Thanks to Gary Beaumont for the idea of presenting a list of the appearances of the first Yorkshire William de Beaumont. Many of these, but not all, are attestations of charters of Roger Constable of Chester and his son John de Lacy.
This individual is referenced 1192William in my main notes. What follows has been taken from there and in each case I will include a note of the source.
The names of the other people involved, where known, will be included. This is very useful, especially in understanding eg Roger's "circle" - the men who worked for and went about with him and who were involved in working for the lords. Spellings are of course very variable.
Most of the items cannot be dated within very close limits.
Roger Constable of Chester (a) was his father's heir perhaps in early 1191 when news of the death of John Constable of Chester in the Holy Land reached England, (b) did not go on the Third Crusade in the early 1190s, (c) obtained the Pontefract honour in 1194 after which he is sometimes given the name Lacy, (d) did serve in Normandy between 1201 and 1204, (e) was thereafter made sheriff of Yorkshire, and (f) died in late 1211 or early 1212.
I don't doubt that I have made many mistakes and I will appreciate being told of them. My sources are not always cited to the full academic standard but thanks to Google, readers will be able to find most of them, and a surprising number of the full texts in question are now available online. Sources must please not be cited from here.
I intend to add to this as and when information comes to light or time permits.
EMB 2 February 2021 and 7 and 11 & 13 February 2021 and 10 May 2021
.............................
1170?
William must almost certainly have been born by 1170 or 1175 and was I think about the same age as Roger Constable of Chester. His parentage is not at present known. But his possible family background is suggested in other pieces I have written / hope to write.
1192-3
Since Roger Constable of Chester did not go on the Crusade, the idea that William de Beaumont went with him, on which so much printing ink has been used, has fallen to the ground. Please see my pieces written in June 2020 on that for my reasoning.
1194?
William de Bellomonte was a witness when Roger Constable of Chester granted to William son of Fulk (described as his marshall) all the land of his demesne between Bradestrete (Roman road between Ribchester and Yorkshire) & Munkegate, and as Standen Water (Pendleton Brook) divides. The witnesses cited are the earl of Chester, Robert son of Roger, Robert Walense, Ada' de Dutton, Hugo de Dutton, Thomas Despenser, Galfrido de Cestria, Willo' de Bellomonte, Hugone de Mitton, G. dean of Whalley, Henry de Blakeburne, Gefra Butell, Willo' de Baville, "& others" ( T.D.Whitaker's History of Whalley, Fourth Edition, vol.ii, p.100 cites Add. MSS 10374 f.155b (copy said to be in Harl.2074 p.354)) … The first two witnesses being barons of national importance, this might perhaps be dated to April 1194 at Winchester (see my notes on Roger and on the movements of King Richard and those barons at that period).... This charter seems not to be in the printed Whalley Chartulary.
1190 x 1211
Grant by Roger de Lascy, constable of Chester, to Hugh Tirrel. n.d. "Hiis testibus: Eustacio fratre domini, Ade de Dittone, Roberto Walesi, Hugone de Dittona, Willelmo de Bello Monte, G. de Dittona, Ricardo filio Roberti, Ricardo de Molinels, Ricardo filio Henrici, Hugone de Hedeste, Hugone Norais, Ricardo filio Ricardi, Alano Clerico et multis aliis." (Manchester Univ. Tatton of Wythenshawe Muniments Appleton TW/123)….
Revised 13 Feb. 2021. The catalogue refers to Appleton, i.e. Appleton, Cheshire, about seven miles from Halton Castle. “Ditton” must be Dutton (nearby). Two of the witnesses (Richard de Molinels / Molyneus and Hugh Norais / Noreis) seem to be Lancashire men, presumably tenants of the Halton "barony."
1195?
"Willelmo Bello" was the junior witness to a charter of Nicholas son of Jordan of Shippen (Pontefract Chartulary, no.97 pp.143-144 (YAS Record Series Vol.XXV)). The editor Richard Holmes considered this to be William Beaumont, and dated this charter circa 1190. The charter relates to property in Pontefract. It is followed by a charter of the same grantor ascribed to c.1230 and then by a related one dated to c.1225. I think the dating of these charters might be reconsidered. The witnesses to this charter no. 97 were William “le Gramaire,” Richard de Luterington [Lotherton?], Alan sheriff [vice comite] of Kippax, Alan de Baiuse, Robert the chaplain, Paulinus the chaplain, Hugh of Bateley, Gregory the clerk, Henry Kaskine, Robert the chamberlain (camberlano), John son of Lang [perhaps “Langevinus”], Simon pincerna [butler?], and William “Bello.” I am inclined to say that if this is William Beaumont the charter should be re-dated to 1194 or later, simply on the basis that I know of no other mentions of him in the Pontefract honour before the arrival of Roger constable of Chester. This however is an interesting document as William makes two other appearances in the same context, both datable more like 1225 or 1226 (see below, nos 99 and 100 in the same volume).
