St John the Baptist Church Tisbury on the site of a 7th century monastery
The yew tree in the churchyard is famous for its tenacious grip on a large boulder which is trapped within 2 halves of the truck measuring 10.3 meters in girth.
According to recent carbon dating it could be 4,000 years old.

In the name of God Amen the one and twentieth day of June 1597 / and in the nine and thirtieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Elizabeth ⁽¹⁾ by the grace of God, of England France and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith

I Richarde KNAPTON of Donhead St Mary in the County of Wiltshire Gentleman, though sick in body yet of good and perfect remembrance, praise and thanks to Almighty God for the same Do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following:

Impremis: (In the first place) I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God, and hoping to receive pardon and remission at his hands for all my sins and offences committed in this world and to be saved, through the passion and blood shedding of his only son Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer / And My body I bequeath to the earth from whence it came.

Item: I give unto my daughter Annes towards her preferment in marriage one hundred pound, to be paid within 5 months next after the said Annes shall be married, and having the consent and good liking of my executors or the most part of them being living at the time of her said marriage, in her marriage and bestowing of her life.

Item: My Will mind and intent is that my son Raynaldo shall have and enjoy my tenement at Milborne Port ⁽²⁾ for the term of his life and for the lives of such wife and child as shall please God to to send him under the yearly rent of 20 shillings payable to my heirs /

And also I give and bequeath unto the said Reynaildo one hundred pounds of lawful English money, to be paid and delivered him in such convenient time after my decease, as to my executors and overseers shall seem best before which said estate for three lives I Will shall be made and granted by John COOMBE unto whom I caused the inheritance to be conveyed in trust to my use /


And after I Will that the said inheritance shall be conveyed by the said John COMBE or his heirs unto my son Albinus and to his heirs forever / Notwithstanding if it shall be thought convenient by my said son Albinus and my overseers and the most of them that the inheritance of the said tenement in Milborne Port shall be sold or otherwise disposed of discharged of the said trust or grant previously mentioned / Then my Will and mind is that the said Reynaildo shall receive in lieu and recompense thereof the sum of one hundred pounds over and besides the hundred pounds before given him. Both the hundred pounds shall be paid him within one year after my decease. /

And whereas there remains in the hands of Mr Richard ARNOLD the sum of eight score pounds as part of the marriage portion promised and agreed to be paid for his daughter with my son, My will and mind is and I give and bequeath unto my said son Albinus the sum of eight score pounds. /

Also my will mind and intent is that Margaret my wife shall have and take during her life the benefit and profit of two hundred pounds for and towards her maintenance of which said two hundred pounds my mind and will is that my said wife by her last will and testament or otherwise shall give and dispose the sum of one hundred pounds thereof unto and amongst such of her children or her children's children at her own will and pleasure as to her shall meet and convenient

And whereas I had many years very wrongfully and most unjustly in my conscience been vexed and troubled in suites of Law and touching the title of the Manor of Brockenhurst in the County of Southampton unto the utter undoing and overthrow of me and mine ⁽³⁾/ And albeit the same has heretofore received several trials on my behalf yet nevertheless the same rests still in question to my 'not small' charge being the only living and stey? (stay or support) of my son Albinus his wife and children / And although I fear nothing but the equity and justice of the cause will ever hereafter as heretofore it hath justified and cleared itself yet for that the practices and devices of men are such as directly or indirectly they will be contented by advantages or otherwise to get or obtain that which neither in Law nor conscience doth rightfully appertain unto them / And fearing least my son may hereinafter may receive hard measure being ignorant in the title and not so well able to make defence thereof as hitherto there hath by me done / Therefore by this my Last Will and Testament devise / That if the said Manor of Brockenhurst shall be evicted from my said son Albinus or his heirs / That then my said son Albinus or his heirs shall after the decease of my said wife have the fore said sum of one hundred pounds formerly appointed to the use of my wife during her life / And also I give and bequeath unto the said Albinus his heirs or assigns one hundred pounds more of lawful English money to be paid and delivered within 6 months next after the said Manor of Brockenhurst shall be lawfully evicted from the possession of the said Albinus his heirs or assigns and not otherwise / But if the title of the said Manor of Brockenhurst shall stand sure and firm, whereof I have no doubt Then my will and meaning is that the aforesaid sums of two hundred pounds mentioned to be given unto the said Albinus his heirs or assigns or any part thereof shall not be given paid or delivered unto the said Albinus his heirs or assigns But shall be otherwise disposed of as hereafter followeth vizt: The said hundred pounds limited to the use of my wife shall after her decease be paid and delivered unto my said son Raynaldo, the other hundred pounds remaining shall be disposed of by my Overseers or the most of them to and amongst my children's children where most need shall be as by their discretions shall see most best.


And my further Will and meaning is that if my said daughter Anne happen to die before marriage And if the said Manor of Brockenhurst happen to be evicted from my said son Albinus his heirs or assigns That Then the hundred pounds before mentioned to be given unto my said daughter Anne shall be and remain unto the said Albinus his executors and assigns.


And my further mind and intent is that if my said son Raynaldo by the consent of my said son Albinus and my Overseers shall fortune to have the said tenement of Milborne Port in form aforesaid and the said hundred pounds for his person Then if Brockenhurst shall be evicted from the said Albinus his heirs My Will and meaning is that the said Albinus or his heirs shall have the sum of one hundred pounds more there is before mentioned or bequeathed unto him to be paid unto him within one year next after such eviction /


And furthermore I Will and require the executors of this my Last Will and Testament That they or one of them do find and provide to and for Katherine my sister convenient and necessary meat, drink and apparel during her life, or otherwise at the will and pleasure of my said executors do give and pay unto her yearly during her life the sum of £4 of lawful English money To be paid by twenty shillings a quarter for and towards her maintenance

All the Residue of my goods and chattels moveable and unmovable my debts and legacies being paid and my funerals discharged I give and bequeath unto Margaret my wife and to Raynaldo my son whom I make joint executors of my last Will and Testament /

And I do hereby constitute and appoint John FFOYLE, Albinus KNAPTON, Thomas NEWMAN and John NICHOLAS to be Overseers of this my Last Will and Testament and I do desire them and every of them to be aiding and assisting to my said executors in and about the performance and execution of this my Last Will according to my true meaning in that behalf

In Witness: whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of John FFOYLE, Symon BUGDEN, William BROWNE and William SAVAGE the day and year above written

Signed: Richard KNAPTON

And my further mind and intent is that if my wife happen to decease before the first day of November next ensuing the date hereof until which time (my will is proved) Then I ordain and appoint my son Albinus to be executor with my said son Reynaldo saving always a liberty and power in my wife to dispose of her one hundred pounds as is within mentioned / And I wish there to be care specially taken for the payments of all such debts I owe that appear due and not already discharged willing and requiring my executors to make such allowance and contribution unto and with my son Albinus towards the defence of the title and suites in Law for the Manor of Brockenhurst as John FFOYLE shall thank fit which Albinus shall repay to them or some if them again if the same shall pass for the said Albinus / And I do will & straightly charge both my executors and also my son Albinus and all other my children / That shall or may have benefit by this Will or otherwise claim or challenge anything by reason of my death That they submit themselves to the order and determination of my overseers or the most part of them that no suites or questions in law may rise or grow between them even as ever they tender me or my son towards them

Signed Jo: FFOYLE; Edward CARDE W.B. ; Albinus KNAPTON

PROBATE: (Roughly translated from Latin) Probate of this written Testament was heard at London before the Venerable Magistrate William HENRY Doctor at Law of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury on the 14th day of November after oath taken by John Burrough Notary Public of Margaret Relict & Reynaldo KNAPTON son of the deceased and executors named in the testament to whom administration of the deceased estate was granted

John MUSSELL (d.1576) Altar Tomb - Steeple Langford Wiltshire

2.1.1. Nicholas MUSSELL Senior (d.1619) was the son and heir of John MUSSELL (d.1576) of Steeple Langford in the County of Wiltshire. The Parish church was standing in the 12th century and there is still an alter tomb in the church commemorating the life of his father John as pictured above. The History of the Manor of Steeple Langford ⁽⁵⁾ is interesting as it had been partitioned in the year 1310 into two moiety's, one held by Sir John de INGHAM and the other Reynold de St MARTIN. Thereafter it descended in separate lines until 1588. Reynold de St MARTIN's moiety eventually descended to Sir William Humphrey who sold it in the year 1557 to John MUSSELL. When he died in 1576 the moiety descended to his son Nicholas MUSSELL Senior (d.1619). Sir John de INGHAM's moiety however descended to Sir Walter Harcourt who sold it in 1581 to Richard KNAPTON (d.1597) So for 5 years Nicholas Mussell and Richard Knapton held the Manor of Steeple Langford between them and the two families inevitably became very close. In 1585 Richard KNAPTON sold his moiety to Thomas MOMPRESSON of Little Bathampton. Thomas died in 1587 and in 1588 his executors sold it to Nicholas MUSSELL who then re-united the two moieties. From Nicholas MUSSELL (d.1619) the Manor descended to his son Tristram MUSSELL (d.1624) and onto Tristram's son Nicholas MUSSELL who in 1628 sold it to Sir Richard GROBHAM.

As shown above Nicholas MUSSELL Senior married twice:- 1stly to Alicia POTICARIE also of Wiltshire and 2ndly to Maria DIRDO (DYRDO) of the County of Dorset.

2.1.2.Alicia POTICARIE, had seven children that we know of (not all stated above).

