PASTURES NEW.
Denleys in the fifteenth century, were appearing in the adjoining county Berkshire and further afield in London. London with its prospect of wealth and employment lured some of our ancestors there. Having heard stories from traders passing through Gloucester or London, the first to appear was John Denley, a saddler, in the City of London. He was a successful businessman as Close Rolls show that on the 13 September 1416 , John and three other men of substance stand surety for a Roger Fedirstone of WOdstoke (Woodstock) near Oxford, one of the servants of Thomas Chaucer (1367-c1430), speaker of the House of Commons. Thomas was son of Geoffrey Chaucer (c1340-l400) poet and author of the Canterbury Tales.

The history of the Saddlers' Company dates back to Anglo-Saxon times and of all the present Livery Companies is the oldest Guild
on record. The Saddlers' Company received its first Charter from Edward 1 in 1272, with the grant of incorporation in 1395. Each
craft had their own separate district in the city alloted to them and the west end of Cheapside was by 1280 known as the West Chepe (the saddlery). This was where the saddlers congregated. Mention of the first Company Hall appears in 1479 but it was burnt down in the Great Fire of London, 1666. Unfortunately all the old company records were destroyed by German bombing during 1940. John was mentioned again in 1444 in an entry made the 7 August in book 'K' of the City Livery Club refering to "Thomas ye son of John Denley late Saddler." John was not mentioned again. The City Livery Club makes reference to Thomas Denley appearing
before the Lord Mayor of London, Thomas Catworth. and the Aldermen in the chambers of the Guildhall . There he requested to
be allowed to transfer from the Saddlers Company to the Parish Clerks Company. This application being by way of the grant of
the freedom of the City. There is no explanation as to why Thomas wished to transfer to the Parish Clerks' Brotherhood but
it is likely that his late father had insisted that Thomas trained as a Saddler.

The origin of the Fraternity of Clerks goes back a long way in history. The first clerks merely kept records but today a clerk
has become the administration officer of the body which he serves. To become a clerk was once a rare distinction. The clerk was a teacher, and the teaching profession had origin in the schools provided by the church. Education through the knowledge of Latin was the real mark of the clerk. The parish clerks were among the pioneers of English drama. Their practice in ceremonial and procession, like their interest in scripture stories led naturally to the performance of
traditional miracle and mystery plays.

Parish Clerks were chosen, within the City of London or elsewhere in the province of Canterbury by the Parson or Vicar. A fuller
description of the Company is given by R.H . Adams in his book . The Parish Clerks of London. Strangely Adams in his list of Masters of the Company which commences in 1448 names John Hunt and Thomas Henley which is no doubt a clerical error, and should have read Thomas Denley.

Mention has been made to Thomas Denley receiving the Freedom of the City of London. The rules applying to the grant of the
freedom of the city differed in the City of London to those in other cities and date back to the Magna Carta 1215. In the City
of London the medieval style of local government largely prevailed. Livery companies had a right of presenting their
freemen to be admitted to the City of London.

Five years after Thomas's application to become a member of the Fraternity of Parish Clerks he was appointed joint master of the
Guild. Evidence was recorded in the Patent Rolls dated 8 February, 1449 The application submitted by Thomas and John Hunt, as
masters of the guild. was for a new guild charter granting powers to acquire and lease property for investing monies from
contributions made to the Guild. In other words The Guilds were a form of benefit society. from which a workman 1n return for
contributions made to the common stock of the Guild whilst fit might bring relief when sick.

While these events were taking place in London another had married into French society. A Vatican record, dated 10 March
1462/63. from St. Peter's, Rome, records Baldwin de Lamprey and Joan Denle his wife, noblewoman.

Meanwhile Thomas Denley had become the father of a son, named Thomas. Thomas snr. ensured his son received a good education and in 1457 he started his studies at Oxford for a Batchelor of Arts degree on 4 March 1460. Thomas married a girl named Anne who gave him two children, a daughter, Ethelreda, and a son, W. Thomas lived in London and on 16 March, 1475 , the Calendar of
Close Rolls referred to him witnessing two property transactions in London other witnesses being Robert Drape, Mayor of London,
Edmund Shawe and Thomas Hill sheriffs, William Hobbes, Thomas Denely.

