Southworth arms (but note that there is controversy regarding the colors, see D'Ewyas) This line for a while follows the Southworth knightly family of Samlesbury hall in Lancashire, England.

This family from (of?) Croft acquired first Southworth Hall and then Samlesbury Hall. A side branch was established for a while in Houghton and Middleton plus at some point before 1449 Southworth apparently went to another branch, and there was apparently some friciton between these two branches because "within a year" of 1449, Richard Southworth, lord of Southworth was ordered by Sir Thomas Stanley, to pay a fine of £20 to the widow of William Southworth of Middleton for the death of William in a dispute over Houghton and/or Middleton, in return for which the widow agreed not to prosecute. The holdings of the Middleton and houghton branch were later acquired by this, the Samlesbury branch. There also a later (by at least 15th/16th century) branch back at Croft and another in Clarborough, Nottingham.

later Southworth arms including both color combinations The Samlesbury branch were Catholics and the family estates were penalised for this, at the time the last holdings were being sold off these younger branches became involved in the religious movement at Lieden which eventually led to the Pilgrims. Most Southworth descendents on this side of the Atlantic descend through the Pilgrim descendents of my 10th Great Uncle, but this line through New Amsterdam, and perhaps one other has recently been coming to light.

My 24th Great Uncle, the Gilbert Lord of Croft is listed as a son of a Roger, but I do not know where the information came from on his descent from the de Ashton family here proposed. Does anyone have any sources for this? Or with which Ashton the name is associated with? (there are several possibilites on both sides of the Channel, including one right in the same parish and several others nearby.). Further, where does this Randle de Croft fit in? Another brother along with Gilbert and Hugh?

In several of the below quotations from the Victoria County History series, I had to make a best guess as to which "Gilbert" or "John" or "Thomas" they refer to, but given the numerous other branch's I can not always be sure, so at the bottom are several other such quotations I was unconfident about where to place them. Especially problematic was the "Gilbert son of Gilbert de Southworth", there is two such in this line alone and apparently others in side branches.

Southworth Hall, unknown artist, unknown date Southworth with Croft was one of the townships of the Parish of Winwick. It [Southworth with Croft] was responsible for 9s. 2d. to the hundred levy, the Hundred originally being the Newton Hundred, though later and traditionally associated with the West Derby Hundred. Originally of Chestershire, it traditionally is of Lancashire, though later associated again with Chestershire. Southworth with Croft included 1,726 acres. Ecclesiastiaccly the parish was under the Bishop of Chester. Feudally, most of the parish was under the Lord of Makerfield, part of the Barony of Newton (aka Newton-in-Markersfield, aka Walton). This barony was not a barony in the later traditional English sense but was in the French style in that the dignity could be sold or granted away by the holder, and as such this title does not traditionally appear in peerage or noblitiy lists, though in 1892 the holders were "re"-created Baron of Newton in Markerfield in the peerage of Great Britain. Nowadays most of the lands below mentioned are administratively split between Chester, Lancs, Manchester, and Meryside.

Of Croft and Southworth, Croft was anciently the more important of the two (and remained the larger in size) but as Southworth was the only one of the two with a hall, it quickly became regarded as more important. Then of course Samlesbury could be considered even more important.

In trying to figure out who the Southworths 'chief-lord' would be, it would seem to be the above Baron Newton for Southworth and Croft, first under the Banastre family then in the 1290s to the Langton family (note the marriages of my 14th Great Grandfather and 14th Great Aunt), and at some point (before 1449 at least) it appears their chief-lord came to be the Stanley family. Samlesbury itself, after 1487, was directly subordinated to Lord Stanley when following the defeat of the uprising at Stoke he [Lord Stanley, then Earl Derby] was granted Samlesbury, amongst others, "to be held by the ancient service" (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 3 {1907} under the Township of Knowsley, Parish of ?). The Stanley's also appear to of been the chief-lord of the Langton's.

The above two paragraphs, along with the increasing prestige of the marriages of this branch (with the ancient Deuyas & Dutton families, the powerful Molyneux & Langton families, etc.) showcases this families gradual and continual rise, eventually becoming Sheriffs and MP's, before the religious disputes rather rapidly led to their downfall. It makes you wonder where they could of been in a few more generations.

One story related about my 9th Great Grandfather is that he was captured as a young child by the Dutch in a raid on a British port during one of the Anglo-Dutch wars and was raised Dutch. This however does not hold true given that he was born in 1616 or 1628 and the 1st Anglo-Dutch war was not till 1652-1654, making him at least 24 and more likely 36 at the time. For reference the 2nd war was 1655-1657 and the 3rd Anglo-Dutch war was 1672-1674.
I have removed two pictures I had planned to put on this page until I can get the artists permission for use, but I am having trouble finding out who the artist is.

My 27th Great Grandfather (twice over), Roger de Ashton
Born 1050.
At least one child - Orm
My 26th Great Grandfather (twice over), Orm of/de Ashton
Born 1085.
At least one child - Roger de Croft
My 25th Great Grandfather (twice over), Roger de Croft
Born Bef. 1184 (1120?). Died 1255
liv. 1184
Two Children: The birth order is usually seen the other-way around but I'm guessing it was thusly because Gilbert held the manor of Croft "by the service of falconer, and it was held of him in unequal portions by Hugh de Croft and the heir of Randle, the latter of them discharging the service."(Township of Southworth with Croft) note that the same source has that both manors were different tenurse of the lords of Makerfield and that Gilbert also held the manor of Dalton in Kendal.
My 24th Great Grandfather (twice over), Hugh de Croft
Born 1155.
At least one child - Gilbert
My 23rd Great Grandfather (twice over), Gilbert de Croft/de Southworth
Born about 1190. died About 1275 in Samlesbury?, Lancashire, England.
