection to the land. Catherine therefore continued to live as a tenant farmer after the death of her husband, as was her right by ancient custom.

It is sadly not possible to ascertain exactly where Catherine’s farm was located. Somercotes was, until the late 18th century, where Lower Somercotes is now considered to stand. Somercotes Common [or “Upper Somercotes”] would not be developed until the establishment of the Nottingham – Newhaven turnpike road.

Descendants of Catherine Bland continued to farm in Somercotes for many years. In 1652, during the Commonwealth Surveys, one George Bland was recorded as farming some 41 acres of land, which was likely to have been the same as farmed by Catherine some 110 years earlier.

Within just a few years, Henry VIII began selling the lands and leases he had confiscated from the church to enable funds to be provided for his military undertakings. Reginald Johnson states that in 1549 the Crown sold “a messuage in Somercotes in the tenure of Thomas Bland to Thomas Babbington, Lord of the Manor” This could have been the son of Catherine Bland, but no further details are mentioned.

MAP: John Speed proof map showing Somercotes, published 1611/1612 (courtesy Cambridge University Library

4. CHANTRY OF THE BLESSED MARY, ST. MARTIN OF TOURS, ALFRETON, 1549

Chantries were chapels which were founded by the descendants of wealthy people for the chanting of masses for the souls of their dead and departed relatives. The Chantry Certificate of 1535 confirms that the Chantry at Alfreton was dedicated to the ancestors of Joan Fitz-William, Lady Ann Merying and Sir Thomas Babbington.

On 3 August in the 2nd year of the reign of Edward VI [1549], Thomas Babington had a grant of the chantry of the Blessed Mary in Alfreton, with its endowment valued at £8.4s.8d per annum, and of other lands.

Reginald Johnson lists the ‘Particulars for the Sale of the Chantry of the Blessed Mary in Alfreton’ and the Grant to Thomas Babington. He located many of the place names mentioned. The list is transcribed as follows:

Rents of Assize of Richard Mecock and Alice Coker [widow], free rents of certain lands in Alfreton	8s.0d.
Rents of Assize of Robert Tevery for tenements in Greenhill [Robert Tevery had a large estate at Greenhill, which included Hermitage Farm]	6s.8d.
Rents of Assize of Emery Scott for tenements in Riddings	4s.0d.
Rents of Ralph Revell for Piggot’s Field in South Normanton [this field was named after Thomas Piggott of Birchwood. He and his wife Isabella were granted a messuage in Somercotes in 1324]	8s.0d.
Rents of Thomas Revell in Carnthwaite [this is Carnfield]	12s.0d.
One cottage in Alfreton in the occupation of John Sutton	3s.0d.
The Manor House of the Chantry Keeper with land and a close called Flowery Lees and one called Cockram Hole [Although the exact site of the Chantry House is not known, the Grant refers to Cockram Hole, which appears to be the earliest recorded name of Muckram Hole, later shortened to Muckram].	20s.0d.
The farm and one messuage and tenement called Over Birchwood demised to Michael Cocker by Indenture	40s.0d.
The rent of a cottage in Swanwick with a close called Hove Sike demised to Rbt Tacey. [Hove Sike, according to Johnson, is the ancient name of a stream which rose at Somercotes and ran towards Swanwick].	5s. 0d.
The farm of one messuage in Swanwick demised to the widow of Richard Crossley	5s.0d.
The farm of one messuage in Swanwick called Welshehouse with lands demised to William Bate	15s.0d.
Another messuage demised to Richard Cottes [Cotes] by indenture	19s.0d.
An annuity issuing out of White Barrows for one taper before the Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Parish Church	4s.0d.

Sir Thomas Babington wrote his Last Will & Testament dated 10 November 1588. In the document he bequeathed “…all such tenements with the appurtenances in Alfreton or thereabouts that belonged to the chantree of Alfreton, whereof Sir Robert White was Chantre Priest and also tenements in Somercotes with the appurtenances to my executor for XX years after my decease to support the Dedyke [Dethick] preste”.

By the mid-1500’s the Babington family had acquired a considerable amount of land from the estates of the former Beauchief Abbey, including “100 acres of arable land, 60 acres of meadow and 200 acres of pasture in Somercotes, Riddings and Birchwood” as well as the Manor of Alfreton.

In the year 1565, Sir Henry Babington sold the estate to Sir John Zouch of Codnor, which included a large area of land in Somercotes and the surrounding hamlets. The Manor of Alfreton was handed down through Sir John’s descendants, all of whom appear to have been named John!

During the later years of the 16th century England was threatened with invasion by Spain. Queen Elizabeth I began to raise an army in defence of her realm, and the Derbyshire Muster Roll of 1587, in expectation of the invasion, lists the names of four Alfreton men: “Allpherton: [sic] Henry Mason, Robt Curtesse, Thomas Mort, John Lawrens. It is not known exactly where these four men lived in the parish.

