Maud [Matilda] Fitton

Contents

Personal and Family Information

Maud was born about 1243, the daughter of William “Richard” Fitton but her mother is unknown. The place is not known.

Her husband was William “Walter” Hawkins, de Northwood, de Hokeswod, de Flegh, Hogekins, Hesketh, who she married in ABT 1263 in Lancashire, England. Their four known children were Andrew (c1264-<1321), John (c1270-<1345), Thomas (c1272->1349) and Stephen (c1280-1350).

Pedigree Chart (3 generations)


 

Maud [Matilda] Fitton
(c1243-?)

 

William “Richard” Fitton
(c1220-?)

  
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
 

Events

EventDateDetailsSourceMultimediaNotes
BirthABT 1243

Notes

Note 1

!Note: How the Early Hawkins Inheritance Likely Worked

John and his son William held land from Hawkeswood, Shropshire to Hawkinge, Kent and in between.

They gained more land through service at Dover Castle.

Dover Castle assigned them Hawkinge, apparently so they could prepare it for the church.

Nash was part of Hawkinge but stayed with the family.

Their land included properties in Warwickshire and Hereford and Wiltshire and Kent and apparently Huntingdonshire.

A. Children of John. In 1303 John and William went to Shropshire to clear up their interest in Hawkeswood and other land in and near Shropshire.

1. William was John's main heir aside from the following. In Lancashire, William's surname was known as Hesketh and he was identified as a knight. He married Mawde Fitton whose <<<<

Lancashire holdings became the basis of the Hesketh line.

2. John and William sold their portion of Hawkeswood and other Shropshire land to Hugh le Mon who was also John's son and the father of the Hotchkiss line.

3. Warren who was also John's son, and father of the Hill line, was likely setup with his feoffment of nearby Neenton. The later lifetime lease in 1328

only confirmed this arrangement.

4. Simon, John's younger son, received land in Huntingdonshire.

B. Children of William

1. Also on that 1303 trip, John, William's 2nd son, born about 1272, was apparently put in charge of land in Warwickshire and nearby counties. He also

inherited much of Rufford in Lancashire.

2. Thomas was sent into royal service while still young. Most Lancashire properties such as Great Harwood and Rufford eventually came under his line.

3. Sir Andrew, as the first born, would be the main heir in Kent.

4. Adam was made lord of Hesketh in Lancashire.

5. Stephen stayed with Andrew and later received York land himself. He likely received other lands which he passed to his own sons, including land in

Becconsall and Hesketh in Lancashire.

C. Children of Andrew from his first wife. Andrew's first wife likely brought York land into the family.

1. Nicholas received the main York land.

2. Henry received land in Nottinghamshire and in Norfolk.

3. Andrew II also received York land.

4. Roger came of age after Joan married Andrew. Andrew held Devon land through Joan and shared part of it with Roger.

5. Alexander received small pieces of land in Kent.

D. Children of John from his second wife Joan, who most likely brought lands from Devon and Cornwall with her dowry.

The Nash Estate became the family home after Hawkinge Manor was given to the church.

After Andrew died in 1321 Joan held Nash for her life, and was thus called Joan of Nash.

She apparently had the ability to distribute portions of the remaining property to her children as they came of age.

1. When Joan died Nash and the remaining lands, mostly in Kent and nearby counties, passed to her first son John I of Nash.

2. Margery was given a small York estate at age 2 1/2. Stephen was her guardian and added more land to her share when he died.

4. When Joan died the rest of the Devon land went to Sir Richard, alias Hankeford. He likely also received more in knight's service.

!Source: Full text of "The Victoria history of the county of Lancaster;"

The Victoria history of the Counties of England, EDITED BY WILLIAM PAGE, F.S.A., A HISTORY OF LANCASHIRE, VOLUME VI, THE VICTORIA HISTORY

https://archive.org/stream/cu31924088434620/cu31924088434620_djvu.txt#:~:text=k%20[Standish]%2C%20211%20Emmott%20[Whalley]%2C%20525%20Euxton,[p]%20115%2C%20[m]%20115%20Thorp%20[Croston]%2C%20104.

about 1150-60 gave to St. Werburgh’s

Abbey, Chester, one plough-land in RUFFORD in

alms, which the abbot was holding in 1212.°

Somewhat later one Richard Fitton® held it of the

abbot by a rent of 5s, and gave a moiety to his

daughter Maud, who married William de Hesketh.’