1219, bef.: Recieved the gift of Southworth Manor in the parish of Winwick, Lancashire from his uncle Gilbert ("with the leave of his" [the uncle's] "heir"") in exchange for a pound of pepper annually. Thurstan Banastre, lord of Makerfield, confirmed this charter, and reduced the annual rent payable to him to 13s. 4d. ("A Genalogy of the Southworths (Southards)" by Samuel G. Webber.) & (Townships Southworth with Croft).
Later, he and his son gained most of Croft. "1 oxgang of land therein was granted to Gilbert de Southworth by Agnes daughter of Randle de Croft" and all "her share in Aspshaw appertaining to her 3 oxgangs; the bounds included Aspshaw Brook as far as 'the oak marked with a cross'" (Townships Southworth with Croft).
At least one child - Gilbert
My 22nd Great Grandfather (twice over), Gilbert de Southworth
Born About 1224 in Samlesbury?, Lancashire, England. died About 1300.
1250, abt.: granted 2 oxgangs in Croft from "Robert 'Sceryswerz' (? de Erbery or Deresbery) .... he had probaly acquired them from Agnes daughter of Randle. ... 'N.' rector of Winwick, otherwise unknown, was a witness" (Townships Southworth with Croft). Also, unknown time "Robert son of Robert Banastre released to Gilbert de Southworth all his right in land called Richard's Croft." (Townships Southworth with Croft).
1284: as part of the long suit between John Maunsel and Richard de Wigan concerning "messuages, mill, &c., and 6 oxgang of land in Ince and Aspull", "Gilbert de Southworth and Emma his wife were joined in the defence with Richard" (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 4 {1911} under Township of Ince, Parish of ?) (Does this refer to this Gilbert and an unknown wife Emma, or the below grandson?)
1287: one Gilbert de Southworth, (which I presume to be this one) came to an agreement with Jordan de Kenyon respecting the bounds of the waste between Kenyon and Croft. (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 4 {1911} under Township of Kenyon, Parish of Winwick).
1291: "Gilbert de Southworth" [attempted to] claimed" [the Manor of Ince/Ines 'in Makerfield', held by Richard de Ince] "in right of the dower of his wife Emma, who seems to have been the widow of Henry de Sefton; but this would not have been so if Henry de Sefton was living in 1288" (Township of Ince, see above) (Does this refer to this Gilbert and an unknown wife, or the grandson?)
1292: "Robert de Abram and Emma his wife, in right of the latter, claimed the moiety of an oxgang of land, &c.," [of the township/manor of Ince/Ins] "from Richard" [de Ince] "son of Henry de Sefton of Ince, and from Gilbert de Southworth and Emma his wife. The latter pair said they had only Emma's dower out of Richard's inheritance." ... "the jury decided for the plaintiffs, ... Gilbert and Emma were also to have nothing from the land, 'because the seisin of the latter's first husband was unjust'" [That sentence] "seems to prove that this Emma was widow of Henry de Sefton" (Townships of Ince, see above) (Again, which Gilbert and wife Emma does this refer to?)
1296: Gilbert de Southworth (Which I am presuming is this individual) was listed as chief lord of Willam de Middleton (? of Blackwell Hey ?).(A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 4 {1911} under Townships of Houghton, Middleton and Arbury, Parish of Winwick).
At least one child - William
My 21st Great Grandfather (twice over), William de Southworth
Born about 1259 in Samlesbury?, Lancaster, England. Died aft. 1292.
At least one child - Gilbert
My 20th Great Grandfather (twice over), Gilbert de Southworth
Born Abt. 1240 in Lancastershire, England (or About 1279 in Samlesbury or About 1270 in Croft). Married an Emma or Cicely.
1284: as part of the long suit between John Maunsel and Richard de Wigan concerning "messuages, mill, &c., and 6 oxgang of land in Ince and Aspull", "Gilbert de Southworth and Emma his wife were joined in the defence with Richard" (Township of Ince, see above) (Does this refer to this Gilbert and his wife, or the above grandfather?)
1291: "Gilbert de Southworth" [attempted to] claimed" [the Manor of Ince/Ines held by Rihard de Ince] "in right of the dower of his wife Emma, who seems to have been the widow of Henry de Sefton; but this would not have been so if Henry de Sefton was living in 1288" (Township of Ince, see above) (Does this refer to this Gilbert his wife, or the grandfather?)
1292: "Robert de Abram and Emma his wife, in right of the latter, claimed the moiety of an oxgang of land, &c.," [of the township/manor of Ince/Ins] "from Richard" [de Ince] "son of Henry de Sefton of Ince, and from Gilbert de Southworth and Emma his wife. The latter pair said they had only Emma's dower out of Richard's inheritance." ... "the jury decided for the plaintiffs, ... Gilbert and Emma were also to have nothing from the land, 'because the seisin of the latter's first husband was unjust'" [That sentence] "seems to prove that this Emma was widow of Henry de Sefton" (Townships of Ince, see above) (Again, which Gilbert and wife Emma does this refer to?)
aft. 1292, bef. 1310: "William Post" [of Houghton] "... granted his lands in the vill" [of Middleton and Houghton] "to Gilbert de Southworth" (Townsips Houghton, Middleton and Arbury). Later William's son Willam also had dealings with Gilbert's son Gilbert (see below).
1307: (I'm presuming this is the correct Gilbert) "William Gillibrand and Margery his wife recovered against Gilbert de South 12 acres of land and 1/2 an acre of meadow; and as this was owing to the default of Andrew de Middleton, when called to warrant, Roger the son of Andrew granted to Gilbert de Southworth half an oxgang in Middleton and Houghton as compensation" (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
1316: (I'm presuming this is the correct Gilbert) "Geoffry son of Adam Henne of Houghton granted to Gilbert de Southworth Henne Croft in Middleton" (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
1318: (Again, I'm presuming this is the correct Gilbert) Thomas de Houghton "leased to Gilbert do Southworth half an oxgang in the vill of Middleton and Houghton, together with six butts of land between Leveng Bridge and Houghton Riddings" ... "Six years later he sold it outright" (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
Three (possibly four) children:
Samlesbury Hall c.1325 from www.samlesburyhall.co.uk/history.shtml, awaiting artists permission for use My 19th Great Grandfather (twice over), Sir Gilbert de Southworth
Born 1306 Warrington?, Lancastershire, England (other sources say about 1340 in Samlesbury and another says About 1300 in Lancastershire). Died 1372 in St. Leonard, Samlesbury, Lancaster, England. Married Alicia/Alice/Alecia D'Ewyas/Deuyas/de Ewyas in the early 1320's.
