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Section 1
A letter from Francis C.
Hall to Leland L. Duncan, Dated Jan. 25th (no year)
From GROVE HOUSE, HUNTON, MAIDSTONE (served by STATION &
TELEGRAPH, YALDING)
Dear Sir – Thank you for your very kind answer to my inquiries about Gabriel
Higgons. I am sending you an M.S. book in which I collected various pieces of
information respecting this Church and Parish, and in which you will find
perhaps, something that may be of use to you.
J.W. Higgons was a staunch Churchman, and was turned out of
Hunton by the Puritan party. He seems to have had rather a remarkable career,
and to have been a restless, dissatisfied sort of man. The particulars about
him in my book were gathered from Woods’ "Athena Oxoniensis" and
our own parish registers Walkers Sufferings of the Clergy gives a very short
account of him. In the entry of Gabriel’s burial Mr. Higgons has made two
mistakes – first as to the date either 6th or 7th Sep:
- second – he puts Gabriel’s age at 24 – when he really was some months
past 25! I have copied the entry as nearly as possible in Mr. Higgons’s
handwriting.
Do you think the Archdeacon of Canterbury/Bishop of Dover/ could
help me to any information? If so I should have no difficulty as he is my
cousin and a great friend.
It is very interesting to note the great gaps that occur in the
registers during the time of the Rebellion, showing that even quiet Hunton did
not escape. I wonder that the Rector was able to stay here so long as he did.
There is no stone or monument in the church or Churchyard to any
Higgons, but that is probably owing, I think, to the disturbed state of things
at that time. Also a lot of interesting old stones on the floor of the Church
were recovered during its restoration in 1876, when I was too young to take
any interest in such matters – so there may have been one to Gabriel.
There is a great deal in Hunton to interest any one of
Antiquarian tastes. Please return my book when you have finished with it, but
there is no hurry about it. I can vouch for the authenticity of all
information in it. During the time my Father was Rector I had free access to
the registers and copied out a great deal that interested me. We always took
great interest in the Higgonses.
Again thanking you – I remain Yours truly Frances C. Hall.
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Section 2
Inscriptions on Fane Monuments in Hunton Church.
1. Sir Thomas Fane and Dame Helen. Here resteth in assured hope to rise in
Christe Sr. Thomas Fane of Buston, Knight, Lieutenant of Dover Castle and Dame
Helen Somersett his wife, who having lived forty years together died both the
yeare of our Lord 1606. Mary their sole daughter and heire, wife to Henry Fane
of Hadlow Esq., died in childbed of her only sonne Thomas, who died shortly
after, whereuppon he wanting issue made Sr. George Fane, Knight, second sonne
of Sr. Thomas Fane of Badsell and Dame Mary Baroness Le de Spencer, his heire,
who in
dutyfull memory of his deare unkle erected this monument.
2. (within the Chancel rails) Francis Fane:- Here sleepeth
in hope the body of Francis FANE grand-child of the Right Honorable Mary
Baroness Le Despenser and youngest son of her second son Sr. George Fane of
Baston in ye County of Kent, Knight, and of the Lady Anne his wife the only
daughter of Sr. Oliver Boteler of Teston in the same County, Knight. He came
in to the world the 25th of November 1627 and left it for a better
the 19th of December 1651.
3. (Brass in North wall of Chancel) Lady Anne Fane:- Neare this
place is interred ye body of ye vertuous lady Anne Fane wife unto Sir George
Fane of Buston and daughter of Sir Oliver Boteler, She departed this life the
5th of March Ano. Domini 1663 and left her daughter Elizabeth Fane
(wife unto John Tregonwell Esq.) her sole Executrix; who in dutyfull
comemoration of her most deare Mother caused this monument to be erected.
Nostra brevis vita transit cito linguimus cunabula et illico festimamus et
Sepulchram.
4. (within the rails on the South side) Thomas Fane:- Underneath lies
interred the Body of Thomas Fane Esq., late of Buston in this Parish. Son and
Heir of Sr. George Fane, Kt. only brother to Francis Earl of Westmorland and
both the sons of Sr. Thomas Fane of Badsel in this County, Kt. by Mary his
wife Baroness le Despencer, sole daughter and Heir of Henry, Lord Abergaveny.
