This post, the second in the series detailing the rooms and contents of Middleton Hall as described in the 1676 inventory, focuses on the three rooms named as “Mr Ray’s Chamber”, “Mr Ray’s Study” and “The Room Betwixt Mr Ray’s and The Still Chamber”. These are the only rooms that specifically mention John Ray by name. The fact that he is named is one of the reasons that the inventory is believed to date from about 1676, which was when he left Middleton Hall. John Ray resided at Middleton Hall...

Over the centuries, many inventories of Middleton Hall have been conducted. These were normally taken upon the death of an owner. One inventory, although being undated, is believed to date to just after Emma, the widow of Francis Willughby, married Sir Josiah Child on 22nd August 1676. It was unquestionably taken before 1687, which was when a further inventory was taken upon the clearance of certain items from Middleton Hall by Francis and Emma’s children. The inventory would thus most likely...

The next four entries in the Middleton household accounts for Sir Henry Willoughby in 1526 were dated 13th October. The first was described as payment for linings, kersey and fustian and costs for Master Draycott, Mistress Alice and the Children of the Chapel. The amount was 14 shillings, which was the equivalent of about £308.89 today. The second was described as a reward to Mr Worth’s son for his going to London and the amount was 2 shillings 4 pence, which was the equivalent of about...