The Family of Kemmis

Edition 3.2 - 1 May 2010
Table of Contents

Cameys of Flockthorpe

The information respecting the Cameys families of Flockthorpe and of Bekerton has been drawn almost entirely from the Public Records and various County Histories. To avoid the constant repetition of their titles in foot notes, a list of these authorities is given in the appendix.

• I. John de Cameys: mentioned (1) in a List, supplemental to the Roll of Battel Abbey, of Normans who remained alive after the battle of Hastings, 14th October 1066 and were advanced to "the signories of England"; probably was at the conquest of Glamorganshire in 1091, receiving as his share of the lands snatched from the Welsh, the lands of Cemeis, from which he then took his cognomen. Either he or his son were afterwards granted by William I or William II a Manor in Flockthorpe (2) Norfolk, to hold from the King as one Knight's fee by serjeanty and "per baroniam" (3) and also a quarter of a Knight's fee in Hardingham (2) adjoining Flockthorpe, to hold in chief by military service, together with the advowson of Hardingham Church. Died prior to 1109; married.... Issue.
  • 1. Stephen,
  • 2.probably the Ralph de Chemeis, who is mentioned in the Cartularies of Ramsey Abbey as witnessing between 1114-30 the distribution at Wodewelle to the neighbouring priests by Reinald, then Abbot of Ramsey, of the contents of a certain "dolium vini", which the Abbot claimed as wreckage found at Brancaster on the Norfolk coast.

• II. Stephen de Cameis: Baron by tenure of Flockthorpe Manor held in chief by serjeanty and "per baroniam"; also held in chief 1/4 Knight's fee in Hardingham, with the advowson of the latter. He undoubtedly also held the Manor of Cemeis in South Wales. Mentioned in the Pipe Roll of 1131 as one of the sureties of Blehien de Mabuderi and his brothers in Caermarthenshire who had been fined 7 marks of silver for carrying off the daughter of Bleheri by force. Granted to the Abbey of Wymondham a windmill in Flockthorpe with the "scite and suit", saving to himself the grinding of corn for his family and the tithe thereof to the Church of St. George, Hardingham. Married Mabel, daughter of Walter de Bec, who held lands in Norfolk and was possessor of a castle in Caermarthenshire which in 1135 was captured and burnt by the Welsh; he was third son of Walter de Bec, lord of large estates in Flanders, to whom William I had granted Eresby and other lands in Lincolnshire; his family bore "gules, a cross moline argent". Lady Mabel with the consent of her sons gave to the Church of Holy Trinity, Norwich, in the Chapter House by a deed without date witnessed by Alan, priest of Flockthorpe, and others, 20s a year out of her Manor of Herpele, otherwise Uphall, in Harpley, Norfolk, for the souls of her father and mother and her other relations, as well predecessors as successors; in 1109 by another deed witnessed by the aforesaid priest and others, she gave to the same church and to the monks her brethern serving God there, all her land in Herpele with all her men and all its appurtenances, which came to her from her ancestors and was her own proper patrimony and inheritance, with the consent of her husband and sons. These grants as also that of her husband are preserved amongst the registers of Norwich Cathedral (4), together with a Bull of Pope Eugenius confirming the gift of "that noble woman Mabilia de Bec." Issue.
  • 1. Walter "de Amfreville," from which it may be assumed that he held lands at Amfreville, near Rouen, in Normandy; it is not improbable that they were the original possessions of his family in the country. In 1123 or a little later, as "Walt de Amfrauilla", he witnessed a deed of Walter de Gloucester, probably the conqueror of Nether Went (i.e. South Monmouthshire), notifying the latter's gift of Little Hereford to the nephew William de Mare. He appears in 1130 and 1140 under the same name as holding lands in Suffolk, Essex and Cornwall. Possibly William de Amfreville, referred to in 1203 holding an office in the Exchequer of Normandy(5), was a descendant of his.
  • 2. Gilbert: living 1109, probably died in his father's lifetime.
  • 3. William.

• III. William de Cameis: who may be assumed to have inherited Flockthorpe and Hardingham, with the advowson of the latter, as also the Manor of Cemeis in South Wales; witnessed as "William de Chames," a charter (6) of Ralph the son of Stephen, tempore King Henry(1100-35), granting Pethsage in his Manor of Winterbourne, Gloucestershire, to the monastery of St. Peter's Gloucester. Married a daughter of Robert Fitz Humphrey (7) whose family held large estates in Toppesfield and Gelham, Essex (7a) and who would appear to have been a connection of the Bec family, being heir to a Mabel de Bec; by this lady he appears to have acquired half a Knights fee in Tansour (7a), Northants, held of the Honor of Clare, with the alternate right of presentation to its church, and probably also a Manor in Toppesfield, Essex, likewise held of the Honor of Clare. He may be assumed to have been father of .... Issue.
  • Stephen de Cameis

• IV. Stephen de Cameis: Baron by tenure of Flockthorpe Manor, Norfolk, which wit the lands and advowson of Hardingham, and the Manor of Cemeis he undoubtedly inherited from his father; probably also succeeded to the lands in Tansour and Toppesfield aforesaid. Between 1154-57 he witnessed a charter of Gilbert de Clare, second Earl of Hereford, certifying the gift by King Henry of the churches of Wirecesbury (Wrasbury) and Langly to the Abbot of Gloucester(6). He is also mentioned in the Pipe Roll of 1186 amongst the Barons of Norfolk, as owing 20s scutage because he did not join the King's army against the Welsh, and is again referred to in 1189 as still owing 15s. Married a daughter of .....Wallensis(i.e. the Welshman) and sister of Ralph Wallensis (see below) and was undoubtedly father of... Issue.
  • 1. Stephen, and possibly
  • 2. William de Chahamas who witnessed a charter in Ireland between 1199-1216 whereby the Earl of Morton on behalf of King John granted various lands to John, Archbishop of Dublin (8). Possibly from this William descended a branch of the family, members of which from this date and for several centuries are mentioned in the Irish Records.
  • 3. perhaps a daughter who married Benett, Lord of Acclam in Cleveland in 1198 (9).

• V. Lord Stephen de Cameis: Baron by tenure of Flockthorpe Manor, Norfolk, unquestionably inherited, with the lands and advowson of Hardinghom and the Manor of Cemeis, from his father, as probably also the lands in Tansour, Northants and Toppesfield, Essex, already referred to. Probably granted by Richard I the Manor of Wood Ditton, (10) Cambridgeshire, held in chief as half a Knight's fee and by annual payment of 2s to the Sheriffs court; appears to have been granted by David, Earl of Huntingdon a Manor in Stukeley Magna, (11) Hunts, which he held as a quarter of a Knight's fee from the said Earl; also held lands in Suffolk. Died before 1198 in which year the King sold the wardship of his children to the Earl of Huntingdon, as appears from the following account in the Pipe Roll among the new payments due during that year under counties Cambridge and Huntingdon, "Earl David owes 200 marks for having the wardship of the land and the "heir" of Stephen de Cameis in the whole of his property, saving thereout his service to the King (i.e. for those lands held in chief), and because the Earl may not divide that Estate (baronies were not divisible) he also returns an account in Northamptonshire." Consequently the same year under Northamptonshire there is and entry that "Earl David returns an account as to 200 marks for having wardship of the estate and of the "heirs" of Shephen de Cameis."
  The following year the Earl still owed 50 marks under the same head in Northants. Married Matilda, daughter of Gilbert de la Leghe, of la Leghe, Effingham and Polesden, Surrey, whose family bore "or, on a chevron sable 3 lions rampant argent, armed and langued gules"; she held in her own right a Manor in North Denchworth, Berks (12) as two parts of a Knight's fee held of the Honor of Giffard, which Honor was then possessed by Walter Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, and also lands in Wiseley, Surrey; It seems evident that she held in addition as her dower the Manor of Wotton (13), Surrey, on Knight's fee held of the Honor of Clare and worth yearly £15. 13s. 0d. In the reign of King John, the Abbot of Chertsey claimed (12) the wardship of her heir because, as he stated, her father had held from him a free tenement in Effingham (adjoining Wotton), whereupon Matilda replied that being dowered she was free from his claims. On 29th October 1214, the King commanded Simon de Patishull and his companions to bring Matilda de Cameis and (? her son) Nicholas de Ainesti to Court (14), evidently fearing her influence over her eldest son Ralph de Cameis, as two years later it is stated that "Matilda de Cames had her son with the Barons, "i.e. in arms against King John. She married secondly prior to 1206 Hugh de Anestie (15). Issue.
  • 1. Ralph.
  • 2. as it would appear, Walter: whence Cameys of Great Stukeley and Kemeys of Kemeys (see which branches), and
  • 3, probably Henry le Cameis who on 30th March 1288 sold half a virgate of land in Camelton (Campton) Beds, less one rod, held from his brother Walter to John de Fulemere.