He died Septem. ye 5th 1692 in the 66th yeare of his
age. He was Loyal to his Prince and in the worst of times faithfull to
his country, vigorously asserting the cause of its religion and laws. When
thrice unanimously chosen a Representative in Parliament for the Town of
Maidstone against the restless Designs of Popery and Arbitary Power. He was a
Charitable Reliever of his poor neighbours and no less a Bountifull and
liberal master to his servants, of which he left a very Remarkable Instance at
his Death. Tho’ he made celibacy his choice, chiefly for ye sake of
contenplation and Retirement, yet his great aim and design was to perpetuate
the younger branch of his Ancient and Noble Family, in Pursuance whereof, he
by his last will and testament devised his whole estate to Mildmay Fane,
youngest son of Vere, late Earl of Westmorland, who from a just sense of his
kinsman’s favourable choice and approbation of his and to testify to
Posterity his constant gratitude for such a Benefaction, dedicates upon his
first enjoyment of it this monument to his memory. Anno Dom: 1711. Vivat
post Funera Virtus
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Section 3
Entries
in the Registers of Hunton relating to the Fanes of Buston:-
1606. Sir Thomas Fane Knight was buried ye 23rd of October. And his
Ladye Elenor Somersett also Lady Fane was layed beside him the 23rd
of October.
George the sonne of Sir. George Fane Knight was borne July 11 1622 (being
Thursday) and baptized July 27th 1622.
Spencer, ye sonne of Sir. George Fane, Knight July 13 1623.
Ann, the daughter of Sir George Fane
Knight, was baptized September 30 1624.
George, ye sonne of Sir George Fane, Knight, dyed Aug. 25th 1625
(3) was buryed at Mereworth.
Thomas the sonne of Sir George Fane Knight, was baptized September 7th
1626.
Francis, the sonne of Sir George Fane, Knight, was baptized November 25 1627.
Margaret, ye daughter of Sir George Fane, Knight, November 19 and she died 10
dayes after.
Mary ye daughter of Sr. George Fane Knight, was baptized Octob. 19 1630.
Burialls
–
Sr. George Fane Knight, July 1 1640.
Mrs. Mary Fane, daughter of Sr. George Fane and Dame Anne, his wife, buried
May 4th 1643.
Mr. Spencer Fane, son of the late Sr. George Fane, buried 19th July
1643.
Memorandum that ye honourable Lady Anne Fane of Burston, was buryed March 17th
Ano Dom: 1664.
Thomas Fane of Buston Esq., Wednesday in 14th September 1692.
Buried in Linnen
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Section 4
Dwellers at Buston since the death of Thomas Fane in 1692 – from Assessments
made and entered in Churchwardens books etc., -
1706. the heirs of Thomas Fane Esq.
1710. The Honourable Mildmay Fane Esq.
1715. The Honble. Mrs. Fane.
1716. The honourable John Fane Esq.
1720. William Ridar Esq.
1739. Mrs. Rider.
1742. The Earl of Westmorland
1746. Mr. Scudder.
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Section 5
Table showing the Fanes of Buxton and their relationship to the Earls of
Westmoreland
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Section
6
The
Family of the Rev. Theophilus Higgons –
I
Robert Higgons of Chitton nr. Brill, Bucks
I
Theophilus – b. 1578. ed. at Free School, Thame, Student of Ch.Ch. 1592. MA
1600. Censor of Ch. Ch. Domestic Chaplain to Bishop of Gloucester. Lecturer at
St. Dunstan’s Fleet Street. Pervert to Rome 1607 – Re to Church of England
1610. Rector of Hunton August 1610.
m. 1st Margaret – she died 1615.
m. 2nd Anne – she died 1645.
I
He died at Maidstone 1659.
I
Robert
Alice
Gabriel
Anne Thomas Theophilus
b. 1617 b.
1620 b.
1622 b. 1624
b. 1627 b. 1629
m.
John Beale Esq d. 1647
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Section
7
Mr.
Anthony Paule, Parson of Hunton was buried Aug. 16 1610.
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Section 8
Entries in the Hunton Registers relating to the family of Higgons:-
Here beganne the Resgister of Theophilus Higgons, Parson of
Hunton, Anno Domini 1610, August 23 in vigilia S. Bartholomei – Quam quidem
Rectoriam habuit ex collatione Reverendissimi patris D. Rich. Bancrofte,
Archief. Cant. ex procuratione vero nobilissimi docissimiq. viri et optimi
patroni D. Eduardi Hoby Militis cujas no en in benedictioe –
Margareta
uxor Thophili Higgons, Rectorio hujus ecclessaie, Sepulta Aprilis 19th
1615.
Robert Higgons, the sonne of Theophilus Higgons, Rectour of this church, was
baptized February 21 1617. [N.S. 1618].
Alice, the daughter of Theophilus Higgons, Rectour of this church was baptized
March 31 1620.