In the same Calendar of Rolls, 11 January, 1480. there appeared mention of Richard Wynter, citizen and girdler of London gifting
to William Dawbeney and Thomas Denley 'gentilmen', William Canon and John Pays gifts of all his goods and chattels. London, like many cities was a filthy place to live in , foul smelling and disease ridden. It was general among those who were fortunate enough to have succeeded in making their fortune to retire to the country. Thomas moved to Maidstone, Kent, to live, sometime after 1480. A will, written in Latin, confirmed Thomas died there in 1493 the earliest known Denley will. Thomas stated he wished to be buried at the altar of Jesus ---- in All Saints Church, Maidstone a request indicating some authority
and connections with the Church. Bequests were made to those present at his funeral and for a payment to the priest celebrating
the mass of Jesus ----. This was not untypical for wills of that period. Thomas's land and property was left to William, his
son. upon his mother's demise. In fact he predeceased his mother.

William Denley appears to have been a shrewd and prudent man . His working life coincided with the period following the 100 Years War and the return to peace and prosperity. Henry VIII inherited the throne in 1509 and shortly afterwards married
Catherine of Aragon. These were eventful days.

9. William was practicing as an attorney _ He and a legal colleague Thomas Holme, were appointed attorneys to convey land
in Sussex from Robert Wyghtryng, gentleman, to John Ernley, Roger Knight, John Dawtrey of Southampton, and others. The land conveyed was in the Manor of Estwightring (East Wittering) in the Manhode Hundred. East Wittering lies to the south of Chichester, the county town of Sussex, from where William probably practiced. Before his death in 1524 William was appointed as a Commissioner for the collection of the Lay Subsidy Tax for Sussex, 1523 /24 and 1524/25. The appointment was made by the House of Commons. A list of the taxpayers shows William residing in Hunston, a small village two miles south of Chichester. William's estate, for tax purposes, was valued at 200 marks, by far the largest amount in the parish. A mark was then worth l3s-6d a fortune by today's standards.

There is little doubt that William resided in Hunston Manor House which was protected by a rectangular moat, of which there are
extensive remains. The property lies to the south of the church being about 80 feet long and facing north. The present two story dwelling dates from between 1660 and 1680. The Victoria County History, Sussex, states the stone angle dressings to the lower
story at the east end are earlier, probably medieval. The property, today known as Church Farm, was sold in 1990 for a
figure in excess of £1 million. CHURCH of St. LEODEGAR, HUNSTON, and moated MANOR HOUSE. The Church being in a derelict state was rebuilt in 1885.

Records show William married a widow, Joan Darrell, nee Knottesford, who bore him a son, John. The dates of these events
are unknown. In all probability this John and John Denley, the Martyr, were one and the same person. Joan's former husband, William Darrell, was of noble birth as was Joan. William is referred to in a History of Pagham. Both the Darrell and Knottesford families I have researched as 'One Name' studies. Contact with those involved has provided valuable information including family trees.

William died prematurely in 1524. His demise may be attributed to illness or an accident, and his Will, made in January 1524,
was written shortly before his death. William's legal attention to detail is apparent in the manner in which the will was drafted. It provides a valuable insight into his life, acquaintances and above all his livestock and possessions. He made a request to be buried in the Parish Church c1ting, "before our Lady Altar."

FAMILY TREE SHOWING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DARRELL AND KNOTTESPORD FAMILIES.

William appointed his wife Joan as executrix, and she proved his Will in St. Paul's Church, London, 7 May, 1524. William ensured
Joan was answerable to two overseers, Sir Thomas West and Master Skardefelde. Both men appeared in 1524 as Sussex Tax Commissioners for Chichester. Sir Thomas ( c 1472-1554) was a man of substance being admitted to Gray's Inn in 1492. By 1513 he was a captain in Henry VIII's army being dubbed a knight baronet in France, on 14 October, 1513. He attended Court and entertained King Henry at great expense in 1526.

William's Will refers to Southampton, from which Sir John Dawtrey hailed (1507 land transfer), and to Maidstone, Kent. This
suggests William was acquainted with both towns. William held Hunston Manor by way of a copyhold tenancy from either William
Ernley or Sir John Dawtrey who each held half the Manor.

Note. William Ernley had inherited his interest in the Manor from his father Sir John Dawtrey who died in 1518 . Sir John Dawtrey was Sheriff of Hampshire in 1516 and also a Royal Custom's Official.

William's will states, "my lease of years of the house, (Hunston Manor) to pass to Marmaduke so that he will not have to disposess John Burwisshe of his lease of Mundham. and Bowley."

Note. The manor of Bowley originally belonged to William Knottesford passing on his death to his daughter, Joan, as
heiress. On her marriage the estate transferred to her husband's control passing on his death to Marmaduke Darrell as heir.
The association between Thomas Holmes and William, the attorneys named in 1507, might be supported through William's bequest that 46 shillings be paid to Thomas Holmes.