1310: William Post, son of William Post of Houghton (See above) "released to Gilbert son of Gilbert de Southworth his claim on land approved by the latter in Cumberhale Carr". (Townships of Houghton, Middleton and Arbury) (Note: The father and son both named Gilbert would seem to be these two, but the age of the younger Gilbert is quite young so I am wondering If theis refers to Gilberts of the Middleton branch.).
1323 to 1326 High Sheriff of Lancashire.
1325: Inherited from the D'Ewyas family the ruin's of Samlesbury Hall (destroyed by ransacking Scots in 1320 following the battle of Bannockburn) and rebuilt it circa 1325. Other sources suggest that the Samlesbury Hall inheritance was split between two daughters, however the only reference I've found so far as to what happened later to the other half was that at the death of Maud de Holland in 1423 she was holding the other half of the manor (the portion of Elizabeth de Samlesbury, co-heir of Sir William de Samlesbury), along with other manors and lands. (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 4 (19110 under the Township of Upholland, Parish of ?). so the question for future research is 'did this moeity continue in the Holland family or get combined with the Southworth's'?
1325: He was holding half of the manor of Southworth along with Robert de Holland but at an inquisition "The jury decided that it would not be to the king's injury to allow Gilbert de Southworth to enfeoff John de Middleton of the moiety of the manor of Southworth, which he held of the king in chief, in order that the said John might grant it to Gilbert, with the remainder to Gilbert his son and Alice his wife and their heirs. The moiety was held is socage of the king (by the forfeiture of Robert de Holland) by fealty and the service of 15d. yearly at Christmas, and was worth 43s. 4d. No other lands remained to Gilbert in the county" ... "The service of 15d. indicates that this 'moiety' of Southworth was the three oxgangs in Croft held in 1212 by the heirs of Randle, for 5d. to the chief lord was due from one of the oxgangs. (Township of Southworth with Croft).
1331: "Gilbert de Southworth in 1331 granted to Gilbert de Rixton and Denise his wife for life, and their children Richard and Emmota, lands in Croft" (Township of Southworth with Croft).
1334: "It was declared that Southworth was not a vill, but a hamlet of the vill of Croft." (Township of Southworth with Croft).
1334: Gilbert de Southworth (Which I am presuming is this individual, though it is also possible it is a member of the Middleton branch of the Southworths) was stated as one of the lords of the vill of the manor of Middleton (? and Houghton ?).
Three or Four children:
My 18th Great Grandfather (twice over), Sir John de Southworth
Born 1357 (or About 1350), in Samlesbury, Lancastershire, England. Died at the siege of Harfleur, Normandy/Seine-et-Maritime, France 5 Oct. 1415. Married Margaret de Hoghton/De Houghton
Chevalier
Harfleur was part of the campaign that led to the Agincourt battle.
At least one child - Thomas
My 17th Great Grandfather (twice over), Sir Thomas de Southworth
Born Abt. 1393 (or ~1382) in Samlesbury, Lancaster, England. Died 27 Apr 1432. Married Johana/Joan de Bothe/Bothe/Booth/Boothe/Bother.
Born or Knighted 1380, unclear which
"Of Samlesbury, Lancashire"
At his death he held "lands in Southworth, Croft, Middleton, Houghton, and Arbury of the lord of Makerfield in socage by a service of 24s. a year. ... The service, if correctly stated, must have been made up of the 13s. 4d. due from Southworth, with perhaps 1s. 3d. from part of Croft and the remainder from the parts of Middleton which had by that time been acquired." (Township of Southworth with Croft). and he "died seised of lands held of John Hawarden and Elizabeth his wife" in Woolston. (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 3 {1907} under the Township of Woolston with Martinscroft, Parish of ?).
four Children:
My 16th Great Grandfather (twice over), Sir Richard de Southworth
Born 1420, in Samlesbury, Lancaster, England. Died 21 Dec. 1467/72 in Samlesbury Hall, Lancashire, England. Married About 1440 to Elizabeth Molineux/Molyneux/Mollineaux
Other sources say he was married at age nine.
Lord of Samlesbury
Knighted (when?)
1472: He died seised of land in Woolston held of Thomas Hawarden by the yearly rent of 1d. (Township Woolston with Martinscroft).
Six Children:
My 15th Great Grandfather (twice over), Sir Christopher Richard de Southworth, Knt.
Born c.1443 in Samlesbury, Lancaster, England or About 1444 in Croft and Southworth (???). Died 12 Aug. 1502 or 1487 in England. Married 11 Jul 1463 to Isabel Dutton/Sutton (dau. of Sir Thomas Dutton of Dutton & Ann Tuchet de Audley).
Most records have him solely as Sir Christopher de Southworth while some have Richard de Southworth, or, as I have put here, Sir Christopher Richard de Southworth. Perhaps he is getting confused with the Richard Southworth of the Croft branch who in 1480, along his son William, was in arbitration with "James (son of William) Hay and John his son ... respecting a boundary." (Township of Southworth with Croft) and who in 1449 was involved in the dispute with the above mentioned dispute with the Southworths of Middleton which resulted in the death of William Southworth and the £20 fine on Richard to the widow.