Gabriell the sonne of Theophilus Higgons April 23 1622.
Ann, the daughter of Theophilus Higgons Rectr. of this church was baptized
Novemb. 19th 1624.
Thomas the sonne of Theophilus Higgons Rectour of Hunton, was baptized Octob.
2 1627.
Theophilus the sonne of Theophilus Higgons Rectour of Hunton was baptized
Septemb. 18 1629.
John Beale, and Alice Higgons were married May 22nd 1638.
Anne the wife of Theophilus Higgons Rectour of Hunton was buryed January 9th
1645.
Gabriell Higgons sonne of Theophilus Higgons Rectour of Hunton aged 24 yeares
was buried Septemb. 7 1647.
Theophilus Higgons Rector.
1630. Margaret Paule, widdow, wife lately to Mr. Anthony Paule, Parson of
Hunton, August 3rd.
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Section 9
See Woods "Athene Oxonienses" page 240 for an account of Mr. Higgons
– (see post)??
He wrote the following:-
"A Scholastic Examination of Man’s Iniquity of Gods
Justice" London 1608 (written before he
turned Papist).
"First Motive to adhere to the Roman Church etc. with an
Appendix" printed in 1609 and
"Apology refuting Sir. E. Boby’s Letter against this first
motive" Roan. 1609 and Sermon:-
Sermon on Ephes 1.2,4,5.6.7. in "Testimony of his Hearty
Reunion with the Church of England" London 1611 in 4 to Preached at St.
Pauls Cross. 3 March 1610 –
"Reasons proving the Lawfulness of the oath of
Allegiance" London 1611.
"Mystical Babel or papal Rome – a Treatise on Apocalypse
18-2 in two sermons London 1624 – 4 to –
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Section 10
Rectors of Hunton or Huntynton
1315-1357 William Hony
1357-1361 Johannes de Okeborne
1361-1412 Richard de Bettryng
1412-1434 William Jalys
1434-1457 William Hert
1457-1499 Matthew Brandrede
1499-1509 Robert Baysfeld – Abbot of Boxley
1509-1524 Thomas Denys
1524 John Penyngton
1524-1529 Richard Mychilborne alias Masca
1529-1544 John Parker
1544-1566 John Nichell
1566 John Knocke
- Alexander Barton – exact date unknown.
1568-1570 Henry Clifford
1570-1575 Thomas Pylkynton
1575-1610 Anthony Paule* * Those so marked are known to be buried at
Hunton.
1610- Theophilus Higgons ejected
about 1647 George Latham ejected 1662
1662-1682 Thomas Yardley
1682-1685 John Battely
1685-1687 James Wilson
1687-1701 Rihcard Burton*
1701-1728 George Fage*
1728-1763 Herbert Taylor
1763-1765 John Fowell
1765-1787 Beilby Porteus, Bishop of Chester and London D.D.
1787-1803 Lord George Murray M.A.
1803-1865 Robert Moore – Canon of Canterbury*
1865- John Robert Hall M.A.
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Section 11
Rev. John Robert Hall. died Thursday Sept. 22nd …….at
Spitzbrook, Marden, Kent.
Born at Batsford Rectory in 1808. ed. at Westminster School. Mat. Ch: Church.
May 1826 was a nephew of Archbishop Longley and had for fellow students Mr.
Gladstone, Dena Liddell etc. was cox of the first Ch. Ch. eight. Ordained in
1832. curate of Bourton on the Hill near his father’s rectory. In 1838 was
Vicar of St. Mary Mag: 1844 vic of Frodsham. Appted. Chaplain to his uncle Dr.
Longley Bp. of Durham he went to Boldon near Newcastle – and on Dr. Longley
coming to Canterbury he followed him to Coulsden in Surrey and soon after to
Hunton near Maidstone becoming Rural Dean and Hon. Canon of Canterbury.
Restored the church and a new rectory built – Retired after 26 years service
- He married twice and left a widow and only daughter.
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Section 12
A note of such things as belong unto the parish church of Hunton – made 21
April 1611.
Infor A Communion Cuppe of Silver and a cover to it.