• VI. Lord Ralph de Cameis: Baron by tenure of Flockthorpe Manor. A minor at his father's death, as already stated; in the scutage levied by King John in 1201 and finally collected by 1212, his guardian David, Earl of Huntingdon is first mentioned as having exemption from scutage on one fee in Norfolk (i.e. Flockthorpe) and subsequently the name of Ralph de Cameis is substituted. On coming of age, he paid the King a relief, as a Baron, and received livery of his lands in Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, Hunts, and Northants; in 1211 he still owed 10 marks for his lands in Essex. Inherited from his father, Flockthorpe Manor with a quarter of a Knight's fee in Hardingham and the advowson of the latter, Norfolk, certain lands in Suffolk, a Manor in Toppesfield Lete, Essex, held of the Honor of Clare, the Manor of Wood Ditton, Cambridge, held in chief, Great Stukeley Manor, Hunts, and half a Knight's fee in Tansor, Northants, all previously referred to; from his mother he inherited Wotton Manor, Surrey, and North Denchworth Manor, Berks, both as aforesaid. He appears to have acquired by his wife Burwell Manor (16) Cambridge, one Knight's fee held of the Honor of Richmond: certain further lands in the Lete of Toppesfield, Essex, held as one Knight's fee of the Honor of Mandeville: lands in Tisted and Hambledon, Hants, (17) and lands in Eling and Lasham, (18) also in the last named county.

  In 1208 he levied a fine on his lands in Cambridge; mentioned in 1211 as holding one Knight's fee of the King in chief in Flockthorpe, Norfolk. In 1212, he claimed the right of presentation to Tansor Church, stating that Roger, Earl of Clare had granted this advowson with the lands he held in Tansor to Eobert Fitz Humphrey, his forefather. It would appear that he only had the alternate right of presentation and therefore his claim on this occasion was disallowed; but twelve years later, in 1224, he presented the living. Claimed one Knight's fee in Berton and Eastmore in Baron Burial Manor, Norfolk, from Ralph de Roucester, of which he stated Ralph Wallensis, uncle of Stephen his father, was seised in the reign of Henry II. He farmed from the Crown at one time the Manor of Hengham, Norfolk, the payment for which was £25. 7s. 6d. In 1210 was with the Royal Army in Ireland and is mentioned as receiving 3 and 4 marks at the camp at Odiham, Hants, and at Dublin, respectively, on account of disbursements; in 1212 assessed to pay 20s scutage for the war against Scotland on one fee held in Norfolk, but being granted exemption by writ he received free quittance accordingly. In 1216, he joined the forces of the Barons, combined against the King John, consequently on 25th March of that year the King granted to Imbert de Hereford all his land in Norfolk, Suffolk, Northants, Hunts, Cambridge and Essex. It seems probable however, that he never lost actual possession of his lands, as King John died shortly afterwards, and Ralph hastened to pay homage to Henry III, who by writs dated 6th September and 27th October 1217 restored his lands to him. On February 19th, 1221, he was commanded to take scutage from the Archbishop of York for all the latter's lands in his Baillia, from which it may be presumed that he was then Sheriff of certain counties. From 1242 to 1246 as "Ralph de Keymes", he appears a Sheriff of Counties Surrey and Sussex. April 20th, 1230, granted letters of protection when embarking with many other nobles from Portsmouth on the King's service abroad; in 1242, paid 10 marks as voluntary scutage for his lands in Essex, towards the fine from those Knights who did not go with the King to Gascony; 12th May 1244, the Sheriff of Huntingdon was commanded to distrain him to do homage to John de Bailliol for a quarter of a Knight's fee in that county (i.e. Stukeley Magna Manor), assigned by the King to the said John and Devorguilla his wife as part of her share of the heritage of John, Earl of Chester and Huntingdon. In 1246, granted free quittance from scutage on Flockthorpe for the army against Wales and also for scutage on half a fee in Cambridge. Prior to 1253, he appears to have granted Denchworth Manor, aforesaid to his son. In 1253-4 as "Ralph de Cameys Senior", he was granted free warren in all his lands he then held in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge and Essex; and in the latter year was assessed to pay 20s for half a fee in Cambridge (i.e. Wood Ditton), both held in chief, towards the Aid on the King's son coming of age; the year following, he levied fines on his lands in Ditton Cammays (Wood Ditton), Kertling and Cheveley, Cambridge.

  In 1256, he was summoned "with horse and arms" to the Great Council to be held in London on the Morrow of the Apostles Simon and Jude; and in 1258 was summoned to attend the King at Chester on Monday preceding the Feast of St. John Baptist, with horse and arms to do service against the Welsh.

  In a Roll of Arms of the reign of Henry III and dated as between 1240-45, the armorial bearings of Ralph de Cameys are give as "d'or ung cheif de goules a trois torteux d'argent". Died prior to 1259 in which year by inquisitions post mortem, he was found to have died seised of Flockthorpe Manor, including 280 acres of land in demesne and 34 in meadow, with the advowson of the Church (i.e. Hardingham Church) and "Conteshall maner' extent" (19), all in Norfolk: Wodeton Manor, Surrey: Stivecley Magna Manor, Hunts: two Knight's fees in Essex: Ditton and Burwell Manors, Cambridge, and lands in Tisted and Hambledon, Hampshire. Married..... daughter of........ Issue.

  • Ralph.

• VII. Ralph Lord de Cameys: Baron by writ also by tenure of Flockthorpe Manor, as probably also by tenure of Torpel Manor, Northants, which as will be seen he acquired by marriage.

  Prior to 1253, probably on his marriage, his father granted him North Denchworth Manor, Berks. Heir to his father and aged 40 year on the latter's death. On 20th June 1259, as "Ralph, son of Ralph de Kameys", he did homage to the King as a Baron, and on giving sufficient security for payment of the usual relief for all lands and tenements which the said Ralph had held in Norfolk "ut de feodo" (i.e. Flockthorpe Manor held as a Barony), received livery of his late father's lands. By his marriage he acquired six Knight's fees in Northants, comprising Torpel Manor, (20-held in chief "per baroniam," with lands in Upton (20) with the advowson of Ufford Church (20), in Lolham adjoining Ufford, and in Helpeston, also Pilketon (Pilton) Manor and advowson (21), Glapthorne and Cotterstoke Manors (21) with the advowson of Piriho Priory (21), and probably further lands in Tansour for which he paid annually 20s to Sir John Giffard and to the Prior of Piriho apiece. He also acquired by marriage, Hengeston (Hinxton) (22) half a Knight's fee held in chief "per baroniam": certain lands in Pampesworth (22a) also held in chief; lands in Brune, and Orwell Manor (23), one Knight's fee held of the Earl of Winchester - all in Cambridgeshire: also lands in Keston, Hunts, and certain lands in Lincolnshire. In Torpel Manor were 5 virgates of arable land in demesne, each vergate containing 20 acres, 40 acres in meadow, with a wood and water mill, and in villenage 3.5 vergates; in Pilton there were in demesne 5 virgates, each virgate containing 24 acres, an assortment of 24 acres, 6 virgates in villenage, a free fishery, with cottager's rents of 14s 4d yearly value, and 3s yearly rents of free tenants. Held a quarter of a Knight's fee in chief in Hardingham, adjoining Flockthorpe, and also lands in Mouton, Norfolk, where Hy. Freman and his parcenors held from him one third part of a Knight's fee of the Honor of Huntingdon (of the portion of Henry de Hastings) which is stated in Lipscomb's History of Buckinghamshire to have been his father's in 1233. In Hants he held lands in Elynges and Lasham with the advowson of the latter church, all which he probably inherited from his father with Hambledon. He appears to have possess lands in that county by John, son of Hubert de Burgh. He also appears to have had lands in Nassington (24), Northants, since it is stated in the Hundred Rolls that in 1275 a jury found that "Ralph de Kemeys" had 11 years previous "enclosed a certain wood in Nassington called Muchhawe".