2.1.2.1. Tristram MUSSELL Senior (d.1624) was her eldest son who inherited Steeple Langford in 1619 and it was he that submitted the pedigree to the Heralds to formally confirm his Gentleman status. He also married twice 1stly to Anneliday KNAPTON (1572-1604) the daughter of Richard KNAPTON (d.1597) of Donhead St Mary who also held the manor of Brockenhurst in Southampton from at least 1581 but by 1623 when the visitation was taken Brockenhurst was held by Anneliday's elder brother Albinus KNAPTON (1568-1630). Follow link to Anneliday for more information about her and her children.

Tristram MUSSELL Senior married 2ndly to Brigett WHITAKER (d.1623) the daughter of Jefferey WHITAKER shortly after his first wife's death as there was a young baby to look after and two young boys. Brigett had 5 children of her own that we know of as shown below. The first 4 were baptised at Tisbury but he then moved to live in Steeple Langford after he inherited his fathers estate (probate being completed 14th December 1619) they probably moved in the second half of 1620.

(1) Katherine Mussell baptised at Tisbury on 17th April 1608 but she is in the visitation aged 15 in 1623; Left £250 in her father's Will in 1624 and an annual annuity of £10 until aged 21;.
(2) Tristram Mussell Junior bap Tisbury 7th May 1609 and said to have been buried there 8th May 1609 (I have not located any burials for 1609)
(3) Alicia (Alice) Mussell bap at Tisbury on 17th Mar 1611 and aged 12 in the visitation in 1623; Left £250 in her father's Will in 1624 and an annual annuity of £10 until aged 21;.
(4) Tristram Mussell the younger bap Tisbury 7th June 1620 and aged 3 in the visitation of 1623.
(5) Brigett Mussell, Visitation states 3 months old in 1623. She was baptised at Steeple Langford on 25th May 1623 and left in her father's will in 1624 £250 and an annual annuity of £10 until she reached the aged 21

Tristram MUSSELL died on the 5th and was buried at the church in Steeple Langford on 8th July 1624. There is a wooden memorial to him in All Saints church at Steeple Langford which survives and was erected to his memory by his son Nicholas his son and heir by his first wife Anneliday Knapton in 1626. He left a Will PROB 11/145 dated 21 June 1624 & proved 2 Feb 1624/5 where he asks to be buried at Steeple Langford and made many bequests. Among them he refers to an indenture dated 18th Jan in the 4th year of the Reign of James I which commenced on 24th March 1605 and ran to 23rd March 1606. It is dated therefore 18th Jan 1606. This provides a yearly rent of £34 issuing out of his lands at Langford which is conveyed in trust for the benefit of his late wife Bridgett . She was buried at Steeple Langford on 16th June 1623.

2.1.2.2. Bridgett MUSSELL was Alicia's eldest daughter is shown above as 'ux' (i.e. the wife) of Reign (Renaldo) Napton (KNAPTON) of Charl. (i.e.Charlton in the parish of Donhead St Mary) iuxta (near) the town of Shaftsbury. Renaldo KNAPTON (1570-1641) was Anneliday's 2nd eldest brother. Follow link for more information about their family.

2.1.2.3. Margaret MUSSELL Alicia's 2nd eldest daughter is shown above as the wife of John MAY also of Steeple Langford.

2.1.2.4. Elizabeth MUSSELL shown as the wife of Robert Goulsborow (GOULDESBOROUGH)(d.1632) of Shruleton (Shrewton) in Wiltshire. They were married at Steeple Langford in Wiltshire on 4th Jan 1608 and had 5 children bap Shrewton:- Nicholas bap 21 Sep 1609, he married a Maria c 1633; Elizabeth bap 15 Sep 1611 who married at Shrewton to Johes (John) SLADE 19 Sep 1631; William bap 11 Apr 1613; Mary bap 1st June 1615 who married Richard SLADE at Shrewton on 20 Feb 1636; Melior bap 14 Jan 1617. Robert wrote his will 30th Sep 1632 which was Proved 2nd Jan 1632/3 when Elizabeth living. Robert GOULDESBOROUGH was buried at Shrewton on 3rd Oct 1632.

2.1.2.5. Nicholas MUSSELL [Note:- There is no reference to her 2nd son Nicholas MUSSELL Junior who is a beneficiary under his father's will dated 1619.]

2.1.2.6. Christopher MUSSELL who has taken to wife Jana (Jane) CLARE and by 1623 they already have a daughter Maria.

2.1.2.7. John MUSSELL the Elder

2.1.3. Maria DYRDO Nicholas Mussell's 2nd wife was a native of Gillingham in Dorset where the Dyrdo family has lived for generations. She married a Thomas APRICE who died and the only reason I know this is because she married Nicholas MUSSELL in her home parish of Gillingham on 4th July 1591 and the marriage entry recorded that Nicholas came from the Parish of Steeple Langford in Wiltshire. Wiltshire Parish Registers have been transcribed on ancestry.com but they have another older file 'Wiltshire England, Marriages 1538-1837' and this also contains stray marriages where the bride or groom came from Wiltshire but married out of the County and I found reference to it there. This alerted me to the fact that the Gillingham marriage had survived (Registers start in 1559) so I searched long and hard on-line but like so many before me could not locate it. I therefore had to search the Gillingham image file itself and I discovered that the appropriate entry was first of all wrongly recorded as a baptism instead of a marriage and secondly Nicholas's surname was wrongly entered as Aprice, I have now submitted an amendment. It is image 130 of 613 under Gillingham Baptisms, Marriage, and Burials file 1538-1812 and page 130 relates to the year 1591. It is written in Latin so hard to read but states 'On the 4th day of July Nicholas MUSSELL of Steeplelangforde in the County of Wiltes [Wiltshire] gentleman has taken to wife Maria APRICE the widow of Thome [Thomas] APRICE gentlemen defunct (deceased). This is an important document as it demonstrates that there is a direct link to Gillingham which will also later have relevance to the Knapton family and it provides primary evidence that Dyrdo as shown in the visitation was in fact her maiden name.

Maria had 2 children - 1stly Jerome MUSSELL (d.1670) who is listed here as the 4th son of Nicholas Mussell. Jerome MUSSELL married at Iwerne Courtney in Dorset to Judith FOYLE(1600-1670) referred to as the daughter of James Foyle on 22nd Sep 1619. Her baptism at Iwerne Courtney was on 15th March 1600/1 but has been incorrectly recorded only showing her fathers name. The entry states " James FFoyle had a woman child baptized the xv^th Daye of Marche by the name of Judythe". They raised a family of 3 sons and five daughters initially at Iwerne Courtney where his son and heir Nicholas Mussell was baptised on 19th Aug 1621. Jerome is important as when his brother-in-law Renaldo KNAPTON died in 1641 he undertook for his widowed sister Bridgett KNAPTON listing all their possessions which he completed in his own handwriting and then submitted the inventory to the Court. Jerome also left a Will dated 23rd July 1669⁽⁸⁾ wherein he is described as being of Little Langford in Wiltshire. With it is an inventory of his possessions taken after his death and dated 17th May 1670. He left a small bequest to each of his children and left the rest to his widow Judith who is made sole executrix. Judith also wrote her Will that year on 9th Aug 1670 and an inventory is again attached dated after her death on 3rd Oct 1670. John MUSSELL Maria's second child listed above was the youngest son of Nicholas Mussell.

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Will of Nicholas MUSSELL (d.1619) of Steeple Langford Wiltshire Dated: 5th November 1619: Probate: 14th December 1619. Wiltshire Archives Ref P2/M/278 Probate Archdeaconry of Salisbury.



Nicholas MUSSELL (d.1619) wrote his Will on 5th Nov 1619 and died almost immediately as it was proved before the official Henry Hungerford at Sarum shortly after on 14th Dec 1619. From his Will and the Visitation of Wiltshire we know Nicholas Mussell had at least 9 children. Of the 6 witnesses present at his death two were his sons Christopher and Jerome Mussell. Nicholas Mussell made many bequests starting with his children which appear to be in order of birth, males first:- Son Nicholas is left £20; John the elder another of my sons is left £40; Christopher one other of my sons is left £40; Jerome one other of my sons is left £40; John Mussell my youngest son is left one hundred and threescore pounds to be employed for his best behoof by my executor. Clearly he is under age and unusually we have two John's but one by each wife. He then gives to Nicholas Mussell the son of Tristram MUSSELL my son 15s; to John Mussell one other of his sons 20s; to Mary Mussell the daughter of Tristram my son 20s; to Alice one other of the daughters of Tristram my son 20s; We know from the Bishops Transcripts that his son Tristram MUSSELL was later buried at Steeple Langford on 8th July 1624 and there is a wooden monument to the death of Tristram MUSSELL (d.1624) his son in All Saints Church in Steeple Langford. He and his children are of immediate interest as he married Renaldo KNAPTON Senior's sister Anelada. We are denied their marriage registration (also circa 1600) for the same reasons given below regarding her brother Renaldo.