Itm. a pewter pott of ii/ pints
Itm. 2 Spitts
Itm. a Communion Table wth. a (Lynnen Cloth
(Green Carpett
Itm. a surplice
Itm. the booke of martyrs
Itm. Erasmus on the New Testament
Item a booke of Canons
Itm. a cheste for Almes wth. 3 locks
Itm. (spade, shovell, mattocke
Itm. an houre glasse
Itm. the Bible and Comon prayer booke
Itm. a book of Statutes
Itm. 2 Register Bookes
Itm. a booke of accompts
Itm. 2 bookes of Statutes Anno 1597 and 1601
Itm. 2 great cushion for the Pulpitt
Itm. a book Intituled Certain Sermons
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Section 13
A note of things given to the Parish Church of Hunton by Christian, and well
disposed persons in the yeare 1635 and afterwards – Inprimis 1635 at
Easter, the honorable Ladye the Lady Anne Fane, wife of Sr. George Fane,
Knight, gave a fayr communion-table cloth, fringed with silk, a pulpitt cloth,
fringed likewise, and a pulpitt-cushion, fayrely wrought with silk –
Item 1637, at Easter, Tamasin, the wife of Nicholas Bishoppe gave
a fayr communion Table-Cloth of Damaske, marked in the middle with these
letters W.G.T. [with red silk].
Memorandum That in ye year of our Lord 1664 the Honorable Ladye,
the Ladye Anne Fane of Burston in ye Parish of Hunton, gave unto the said
Parish viz: One very fayre sylver Cupp to be used at the holye communion.
Item – a fayre black hersecloth marked in ye middle with her
owne Coate of Armes.
Item – five pounds of lawfull monyes of England to the Poore of
ye said Parish – wch. immediately after her death was faithfully distributed
among the said Poore by the hands of Mr. Richard Beeston and John Hunt the
Churchwardens pro rempore. Tho: Yardley then Rector. 1664.
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Section 14
Memorandum yt. Dr. John Battely formerly Rector of Hunton did on ye 8th
of June 1686 give to ye poor of this Parish ye sum of fifteen shillings and
four pence which was distributed to ye sd. poor. Byrne Ja. Wilson Rector.
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Section 15
A note of Things belonging to the Parish of Hunton taken May ye 12 1716 –
One comunion Table
One Green Cloath
One Diaper Knapkin for the Comunion Table
One Chalice and Patten, silver
One smaller Chalice and Patten guilt with gold for ye use of Private Communion
given by Mr. Fage and to be always kept by ye Rector.
One silver flagon given by Mr. Thomas Turner
One Pewter flagon and 2 Pewter Plates
One Surplice
One crimson velvet cushion and cloath for ye Pulpit
One Book of Homilies
One Book of Martyrs
Two Books of Bp. Jewell
One Bible
One Comon Prayer Book
One other Table
Two chests
A Black Cloath for Funerales
One Pewter Bason for the Font
Two silver Plates given by Mr. Thos. Turner
Witness our Hand – Geo. Fage. Rector. Thos. Bishop junr., Churchwarden.
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Section 16
Sept. 16 1728. George Fage clerk, Rector of Hunton was buried.
July 13, 1701. Richard Burton, rector of Hunton buried.
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Section 17
From the Registers – 1653
Martha Webb ye wife of Henry Webb and Anne his daughter deceased April 24 1653
– Buried both in one grave 27: Justly deserving this insusinge epithaph and
intended once to bee engraven on a tomb stone –
Chapter 1 16:17 verses What Ruth to Naomi once replyd Under this stone is
verified Mother and daughter each soe dear Whome God by death hath joyned more
neare One house while luieinge them containinge In one grave now their dust
remaininge One day they both shall rise together Noe more to die, but live for
ever. By G:L:M.
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Section 18
From the Registers –
A French youth belonging to ye Honble. ye Lady Fane of Buston was Buried
August ye 23 1662.