  In 1253, "Ralph de Cameys junior" was granted by the King free warren in all the lands he then held in the counties of Northants, Lincoln, Cambridge, and Berks, and also the right of holding Markets and fairs in Orwell Manor; it is therefore not improbable that he resided at Orwell during his father's lifetime. Sold his Manor of Denchesworth to Adam Fettiplace, who in 1245 was Mayor of Oxford: a copy of his grant of these lands is to be seen in the Bodleian Library, Oxford (Ashmoleian M.S.S., and see Appendix); appears to have sold his lands in Lincolnshire at an early date; sold 4.25 virgates "in bondis" and a further 15 acres of land in Keston to Jomes Lovel. In 1255, he and his wife sold their lands in Brunne to Gilbert Peche, and in 1257 they levied a fine with Simon de Leudon upon a mill and 11 acres of meadow in Lolham to their own use, they giving to Simon their suit and service every three weeks, which was their due for their tenement in Helpeston. Assessed to pay 2 marks towards the Aid for marrying the King's sister to the Roman Emperor on Flockthorpe Manor, held in chief by serjeanty as one Knight's fee; also similarly assessed for one fee in Essex (i.e. in Toppesfield), held of the Honor of Mandeville. Stated in the Hundred Rolls to have had in 1276 rights of gallows, of assay of bread and ale, and view of frank pledge in Stukeley Magna Manor, in which Manor moreover he did not permit the King's bailiffs to execute their writs. It is also related in these Rolls that he had rights of assay of bread and ale and view of frank pledge in Ditton Cameys (Wood Ditton) wherein also he had given up the customary payment of 2s a year to the Sheriffs Court; also rights of gallows and of assay of bread and ale in Burwell Manor and in Henxton; rights of assay of bread and ale in his lands in Pampesworth, but subject to the correction of the Crown officers, which limitation he had evaded for some ten years previous; similarly it is stated that in Essex, he had for 12 years prior to 1274 evaded the service due by him in Toppesfield twice a year at the Sheriff's Court. In 1254 Ralph de Cameys was at Bordeaux with the King, where he witnessed a Royal grant of free warren to Maurice de Birmingham. About this time he was fined for holding a tournament in Cambridge contrary to the command of the King, who had in 1245 forbidden any to be holden there or within five miles of that town. 1259 witnessed a charter of Sir Richard de St. Denys granting lands in Essex. 1264 obtained a charter to have a weekly market on Thursdays in Torpel Manor and also a yearly fair on the eve, festival and morrow of St. Giles' feast. Presented his cousin Nicholas de Cameys (see Cameys of Great Stukeley) to the Church of St. Mary's, Pilton. 1268 presented to the Church of Torpel (i.e. Ufford Church) and the same year to that of Tansor. In 1272, he was sued by Warinton de Barinton for pasturing in Barton, which adjoined Orwell. 1275 summoned by the King's Exchequer to pay a debt which he owed to on Haginus, a Jew of London, since the King had assigned the said debt to Odinus le Gask, a citizen of Genoa, in payment of a Crown debt due to the latter. In 1260 summoned to an assembly near Shrewsbury at the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, with horse and arms to give the service due to the King in an expedition against Llewelyn, Prince of Wales. Mentioned as one of the leading Barons confederate with Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, in rebellion against Henry III, and in 1265 was declared a rebel by the King; after the Baron's victory at Lewes he was summoned by the Earl of Leicester to London on 14th December 1264 as one of the council of State by whom the realm was governed. In 1267 he received the King's pardon.

  At a general proffer of Knight's service taken in 1276 for the King at Tweedmouth, Ralph de Cameys offered the service of one Knight for his lands in Norfolk, to be made by Richard de Macy and John Tylnercy with two equipped horses. In a Roll of Arms of the reign of Henry III and Edward I is given "d'Camais-or, on a chief gules three plates". Died prior to 12th March 1277 in which year by inquisiton post mortem, he was found to have died seised of Hardington Manor (i.e. Flockthorpe), Norfolk, wherein he was found by juries to have possessed a messuage (i.e. in demesne) of 280 acres of arable land, 24 acres of meadow, 24 acres of alder and 50 acres of wood: Torpell Manor, with lands in Upton, Cotterstoke, Glapthorne, Pilketon and Tannesour, Northants: Stiveclay Manor, Hunts: Hengeston Manor, Orwell Manor and advowson, Woodacton (Wood Ditton) and Borewell Manors, Cambridge: and Wodington (Wotton) Manor, held of the Honor of Gloucester, Surrey. Married Ascelina, daughter and heiress of Roger de Torpel of Torpel, Northants, by his wife Mabel; the latter had Cotterstoke in dower, to the church of which she presented in 1258. Issue.

  • 1. John.
  • 2. Ralph, who appears to have inherited a portion of his father's lands in Essex, comprising one Knight's fee held of the Honor of Mandeville, and also his lands in Suffolk; in 1277 he performed as "serviens" the military service due by his brother John in the army mustered at Worcester in 8 days of St. John the Baptist (1st. May) against Llewelyn, Prince of Wales; probably he was the Sir Ralph de Cameys who in 1272 witnessed a grant of lands in Leyre, Essex, by Hugh le Despenser, and the "Sr. Rauf de Camoys" who, at a tournament at Stepney in 1308 bore "Ar., on chief Gu. 3 Bezants". It will be noticed that the tinctures of these bearings are the reverse of those born by the senior line of the Family. Probably also Ralph was father of Peter de Camoys who in 1309 claimed against John de Clinton, Lord of Marstoke, and Ida his wife the presentation to the Church of Newton, Suffolk. Peter de Camoys would seem to have been father of Robert de Cammes whose heirs (?female) in 1399 and again in 1441 are mentioned as holding land in Toppesfield. In Roding Morell near Hatfied Regis, (25) Essex, there was formerly a Manor house known as Kemeys Hall, whilst in Toppesfield stood a mansion and park in what was at one time termed Camoys Manor.
  • 3. Elena, married Peter de Gousell or Goushill of counties Yorks and Lincoln who died in 1291; she had as her marriage portion the Manor in Toppesfield Lete which her father held of the Honor of Clare. The arms of Goushill impaling Cameys were formerly to be seen in Nettlested Church.
  • 4. Probably a daughter married to Wm. 2nd Lord Latimer who bore "gules, a cross pat{e, or", and who died in 1327; she would appear to have had Wotton Manor, Surrey, as her marriage portion which, as will be seen, subsequently, came back to the Camoys family.