Nicholas MUSSELL (d1619 then makes the following important bequests demonstrating just how close the two families were (Nicholas made many other bequests for example to the May Family children of his daughter Margaret.:-

Item: I give Renaldo KNAPTON the son of Renaldo KNAPTON of Melbury 20 shillings -
Item: I give unto Tristram KNAPTON one other of his sons 20 shillings -
Item: I give unto Martha Knapton the daughter of the aforesaid Renaldo Knapton 60s.
Item: I give unto Elizabeth Knapton one other of his daughters 20s -
Item: I give unto Mary Knapton one other of his daughters 20s
Item: I give unto Bridget Knapton one other of his daughters 20s

2.2.1 John FOYLE married Millicent the daughter of John REVES (RYVES) of Rendelston (Ranston in Iwerne Courtney) in Dorset at St Mary's church on 3rd September 1616. Millicent's family and descendants from her siblings is recorded on page 59 of the Visitation of Dorset taken in 1677. Children:-
John Foyle (1617- ) son and his heir, was baptised at Iwerne Courtney 7th Aug 1617.
George Foyle (1618-1618) bap Iwerne Courtney 5th Dec 1618, buried 7th Dec 1618
Robert Foyle (see 1623 Dorset Visitation addenda)
Mary Foyle (see 1623 Dorset Visitation addenda)


2.2.2. Mary FOYLE;

2.2.3. Edith FOYLE who married Robert MASON

2.2.4. Rachell FOYLE

2.2.5 William FOYLE (2nd son) who married Anne daughter of Richard PERRY (PACEY Hampshire Visitation?) of Yorkshire,

2.2.6. Henry FOYLE (3rd son) who married Christian daughter of Richard GOULDSTONE of Alderbury in Wiltshire and they have two children listed (Henry and a daughter). From the Oxford Alumni 'Henry Foyle subscribed 27th May 1614 probably a barrister at law at the Middle Temple 1623 recorded as the 3rd son of John FOYLE of Shaftsbury Dorset Gentleman. (See Foster's Judges and Barristers)'.

2.2.7. Richard FOYLE (4th son)

3.1 Mary KNAPTON (1564 - ) As stated at para 2.2 above Mary is not mentioned in her fathers will but we are aware of her existence as she married John FOYLE of Shaftsbury in Dorset and she appears on his pedigree recorded in the 1634 Visitation of Hampshire (Page 208) where she is described as Mary daughter of Richard KNAPTON of Brockenhurst in the County of Southampton and appears to have had 7 children (as shown at the end of the section above). The absence of any provision in Richard Knapton's Will for Mary, and given that the Dorset Visitation shows that her grandson John FOYLE was aged 16 in 1633 (hence born 1617) means that Mary would already have had her dowry at marriage and likely to have been an earlier child than the three listed in Richard's Will.

I am aware that a family tree on ancestry gives her baptism as Tisbury, the same as her siblings, and a precise date of 16th March 1564. I am grateful for this because I doubt I would have located it without this prior knowlege. The parish registers for Tisbury for 1563/1565 are very badly water damaged and our entry is not indexed because of this. Half way down the page it is possible to see the start of baptisms for the year 1564 on the left, Anno Domini in the centre, followed by the word March. This may have been because in the 16th Century the start of the calendar year varied according to the scribe and often started on 25th March but here higher up on the page and in following pages it is clear the scribe was using 1st January, so the assumption must be that there were no baptisms in January & February. Our entry is the third (rather squashed together by water damage - a son followed by 2 daughters) It states 'Mary the daughter of Richard KNAPTON' but I cannot make out the day.

3.2 Albinus KNAPTON (1568-1630) Gentleman, was the elder son and baptised at St John the Baptist's Church at Tisbury on 2nd April 1568. He was educated at Exeter College Oxford where he matriculated aged 18 on 8th July 1586. He had already received his inheritance in the shape of the Manor of Brockenhurst in the County of Southampton (Hampshire) before his father's death in 1597 but is still a residual legatee in his fathers will. The Victoria County History for Hampshire ⁽⁴⁾ states that Alban Knapton was also holding the neighbouring Manor of Brookley by 1629 and was succeeded by his son Robert and grandson William⁽¹²⁾ respectively. The Parish Registers for St Nicholas Church at Brockenhurst record his burial as being on 4th Nov 1630. Albinus described as a Gentleman of Brockenhurst also left a Will dated 11th Oct 1630 which was proved on 27th June 1631 (PROB 11/160) which identifies his wife Mary (bur.1640) (Note: the daughter of Richard ARNOLD see his father's Will above) and children Robert⁽¹⁰⁾, Marye, Grace, Ralph⁽¹¹⁾, Richard, Alban⁽¹³⁾, Thomas and his two younger sons Barnard & Andrew who are executors. British History on line has an entry under Brockenhurst - Manor "Richard KNAPTON was holding the Manor in 1582. It was next held by Alban KNAPTON his son, who was in turn succeeded by his son Robert in 1630 and William KNAPTON son of the latter was the next and last member of this family to hold the Manor --- he sold the Manor in 1700". Albinus therefore had at least 9 children possibly more if some died in infancy. His widow Mary was buried with him on 24th Sep 1640. A coat of Arms is displayed in the VCH account of The Manor of Brockenhurst for the family of KNAPTON which in a chevron shows 5 trees (presumably to represent the New Forest wherein it is situated) within 3 chaplets. I have not located this in any other work eg. Burkes Commoners or Landed Gentry etc.

3.3 Renaldo KNAPTON Senior (1570-1641) Yeoman, (I have added Senior for sake of clarity). As a second son he did not attend University but is later described as a Yeoman of Charlton in Donhead St Mary Wiltshire. He was baptised at Tisbury on 19th April 1570 and left in his fathers Will £100 and a tenement in Milbourne Port in Somerset for an annual rent of 20 shillings payable to his father's heirs. At that time (1597) Renaldo was still unmarried.

Marriage: I have not located a suitable marriage which would have occurred around the turn of the century. I think the main reason is because many of the most likely parish records have not survived. Parish Registers for Donhead St Mary for example only survive from 1678 and Bishops Transcripts from 1622. A few fragments of Tisbury marriages survive and images are on ancestry.com, but none for around the turn of the century. The CLDS Data Base does seem to hold some marriages for Tisbury but none for the Family of Knapton, and it is not clear where their transcribed records originate. Hampshire records have simply not been transcribed onto Ancestry.com. There are some CLDS transcriptions but no marriage for a Renaldo Knapton nor is there a marriage at Brockenhurst recorded on the Knightroots website.

Bride: It is clear however from the Wiltshire Visitation of 1623 that he married a Bridget MUSSELL about the turn of the century. I refer to Renaldo's Knapton's Will in more detail below, but of interest here is the Inventory attached to it dated 1st January 1640/41. Unusually it is signed by 3 people (usually only 2 who are required to be unrelated to the family). John Brockway and William Freeman (illiterate) appear to have undertaken that role. The 1st signatory however, and from the handwriting it looks like he actually drew up the list and the others simply added their signatures, was Jerome MUSSELL who is Bridget's youngest stepbrother. They are two of at least 9 children of Nicholas MUSSELL (d.1619) of Steeple Langford in Wiltshire which lies about 10 miles north east of Tisbury.

Occupation: There is one small glimpse of him in 1629 when he signed the copy of the parish register sent to the Bishop at the end of that year in his capacity of Churchwarden in Donhead St Mary. In his Will written in 1639 he describes himself as a Yeoman of Charlton within the parish of Donhead St Mary. Charlton was a small tything in the parish and he probably rented one of the 21 farms there. It must have been a reasonable size however given that his Will refers to him growing corn, raising sheep and cows and owning oxen, and horses.

Will: Renaldo did write a Will which unlike his father and brother's Wills, it is not at the National Archives but held at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre and I have transcribed it below. It has a full inventory of all his goods and chattels attached which shows that he was a wealthy man.

The Will if Renaldo KNAPTON (1570-1641) with an Inventory of his Goods & Chattels
Yeoman of Donhead St Mary Wiltshire

Dated 16th Nov 1639: Held Wiltshire Archives Ref P2/K/169: Proved 1st June 1641

In the name of God Amen I Renaldo KNAPTON (I have termed Senior) of Charlton within the parish of Donhead St Mary in the county of Wiltshire Yeoman, being of good and perfect remembrance, God be praised do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following

That is to say I First: I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God my Maker and Redeemer assuredly hoping his mercy and the merits of my Salvation to have remission of all my sins and be made made & taken of everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven and my body to be buried in a descent manner.

Item: I give to the parish Church of Donhead aforesaid 10 shillings

Item: I give to the Chapel of Charlton 10 shillings

Item: I give to the poor of the said parish 20 shillings

Item: I give to the servants in house 10 shillings each

Item: I give to my cousin Charles COOMBE a doublet and breeches, a coat and hat, hose and shoes. {Note:-Charles COOMBES had in fact married in Tisbury on 10th May 1636 to Mary BURDEN, suggesting that Richard KNAPTON had other children than the four listed here.]

Item: I give unto my cousin Mary CLARK a feather bed, bolster, two blankets, a coverledd which is in her truckle bed in the chamber over the kitchen.

Item: I give unto my son Renaldo KNAPTON (I have termed Junior see para 3.3.1.below) the silver bowl and the silver spoons, but my will is that my wife should have her use of them during her life.

Item: I give unto my son Tristram KNAPTON (See para 3.3.2. below) £20 and the parcel-gilt salt with the ???er

Item: I give unto my grandchild Renaldo SHARP the ten^?? sheep which I lately bought of William Haywood.

Item: I give unto my son Renaldo the feather bed which is in the chamber over the kitchen with the bolster blanket and rug thereto belonging And the rest of the beds and bedding with the pewter, brass and linen I give and bequeath unto my children to be equally divided amongst them. But my will and meaning is that my wife have the use & benefit thereof during her life And for the other household stuff not to be removed but left unto my Rentioner?

Item: I give unto my Son-in-law PYTFOLD [Pitfold] my oxen, kyne, horse beasts and young beasts, sheep & corn, but my will is that my wife shall have the use and benefit of the kyne and one half of the corn which I now have growing and to be sown in the common fields in Charlton during her life". [Note:- I have come across the Pytfolde family of Donhead St Mary before when I was researching the Pitfield Families of Fordington in 2015 so I was already aware that Robert PITFIELD (1609-1680) had married Mary KNAPTON. (See also para 3.3.5 below].

