The Middleton Accounts of 1526: #21

The next entry in the Middleton household accounts for Sir Henry Willoughby in 1526 was undated but, given the adjacent entries were dated the 26th and 28th April and this was not stated to have occurred “on the same day”, it can be assumed to be the 27th April. It was described as money paid to one of the Children of the Chapel when he went home to his friends. The amount was 12 pence, which was the equivalent of about £22.06 today.

Children of the Chapel were primarily trained boy choristers and their main role was to sing divine services in the private chapel of the Lord of the Manor. However, they might often perform other forms of entertainment, such as plays or other musical entertainment for the household. The boys could be as young as six years old when chosen and were selected for their musical abilities. They were considered part of the domestic servants of the manorial house and the Lord of the Manor was responsible for their clothing, food, lodging, teaching, training and transport.

Children of the Chapel have existed in England since at least the 12th century. Furthermore, Children of the Chapel Royal, who serve the royal household in this manner, still exist today and performed at the coronation of King Charles III.

Children of the Chapel Royal, Remembrance Sunday 2024, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Next entry: 28th April

Further Reading: W. H. Stevenson, Report on the Manuscripts of Lord Middleton, Historical Manuscripts Commission, 1911. p.382.

Author - Debbie Jordan, Middleton Hall Volunteer.

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