The Middlemores of Haselwell
Figure 17 Key Pedigree G. The Middlemores of Haselwell
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E now take up the history of the Middlemores ofHaselwell Hall, a subsidiary manor in King's Norton, which they inherited by descent from the Haselwell family. Shortly after the death of William Middlemore, of Haselwell (25), in 1702, this property was alienated and the elder line became extinct.
But a cadet branch, descended from George Middlemore, a Russian merchant in the seventeenth century, settled at Grantham and continued there some three or four generations. Of this line the last representative was Col. Robert Frederick Middlemore, who died in 1896, aged eighty years, without leaving any family, and so of the Middlemores of Haselwell and Grantham there are now no descendants known to exist who bear the name.
Besides the Middlemores of Grantham, two other lines
branched off at an earlier date. The one, descended from Josias Middlemore, of
Great Sheepey, in Leicestershire, settled ultimately at Stepney and Limehouse,
and can be traced down to the middle of the eighteenth century. The other branch, descended from Richard
Middlemore, son of Simon (19), settled in Northamptonshire, at the Visitation
of which county in 1682 their pedigree
was entered. They ultimately removed to Stanton by Dale in Derbyshire, and,
like the main line, are now also exttinct
These three lines of Middlemores will be dealt with hereafter as
separate families. According to the Visitation of Worcestershire made in 1634, at which George Middlemore of Haselwell
entered a pedigree of six descents, the
founder of this line was John Middlemore, of Haselwell, the second son of John
Middlemore, of Edgbaston (4), and grandson of Thomas Middlemore (3) and
Isabella Edgbaston, and with him therefore we commence this chapter.
16. John Middlemore [second son of John Middlemore (4), of Edgbaston and Agnes Waldive], who is in right of his wife described in the Visitation pedigree, 1634, as " of Haselwell" evidently died before 1523, the date of his widow's will, and presumably before 1491, but nothing more is known of him. He married Alice, daughter and heir of William Sye, of Haselwell, through which match the Middlemores inherited Haselwell and became entitled to quarter the arms of Sye, Bennett and Haselwell, which appear as allowed in the Heralds' Visitation in 1634.
She
was living, doubtless a widow, in 7 Henry VII, 1491-92, when she granted, with her son John, certain premises in
the
manor of Haselwell to one Ralphe White and Elizabeth his wife which became the
subject of an action in 1640 at the instance of her descendant, George
Middlemore, who then stated that Haselwell had been in possession of his
ancestors over 200 years. Her will is
recorded at Worcester.
"Alis Middelmore, widow, late the wife of John Middelmore, late of Haselwell," dated 22 October, 1523 ; "to be buried in the high chauncell of Saint Nicholas at King's Norton by her husband ; to the reparation of the Chapelle and Stepill of Mosely that as it please my son John Myddelmore to give" ; he also to give to the "most porest and nedfullest " at his pleasure as he shall think "necessary and most profitable to my soule"; debts to her son Thomas and she appointed John her executor. "Approbated" at Worcester 27 December, MCCCCCt0, the last figures of the date being erased; the year was probably 1524.
"In the middle of the chancel [at King's Norton] on the ground were the portraitures of a man and his wife, in white marble, in the posture of prayer with this inscription:
"Drate pro animabus Johannis Middlemore armigeri nuper de Hazelwell et Aliciae uroris ejus que. . . obiit 29 mensis Decemb. An. Dom. 1524[1]Duorum animabus propicietur Deus Amen.
" It is now quite erased."
John Middlemore and Alice Sye had issue:
i. John Middlemore of whom next[2] (17).
ii. Thomas Middlemore, named as above in his mother's will in 1523. Perhaps the Thomas Middlemore named as survivor in suit Astmore v. Middlemore in 1553. Not improbably the Thomas Middlemore, of Coventry, who with his wife Jone was admitted to the Guild of Knowle in 1514. See p. 44, note.
17. John Middlemore, of Haselwell, esquire, appears to be the John Myddylmor, of King's Norton, taxed to the lay subsidy of 1522-23 in the amount of 24s. upon £24 in land. He is probably the John Middlemore doing suit in King's Norton Manor Court in 1490 and 1498. Living in 1491-92, when he joined his mother in granting premises in Haselwell manor to Ralph White and his wife, and, according to the deposition in 1553 of Richard Lyndon, of King's Norton, died about 1527, but more probably at a somewhat earlier date.
He married Alice, daughter of .... Rotsey, of Colemore, in King's Norton.
John Middlemore and Alice Rotsey had issue :
i. George Middlemore of whom next (18).
18.
George Middlemore[3], of Haselwell, gentleman.
He was buried at King's Norton, 3 December, 1566, probably at a comparatively early age, since his wife survived him about twenty-six years.
His will, dated 11May, 1566, describes him as "George Myddylmore of King's Norton, gent., 'consideryng the frayleness of this transitorye lyfe that [men do] vade away as the flowre of the fylde at the good appointed time;"' he appointed his wife Jane sole executrix and his "well beloved brother Mr Thomas Wyrley" as overseer. To wife Jane lands and tenements in King's Norton, "savinge the lands appointed to Symonde"; to second son Baruk, tenement called Bells in occupation of ThomasBaker the elder, subject to annuity of £3 to son Abell. He also names Joys Mathew my daughter, George Mathew, Symonde my eldest son, Frances Myddylmore my youngest daughter, Anne Mydelmore [my] daughter, Mr. Monford, Richard Benton. Proved at Worcester, 9 Eliz., 21 December, 1566, by Baruch Medlemore and Jane Mathewe[? Middlemore], administrators.
He married Jane, daughter of Hugh Harman of Morehall[4], co. Warwick, and niece of John Harman alias Vesey, Bishop of Exeter, 1519 to 1551, the well-known benefactor of Sutton Coldfield. She was residuary legatee and executrix of her husband, and survived him many years, for " Mrs. Jane Middlemore, of Haselwell," was buried " in our ladyes isle" at King's Norton, 19 February, 1592.
Her will, dated 10 December 1490 (sic), was proved at Worcester 12 February, 1592 as Jane Midlemoore of Haselwell, widow. The executors were Thomas Harewell, Philip Sheldon, and Abel Middelmore. The overseers, George Matthewes and Richard Baynton. The inventory was valued at the considerable sum of £204 2s. The residuary legatees were Abel Midlemore, the children of Ann Lenche, and Francis Wareley (the eldest son of Francis excepted).
George Middlemore and Jane Harman had issue certainly:
i. Simon Middlemore of whom next (19).
ii. Baruch Middlemore described as "second son" in his father's will, was devisee of a tenement called Bells, with a croft called Drewett, subject to the payment of a rent of £3 to his brother Abel. "Mr. Barruk Middlemore" was buried at King's Norton, 3 November, 1586; he was probably born before 1548.
iii. Abel Middlemore, an annuitant in his father's will, 1566. Executor of his mother's will, 1590, and legatee for £100. Perhaps the Abel Middlemore baptized at King's Norton on 9 April, 1559, his godparents being Mr. Thomas Rotsey, John Greives, and Elizabeth East.
If so he was (probably) the Abel Middlemore, gent., buried at King's Norton, 20 October, 1628, perhaps without (surviving) issue.