Ultimo die praedicandi; ministri; moraliker mosisntis Geo: Latham: Postquam
compleverit plusquam Annos 13; in
administrationibus: in Ecclesia hugis Hunto seu Huntingdon : Cor. 2.6.9. It is
also asserted Isaiah 26.19. thy dead men shall live
Ye cause of ye incompleatnes of this booke for some yeares past was ye
passinge of it through soe many hands, both of ministers and others, and ye
severall changes of ye times, and not ye willfull neglet of him, who now at
last had it in his custody …. He often earnestly descringe ye Parishoners to
bring in ye names of such persons who ought to have been Registered; either
for marriage, Baptizing or Buriall, and they not soe doeinge ye default must
bee infuted unto them; and not to him But for any such as came and
informed him, concerninge ye same; had them set downe without delay or denyall,
such as I remembred I registred of my owne word –
[Mr. Latham’s apology for the many omissions in the Registers during the
years he was at Hunton –
from 1647 to 1662 –
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Section 19
Mary Wooster ye faithful housekeeper of ye aforesaid Geo: Latham minister
departed this life Jan. 15: 1662 and was buried ye 20th of ye same
month; neare ye Chancel doore: it may truly bee said of her, as of that Mary
– Luke 10 ye last –
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Section 20
1670 Dec 22nd Mr. Wm. Snatt was buryed 1671
1671 Mr. Thomas Snatt of Sussex was marryed unto Mrs. Amye Snatt the daughter
of Nichola Snatt of Hunton June 1 being the feast of Ascention –
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Section 21
From the Registers
1674 Mary ye daughter of Parson Webbe of Barmin was buryed July 24th.
1746 On Midsummer Day this year happened the greatest storm of Thunder and
Lightening wind and rain yt. was ever known in the memory of man.
1748 At the latter end of this year, Peace was proclaimed between England,
France and Spain.
1763 On the nineteenth day of August this year happened a much greater storm
of Thunder, Wind, Hail and Rain, than in the year forty six – The Hailstones
being six and seven inches round.
1770 Mrs. Eliz: Fage of Maidstone buried 7th Feb.
1751 Here endeth the old style.
Tempora mutantur tandem renovatur et Anno: Scribere disce novo, sed meliore
stylo Nos quoy mutemur centrum qui vixerit annos Fit vivendo diu grandior inde
puer.
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Section 22
Inscriptions on Tombs of the Snatts of Jennings – (South side of Church) –
Mr. Nicholas Snatt – To the memory of hir deare husband Mr. Nicholas Snatte,
who deceased Febr. 22nd 1652, Mary his loving wife erected this
monument – To write an epithaph for thee, blest saint Whose life was
such that none could justly taint Must use the Scriptures language to rehearse
They reall, vertues and come short by verse Of whats’ they due, leaving so
good a name? That others yet may imitate the same Who lives that sinnes not?
Saith Divinity Who could expect thee faultless then and free? Yet such they
care and conscience in the maine Toward God, and man, and keepe thyself from
staine A faithfull husband to a loyall wife A tender father and no man of
strife And though God sodenly did take thee hence It was but sooner thee to
recompence –
Mrs. Snatt (same stone) Here lyeth also Interred Mrs. Mary Snatt
relict of Nicholas Snatt of Jennings in Hunton Gent: who dyed Octob. 20 1666
Aetatis LII.
Amy Snatt (same stone) Here lieth interred the body of Amy Snatt relict
of Thomas Snatt of Hunton, Gent. Deceased, and daughter of Nicholas and Mary
Snatt of this Parish, who departed this life March the 26 1708. Aetatis sine
57.
William Snatt (adjoining stone) Here lyeth interred the Body of William
Snatt, son of Nich: Snatt of Jennings in Hunton gent, who dyed December 18th
1670, aged 34 years in memory of whome his loving kinsman Thomas Snatt his
executor caused this stone to be layed.
(Also on this same stone) Here lieth also Interred the body of
William Snatt son of Thomas Snatt of Jennings in this Parish gent, who
departed this life Oct. 17 1701 – In the Twenty-eigth year of his age.
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Section 23
Tombstone of Mr. Hovenden of the Clock House (East end of Church):-
Here lyeth the body of Samuel Hovenden of Hunton gentleman, sonne of Richard
Hovenden of Cranbroke, who died the 28 of January 1653, aged 78 years – who
left issue Mary, Elizabeth, Dorothy – (Mrs. Hovenden – same stone) Heare
lyeth the body of Mrs. Anne Hovenden late wife of Mr. Samuel Hovenden deceased
the 4 day of September 1646 –
Tombs of the Allens of Stonewall East end of Church –
Here lyeth the Body of Joane Allen the wife of James Allen
…………………………
Adjoining stone – Heare lieth the body of James Allen the sonne of John
Allen of Hunton desesed the 9th June in the yeare 1648 –
Inscriptions on other stones of note or interest in Hunton Church or
Churchyard
Here lyes the Body of Francis Foote Esq who departed this life on the 27th
day of June 1730 in the 48th year of his age. Defessus sum
ambulando ……………………….
Under this marble are deposited also the Remains of Mary, Daughter of Benjamin
Hatley and widow of Francis Foote Esq., who departed this life the 2nd
day of June 1770 in the eighty-fourth year of her age.
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Section 24
From the Book of Churchwarden’s accounts at Hunton –
The accompts of Thomas Snatt Churchwarden with Thomas Hollimond of Hunton, the
which Thomas Snatt was chosen at Easter 1672 made and given up in ye Presents
of those whose names are heere subscribed May 18, 1674
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