‘The other moiety went to another deughter, Anabil

or Amabel, who marricd Edmund de Lea, and in

1285 the two daughters and their husbands were in

posession.’ “The grant to Richard Fitton may have

been for life or a term of years, for in 1292 the

Abbot of St. Werburgh’s claimed Ruftord, described

now as 4 oxgangs of land,” and in the following

year made a fresh agreement with William and Maud

de Hesteth and Edmund and Anabil de Lea, by

which the annual service was raised to 40s.,’° at

which it continued down to the Dissolution." This

Richard Fiton, kt., the grantee was living in

1283, but died before 1288, having probably survived

his only son William, whose widow Margaret then

held the third part of the manor in dower. She

afterwards married Alexander Hurel. In or before

1288 a partition of the manor was made between

the three daughters and co-heirs of Richard Fiton

and their respective husbands, namely, William de

Hesketh and Matilda, Edmund de Leye and Amabel,

Roger Nowell and Elizabeth.’

In 1289 Hesketh became possessed of two-thirds

of the manor, having acquired from Edmund de Leye

and Amabel their portion of the Fiton inheritance.”

In 1310 for £23 he purchased from John son of Ed-

mund Fiton the lordship of the manor, including his

own service of 20s. per annum and other ros. due

yearly from Adam son of Roger Nowell.’

Richard de Heskin in 1327 acquired <<<< Richard Heskin de Heskin [born ~1230, son of Henry].

messuages and land in Wrightington and

Parbold from William the Fisher of <<<< Very possibly William Hawkins, Hesketh [~1245 - ~1327] and Maud Fitton his wife. Rufford came from Alice Fitton a couple generations later.

Rufford and Maud his wife ; Final Cone.

, ii, 67,

!Source: Full text of "The Victoria history of the county of Lancaster;"

The Victoria history of the Counties of England, EDITED BY WILLIAM PAGE, F.S.A., A HISTORY OF LANCASHIRE, VOLUME VI, THE VICTORIA HISTORY

https://archive.org/stream/cu31924088434620/cu31924088434620_djvu.txt#:~:text=k%20[Standish]%2C%20211%20Emmott%20[Whalley]%2C%20525%20Euxton,[p]%20115%2C%20[m]%20115%20Thorp%20[Croston]%2C%20104.

[Summary]

I. 1. William Hesketh [fl. 1288–1318]. <<<<

Married Maud [Matilda] Fitton.

He had two sons, John, who succeeded, and Adam.

First appearance tied to 1288–1289 Fitton inheritance.

Acquired: Rufford, Great Harwood, Tottleworth.

Described as: “parentage unknown” and “landless man” prior to marriage.

Built status through: Marriage, Purchase, Founder of the main line.

!Source: The National Archives' catalogue https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/04d2556b-0d60-4716-9bda-55605d8c66c5

55 - Lancashire Archives

DDHE - HESKETH of RUFFORD

DDHE 104 - RUFFORD - GENERAL.

Catalogue description Grant: Richard Fiton to his daughter Matilda -- half of Rufford, beginning at the mere...

Reference: DDHE 104/1

Description:

Grant: Richard Fiton to his daughter Matilda -- half of Rufford, beginning at the mere and so following a certain syke towards the E. as far as the moss, and so following a certain lake in the moss while it lasts, and so in a straight line through the middle of the moss to the head of the Monkeslache, following it to the Pepinstrind, thence in a straight line to the foot of the Duggles, and so up the water of the Duggles, to where the Ellerbekbroke falls into the Duggles, and so up the Ellerbekbroke, to the Oxpolelache, and so along the Oxpolelache while it lasts, and thence in a straight line to the Quytstrindes, and by thence to the Sinkfall, and thence to the Blakepulles, from one to another, and thence following a ditch called Couplacedike, back to the water of the mere. With half of the lordship and its appurtenances -- His daughter Anebie, sister of M. to hold the other half, with cross remainders. Rendering yearly one penny to R.F. and 2s.6d. to the abbot and convict of St. Werburgh, Chester at the Feast of St. Martin.

Witn: Sir Robert Banastre, Sir Henry of Lee, Sir William of Mara, Sir Richard the Botiler, Adam Banastre, Henry of Pulle, Warin of Bispham. Thomas Banastre.

Date: n.d. [c.1260]

Held by: Lancashire Archives, not available at The National Archives

Language: English

Note: Depending on which William we are talking about, Richard could be related.

This seems likely to be Sir Richard le Boteler, of Rawcliffe, Fylde who was High Sheriff of Lancaster, Herald date: 1266. [].

Note: Sir Richard le Boteler here is the sheriff.