Married (probably) Joane, buried as "Joane, wife of Abel Middlemore," 27 April, 1638, at King's Norton.
They (probably) had issue:
i. Mary, fil. Mr. Abell Myddlemore, baptized at King's Norton, 13 June, 1603,
ii. Abel Middlemore, baptized at King's Norton, 15 April, 1605, and buried 4 May, 1605.
iii. Edmund Middlemore, baptized at King's Norton, 10March, 1606, and buried 30 March, 1607.
iv. Frances, baptized 30 June, 1556, at King's Norton, her sponsors being George Mathew, Elizabeth Littleton and Amphilis Middlemore: she is described in her father's will as youngest daughter and legatee for ,C60. She married .... Wareley, and had issue at least one daughter, Jane Wareley, living 1592.
v. Joyce, named as joys Mathew in her father's will. Her mother, 1592, bequeathed to her "on blue velvett coverlett." George Mathew and Joyce Middlemore married at King's Norton, 8 February, 1551, he is perhaps the George Mathew, of Morcet, gent., one of the bondsmen in 1566 for the administration of George Medlemore. Joyce was probably eldest child of the family of George Middlemore and Jane Harman.
vi. Ann married .... Lenche, devisee in her mother's will, 1592, for " two sylver spoones." The executors were to put apart a sum of £4for her "needful relief."
vii. Amy, unmarried in 1590, when her mother devised £20 to trustees, Thomas Harewell, Philip Sheldon, esquire, and Abel Middlemore, gentleman, as her marriage portion, providing she was "ruled in hir marriadge" by them.
viii. Dorothy Foxall, mentioned in her mother's will as legatee for "on cowe."
Mathew.-Mathew was of Berkswell, Warwickshire, and the pedigree of the family was entered in the 1619 Visitation of that county. They apparently claimed descent from the ancient Welsh family of Mathew, of Llandaff, their arms being, Sable, a lion rampant argent, quartering (for Jestyn ap Gwrgant), Gules three chevronels argent.
Lenche.-This family entered a pedigree in the Worcestershire Visitation, 1569. They were related to the Sheldons of Beoley. They bore for arms, Argent two bars engrailed azure, each charged with three cinquefoils or.
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And perhaps also, being named in King's Norton Register, the following, of whom nothing more is known:
ix. Judith, baptized at King's Norton, 18 October 1548.
x. John Middlemore, baptized at King's Norton, 21 December, 1550.
xi. Bridget, baptized at King's Norton, 20 June, 1552.
19. Simon Middlemore, the eldest son, seems to have been of Banton, near Pentridge, in Derbyshire, living in 1583, but died in his mother's lifetime, before 1590, and his wife Elizabeth administered to his effects.
He was entitled after his mother's death to the reversion of Smithes in Moseley (see ante, p. 95, under George Middlemore, 17), which the plaintiff alleged he had purchased from Simon, but which Simon and his mother upon the death of George had combined to defraud him of.
According to Humphrey Whytmore he said "he would do well for his daughters, and that they should have £100 apiece."
No entries respecting him occur in the King's Norton Register, and as he died in his mother's lifetime he presumably was never " of Haselwell," though so described in the Visitation of 1634, and may not have been buried at King's Norton.
He married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Noell, of Hilcote, co. Stafford, who was living in 1590, and administered her husband's affairs.
There appears to have been some dispute between her and her sons, and her son John deposed in the suit of Middlemore v. Michell that he had heard his mother say that "she could hang the complainant [i. e. her eldest son George] if she would," and that the complainant "sealed the bond because he went in fear of his life." This suit was to relieve the plaintiff, George Middlemore, against liability on a bond for £100, in favour of the Michells. It was absolutely dismissed in 1590.
Noel. - The marriage of Simon Middlemore and Elizabeth Noel was duly recorded in the 1583 Visitation of Staffordshire, at which the Noel pedigree was entered. Of this family, one of the most ancient in Staffordshire, the present representative is Charles Perrott Noel, esquire, of Bell Hall, Worcestershire. Arms : Or (sometimes Argent), fretty gules, a canton argent (sometimes ermine).
Simon Middlemore and Elizabeth Noel had issue :.
i. George Middlemore, of whom next (20).
ii. Richard Middlemore, ancestor of the Middlemores of Northamptonshire and Derbyshire, of whom hereafter (41).
iii. John Middlemore, of Morecott Hall[5], co. Warwick, gentleman, aged twenty-two in 1590, a deponent in the suit of Middlemore v. Michell.
iv. Geffrey Middlemore, gentleman, aged 21in 1590, a deponent in the suit of Middlemore v. Mitchell.
v. Dorothy, named in suit of George Middlemore v. Dorothy Middlemore and Jane Middlemore.
vi. Jane, married between 17 June, 1588, and 18 November, 1589, Peter Michell, who, with his wife, was a defendant in the suit of Middlemore v. Michell. Will of Peter Michell proved at Lichfield, 1632.
20. George Middlemore, of Haselwell, gentleman, in 1597 and 1599. He was of Sutton in Coldfield, gentleman, in 1609 ; of Sheepey, Leicestershire, in 1617; in 1631 and 1636 of Whittington.
In 1608 he granted a lease of certain premises in King's Norton to John Netherill, whom in 1628 he sued for ploughing up pastures and cutting woods ; but on the defendant's answer the suit was dismissed at the plaintiff's request on payment of the defendant's costs, 20s.
In 1618, William Ireland, of London, silk weaver (son of William Ireland and Mary Barnebrooke, daughter and heir of Richard Barnebrooke, o Northfield), sued George Middlemore and his son George Middlemore, junior, to recover possession of premises in King's Norton, alleged to have been leased by Thomas Barnebrooke (grandfather of Richard) to John (read 18 George) Middlemore, grandfather of this George (see ante p. 95).
It is probable that he was a recusant, for Jane Middlemore, wife of George Middlemore of King's Norton, gentleman, was in 43 Elizabeth, fined £120for recusancy.
He entered his pedigree at the Visitation of Worcestershire in 1634, and died about 1636-37, aged upwards of seventy, "lately (4 May, 1637) deceased." Will not found but was proved by Mary Middlemore.
He married, (i) probably between 1580-go, Jane, daughter of Henry Warner, late of Whittington, co. Stafford, by Isabel, his wife.
Henry Warner by his will devised all his property in Whittington, Uttoxeter, Marchington, Lichfield and Wenesburye and goods and chattels " to the value of £500" to his wife Isabel, with remainder to their children, Thomas, Simon, Edmond and Jane.
In 1602 Isabel Warner settled Woodford Hall, Uttoxeter, upon her son Edmond's marriage, who, however, as well as his brothers Thomas and Simon, died s.p. in the lifetime of Isabel, who herself died about 1605, whereby the Warner property descended to the said Jane Middlemore (who was deceased 6 September, 1609) and her two children. In 1617, George Middlemore sued Mathew Wightwick, as executor of Isabel, for an account and in 1619 his son George also sued Mathew Wightwick alleging that upon the death of his grandmother, Isabel Warner, about 1612, he ought, in right of his mother, to have become possessed of the Warner estates, but that Mathew and his son William had possessed themselves of the said estate by fraud and that the former pretended to be executor of Isabel's will.
