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RAGNALL
AGNALL in Domesday is spelt Ragenehil, and in the next earliest records and for several hundred years is spelt Ragenhil, but occasionally Ragenhull. It may originally have been Ravenhill; the raven being the Danish standard. The present village is not situated on a hill, though part of the parish is on elevated ground. Possibly it takes its name from the Dane who formed a settlement there. We read of it in Domesday as one of four berewicks belonging to the Manor of Dunham until the time of William de Valence (died 1296), who probably sold the land to his tenants. In the British Museum there are several deeds of conveyance which record the names of land owners in Ragnall before 1272, i.e. during the reign of Henry III. There were Richard de Ragenhill, Walter Manclerke, Roger Geringe and others.
The family "de Ragenhill" (sometimes spelt Ragenhull), which takes its name from the place, is frequently mentioned in deeds and in the Rolls of the 14th century. Richard de Ragenhull was parson of the church of Barnoldby 1331. Robert de Ragenhull witnessed a deed of enrollment of Thomas de Burton "in the clay" in 1332. In 1334, John de Ragenhill, sometime parson of Hepyngham church, is mentioned as bound with another in £1,000 for recognisance made in common Bench. In 1336 "Power from Robert Ragenhill, clericus, to John de Crofts of Ragnall for livery and seizn to William Bramley and John Spanyell, chaplain, of lands, etc., which he had by grant of John Bayscall of Rampton, etc."
Another family connected with Ragnall for about a hundred years, commencing the middle of the 14th century, was that of Oliver. There is an entry in the Papal Registers with reference to a member of that family—Oct. 13, A. D. 1427. "To Robert Oliver of Ragenhill, clerk, of the Diocese of York, to choose a confessor who may absolve him from all sentences of excommunication, suspension, and interdict, enjoining salutary penance, dispense him on account of irregularity after temporary suspension, and rehabilitate him." His name occurs as a witness to several deeds, and in one as an attorney.
Another family connected with Ragnall during the 14th, and part of the 15th, centuries was that of Longespy. The name is frequently mentioned during that period in deeds of conveyance of land. Robert Longespy appears to have held an important position, and was consequently exempt for life from juries, etc. The entry in the Rolls is as follows:—"1336, Sept. 23, Robert Longespy exemption from juries, assize, and recognisances, for appointment as mayor sheriff, escheator, earone baliff or minister of the King against his wish.'' This exemption may have been granted on account of some service rendered to the state, or on account of old age.
The history of the Ragnall Estate commences with the Croftes, whom we read of in 1368 as holding property in Wimpton. In 1393 John de Croftes of Stretton in the Clay (Sturton in the Clay, Co. Notts.) grants to Thos. de Newton and Matilda his wife, and the heirs and assigns of Thos., a windmill in Ragenhill, called Hillmilne. The deed is witnessed by Hugh de Croftes and others. In the Parent Rolls there are two entries with reference to him:—"1433, Dec. 13, Westminster. John Croftes of Ragnell sworn on jury at assize concerning one third part or two parts of the manors of Gonaldeston and Wydmerpole." Also "1434, John Braunspath of Ragnell, John, his son, and Thomas Braunspath, also Ralph Barre, and John Croftes of Ragnell took oath before John, Archbishop of York, and Humphrey, Earl of Stafford, not to maintain peace breakers."
John Croftes was very wealthy. He probably built the mansion which was pulled down about 1828, and replaced by the present house. He died in 1451, his heir being his daughter, Mabel, who was married to George Neville, and so the estate passed to the Nevilles, and remained, except for two short intervals, in their hands until 1621.