Lord of Samlesbury
Knighted 1482 in Scotland (I would guess this refers to the siege of Berwick, the time fits and it is known that Lord Stanley "afterwards made several knights" (Township Knowsley))
1483: "a dispute about lands in Culcheth" (Peasfurlong?) "between Sir Christopher Southworth and John Radcliffe was decided in the latter's favour" (Township of Culcheth, see above)
1485, July 12: Was one of the patrons granted the right of advowson from the deceased Sir Thomas Molyneux of Sefton, for the installation of a new rector of the church of St. Helen (parish of Sefton) following the death of rector John Molyneux, M.A.. From what I understand the patrons wanted Robert Mercer, but in a dispute with the Molyneux family over said right the bishop at Eccleshall had to decide and he decided in favor of Henry Molyneux, M.A. as the new rector of Advowson. (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 3 (1911) under the Parish of Sefton, Introduction, church and charities.).
1487: He died seised of land in Woolston held of Thomas Hawarden by the yearly rent of 1d. (Township Woolston with Martinscroft).
Six Children: Also see I476261: Sir Christopher Lord de Southworth * of Samlesbury Knt..
Samlesbury Hall c.1500, awaiting artists permission for use My 14th Great Grandfather (twice over), Sir John de Southworth, Knt.
Born c. 1478/4, in Samlesbury, Lancaster, England. Died 1519/7/8. Married abt. 1495 to Helen/Ellen de Langton (dau. of Sir Richard De Langton, Baron Newton & Isabel/Isabella Gerard)
"Of Samlesbury"
Knighted 18 (or 12th) Feb. 1503/4.
1509: "Sir John Southworth made a grant of lands in Arbury, &c., to Henry Southworth of Middleton, for life." "Thomas Southworth made a similar grant in 1518" (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
1509: "A lease of Sir John Southworth's lands" [in Fearnhead] "in 1509 names Peys Croft, Heathey, Maben Ridding, and Romescrymoll." (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 3 (1907} under Township of Poulton with Fearnhead, Parish of ?).
Some sources suggest that he to fought at Flodden (9 Sep. 1513) not just his son (see below).
In 1514 Sir John protected Butler (It appears this refer's to Sir Thomas Butler of Bewsey, father of John's future daughter-in-law). against the assaults of an armed band led by Sir Thomas Gerard and a member of the Stanley family whilst watching a cock fight at Winwirk near Warrington.
1515: Humphrey Langton "sold lands in Middleton, &c. to Sir John Southworth" including some which previously belong to Humphrey Southworth of the Middleton branch of Southworths. (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
One source say's married 1519.
Lord of Samlesbury, Sheriff of Lancaster County (When? He is not listed)
Five children: Also see I476262: Sir John Lord de Southworth * of Samlesbury Knt..
My 13th Great Grandfather (twice over), Sir Thomas (de) Southworth, Knt.
Born 1496/7 in Samlesbury, Lancastershire, England. Died 13 Jan. 1546/5 (One source say's April 10th). Married 1st to Ann Stanley. Divorced (1518?) with dispensation of the Pope (at Rome 7 kal Aug. 9, Pope Sey). Married 2nd, 9 Aug. 1518 in Samlesbury, Lancashire, England to Margery Boteler/Butler (dau. of Thomas Boteler, Lord Warrington & Margaret Delves).
Knighted (when?)
9 Sep. 1513, Fought at Flodden Field
1517: "Richard Southworth of Shonston, son and heir of Henry Southworth, released his lands in Croft to Sir Thomas Southworth at a yearly rent." (Township of Southworth with Croft).
1518: "The feoffees of Henry Southworth the son" [of Robert Southworth] "in 1518 sold his lands to Thomas son and heir of Sir John Southworth". "Richard Southworth son and heir of Henry, described as 'late of the parish of Shenstone in Staffordshire,' seems to have concurred in the sale." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury). Robert, Henry, and Richard Southworth are apparently form the Middleton branch of the Southworths.
1520, abt.: "Peel" [Houghton Peel?] "was sold to Thomas Southworth of Southworth by Margaret widow of James Carr and Thomas her son." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury) (I'm presuming it refers to this Thomas).
1521, May: "Thomas Southworth son and heir of Sir John Southworth, deceased, granted to feoffees his capital messuage called Middleton Hall, with the Ryecroft, Lynnall, Cumbrall, Branderth, &c., lately of Henry Southworth, deceased." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
1522 he was deputy steward of Blackburnshire under Sir Thomas Tempest (high steward of Bracewell, Yorks.)
Recorded in the Herald's Visitation of Lancashire in 1533: "Sir Thomas Southworth Knigght maryed Margery, dawghter to Thomas Butler of Bewse, father to Thomas Butler that now ys and they have ishew Elisabeth, Anne, Katryn, and Dorothe. I spake not wt hym."
1534: "Disputes as to the title to Houghton Peel occurred in 1534 bytween Sir Thomas Southworth and the daughters of James Carr son of Margaret Carr." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
1542/1 High Sheriff of Lancashire
He enlarged Samlesbury Hall, restoring the north wing in 1532 and building the other wing in 1545.
Six Children: (an Interesting side note: four of the six divorced.) Also see I476264: Sir Thomas Southworth Knt..
My 12th Great Grandfather, Sir John Southworth, Knt., MP
Born about 1526/1 (one source say's 1546) in Samlesbury Hall, Lancastershire, England. Died 3 Nov. 1595 at Samlesbury Hall, Lancaster, England. Married 23 July 1547 in St. Leonard's, Middleton, Lancashire, England to Mary Asheton/Assheton/Ashton (of Offerton?, dau. of Richard Asheton & Anne Strickland).
Other source has his wife as Mary (Asheton) Gouland who died 23 July 1547.
"A Roman Catholic during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, a status that got him into much trouble" -- Rich Houghton on a post at Genforum.
"The steadfast adherence of Sir John Southworth to the ancient faith in the time of Elizabeth, with the consequent fines and imprisonments, must have made a serious inroad upon the family resources; the manor and lands in the Southworth district were mortgaged and sold early in the 17th century." (Township of Southworth with Croft).