And as this is my Last Will and Testament I make my wife my Executrix And I do appoint John SHARP and Renaldo KNAPTON Overseers to whom I give 20 shillings each for witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 16th day of November 1639.

Signed: Ren: KNAPTON (1639)

Forth? "20 formerly given to my son Tristram it is to be wasted out of my portion that I gave to my son (-in-law) PYTFOLD.

PROBATE: Amazingly there does not appear to have been any witnesses recorded so technically could not have been valid, but Probate appears (my Latin is not good enough for a proper translation) to have been granted on the reverse of the Will before Thomas HYDE Doctor of Law (probably London) to his executrix on 1st June 1641 she having to submit a true inventory into the Court at Sarum. It needs to be remembered that this was during the run up to the Civil War which were very troubled times with the 1st & 2nd Bishops Wars in 1639 and 1640, the fiasco of the Short Parliament during the spring of 1640, and The Irish Rebellion of 1641. Only 6 months after probate was granted Charles I attempted on 4th Jan 1641/2 to arrest members of the Long Parliament who escaped and the King fled London to raise his standard at Nottingham. I have not transcribed the Inventory of goods drawn up by Jerome Mussell and properly witnessed and signed but it can be viewed on ancestry.com where it again appears to have been exhibited at Sarum on the same date 1st June 1641.

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CHILDREN of Renaldo KNAPTON Senior (1570-1641) & Bridget MUSSELL.

3.3.1 Renaldo KNAPTON Junior (1602- 1666/7) He was baptised 8 miles west of Donhead St Mary in the parish church of St Mary the Virgin at Gillingham in Dorset on 21st March 1602. He received a bequest in 1619 from Nicholas MUSSELL of 20 shillings. He married to Cassandra SPARROWE in St Michael's Church in the parish of Stinsford on 29th March 1627. He is the main beneficiary under his father's will in 1641 and is left, after his mother's death, a silver bowl with silver spoons, the feather bed in the chamber over the kitchen with the bolster, blankets and rug thereto belonging. [His life, Family & descendants are covered in Section 4 below]

3.3.2 Tristram KNAPTON MA (1604-1682) Gentleman. He received a bequest in 1619 from Nicholas MUSSELL of 20 shillings; Described as the son of Rainoldi Knapton in the Oxford Alumni as of Melburie in Dorset pleb matriculated at Wadham College Oxford on 21st June 1622 aged 18. He was awarded a BA degree by Hart Hall Oxford on 18th Dec 1626 & MA 13th June 1629. He is recorded on the Clergy of the church of England database (CCEd) as having joined the church being ordained as a Priest on 19th Dec 1629 and was Curate of East Knoyle Salisbury 1629-1633. He was then appointed as Rector of St Mary's Church at Chickerell in Dorset on 18th July 1633. Tristram married a Miss Anne PARHAM at St Thomas Church in Salisbury on 16th Sep 1633 and both the original baptism register & bishops transcripts confirm that they had a daughter Anne named after her mother baptised at St Edmonds Church in Salisbury on 24th Aug 1634. He is a beneficiary under his fathers will in 1641 receiving £20 and a gilt salt with the salver and subscribed to the Act of Uniformity as resident Rector at Chickerell on 19th August 1662. He was replaced as Rector by Rev. John Cole on 4th Oct 1682. Parish Registers however have not survived for this period. Tristram died intestate and a listing of his debts and an inventory of his goods survives in the Bristol Consistitory Court dated 1683 [Ref B6/I/K47] which confirms that Katherine Hammell alias Knapton is Administratrix where she itemises among many others a payment made to Tristram Knapton son of the deceased; a payment to Mr Jones of Dorchester a woollen Draper for shop goods, To Robert Hammell for tobacco. The inventory dated 19th June 1682 was exhibited on 2nd Dec 1683. There is also a record of an oath taken & laying her hands upon the bible before Henry Jones Doctor of Law in Bristol Consistitory Court by Katherine Hammell alias Knapton the daughter of Tristram Rector of Chickerell that he left no will dated 19th June 1682 and to undertake to well and truly administer his estate.

3.3.3 Martha KNAPTON ( c 1606-bef 1645) She received a bequest in 1619 from Nicholas MUSSELL of 60 shillings; Martha married John THORPE at St John the Baptist Church at Donhead St Mary with Charlton Church in Wiltshire on 28th November 1626. They had a son Renaldo Thorpe baptised at Donhead St Mary on 18th Nov 1627. John Thorpe wrote his will 30th April 1645 when he is described as a Gentleman of New Sarum (Salisbury) it names sons Roger Thorpe, Renaldo Thorpe who is left among other things Bishop Mills at New Sarum and John Thorpe who is executor, also his sister Joane Udall. Will (Proved 25 Aug 1645)

3.3.4 Elizabeth KNAPTON (c 1608- aft 1641) She received a bequest in 1619 from Nicholas MUSSELL of 20 shillings; Elizabeth married Edmond BOLES at Donhead St Mary in Wiltshire on 9th April 1632. They settled to live in the nearby parish of Hindon Wiltshire and had a daughter Elizabeth baptised on 3rd Feb 1632 and a son Edmond recorded as Edmond the son of Edmond Boles & Elizabeth his wife baptised the 28th Sep 1634; followed by Bridget on 14th day of February 1635; Anne bap on 4th Feb 1637; Richard on 7th June 1640; Martha bap on 23rd Oct 1641;

3.3.5 Mary KNAPTON (c 1610-aft 1636) She received a bequest in 1619 from Nicholas MUSSELL of 20 shillings; Mary married Robert PITFOLD / PITFIELD (c.1609- 1680) the son of Sebastian PITFIELD (c.1570-1613) in the original church of St Mary's at Charlton Marshall in Dorset on 19th May 1627. Charlton Marshall lies 15 miles directly south of Donhead St Mary just beyond Blandford. The Quarter Sessions held at Blandford Forum in 1663 appointed Robert PITFOLD as Constable of the hundred of Godderthorne ⁽¹⁷⁾. Robert PITFIELD was buried at Donhead St Mary on 30th Nov 1680. Children:-

3.3.5.1. Mary Pitfield (c1628- ) married Fardinando Meggs (1631-1707) who had been baptised on 28th Apr 1631 at Donhead St Mary the son of William Meggs. Parish Registers for Donhead have not survived prior to 1678 and Bishops transcripts are missing 1639-1667 but Fardinado and Mary had a daughter they had named Mary Meggs after her mother who was buried at Shaftsbury in Dorset on 18th Sep 1657. Another daughter Judeth Meggs baptism is on the first surviving page for St John the Baptists Church in Donhead St Mary on 26th Apr 1668. 1670 is again missing but a Mary the daughter of Ferdinando & Mary Meggs was buried at Donhead 6th Dec 1672. Ferdinado's brother William Meggs wrote his Will on 10th Nov 1683 (not proved until 21st Apr 1697) in which he describes himself as a gentleman of Donhead St Mary. He left his brother Ferdinando 1 shilling which is just a standard legal ploy of the time to show that he was considered and could not therefore contest the Will. Ferdinando Meggs was buried at Donhead St Mary Wiltshire 9th Nov 1707.

3.3.5.2. Renaldo Pitfield (c 1630-1700) he married Margaret Utber (1618-1694) c 1661 at Barnsham Suffolk. There is a memorial in St Michael's Church Beccles Waverley Suffolk:-
"In memory of the just is blessed at the front entrance of ye north porch lieth the body of Margaret, wife of Renaldo Pitfield of Beccles Gent who died July 3rd Anno Dom 1694 aged 76 and just left to the entrance lieth the body of Renaldo son of Sebastian Pitfield who died December ---(extra text added to the memorial at a later date) ---- and in the middle of this porch lyeth the body of Renaldo Pitfield Gent who died ye xx (20th) of June 1700"

3.3.5.3. Sebastian Pitfield (1632-1702) baptised Donhead St Mary Wiltshire 21 Oct 1632. He married Christian Meadon (1641-1715) at Chaldon Herring in Dorset on 21 Feb 1665/6. Settled Fordington Dorset c1685, follow link for more information about this family.

3.3.5.4. Thomas Pitfield (c1634-1665) became a Haberdasher by trade. Died in the parish of St Maryle-Savoy le Strand in London. Married a Frances FISHER. Made a nuncupative Will (PROB 11/316) on 2nd May 1665 in which he left £2 to his father to buy him a ring (his father did not die until 1680) ; to his brother (in-law) Fardinando Meggs (married to his sister Mary) his children £15 to be divided between them, not to be payed into his hands without he give security to my brother (in-law) Horder (married to his sister Martha) ; £5 to John Copper of Shalton ; £2 to his brothers Sebastian and Renaldo Pitfield one pound each to buy a ring; To my brothers-in-laws Henry and William Fisher one pound each for a ring; To my kinsman Justine Pitfield of Hogsden and his wife each of them one pound to buy rings; To my kinsman Tristram Knapton (his mothers brother Tristram or his son) one pound to buy a ring; To my kinsman William Meggs one pound to buy a ring stating that was all he would give away in the presence of Frances Pitfield relict and Tristram Knapton.

3.3.5.5. Martha Pitfield (c1636-1698) married c 1660 to a yeoman Robert Horder of Charlton in the parish of Donhead St Mary Wiltshire and they had a daughter Elizabeth baptised at Donhead St Mary on 31st May 1668. Unfortunately she died an infant being buried there on 14th Jan 1669/70. Martha Horder nee Pitfield, described as the wife of Robert Horder was buried at Donhead St Mary on July 2nd 1698. Robert Horder wrote


3.3.6.Bridgett KNAPTON (c 1612-1633) She received a bequest in 1619 from Nicholas MUSSELL of 20 shillings and was buried at Donhead St Mary on 6th July 1633 recorded in the burial register as ' Bridgett the daughter of Ronaldo KNAPTON was buried vi^th of July' .