The Will of John Croftes is particularly interesting. The following is a translation, the original is in Latin:—'' In the name of God, Amen. On the morrow of St. Margaret, the Virgin and Martyr, A. D. 1451, I, John Croftes, of Ragenhill, being of sound mind and memory, make my Testament as follows :—Imprimis, I leave my soul to Almighty God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and All Saints, and my body to be buried in the Chapel of St. Leonard of Ragenhill before the altar of St. Mary. Item, I leave my best beast as my mortuary. Item, I leave 6 lbs. of wax to be burnt round my body on the day of my burial and on the 7th day, and I will that what remains after the 7th day be distributed to the lights within the Chapel of Ragenhill. Item, I leave to each Chaplain at my exequies 4d., and to each clerk 2d. Item, I leave to the fabric Of the Church of Dunham and to the bells there 20s. Item, I leave to the fabric of the Chapel of Ragenhill 20s. Item, I leave to the Chapel of Derleton 3s. 4d. Item, I leave to the Parish Church of East Drayton 3s. 4d. Item, I leave to the Parish Church of Stretton 6s. 8d. Item, I leave to the fabric pi the Collegiate Church of St. Mary, Southwell 2s. Item, I leave to the Carmelite brethren of Doncaster 3s. 4d.; to the Augustinian brethren of Tykhill 3s. 4d.; to the brethren Minor of Lincoln 3s. 4d.; and to the Predicant brethren of Lincoln 3s. 4d. Item, I leave to each of my scholars one ewe and one bushel of barley. To Robert Dunham and the son of Thomas Neville .... Item, I leave to Joan, daughter of George Neville, 10 marks, and to Katherine, sister of the said Joan, 40s. Item, I leave and will that the Wardens of the Chapel of Ragenhill have for the maintenance of the lights within the Chapel of Ragenhill before the high altar there, and before the altar of St. Mary, 20 hives with bees. Item, I leave, direct, and will that a suitable Chaplain celebrate for my soul, and the souls of all my benefactors in Ragenhill Chapel for 3 years. Item, I leave to Thomas Rerysby, lately my servant, 12d., and to William Plesshewer 12d. Item, I leave to Thomas Croftes 40s. Item, I leave to the high altar of Ragenhill for tithes and oblations forgotten 6s. 8d. Item, I leave to the light of the Crucifix in Ragenhill Chapel 12d. Item, I leave to John Aghton 20s. Item, I leave for distribution to the Poor 40s. Item, I leave 'in convocacione' of my neighbours and friends 4 marks. The residue of all my goods I give and bequeath to George Neville, whom by these presents I make and constitute executor of this Will with the supervision of John Aghton. Given at Ragenhill the above day and year." Proved at Dunham on the Tuesday next before the Feast of St. Martin, A. D. 1451.
The Nevilles came from South Leverton. In 1439 lands were granted to William Neville, of South Leverton, and John Croftes, of Ragnall. George Neville, who married the daughter of John Croftes, was the son of William Neville. On the death of George the estate passed to his son, Robert, who married Joanna, daughter of Ralph Woodford, and who added to the estate lands in Dunham, Wimpton, and Swansterne; he died in 1527. He made a very remarkable and interesting will, a portion of which is as follows:—
''In the name of God, Amen. In the ixth day of Aprelle in the yere of howre Lord mcccccxxvii, and in the xviiith year of the reigne of Kynge Henrie the ght. I Robert Nevyll of Ragnall, th elder, beynge of hole mynde and sane memorie, do make my testament and last Will in the maner of forme folowyng: First, I bequyeth my soule to God Almighty, our ladie Saynt Marie, and to all the companye of hevyn: And my bodie to be buried afore saynt Leonarde in the chauncell and chapell in the same place and stead were iohn my wyffe is buried, and oon tombe to be made upon a convenient hight that the sepulchre at Easter tyme may stand upon. Also I bequeath in the name of my principall and mortuarie my best gudds or catallies after the custom of the cuntreth. Also to the hie alter of my parishe church of Dunham for forgoten tithes vi s.-viii d. Also I will that in the day of my buriall placebo, dirge, and masse, be songe with priests and clerks, and every priest to say masse ye day of requiem or ells at his convenient leysour, everychon of them to have vi d.; also to every clerke that can synge lid.; and to all other that cometh the day of my buriall iche of them Id., to pray for my soule. Also I will that vii torches, the price ii s. viii d, every torch; and every torche a poore man, with a blakke gowne upon him with a hode of the same of my cost and charge, redie made to bear and holde them brinnyng abowte my herse that day to my bodye be brought to the grounde; Also viii tapers of wax of ix. or x. poundes; and iii. or iiii. poundes of prikketts to burne also abowte my herse and bodie all the tyme of my obett; Also I will that my kynsmen and frynds the day of my buriall shall have meate and drynke conveniently at their dynner as shall be ordeyned be my executors, and according to the rowme of my howse and place at Ragnall. Moreover I will that the gray frere, oderwise called minorres, of Lincoln, and the black freers at the grete fote, where I and my wiffe were in bothe places broder and sister, eyther of them to have iii s. iiii d.; and every place to pray and say an obett for the soules of me, my wiffe, and for all those that I am most bounde to pray fore, and for all cristen