In 1599 he filed his bill against Gilbert Gardner, of London, goldsmith, in respect of a dispute about a bond for £60
which he in 1597, with Thomas Warner (presumably his brother-in-law), late of Whittington, gent., had given to Gardner to secure £32.
George Middlemore and Jane Warner, his first wife, had issue a son:
i. George Middlemore, of Haselwell, of whom next (21)
and according to the Visitation of Worcester, 1569,
Joyce, who married George Mathew, of Barkeswell, co. Warwick. But this is an evident error for Joyce Mathew, sister of Simon Middlemore ; see p. 97 ante;
and perhaps:
ii. John, son of George Middlemore, baptized at King's Norton, 2 March, 1591.
George Middlemore wedded (2), about 1605, Joyce, one of the daughters and co-heir of Richard Whittell, or Whetall, of Great Sheepey, Leicestershire, gentleman, a marriage which, as will be seen, afterwards led to very considerable litigation.
Richard Whittell, or Whittle, filed his bill (not now extant) against George Middlemore, and the latter's undated answer alleges that in consideration of this marriage Middlemore was to pay Whittle £100, and the latter should thereupon convey a moiety of the manor of Great Sheepey to him, but that this was never done. A bill in 1631, brought by Middlemore against Whittle, alleges that the former had paid £200for the latter's debts, and that Whittle therefore demised to him a lease for fifty years of premises in Great Sheepey and a weekly payment in corn and barley, but that Whittle had countermanded this and had attempted to defraud Middlemore of the premises.
George Middlemore and Joyce Whittell, his second wife, had issue
iii. Josias Middlemore, of whom hereafter (37)
iv. Elizabeth, she, on 4 May, 1637, being then of London, spinster, brought her bill against her half brother, George Middlemore, claiming an annuity of £20out of the moiety of the manor of Great Sheepey, settled on her parents, George Middlemore and Joyce Whittle, and alleging that her half brother had bought the premises from the trustees Whitwick and Hewes at a price below their true value. It would seem that this £20was merely a sum lent by her to her father, and the defendant was directed to pay. Her bill was dismissed with costs, 40s 8d., on 7 February, 1637-8.
Whittel.-Some particulars of the Whittells, who descended from an ancient family taking its name from the manor of Sheepey, will be given hereafter when dealing with the Middlemores of Great Sheepey and Stepney.
George Middlemore married (3), Mary, widow of Thomas Thickness of Whittington, co. StafF, some time between 4 July, 1619, and October, 1623. Mary Middlemore was executrix of George Middlemore, and she is described as mother of George, but this is clearly an error. On 2 May, 1636, he, with his stepchildren, sold to Richard Pyott the mansion house at Whittington of Thomas Thickness, then in his possession.
21. George Middlemore, of Haselwell, esquire; was of Haselwell, gent., in 1634, and of Great Sheepey, gent., in 1637 ; was residing at Reahall, co. Staff, as G. Middlemore, jun., gent., in 16o9, the date of his marriage settlement, when he with Robert Stannford, of Reahall, gent., conveyed to Roger Harvie, citizen of London, a tenement in Whittington late belonging to Henry Warner, grandfather of George Middlemore, jun., and premises in Litchfield, Whittington, Fisherwick, Tymore, Tamhorne, Fredley, Hatchley, Cheadle, and Dilron, Staff, which had been devised by Henry Warner to his daughter Jane Middlemore.
As to the litigation with his half sister Elizabeth Middlemore, see ante (p. 101) under her name.
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hands pretending it was never discharged, and he asked for an injunction against them.
In 1640, as lord of the manor of Haselwell[6], he seized John Tuthill's best cow as a heriot, upon alienation. Tuthill was entitled to premises in King's Norton, originally granted by Alice and John Middlemore, ancestors of George, as long before as 1491-2,and had assigned them to Thomas Reynolds. Tuthill sued Middlemore for trespass, who rejoined by proceedings for an injunction.
He became involved in considerable litigation with his half brother Josias Middlemore, consequent upon his purchase of the latter's moiety of the manor of Great Sheepey in Leicestershire, A moiety of it was conveyed to him by William Stanford and Frances Wolfreston in consideration of £500on 20 September, 1634.For an account of this litigation see under Josias Middlemore (37), post. Ultimately, 8 June 1637, he sold this moiety of Great Sheepey manor for £800 to Thomas Baylye of the Mythe, Leic., gent., Thomas Levinge, sen., of Baddesley Ensor, Warwickshire, and Thomas Levinge, jun.
Middlemore suffered severely for his loyalty at the Great Rebellion, for his house, Haselwell Hall, was plundered by soldiers, and divers deeds and writings were dispersed and lost. In the case of Middlemore v. Birch in 1723, it was stated by Mrs, Onely the widow of William Middlemore, the last of Haselwell, that her husband's great grandfather, George Middlemore, had an estate worth £500or £600 yearly, and that he had a Captain's Commission under King Charles I, in the time of " the late troubles," for which reason he suffered much, and that his estate was much impaired " in the time of Oliver's usurpation."
The Royalist Composition Papers further show how greatly
the rebellion affected him, On 11 April, 1649, he was assessed at £80, but even this he seems to
have been unable to pay, and in July his discharge was ordered on payment of £28. On 23 November, 1649,
this was still further reduced to £10on his petition which set forth that he had been
obliged to sell lands to pay his fine, that his. debts amounted to £600 and that having been plundered of his personalty during the war he was
worth nothing,, and that he had a wife and family and sixteen children. That he
was a captain under Charles I seems confirmed by the list of those who were in
the garrison of Worcester at its surrender in 1646 in which appears the name "Captain Middlemore."
He died (probably) early in 1652, for on 16 April of that year administration of his effects was granted to Frances Middlemore, relict of George Middlemore, late of King's Norton.
George Middlemore married Frances, daughter and heir of Robert Stanford, or Stamford, of Reahall, by Magdalene his wife, about 1609, and it may be inferred from the deed above mentioned that he then settled upon his marriage the property which descended to him from his grandfather, Henry Warner. She appears to have been a Roman Catholic, for in 22 Charles I, 1647, the wife of George Middlemore, of King's Norton, was fined £6o for recusancy. This may indicate that she was possessed of some independent means, though her husband's estate as shown by the Royalist Composition Papers was considerably impoverished.
A letter dated 9 March, 1600, from R.
Cooke to his (or her) sister seems to refer to her.
" Commend me to sister Anne and let her know that her mother is a good Catholic, and that her sister Frances, my god-daughter, is doing well and has married one Middlemore, a Catholic and honest gentleman belonging to Mr. Robert Sackville, and lives well in that country, but mother and friends marvel they don't hear from her."
We have no certain record of the date of her death, but the entry " Mrs. Middlemore, of Haselwell," 12 April, 1666, in the King's Norton Burial Registers probably refers to her, and she is doubtless the Francisca Middlemore, of King's Norton, inventory £30, whose administration was granted to her daughter Ann Middlemore, 24 June, 1672.