3.4 Anelada [Anne, Anneliday] KNAPTON (1572- 1604) The youngest child baptised as Anelada Knapton the daughter of Richard Knapton at Tisbury on 3rd of August 1572. Referred to as Anne(s) in her fathers will she is left £100 towards her preferment in marriage to be paid 5 months after her wedding provided she has the content and liking of his executors. Recorded as Anneliday in the Pedigree of Nicholas Mussell in the Visitation of Wiltshire taken in 1623, she married Tristram MUSSELL (d.1624) son and heir of Nicholas MUSSELL (d.1619) of Steeple Langford about the year 1600. Anelada seems to have died very soon after the birth to her last child Maria who was baptised at Tisbury on 4th Nov 1604. The visitation gives her age as being 16 years in 1623 (i.e.born 1607) but that seems highly unlikely as Tristram had remarried by the first half of 1607, and had his first child by his 2nd wife Brigetta Whitaker baptised at Tisbury on 17th April 1608. What's more he refers in his Will in 1624 to an indenture dated 18th Jan in the 4th year of the Reign of James I which commenced on 24th March 1605 and ran to 23rd March 1606. It is dated therefore 18th Jan 1606. This provides a yearly rent of £34 issuing out of his lands at Langford which is conveyed in trust for the benefit of his late wife Bridgett which means negotiations for his 2nd marriage was almost certainly in hand by late 1605. The most likely explanation is that Anelada died as a result of complications during or immediately after giving birth. The Pedigree shows that Anneliday had three children:-


3.4.1. Nicholas Mussell (1601- ?) as described in the visitation as their son and heir and aged 22 in 1623. Matriculated at Harts Hall Oxford 24th Oct 1617 aged 16; Student of Middle Temple 1618; BA 3rd Feb 1620/1; MA 23rd June 1623; Baptised Tisbury 27th April 1601. Main beneficiary under his fathers Will in 1624 left all my Manor of Steeple Langford and Lands etc in Wiltshire. Probably married c1626 as child Nicholas son of Nicholas Mussell bap Steeple Langford 19 Aug 1627 ; Margaretta daughter of Nicholas Mussell bap Steeple Langford 10 Nov 1633.

3.4.2. John Mussell (1602 - ?) described in the visitation as their son and heir and aged 22 in 1623. Baptised Tisbury 18th July 1602; Bequests in his father Tristram's Will in 1624 when he is referred to as his 2nd son- left the Tenement and two yard lands he was living in in Steeple Langford and which had been conveyed to him by his brother Nicholas MUSSELL together with £100 of English money and 4th best featherbed and feather bolster, with a pair of blankets, and a coverled suitable thereto and a pair of sheets.

3.4.3. Maria Mussell (1604- ?) described in the visitation as aged 16 [18/19?] in 1623. Baptised Tisbury 4th Nov 1604; Left £250 in her father's Will in 1624 and an annual annuity of £10 until aged 21;

MIGRATRION FROM WILTSHIRE TO DORSET - By 1627

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4. Renaldo KNAPTON Junior (1602 - 1666/7)

Keeper of the Dorchester Gaol


Marriage entry in the Parish Register for St Michael's Church Stinsford for the year 1627 ⁽⁷⁾
'Rinaldo Knapton and Cassandra Sparrowe weare married the xxix^th of March'

1629, Aug 8. Dorset. Whereas I have lately received a Commission of Rebellion, a writ of assistance, and another writ upon the statute of Northampton to disarm divers persons which are in the said Commission of Rebellion. These are therefore to will and require you whose names are hereunder written, and twenty other more sufficient persons, housholders, inhabitants of the town of Dorchester which my undersherrif shall and doth nominate, appoint and warn to come and appear personally before me at the sign of the 'Lyon' at Shaftsbury within the County on Wednesday next, being the twelveth day of the month of August, by two of the clock in the afternoon the same day at the furthestr time, and there to be ready with your necessary and sufficient arms to attend and be assisting unto me in all things dilligently as becometh you and every of you according unto the said writs and my command on that behalf, whereof fail you not as you tender his Majesty's service, and will answer the contrary at your uttermost peril. Given under my hand and seal this 8 day of August Ano 5 Regal year of Charles 1629.

Thomas Sill, Vic: (+) Renaldo KNAPTON, undersherrif; Richard Blachford, merchant; William Whiteway Junior, merchant; Bailiffs of the town of Dorchester or one of them to come; (+) Henry MABER, Clothier, Constable; (+) Dennis BOND, merchant; John PARKINS, marchant; (+)Joseph PATY, Clothier; William PATY , clothier; &c. More warned by Robert WARMAN, the sherrif's Bailiff, by virtue of the said warrant [34 more name followed] People marked with (+) went accordingly.

Quarter Sessions held at Shaston on 12th, 13th and 14th July 1663 (Image 32 of 235 in Order Books): An Inventory of Irons Fetters & Gives belonging to the County and now in the custody of Renaldo KNAPTON Keeper taken by Mr. John RANDLE Clerk of the poor of this County 15th July 1664 by an order of Sessions:-

Impremis: Fifteen pairs of Iron Handbolts
Item: One small Iron chain of 27 links
Item: One pair of cross bolt fetters
Item: One pair of Irons called the Taylor's Sheeres [Shears]
Item: Four and twenty pairs of Fetters, brazills & chains
Item: Five Horselocks & two and twenty door locks & keys
Item: One Tableboard in the Hall
Item: One Cupboard in the Kitchen

Quarter Sessions held at Beaminster 4th Oct 1663 (Image 40 of 235 in Order Books): This Court having taken into consideration of the Commissioning of a Furnace in the Common Gaol of this County for the brewing of small beer for the prison there, they being forced to pay excessive prices for it being deprived of materials for brewing in the said gaol, And this being Court being credibly informed that the charge for acquiring the said Furnace will amount to the sum of thirteen pounds thirteen shillings & eight pence besides brewing vessels and other materials which Mr Renaldo KNAPTON present Keeper of the said Gaol hath promised to procure; It is therefore ordered by this Court that the Treasurer for the Western part of this County do pay unto Mr Renaldo KNAPTON or his assigns the said sum of thirteen pounds thirteen shillings & eight pence payment whereof this will be his discharge, The said Mr KNAPTON giving such security to this Court for the delivery of the said Furnace if at any time hereafter he shall be displaced of his said office of Gaolership as this Court at the next general Sessions of the Peace to be held for this County this Court shall allow of.

(4.1) Thomas Knapton the Elder (1628-1685) - Keeper of the Dorchester Gaol: was baptised All Saints Church in Dorchester in 1628 - The Rev. Robert Cheek (1572-1627) the highly respected Rector of All Saints and great friend to Rev John White (1575-1648) had just died on 8th Oct 1627. We do not know when in 1628 baptism took place but given that Hutchins lists him as last of the 3 prominent baptisms that year it is likely to have been the latter half of 1628. It's possible the baptism may been undertaken by Rev Samuel Whitefield, who was assistant to Robert Cheek, and appointed Rector of All Saints on 11th Jan 1627/8. Tragically however Samuel died in July 1628 and his replacement was Rev John Ball (1591-1648), cousin of Rev John White, who was appointed Rector on 22nd Nov 1628. If baptism actually fell between July and Nov 1628 I think it highly likely that baptism was carried out by Rev John White as he was in control of the appointments for Robert Cheek's replacement and renowned for stepping into the breach.

His life, family and descendants is covered in Section 5 Below

(4.2) Richard Knapton (c.1630-1677) Thought to have been baptised All Saints Church circa 1630 - The Rev John Ball resigned as rector of All Saints and had returned to his former parish of Langton Matravers by 7th May 1629. Although Richard's baptism date is unknown a reasonable estimate is around 1630, 2 years after Thomas, which means in all probability the baptism was carried out by the Rev William Benn (1600-1680) who was appointed by Rev. John White with the blessing of the Corporation as Rector on 5th August 1629. This then maybe when Renaldo Knapton came into contact with William Benn and despite Renaldo having been a Royalist he clearly held Benn in some regard when in 1662 he fell foul of the Act of Uniformity and was ejected from Dorchester. David Underdown in his book 'Fire from Heaven' (page 234) states "Renaldo Knapton had been reappointed Keeper of the County Gaol, and in March 1662 the churchwardens reduced the rent for his pew because of his civility and courtesy to Mr Benn". The main surviving documents about Richard and his family are his Will and the baptisms of some of his children.

Richard Knapton settled at Compton Abbas which is situated just 4 miles due south of Shaftsbury on the main route south to Dorchester via Blandford. A perfectly understandable location with the Family gradually migrating south from Steeple Langford (19 miles north east of Shaftsbury), Tisbury (9 miles NE of Shaftsbury) (Donhead St Mary (4 miles E), and Gillingham (5 miles NW). The key evidence linking him to this family however is Robert PITFIELD (1609-1680) witnessing the Will in 1677. The Pitfield Family was also to migrate south from Donhead St Mary in Wiltshire as Robert Pitfield was married to Mary Knapton (b.1610) at Charlton Marshall in Dorset in 1627. Their son Sebastian PIFIELD (1632-1702) was baptised at Donhead St Mary in Wiltshire on 21st Oct 1632 and he married Christian Meadon (1641- 1715) at Chaldon Herring in Dorset on 21st Feb 1665/6 and raised a family of seven children in Chaldon Herring and Broadmayne before the family finally settled in Fordington in about 1685.