soules: Also I wyll that all my detts that I do owe to any man or woman be truly payd and contented. "I will that the chauncell of Ragnell chapell of saynt leonarde have x marcs to thuppholdyng it: also to the said chapell and stepull, buyldynge and reparacions about the same xx. li; Also I will that if I have wronged or injured any man against ryght, and it be so proved afore my executors, that yche of theym be satisfied and agreed with be my executors. Also I will that v quarters malte, iii quarters rye, iii quarters of peases, and xx fatte sheep be delte to the most poor inhabitants in the towns next abowte, were it is most nedefull, be thadvyse and discrecion of mine executors: Also I wille that my son Robert and heire, or such as shall forterne to be my heire hereafter my decesse, shall fynde immediately parte of the parish priest to synge and serve at Ragenhyll, as I have done before tyme, to pray for my soule, my wyfe soule, and all cristen soules, and in especiall wome we were bound to pray fore. Also I bequeath to bryant my servante a horse or a kowe, to be delivered by me or by myne executors after my discrecions; and to Thomas bayle a horse or a kowe like as above. To radulph patye a kowe. To William Wilkins a kowe. To Antonie my servant a kowe. To iohn Whiteside a kowe. To Alice Koo my servante xls off lawful money toward her marriage. Also I will that Richard Wilkinson, my child and young servant, have xls in lawful money toward his socoure and lyvyng, to pray for my soule. Finally, this my present testament and last wille, as in legacies abofe and detts, to be performed and finished; I will that my sone Robert Nevyll, and George his sone, take of my guolds, lande and tenements, if my gudds will not performe, be thadvyee of my feoffes feoffed in the same to my use for a performent of the same my wille abofe or my wille hereafter to be made, whoes persons and names, Robert and George abofe, I do make myne executors that they may performe as abofe. And the residewe of my gudds, not bequythed, to order and dispose of theym, as they think best, for thelth of my soule and my wife soule, and to the pleasure of God. Thies beyng witnesses Sir John Unwyn, priest, Anthonye Staunton, Andrew Nevyll, Andrew Beckyngham and Thomas Apiohn with other; This is my last wille of all my lands and tenements with the appurtinamces in the shire of Notyngham and lyncoln. First I wille that my feoffees of truste, now or hereafter shalbe, of and in all my maners lands tenements and rents within the said countie of lincoln theye to stande and be full seased of and to same to thuse of me for terms of my lyffe and for a performent of my laste wille. And after that and my decesse to thoes and intent folowyng, that is to say, that the said feoffes shall stande and be seased of and in all my lands and tenements with thapurtenances in Sterton, wiche late were my broderis George Nevyll, half ron lands to thuse of Andrew Nevyll and the heirs males of his bodie lawfullye begotten: and for defaulte of issue males, they to remane to the ryght heirs of me the said Robert for ever. And also I will that the said feoffees stand and be seased of and in all the lands and tenements with thapurtenances in Darlton within the countie of Notingham. And also of and in all the lands and tenements within Northearleton, little earleton, and earleton kyme, within the countie of lincoln, to thuse of iohn Nevyll, my youngest son, and to the heires males of his bodye lawfully begotten, and for default of sueheissue they to re-mayne to the right heires of me the said Robert, as in forme also wryten, for ever. Also I will that Andrew Bekyngham, my nevew, have the house with thapurtenances in braghton before rehersed to hymn and his heires males of his bodie lawfully begoten, wiche I did purchase of Richard Bekyngham; and for the default of such heires as abofe, then the said house with appurtenances to remayne to the ryght heires of me, the sayd Robert, for ever as abofe. Also I will that my sayd feoffes shall stand and be seased of and in all my maners, lands, tenements renties reversions and services, with thapurtenance, in Ragenhill, Wympton, Dowham, Drayton, Borton, with all other within the countie of Notyngham to those of me for terme of my life, without pechment of waste, and after my decesse the sayd maners lands tenements, rents, revernour, and services with thapurtenance abofe wrytten to thuse of my right heires for ever. Also I will that all such evidances and services, as above, within the shires of Notyngham and lyncoln, do remayne and abide still in my capitall meas in Ragenhill, there to be put in suer custodie and kepyng, for every ryght title to be known hereafter, and interest, accordyng to the disposion of this my laste Wille in the same. Finally I the sayd Robert do renownce and revoke all testaments afore made by me, and willes and dispositions of and in all my possessions and gudds, moveable and unmoveable. And only this my testament and laste will in this codicille abofe wryten to stand and take full effectes. I witness wereoff, I the sayd Robert Nevyll the elder, hathe subscribed my name with my owen hands to the first wryting and trew copie of this, the day and yere abofe, and sette my seale to the same.''
NOTE: i.e. "grese foot." The Black Friars stood at the foot of the flight of steps called the "Grecian Stairs." The word grese or gress means a flight of stairs.