George Middlemore and Frances Stanford had a very numerous family. He stated in 1649 that he had sixteen children, but this clearly did not include children who died young[7]. But we have the names of nineteen only who appear to have been:
i. Frances, eldest child, baptized at King's Norton, 13 September, 1607, died at Tamworth, 16 January, and buried at Statfold, 20 January, 1676, will dated 4 July, 1676. Married, at King's Norton, 29 September, 1631, to Francis Wolferstan, esquire, of Statfold, co. Stafford, who was baptized 3 May, 1612, and left a numerous issue. He, who died 5 November, 1666, was ancestor of the still existing family of Wolferstan. The Wolferstans were originally from WolferStan in Suffolk, and bore for their arms, Sable a fess wavy between three wolves' heads erased or.
Of their eleven children their eighth child was Middlemore Wolferstan, born 18 August, baptized 29 August, 1643, at Statfold, lived in his later years at Barton under Needwood, and, dying a bachelor, was buried there, 29 January, 1706-7.
On the north wall of the chancel in Statfold church was erefted a handsome marble tablet with the following inscription
"Here lie interred the bodies of Francis Wolferstan Esq. and Frances his wife. He was the son of Hersey Wolferstan Esq. and Mary Egerton and grandson of Humfred Wolferstan and Kath. Stanley. He died November 5, 1666, aged 54.
"She was the eldest of twenty-two children of George Middlemore Of Haselwell Esq. and Frances Stanford. She died January 16,1676, aged 69.
"As different strings most harmony afford So this unequall'd equal pair accord. Harmless disports his younger age affects Whilst nothing her enlarged care neglects She happy in his meeke and virtuous life He in a provident and virtuous wife.
"They left three daughters, Grace, Anned and Elizabeth, and three sonnes, Francis, Middlemore and Stanford.
Francis Hester Bowyer.
Anne married Edw. Arblaster, Esq.
Elizabeth John Bott, Gent."
ii. Robert Middlemore, son and heir, of whom next (22).
iii. George Middlemore, ancestor of the Middlemores of Grantham, now extinct, of whom hereafter (27).
iv. Elizabeth, who married Roger Walker, of Finningly (i.e., Fillongley), 25 October, 1640, at King's Norton.
v. Ruth, married Thomas Allett, of Nether Shuckburgh.
vi. Anne, baptized at_ King's Norton, 28 August, 1613.She was living 1689. See will of her sister Ursula, who gave to her sister, Ann Middlemore, £5and a silver cup.
Her will : Ann Middlemore, of Haselwell, 2 Oftober, 1700, proved at Worcester, 29 April, 1701, names sister Sarah Stacey, her son, my nephew, William Stacey, and niece, Elizabeth Barrett, daughter of my said sister, to the poor of King's Norton £5, of which 40s. to be given by 2s. 6d. to each poor family near Haselwell ; to every servant at Haselwell House, 5s. ; residue to her loving cozen William Middlemore, of Haselwell, gentleman. Inventory £441
10s. 0d. which included £300 due 0n mortgage from Mr.George Middlemore,
vii. Henry Middlemore, the son of George, baptized at St, Martin's, Birmingham, 13 February, 1615-6, was perhaps one of this family,
viii, Cicely, buried at King's Norton, 10 January, 1616. Perhaps the " Sisilley dau. of Geo. M, baptized. at St, Martin's, Birmingham, 17 March, 1610-11,"
ix, Cicely, baptized at King's Norton, 6 May, 1617, married as his second wife, Thomas Adkins, of Hanbecke, co. Lincoln, gentleman. In 1641 her father, George Middlemore, brought a suit against him, alleging that on the marriage Adkins had settled premises in Stowe of yearly value of £30. In answer Adkins states that certain premises in Nottingham had belonged to Anne, his former wife, which at his death must descend to Martin Adkins their son.
x. Mary, baptized at King's Norton, 30 July, 1619, and buried there 24 August the same year.
xi. Stamford Middlemore, baptized at King's Norton, 8 March, 1620, executor of sister Alice Middlemore in 1658; he was of King's Norton, gentleman, 26 September, 1670. Probably he died a bachelor, but he does not appear to have been buried at King's Norton.
xii. Mary, baptized at King's Norton, 3 August, 1623, living unmarried in July, 1642, when she is mentioned as eldest granddaughter in the will of her grandmother, Magdalene Stamford, who bequeathed to her L300 ; she married before 18 November, 1647, Loveilgod Gregory of Hellenhull Grange, Stoneley, co. Warwick, living 1658 (see will of her sister Alice Middlemore[8]).
xiii. Susanna, baptized 31 May, 1626, at King's Norton, married her (distant) cousin, William Middlemore, of Hawkesley, who died in 1663, of whom, and whose issue see hereafter (51).
xiv. Alice, baptized at King's Norton, 6 October, 1628 ;-buried there as daughter of Mr. George Middlemore, 15 March, 1658-9, Will, as of King's Norton, 23 February, 1658-9, proved by her brother, Stamford Middlemore; gives to her
our sisters, Ursula, Sarah, Martha, Anne, £3 each; and to her five elder sisters, viz. Wolfreston, Walker, Wilkinson, Gregory, 10s. each, and to my sister Middlemore, of Hawkeslow (51), 10s, and some wearing apparel. Names also brother Middlemore (22), of Haselwell, £4; brother George Middlemore; (29), 10s.; cousin Elizabeth Middlemore, of Northfield, a gold ring; cousin Samuel Middlemore, 10s.; to niece Susanna Middlemore, of Hawkeslow, a stuff gown. Residuary legatee and executor, Stamford Middlemore. Proved, 20 May, 1659.
xv. Samuel Middlemore, baptized at King's Norton, 18 April, 1632, of whom we have no further record.
xvi. Sarah, baptized at King's Norton, 8 July, 1633, who was living in 1700 (will. of sister Anne), married . . . . Stacey.
She received an annuity of £7 10s. from her sister Anne ; her children, named in sister Anne's will, 1700, were William Stacey and Elizabeth Barrett.
xvii. Martha, baptized at King's Norton, 19 November, 1635. Unmarried in 1658, living, 1689. Married . . . . Bruce.
xviii. Ursula, elder sister of Mary, unmarried in 1658. Perhaps the "Urula (sic) dau. of Geo. M. ". baptized at St. Martin's, Birmingham, 2 March, 1609-10. Will, 17 September, 1689, when she was of St. Clement Danes, Middlesex, spinster. To the poor of the parish where she may die, £5; poor of King's Norton, £5 ; brother Stanford Middlemore, £5 ; sister Anne Middlemore, £50 and a silver cup; sisters Sarah Stacey and Martha Bruce, £20 each; nephew George Middlemore (23), of Haselwell, £50; nephew Richard Middlemore (22), of Clement's Inn, C5; nieces Mary Milward, Elizabeth Grey and Margaret and Mary Middlemore, daughters of sister Susanna Middlemore (51) deceased, Francis Bradshaw and Frideswide Crow, daughters of sister Magdalene Evans deceased, £5 each; cousin Katherine, wife of Samuel Keck of the Middle Temple, and to each of their three daughters, C10; household goods and wearing apparel to her faithful servant, Elizabeth Peirce; nephew Samuel Middlemore, £20; to cousin Richard Middlemore (30) of the Temple and his wife a ring, value one guinea, each. Executors, Samuel Keck and Samuel Middlemore. Proved 5 December, 1690.
xix. Magdalen, deceased in 1689. Married . . . . Evans. Her daughters Frances Bradshaw and Frideswide Crow are named in the will of Ursula Middlemore, 1689.
