The Middleton Accounts of 1526: #28

The next entry in the Middleton household accounts for Sir Henry Willoughby in 1526 was dated 26th May. It was described as Sir Henry’s reward toward the church ale at Aston. The Middleton Manuscripts suggest that this refers to Aston juxta Birmingham in Warwickshire. The amount was 20 pence, which was the equivalent of about £36.77 today.

It is uncertain why Sir Henry went to this church ale. Furthermore, it is uncertain what this religious feast was honouring. Saints Peter and Paul are the patron saints of the church at Aston, Warwickshire and their feast day is in June. Thus, they can be dismissed as the reason for the ale.

However, one possibility is St Augustine of Canterbury, whose feast day was 26th May. He was the first Archbishop of Canterbury and his feast day was widely celebrated locally in England until the Reformation. In southern England, and especially in Kent, there was normally a special Mass, processions and a veneration of his relics. However, nationally the observation of his day was frequently accompanied by community festivities such as ales.

Medieval dancing on the West Lawn at Middleton Hall at May Day event, 1993. Photograph taken by Beryl Ellerslie.

Next entry: 29th May.

Further Reading: W. H. Stevenson, Report on the Manuscripts of Lord Middleton, Historical Manuscripts Commission, 1911. p.383.

Author - Debbie Jordan, Middleton Hall Volunteer.

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