To 'jump' to a particular Section, just click on a number below:- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 5 Table showing the Fanes of Buxton and their relationship to the Earls of Westmoreland ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 7 Mr. Anthony Paule, Parson of Hunton was buried Aug. 16 1610. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 – ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 16 Sept. 16 1728. George Fage clerk, Rector of Hunton was buried. July 13, 1701. Richard Burton, rector of Hunton buried. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 – ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 – ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 – ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 |