l one to take cognizance of such
petty local matters. The "coggle" pavement of Horncastle is often
complained of, but at least it had the royal sanction.
A Roll of the 18th year of Edward III. (m 8), dated Westminster, 28 June,
1344, is directed "to his very dear and faithful John de Kirketon, Fitz
Hugh de Cressy," (and others) assigning them "to choose and array 100 men
at arms in the County of Lincoln," and (among others) "6 hoblers in the
vill of Horncastre, to be at Portsmouth, to set out with the King against
Philip VI., de Valesco (Valois)." This was the beginning of the campaign
of Edward and his son the Black Prince, which terminated with the
glorious battle of Cressy and the capture of Calais. "Hoblers" were a
sort of yeomanry who, by the terms of their tenure of land were bound to
keep a light "nag" for military service.
A Domestic State Paper of Queen Elizabeth (Vol. 51, No. 12, III) contains
the "Certificate of the town and soke of Horncastle to the artycles of
the Queen's Majesty's most Honorable Pryvye Councell," dated 27 June,
1569, shewing what "soldiers were furnished and went forth under Captaine
Carsey." These were formerly the well-known local troops called
"trainbands." The paper contains, further, accounts of payments for
"towne common armour, jerkyns, swords, daggers, corslettes, 1 caline
(piece of ordnance), conduct money (_i.e._ hire money), pioneers,
victuals," &c. Accounts rendered by Thomas Hamerton, Arthur Patchytt,
Thomas Raythbeake (all formerly well known names in the town), and
others.
The head of the Carsey family was the owner of the Revesby Abbey Estate,
and as such was lesse of the manor of Horncastle under the Bishop of
Carlisle. They sold their property, in 1575, to Thomas Cecil, son of
Lord Treasurer Burleigh.
There is another Carlisle document in connection with these trained bands
among the same Domestic State Papers of Queen Elizabeth (Vol. 199, No.
7), in which the Earl of Rutland writes to Anthony Thorold, sheriff, that
he has instructions "from the Lords of the Counsaile to put in strength
the power of the realme for the maritime counties," and he asks him to
"choose captaines for the yet untrained companies, and to supply the
place of Mr. John Savile for Horncastle." N.B.--The Saviles owned
Poolham Hall in Edlington. On this (State Papers, Eliz., Vol. 199, No.
72) the Earl writes to Mr. Valentine Brown that he thinks him "meete to
supply the place for Hornc
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