1196?
William de Bellomonte attests a charter of Roger Constable of Chester – Witnesses:- Eustace of Chester, Geoffrey his brother, Robert Wallensi, William de Lungvillers, William de Stapleton, William de Bellomonte, Adam de Dutton, Richard the clerk, Robert Noel, Henry Wallensi, Roger de Samlesbury, Richard and Alan his brothers, and Alex de Derewent…. (Whalley Coucher Book, vol.1 Chetham Society vol. 10, pp.286-287, no. LVI)….. this is a confirmation by Roger of property at Whalley given to Uctred the clerk, son of Gospatrik of Samlesbury, by Geoffrey dean of Whalley [to hold from the church], the witnesses to which included some of the above and some other local clergy….I am inclined to date this c.1196 or not much later.
1196
Will. de Bellomonte is a member of Roger Constable of Chester's court at Clitheroe in 1196 .... (Early Yorkshire Charters, vol.3, no.1524, pp. 211-2 cites Kirkstall Chartul. f.55d)… Persons present being Roberto filio Ricardi avunculo domini R. de Laci et Eustachio fratre suo et Willilmo de Vesci et Roberto Walensi tunc temporis dapifero et Willelmo de Lungvillers et Alano de Lungvilliers et Willelmo de Bellomonte et Reinero de Stivetuna et Henrico de Blakeburna et Helia de Billingduna et Hugone de Mittuna et Henrico de Plesigtuna et Hugone de Heland (Elland). The source for this is also given as Duchy of Lancaster Class XI no.7, Coucher of Kirkstall f.55b in an edition by Farrer of Final Concords, Lancashire, in which the summary does not give the names of the panel…….
1196?
In the notes to the previous item (EYC 3 p.212) and elsewhere can be found mention of another, perhaps related, deed, the witnesses' names as follows:- Roger de Montbegon, Adam de Dutton then seneschal, Eudo de Lungvillers, William de Lungvillers, William de Stapelton, Thomas [despenser], William de Bellomonte, William de Notton, Ralph de Monteficheti, Geoffrey de Dutton, Geoffrey decano, Peter capellano, William de Bavill, Stephen de Hamerton….
1200? [or earlier]
A "little charter" of Roger Constable of Chester for land on the moors:- Richard Holmes, (ed), Pontefract Chartulary YAS Rec. Ser., XXV, Introduction p.xl….. the full list of witnesses being Eustace the lord's brother, Robert Walens, William de Lungvillers, Jordan Foliot, Gilbert de Lacy, William de bello monte, Richard de Stapleton, Master Reimund, Richard the clerk, William son of Gerondi….
1200? or earlier?? 1194 x 1211
A charter of Walter Prior of Pontefract dated to the time of Roger Constable of Chester; this being a release of 60s per annum which the previous lords had granted:- Holmes, (ed), Pontefract Chartulary, YAS Rec.Ser., XXV, Introduction p.xxvi …. Here the full witness list is William son of William, Robert Walens, John de Birkin, Jordan de St Maria, Adam de Reinevilla, William de Stapleton, William de Bellemonte, Colin de Emnevilla (Quatmars), William Grammatico, and Master Adam de Kellingtona. Added 11 February 2021:- What is surely the same charter, from the Duchy of Lancaster Charters, is summarised in the Report of the Deputy Keeper for Public Records (1874), with a slightly different witness list but including William, here as "Bellomonte." I think the "primary" reference for this item in the Duchy of Lancaster records is DL 25/45. The witness-list is not given in the online catalogue.
c.1194 x 1215
A charter of Roger Peitevin c.1190-1215 (EYC, 3, no.1573 p.248 and also at YAJ, vii, p.4; noted by Roger Dodsworth from Mallet of Normanton's papers). It concerns Roger's brother Hugh's departure for Jerusalem; the full list of witnesses is Jordan de St.Maria, John de Birkin, William Grammatico, William Beaumont [Bellomun[te]], Adam de Wanervill, Robert Walensi, Yvo de Lungvilers, William de Lungvilers and Thomas de Raynvill……. I find it interesting here that Beaumont's name is placed more senior than Robert Walensi, this is unusual.