William also paid close attention to unfinished dealings with Sir Alexander Shawe, vicar of Pagham, 1516-1547, who, according to
local history books was a thoroughly dishonourable man. He was described as a litigious person , as records evidenced, who
brought his first court proceedings when he had hardly settled into the vicarage. It can be appreciated that William wished to
avoid involving his family knowing the vicar's reputation.

William appears to have also had farming interests. Although no areas were stated it is judged that he farmed around 300 acres.
The eight plough oxen mentioned in his will formed what was then termed a plough team and were capable of ploughing an acre of
land a day. The working day then being sunrise to noon when the oxen were judged to be in need of rest. A plough team would be
expected to plough 120 acres in a year, an area termed a Hide or a quarter of a Knight's fee. William's principal farm income
appears to have been derived from sheep and corn production, ie wheat, barley and oats. The corn probably accounting for around
a quarter of the land use. The oats being consumed on the estate by livestock during the winter and for household use. Sales and
surpluses enabled rent and tithe to be paid. A profitable enterprise in a good season.

Having considered John's paternal family it is right in this instance to examine his maternal side. The Knottesford family
originated from north east Cheshire in the mid 14th century taking their name from the town of Knutsford or Knottesford. The
first Knottesford to use the name was Hugh de Knottesford of Cheshire, born circa 1360. It is possible he was the father of
James who settled in Sussex and established a branch there through his marriage to Beatrice Jardyn early in the 15th
century. Other branches were established around this period in Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

James Knottesford rose to become Comptroller of Customs at Chichester between 1405 and 1422, and Sheriff of Sussex in 1417-
18 a position later held by his son, John. In 1417 John Jardyn and his wife, Anne settled the manor of Bowley and South Mundhum on themselves and their heirs. John died in 1426, his heirs were his sisters, Beatrice and Margaret, who held the manor. The
Knottesford interest in the Manor in time passed to John Denley's mother, Joan, as heiress and the eldest son, Marmaduke Darrell, in turn inherited as the Chichester Chapter rentals show 'my lady Denyle' renting land. (See also chapter 3) .

The Jardyn family, or Gardin, had lived in Sussex for years an ancestor having arrived in this country with William the Conqueror. The Jardyns held the manor of Bowley and Mundham by knight service of Thomas. In 1393-94 Thomas was recorded as Sheriff.

With the marriage of William Darell and Joan Knottesford armigerous families were united. By marriage the Darell coat of arms impaled that of Knottesfords.

A number of books on heraldry purport to show coats of arms for the Denley family. The College of Arms, London, confirmed that the Denl(e)y family could not establish a claim to arms by descent. However, the College does confirm that a Denley at the
time of King Henry VIII used a crest or badge given as: "A mullet pierced Or." This does not mean that the man was armigerous, but merely that a Denley used this mark, possibly on a non-armorial seal.

**
JOHN THE MARTYR c1511-1555
John, the son of William Denley and Joan, nee Knottesford, lived in a moated manor house with his two step brothers and stepsister. William probably died about the time John entered his teens. Being his only son provision was made for his education
and care. Once John reached the age of 26 and was judged to be responsible he was to inherit his father's farming live and
deadstock.

The Chichester Chapter Acts, 1472-1544, provide some clues about John and his mother. An entry dated in 1534 reads, "Item of my lady Denyle for land in Brakelsham." Later these records refer to land leased by the Chapter with the following entry, "13
April.153B, John Denley, son of William Denley, agreed to take lands called Dunstall or Benfold in Brakelsham parish for 40
years from Michaelmas next." (29 September). It is presumed John was then of age.

John is assumed to have left Hunston and returned to his ancestral home in Maidstone, Kent, as in 1548 a John Denley was appointed to the Maidstone Town Council. The appointment took place the 4 July, 1548. John and twelve other townsmen were
appointed by King Edward Vl as members of Maidstone's first Town Council. By the 14 September that year the town received a
letter from the Duke of Somerset, King's Protector, naming certain inhabitants to sell the church plate and vestments. The
sale raised £200, and among those named to undertake this work was John Denley.

Documents show that John held land in the locality. First an entry in The Calendar of Patent Rolls, 1550, refers to John
leasing Goldes manor and other premises from the King in Est Grenwiche. Again in 1554 leases in land known as 'Oldeburow
landes' (Maidstone) name various tenants and include two references to Denley; first, John Denley and then John Denlye.
Probably the same person holding two separate leases created at different dates.