Richard KNAPTON in his Will leaves everything to his wife who is also made Executrix, but helpfully he appoints his brother-in-law Thomas GOULD as one of his Overseers. His wife's maiden name was therefore GOULD. They have 2 children baptised together at Compton Abbas :- "Richard KNAPTON & Walter KNAPTON ye children of Richard KNAPTON & Joanne his wyfe were Xend (i.e. Christ-end) October 3rd 1672. He therefore had married Joane GOULD. Richard KNAPTON was buried at Compton Abbas 3rd Oct 1677.

Will of Richard KNAPTON (c1630-1677) of Compton Abbas
Dated 19th Sep 1677. Dorset Wills DHC Ref Ad/Dt/W/1677: Buried 3rd Oct 1677: Probate 29th Oct 1677
In the name of God Amen I Richard KNAPTON of Compton Abbas in the County of Dorset being sick in body yet of good & perfect remembrance God be praised do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, That is to say First I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God my maker and redeemer assuredly hoping through the mercies & the merits of my Saviour to have remission of all my sins and be made & taker of everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Item: All my goods and chattels both within and without my debts being paid and funeral expenses discharged I leave to my wife. And of this my last Will & Testament I make her my Executrix and appoint my Brother-in-Law Thomas GOULD & Robert HORDER of Charlton (i.e. Charlton within the parish of Donhead St Mary in Wiltshire) Overseers. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 19th day of September 1677. Rich: KNAPTON

Signed and Sealed in the presence of Robert PITFIELD. and Martha HORDOR (her mark) PROBATE: 29th day of October 1677 approved at Blandford Forum.

Children:-
(4.2.1) Richard KNAPTON (1672-1728) bap Compton Abbas 3rd Oct 1672. He married Rose WHITE of Fontmell Magna in St James Church at Shaftsbury 1st May 1705. They settled in her parish of Fontmell Magna and had several children:- (1) Hannah Knapton (1707-1781) bap FM 27th May 1707 remained a spinster & buried East Stoke 28th June 1781. (2) Walter Knapton bap FM 8th July 1713, he seems to have married Mary HURST from the parish of Wool at Fleet a couple of miles West of Weymouth. His wife Mary was buried at Wool in Dorset July 13th 1745. (3) Cassandra Knapton (1717-1769) bap 21st Apr 1717. Cassandra married at East Stoke to Phillip Stickland on 2nd May 1736. She was buried there 15th May 1769. Richard was buried at East Lulworth Dorset 13th June 1728.

(4.2.2) Walter KNAPTON (1627- 1705) bap Compton Abbas 3rd Oct 1672. Buried at Compton Abbas recorded as 'Walter ye son of Rich Knapton buryed January 27 1705'.

(4.3) Martha Knapton (1632-1638) baptised All Saints Church circa 1632 in all probability by Rev William Benn as not baptised at Fordington where registers survive. As stated above Renaldo and his family moved to live in Fordington about 1633 and Martha the daughter of Renaldo KNAPTON is shown as being buried at St Georges Church in Fordington on 6th July 1638.

5. Thomas Knapton the Elder (1628-1685/6)
Keeper of the Dorchester Gaol:


All Saints Church Dorchester
© Michael Russell FIPD

Quarter Sessions held at Bridport 2nd Oct 1666 (Image 92 of 235 in Order Books) : Whereas Mr Thomas KNAPTON the present Keeper of the Common Gaol & Sheriff Ward at Dorchester for this County hath presented unto this Court several bills for work done & monies disbursed by him for materials in necessary altering & converting several rooms in the said Gaol for his convenience a more safe keeping of such prisoners both debtors and felons as are now in custody & thereafter shall be committed to the said gaol for which he prays this court he might receive satisfaction. This Court thereupon having taken the same into consideration are of the opinion that those alterations & conversions being at present made and set up for the Keeper's own convenience and security is not to be reimbursed out of the Treasury of the County.

But if at any time hereafter during his being Keeper of the said Ward & Common Gaol any succeeding Sheriff of this County shall think fit to displace him the said Thomas KNAPTON & to appoint & place any other person in his room to be Keeper of the said Gaol & Mainprize which was built at the costs & charges of the County, It is ordered by this Court that such Sheriff shall first satisfy & pay unto the said Thomas KNAPTON such sums of money as he hath by or hereafter shall be laid out and disbursed by him for the said alterations & buildings as shall be adjudged by able workmen & other persons appointed by this court verify and believe the same at the next general Quarter Sessions of the Peace next after he shall be so displaced as aforesaid.

Prisoners:- At the same Quarter Sessions in 1666 the Court dealt with a number of Prisoners cases (Image 90) which is typical of proceedings during this period:- Humphry SOUTHCOTT; John JENKINS; Edward NORTHORNE; John WOODS and Joseph HILL were all discharged presumably having completed their sentences or paid their debts. Elizabeth MEGRATH; Elizabeth MALLETT and Gilbert HOLY alias GILL however were "To be whipped till their bodies bleed and then to be sent to the places of their several births" ; Edward BURGES the Younger and Tabitha BURGES were conveyed to the Gaol until payment of their fines (14 shillings each) .

Quarter Sessions held at Bridport 3rd Oct 1671 (Image 178 of 235 in Order Books) :Whereas Thomas KNAPTON Keeper of the Common Gaol of the County at the last Sessions of the peace held for this County at Shaston did acquaint this Court of the necessity of building some convenient rooms for disposing & lodging of such persons as shall be committed to his custody in case of sickness and contagions diseases which might happen to be in the prison - Thereupon this Court taking the same into consideration did order that the same should be referred to Sir Winston CHURCHILL Knight, George FFULFORD; Robert COKER; Henry WHITAKER; George VROWNE & john CHURCHILL Esquires Justices of the Peace of this County or any three of them to view the place where the keeper did think convenient for the said building & to make report thereof to this court. And to what sum the charge of the same would amount And Whereas this Court was informed by the Clerk of the Peace that the said Sir Winston CHURCHILL Esq Robert COKER and Henry WHITAKER Esq's did in pursuance of the said order a survey & View of the said place for building the said rooms & were of opinion that it was very requisite that the said buildings should be speedily erected and that the same would amount to Fifty pounds and gave directions to the said Clerk of the same to draw issue and report in writing for them to sign. But was not done in regard to the Clerk of the Peace had occasions to be in London from whence he returned not until Saturday before this Sessions. Now forsomuch that the Keeper has satisfied this Court that he hath begun the work upon the encouragement of the said Justices & made some good progress therein & also provided all materials for perfecting the said work so that it might be finished before the winter comes on. This Court think fit & order that the Treasurer of the Eastern part of this County do forthwith pay unto the said Mr Thomas KNAPTON the sum of Fifty Pounds for the building of the said Rooms in the said Gaol as aforesaid which said sum shall be allowed him on his account. And it is further ordered that the said Mr Thomas KNAPTON do give an account thereof at the next Sessions of the Peace to be held in and for this County. [Order to Pay in Quarter Sessions held at Blandford 19th Jan 1671/2 - Images 183/4]

Quarter Sessions held at Shaston 15 July 1673 (Image 209 of 235 Order Books 1663-1674): The Gaolers Bill for work done about the Goal passed at Shaston Sessions 15th July Anno Domini 1673. (There follows a long list of work undertaken with itemised costs). It is this day ordered that the Treasurer of the Eastern Part of this County do pay unto Mr Thomas KNAPTON or his assigns the bill above said amounting unto the sum of £7 - 4s - 10d whose ? with this order shall be sufficient warrant for the allowance of the same on his account.

(5.1) Mary Knapton (c.1660- aft 1700) Named after her mother was born circa 1600 at Fordington. We only know of Mary because her youngest sibling George left a will in which he refers to his sister as the wife of Crispian Hounsell (1652-1700).

Crispian was the son of Giles Hounsell (bur.1684) and had been baptised at Melcombe Regis in Dorset on 11th Oct 1652. He married 3 times. His first wife Joanne was buried at Melcombe Regis on 8th Feb 1674 followed by their son Giles Hounsell who had been baptised on 6th June 1674 and buried there on 13th Dec 1677. His second marriage was to Marsey (Mercy) Jerrett at St Marys church in Melcombe Regis on 8th Oct 1684. We know she had a daughter Margaret who was buried at Melcombe Regis on 28th Nov 1685, another daughter Joane bap 3rd Aug 1687, and another daughter Mary Crispian baptised on 14th July 1690 who died and was buried there on the 6th March 1690/1. Mercy Hounsell was buried at Melcombe Regis 16th March 1694/5.

Crispian Hounsell (1652-1700) married for the third time to Mary Knappen (Knapton) at Melcombe Regis on 15th May 1696. Mary's brother Thomas KNAPTON the Younger (1662-1725) made his will on 14th June 1721 in which he makes a bequest to his son Renaldo Knapton (bap. 1692/3) of a "Messuage, Burgage or Tenement, Outhouse and Garden with the appurtenances situate & lying within the town of Melcombe Regis which I purchased of Crispen HOUNSELL late of Melcombe Regis a roper (by trade) since deceased". Mary was about 36 years old when she married and I have not so far located any children. Crispian Hounsel was buried at Melcombe Regis on 8th May 1700 and I have not been able to locate a will.

(5.2) Thomas Knapton the Younger (1662-1725) born circa 1662 at Fordington . As his father and grandfather before him he was appointed Keeper of his Majesty's Gaol in Dorchester. See Section Six below for more information about his life, family and descendants

(5.3) William Knapton (1663-aft 1696) baptised at All Saints Church 7th July 1663 son of Thomas KNAPTON. His brother George when he died in 1696 left him a guinea to buy a mourning ring.

