The Middleton Accounts of 1525: #14

The next two entries in the Middleton household accounts of Sir Henry Willoughby in in 1525 were dated the 9th July. In these entries, Sir Henry Willoughby was continuing on his journey north from London that began on the 8th July.

The first entry records that Sir Henry arrived at Stowe Nine Churches in Northamptonshire and lay there for the night of the 8th/9th July. On the 9th July he paid for bread, ale, wine, kitchen, fire, candle and horsemeat at the place he stayed at. The cost for this was 10 shillings 1 pence, which was the equivalent of about £222.48 today. At this time, the manor of Stowe belonged to Osney Abbey, which was based in Oxford.

Interestingly, the second entry for the 9th July was for bait (refreshments) at Daventry, only a short distance away from Stowe. The cost for this was 3 shillings 2 pence, which was the equivalent of about £69.87 today.

Re-enactors for "A Stuart Christmas" in the Jettied Building at Middleton Hall, 2024.

From Daventry, Sir Henry appears to have ridden straight to Tamworth, still along Watling Street. However, it cannot be discounted that he may have taken a short detour off Watling Street to one of his manors or properties close to the route for refreshments. If he had, it would not have appeared in the accounts. In total, Sir Henry travelled about 45 miles on this day.

Further Reading: W. H. Stevenson, Report on the Manuscripts of Lord Middleton, Historical Manuscripts Commission, 1911. p.377.

Author - Debbie Jordan, Middleton Hall Volunteer.

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