• VIII. Lord John de Cameys: Baron by tenure of Flockthorpe Manor. Heir to his father, and aged about 27 years on the latter's death, when on doing homage to the King and paying 100 marks as a baron's relief he obtained livery of his father's lands. Prior to his doing this the King had (1277) presented to the Church of Boddington and Ufford (i.e. Torpel). He acquired by marriage a Manor in Eling held in grand serjeanty by the annual service of one pair of gilt spurs and 30 acres of assart at 6s 8d rent, with lands in Hambledon held by military service of John de St. John, and half a Manor in Lasham, all in Hampshire. Through his wife on her father's death circa 1269 he also acquired a portion of the Gatesden estate, consisting of the Manors of Broadwater, Ullaventon, Tratinton otherwise Trotton and Budelynges, with lands and tenements of Groffam, Alfradesham, Dychenninge, Fletchinge and Demesford situated towards the aforesaid Manors, all which Manors etc. lay in Sussex (26) and apparently comprised 8 Knight's fees held of the Honor of Brembre: also the advowsons of the churches, chapels, and chantries of Broadwater, Ullaventon, Groffham, Tratington, Hetchingfeld (26) and Fletchinge, the Manor of Hegton, Sussex, and one third of a Knight's fee held of the Honor of Leicester, also lands in Kyrkeby Betume, Norfolk, for which Sir John de Gatesdene had paid £8 a year rent to the King. On the death of his grandmother Mabel de Torpel in 1276-7 Lord John de Cameys was found to be her heir and on paying a relief received livery of her lands in Cambridge, held of Roger de Mowbray. As no further mention is made of these lands he probably sold them. In addition to his Manor in Wood Ditton he held other lands in that Parish, which with one third of Newmarket composed three Knight's fees held of the Earl of Brittany; these lands he sold prior to 1284-6 to Robert de Valeynes and they then became known as Ditton Valence in contradiction to Ditton Cameys, the Manor which he held in chief in Wood Ditton; this latter Manor he demised to the King and Queen in 1281 for a term of 15 years, no doubt in payment of a debt due to the Crown, and in 1285 released to them all his rights therein. In addition to his Manor in Orwell he held 25 acres as a free tenant at a rent of 17s. 9. Previous to 1290 he had sold Orwell Manor to John de Kyrkeby and John de Lovetot, but subject to his wife's right of dower therein. Between 1276, in which year he presented to the living, and 1280 he also sold Cotterstoke with the advowson of the Church of Piriho Priory to John de Kyrkeby; he would also appear to have sold Glapthorne. Referred to in the Close Rolls of 1275-8-9 and 1280 as owing various persons sums of 35, 40, 25, 38, 20, 12 and 110 marks, and also £32, all secured upon his lands in Sussex, Essex and Cambridge. 26th July 1280 the King having granted to Queen Eleanor a debt of 500 marks owned by John de Cameys to one Haginus, a Jew of London, the Exchequer was ordered to levy payment of this debt, whereupon in payment Lord John de Cameys released to the King and Queen his rights in his Manor of Torpel and Upton together with their advowsons for a term of 10 years, with a proviso that his tenants in Pilketon, Cotterstoke and Glapthorn should not do suit or service at the Manor Court of Torpel; the following year in consideration of 600 marks he released to the King all his rights in the said lands and advowsons, which were estimated at the yearly value of £80. In 1291, the King granted these Manors and advowsons to the Abbot of Burgh (Peterborough) during pleasure at a rent of £100. Is seems evident that the Abbot sublet these lands to their former owner, as on his death in 1299 Lord John de Cameys was returned as being seised of them. In Hengham, Norfolk, John de Cameys held lands in chief, which he sold without license from the Crown. Mentioned as holding in 1275, 110 acres in Pampesworthe hundred, Cambridgeshire, occupied by free tenants, also 57.5 acres in the township of Henxton, in chief, wherein he claimed in 1279 "ab antiquo" rights of gallows, "tumberelli", assay of bread and ale and view of frank pledge. He would appear to have sold his lands in Henxton subsequent to 1284-6 and subsequently to 1279 he sold Burwell Manor to Robert Tiptoft who then held it from him by the service of one sparrow. He claimed free warren in Orwell by right of Charter to his father Ralph, and similarly claimed free warren in Flockthorpe. In 1275, he is mentioned as having free warren in Broadwater, Trotton, Audelings, Woolavington, Bemesford and Elnested, Sussex, together with rights of assay of bread and ale and, upon those of his lands adjoining the Sussex coast, rights of wreckage. In 1281, he is mentioned as having view of frank pledge in Stukeley. 1287 presented his cousin David de Cameys (see Kemeys of Kemeys) to St. Mary's Church, Pilton, in succession to his cousin Nicholas de Cameys deceased or resigned. 1294 presented his kinsman Stephen de Hepworth (see Cameys of Great Stukeley) to the Church of St. George, Hardingham, which living was valued at 35 marks and possessed a manse with 60 acres of land attached to it. In 1295, he obtained license from the King to enfeoff his son Ralph in Flockthorpe Manor. In 1277, he was summoned to perform military service in person for his lands in Cambridge and Norfolk against Llewelyn Prince of Wales, the muster being at Worcester in 8 days of the Festival of St. John the Baptist, in pursuance of which summons he acknowledged the service of one Knight's fee, half for the inheritance of his father (i.e. Ditton Cameys) and half for that of his mother (i.e. Henxton), to be performed by himself and one "serviens", and also the service of one fee held in serjeanty (i.e. Flockthorpe), to be performed by one "serviens". In 1278-9, he was assessed to pay 40s scutage on Flockthorpe for the Welsh war. In 1282 again summoned to perform military service in person against the Welsh, the muster being at Worcester on Whitsuntide, May 17th, and he having already gone to Wales on 6th July following letters of protection were granted to him until Machaelmas whilst on the King's service. On a further summons to Rhuddlan for Sunday, August 2nd - the morrow of St. Peter ad Vincula, - he acknowledged the service of one and half Knight's fees only, to be performed by himself and two "servientes", he having previously, as already stated, sold Ditton Cameys Manor to the King; to this muster he appeared three weeks late but his default was excused by the King. There is no record of his having been summoned to Parliment, there being no writs extant between 49 Henry III (1265) and 23 Edward I (1295). Lord John de Cameys bore "Or, on a chief gules 2 roundeles arg." He died in 1299, when according to his post mortem inquisition in Northamptonshire he was seised in that county of "Torpell manor' extent'. Leholm cultura, ibidem vocat' Hilhawe contin' 63 acres etc., Ayston hamlet' extent'. Ufford adv. ecc. pertin' ad manor' de Torpel. Dounhall messuagia ibidem. Leholme dimid' feod'. Upton Maner' extent'" Married Margaret, daughter and heiress of Sir John de Gatesdene, whom he subsequently made over by deed (see Appendix) to Sir William Paynell, whose wife she was then called; in 1289, he further granted to Paynell all the lands he held in Sussex in right of his wife for a term of 100 years, i.e. for his own lifetime. She outlived her husband and under this deed claimed on his death her dower of one third of his estate, but this by judgement by Parliment, 29 and 30 ED.I (1301-2), was negatived on the ground that a husband's deed could not legalize adultery. After her husband's death, she obtained license on paying the King 100 marks, to marry whom she pleased, whereupon she married Sir Wm. Paynell. He bore "arg. 2 bars sable between 7 martlets gules, 4, 2 and 1. Issue.
  • 1. Ralph.
  • 2. Catherine, married Hamon Le Strange of Hunstanton lordship, Norfolk, who bore "Gules, 2 lions passant in pale arg. debruised by a bend or," she is buried with her husband in Hunstanton Church at the east end of the nave by the pulpit, with the inscription "Orote p.a'i' ab Hamonis Le Straunge at Katerine uxoris."
  • 3. Mary (?Isabel) married Sir Roger Covert (Court) of Sullington, Surrey, who bore "Gules, a fesse erm. between 3 marlets or," and crest, a leopard's face, or.