Another early reference to Muckram is from a “Release and QuitClaim” document by John Zouch of Codnor Castle, dated 1614. This document mentions various people in the Alfreton area, including Edmund Meymott of Alfreton. In the same document it is stated that “…Edmund Meymott owns a messuage at Somercotes, a close at Alfreton known as Mockerome Hole and a close at Somercotes known as Lee Close…”. By this time it is believed that the hamlet of Pennytown had also been established. The name ‘Penny Town’ is said to owe the origin of its name to the fact that the tenants there paid a silver penny in rent to the Abbot of Beauchief Abbey, although no records have been found to confirm this. If this is correct, it would put the founding date of the hamlet prior to 1536, when the Abbey lands became forfeit to the Crown at the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It is known that the tenants of Beauchief Abbey extensively mined the area around Birchwood, which was rich in coal. Given also the fact that both hamlets lay close to the old original road which led from Alfreton to Lower Somercotes, it is likely that it is no coincidence that these two hamlets were founded in the area. The fact that they did not prosper is probably due to the decision to build the Nottingham – Newhaven turnpike across Somercotes Common, bypassing the two hamlets completely.

Edmund Meymott, mentioned in the above QuitClaim, was born in 1585, and was the son of William, Alderman of Chesterfield. William owned a considerable amount of land, and on his death, Edmund inherited his estate. Edmund moved with his family to Alfreton and continued to increase his holdings. In 1618, when John Zouch sold the mineral rights to the coal and ironstone in “…Alfreton, Swanwicke, Somercoates and Greenhill Lane…” Edmund Meymott was one of the beneficiaries. Edmund was listed on a Subsidy Roll of 1622 [when he was assessed for tax on land at 1s.4d] and again on a list of Freeholders in 1633.

He died in 1640, but his descendants continued to live in the area. The 1672 Hearth Tax records Edmund Meymott [a descendant of the original Edmund] as having three hearths in Alfreton, and his son, confusingly also named Edmund, had one hearth.

Sir John Zouch and his descendants invested heavily in coal and ironworks which would eventually bring them into debt. A case appeared in the ‘Calenders to the Proceedings in Chancery in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth’ [Elizabeth I], thought to be dated about 1596:

PLAINTIFFS	DEFENDANTS	OBJECT OF THE SUIT	PREMISES
Rob. Rpoer and Michael Eyre gent., and Charles Geslinge, Edw Swane, Adam hallam, Henry Smyth, Thomas Mather, John Crosse, Anthony Bladworthe, Nicholas Lane, Robert Naden, Richard Butler, John Boughton and John Bramst, Yeomen	John Zowche esq.,& Percivall Willoughby	To determine divers disputes and matters of account	Respecting certain iron forges and iron works in the county of Derby, the estate of defendant Zowche, and which are described by the names of the forge or ironworks called Loscowe Mill, Forge or Furnace, the Forge Hammer and fineries at Harthaye; also land in the park at Codnor, for building a forge mill and furnace and making iron and the woods and mines of ironstone in Codnor Park, and the lands of the said Zowche in the towns or territories of Codnor, Codnor Park, Langley, Ripley, Butterlye, Loscowe, Hartehaye, Macehaye, Alfreton, Swanwicke, Somercotes, Greenhill and Greenhill Lane and elsewhere in Derby.

Heavily in debt, Zouch began to dispose of his assets. The importance of the coal mines during this period can be seen when the estate was again sold in 1616 to George Turner of Swanwick. In Title Deeds held at the University of Nottingham [THF/D/5] George Turner purchased “coal mines in the townships of Alfreton, Swanwick, Somercotes and Greenhill Lane from John Zouch of Codnor Castle” The Deeds are dated 1617. It is obvious from this document that coal was extensively mined even in the 17th century.

5. THE COMMONWEALTH TAXATION SURVEYS, 1652

After the end of the English Civil War and the execution of Charles I, a Commonwealth was established under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector. A series of surveys were conducted to ascertain the wealth of the country and the level of taxes due, as the war had interrupted the business of government. Between 1652 and 1662 the Scarsdale Hundred surveys recorded various aspects of the local area.

A watermill existed in 1652 on a site at Cotes Park, formerly owned and operated for the benefit of Beauchief Abbey. Its exact location is not known. As Beauchief Abbey was a victim of the dissolution in 1536, this record implies that the mill had already been in existence for some 120 years prior to the survey.
A watermill was also recorded at Smotherfly, Birchwood. According to Reginald Johnson, the site of the drained dam could still be seen in the 1950’s, although traces of this seem to have now disappeared. This mill actually serviced an iron forge that stood in a field known until recent times as Smithy Close
A windmill stood on Somercotes Common, on the site where Seely Terrace now stands. This mill was most likely demolished to make way for the terraced houses built for Sir Charles Seely to house his colliery workers.
The last mill recorded in 1652 was Moor Mill. This was a windmill located on Sleetmoor Lane and, again according to Reginald Johnson, was owned by a man named Thomas Hunter.