1201 -1204
During this period Roger Constable of Chester is known to have been serving the king in a senior military role in Normandy. He had to surrender Chateau-Gaillard in March 1204..... and may well have been taken prisoner until such time as a ransom was paid. It is known that he was back in England by the end of 1204. The next item dated May 1205 seems to be some evidence that William de Beaumont had been serving abroad, in which case it may seem reasonable to guess that he may have been with Roger.
May 23, 1205
King John orders the Sheriff of York "to respite William de Bellomonte from the payment of 10 marks (£6. 13s 4d) [two thirds of £10] which he owed to the Jews in that city, and to free him from the interest of the debt as long as he was beyond the sea with horses and arms in the king's service. As witness me myself at Northampton 23 May 1205.By the Constable of Chester" (Rotuli Litterarum Clausarum i 33b)..... I translate q'mdiu fuit ultra mare as so long as he was overseas in the king's service.....Thus he is now back in England. The order in question seems to have been done at the request of Roger Constable of Chester himself, as the Sheriff of York, who had been travelling with the King throughout the preceding few weeks, and to whom 100 silver marks (as perquisites) were granted the same day (same page and reference).
1194 x 1211
A charter of Roger Constable of Chester about Bradley; no date is given. EYC, 3, p.388 (no.1763, footnote). Source is given there as Fountains Chartulary Tib.C.xii f.245). By the charter Roger confirms the gifts to Fountains of Ralph son of Nicholas [and] Adam de Cridling his son, and gives the rest of Bradley saving the service of Jordan de Rie [Ryther]; witnesses William 'fitzWilliam', Adam de Neufmarché & Henry his brother, Robert Waleys & Henry his son, William de Lungvilers, William de Stapelton, William Beaumont, Thomas Despenser and Colin de Quatremarcs.
Between 1194 and c.1206 - perhaps 1205
Revised this most recently 30 Sept 2021. Date has to be between 1194 (Roger's inheritance of Pontefract honour) x c.1206 (death of his brother Geoffrey). I think, rather late in that date-range. 1205 quite likely.
William de Bellomonte had 12 oxgangs [or bovates] of land in Huddersfield with a moiety of the meadow of the demesne and a moiety of the wood and four marcs rent in the mill of the said town by the grant of Roger de Laci Constable of Chester for the service of 1/8 of a knight's fee. Witnesses Geoffrey de Chester, Robert Walensi, John de Birkin, Jordan de Sancta Maria, Jordan ffoliot, Adam de Dutton, William de Stapleton, Hugh Despenser, Henry de Longocampo, Baldwin de ffossa, Colin de Damelevill “and others.” Witness-list and note from Dodsworth MS 133 fo.114 (another copy at Dodsworth MS 155 fo.151).
The original charter might be the one now in West Yorkshire Archives as DD/RA/F/19/26, described in the catalogue as "The Original Document of Grant by Roger de Lacy, Constable of Chester, to William Beaumont of land in Huddersfield."
Details or notes of this charter (with fewer witness names) also in the RHB 1796 pedigree in this Archive, and in YAJ Vol.viii p.502; said there to be from an “elaborate MS account” written by R.H.Beaumont) (?Also said to be printed by T D Whitaker, Loidis et Elmete, p.347; if so, no doubt from same source).
Andrew Connell in his 2018 Thesis at p.168, cites M.L. Faull and S.A. Morehouse, West Yorkshire: An Archaeological Survey to A.D. 1500 (West Yorkshire Metropolitan Council, 1981), ii, p. 409. I have not seen this, and of course, it isn't a "primary" source. Incidentally Andrew Connell believed the old red herring about William going on the Crusade.
Added 2 Feb. 2021 & revised 30 Sep.2021. The tenure being subject to duties "in connection with the escort or conveyance of the Lord's despatches" to Halton - something which has been said in various secondary works - is mentioned in the YAJ vol. 2 (c.1873) page 15 as part of an article "Almondbury in Feudal Times," by J.K.Walker. This refers not to a grant by Roger Constable of Chester, but (pp.11-16, ibid) to a Survey of the year 13 Edward III (about 1340), the particular reference being in context of an Agnes Beamounte, who was holding one messuage and one bovate, in Huddersfield but pertaining to Almondbury. I would like to see if there are any other or earlier mentions of such a condition being attached to a holding, whatever the name of the holder[s] and whether in Huddersfield or anywhere else. In Dodsworth's copies nothing is said about the despatches to Halton.