• IX. Ralph Lord de Cammoys: Baron by writ and also by tenure of Flockthorpe Manor and subsequently by tenure also of Bekerton Manor, Norfolk. As already stated, his father granted Flockthorpe Manor to him in his lifetime, and in 1295 a writ was issued to seize "Ralph de Cameys son of John de Cameys" in that Manor, the same as his father had enfeoffed him. Heir to his father's and his mother's estates, and in 1311 on his mother's death also succeeded to her marriage portion consisting of the Manor in Eling, Hants, and half the Manor in Lasham, also in Hants, previously referred to. In 1317 and 1324, he still owed a portion of the relief due for obtaining livery of Eling from the King. He appears to have come of age in 1305, when he did homage for Flockthorpe Manor, the next year being Knighted with Prince Edward and many others "by bathing and other sacred ceremonies." Prior to 1316, he would seem to have been granted by he King the Manors (27) of Bekerton and Stowe, Norfolk, held in Chief - the former apparently "per Baroniam." Probably by the terms of the grant these Manors were entailed upon his second son John. Acquired by his first wife a quarter of a Knight's fee in Effingham, (28) Surrey, held of the Honor of Gloucester, together with the Manor of Little Bokham adjoining it: the capital messuage and one part of this Manor he held of the King as a quarter of a Knight's fee value £10, another part he held of John Pikard by like service value 10s, and 4 yards of land of the Abbot of Chertsey at the rent of 7s. He also appears to have acquired by his first wife the Manor of Woolbeding (29), Sussex, held of the Honor of Brembre, as in 1305 he and his wife possessed it. In 1303, his mother-in-law, Lady Mary de Braose with the King's consent, enfeoffed him and his wife Margaret in Bokham Parva, he in return enfeoffing his mother and Sir Wm. Paynell in Flockthorpe Manor to hold for his wife. In 1306, Ralph and his wife Margaret regranted Bokham Parva Manor with the lands in Effingham to Lady Mary de Braose, on her death in 1326, again obtaining the lands. By his second wife, he appears to have obtained the Manors of Rogate (30), Hering(30), Tortwike, Tadeham and Alfradesham (Alfriston), all in Sussex. In 1303, he obtained a grant of free warren in Hamptonett, Sussex. In 1316, it was certified persuant to writ that he was Lord of the following Manors, namely Stowe and Bekerton, Norfolk: Chylteley, Eling and Burwell, Hants: Broadwater, Trotton, Barcomb (31) Newick (32) Chiddingley (33), Hoodley and Isenhurst, and Elnested, (34) Sussex: also joint Lord of Thompson (35) and Hardingham, Norfolk: in Northants, Elmington (36), Tansour and Stoke with its members. It is probable that he built the present Church of Trotton, which dates from about this period. In Edward II reign, he also appears to have held the Manor of Bradeford by Taunton, Somerset, which he still possessed in 1330. In 1320, he would appear to be holding lands in Toppesfield, Essex. 1330, he mortgaged, with his eldest son, his Manor in Great Stukeley. In 1320, the King confirmed to him the tenement called Witherfield in Duntefold (37), Surrey, to be held by the customary service, and two years later acknowledged the payment of £100 by him for land known as "La Rudes" in the same parish. In 1327, he obtained a grant of free warren in his Manor of Rogate, Herting, Tortwyke, Tadeham and Alfredesham, with a license to hold a free market weekly in Rogate, which Manor he held from Thomas Earl of Arundel. In 1301, and again in 1324, he obtained a commission of oyer and terminer for trial of various persons who had broken into his park at Flockthorpe, hunted therein and carried away his deer, and in 1310 a similar commission for trial of others who had felled and taken away trees in Flockthorpe. In 1309, he presented to St. George's Church, Hardingham, and in the same year claimed the patronage of the Church of Piriho Priory for his tenant Wm de Kyrkby, but on account of a dispute concerning the presentation with Mabill de Hornby and John Knyvet, the Bishop presented. In this year also he obtained a grant of free warren in Woolbeding Manor. In 1312, he presented to St. Mary's, Pilton. 1313 obtained license to hold weekly markets and a fair at Broadwater, and the next year sued various persons for trespassing in his free warren there. By an inquisition ad quod damnum in 1315, Ralph de Camoys was found to hold the following woods - Elinge wood in the New Forest, with 40 acres of wood in Patresham, 70 in Fletewood and 16 in Birchwode, a parcel of Elinge Manor, all in Hants, also Pilkington (Pilton) wood within the boundary of the Royal Forest of Rockingham, Northants; and thereupon on 14th March of that year, he obtained the King's permission to fell in Pilton Wood trees to the value of 100 marks to assist him to pay the heavy ransom exacted from him by the Scots. From this it may be inferred that he was one of the numerous English nobles who were taken prisoners at the battle of Bannockburn. The following year he obtained letters of protection until Midsummer next wilst undertaking a pilgrimage to Santiago. In 1316, he levied a fine in Tansor and in that year, also, he settled Bekerton Manor upon his wife. It is probable that this was the date of his second marriage. The same year, he obtained license during pleasure to hunt the fox and the hare, fence time excepted, in the Royal forests in counties Northants, Hunts, and Hants. On 27 January 1319, he again obtained letters of protection whilst making a pilgrimage to Santiago. In this year he presented to Hardingham and to Pilton, and also successfully upheld his right to one half of the Manor of Lasham, as part of his mother's marriage portion, against Robert, Warden of St. Nicholas' hospital, Portsmouth.