"owned vast estates, but was land poor" quote attributed to "History of the Ancient Hall of Samlesbury" published in (by?) James Croston.
Discriped (through his daughter Margaret) as "a noteworthy victim of the persecution" [of Catholics] (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 3 (1907) under Manors under the parish and township of Aughton).
He inherited Samlesbury in 'the difficult times of' 1546.
Knighted 1547 in Scotland.
1555-56 he had a suit with John Osbaldeston of Osbaleston regarding the ownership of lands (and resources on them, geese and something called 'turves') on Darwen Moors.
In a 1556 indenture for his sisters tenure of the manor Holte, he is refereed to as 'Right Worshipful Sir John Sowthworthe of Samlesbury Knt.' and he signed it J. Sowthworthe. In the indenture he is to 200 marks at the chapel on the north side of Blagheburne parish church. A Henry Sowthworthe also signed it.
in 1557 he was Commended for Valor in [the] Scottish Wars. His command was doubled from one hundred to two.
Circa 1561 he came in despute with the lord of Lower Brockholes Hall which involved the murder of a servant and theft of cattle and grain, but it appears to of been settled later as their children wed (perhaps specifically to settle the dispute?).
Became High Sheriff of Lancashire in 1562 (other sources say 1561)
1566, Member of Parliament
1566: "John Culcheth in 1566 covenanted with Sir John Southworth to levy a fine of his lands to the use of himself for life, with remainders to his sons... his wife Cecily is named, .... Cecily was living in 1595" Presumably this refers to his uncle and aunt, John and Cecily (Southworth) de Culcheth (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 4 {1911} under the Township of Culcheth, of the Parish of Winwick)
He was reported to the privy council in 1576 (or '75) by the Bishop of Chester for "recusancy" on account of his being a Catholic. Listed amongst "obstinate recusants in the Blagburne Parish", along with his Son John, daughter Ann, and sister as "Sothworth" except for Ann who is given as 'Southworth'
He was arrested for "recusancy" in 1581 and imprisoned at New Fleet Prison, Manchester, Lancashire. He was bailed in 1584 and about that time or some time after when his heir (his eldest remaining son Thomas) became a Protestant He attempted to disinherit him which apparently caused him to be placed under arrest in London, though other sources say instead that he and his son were ordered to reside in London by an Order in Council.
1586: "Roger Bruche and Sir John Southworth agreed to abide by the award of Randle Rixton of Great Sankey touching the division and 'mearing out' or bounding of the waste grounds and common called Bruch Heath in Poulton." (Township Poulton with Fearnhead).
Two different version's as to how his second prison term ended: the first stat's that he was bailed out in 1594 by Thomas's friend Sir Francis Walsingham, the Secretary of State, but this versions state's the release was from New Fleet Prison, London. The second is that Sir John gave a bond for payment of 400 pounds, being part of the 1,000 pound fine due to the Chancellor (Lord Burghley) and that the balance was pardoned by the Queen upon his coming to church. Both say he then was alowed to return to the family manor at Samlesbury.
despite the heavy fines on his estate he still held more than 7500 acres at the time of his death.
Ten or Eleven Children (three or four of whom died young), including:
  • Thomas
  • Jane (abt 1550/1->1595)
  • John 'Sothworth', gent. (abt. 1551-c.1611)
  • Mary (abt. 1552-?)
  • Margaret (abt. 1555-?), who the Bishop of Chester returned as 'a busy recusant' and who Walsingham wrote in 1584 to the bishop touching her 'bad disposition,' and she was arrested at Meols Hall and confined in the New Fleet in Salford. (Parish and Township of Aughton). She m. Bartholomew Hesketh of Aughton
  • Richard (abt. 1556-?)
  • Christopher (abt. 1559->1612), a priest who studied at the English College, Rome. Later involved in the trial of the Witches of Samlesbury (1612), including one Jane Southworth.
  • Ann/Anne (abt. 1560->1595), married to the heir of Brockholes.
  • Gilbert (abt. 1562-?), a lawyer
  • Leonard (abt. 1565-?)
  • Stanley (abt. 1575-?)
Also see I476265: Sir John Southworth Knt.. 		My 12th Great Grandmother, Dorothy/Dorothe/Dorothie Southworth
Born abt. 1521/36. Married 1542 to John Rishton of Dunkenhalgh, Divorced before 1556.
Other source says born abt. 1525/30.
One of four suggested possible identities of the 'White Lady Ghost' reported at Samlesbury Hall, others being a unrecorded niece of this Dorthoy (a unrecorded daughter of Sir John to the left), Mary Southworth (d. 1633 or earlier) a daughter of John & Jane (Sherbourne) Southworth (see below), or some later 'Dorothy Southworth'. John Southworth in Part III of 'The White Lady' writes:
Now, there is one circumstance that would point to Dorothy as the ghost. Indications are that she died between 1575 and 1592, just at the time when Sir John was in trouble with the authorities for his continued adherence to the Catholic faith. Secret Masses were still being said at this time, probably in the Hall and in nearby Bessa Woods, and other locations round about.
The Hall contained many items of papistry, which were eventually discovered by the authorities in 1592. So it was about the time Dorothy died that there was perhaps, a 'need' for a ghost in the Hall and its grounds, to deter prying eyes. It may be then that the ghost story first emerged. Whilst there is a case to be made, as above, the detail of the legend seems to be largely invented.
She was first mentioned in 1533 in the Herald's Visitation of Lancashire (for which see the entry under her father, above).
1556, Oct. 26th: In an apparent divorce settlement, she was given the lifetime tenure of the manor of Holte by "Rauf son and heir appt. of Roger Risshton of Pulkaughe", stating "Gives, grants, bargains, sells all reversion of manor of Holte (Warwick) all which should revert to Roger after death of Dorothe Sowthworthe sister of Sir John Sowthworthe who is seised of it for life. Dorothe Sowthworthe is to be clear of any dower to Ellen late wife of Henry Rishhton." signed "Mastrys Dorothe Sowthworthe".