About December 1205
A charter by which Robert Bussel released the barony of Penwortham to Roger constable of Chester (Farrer, Lancs. Pipe Rolls and Early Charters p.381).....(Hulton, Penwortham Priory Documents Introduction pp.xxi-xxii).......the full list of witnesses is:- earl Ranulf, Eustace de Vescy, Peter de Brus, Gilbert son of Reinfred, Robert Walensi, Henry de Redeman, William son of Swain, William de “Winequike,” Turstan Banastre, Adam Banastre, Jordan de Sancta Maria, Thomas Despenser, Adam of Dutton, Geoffrey of Dutton, William Beaumont, Baldwin de ffossa, and Laurence of Wilton (a clerk).
About December 1205
Dec.1205. Farrer (1902) Lancashire Pipe Rolls and Early Lancashire Charters, pp. 379-382. Autumn 1205. Release by Hugh Bussel to Roger de Lacy Constable of Chester of the barony of Penwortham, Roger paying 310 marks which Hugh owed for the balance of a fine due to the king. Witnesses:- Simon de Pateshul, Gilbert son of Reinfrid then sheriff of Lancaster, Roger de Montbegon, William butilario [Butler, Boteler], Henry de Redeman, Hugh Despenser, Thomas his brother, Colin de QuatreMares, Adam Dutton, Geoffrey Dutton, William de Bello Monte, William de Lungvilers, Girard de Cleiton [Gerold de Clayton, seneschal of Penwortham], Richard Phitun [Fitton], Thurstan Banastre, Adam de Hocton [Houghton [the last three being tenants of the barony] “et multis aliis.”
c.1195 x 1205
Added this on 10 May 2021. PRO Lists & Indexes Supplementary Series No.V Vol. 3 Duchy of Lancaster Cartae Miscellaneae (1964), No.271 page 35. Decision of W[illiam Punchardun]. Abbot of Rievaulx, [and other judges] on the dispute between R[oger] de Lasci, knight, and the canons of Nostell, on the election of a prior….[does not say what the decision was]... Witnesses:- S[imon] dean of York, R[obert] abbot of St Mary's, York, R[oald] prior of Guisborough, H Treasurer of York, A Archdeacon of York, W[illiam] archdeacon of Nottingham, Master Gregory and W de Kana canons of York, Richard de Malebisse and Hugh his brother, John de Birkin and Roger his brother, Robert Walensis, Hugh Dispensator and Thomas his brother, William de Bello monte, Richard Punchardun, Henry de Longo campo, Philip de Fachamp, Robert Vavasor and Mauger his brother, Robert de Lelaim, Raymond the clark of Pontefract, Richard the clerk of Methley, and Walter his brother. Dated c.1195-1205 in this catalogue…… the name Punchardun appears in Devon in context of the Beaumonts in that county but I think that must be coincidence.
c. 1205 x 1211
Clitheroe: Carta Rogeri de Lascy de Meles [Meols]. Grant to the Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary of Salley or Sallay. Witnesses: G. decano de Wallia, Hugone de Duttona fratre ejus, Hugone Dispensatore, W. de Beamunt, Colino de Quartermares. “The Chartulary of the Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary of Sallay in Craven.” Record Series (Yorkshire Archaeological Society). Joseph McNulty, ed. 1933. Vol. 87. p. 157. With thanks to Gary Beaumont for this reference. As the editorial footnote states, Hugh of Dutton was not the brother of Geoffrey dean of Whalley; so it is likely the name of Hugh's brother eg Geoffrey of Dutton has been omitted in the copying! The name on modern maps is Sawley and the site of the abbey is on the bank of the Ribble not far from Clitheroe.
1206?
When Alan (son of Roland) of Galloway released to Roger Constable of Chester and his heirs the advowson of the church of Kipeis (Kippax), the witnesses, in order, were Eustace de Vescy (d.1216), Robert Walensi, William de BelloMonte, Hugh Dispenser (qv), Thomas his brother (qv), Gilbert son of Cospatric, Ralf de Campania and Richard Clerk of Creveqor, the writer (Calendar of Documents, Scotland, 1108-1272, No. 553). Source cited is Duchy of Lancaster, Cartae Miscell., Vol. I, p. 4; I think this means DL36 in the Public Record Office....The book dates this 1210 x 1212. It can't be later than 1211. Alan of Galloway's first wife was a close relative, perhaps a daughter, of Roger. See K J Stringer, A new wife for A of G, Dumfries & Galloway Nat. Hist & Antiq. Soc. Trans, 3rd. ser., xlix (1972), pp.49-55. Amended this note 24 Sep. 2021.
1206?
