Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 14035 - Postal History, Autographs and Historical Documents
Lot: 3001

Historical Documents
1454 (9 March) indenture in latin on vellum being a grant by William Rotheley of "Derteford" (Dartford), Kent, to William Custaunce of "South darrent" (South Darenth) in the parish of "Hilles Sancte Margarete" (St. Margaret Hills). The grant of 13 acres 3 roods of land in "Horton" (Horton Kirby, Kent) of which 7 acres 1 rood are in the field called Bockie, bounded by the King's highway from the church of St. Margaret Hilles to South Darenth, north; land of William Custaunce south; land of John Chyld, east. Also 6 and a half acres are in Staplefield, bounded by land of John Chyld north and south, the King's highway from Dartford to Horton, west; land of William Custance, east. Which lands (and others) the grantor had by settlement of Thomas Baker, citizen and draper of London. On condition that Custaunce pays William Rotheley, at his capital messuage in Dartford, £4. 6s. 8d. in quarterly payments of 3s. 4d. (i.e. for a period of six and a half years). Witnessed by Thomas Hilles, John Chyld, Richard Bodeman, Walter Letecote and John Lese. Horizontal folding creases and light soiling but still good to fine. Also some assorted binding fragments. Photo

St. Margaret Hills lies 1 mile south-east of Darenth, now a hamlet.

William Rotheley was a merchant of Dartford (d. 1464). He owned property in several parishes in Kent, as evident by this and other deeds. His will, dated 28 July 1464 is interesting as it is in English and full of detail. He left money to a number of churches in West Kent, including Dartford, Sutton, Wilminon, 'Bexhill', Stone, Darenth and Swanscombe. He wanted 13 poor men and women clothed "all newe .. in sherts, breches, smokkes, hosyn, shoous, gownes, kirtell and hoodes in such clothe as is most profitable to them".

The mention of 'Bexhill' among the bequests to a number of churches in the vicinity of Dartford is interesting. There is no evidence that Rotheley had land at Bexhill in Sussex, but there is no evidence that 'Bexhill' was an early form for Bexley. On the other hand, 'Bixle' is known as an early form of Bexhill in Sussex.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Estimate
£650 to £800