22. Robert Middlemore, of Haselwell Hall, gentleman; probably baptized at St. Martin's, Birmingham, 25 October, 1608. He was evidently of Moseley in 1636, aged twenty-seven, and was buried at King's Norton 16 January, 1679-80.
Figure 18 Signature of Robert Middlemore of Haselwell
On 8 May, 1630, he and his wife Ellinor filed their
bill in Chancery against her mother, Mrs. Fox, and her brother-in-law and
sister, William and Alice, wife of William Booth of the Inner Temple. From this
bill it appears that Richard Fox devised his messuage in Moseley to his wife
with remainder to his daughter Eleanor, afterwards Mrs. Middlemore. All his other lands in Moseley, King's
Norton, and Leicestershire, he gave to his daughter Eleanor and her heirs, and
the property in Staffordshire to his daughter Alice and her heirs, with remainder
over to her sister Eleanor. By this bill Mr. and Mrs. Middlemore alleged that
Mrs. Fox, the widow, combined with William Booth to defraud her, Mrs.
Middlemore, of her portion. Apparently
Mrs. Fox, who died before 16 May, 1634, claimed the property for her life, for,
on 2 November, 1630, she filed her bill against her
daughter and son-in-law and his brother, George Middlemore, (27), in respect to
premises "which Mrs. Fox claimed for life," in King's Norton,
Norfield and Yardley, and in Harbourne, Staffordshire. Ultimately, by an order
of the court, George Middlemore and his son Robert agreed to levy a fine of
Haselwell in favour of Richard Middlemore, of Edgbaston, William Booth, and
Thomas Fox. This was in trust as to Haselwell for George Middlemore and his son
Robert, and as to the residue for Robert and his wife Eleanor. The result is not known, but on the death of
Mrs. Fox further differences arose between Mr. Middlemore and his
brother-in-law, Booth. Under the will
of her father, who was possessed of considerable real and personal estate, to
the value of £4,000, Eleanor Fox
received a legacy of £600 and all his goods and chattels. This legacy remained in the hands of Mary
Fox, the widow, who died without
having discharged it. By her own will Mrs. Fox devised £200 each
to Joseph and Richard Middlemore, sons of Robert, and various legacies to the
twelve children of Robert Middlemore, to be paid within two years, by William
Booth the executor. Not being so paid,
Robert Middlemore filed a bill in Chancery against William Booth, 5 June, 1654. On 27 June, 23Car. [1671], he, then of Haselwell Hall, with
George Middlemore his son, conveyed to Joseph Girdler of the Inner Temple,
gent., the manor of Haselwell with the chief mansion house, a farm and two
water corn mills in his own occupation, Ford House in King's Norton, in the
occupation of Samuel Gower, gent., a house occupied by William Sparrey, and a
cottage in the tenure of Ann Terry, widow, to his own use for life, and then
£500, and subject thereto to his son George.
This was a provision for his younger son Robert.
Will, 7 March, 1678, as "of Haselwell, gentleman." By virtue of the settlement of 1671 he charged Haselwell with £500 to his son Robert. Bequests : to sons George and Joseph 5s. each ; son Richard £100 ; son William £50; son Thomas £20 ; son John 5s, ; to his daughter Millard £5; ; to his daughter Gray 5s. ; grandson Robert £10; grandchild Elizabeth Middlemore £20 ; poor of King's Norton £5; son Samuel £100; residue to sons and executors Robert and Samuel Middlemore. This will, which [his nephews] Middlemore Wolferstan and Stanford Wolferstan, and Ann Cox witnessed, was proved respectively by Samuel and Robert on the 17 February and 10 March, 1679-80. He also, "being possessed of personalty valued at £2,000," made a nuncupative will giving to his sons Joseph, Richard, William, Thomas, Robert, and Samuel £100 each; to his sister Anne Middlemore £200 ; to his son John £50 ; to his daughter Milward £20 ; to his two grandchildren, Robert and Elizabeth Middlemore, £10 each ; of this George Middlemore was sole executor. "For the sake of peace in the family" it was agreed that Robert and Samuel should act as executors, which they did, proving the written will. However, Chancery proceedings ensued, and George Middlemore, John Middlemore, and Edward Cranke of Birmingham, innholder, filed a bill against Robert and Samuel in 1681, alleging that they had not paid the legacies.
That the manor of Haselwell was a reality is shown in the
fact that he, by Thomas Ashmole his steward, held a Court Baron in 1654. Of
this the roll is still in existence. In 1639 his father, George Middlemore, had
sued one Tuthill to enforce the customs of
the manor of Hesley, (sic) one
of which was the payment by every freeholder or copyholder of a heriot, the best
beast or good, upon alienation or death.
In 1671 he himself sued his tenants Nathaniel Walker, John Carter, and others, for heriots and services, which appears to have resulted in a trial as to his tenure, but the result has not been seen. Presumably Robert Middlemore conformed to the English church since his children were baptized in the parish church.
He married at King's Norton, 9 January, 1629, Elinor, a daughter and co-heir of Richard Fox, of Moseley, co. Worcester, gent., by Mary, his wife, the other daughter being Alice, wife of William Booth, of the Inner Temple. She was presumably buried at King's Norton, 27 October, 1669, as " the wife of Mr. Robert Middlemore."
Robert Middlemore and Elinor Foxe had at least twelve children
i. George Middlemore, of whom next (23).
ii. Joseph Middlemore, probably baptized at Aston juxta Birmingham, 13November, 1632, was of London, but in 1681 is stated to have been long a lunatic. His brothers, Robert and Samuel, appear to have agreed to keep him. Legatee for £200 of his grandmother, Mary Fox.
iii. Richard Middlemore, baptized at King's Norton, 6 June, 1634, was of Clement's Inn, London, doubtless an attorney ; legatee of his grandmother Fox for £200. In 1656 his father granted him an estate in Birmingham, Caroll or Carrow Fields, Duddeston Row, Moor Street and New Street. In 1657 he sold these premises. Nothing more is known of him.
iv. William Middlemore, of whom hereafter (24).
v. Thomas Middlemore, of whom hereafter (26).
vi. Robert Middlemore, of Marston Culy, of whom hereafter (27).
vii. John Middlemore, of Northfield, of whom hereafter (28).