William de Bellomonte received a grant from Peter de Arches of 1 bovate in Shadwell to hold for 1lb of cumin or 2d. per annum and by doing forinsec service of 1 bov. where 11 carucates made a knights fee (the bovate is described "scilicet illam que fuit Roberti filii Gode in extremo, et capitale mesuagium meum, et tres acras terre que extendunt super predictum mesuagium et [blank] viam versus west (sic)". Witnesses: John Birkin, William Grammaticus, Richard de Lutrington, Alan de Smethetona [=Smeaton], Simon his brother, Roberto, Buscard, Waltero fratribus, Wm. de Siclinghale, Simon the clerk et multiis aliis. Dated 1190 X 1220 at EYC 3 no.1587 p. 258 cit. Dodsworth MS.liii,f.70 (Badsworth charters, but not in Dodsworth's own handwriting).
1207?
A charter of Roger Constable of Chester to Stanlaw re Marland in Rochdale (c.1207-11) (Harl. Chart. 52H43a printed at Hatton, Book of Seals no.71)….. attestations noted out of the Whalley Coucher Book ii 591-2 (Chetham Society xi):- Hugh and Geoffrey of Dutton, William de Lungvillers, William de Beaumont[sic], Thomas Dispenser, Baldwin de ffossa, Colin de Quatremares, Thomas de Reynevill, Master Roger the lord's clerk, William de Ravil, Michael de Rach [sic], “and many others.”
1208?
A confirmation of Roger Constable of Chester which Farrer dated 1208 x 1211 at EYC, 3, no.1802 p. 418 cit. Kirkstead Cartulary Cott.MS., Vesp.E xviii f.135. It is a confirmation of Peter son of Adam de Birkethwaite's gift at Penistone, Langsett, Swinden, & Penisale. The witnesses were Robert Walensi, Eustace de Chester, the brothers Eudo & William Lungvilers, William Beaumont ("de Bello Monte"), Colin 'de quatuor Marsiis', Galfrido pincerna, Richard Noel, Master Raimund, and Radulf coco.... EYC sets out four charters of Peter son of Adam de Birkethwaite to Kirkstead, and William Beaumont did not witness any of those; he only witnessed Roger's confirmation. This may support a view that William's place was with Roger, rather than amongst the local minor gentry of the area.
1210?
28 September 2021. Reference moved to c.1220
Between c.1205 and c.1230 (date guessed)
Added 2 Feb. 2021. Agreement between William Beaumont [Beumond] on the one part and the prior and convent [of Nostell] on the other regarding their joint ownership of woods of Huddersfield and the felling and selling of the wood, whereby the prior and convent grant to William the right to fell and sell trees from that part of the woods called Le Holleclowe [described] and the prior and canons are to receive the money which pertain to woods felled and sold on 5 bovates of land (Cotton MSS Vespasian E XIX fol 183/183r - printed as no.1320 at page 994 in Vol. 2 of Judith Anne Frost's edition of Nostell Cartulary (2005) in her University of York Thesis). [It appears that there is little dating evidence for this so I think it may only be an assumption that this first William Beaumont is the one in question]
1211 or 1212?
Charter of Colin de Damnevill [Quatmars] to Stanlaw giving his part of the mill of Hodrefeld [Huddersfield] on the “Caune” [Colne] for the soul of his lord Roger de Lascy constable of Chester….. witnesses include Willmo de Beaumont (Whalley Coucher Book vol. 3 Chetham Society Vol 16 pp.935-936)..Witnesses noted from there:- Earl Ranulph of Chester, Philip de Orreby the justiciar of Chester, William de Quatuormaris, Hugh Thomas [?and] Robert the dispensers, Baldwin de ffossa, William de Beaumont [sic, Beaumont], Hugh de Dutton, Geoffrey de Dutton, lords Humphrey and Peter, chaplains, Master Roger the doctor (medico), William de Danylle, Henry Tyas.... A gift for the soul of a person is impliedly (to me) made after that person's death, but whilst he is still well-remembered.
1212
Roger Constable of Chester having died was succeeded by his son John de Lacy who, as a young man, had a difficult relationship with king John as one of the Northern barons and as a young man. In 1218-19 for about 18 months he was out of the country, on Crusade. He is known to have issued charters from Damietta near the mouth of the Nile, and there is no suggestion that William Beaumont accompanied him there.