!Source: The National Archives Catalogue https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/e6b8f30a-4ac6-4a64-be93-55052948a044

55 - Lancashire Archives

DDHE - HESKETH of RUFFORD

DDHE 18 - GREAT HARWOOD

Reference: DDHE 18/2

Description:

Grant : Edmund of Leye and Anabilia his wife, to William of Heskayth and Matilda his wife -- their part of the manor of Great Harewode in Blakeburnesire, and all their part of the dower of Margaret widow of William Fiton -- paying 47/6 yearly to E. and A. for life. If W. and M. have no issue, the property to remain to heirs of M. and A. Witn: Sir Robert Banastre, Sir Robert of Holand, Sir John of Byron, William of Lee, Gilbert of Haydok, Matthew his son, Richard of Bradeshauwe, Henry of Clayton, William of Alvetham, Adam of Blakeburne, Alexander of Keuerdale, Adam of Osbaldeston, William of Balderston, William Brocholes, William of Athirton, John of Reved. Seal.

Date: n.d.

Held by: Lancashire Archives, not available at The National Archives

Language: English

!Source: The National Archives' catalogue https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/57d17148-a82e-41ae-87ec-ea863d50ca2c

55 - Lancashire Archives

DDHE - HESKETH of RUFFORD

DDHE 18 - GREAT HARWOOD

Catalogue description Quitclaim : William son of Richard son of Margery of Harewode, to William of Heskaithe...

Reference: DDHE 18/7

Description:

Quitclaim : William son of Richard son of Margery of Harewode, to William of Heskaithe and Matilda his wife -- all properties in Great Harewode, called the Lepessagh -- Witn: Robert of Heppale, now steward, Henry of Blakes, John his son, Roger Nohel, Simon his brother, Robert of Holdene, William the Clerk, Adam of Aspdene, Gilbert of Riston, Richard of the same. Given at Harwode, St. James' Day, 22 Ed. I.

Date:

Held by: Lancashire Archives, not available at The National Archives

Language: English

Note: It is important to note that Sir William would not be traveling around the country on his own. It is very likely he was accompanied by support from his original Shropshire family. I can’t say that William the Clerk here is William Le Person, Clerk, of Middulton [~1273 - ?], husband of Margaret of Baskerville, 2nd cousin twice removed, but it is possible.

!Source: The National Archives' catalogue https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/835d0523-73b7-42df-88b9-656ea5d84e0c

55 - Lancashire Archives

DDHE - HESKETH of RUFFORD

DDHE 18 - GREAT HARWOOD

Catalogue description Quitclaim : Diana widow of Richard son of Margery of Harewode to William of Hescaithe...

Reference: DDHE 18/8

Description:

Quitclaim : Diana widow of Richard son of Margery of Harewode to William of Hescaithe and Matilda his wife -- as DDHE 18/7 -- Witn: Sir Adam of Hudelston, Henry of Blaker, John his son, William of Alveton, John of Shuttesworthe, Thomas of the Grene, John of Revid, Adam of Smereshalgh. Given at Harewod, St. James Day, 22 Ed. I.

Date:

Held by: Lancashire Archives, not available at The National Archives

Language: English

!Source: The National Archives' catalogue https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/5885c097-4407-4fe4-bc97-970501f17bec

55 - Lancashire Archives

DDN - NATIONAL TRUST DEEDS

DDN 1 - Description available at other catalogue level

Catalogue description Agreement: John of Heskayth & Adam Nowel -- tenements in Great Harrewod, the...

Reference: DDN 1/22

Description:

Agreement: John of Heskayth & Adam Nowel -- tenements in Great Harrewod, the Nethirtonndene to the Dic, with part of Nethirtonn, a third of a third of the Great Heye on Caldre, & the land of Dobbe Emmeson which Roger Nowel gave to William of Heskayth; also approvement of the common waste of Great Harrewod towards Cundecliffe to the value of 9d per year -- these being a third of the lands of William Fytonn which after his death were divided between his daughters & their husbands, William of Heskayth & Maude his wife, Edmund of Legh & Anabella his wife, & Roger Nowel & Elizabeth his wife. Witn: Sir Richard of Radecliff, parson of Bury, Adam of Radeclyffe, John his brother, John of Dynelaye, Adam of the Clogh, John of Blakeburn, John of Cliderhou.

Given at Markedholme.

Date: Aug. 1324

Held by: Lancashire Archives, not available at The National Archives

Language: English

!Source: Visitation of Lancashire by Richard St. George, 1613, page 128. https://johnhoughton.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/1613_visitation.pdf

Heskayth.

[Harl. MS. 1437, fo. 124 b, 125.].

Arms. — The first twelve quarterings of the shield described at fo. 110.

Entered.

Richard Heskayth. Richard de Stafford.

= =

| |

William de Heskaith = Annabell, dau. and

| heir of Rich:

___________|

|

Robert Heskaith. = ….. Richard, de Totleworth, = Isabell, dau. and coheir

| in right of his wife. | of Rich: Lo: of

| | Totleworth.