In 1554 Maidstone and the nation were shaken by a rebellion. One of the leaders, Sir William Wyatt, lived at Allington Castle on
the outskirts of Maidstone. The reason was to prevent Queen Mary marrying Philip of Spain. Sir William led a number of townsfolk
from Maidstone in this uprising. No references have been found to show that John Denley was involved, but he was no doubt privy
to events and was known to Sir William. The revolt was unsuccessful and Wyatt was arrested and executed.

Henry VIII had died and Edward VI was proclaimed King on the 28 January, 1547. Edward was a minor and the Duke of Somerset, his
uncle, was made Protector. In 1552 Somerset was executed and the following year Mary Tudor became Queen immediately imposing
catholicism. Somerset was a second cousin to Marmaduke

FAMILY TREE SHOWING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN M DARRELL AND THE LORD PROTECTOR.

John Denley, gentleman, was both eminent and an intellectual. He was widely travelled in many countries. His devotion to his faith is evident by Foxe's account of his arrest and trial. It is difficult today to comprehend the turmoil existing in those times. The Reformation had taken place earlier as a political, not a theological revolt.

On the continent the revolt against Rome was theological, but being conservative Britain refused to accept all the new ideas
which came across from Europe. Edward VI was sick and only nine years old when he came to the throne, foreign extremists seized
the opportunity of his weakness to influence him and infiltrate the Church. By his order churches were stripped bare and
treasures confiscated. Queen Mary, Catherine of Aragon's daughter, who succeeded Edward, had remained a papal catholic.

Many people were ready for a reversal of Edward's policy when Mary came to the throne however they did not expect the bitter
persecution handed out to the protestants. English people had hated cruel suppression of liberty with the result that Mary
turned a country which was warmly catholic into one which came to hate her 'Roman' catholicism.

It was towards the end of the first year of Mary's reign that John the Martyr and a friend, John Newman, a pewterer, also of
Maidstone, were travelling through rural Essex from London to visit religious friends. During their journey they met Edmund
Tyrell, a Justice of the Peace, who was travelling home after assisting with the burning to death of two protestants; John
Ardley at Rochford the previous day and John Simson at Rayleigh that morning. Tyrell, a hard man, being suspicious of these two travellers stopped and searched them. Discovering papers of their faith on them he arrested them and had them taken to
Ramsden Park where they were held overnight. The following day, Wednesday, 12th June , 1555, after writing his report, Tyrell dispatched both men under guard to the Queen's Commissioners in London. At his palace, on the 28th June, Bishop Bonner, Bishop
of London, examined both Denley and Newman together with another, Patrick Packingham. John Foxe in his Book, Acts and Monuments of the Church, recorded that Bonner, "a very persuasive man," attempted to get John to change his views, "first with threats
and then with promises, but without success."

Later the three men appeared on 1 July in the Consistory Court in St Paul's Church, where the Bishop proceeded against them, but in the end seeing their immovable constancy left. On the 5th July, John was condemned as a heretic to be burnt at the stake on
the 8 August at Uxbridge, Middlesex , with two other convicted protestents. John Newman however was burned at Saffron Walden,
Essex, on the 31 August. It is assumed that John was held in the notorious Newgate prison while awaitng his trial and move to
Uxbridge.

Both John Denley and Robert Smith, who was burnt with John Denley, being eminent characters of their day, are considered
important persons in our National Martyrology. The account of John's trial and death was recorded by John Foxe, the
Martyrologist, and can be found in his Acts and Monuments, as follows:- "When set in the fire, and the flames about him, he
sung a psalm with a joyful heart. The Doctor Story, who was present commanded one of the tormentors to hurl a fagot at him.
whereupon being hurt in the face. so that he bled. he ceased his singing. clapped both hands on his face. 'Truly.' said Doctor
Story to him that hurled the fagot. 'thou hast spotled a good old song.' Shortly. however. Denley put his hands abroad, and sung
again yielding at last his spirit into the hands of God through his son Jesus Christ."

John was one of 282 Protestant Martyrs listed by Strype in his Ecclesiastical Memorials and based on a contemporary list found
in Cecil's papers. John's death and his belief in Christianity is summed up by J.E French in 'Our Times' by the words, "John Donlny's act of supreme courage typifies the spirit of the noble army of martyrs who through the centuries have gone bravely to their death for the cause of Christ."

In 1955. to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of the Uxbridge martyrs a memorial stone was erected at The Lynch in Windsor
Street Uxbridge Middlesex. The other two men to be burnt with John Denley were Patrick Packingham a workman age 21 and John Smith a poet and painter from Windsor.
JOHN DENLEY's death 8 August. 1555 The Lynch, Uxbridge.
(Copyright John Denley Barnes 2016) More follows.