1212 x c.1219 [this entry 7-11 Feb. 2021]
Grant by 1. William de Nevill son of Walter de Nevil to 2. Knights brothers of the Temple of Solomon. Gift in free alms of one bovate of land in Lepton, formerly held by Hugh del Estages; one large assart formerly held by Richard del Estages; an assart with buildings on it formerly held by Hugh del Estages; an assart called le Holdehirst; a meadow formerly held by Swanus de Lepton, with common of pasture Warranty clause: against all men. Witnesses: Gillebert de Notton steward; John de Lasci, constable of Chester; John de Birkinge; Mathew de Shepeley steward of the count of Warran'; Colin de Quatremarreo; William de Bellemonte, Henry de Schelflay, Richard de Lasceles; Mathew de Turstonland; Robert de Birton; John son of Jordan de Heton; Alan de Witeley; Adam de Langeley; Robert de Werotley; Adam de Farnley (Yorks Arch Soc Bradfer-Lawrence collection MD335/7/28 [there dated just 13th century]),
This must be 1211 x c.1227. I don't think the name of Gilbert of Notton would have been placed ahead of his boss, the chief lord, so I suggest we should read "Gilbert of Notton steward of John de Lacy constable of Chester." John of Birkin died about 1227. There were two Matthews de Shepley covering a wide date range but the senior one was Warenne steward about 1219. No certainty about timing of death of Colin de Quatremares, but he seems to be still living around 1225 or so. Henry de Shelley continues till after 1230. Richard de Lasceles seems to have lived the whole date range. Matthew de Thurstanland no good info. Jordan de Heton is found c.1206 x 1211 so John his son might be the future “Sir John” of the mid c.13. Alan of Whitley looks like a person of c.1210…..
See Notes by E.W.Crossley on the Preceptory of Newland at YAS Record Series vol. 61... for its land at Lepton, eg p.42 and p.72... More generally at p.2 as to whether Templars or Hospitallers. Newland is on the right (east) bank of the Calder about 15 miles from Lepton but only 6 from Pontefract. EYC vol. 3 contains details of several, slightly earlier, gifts by Pontefract honour people to the Temple "of Salomon," perhaps most referring to Temple Newsam near Leeds, rather than Newland.
Who was the grantor? I do not think it is the William de Neville who had married one of the daughters of Adam fitzSwain many years before. Alexander de Neville of the next generation was son of a Walter, and I found a reference that one of a collection of charters offered for sale by Bonhams in 2006 and again by Bloomsbury Auctions in 2014 was a confirmation by Alexander de Nevile, of all land which his brother gave the Templars (of Temple Newsam), namely a bovate in Lepton and referring to other gifts the same as those in the above charter. Therefore although I had no other notes of Alexander having a brother, I now think that must be so. Alexander de Neville (who died in about 1219) witnessed another charter of William son of Walter de Neville in the same series (MD335/15/1/25) also relating to Lepton.
1214? [added this 10 July 2021]
Release for twenty marks, from John de Lascy, constable of Chester, (footnote identifying him incorrectly with his grandfather) to Hugh de………, Thomas de Horbyry, Roger de Thorenton, Henry de Tankerlayh, Robert de Deneby, Robert de Flaynesburg, John de Thorenhill, Henry de Dicton, John de Midope, John de Bur…….., Juliana, daughter of Robert de Clayton, Diana, daughter of Thomas de Skelmeretorp, and Agnes de…….., And all their tenants, for making hedges and deer hays (sepium et stabiliorum) in his forest of Marcheste..,,,blank..Twetstanesten (footnote says places not identified but probably in the West Riding) unless they should wish to do a favour (nisi aliquant graciam velint impendere). Witnesses, Roger de Monte Bigonis (sic) [read Montbegon], John de Birkin, William Gramayre, William Beaumont (de Bello monte), Gilbert de Notton, Geoffrey de Dutton, Henry Newmarch (de Novo foro), Baldewin Teutonicus (From Yorkshire Deeds vol. 1 (YAS RS vol. 39 p.190 no. 511 - from Col.Gascoigne) … The date here must be between 1211 (death of Roger Constable of Chester) and c.1226 (death of Roger de Montbegon). I am inclined to suggest c.1211-1215 since from about that year Gilbert of Notton is often described as seneschal. In 1218 John de Lacy went to Egypt as part of the Crusade, Baldwin Teutonicus went with him.
1215?
Charter of Edith, lady of Barton, with assent of her husband Gilbert de Notton, and for health of her son John de Barton and her daughter the wife of William de Notton, giving to Stanlaw the land of Cadewallisset [Cadishead in Barton] that Alexander formerly held. Witnesses John de Birkin, Jordan de St. Maria, Ivo de Longvillers, William de Bello monte, Henry de Longchamp, Master Roger the Rector of St. Nicholas Hospital Pontefract, Walter de Castello, Walter de deacon, Ralph of Mirfield, William de Daneport (Whalley Coucher Book (Chetham Society Vol. XI) vol. 2 pp.521-522); provisionally suggest c.1200-1215.