  From 4th June to Machaelmas 1320, he acted as one of Hugh le Despenser's attorneys. In this year, he obtained a confirmation of two grants which he had made to various persons of all his lands in Hardingham and also a commission of oyer and terminer for the trial of various persons who had fished in his stews in Stowbedon Manor. In 1322, it is related in the Close Rolls that Sir Thomas Wake of Blisworth and Thomas Wake of Liddell owed him 100 marks secured upon their lands in Northamptonshire, but in 1328 Ralph and his son Thomas appear as owing the latter 1000 marks, secured upon their lands in Sussex; between 1322 and 1334 there are many similar enrollments of debts due by and to Ralph de Cameys, and, from 1328, by him and his son Thomas jointly. In 1324, the Manor of Cokeham in Sumpting, (38) Sussex, and the advowson of the hospital of St. Anthony annexed thereto, were settled by fine upon Ralph and his wife Elizabeth for life, and on their son Ralph for life, remainder to their grandson John, and on failure of his issue to his sisters Margaret and Isabella and their heirs in succession, remainder to the right heirs of Ralph. In 1327, he obtained license at the request of Sir Thomas Roscelyn to grant to his son Thomas de Cameys and his wife Margaret the Manor of Flockthorpe and the advowson of Hardingham Church. Ralph appears at the same time, probably the occasion of his son's marriage to Margaret de Roscelin, to have also granted the latter Pilton Manor, Hunts, and lands in Sussex. In Volume 6 of the Sussex Archaeological Collections in a description of Edward II visit to Battle Abbey the following occurs: "On Friday September 7th the expenses at Petworth were £8. 17s. 5.75 and the presents consisted of bread, 3 eels, 1 trout, 3 large pikes, 3 bream, 4 mullets, a fish dinner for the Friday; but the day was not passed in gloom, for there is and entry of 20s paid to Nicholas the Harper, minstrel of Sir Ralph de Camoys, and playing before the said lord King, as a gift by his own hands." In 1288, Ralph de Cameys had a remittance of Common summons for the Common Pleas in Sussex (i.e. as being a minor). In 1305 and again in 1313, he received letters of protection whilst going beyond the seas on the King's affairs with Hugh le Despenser the Elder. In 1307, he was summoned for Sussex with his consort to attend the coronation of Edward II in the train of the King and Queen. The next year and apparently again in 1310, summoned to perform military service against the Scots, on the latter occasion he preferred the service of one Knight's fee for all his lands held in chief in Norfolk (i.e. Flockthorpe Manor) to be performed by two "servientes" with two barbed horses; in 1315, he was requested by the King to continue stationed in the northern parts during the winter campaign and to repair to him on the Feast of All Saints, then next; in 1318, 1319, 1322, and 1323 summoned again to perform military service in person against the Scots, but discharged from the summons on the last occasion; he was again summoned for the same purpose to muster at Newcastle on Tyne in 1335. Summoned to Parliament in the 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, Edward II, as also in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, Edward III. In 1316 and 1318, one of the Conservators of the Peace in Sussex and in 1317 one of the Justices appointed in that county to suppress illegal meetings, and also appointed Warden of the City of Chichester. Addressed in 1318, as one of the "Majores barones:" next year one of the Commission of the Peace for Hampshire; in 1319, commissioned with other justices to deliver Chichester gaol. In this year Hugh le Despenser the younger, Ralph de Camoys and Elizabeth his wife obtained a pardon for acquiring for themselves and the heirs of Ralph the bailliwick of the forestership of Assheholte and Wolmere from Richard de Venuz, tenant in chief. In 1320, Ralph de Camoys was appointed Governor of Winsor Castle and Warden of the forest, which important post he held until the end of the reign of Edward II. In this year in consideration of services sent by him in 1311 he obtained his writ of scutage; the same year and also in 1325 and 1326 one of the Conservators of the Peace for Surrey and Sussex, in the first mentioned year being commanded to act vigorously, and in the last to disperse seditious assemblies and to apprehend offenders: also in this year appointed for counties Bedford and Bucks pursuant to Act of Parliament, for the punishment of offenses committed by Sheriffs and others by colour of the offices; 1321 was one of the justices appointed in counties Beds and Bucks for the punishment of offenses and extortions of collectors of aids and also one of the justices in the said counties to decide, pursuant to ordinance of Parliament, causes by bill: the same year requested to co-operate in appeasing disturbances and to refrain from attending illegal assemblies, particularly that of the "Good Peers" convened by the Earl of Lancaster to be held at Doncaster on the Sunday next after the quinzaine of St. Martin - 29th November: the same year commissioned with Nicholas atte Hull to deliver certain persons from Odiham Castle: also in this year granted the chief custody of the Manors of Berhampton, Hants, and Woking, Sutton and Braggeshut, Surrey. The following extract from the process by Parliament in 1321 against Hugh le Despenser the Elder (Earl of Winchester) and Hugh le Despenser the Younger, -the King's favourite- throws a light upon many of the offices filled by Lord Ralph de Camoys, the suits brought against him and the lands he acquired - "also in order to obtain their evil and covetous wishes --- they (the Despensers) removed the good and suitable ministers who were appointed by assent and replaced them by other false and bad ministers of their conspiracy who would not suffer right to be done and appointed sheriffs, escheators, constables of Castles and others in the King's offices who were not suitable for the King of his people, and caused judges who were ignorant of the law of the land to hear and determine matters touching the magnates and the people, such as Sir Hugh, the father, Sir Ralph Basset, Sir Ralph de Camoys, Sir John Inge and other their allies and sworn (adherents), and by conspiracy of such ministers and their false procurers and aiders caused the peers of the land to be falsely indicted by false jurors of their alliance, to wit the Earl of Hereford, Sir John Giffard of Brymmesfeld and Sir Robert de Mohaut and other good men, coveting their lands -- also they counselled the King evilly to take into his hands the lands and chattels of Sir Hugh D'audele, the son, and forjudged him of his lands without process of law, coveting to accroch those lands to Hugh (Despenser) the son." In 1322 Ralph de Camoys was enjoined to raise as many men at arms and foot soldiers as he could and to appear at Coventry with them on the first Sunday in Lent for the purpose of proceeding against the rebels and adherents of the Earl of Lancaster (i.e. the "Good Peers"): the same year exonerated in consequence of his continuance with the King from the fine imposed upon the Knights and esquires of the counties of Southampton, Sussex and Northampton; the same year empowered to attack Robert Lewer and to take the Castle of Odyham by force, also to act jointly and severally with John de S'c'o Johanne in pursuing the said Robert and his accomplices, for the trial of whose offenses he made one of the justices of oyer and terminer in the County of Southampton: 6th May 1324 he was appointed to enquire the names of those who took or concealed any goods of the said Robert Lewer now deceased, and on 30th July the Sheriff of Southampton was ordered to release Margery late the wife of Robert Lewer, a late rebel, and to deliver her to Ralph Cammoys. In 1327, Margery Lewer brought an action against Ralph de Camoys to recover her late husband's Manor of Westbury, Bucks, which she pleaded had been unjustly seized by him after her husband's attainder in the previous reign. Ralph produced in defence a charter of Edward II, dated 1324, granting Westbury to him and his wife Elizabeth with remainder to their sons Hugh, but Margery having proved that he had obtained unjust possession of Westbury long before that date, judgement was given in her favour. In 1331, William de Holhurst brought an action against Ralph de Camoys and three others relative to the Manor of Bromley, Kent, similar to that brought by Margery Lewer in 1327. He was met by a similar defence and although the result does not appear it was probably in favour of the plaintiff, as Bromley Manor does not figure again as the property of the Camoys family. On 30th July 1322 the justices of Assize in Sussex were ordered by the Prior of Hernyngham before them against Ralph de Camoys concerning tenements in Sountynge, Lanncynge, New Shorham, Horsham and Stangemerynge, for so long as the said Ralph remained in the King's service in the Scottish war; on 5th August following Ralph was granted a protection on going to this war with the Earl of Winchester, the same month he was ordered to certify the King of the tenor of the record and process and pronunciation of judgement at Wyndesore upon Francis de Aldeham, the King's enemy and traitor, by him and others appointed by the King for this purpose, and of all thing touching the same, and of the day of the pronunciation of judgement. In 1323 commanded to provide packsaddles for the army (?against the Scots) in case it should be necessary to advance without the wagon train. In this year he obtained license to enfeoff Jno. de Hampton and Peter de Gosele of his Manor of Elinge and their heirs. In 1324 commanded to hold himself in readiness to perform military service in person for the defence of the Duchy of Aquitaine and to raise all the forces he could in addition to his contingent due by tenure and to lead them to Plymouth: subsequently in consequence of his being ill he was ordered to send some expert person in his place; the same year summoned to perform military service in person in Gascony, but the muster was prorogued until the following year when he was discharged from attendance; the same year returned Knight of the shire by the sheriffs of Sussex and Southampton severally and summoned to attend the Great Council of the Magnates at Westminster by subsequently discharged from attendance; the same year appointed one of the commanders or keepers of the sea shore of Kent, Surrey and Sussex, a "dedimus" being issued empowering the Archbishop of Canterbury to swear him in the due execution of the office, afterwards the Archbishop and the Bishop of Winchester were requested by writ to assist him in his capacity of "custos" of the sea shores; the same year appointed one of the Manucaptors for the good behaviour of Thomas de Byngham, an adherent of the Earl of Lancaster, and responsible for his fine. In 1325, 1326 and again in 1327 appointed jointly with Robert de Kendale Constable of Dover Castle and Warden of the Cinque Ports, on 30th September 1326 being ordered to be diligent in arresting suspected persons and in searching for letters. The same year one of the chief Inspectors of Array in Sussex and Surrey to whom special powers were granted, and that year also appointed one of the Chief Supervisors of Array for the counties of Southampton and Wilts in the room of the Earl of Winchester; on 18th July of this year the King notified that he had explained his pleasure as to the ware with France to Ralph de Camoys. On the imprisonment and murder of Edward II, Lord Ralph de Camoys obtained a pardon from Edward III for his adherence to Hugh le Despenser the Younger, lately a rebel, dated 19th February 1327. In 1329, he and two others received a commission of oyer and terminer to try certain persons who had trespassed and stolen timber from the park of Edmund, Earl of Kent, at Arundel. On 24th January 1331, an order issued from the King and Council to Ralph de Camoys to attend in Chancery on the quinzaine of the Purification next to inform the King's Council concerning certain matters which should be said to him on the King's behalf, and on 28th November of the same year his accounts for the custody of Red Castle and the Castle of Egemundon, the Hamlet of Marchumle, Manor of Forde and Township of Newport, county Salop, the property of Nicholas de Audele, and for the custody of the Castle of Helegh and Manors of Tunstall, Horton and Endon belonging to the same, were settled to the 15th February 1327 when the King had granted the said custodies to Roger de Mortimer of Wyggemore. In 1333 a commission of oyer and terminer was granted to try Sir Ralph de Camoys and others on complaint of John de Moubray, Lord of the Honor of Brembre, that they had carried away 4 tuns of wine, £20, and other goods driven ashore in a storm at Worthing and that they had broken four of his parks, entered his free chase at St. Leonards, hunted there and carried away deer, and had assaulted his servants at Horsham and Shoreham. In 1335, a similar commission was granted for the trial of various persons who had broken Lord Ralph de Camoy's parks at Trotton, Demford, and Alkesbourne, Sussex, hunted there and carried away deer and his goods, and also his goods at Elnestede, Dydelinge, Rogate, Broadwater, Duryngton, Beningden and Berecampe (39). In a Roll of Arms of the time of Edward III is given "Rauf de Camays porte d'or un cheif de goules et trois torteaux d'argent on le chief." Died prior to 24th June 1336, in which year he was found by inquisition to have died seized of a messuage in Tanesoure, Northants; his inquisitions in other counties do not seem to have been preserved. Married first, circa 1303, Margaret, daughter of William de Braose who held large estates in Surrey and who bore "Gules, 3 bars vair," she was probably buried in Trotton Church where there is a mural tomb against the south wall and in the pavement a long slab of black marble, a brass portrait of a lady being inlaid, with a flowing mantle into which several inescutcheons were inserted, probably emblazoned in enamel but since removed. Ther marginal brasses are inscribed "Margarite de Camois gisc ici - Dieu de sa alme eyt merci." Second, circa 1314, Elizabeth, daughter of Hugh le Despenser the Elder, Earl of Winchester, who bore "quarterly argent and gules, in the second and third quarters a fret or, over all a bend sable." Issue by his first wife,