1575/6: Listed among the "obstinate recusants in the Blagburne Parsih" by the Bishop of Chester, along with her brother, nephew, and niece. Surname given as 'Sothworth'.
Three children listed in 1575:
Please Note: This connection of the Allisons to the Rishton's through the Ellisons of Blackburn is suspicious and not confirmed, there are various alternate possibilities. Please see the Allison page for more..
My 11th Great Grandfather, Thomas Southworth
Born 1548 in Samlesbury Hall, Lancastershire, England OR 1561 in Plymouth, England (or one source say's 1548 in Wirwick, South Lancashire, England). Died 30 Nov. 1616/7 in England. Married to Rosamond Lister Abt. 1582 (or Bef 1571, or 1563 at Craven, York, England) or to a Constance after 1582 by one record, or also married a Jane Mynne by one source (which also say's born Aug 1561 in Wells, Somersetshire Co., England)
The first in the family convert to become a Protestant (before 1585).
When he inherited his father's estate it was heavily loaded with debts, legal costs and fines placed upon it by Queen Elizabeth.
He and his wife lived in London, 1584-1594
1605: "Thomas Southworth, Rosamund his. wife, and John his son and heir apparent joined in the sale" of Houghton to James Bankes of Winstanley. (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
1605-1622: "the manors and lands in the Southworth district were mortgaged and sold early in the 17th century." "A settlement was made in 1605, Thomas Southworth and John his son and heir being deforciants in a fine. ... A year later John Harrington appears to have been mortgagee, John Southworth being in possession. ... In 1612 Thomas Ireland was one of the plaintiffs. ... Ten years later the transfer was complete." (Township of Southworth with Croft). Sir Thomas Ireland of Bewsey ended up purchasing Southworth and Croft in Sept. 1621. (Township of Southworth with Croft).
Several Children, with varying sources giving various birthdates: Also see I476267: Thomas Southworth.
My 10th Great Grandfather, Thomas Southworth
Born About 1590 (other source's says About 1577 in Samlesbury) (in London or Plymouth, England?).
Much of the confusion appears to be because his uncle John had a son also named Thomas, this Thomas being the one who sold the family lands.
Moved to Leyden in (South) Holland before 1613
Two Children:
My 9th Great Grandfather, Thomas Southard, alias Thomas Southworth
Born 1616 in Leyden, South Holland OR in 1628 in ?. Died 1689. Married between 1645 & 1685 (other source say's Before 22-Dec-1653) to Annica Van Salee.
Southworth was written variously as Sodtwaert, Sodvaert, & Southward by the Dutch. Also called "Schondtwart" and "Suddert" in New Amsterdam records.
Is this the Thomas Southworth listed as passenger number 65 on the Anne in 1623 (along with Alice Southworth, widow of the Sayworker Edward (see above), or perhaps his father?
Immigratied to Gravesend (Long Island) in 1650 then moved to Hempstead (also Long Island) Before 1670.
In a 1658 court case he was accused of assaulting Richard Valentine.
nine children:
My 8th Great Grandmother, Abigail Southard
Born 1671 or About 1665. Died 1726. Married Edward Spragg.
At least one child - Edward Spragg
Some additional source note's, I don't known whom these refers to so I will place them here at the bottom, many are likely of the Middleton branch of the Southworths.
- 1184-5: "Ulf de Southworth was fined 1/2 mark" (Townships Southworth with Croft).
- 13th Century: the manor (?) of "'Peel Croft' is named in a 13thcentury grant by William son of Robert de Winwick to Gilbert son of Gilbert de Southworth." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury) apparently of the main branch but listed as if it refers to the Middleton branch.
- unclear what year, 1212-1334: Elias de Ainsworth granted to Gilbert de Southworth and his heirs his lordship of a whole fourth part of the vill of Middleton, in return for a mark of silver. (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
- I'm guessing early/mid 13th century: "Later Robert Banastre released to Gilbert de Southworth his claim on the land outside his park of Lee by the boundary of Southworth, together with all his land outside the park at Edricshill on the east." (Townships Southworth with Croft).
- "About the middle of the 13th century Adam son of Richard de Houghton�possibly the Richard son of Henry of 1212� granted to Gilbert de Southworth a messuage in Middleton, with land in the Peasecroft, acquittance of pannage in the woods of Middleton and Houghton, and all his rights within these bounds: Beginning at the head towards the south of the Causey of Houghton Lache, following Fulshaw between hard and soft to Houghton Brook, along this brook to Egedeshurst Brook, up this brook to the bounds of Southworth, along them westward to Arbury Mere, and along this mere south to the starting point." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
- 1260: "Gilbert de Southworth granted all his lands in Warrington to Hugh son of Gilbert de Haydock in marriage with his daughter Agnes." (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 4 (1911) under the Township of Haydock, Parish of Winwick).
- In the time of Edward I (r.1272-1307): "grants from and to Gilbert son of Gilbert de Southworth his chief lord, to and by William son of John de Aspshaw; the land was in Croft. In one of the charters Emma widow of Gilbert is mentioned." (Township of Southworth with Croft). Is this my 23rd & 22nd Granparents, my 20th & 19th Grandparents, or some other father and son both named Gilbert in the era?
- 1282: "Hugh son of Gilbert de Southworth demised to farm to Richard son of Emma de Woolston for life lands in Fearnhead in Poulton which he had by the grant of the said Richard." (Township Poulton with Fearnhead).
- 1290: "Emma wife of Gilbert de Southworth is mentioned in 1290" (Township Southworth with Croft).
- 1292: Adam de Hindley in a plea claims that amongst others "..., Gilbert de Southworth, Emma his wife, and others had disseised him of messuage and 12 acres of moor and pasture in Aspull. Gilbert, however, claimed nothing but common of pasture." (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 4 (1911} under the Township of Aspull, Parish of ?).