(5.4) Elizabeth Knapton (1664- 1685/6) baptised All Saints Church 21st Sep 1664 daughter of Thomas KNAPTON, but buried at St Georges Church Fordington 15th Feb 1685/6

(5.5) Ann Knapton (1666-1678) baptised All Saints Church 3rd April 1666 daughter of Thomas KNAPTON, but buried at St Georges Church Fordington 11th Dec 1678

(5.6) Grace Knapton (1667-1683) baptised All Saints Church 6th Aug 1667 daughter of Thomas & Mary KNAPTON, but buried at St Georges Church Fordington 24th Aug 1683

(5.7) George Knapton (1669-1696) baptised All Saints Church 26th Aug 1669 son of Thomas & Mary KNAPTON. An Apothecary he married at St Georges Church in Fordington on 29th Aug 1693 to Elizabeth PURCHASE . He was an Apothecary by trade and they had a daughter Anne KNAPTON baptised at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 07 July 1694, but she died and was buried there 6th April 1696. George KNAPTON was buried at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 19th Oct 1696 leaving a Will which names his brothers Thomas and William and a sister the wife of Chrispian Hounsell.
14 July 1713 ]

6. Thomas Knapton the Younger (1662-1725)
Keeper of the Dorchester Gaol: Mayor Dorchester 1713: Maltster


Oldest known sketch of St Georges Church Fordington circa 1845

(6.1) Thomas KNAPTON Junior (1683/4-1685/6) Recorded as the son of Thomas KNAPTON the younger borne 15th day of February between the hours of ten and eleven at night and christened the twentieth of the same." This is the only baptism recorded giving the time of day apart from baptisms of his other children by his 2nd wife. Unfortunately Frances KNAPTON died six days later possibly from infection or problems giving birth and was buried at All Saints on 26th Feb 1683/4. Members of the Knapton Family were usually buried at Fordington, but given her early death after marriage it may be that she was buried with members of her family there. Unfortunately Thomas their son also soon died and he was buried at St Georges church in Fordington on the 20th Feb 1685/6 recorded as Thomas Knapton Junior.

Will of Thomas KNAPTON the Younger (1662-1725) Gentleman
Will PROB 11/651 Dated 14th Jan 1721 Proved 25th May 1732

The Last Will and Testament of me Thomas KNAPTON of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Gentleman being infirm in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory Thanks be given to God Almighty

First: I give and devise unto my son Renaldo KNAPTON All that my Messuage, Burgage or Tenement, Outhouse and Garden with the appurtenances situate & lying and being within the Borough and town of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis in the said County of Dorset in that said Borough and town of Melcombe Regis which messuage and premises therefore purchased of Crispen HOUNSELL late of Melcombe Regis, a roper since deceased to have and to hold the said Messuage and Premises with the appurtenances unto the said Renaldo KNAPTON his heirs and assigns forever.

Item: I give and devise unto the said Renaldo KNAPTON all those my lands tenements and hereditaments whatsoever with the appurtenances situate and lying and being in the hamlet of Medford within the parish of Charterhouse Hinton in the County of Somerset which I heretofore purchased of James FFORD late of Shaftsbury in the said County of Dorset, haberdasher of hats, since also deceased together with the reversion and reversions remainder and remainders of all and singular the last mentioned premises the fee simple of some parts of which premises are in expectancy and held by two lives yet in being To have and to hold the said premises that are now in the hand and other the premises with the appurtenances immediately from and after the expiration of the said lives in being on the respective parts of the premises unto the said Renaldo KNAPTON his heirs and assigns forever.

Item: I give unto my Son-in-law John Bampfyld [Bampfield] Gentleman and Grace his wife each a guinea to buy them mourning rings in my remembrance

All other: my Goods, Chattels Real and Personal estate I give unto my said son Renaldo KNAPTON whom I hereby make executor and residuary legatee of this my Last Will and Testament revoking all former Wills and Testaments by me made In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the fourteenth day of June Anno Domini One thousand seven hundred and Twenty and One:

Thomas Knapton

Signed sealed Published and declared to be the Last Will and Testament of the said Thomas KNAPTON in the presence of us who have subscribed our names Witnesses hereto in the testators presence after some parts were interlined Elizabeth LONG: Jean DAY; Morgan HARBIN.

Probate Proved at London 25th Sep 1732.

(6.2) John Knapton (1688-1716/17) born Saturday 12th May at 2 of the clock in morning and bap All Saints Church Dorchester 16th May 1688; He died on the 28th January 1716/17 and was buried at St Georges Church in Fordington 3 days later. There is a memorial on the North Wall of the chancel in St Georges Church to him and his brother Thomas who both died young, just over a year apart. The memorial raised by their father Thomas KNAPTON the Younger, suggests they are buried there in the chancel.

(6.3) Thomas Knapton Junior (1690-1717) borne 16 of February at 3 in afternoon baptised in March following 1690; He died on 27th March and was buried at Fordington St Georges Church on 30th March 1716/7

(6.4) Renaldo Knapton (1692/3-1754) He was borne the 10th Jan at 5 o clock in morning and bap All Saints 20th Jan 1692/3 and his father appointed him executor and main beneficiary under Will which was dated in 1721 & proved in 1732. See Section Seven below for more information about his life, family and descendants

(6.5) Grace Knapton (1695/6- aft 1732?) was born on the 23 Mar 1695/6 and baptised at All Saints Church in Dorchester on 09 Apr 1696. She married twice, but her first marriage is rather strange for a number of reasons. It was to John COOPER by licence at St Georges Church in Fordington on 31st July 1712 when she is described as Mrs Grace KNAPTON. If this is correct she was only 16 years old and clearly still a spinster. It is important to understand that throughout the seventeenth century "Mrs." was a courtesy title for women of status corresponding to that of men addressed as "Mr." and was applied to both married and unmarried women. Here we are only just over a decade into the eighteenth century which is when it gradually became used much more to describe spinsters of a mature age as a mark of respect. As the daughter of Thomas KNAPTON the younger who was by then not only Keeper of the Dorchester Prison but also a Capital Burgess of Dorchester (he was even made Mayor in 1713) I get the feeling that this was simply a reference to describe and perhaps even bolster her status. It has all the hallmarks of an arranged marriage, for example banns were not read out in church, but a licence obtained which obviated the need to do so. So far much is conjecture, but what is not conjecture is the fact that John COOPER wrote his Will, witnessed by her father, on 14th March 1713 just 8 months after their marriage. By then he was clearly very sick as he died 18 days later being buried at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 1 Apr 1713. No children are recorded at St Peters following their marriage. I have transcribed his Will for ease of reference below. There are none of the usual niceties of commending his soul into the hands of God or instructing his executor what to do with his body. This is in my view a straight business transaction, where even her bridal settlement of £200 had not been paid and still due from her father. The property Champernhayes referred to in the Will still exists, the farm and barn now being luxury accommodation.

Will of John COOPER of Fordington Gentleman
Will PROB 11/534 dated 14 Mar 1712/13; Buried 1st Apr 1713; Proved 14 July 1713

The Last Will and Testament of me John COOPER of Fordington in the County of Dorset Gentleman being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfect memory (thanks be to God)

First:- I give and devise unto my dear wife Grace COOPER all those Leasehold Mills and estate commonly called 'Champernays' situate in the Parish of Wootton Fitzpayne in the said County of Dorset which was assigned over to me on my marriage To hold to her the said Grace her executors and assigns during the remainder of the present estate and term yet therein.

Item: I give unto my said wife wife the sum of two hundred pounds to me due and payable from Thomas KNAPTON Gentleman the father-in-law on my intermarriage with Grace my now wife his daughter

Item: I give unto my said wife the further sum of one hundred pounds to be raised out of my stock of corn and other goods and chattels by my Executor hereafter named within the space of six months next after my decease.

To her: I Also give all my household goods And lastly I hereby make my father Thomas COOPER Gentleman my sole executor.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of March in the year one thousand seven hundred and twelve.



Signed: John COOPER
Signed Sealed Published and declared to be the Last Will and Testament of the said John COOPER in the presence of Morgan HARBIN : Thomas KNAPTON Junior. [The Younger]

John COOPER died and was buried at St Peters Church in Dorchester 1st April 1713. His mother Elizabeth had previously died in 1711 and been buried at St Peters & his father moved to Weymouth and Melcombe Regis before he wrote his will Dated 14th May 1729 which was Proved 14th Oct 1730.

With the death of her husband so soon after her marriage Grace appears to have remained with her father and continued to use her maiden name. We also know from her fathers Will written on 14 Jun 1721 that by then she was married to John BAMPFIELD as he leaves them a guinea each to by mourning rings in his remembrance. I have not located their marriage but a daughter Gerthrude Bampfyld the daughter of John & Grace Bampfyld was baptised on 22nd Sep 1722 at Milton Abbas.

He was borne the 10th January at 5 o clock in morning and baptised at All Saints Church on the 20th Jan 1692/3. Like his father became a Maltster by trade. He was executor and main beneficiary under his fathers Will when he died in 1725 and took his place as a Capital Burgess of Dorchester 13th May 1726. Under this Will he inherited his fathers burgage with its outhouse and garden at Melcombe Regis as well as property at Medford in the parish of Charterhouse Hinton in Somerset. He was appointed Bailiff for Dorchester for the first time in 1727 and went on to be re-elected 6 more times in 1730, 1738, 1741, 1747, 1750, and 1752. He was elected an Alderman of Dorchester on 1st Oct 1733 replacing Thomas Seward who had died.