viii. Samuel Middlemore, of King's Norton, gentleman, baptized there 1 February, 1641, and buried there 24 September, 1717. Will, dated 14 March, 1715-16, and sealed with the arms and crest of Middlemore, was proved by his nephew and sole executor, John Middlemore, of Witchall, alias Wiggall, the younger son of his brother John, whom he evidently regarded with affection, describing him as his " well-beloved nephew," and devising to him the residue of his lands and tenements, subject to legacies and an annuity of £15 to Samuell Middlemore, "now in the service (abroad] of the king as a soldier ;" to his cousin, i.e. niece, Eleanor Middlemore, sister of my cousin William Middlemore, of Haselwell Hall, deceased, to the latter's relict, Mrs. Onley and her second husband; to my cousin Ralph Pan k, of London, and his wife Abigail, 20s. each for rings ; to my cousin Robert Middlemore, of Haselwell, and his sister, Elizabeth Weatherhead, my brother-in-law, Edward Milward of Woscot, and his sons Thomas, Edward, George, 10s. for rings ; my cousin Reade and her husband, my cousin Horton and his wife, 20s. each for rings ; Mr. Samuel Benton, of Limsworth Hill, sen., the latter's son, Samuel Benton, jun., and his daughter, Ann Palmer, also to the sons of Mr. Benton, viz., godson John £10, and to Thomas, William, and Joseph, 10s. for rings; my godson Samuel Mantle. Proved 8 October, 1717, inventory £70. There is no mention of his nephew Thomas Middlemore, the barber and ex-soldier, who had contested the possession of Haselwell, and his other elder nephews, Robert and Samuel, are practically excluded from the inheritance in favour of his younger nephew, John Middlemore, of Witchall, a son of his brother John Middlemore (28) of Northfield.
ix. Simon Middlemore, aged twenty-eight in 1670, buried at King's Norton as son of Robert Middlemore, 12 May, 1676.
x. Mary, baptized at King's Norton as daughter of Robert Middlemore, gentleman, 3 September, 1643; married at King's Norton, 23 July, 1666, Edward Millward, of Woscote, and left issue.
xi. Elizabeth, baptized at King's Norton, 26 December, 1644. She married (i) before 1678, Walter Gray, esquire, by whom she had a son,
Middlemore Gray, baptized at Kingswinford, 18 March, 1672.
She remarried (2) at King's Norton, 19 November, 1689, her first cousin in the female line, William Middlemore, of Hawkesley (53),
and probably
xii. Daniel, son of Mr. Robert Middlemore, buried at King's Norton, 18 November, 1670,
xiii. Anne, perhaps the Anne Middlemore, spinster, buried at King's Norton, 7 February, 1700-1.
23. George Middlemore, of
Haselwell Hall, esquire, baptized at King's Norton, 25 August, 1630, admitted
to the Middle Temple, 5 May, 1651, as "son and heir of Robert Middlemore, of Haselwell, esquire."
Figure 19 Signature of George Middlemore of Haselwell
On his father's death he set up a nuncupative will (see ante, p. 1 1 0), but allowed his brothers Robert and Samuel to prove an earlier written will. With his brother John he, in 1686, brought suit against Samuel, Robert then being dead, in respect of certain bonds which he had executed in favour of his father, the late Robert Middlemore, which he alleged were given without valuable consideration and were intended to be given up. It seems that Robert and Samuel, evidently as executors, as George had not paid the money secured by the bond, had caused their brother to be arrested in open market, and he consequently appealed to the Court to be released by the Sheriff and for the bonds to be given up and destroyed. Samuel's reply in effect was that he would forbear from the claim if his brother George would pay the principal money. Apparently the dispute some time before had been referred to arbitration, but the nature of the proceedings is not clear.
On 2 February, 1691, he mortgaged premises in King's Norton to William Gulston of the Middle Temple, esquire, ror £1,050.
In July, 1691, John Hopkins, of Birmingham, ironmonger, sued him in respect of the interest of a mortgage of ,£800, charged upon premises in Moseley, in the parish of King's Norton.
Q
He was in 1698 involved in litigation over a right of way from the Birmingham and King's Norton road to Haselwell. It was alleged that the ancestors of one John Hay had granted a right of way to the ancestors of George Middlemore, but that the latter had cut down part of the fence and some trees, and had refused to pay the reserved rent of 4d.
He died a bachelor; buried at King's Norton, 3 April, 1700, and administration was granted at Worcester, 24 April, 1700, to the " nephew and right heir, William Middlemore of London, apothecary," his brother and sister, Samuel Middlemore and Elizabeth Middlemore, having first renounced administration. The bondsmen were William Middlemore, of King's Norton, gentleman, Samuel Middlemore, of King's Norton, gentleman, and Benjamin Greves, of King's Norton, gentleman. His effects were valued at £294 16s. 8d. He was succeeded at Haselwell by his nephew, William Middlemore (25), eldest son of his brother next named.
The fourth son of Robert Middlemore (22) and Eleanor Fox was
24. William Middlemore, of London, cheesemonger, baptized at King's Norton, 25 August, 1635. The date of his death or place of burial has not been found, but it must have occurred before 1700;he married Esther Dyson [9]sister of Abigail Dyson, who married his brother, Thomas Middlemore. She was living 1701,when her son William made his undated will. Marriage licence, 28 December, 1661, he aged about twenty-six, she of St. Nicholas, Worcester, maiden, about twenty-two, her parents dead.
William Middlemore and Esther Dyson had issue:
i. William Middlemore, of whom next (25).
ii.
Eleanor, heir to her brother. Perhaps "Mrs. Elinor M." buried at
King's Norton, 1 February, 1716-17. After her brother's death, she released her
interest in Haselwell Hall,
Figure 20 Signature of Ellen Middlemore
7 July, 1710, to George Birch, the consideration for which was £247 10s. For an account of the consequent Chancery proceedings, see under Thomas Middlemore (26).
iii. George Middlemore, mentioned in his brother's will, died about 1703-4 s. p.
And probably
iv. Robert, son of Mr. William Middlemore, of London, buried at King's Norton, 1 June, 1677.
25. William Middlemore, of Haselwell Hall, esquire, was an apothecary in London, when, in 1700, he succeeded his uncle, George Middlemore, being then, it would seem, a bachelor.
He mortgaged, 10 October, 1700, Ford House and other property in King's Norton, to William Lea, of Hales Owen, for ,£400, thus adding to the charges imposed by his uncle. This mortgage was assigned, 10 October, 1704, by Lea's executors to George Birch, of Harborne, gentleman, who lent him £700 more on those and other premises.
He was also possessed of Mosley Great House, which he mortgaged to Joseph Ford, of Stourbridge, for £1,000.
He also mortgaged Haselwell to Katherine Somers, 8 October, 1702.
Figure 21 Signature of William Middlemore of Haselwell
He was buried, 4. August, 1709, in King's Norton Chancel, below the Communion rails with this inscription:
“HERE LIETH THE BODY OF WILLIAM MIDDLEMORE OFHAZELWELL, ESQ. WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE AUG. 2, 1709, AGED 38."
His wife Margaret, jointure dated 18-19 October, 1704, survived him and remarried John Onely, of Yoxall, gentleman, who in 1713 was " of Haselwell," she being aged forty. On 10 October, 1722, he joined her in releasing her interest in the manor of Haselwell for £3,000.
Figure 22 Signature of Margaret Middlemore
Mr. Middlemore left no issue, yet his will shows that he was most anxious to continue the possession of Haselwell in the Middlemore family, but as appears hereafter, p. 118, the amount With which it was encumbered by himself and his predecessors, and the action of his sister, Eleanor Middlemore, ultimately frustrated his intention, and he thus became the last of the Middlemores of Haselwell.