Further information was revealed in the surveys regarding the local landowners and tenant farmers at this time. Reginald Johnson included in his book a description of where the farms lay, although his research cannot be confirmed:

John Allsop – 80 acres, (including Sebastapol Farm on Norman Road).
Francis Machen – 55 acres (covering land from Lower Somercotes across to Lower Birchwood)
John Walker – 46 acres (now covered by the Pye Bridge Industrial Estate and the houses of Pye Bridge itself)
Edward Revell – 70 acres (along the River Erewash between Pye Bridge and Nottingham Lane, Riddings)
John Woolly - 105 acres (from the boundary of Riddings Park and Quarry Road, centred on the Black Horse Inn)

It can clearly be seen from the above detail that the hamlet of Somercotes was centred on Lower Somercotes. Somercotes Common at that time was largely undeveloped common land.

The Birchwood Estate was also farmed at this time, with Peter Featherstone, John Wilson, Thomas Hodgkinson, Christopher Searson and a Mr. Jackson all recorded as tenants farming some 188 acres, whilst Cotes Park, also in 1652, was recorded as having over 277 acres of land.

There are other entries for the period of the Commonwealth

In May 1659, a Parliamentary Survey for Derbyshire included “Alfreton [alias Offerton] The Coal Mines and Delfs, with Appurtenances in the Parish of Alfreton”
A “warrant to the Clerk of the Pipe for a lease to William Chislett of the coal mine in Alfreton, Co. Derby, formerly in the tenure of William Bolles; the lease to be for 31 years at £4 per annum, rent payable to the Receiver of Crown Revenues for Co. Derby, and without the former allowance for wood and timber”.The warrant was dated 8 April 1661.

After the Civil War and the restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, there was a shortage of currency, and many tradesmen issued their own copper tokens which could be exchanged for their goods, and which often included their name and occupations. Two examples from Alfreton are listed in the “History, Gazetteer and Directory of the County of Derby”, 1829.

Halfpenny token: Obverse ‘Cornelius Launder’ [Arms]; Reverse ‘in Alfreton 1663’

Halfpenny token: Obverse ‘Robert Wright’ [A beehive]; Reverse ‘of Alfreton 1668’ [A man’s head]

Although most were circular in shape, following the design of standard coins, some, like the one issued by Robert Wright were more decorative.

APPENDIX

1. Glossary - definition of some of the old English words used in the above text

Amerciaments: In old English law, a liberty of holding pleas
Appurtenances. Items attached or belonging to a property
Assarted [land]: Agricultural land cleared of wood or forest
Assize [of bread & ale]: An ordinance regulating [in this case] the prices of bread and ale, weight and measures etc.
Bovate: An area of land , usually as much as one ox could plough in a year [about 15 acres]
Cartilage: An open space situated within a common enclosure belonging to a dwelling house
Chartulary; A place for keeping papers, deeds and other documents
Escheat[ed]: A means to ensure that property or goods are not left without ownership after death or by default [by criminal act or through the courts etc.]. In mediaeval times land or property could be escheated by the Crown
Frankpledge. A compulsory sharing of responsibility in connection with tithings. The Chief-pledge [often the Lord of the Manor] was responsible for producing any man of a tithing suspected of a crime. Women, clergy and wealthy freemen were excemp, as were children under the age of 12.
Hundred: A political sub-division of an area in old England [i.e. “The Hundred of Scarsdale”
Messuage: A house or cottage with its associated buildings and land
Oyer & Terminer. A partial translation of the Anglo-French Oyer de terminer, meaning “to hear and determine”. A Commission by which a Judge of Assize sat and heard cases of treason, felony and misdemeanours.
QuitClaim: The release or relinquishment of a claim, action or right. A deed or legal paper in which a person relinquishes to another a claim or title to some property
Soke. A minor administrative district. An area of privilege where the Lord of the Manor has local jurisdiction
Synodals and Procuration: A sum of money usually paid to the Bishop by every parish priest [at Easter]
Tithe [or Tythes]: A tax. Originally one tenth of the annual produce or goods
Tithing. A sub-division of a manor or civil parish, originally of ten hides [one tenth of one hundred]
Tofts & Crofts: A homestead and its associated arable land
Wapentake; A local division or share of land in old English [equivalent to a Hundred]
Warren [or Waren]. A grant or permission to keep fish, fowl and animals.

2. The Lords of Alfreton [the owner of the Title is in bold lettering]: