The next entry in the Middleton household accounts for Sir Henry Willoughby in 1526 was dated 21st February. It was described as money paid to Mistress Alice to gift in reward at the christening of Hugh Avery’s child. The amount was 20 pence, which was the equivalent of about £36.77 today. The Mistress Alice referred to in this entry was Sir Henry Willoughby’s youngest daughter. She was about 14 years old at the time of this entry and, although already married to Richard Draycott, was still...

17th February 2026 is the start of the new lunar year and this year is the year of the fire horse. In Chinese astrology an animal is paired with a natural element and the last time the year of the fire horse occurred was 60 years ago. In Chinese culture the horse can represent freedom, power, vitality and perseverance and when combined with fire it can also emphasise passion, leadership and breaking free from past constraints. Horses of all types have been important in many different eras and...

The next entry in the Middleton household accounts of Sir Henry Willoughby from 1526 was a bulk folio covering payments for “stuff” bought at Lichfield Fair on 14th February. Only a short extract of this was recorded in the copy of the accounts in the Middleton Manuscripts. When the Willoughby family was based at Middleton Hall, one of the main Fairs they visited for their fresh food produce was Lichfield Fair. The Lichfield Fair that was held in February became known as the Shrovetide...