1217?
Will'o de Bello Monte witnessed a grant by John de Lascy to Philip de Orreby and his heirs of "unu. batellum in aquade Merse ad piscandum cum una sagena p. totu inf'a divisas de Hathelton". [one boat in the waters of Mersey to fish with one seine net through all the lower reaches of (?Halton)]. I have dated it 1213 X 1218. Witnesses, in order: Lord H abbot of Chester, Hugh Despenser, Thomas Despenser, William de Bello Monte, Peter [the clerk of] the lord earl of Chester, Hugh of Dutton, Geoffrey his brother, Thomas de ?????? and Richard Phiton [Fitton], Robert de Stapleton, clerk (George Ormerod, History of Cheshire (1819), Vol I, page 513n).
1217
The William de Beaumont who appears in context of Norwich castle in about 1216 was someone else entirely. The context is entirely different. See the piece I put on this blog about that man on 24 June 2015.
In the time-frame covered by these notes (say 1194-1225) I have other references to Beaumonts, including some called William, which I have not included because I do not think it is the same person / family as the first William Beaumont of Yorkshire.
1218 the litigation about Quarmby
When correctly translated, this shows that the W.B. to whom Roger de Lacy / Constable of Chester had granted the land at Huddersfield was still living in 1218. Printed [with correct translation by Lady Stenton] in 1937 in the Selden Society's Rolls of the Yorkshire Eyre (RJEY) 1218-19, no. 282). (this refers to Selden Society volume 56, for 1937). I do not have a note of the exact translation in Lady Stenton’s words but the key section would be:- And William came and called John constable of Chester to warrant a charter of his [John’s] father, which he [William] produced and which showed that he [John’s father] had given 12 bovates of land at H. to the said William.... The gist of the case was that William argued the land was in Huddersfield. The jurors decided that the land was in Quarmby, so it could not belong to William, since the grant to him was of land in Huddersfield.……Translation also at YAS Record Series vol. 61 page 176 …. There is an [older] mis-translation of this in the YAJ, viii, 519 to the effect that William appealed to John "his guarantor, by reason of a charter given to his father, which he produced...." Timing of this seems to have to fit round John de Lacy's absence from England, or perhaps John was not actually personally called.
1220?? (not possible to date closely)
A charter of Ralph abbot (1202-27) of Kirkstall to Henry de Berlei re "Wodehus" (Wothersome in Bardsey), where the full witness list was John de Birkin, Gilbert de Notton, William Gramaticus, William de Bello monte, Adam de Bella Aqua, Herbert de Arches, Hugh de Wieton, Nigel de Horsford (YAS Record Series, vol. 63, Yorkshire Deeds, iii, no. 426 p.147).
circa 1220 (moved and added/amended on 28 Sept. 2021)
Feoffment by Matilda, daughter of Quenilda of Gipton, to William de Bellomonte and his heirs, of one bovate of land in Gipton, to be held of donor’s heirs .... donor to make up if there is not enough land at Litelcroft.... witnesses:- Gilbert of Notton, then seneschal; John of Birkin; William Grammaticus; William of Notton; Hugh of Towlston; Robert of Stapleton; John of Heck; John of Gipton; Richard of Gipton; and others [query if named] (Whitley Deeds West Yorkshire Archives DD/WBD/X/54) [dated 12th century in the archive catalogue but early 13th century possibly c.1220] (Noted at Dodsworth MS 133 fo.124v, but with third witness as Richard G).
and apparently on the same occasion, as identical witnesses:- Thomas son of Emma de Gipton grants to William de Bellomonte and his heirs a toft in Gipton….. refers to Salswelle .. refers to William de Gipton .....a penny at Christmas. Witnesses:- Gilbert de Notton then seneschal of Pontefract, John de Birkin, William Gramatico, William de Notton, Hugh de Touleston, Robert de Stapleton, John de Hecke, John de Gipton, Richard de Gipton “and others.” (Dodsworth MS 133 fo.126). This is not in the WYAS catalogue.
Unless / until further work can be done on these and various other Gipton documents, many questions will remain unanswered.
1223 or 1224
William de Bellomonte's name occurs in connexion with a matter between Peter de Mauley and Isabella his wife, and Thomas de Ardern, re Bramham:- Curia Regis Rolls, 11, 265 & 2681. In no. 265 William's name is two behind that of Roger of Birkin........ William de BelloMonte came to a case on 12 November 1224 at Westminster but the matter was adjourned because not enough people came. The case was between Peter de Mauley and his wife Isabel (Fossard heiress), and Thomas Arderne, who was called to warrant by Nostell Priory, and was about land in Bramham:- YAS Rec.Ser. LXII Yorks. Fines 1218-1231, p.67n. I think this Bramham is the one south of Wetherby.