Will, undated; to wife, an annuity of £100 ; annuity of £10 to his nephew Robert Middlemore, whom he otherwise passed over. To his mother and sister £40 a year, to his brother, George Middlemore (who predeceased him) he devised the residue with successive remainders to his cousins George Middlemore, of Marston Culey, Samuel Middlemore, of Witchall, or his brother John, and lastly to Richard Middlemore, of the Temple ; to his uncle, Samuel Middlemore, £10; to his [maternal] uncle, William Middlemore, of Hawkesley and his wife, £20; ; one guinea to the minister of King's Norton to preach a funeral sermon. He named no executor other than declaring that, " if the heir acts right he is to be sole executor." This will was proved by his widow, Margaret Middlemore, to whom was granted a commission to administer the estate, 4 April, 1710, "the heirs being Samuel and Thomas Middlemore."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The fifth son of Robert
Middlemore (22) and Eleanor Fox,
26.
Thomas Middlemore, of
Worcester, baptized 11October, 1636,
King's Norton, was atone time at Moseley. He became a clothier at Worcester,
but ultimately removed to Chester; a legatee for £100 under his father's
nuncupative will, but for only £20 under
the written and proved will.
Will, 18 April, 1686, of Thomas Middlemore, of Chester, gentleman, was proved 27 May, 1686, by his widow, Abigail, the sole executrix and residuary legatee : the only legacies were 10s. each for rings to his brother, William Middlemore and Hester his wife.
His wife Abigail Dyson was a sister of Hester or Esthe Middlemore, the two sisters having married two brothers. Thomas Middlemore and Abigail Dyson had issue:
i. Robert Middlemore, probably eldest son, and stated, in deposition of Margaret Onely, to be elder brother of Thoma Middlemore, named in his grandfather's will, 1680. His cousin, William Middlemore, of Haselwell, left him an annuity of £10, but excluded him from the entail "by reason of his lunacy;" he is also mentioned in the will of his uncle, Samuel Middlemore for a legacy of 10s. for a ring being described as of Haselwell." This was in 1715, so that apparently he continued to reside there, although the Hall had passed away from the Middlemores sometime before
ii. Elizabeth, probably the second child, since only Robert an Elizabeth are named as grandchildren by Robert Middlemor in 1678. She married ....... Wetherhead, see will of uncle Samuel [p, 112, ante], and was living in 1715.
iii. Abigail married Ralph Panel of St. Mary Stayning, London blacksmith, licence, 19 May, 1687, he being aged twenty seven and she twenty, with consent of her mother Mrs Abigail Middlemore, "to be married at Lewisham."
iv. Thomas Middlemore was "for many
years" a foot soldier in th Queen's service in Spain ; doubtless the
Thomas Middle more named in the probate as being one of the heirs of William
Middlemore (25), whose will was proved in 1710 Having returned to England in
1711 he, in 1712 filed hi bill in Chancery to recover, as heir under the
entail, Haselwell. He alleged that his cousin
german, William Middlemore, wishing to preserve the manor of Haselwell
in the name of Middlemore, entailed it on his (William's) brother George with
the remainder to him, Thomas, and that Ellen Middlemore, the sister of William
Middlemore, combined with George Birch by means of a mortgage, and entered into
possession of Haselwell. George Birch
in his answer admits that "the family of the Middlemores is an ancient and
loyal one," and sets out the will of
William Middlemore somewhat more fully, and shows that the property had been
encumbered by William Middlemore, and sold to him, George Birch, by Ellen
Middlemore the daughter. This was by
indenture, 7 July, 1710, wherein Eleanor Middlemore, "sister and heir of
William Middlemore late of Hazellwell, gentleman," released her right to
the estates, encumbered with £1,700, to George Birch for £247 10s. All this
took place without the cognizance of Thomas Middlemore, who stated, and it was
admitted by Birch, that, being in Spain, he did not become aware of his
cousin's death till long after, and only got leave to return home in 1711. Clearly, under the entail, Eleanor was but an
annuitant and not entitled to give the release, and the suit resulted in Thomas
Middlemore (then merely a barber in London), by lease and release of to and 11June, 1715,
"to end all disputes," finally conveying his interest in Haselwell
manor to George Birch for an annuity of, £10and £100 down.
Thus Haselwell finally passed away from the
Middlemores. It had been in their possession for nine generations, having
descended to them from William Haselwell, of Haselwell, whose great
grand-daughter, Alice Sye, had married John Middlemore in the fifteenth
century. It is easy to understand the
anxiety Thomas Middlemore had to recover Haselwell. But the troubles of the
seventeenth century had severely tried the fortunes of the family, for they had
adhered to the King's cause, and resented Oliver's usurpation, with the result
shown in the Royalist Composition Papers. Added to this, Captain George
Middlemore had to provide portions for some eighteen children, and his eldest
son, Robert, for at least twelve more.
Gradually the estate lessened in size, until at the death of William
Middlemore,
in 1709, the residue was found to be so heavily mortgaged and charged with
annuities that it was impossible for his heir to retain the ancient property.
What became of Thomas Middlemore we know not unless, as seems probable, he is that Thomas Middlemor of St. Andrew's, Holborn, whose widow, Sarah, administere to his effects 14 September, 1727, Her maiden name was Coleman. Her will as Sarah Middlemore, of St. Andrew, Holborn, widow, dated 15 December, 1735, was proved 11March, 1736. She names, to brother George Coleman a silver cup, brother-in-law William Harben, sister Dorothy Jackson, Elinor Horne, of Camden, cousin Thomas Reeve, residue to her daughter Mary Middlemore, then under twenty-one, with remainder to her nephews and nieces. Thomas Middlemore and Sarah Coleman had issue
Mary, under twenty-one in 1735, of whom nothing further is known.
Doubtless Thomas died without male issue, since his cousin, John Middlemore, of Claines, left his property to the younger line of Grantham, which had descended from a previous generation, whose history to the present time we shall hereafter trace.
The sixth son of Robert Middlemore (22) and Eleanor Fox,
27. Robert Middlemore, of Marston Culy, in the parish of Bickenhill, gentleman, was baptized at King's Norton, 28 December, 1637. He was devisee of Haselwell Hall to hold it until he had received thereout a portion of £500, under his father's written will, which he with his brother Samuel proved in 1679.
Will as Robert Middlemore, of Marston Culy, in the
parish of Bicknell, gentleman, made 3 August, 1680; to his "little and
dear [only] son" George Middlemore, £200, and the like sum to each of his
daughters, Anne and Elizabeth Middlemore, and to his child then unborn, when
they
respectively attained 21. To his son George, also the great silver tankard
and a little silver cup; to son-in-law (i. e. stepson) Samuel Smith, a little
silver tankard and 12 silver spoons,
marked S. S.; to his father-in-law George Diale his signet. Wife Anne, residuary legatee, and she, and
his father-inlaw Mr. George Dyall, executors: proved 14 May, 1681, by Anne
Middlemore and George Dyall.
He married Anne Smith, widow, licence 1687 (for he mentions in his will his son-in-law, Samuel Smith), daughter of George Dyall. She re-married James Dowell, of Marston Culy, Bickenhill, gentleman, who was described in the suit brought on behalf of her infant son as a "person of no calling."
