The Middleton Accounts of 1526: #54
The next five entries in the Middleton household accounts for Sir Henry Willoughby in 1526 were dated 25th September. The first was described as Sir Henry’s offering at the rood of Nottingham and the amount was 4 pence, which was the equivalent of about £7.35 today. The second was described as alms given at the same place and the amount was also 4 pence. The third was described as payment for 2 yards of fustian for a doublet for Master Catesby and the amount was 16 pence, which was the equivalent of about £29.42 today. The fourth was described as payment for a pair of horsecloths for Master Catesby and the amount was 20 pence, which was the equivalent of about £36.77 today. Similarly, the fifth entry was for pairs of horsecloths for Mistress Alice and Mistress Jane and the amount was also 16 pence.
The rood at Nottingham would refer to a large crucifix prominently on display on a rood screen in one of Nottingham’s churches, possibly St Mary’s Church. Sir Henry’s offering was for the same reason that he had made offerings to other shrines and at other holy places. It was a Catholic display of spiritual piety and to seek blessings, or request prayers for the family. The Accounts reveal that at the same time as he made his offering, he also gave alms. This means that whilst he was at the church he gave an additional charitable donation to the church specifically for the poor, sick or vulnerable.
These entries confirm that Sir Henry’s ward Master Catesby was still present in the household. Fustian was a heavy, durable woven fabric made from linen and cotton. It was noted for being a fabric worn by the respectable classes but was also hard-wearing.
A doublet was a snug, close-fitting jacket worn by men from the late-medieval era to the 17th century, at which time it fell out of fashion. It was padded for warmth and structure and featured laces, or later buttons, down the front. The doublet developed in the 14th century from a padded garment worn under armour. Until the end of the 15th century, in public, it was often worn under another layer of clothing, such as a gown. In the 16th century, it was often covered by a jerkin that could match it. It was also in this century that women started to wear doublets too.
The pair of horsecloths for Catesby and Sir Henry’s daughters Alice and Jane, refer to the fabric blankets tailored for horses. These blankets were used: to keep horses dry from rain; to protect horses from dust or flies when in the stables or travelling; or to keep the horses warm in cold weather. Providing these for the horses of household family members indicates that Sir Henry was outfitting their horses either for travelling or, more likely, seasonal changes.
Further Reading: W. H. Stevenson, Report on the Manuscripts of Lord Middleton, Historical Manuscripts Commission, 1911. p.384.
Author - Debbie Jordan, Middleton Hall Volunteer.
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