- 1328: "In 1328, by deed dated at Bewsey, William le Boteler demised to Matthew de Southworth, John and Margaret, his children, a plat of land, meadow, and waste in Burtonwood and in the old park of 'Beausi,' and 11/2 acre in the field of Hardersleigh, for their lives and the life of the longest liver." (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 3 {1907} under the Township of Burtonwood, Parish of Warrington?) Where the metes and bounds of the Boundry of this land is described in detail, it included the right "to make a bridge over the water of Sankey in the tenement to connect it with Matthew's land in Winwick, to common eighteen beasts, three stallions, twelve sheep, in the old park of Beausee at all times of the year and in the wood except at the time of mast-fall. The rent was 21/2 marks.
- 1329, Aug.: "John son of Robert granted to Matthew de Southworth his capital messuage and other houses and lands, in all a twenty-fourth part of the vills of Middleton and Houghton, with remainders, in default of heirs, to a number of Matthew's children, apparently illegitimate" ... "Practically the same remainders are recorded in 1346" ... "In this the estate is called an oxgang of land, &c." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury). this would seem to be the Matthew, brother of Gilbert who founded the Middleton branch of the Southworths.
- 1330: in an inquiry "it was found that the hamlet of Houghton was held by Gilbert de Southworth, Matthew de Southworth, and other co-parceners" (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
- 1332: "Matthew was described as 'senior' in a grant of lands in Middleton, Houghton, and Arbury to Robert de Hornby, his trustee" (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury). this would seem to be the Matthew, brother of Gilbert who founded the Middleton branch of the Southworths.
- 1336: "Agnes daughter of Simon son of Robert son of Orme realeased to Thomas de Southworth a messuage in the Fernyhead in Woolston." (Township Woolston with Martinscroft).
- 1337: at Burtonwood "In 1337 the principal tenants of the manor were Matthew de Southworth, ... Burton wood was then described as being neither a vill nor a hamlet." (Township Burtonwood).
- 1341: "Gilbert de Southworth in 1341 granted to his brother Thomas all the portion" {of the manor of Arbury] "which had fallen to him by reason of his coparcenary in Arbury" (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury). Are these the elder brothers of my ancestor Sir John who diead at Harfleur? or as the 1460 entry seems to indicate are these of the Middleton branch?
- 1343: "A Matthew de Southworth was in 1343 regarded as 'a common maintainer and receiver of evil doers': he acquired a commission in the name of certain good men of Warrington, by virtue of which he caused 10 marks to be levied, which he kept for his own use. He pleaded guilt and was punished." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury) apparently of the Middleton branch.
- 1343: "In 343 Robert son of Richard de Moston gave to Cecily daughter of Robert del Wode and to Richard her eldest son and his issue the lands and building in Woolston and Poulton which had belonged to Alice daughter of Richard Ormesson, mother of the said Cecily, with remainders to John son of Matthew de Southworth by Agnes Drynkale, to Gilbert son of the said Matthew, to Godith and Margery daughters of the said Matthew." (Township Woolston with Martinscroft).
- 1346: "Robert son of Matthew de Southworth appears to have succeeded to his father's estate in Middleton; he is named last of his brothers in the fine of 1346. In 1369 he acquired from Richard son of John de Middleton land in Middleton called Impland. ... and at the same time made an exchange with Gilbert del Moss." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury), clearly the Middleton branch.
- 1353: "Thomas son of Gilbert de Southworth was a plaintiff in 1353... He is probably the Thomas de Southworth of later settlements. In the previous year a feoffee had delivered certain lands, &c., in Arbury, Middleton, Houghton, and Woolston to Geoffrey son of Thomas de Southworth, with remainders to William and other children of Thomas." (Township of Southworth with Croft).
- 1353: "Thomas son of Gilbert de Southworth withdrew a plea against Richard son of Robert de Woolston of the Fernyhead and Agnes relict of Robert de Woolston." (Township Woolston with Martinscroft).
- 1361: Hugh del Hurst sold lands by Westwood to Robert de Southworth. (Township Culcheth).
- 1367: "Robert de Woolston 'of the Fernyheued,' died before 1367, in which year Agnes his relict was sued by Thomas de Southworth for a messuage and 100 acres of land which she held in dower, and for waste which she made in the wood of Woolston." (Township Woolston with Martinscroft).
- 1382-3: "Maud del Fernyhed gave a parcel of land in Ferneheud to Matthew de Southworth," (Township Poulton with Fearnhead).
- 1384: "Matthew son of Gilbert de Southworth" acquired "by demise made to him by William de Moston", partial rights to the manor of Poulton. He "released his right in the manor" to the 4 others involved. (Township Poulton with Fearnhead).
- 1392: "Matthew son of Robert de Southworth and Matthew son of Gilbert de Southworth are named in remainders in a deed of 1392." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury) one or both of the Middleton branch.
- 1395: "a Matthew de Southworth had a grant of Crossends in Middleton from Richard son of John de Soudall senior." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury) Middleton branch.
- 1400: "John de Southworth and Jane his wife were described as of Fearnhead." (Township Poulton with Fearnhead).
- 1400, Jan.: Matthew Southworth was the recorder of a Commission appointed "to hear and determine all matters of treason and felony that had arisen since the King undertook the government of the realm." concerning "the band of consiprators formed to seize Henry of Lancaster and to replace Richard II. on the throne" notably this band was led by "the Earls of Kent, Huntingdon, and Salisbury, together with Thomas, Lord Desenser, and Sir Ralph Lumley - 1428-9: "Lynnall in Middleton was in 1428-9 regranted by the feoffee to Henry de Southworth and his wife Elizabeth daughter of John de Worsley senior." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
- 1430: "settlements were made by John de Southworth and Ellen his wife; he held the manor of Houghton Peel for life, the remainders being to Thomas Southworth his brother, to William son of Gilbert de Southworth the younger, Richard, Nicholas, Humphrey, Cecily, and Joan, brothers and sisters of William; to Henry son of Robert de Southworth, to John de Clegge, son of Gilbert son of Godith daughter of Matthew de Southworth, and to Henry and Elizabeth de Clegge, other children of Gilbert; and then to the right heirs of Matthew de Southworth." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury) Some or all from the Middleton branch.