In the Municipal Records of Dorchester is a listing for the Burgage Rate that is to be collected on the owners of lands and tenements within the Borough of Dorchester for the 2 years since the Mayoralty's of Daniel Arden and Walter Crow which ended midsummer in the year 1737. These lists are arranged by Parish and there is a small charge for 'Mr. Renaldo KNAPTON's house, late Lovelace' which shows that this was within the Parish of St Peters. He was elected Mayor of Dorchester 3 times in 1728; 1739 and 1748 and on 2nd July 1748 he is recorded as a trustee of Thomas Hardy's Charity (National Archives Ref D/BFM/12/1 ).

I have not located a marriage or children so have assumed he remained a bachelor and hence this branch of the family ends with him. Renaldo KNAPTON's death is recorded in St Georges Church Parish burial Register for the year 1754 recorded as :- "Buried - Mr KNAPTON (*) - May 28". On the side of the register written vertically is:- "(*) Here Lyeth the Body of Renaldo KNAPTON Gent who departed this life May the 26th 1754 in the 81st year of his age". I have not however managed to locate a Will or Letter of Administration despite him being a fairly wealthy man owning property.

Genealogical Notes:-

(1) The 39th year in the Reign of Elizabeth I ran from 17th Nov 1596 to 16 Nov 1597.

(2) Milborne Port is situated in the County of Somersetshire but lies just 2 miles south east of Sherborne in Dorset

(3) Richard KNAPTON (d.1597) was involved in litigations in Chancery where records survive at the National Archives to which I currently do not have access. Dispute over the title of Brockenhurst Manor for example spanned 4 generations - :-
1558-1579 - Plaintiff John Reve defendant Richard Knapton - money matters Wiltshire - Litigation C 3/150/96
1581-1582 - Joint & Several Answers of Richard Goldsborough, Edmund Norton, Richard KNAPTON, Alexander Ingle, John Snawden and Anthony Powle (Powley) defendants to the bill of complaint of henry Johnson concerning a riot, an assault on the complainant and disputed possession of land in the Manor of Walton Head SP/46/184/80 Also SP 46/184/163
17 Nov 1592 - 16 Nov 1793 Deposition taken by commission Sir Thomas Blunt Knight v Richard KNAPTON, John BUDDEN: Manor of Brockenhurst - Litigation E134/34and35Eliz/Mich9
1629 - Knapton v Carter Plaintiffs Robert KNAPTON gent and Richard KNAPTON gent both of Brockenhurst Defendant Richard Carter Yeoman

(4) Brockenhurst Manor - Source:- The Victoria County History for the County of Hampshire 'Parishes Brockenhurst' - Volume 4 Published 1911 Pages 626-629. Source:- I have located the following entries in the Parish Registers for Brockenhurst (listed on the 'Knightroots.co.uk website) which relate to The KNAPTON Family which may help other researchers who wish to follow a Albin's line of descent:

Baptisms St Nicholas Church Brockenhurst

Series of Baptisms where year is missing - between 1620 & 1635
29 Sep ???? - Richard son of Richard KNAPTON
18 Jun ???? - Andrew son of Andrew KNAPTON
26 Dec ???? - Thomas son of Thomas KNAPTON
?? ??? 1636 - Charles son of Albin KNAPTON
(aft 23 Oct) 1636 - Bernard son of Thomas KNAPTON
?? ??? 1637 - John son of Mr Richard KNAPTON
?? ??? 1644 - Ralph son of Mr Robert KNAPTON
19 Nov 1677 - William son of William KNAPTON
?? ??? 1678 - Cecilia daughter of William KNAPTON
01 Feb 1679 - Mary daughter of Mr William KNAPTON
05 Apr 1681 - John son of Mr William KNAPTON

Marriages at Salisbury Cathedral

13 Oct 1632 - Andrew Knapton & Ann Browne
20 Oct 1636 - Anne Knapton out of Wiltshire & Joseph Collett of Brockenhurst
27 June 1637 - Jane Knapton of Brockenhurst & Edward MacKelston

Marriages St Nicholas Church Brockenhurst
08 Nov 1665 - Samuel Sampson & Mrs Frances KNAPTON
07 Sep 1673 - Mr Edward Mitchel & Mrs Mary KNAPTON

Burials St Nicholas Church Brockenhurst
04 Nov 1630 - Albin KNAPTON buried
?? Sep 1633 - Henry son of Mr Robert KNAPTON buried
22 Jan 1634 - Thomas son of Thomas Knapton buried
03 Jun 1635 - Mr Andrew KNAPTON buried
12 Jan 1636 - Mr Richard KNAPTON buried
14 Mar 1640 - The son of Mr Robert KNAPTON buried
24 Sep 1640 - Mrs Mary KNAPTON buried (Note:- wife of Albin Knapton)
29 Jan 1646 - Mr Robert KNAPTON buried (Note:- one of these was Robert the son & heir of Albinus Knapton)
?? Dec 1648 - Mr Robert KNAPTON buried
06 Feb 1657 - Mrs Jane KNAPTON buried
09 Oct 1668 - Samuell son of Mr. William KNAPTON Gent buried
08 Nov 1671 - Elizabeth daughter of Mr William KNAPTON buried
?? Jan 1672 - Mr Richard KNAPTON buried
20 May 1676 - Mr Francis KNAPTON Widower buried
12 Jun 1676 - Mr Bernard KNAPTON buried
25 July 1679 - Mrs Elizabeth KNAPTON buried
06 July 1680 - Mary daughter of Mr William KNAPTON buried
30 Nov 1680 - Frances daughter of Fordingendo KNAPTON buried
07 Mar 1681 - Mary daughter of Fordingendo KNAPTON buried
26 Jun 1681 - a son of William KNAPTON buried
03 Oct 1683 - Mrs Frances KNAPTON widow buried
24 Sep 1685 - Ann daughter of Mr William KNAPTON buried
?? ??? 1688 - Grace KNAPTON buried
04 Nov 1702 - ?????? KNAPTON Gent buried
24 Sep 1705 - Lydia KNAPTON buried
20 Mar 1706 - Hannah KNAPTON buried
08 Aug 1763 - William KNAPTON Gent buried

Quarter Sessions held at Sherborne 21st April 1690/1 (Image 44 of 139 Order Books 1686-1699). Upon the testamony of the constable of the Liberty of Fordington made unto this Court that the stone Bridge commonly called Stocking Bridge within the said Liberty and leading from Fordington to the town of Blandford Forum is very defective for their Majesties (William & Mary) liege people to pass rexane thereon and ought to be repaired by the County . It is ordered by this Court that the same be referred Mr George LESTER and Mr. Thomas KNAPTON late of Dorchester in this County who are desired by this Court to view the defects of the said bridge treat & contract with some workmen for the repairing of the same and to make a Report thereof at the next General Quarter Sessions of the Peace to be held in and for the Countywhen such further orders shall be made hereon as by the Court shall be thought fit. [Note:- Shown on John Speed's Map of Dorchester for 1611 Stocking Bridge (Code Sb) ]

Quarter Sessions held at Blandford Forum 15th Jan 1694 (Image 82 of 139 Order books 1686-1699 & image 273 of 423 Order Books 1727-1735 wrongly allocated) This Court doth order the Treasurer of the Eastern Part of this County to Pay unto Mr Thomas KNAPTON the sum of six pounds eight shillings and one penny for money by him laid out in repairing the common gaol of this County as by Bills now examined by this Court doth appear And the same shall be allowed the Treasurer on passing of his account.

Quarter Sessions held at Sherborne 13th April 1708 (Image 364 of 423 Order Books 1727-1735) This Court doth desire John CHURCHILL Esq & Andrew LODER Esq and Dennis BOND Esq or any two of them to prise [appraise] and consider if Bills of disbursement which Mr KNAPTON the Keeper of her Majesty's Goale in this County hath already paid and disbursed to the several workmen for their respective labour & materials already made done and performed to ye repair thereof and they or any two of them to sign such bills and order ye Western Treasurer of this County to pay the same which shall be allowed by this Court to the Treasurer on the passing his accounts And Whereas it appears to this Court that the said gaol is now out of repair & very much in decay in so much that ye said Mr Gaoler cannot safely retain and keep such prisoners as are shall or maybe committed to his care & custody this Court doth therefore desire the said Mr John CHURCHILL, Mr LODER & Mr BOND or any two of them to assess if the said Gaoler & Prison and to give such orders and directions for ye immediate repair thereof as to them or any two of them shall be thought reasonable & conveinient & to employ such workmen as they opr any two of them shall think fit and on their signing of the workmens bills for materials & workmanship this Court doth further order the said Western Treasurerto pay such bills which shall likewise be allowed to the said Treasurer on passing his accounts.

Quarter Sessions held at Shaston 13th July 1714 (Image 38 of 240 Order Books 1712-1726) Contains a list of payments including 4th item:- ' Paid Mr. Thomas KNAPTON by order of Sessions £3' - and 9th item 'Paid Mr. Thomas KNAPTON by Order of Sessions £29-16s- 7d': Paid his baker mid summer 1712 £19 - 16s - 0d; Paid him more by order of Sessions £0- 6s 6d; Paid the Baker by order of Bridport Sessions 1712 £13-11s 0d ; Paid him for Christmas Quarter 1712 £15-15s-0d ; Paid him for Lady Day Quarter 1713 £14-11s- 03d; Paid for carrying vagrants by order of the Justices of the Peace before the order of Sessions £26-01s- 3½d ;

Quarter Sessions held at Bridport 4th Oct 1720 (Image 127 of 240 Order Books 1712-1726 also Images 97/98 of 184 Order Books 1715-1723) ) Long Account regarding debtors Matthew Dyer (image 97) Thomas Dunning (image 98) & Nicholas SCOTT (image 127) 'brought before this Court by Thomas KNAPTON Gent Goaler of his Majesty's Goal at Dorchester ---etc