  • 1. Thomas, succeeded his father as Baron Camoys of Flockthorpe.
  • 2. John, succeeded his father as Baron Camoys of Bekerton (see which Branch).
  • 3. probably Joan, married William son of Robert Butevelein who bore "argent, 3 crescents gules"; she had a Manor in Hambledon, Hants, as her marriage portion by grant without date from her father Ralph de Cameis. Dodsworth in his M.S.S. (Bodleian Library, Oxford) give a copy of this grant (and see appendix). By his second wife,
  • 4. Ralph, Knight; succeeded as eldest son of his mother to the Manors of Rogate, Tortwike, Tadeham and Alfradesham, Sussex, which she had as previously related brought to her husband on her marriage. In 1377 Ralph obtained a charter of free warren in these Manors and the right to hold a market in Rogate. He inherited from his father Burwell Manor in Munstoke hundred, Hants, wherein in 1346, he and Robert de Popham were holding one Knight's fee which was sublet to William Bocevile and his parcenors. In 1346-7, he was in the expedition made into France, in the retinue of Henry Earl of Lancaster. In 1353, John de Ellerton, the King's serjeant at arms, was sent upon the King's affairs to bring him to London and therefore received wages of £1. He is stated by Dodsworth to have died without issue.
  • 5. Hugh, Knight, appears to have inherited from his father Eling Manor, Hants, held in chief; on 12th February 1345, Henry Husee had license to grant to him for life a Manor in Eling said to be held in chief, but it is probable that this was another Manor in Eling and not that which his father had formerly held. He would appear to have obtained further estates by marriage, as in 1368, he was granted in fee free warren in his demesne lands of Estroup, otherwise Estrope, Likeput otherwise Lickpit, Cramborne otherwise Cramburne, Weston (40) Braybcot otherwise Braybent, and Eling, all in Hants; this charter was confirmed 16th February 1380. In 1344, letters of protection for one year were granted to him, Hugh le Despenser and others whilst going in obedience to the King with Richard Earl of Arundel to foreign parts. Mention is made in the Close Rolls of 1340 of Alexander the "hayward" of Hugh de Camoys having taken 6 cloves of wool in Hampshire on which duty had not been paid. In 1355, Wir Hugh de Camoys, Knight, of the diocese of Salisbury, obtained a license to visit Holy Sepulcre. In 1377 with four others, was commissioned to enquire into certain confederations by men and tenants of various lordships in Hampshire to release themselves from services due to their lords: the same year was instructed as to the defence of Insula Vectae. In 1380 commanded with two others to enquire touching certain pits digged near the Hospital of St. John Baptist, Basingstoke, wherein foetid hides and other filth had been cast, by the stench of which the ministers of the hospital were hindered from celebrating divine service. In 1385, Sir Hugh Camoys obtained a pardon of outlawry consequent upon his non appearance to answer a suit of Richard Earl of Arundel touching a debt of £40, and in 1387 a similar pardon concerning a debt of 7 marks owed to the executors of John Northwode, Canon of St. Mary's Salisbury. Died ....... Married ...... daughter of Sir Hugh de Brebeuf of Surrey. Issue,
    • (a) Elizabeth, married Sir John Hamelin.
    • (b) Margaret, who took the vail. In 1377, her father obtained from Richard II a mandate by privy seal nominating her - as a Crown right after his coronation - a nun within the Convent of Romesey, Hants, the Abbess of Romesey being at that time Isabel de Camoys, Sir Hugh's neice.

• X. Lord Thomas de Camoys: Baron by tenure of Flockthorpe Manor, which with the advowson of Hardingham Church and the Manor and advowson of Pilton, Northants, his father had granted to him and his wife jointly in 1327; probably his father also granted to him in his lifetime Stukeley Magna Manor, Hunts, and lands in Sussex. On his father's death, he succeeded to Trotton, Dudelyne, Dunford, Midhurst, Elstede, Chudeham, Broadwater, Aikesbourne, Appulham, Bercompe and Beningden Manors (41), with lands in Dichening, Sussex, as also to Tansour, Northants. In 1330, he appears as holding Pilton. Obtaining various lands in Norfolk by his marriage, but appears to have sold them during his lifetime. In 1334 with his wife Margaret, as "Thomas son of Lord Ralph de Camoys Knight," jointly levied a fine and mortgage the Manor of Pilketon: the seal of this document according to Dodsworth bore seven birds, 3-2-1, on a shield with the inscription "Tho. de Camoys* sigillu." (see appendix). On the death of his father Lord Ralph, Adam Brabazon, "pessoner" of London, obtained a Royal license 24th June 1336 to continue "to hold the lands of Pilketon the property of Thomas, son of Ralph Camoys, as security for a debt of £240 due to him by the said Thomas but free from any debts of Ralph his father who now is deceased since Thomas holds divers other lands, as well as those of his father as lands acquired by himself, sufficient to pay all his father's debts." Four years later, he still owed Adam Brabazon £40. In 1328 and 1329, there are enrollments in the Close Rolls of various debts due jointly by Thomas and his father Ralph to different persons. In 1329 and again in 1333 he presented to St. George's, Hardingham. Joined the "Good Peers" under Henry Earl of Lancaster in their rebellion against Edward II and his favourite Hough le Despenser the Younger and in consequence had his lands forfeited. On 25th May 1329 however the King restored to him all his estates in Norfolk, Northants and Hunts at the request of John de Hothum, Bishop of Ely and John de Roos who went bail for his future good behaviour.
  It would appear as though Thomas had to pay for his friends good offices as in that year there is an entry in the Close Rolls of a debt due by him to John de Hothum of £800. 0. 0. secured upon his father's lands in Kent, which mortgage in 1331 he appears to have transferred to his own estates now restored to him: moreover in 1334 his father owed £100 to Sir John de Roos the other bailee. In 1337, Lord Thomas de Camoys and Margaret his wife obtained a Royal license to enfeoff John de Holveston in Flockthorpe-now known as Hardingham-Manor with the advowson of its Church, which they accordingly did in the next year, retaining Pilton Manor which the held, as already seen, by the same grant. Apparently this feoffment was only by way of mortgage as in 1362 Lord Thomas de Camoys was found by an inquisition ad quod damnum to be holding Flockthorpe (now also called Holveston) Manor and the advowson of Hardingham, but it is probable that he subsequently released all his rights to these lands as there is no mention of Flockthorpe Manor amongst the possessions of the Camoys family after 1366. In that year Ralph, son of Thomas de Camoys, was enfeoffed in the Manor and advowson by William de Holveston who then held it from the said Thomas. With this Manor, held in serjeanty "per baroniam," the ancient Barony accompanying it must also have left the Camoys family, and possibly the fact that it was practically alienated by Thomas de Camoys almost immediately after his father's death may account for his never being summoned to Parliament. In 1339, and again in 1355, Thomas de Camoys presented to St. Mary's Pilton. In 1344, a commission of oyer and terminer was issued on the complaint of Nicholas Vilers that Lord Thomas de Camoys and others had broken his park at Treford, Sussex, hunted therein and taken away deer, killing 4 bullock and 2 mares worth £4, and had assaulted his servants so that he lost their services for a great time, and had killed 20 oxen and 20 cows worth £30. In 1346-7, he was serving in the retinue of Thomas de Braose in the wars of France; the same year on the collection of Aid for making the King's son a Knight, he and Robert Thorp accounted for one and a half Knight's fees in Pilton. In 1370, "Thomas de Camois, Chivaler" released all his rights in Pilton Manor to Sir Robert de Thorp and Henry Pris, this release bearing a seal carrying the Camoys arms. Died s.p. 11th April 1372 having devised all his estates to his eldest nephew Thomas de Camoys. As his heir at law, the latter also inherited any rights to the Peerage which may have been created by the various summons to Parliament addressed to Lord Ralph de Camoys during the reigns of Edward II and Edward III. By inquisition post mortem Thomas de Camoys was found to have died seised of "Tradyngton maner', Beningdon manor', Dichening 5 marc reddit ', Suss." Married circa 1327 Margaret, daughter of Sir Peter Roscelyn of Edgefield Manor, Norfolk, who bore "gules, 3 round buckles, bost or," and co-heiress with her five sisters to her brother Sir Thomas Roscelyn who died s.p. prior to 1353; she survived her husband and had Tansor as her dower; by her will dated 23rd April 1386 she directed her body to be buried in the Church of St. George, Teddington. Issue.
  • a son Ralph, who probably came of age in 1365 when, whilst serving in Spain under John Duke of Lancaster, he was Knighted by the latter. In 1366, as already stated, he was enfeoffed in Flockthorpe Manor with the advowson of Hardingham Church. He died in his father's lifetime and without issue, having married Elizabeth, daughter of ........ This lady survived her husband and was in 1370 holding lands in dower from her father-in-law, Lord Thomas de Camoys.