Dowell and his wife, in 1695, took chancery proceedings against George Middlemore, of Haselwell. Two bills exist, one complaining that the defendant declined to pay the £600 which he borrowed in April, 1680, which evidently included the £500 charged upon Haselwell; the other, that the lands in King's Norton, including a tenement called Great Hoppas and the Mill Field, given in security, were not free from encumbrances as represented. In 1697, George Middlemore filed his bill asking for injun&ions against his nephew and nieces, George, Elizabeth and Anne Middlemore and James and Anne Dowell.
Robert Middlemore and Anne Dyall had issue:
i. George Middlemore, of Bickenhill, who died a
bachelor; administration granted to his mother, Anne Dowell, widow, 12 July, 1706. The bond for due administration was given by
Anne Dowell, Samuel Smith, doubtless the half-brother and George's sister, Ann
Middlemore, gentlewoman, being all of Marston Culy. Consequent on the proceedings
by his mother and stepfather with reference to the mortgage for ,C600, given by
his uncle, he in 1696 (being then an infant, by his next friend, Samuel
Middlemore, doubtless his uncle, with his sisters) took proceedings against his
mother and James Dowell, alleging that they had combined with
his uncle, George
Middlemore, to defraud him and his sisters out of their share in their father's
estate.
ii. Elizabeth, probably died before 1706. Evidently of age in 1696.
iii. Anne, of Marston Culy, gentlewoman, in 1706. Evidently ofage in 1696.
iv. A child dead before 1696, as the three preceding were then styled the surviving children.
The seventh son of Robert Middlemore (22) and Eleanor Fox.
28. John Middlemore, of Northfield, gentleman, was baptized at King's Norton, 26 March, 1639, and buried there 10 May, 1698. Probably the John Middlemore, of Northfield, recusant from 1658 to 1685, Administration, 25 May, 1699, to his brother, George Middlemore. John Middlemore, gent., was buried at King's Norton, 10 May, 1698. In the south aisle of King's Norton church is this inscription on a tablet
NEAR THIS PLACE LYETH THE BODY OF JOHN MIDDLEMORE ESQ. A DESCENDANT OF THE ANCIENT FAMILY OF THE MIDDLEMORES OF STUDLY, EDGBASTON AND HASELWELL HALLS. OBIIT MAY 8th 1698 AGED 59."
He married a widow, Mary, daughter of William and Anne Bach, and relict of John Marston, who left an infant daughter, Mary, aged two years. She received as her jointure from her first husband, John Marston, Wichall Farm in King, Norton. Which came to her upon his death.
A lawsuit followed on the death of little Mary
Marston. After Mrs. Marston married
John Middlemore "the said infant was maintained by Mr. Middlemore for four
years or more in a most commendable manner." According to her godmother,
Barbara, wife of Robert Fox, of Northfield, the child
often saw her, when she complained of the unkindness of her
grandmother, Anne Bach, and said if it were not for the kindness of her
father-in-law, John Middlemore, "she did not know what she should do."
Mrs. Fox further stated in her deposition, that Mary Marston was taken away
secretly by her grandmother, and she is said to have died at school in
Worcester.
Mrs. Middlemore appears to have taken out letters of administration to her daughter's estate, and she and her husband and their son, George Middlemore, brought a suit in Chancery against Thomas Bach, gent. (the brother of Mrs. Middlemore), Anne Bach, widow, her mother, and job Marston and"others, apparently to recover some portion of the estate of the infant, Mary Marston, alleging that the Baches received the rents and never reimbursed the Middlemores for the child's maintenance. The "bill" does not appear to be extant, and we gain this information about Mary Marston from the deposition of Mrs. Fox, made i February, 1688.
From the Chancery decrees we learn that the defendants were ordered to produce the accounts of Marston's estate, and as the result Middlemore's suit was dismissed.
The date of Mrs. Middlemore's death has not been ascertained, but she survived her husband, for after his death she, then (1699) of Wichall, sued one Richard Avenant, who " combined with others to defraud her " of Wichall Farm. It would seem that John Middlemore had sold a moiety of Wichall to Joshua Avenant before t695, but had repudiated the sale on the ground that Mrs. Middlemore whilst a widow had conveyed it to her brother John Bach upon trust.
John Middlemore and Mary Bach had issue, probably
i. Susanna, daughter of Mr. John Middlemore, gent., baptized at King's Norton, 2 April, 1678, and buried there 26 June, same year.
ii. John, son of Mr. John Middlemore, baptized at King's Norton, 28 April, 1679, and buried there 2 May.
iii. George Middlemore, baptized at King's Norton, 17 October, 1682, a plaintiff in the suit of Middlemore v. Bach, 1688, and of whom we hear nothing more.
iv. Samuel Middlemore, described in will, 1715, of his uncle, Samuel Middlemore, as eldest son, "a soldier in service
of the King." By this will an annuity of £15 was to be paid him on his return to his native country. Probably twin son with the following ; both baptized as sons of Mr. John Middlemore, at King's Norton, 12June, 1688.
v. John Middlemore, of Wichall, evidently the John Middlemore, of Whiston, Claines, Worcestershire, gentleman, who made his will, 22 September, 1751, proved by his widow, 1October, 1753, and by it left his King's Norton property to his wife for life with remainder to his kinsman, John Middlemore, eldest son of his kinsman, Richard Middlemore, of Grantham, esquire, with further remainder to Richard Middlemore, esquire, jun.
It is evident that this John Middlemore must have been the last male survivor of the elder line of the Middlemores of Haselwell, since, though he mentions numerous kindred, the Grantham Middlemores, his second cousins, are the only ones of his own name to whom he refers. He mentions as kinsmen, persons of the names of Strafford, Cowper, Orton, Long, Hadley, and Jeffrey. He gave various charitable bequests, and directed a monument to his father and mother to be erected in King's Norton Church, near where they were buried.
He married Elizabeth, whose parentage is unknown, but she had a sister, Mrs. Sarah Dicken, of Birmingham.
Their children died in their parents' lifetime. They were:
1. John Middlemore, died 3 May, 1739, buried St. Nicholas, Worcester, m. i.
2. Stanford Middlemore, died 3 May, 1740, buried St. Nicholas, Worcester, m. i.
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HASELWELL.
The present Haselwell Hall, now belonging to the Cartland
family, is a modern house, parts of which may be ninety or a hundred years old,
and probably occupies the site of the old manor house, standing in a commanding
position about a mile and a half east of
King's Norton Church. The
fields slope down from it to the little river Rea, which works several mills in
the immediate neighbourhood. The house
is approached by a private road which was possibly the cause of the litigation
mentioned on page 114. Careful
search failed to discover any well likely to give a name to the house, though
there is an ordinary draw well on the premises.
Close to the bank of the river Rea is a small spring, which it has been suggested may have originated the name. There is no evidence in support of this theory, and as it is really a very insignificant spring, the origin of the name of Haselwell must be regarded as most doubtful. It is possible that the Haselwells came from the Cheshire family and transferred the name to their new abode in King's Norton. The coat allowed to them, a chief uncharged, is the same as that borne by the Cheshire family.
Wichall Faun, an old half-timbered house is situate about two miles further up the river, and is not far from King's Norton railway station.