Douglas,
Thank you for identifying the parents of Joan, wife of Ebal de
Mont/Monz/Montes, Knt . It was good detective work which prompted me to
want to know more about the 'other' Joan de Somery and her husbands.
Here are some additional items about Joan and her daughter Eleanor,
including a correction to the CP statement that Eleanor d. in 1282 (Joe
Cook's question). Records documenting tracing how Milton and
Reton/Retton/Retene were acquired by Joan's last 2 husbands, and
descended to the LeStrange family, are also noted.
While there are many spellings of her last husband's name, most of the
many entries in the Charter and Close Rolls call him "Ebulo de
Montibus", so pardon me for using that spelling. Rosie Bevan posted the
bios of he and [maybe?] his father from 'Knights of Edward I' on SGM in
2004 (same spelling as well).[1] That bio notes he d. bef 1 Apr 1268,
and that the queen (Eleanor de Provence) was executor - surely Ebulo's
dau named after the queen.
You had noted that Montibus had been named guardian ofBohun's future
wife, Joan de Capella, a fact noted in the VCH for Hampshire. [2] Here
is an additional record that Joan de Somery was involved in a land
transaction with John de Bohun and his wife Joan de Cappella (she then
about age 15) in 1271 - this is just 2 years before her letter to Walter
Merton mentioning 'her nephew, John de Bohun'. This transaction seems
likely associated with their marriage. Here is it in latin, perhaps a
newsgroup latin expert can fully translate it : "[28 Jan 1270/71] Hec
est convencio facta inter domina Johannam de Somery ex una parte et
Johannem de Bohun et Johannam uxorem ejus ex altera parte; videlicet,
cum dicta Johannam de Somery tenuit manerium de Newetimbre cum
pertinenciis in comitatu Sussex' ex commissione domini regis usque ad
legitimam etatem dicte Johanne filie et heredis quondam Bartholomei de
Capella, eadem Johanna de Somery recognovit dictum manerium cum suis
pertinenciis esse jus et hereditatem ipsius Johanne uxoris Johannis
predicti et eum cum suis pertinenciis eisdem reddidit, salvis bonis et
catallis ipsius Johanne de Somery ibidem inventis. Et pro hac
recognicione et reddicione predicti Johannes et Johanna uxor ejus
concesserunt et tradiderunt predicte Johanne de Somery officia
spigornelli et hostiarii capelle domini regis Anglie, que ad eos
pertinet de hereditate dicti Bartholomei, habenda et tenenda eidem
Johanne et heredibus suis vel assignatis suis cum omnibus exitibus,
libertatibus et pertinenciis suis sine ullo retenemento a festo
Purificacionis Beate Marie virginis anno regni regis Henrici filii regis
Johannis quinquagesimo quinto usque ad terminum quatuor annorum proximo
sequentium plene et integre completorum. Et predicti Johannes de Bohun
et Johanna uxor ejus et heredes dicti Johannis et dicte Johanne dicta
officia cum exitibus et omnia ad ea pertinentibus sicut supradictum est
dicte Johanne de Somery et heredibus suis vel assignatis suis contra
omnes gentes warantizabunt et defendent usque ad finem dicti termini. Et
in fine dicti termini revertentur dicta officia cum suis pertinenciis
dictis Johanni et Johanne uxori ejus sine omni contradiccione racione
hujusmodi concessionis supradicte. Et dictus Johannes de Bohun concessit
pro se et heredibus suis et in curia domini regis coram rege recognovit
quod, si contingat quod idem Johannes vel Johanna uxor ejus infra primum
annum vel in fine primi anni obierint, quod absit, pro quo dicta Johanna
vel heredes sui seu assignati sui impediantur vel in aliquo modo ipsam
vel ipsos impediri contingerit quominus officia predicta cum suis
pertinenciis ad terminum suum completum tenere non possit vel exitus
inde percipere ut supradictum est, quod vicecomites in quibus
comitatibus dictus Johannes vel heredes sui terras vel catalla habeant
levari possint de terris et catallis eorundem ad opus dicte Johanne de
Somery vel heredum seu assignatorum suorum triginta et tres libras
sterlingorum pro tribus annis residuis solvendas eidem infra quindena
per quam ipsos inde impediri aut eici contigerit. In cujus rei
testimonium partes mutuis scriptis in modum cyrographi confectis
mutuatim sigilla sua apposuerunt; hiis testibus, Benedicto de Blakeham,
Galfrido de Percy, Hugone Sturmy, militibus, Johanne de Kirkeby, Johanne
le Faukener, Hugone de Kendal, Gilberto de Chalhunte, Ricardo de Wy,
Ricardo de Candevere, Rogero de Havering', Stephano de Acton' et aliis.
Datum apud Westmonasterium xxviij. die Januarii anno supradicto."[3]
Based on the above record, the CP II:199-200 entry for John Bohun can be
expanded, to add the fact that Bohun and Joan were m. bef 28 Jan 1270/71.