_________| ________________________________|

| |

William Hesketh = Elbora, dau. and sole heire

| of Rich: and Isabell.

|

>>>>>

>>>>> Note: The [above] earlier part of this visitation chart [before Sir William & Maude] appears to have been based on actual names of earlier Hesekth records,

>>>>> but without any knownledge of how they were actually related. Also the wives in that portion don’t appear to have been real.

>>>>>

| Rich: Fitton, = ….

| lord of |

| Great Har- |

| wood and |

| Martholme. |

________________|_________________ ___________________ |_______________________

| | | | | |

John Adam de Sir William Heskayth, = Mawde, dau. and Elyza., dau. and Anabyll, dau. and <<<< Sir William & Mawde

Heskaith. Heskaith. knt., lo. of Heskayth | co heire of coheire, wife to coh: wife to

and Betonsaw, | Rich: Fytton. Roger Nowell, Edmond Leghe,

4 Ed. 1.[1275/6] | Lo. of Read. Lo: of Croston.

|__________________

|

Thomas de Heskayth. = Alice, dau. of ...

Come chose soit a totez gentz per ceste En- | Warren de Byspham,

denture qe de debatez qe furent Entre John de ___________| Lo. of Byspham.

Heskaith et Adam Nowell des tentz en graunt |

Harwod qe furent apres Ie Mort William Fitton Sir John de Heskaith, = Alice, sole dau. and

de sou heritage despartez entre sez treiz soeures knt. | heire to Edm: Fytton

et heires et lour barons, et cestasavoir Entre ___________| Lo. of halfe Rufford.

William de Heskaith et maude sa femme, Ed- |

mond de Legh et Amabilia sa femme, Roger Sir William de Heskayth, = Marcella, dau. and

Nowell, et Elizabeth sa femme. Lan du raigne knt., anno 29 Ed. 3. | coheire of Thwenge

le roy fitz au tres noble roy Edward disim et [1355/6] | of Kendall,

vint'. ______________| co. Westmerland.

|

Seal of Arms,-a wheatsheaf- Thomas Heskalth, = Margaret, dau. and

Signed, SIGILLVM : IOHANNIS : HESKETH: esq. | coheire of Tho:

| Banester, Baron of

__________________________________________________| Newton.

|

Nicholas Heskayth, = Margaret, dau. and coheire of . . .

esq. | Mynshull, obiit at Rufford, 5 H. 5·

[page 129] |

Sir Thomas Heskaith, = Sibill, dau. and coheire of Sir

knt., obiit 38 H. 6. | Robert Lawrance, knt., 5 H. 5.

_______________|

|

Tho : Heskaith, = Margaret, dau. to

Esq., Lo. of | Hamon Massy

Heskaith. | of Rixton.

____________|

|

Robert Heskaith, = Alice, dau. of Sir Robert Booth knt

Lo. of Heskaith, | lo: of Dunham Massye; after her hus-

obilt. 1490. _| band's death she professed chastitye.

|

Grace, dau. of = Thomas Heskaith, = Elyza., dau. and Drawing of a seal of arms, viz.-

Jo : Townley esq., obiit 1523. | sole heir of a fess engrailed between 3 fla-

of Townley. | William Fleminge, mingos [?J heads erased, ---;

| Baron of Wath, and helmet and mantling surmounted

______| lo. of Croston. by a flamingo's [?J head couped,

| wings erect, for crest.

Sir Robert Heskaith, = Grace, dau. of

knt. | Sir John Townley

| of Townley, knt.

_________________________________|___________________________

| | |

Sir Thomas Heskaith = Alice, dau. of Elynor, wife to Jane

knt. Lo. of Rufford, | Sir John Holcrofte Robert Barton

High Shenff of Lanc., | of Holcrofte, knt. of Barton Row.

anno 5 of Q. Elizab: |

obiit 1587. |_______________

|

Blanche, dau. and = Robert Heskaith, = Marye, dau. of

coheire of Hen: esg., lo. of Hes- | Sir George Stanley, knt.,

Twyford of Ken- kaith, Rufford, | Marshall in Ireland

wick, co. Salop, Holmes and | sister and heire to '

2 Wife, s.p. Holmewood Mart- | Hen: Stanlye, esq.,

holme, Great Har- | of the Croshall,

wood, Hougwick | 1 wife.

and Beconsawe, |

now living, 1613. |

_____________________________________________________________|_______________________

| ||| | | ||

John, Robert, 2. Thomas Heskaith, = Susan, dau. of Holcrofte, I dau., Jane, wife to

mar. the Henry, 3. sonne and heire, Th . .. Powes, wife to Lawrans William Reynalds.

dau. of… George, 4. ætat. 41 annor. co. Salop. Royston, after to

Haydock. 1613. Roger Dodsworth, Mary, wife to Rich:

= Chancelor of Barton, and after to

| York. Thomas Stanley,

Robert. and hath issue by

both