- 1437: "Ellen widow of John de Southworth leased teh manor of Peel to James de Langton, rector of Wigan, at a rent of 5 marks; in addition 2s. 6d. was to be paid to the chieflord, so that this estate was an eighth part of the whole vill." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury). The Middleton branch?
- 1451-2: "Gilbert Allerton sold his lands and rents in Culcheth to Henry Southworth of Middleton in Winwick. (Township Culcheth). (This would seem to be one of the Middleton branch of the Southworths)
- 1452: "Henry de Southworth of Middleton acquired lands in Culcheth." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
- 1460: "Thomas Southworth of Middleton and Margery Watson his mother in 1460 granted to John Serjeant of Newton land in Arbury belonging to Margery and Joan Doykles" (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury). In another 1460 entry Thomas is Son of Henry Southworth of Middleton.
- 1460: a John Southworth was mayor of Chester and was granted "an annual pension of £10 for past services" by Richard, duke of York. He was still mayor by 1478 and was later buried in St. Oswald's. (A History of the County of Chester: Volume 5 (i) {2003}, under Later medieveal Chester 1230-1550).
- 1483, 1485, and 1487-8: Nicholas Southworth, "King's servant" was controller of wool custom (a Customs Official post). (The overseas trade of London: exchequer customs accounts (1990) under Introduction, The Customs Officials.).
- 1488: "Robert Southworth of Middleton was witness to a deed of 1488. ... He made his will in August 1500, desiring to be buried in Winwick; Henry Southworth his son and Isabel his daughter are named." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
- 1491: "Humphrey son and heir of Thomas Southworth in 1491 received from the feoffees certain lands in Warrington and Winwick, the remainder being to Nicholas son of Ralph Langton. ... The remainder came into operation, for in 1515 Humphrey son and heir of Nicholas Langton sold lands in Middleton, &c., to Sir John Southworth" (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury) Humphrey and Thomas of the Middleton Branch, for Sir John see above.
- in 1494 Alice Southworth is mentioned as mother of Henry Risley when Henry's son Robert was engaged to Elizabeth Holland.(Township Culcheth).
- 1500-1: Thurstan Southworth purchased the Hert estate in Hindley and Westleigh from Ellis Hert, this included a portion of the moiety of the manor of Hindley. (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 4 (1911) under the Township of Hindley, Parish of ?).
- 1502: "In 1502 a free rent of 3s. 2d. was payable to the lord of Newton by Robert Southworth." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury) apparently of the Middleton branch.
- 1504: "Gilbert Southworth of Croft by will in 1504 bequeathed money for an abit by the Austin friars of Warrington, with a gift of 3s. to the poor." (Township of Southworth with Croft). Apparently the Croft branch.
- abt. 1556: "the heirs of Henry Southworth ... contributed to the subsidy as landowners." (Township of Southworth with Croft).
- abt. 1556: John Southworth was among the landowerns contributing to a subsidy, but it is not clear for parts of what manor, seems to be either Bickershaw or Bamfurlong. (A History of the County of Lancashire: Volume 4 (1911) under the Township of Abram, Parish of ?).
- 1597: Inquisition by/of/on Sir John Southworth "the service from the Southworth group... is given as 33s. 11d., probaly made up chiefly of 13s. 4d. for Southworth (and Croft) and 20s. for Middleton." (Township of Southworth with Croft).
- 1608: "John FitzJames sold the" [Unknamed fee] "manor to Henry Southworth (d. 1625), who was succeeded by his two daughters, Margaret, wife of Arthur Duck, and Jane (d. 1657), wife of William Bull." (A History of the County of Somerset: Volume 7 (1999} under the Parish of Bruton).
- 1608: "when described as a water grist or corn and malt mill, it passed with a farm of 120 a. as part of Wyke manor from the FitzJames family to Henry Southworth." (Parish Bruton).
- 1624: "The chapel of the HOLY TRINITY, dedicated to St. Peter in the later 19th century and until c. 1910, was rebuilt by Henry Southworth on a slightly larger scale than its predecessor and was consecrated in 1624." (Parish Bruton).
- Holcroft Hall in Culcheth was held by briefly by the Fittons, but the male line died out and it passed to femaile heirs in 1643. But yet the next entry has that Ralph Calveley, who died 1619 was holding Holcroft Hall, "with its lands, mills, free fishery in the Glazebrook, and messuages and lands in Wigshaw, which he had purchased of Thomas Southworth and others, probaly trustees of the Fittons" so it is self inconsistent. (Township Culcheth).
- "William de Sankey also acquired lands ... in Croft from Gilbert de Southworth..." (Township Kenyon).
- Robert de Middleton "gave to Gilbert de Southworth an oxgang of land in the vill of Middleton and Houghton, ..., the oxgang being the twelfth part of the vill. Rents of a barbed arrow to the grantor and 20d. --the due proportion--to the lord of Makerfield were payable" Later, his Robert's son John "granted land in Blackwell Shaw to Gilbert de Southworth; one of the boundaries was Egatishurst Brook." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
- "William de Winwick, son of Robert formerly rector of Winwick, granted to Gilbert de Southworth, his chief lord, all his land in Middleton and Houghton" (Towniships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
- "Stockley in Arbury was in the Southworths' lands." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury).
- "Matthew de Southworth, aged 30, gave evidence in the Scrope-Grosvenor trial." (Townships Houghton, Middleton and Arbury) presumably of the Middleton branch, the same as the above 1395 entry.
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