As you know, John V LeStrange's mother, clearly documented in CP
XII/1:351, was also named Joan de Somery, (dau of Roger de Somery of
Dudley, Staffordshire by Nichole d'Aubeny). Since his mother received no
dower in any of the ipm's for his father (who drowned in 1275), CP
concluded she d. before her husband. Thus, any mention of a Joan de
Somery after that date is for the 'other' Joan de Somery. It seems
likely that the 'other' Joan used the surname of first husband Stephen
de Somery (of Haslingfield, Cambridgeshire) because she held
Haslingfield in dower for her lifetime. Per Joan's ipm, writ dated 14
Aug 1282, [4], it is the only property mentioned there. Use of the
Somery surname also perhaps removed a possible legal objection that her
holding of Milton was held in dower of the heirs of Godfrey de
Crowcombe, and thus could not be inherited or granted.
Joan de Somery's ipm (date of writ, 14 Aug 1282) is surely the source
for the XIV:596statement that "She died bef 14 Aug 1282". Unfortunately,
the CP language has 'she' referring to Eleanor de Montibus, raising
questions about how Eleanor could be mother of John VI and his younger
brothers, since John VI (per his father's ipm) was age 27 'and more' in
1309. But since CP also notes John V's 2nd wife Maud de Walton was still
married to first husband John Spradling in 1290, Eleanor de Montibus is
certainly the mother of John, and in all likelihood of Hamon and Ebulo.
We only know Eleanor d. bef 6 Oct 1299 when John V and Maud were
entailed Middle Shropshire. To avoid future confusion, the CP entry
should be corrected to read "Joan de Somery died bef 14 Aug 1282". The
absence of Eleanor's name in her mother's ipm is not fatal, since her
mother likely previously granted her own properties away.
John V's mother was dead before 1276, so the following grant of Milton,
Cambridgeshire could only be by the 'other' Joan, despite several
usually reliable sources identifying her as John V's mother. "Joan de
Somery settles the manor and advowson of Midelton [Milton]
Cambridgeshire on John and Alianora, and the heirs of John by Alianora,
but, in default of such heirs, with remainder to Joan. In return, John
le Strange gives to Joan the value of half Midelton, to be taken out of
his manor of Hunstanston, and 100 solidates of land and rents elsewhere,
to hold to Joan for her life. If Hunstanston proved non-equivalent to
half Midelton, the overplus, if any, was to remain with John le Strange,
or the deficiency, if any, was to be made good to Joan out of Le
Strange’s nearest estates. On Joan’s death, and also on Alianora’s
death, without issue, Hunstanston was to revert to Le Strange. The
advowson and capital Messuages of either manor were to pass in exchange,
as if equal, and were not to be extended" [Hamon LeStrange (LeStrange
Records, Longmans Green; London; 1916, page 186 @
books.google.com/books?id=lfIxAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA186 ]
The descent of Milton can be traced back to its acquisition by Godfrey
de Crowcombe. As you note, Godfrey de Crowcombe was well known to the
royal family. That Somery owned Midelton/Milton - unusual for the time -
is placed in good perspective in a recent book by Chris Given-Wilson,
portions of which are available online. In the chapter devoted to
Godfrey of Crowcombe, it notes that even Braxton found the Milton
transaction noteworthy, its form turning what started out as a dower
interest in Milton, into Joan's ownership of the property. "Godfrey had
one final arrangement to make, and it was for Joan, his second wife.
Initially he had assigned her in dower the manor of Milton just outside
Cambridge (this was property he acquired from Falkes de Breaute.). But
then he went further . . Godfrey granted Milton to Robert de Muscegros
and his heirs and assigns. . . Muscegros the Steward of the Queen [as
would be Joan's 3rd husband] was a fellow Somerset man and quite
possibly a Crowcombe protege. . . He attests all the surviving charters
in which Godfrey disposed of his estates. The idea now was for Muscegros
to grant Milton . . to Joan in hereditary right, which meant that,
unlike dower, it could pass to her heirs. . . [possibly] the Queen [was
involved], too . . Perhaps Joan, with Milton under her belt, was always
intended [by the Queen] for the man who became her next husband, the
queen's Savoyard kinsman and future steward, Ebulo de Montibus." [Chris
Given-Wilson;War Government and Aristicracy in the British Isles;
Woodbridge; Boydell Press; 2008; page 51]
The Milton grant itself, from Muscegros to Somery, happened several
years after Crowcombe died. Although portions are missing in the Charter
Roll transcript, the gist of the transaction is clear, and the mention
of the name 'Beche' suggests why CP first thought Joan was perhaps of
that family. "Feb 18 1250. Reading. [membrane 2] The like of a charter,
whereby Robert de Muscegros granted to Joan de Sumery, her heirs and
assigns, the manor of [Mi]delton, to hold by rendering . . [missing] . .
of Beche a pair of gilt spurs or 6rf. at Easter . . [missing] . .
Craucumbe, of whose gift the said Robert had the said manor . .