1225?
Pontefract chartulary document no. 99 dated c.1225 (YAS Record Series, vol.25, no.99, pp. 145-146).… it is a charter of Eudo the chaplain of Pontefract, the witnesses being Gilbert de Notton then seneschal, John de Birkin, William Gramatico, William de Beymund [sic Beymund], Adam of Kellington, Roger of Ledisham, William the chaplain, William of Campsall [Camishallo], Nicholas of Shippen, Richard de Stagno…… Charter no.100 immediately following is a confirmation charter of John de Lacy constable of Chester with several of the same witnesses, including William (here, “de Bello Monte”) but with also a witness just called “Colino” who, as the footnote observes, must surely be Colin de Quatremares, or de Ameville (or Damville etc). No 100 is placed at c.1226...... Editor Richard Holmes' footnote at page 146 notes the spelling "Beymund" as "somewhat as still pronounced" and compares it to the more formal "Bello Monte" in the charter of the lord.
c.1225
In regard to Staining near Blackpool (Steyninges), William de Beumont attested the charter of John de Lacy, behind Gilbert de Notton, to Stanlaw; this charter was, it seems either a gift or a confirmation of John’s grandfather’s gift, of what John senior (i.e. John Constable of Chester who died in 1190) had had from T[homas] de Bellomonte and his uncle, William Monachus, some 50 or more years earlier (Whalley Coucher Book vol. 2 pp. 419-420 nos. I-IV). The fact that they bothered to get a person named Beaumont to attest this is, I think, some evidence that they all knew that the property had come from this Beaumont’s family; this attestation was no doubt inserted or arranged by the monks, and had the effect of assuring to them that Beaumont could not put in a claim or say that he did not know about this. This must date c.1212 x 1232 and the full witness list is Gilbert de Notton then seneschal, William de Beumont, Ivone Harwecurt, Henry de Longocampo, master Roger “medico,” Robert de Stapelton “camerario,” Walter Moton, Alan de Meles, “and many others.”
1225?
A charter of Adam the chaplain, son of Richard son of Lesing of Ledstone (Pontefract Cartulary, ed. Holmes (YAS RS vol.25) no. 190, p.245). Witnesses:- Gilbert de Notton then seneschal of John de Lacy, John of Birkin, Hugh de Toulistona, William de Bellomonte, John de Hech, Richard de Fareburne, Adam son of Thomas de Reineville, Roger of Ledsham then dean of Pontefract, Henry of Swillington then dean of “Eynsti,” Alan son of Rannulf, Simon his brother, Simon de Rupe.
1225?
A charter of John de Lacy, Constable of Chester confirming a gift by Geoffrey dean of Whalley to Eli son of Thomas possibly of land at Snelleshou (Whalley Coucher Book vol. 1, Chetham Society Vol. 10, pp.277-278 no.XLVII)….. I don’t think Gilbert de Notton was seneschal much after 1225….. The full list of witnesses:- G de Notton then seneschal, William de Bello monte, Eudo de Lungevillers, Henry de Novo Mercato [ie the name sometime rendered as Neufmarche, New Market], Hugh de Dutton, Gilbert son of G de Notton the seneschal, Henry Wallensis, Master Roger medicus, Master Walter de Castellis, Robert de Stapleton the clerk, John the chaplain ….. actually this reads to me that John is confirming to Elie son of Thomas the land that Geoffrey the Dean granted to him in the previous charter, and it is only the editorial headnote of that previous charter which identifies it as Snelleshou.
1227
It is not known when William de Bellomonte died, but I believe the seniority of his ranking in the witness-lists of John de Lacy’s charters cited here indicates an elderly person, and it certainly seems that this pattern of attestations stops at around 1227.
It is possible that the William Beaumont involved in the arrangements about Whitley (datable 1232 x 1240) is the same man. Or it may be his son or other successor.
............
Some of the above references are noticed in the 2018 Thesis by Andrew David Connell:- The de Lacy Constables of Chester and Earls of Lincoln, The Transformation of an Honour (1190-1311).
I'd like to record my thanks to Southampton University for letting me use the Hartley Library there all those years ago, when I lived not far from there, as that was where I got most of the references from - from the hard copy books, many of which are now readily available online.
EMB 31 Jan. 2021.
Added to:- 2 and 7 February 2021
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