Footnotes to Cameys of Flockthorpe

• (1) Acts and Monument by John Foxe. Vol II. p. 137
• (2) Flockthorpe has now dwindled into oblivion. It adjoined Hardingham which is a parish 5.75 miles N.W. by W. from Wymondham. Hardingham Church, dedicated to St. George, is in the early English style and has a handsome square tower.
• (3) Testa de Nevill
• (4) Blomefield's History of Norfolk
• (5) Rot: Scacc: Normanniae
• (6) Cartul: Monas: S. Petri Gloucestriae
• (7) Abbrevatio Placitorum. 13 John
• (7a) Toppesfield is about 5 mile N.W. from Halsted. Tansor lies 2.25 miles N.N.E. from Oundle, on the river Neen, Northants; the church in dedicated to St. Mary, it anciently consisted of two Medieties distinguished as eastern and western, to which the possessors of the two Manors in the parish presented respectively in turn.
• (8) Cal: Docs: relating to Ireland. 1230
• (9) Visitations of Yorkshire
• (10) The parish of Ditton is about 2 miles S.W. from Newmarket.
• (11) Great Stukeley, formerly known as Stivecley Magna, is a parrish 2.5 miles N.N.W. of Huntingdon.
• (12) Abbrevatio Placitorum. Denchworth is a parish 2.5 miles N.W. from Wantage, extending along the river Ock.
• (13) Wotton, formerly known as Wodeton, lies in the South Eastern part of Surrey, 3 miles W.S.W. from Dorking.
• (14) Rot: Litt: Claus:
• (15) Dodsworth M.S.S.
• (16)Burwell is 4 miles N.W. from Newmarket. The Manor there possessed by the Cameys Family was after called Tiptoft from the family of Tibetot or Tiptoft who subsequently held it.
• (17) Hambledon is a small parish in S.E. Hants, 64 miles from London.
• (18) Eling, lies 5 miles W. of Southampton, Lasham is a small parish on the road from Alton to Basingstoke, 7 miles S.E. from the latter.
• (19) Conteshall is 8.5 miles N.N.E. from Norwich.
• (20) Torpel and Upton Manors lay in the parish of Ufford, which is 4 miles N.N.E. of Wundsford and in the liberty of Peterborough.
• (21) Pilton is a small village 3 miles S.W. from Oundle. Glapthorne is 2 miles N.W. by N. from Oundle, and Cotterstoke adjoins it. Piriho appears to have been in Cotterstoke, the Priory Church apparently being the parish Church of Cotterstoke. Tansor adjoins Cotterstoke, and both are upon the Neen.
• (22) Hinxton is a parish in the hundred of Whittlesford, lying 4.5 miles W.S.W. from Linton.
• (22a) ? Papworth: a parish 3 miles N.N.W. from Caxton.
• (23) Orwell is a parish in the hundred of Wetherley, situate 7 miles N.N.W. from Royston.
• (24) Nassington is a parish 2.5 miles S.S.W. from Wandsford.
• (25) Hatfield Regis is a parish 6 miles N.E. by E. from Harlow
• (26) Broadwater lies 1 mile N. of Worthing, Ullavington now Woolavington, 4.5 miles S.S.W. from Petworth. Trotton 3.5 miles W.N.W. from Midhurst. Graffham 4 miles S.E. from Midhurst. Alfradesham, now Aflreston, 3.5 miles N.E. from Seaford. Dichenninge, now Ditchelling, 3 miles E.S.E. from Hurst Pierpoint. Fletching 4 miles N.W. by W. from Uckfield. Demesford, ?Dumpford, a hundred in the rape of Chudleigh, containing 8 parishes. Hetchingfeld, now Itchingfield, a parish 3 miles W.S.W. from Horsham. Trotton Church, dedicated to St. George, and dating from about 1290, was built by the Cameys Family and contains many monuments to them. It is therefore probable that this Manor became their residence.
• (27) Bekerton Manor appears to have been adjacent to Beck, a hamlet some 9 miles from Norwich. Stowe, or Stow-Bydon, is a parish 4 miles S.E. by S. from Walton.
• (28) Effingham is a parish 4 miles S.W. by W. from Leatherhead.
• (29) Woolbeding is a parish 2 miles N.W. from Midhurst.
• (30) Rogate is a parish 3.5 miles E.N.E. from Petersfield; Herting adjoins Rogate.
• (31) Barcombe is a parish 3 miles N. by E. from Lewes.
• (32) Newick is a parish 5 miles W. from Uckfield.
• (33) Chiddingley, a parish 5 miles N.W. from Hailsham.
• (34) Hoodley, ? East Hoathley, a parish 5 miles S.E. by S. from Uckfield.
• (35) Thompson is a parish 3 miles S. by E. from Watton.
• (36) Elmington is a township in Oundle parish; Stoke Doiley is a parish adjacent to the latter.
• (37) Dunfold is a parish 6 miles S.S.E. from Godalming.
• (38) Sumpting is a parish 2 miles N. by E. from Worthing.
• (39) Didling parish is 4 miles S.W. by W. from Midhurst. Durrington parish is 6 miles S. by W. from Bramber. Berecampe. ? Barcombe, see note 31.
• (40) Weston is a tithing in the parish of Buriton, 1 mile S.S.W. from Petersfield.
• (41) Midhurst, a borough and parish in Easebourne hundred and rape of Chichester. Chudeham, now Chidham, a parish 5 miles W. by S. from Chichester. Aikesbourne. ?Albourn, a parish 2.5 miles W.N.W from Hurst Pierpoint. Appulham, now Appledram, a parish 2 miles S.W. from Chichester.

Beginning of Document
Table of Contents
Armorial Bearings
Camoys of Bekerton

John L. & Irene Kemmis
E-mail:john.kemmis@kemmisfamily.info