[missing] . . Witnesses . . [missing] . . de Eboraco, bishop of
Saresbery, Sir John Mansel, Sir Ralph son of Nicholas, Sir Paulinus
Peyvre, Sir Geoffrey de . . . [missing].[5]
In a like manner, the descent of Ketene (Keton/Ketton) Rutland from
Ebulo de Montibus to John VII LeStrange if fully documented. John VII
LeStrange, underage in 1317, is also identified as 'kinsman and heir of
Ebulo de Montibus'. Ketene was granted by Henry III's son Edward to
Ebulo de Montibus on 24 Mar 1257.[6] Ebulo then subinfeuded it to Ralph
de Greynham and Mabel his wife on 23 Nov 1265 for 200 pounds, the
transaction not recorded until a 1316 inspeximus about the time Greynham
d. Greynham was agreed to be responsible for the associated 1/4 knight's
fee (this is before Edward I's property reforms, so subinfeudation was
still legal). [7] Ralph Greynham d. about 1317, but the writ of
certiorari for an inquisition was not issued until 28 Nov 1322. In the
inquisition he is shown as having held Keton, Rutland of John [VII]
LeStrange [3rd Lord Strange], 'kinsman and heir of Ebulo de Montibus'.[8]
Terry Booth
Chicago IL
Footnotes
---------
[1] Rosie Bevan; Re: Elizabeth de Clinton, wife of Eble de Mounts
[Eubulo de Montibus]; 16 Sep 2004;
archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/gen-medieval/2004-09/1095287797
[2] William Page; 'Parishes: Otterbourne', A History of the County of
Hampshire: Volume 3 (1908), pp. 440-444. URL:
www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=42023
[3] A.E. Stampt, editor; 'Close Rolls, February 1271', Calendar of Close
Rolls, Henry III: volume 14: 1268-1272 (1938), pp. 393-398. URL:
www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=95808
[4] Maxwell Lyte editor; Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem, Vol II
(Edw I); London; 1906; page 243 @
books.google.com/books?id=nywMAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA243
[5] Maxwell Lyte editor; Cal Charter Rolls; Hen III Vol. I; London;
1903; page 347 @
books.google.com/books?id=rrsKAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA347
[6] Maxwell Lyte editor; Calendar of Charter Rolls; Vol 2; London;
1906; page 24 @
books.google.com/books?id=tyUqAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA24 . Nov 5,
1259. Westminster. [membrane 6] Inspeximus and confirmation of a charter
whereby Edward, the king's eldest son, gave to Ebulo de Montibus, for
his homage and service, all the lands late of William de Buell in the
town of Ketene, to be held by the said Ebulo, his heirs and assigns,
from the said Edward by the service of the fourth part of the fee of one
knight; witnesses, Sir John son of Geoifrey, Sir Humphrey de Bonn, the
younger, Sir Roger de Monte Alto, steward of Chester, Sir Geoffrey dc
Genvile, Sir William de Pemes, Sir William de Wylton, Sir Stephen
Bauzan, Sir Geoffrey' de Langgele, Sir William de Chaeny, Sir Adam de
Jesemue, Sir John Burdet, Sir Eudo la Zuch and Sir Walter de Langele;
dated at Suthwerk, 24 March, 41 Henry III [1257].
[7] Maxwell Lyte editor; Calendar of Charter Rolls; Vol 3; London; 1908;
page 311 @
books.google.com/books?id=F1c4AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA311 . Mar 25
1316. Westminster [membrane 3]. Inspeximus and confirmation of a
charter, dated at Westminster, 23 November, 50 Henry III, [1265]
inspecting and confirming a charter, whereby Ebulo de Montibus gave to
Ralph de Greynham and Mabel, his wife, all his manor of Ketene which he
had of the gift of Edward, the eldest son of King Henry, with all
thereto belonging. to be held by the said Ralph and Mabel his wife, and
the heirs of their bodies, from the said Ebulo and his heirs. by the
service of the fourth part of a knight's fee, when it occurs, in lieu of
all service and suit of court and all secular demands (secularibus
artionibus) ; for which gift the said Ralph and Mabel have paid the
donor 200l. with further grant that in case of failure of such heirs it
shall remain to the other heirs of the said Ralph ; witnesses, Gilbert
de Preston, Guichard de Charun, Bernard de Brus, Simon de Linden, Henry
do Longo Campo, Thomas de Normanvile, Stephen de Nevill, Ralph de Bello
Fago, knights, Richard de Ewell, Nicholas de Weston, Geofi'rey le Venur,
Robert de Scolthorp, Hugh Sterehare, Robert de Luttenham, William de
Castro:- witnesses to the charter of Henry III, Hugh 1e Bigod, Philip
Basset, Henry do Alemannia, Roger de Mortumer, Robert Walerand, Philip
Marmiun, John de Waus, Gerard de Fanecurt, William son of Karol, Ralph
de Crumbwell. By fine of 40s.
[8] Maxwell Lyte; Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem, Vol VI (Edw II);
Hereford; 1910; page 228 @
archive.org/stream/cu31924099427845#page/n267/mode/2up
> Douglas Richardson <mailto:
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> Sunday, March 09, 2014 9:41 PM
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> Douglas Richardson <mailto:
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