The next owner of the estate was his son, Robert junior, who married Alice, daughter and heir of William Boswell, co. Cheshire. On his death in 1558 the property passed to his son George, who married Barbara, sister and heiress of Sir John Hercy of Grove, and so became possessed of that estate also; he also held an estate in West Burton, and purchased the Thorney estate in 1566. After his death in 1576, the next owner of the Ragnall estate was his son John, of West Burton, who married Gertrude, daughter of Richard Whaley. He was succeeded by his son, Henry Nevyll of Grove, who married Bridget, daughter of Henry Savell of Lupsett. In 1591 they sold "the manor of Ragnall with appurtenances in Ragnall, Dunham, Wympton, Drayton, Swansterne, and Lanum" to William Rothwell of Gray's Inn, co. Midd., esqr., for £1,380.
In 1593 William Rothwell sold the same to Jervas Nevill of Blyth, for £1,400. Jervas was Uncle to Henry and brother of John, former owners.
In 1598 the estate was sold to Dame Margaret Hawkins. She was widow of Sir John Hawkins, who in 1588 was appointed Vice-Admiral in the expedition against the Armada, and who died in 1595 in the West Indies.
In 1605 Dame Margaret Hawkins and Walter Vaughan of Hergest (in Kington) co. Hereford, esq., sold the estate, and also three farms in West Burton, co. Notts, to Sir Edmund Bushey, of Heather (Haytor), co. Lines., knight, and Jervis Eyre of Keton (Keveton Park), co. Yorks, esq.
On June 2nd, 1616, the estate was purchased by Gilbert Neville of Grove, esq.
Ragnall.—On January 26th, 1621, "License was granted to Gilbert Neville to alienate to William Reason of Askham, esq., the manor of Ragnall with appurtenances in Ragnall, Dunham, Darlton, Wimpton, and Swansterne." On February 2nd it was sold for £2,700. William Reason died March 21st, 1627. A tablet to his memory is placed on the north wall of the chancel of Ragnall Church, which bears the following remarkable inscription:—
| grave in levity span in brevity glorius felicity fire of misery winds stability in mortality. | His riches were like corn lent to the field what it received it manifold did yield his boddy hath a grave his virtues none but shall with time growe grene when that is gor | stone wall, brass tower decay as flower, once gon their good is loe here they stood so transitory is our glory. i |
This is ye tomb or monument of William Reason Esqr., who died ye 21st day of March, A. D. 1627 in ye 68th yeare of his age.
In the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Milk Street, London, on the tomb of Sir W. Stone, Alderman and Fishmonger, was the following epitaph, which is almost identical with that on the tablet to the memory of William Reason:—
Grave of levity, Span in brevity; Glorius felicity, Fire of misery; Winds stability In mortality."
He died 14th Sept., 1609, aged 63 years. (See Churches of Old London by G. J. White, page 122).
The year before the death of William Reason he granted the estate to his nephew, Robert Mellish, viz.:
"Grant by William Reason of Askham, Esqr., to Robert Mellish, his nephew, one of the sons of Edward Mellish, deceased, absolutely and irrevocably of the manor of Ragnall granted above with provisos in church, in consideration of a marriage to take place between the said Robert Mellish and Mary Saunderson, one of the daughters of William Saunder-son of Blyth, gent. Dat 18 Aug 1626."
The name of Robert Mellish is incidentally mentioned with reference to the collection of subsidy for the use of the King. Charles I. dissolved Parliament on June 15th, 1626. Consequently, he was left without funds to carry on the war with Spain. By advice of his Council, he issued a commission for levying "customs, subsidies and imposts'', and requiring loans in open violation of the privileges of Parliament. Every means of persuasion as well as of force were resorted to, to obtain the loan, but resistance was universal. The northern counties set the Crown at defiance, and several counties refused utterly to lend the money. The County of Notts was an exception—not a single person in the County is returned as refusing to pay the legal loan to which there was so much opposition in the Country generally. But that the loan was unpopular in the County may be gathered from the letter signed by the Justices.
On the 10th October, 1628, a warrant was issued against Anthony Else Junr of Carlton in Lindrick, yeoman, "for reviling Robert Mellish, gentleman, Collector of subsidy for the use of the King." (County Records, p. p. 110 and 112).
"Pardon of alienation to Robert Mellish for the grant of the Manor of Ragnall made to his use in Church. Dat Westminster, 18 June 1634. (Add Charter 53,384).
In 1634 Robert Mellish was appointed High Sheriff of co. Notts. He was evidently a man of peace, and desired to avoid fighting either for or against the King. Throughout the Parliamentary wars Newark remained Royalist, and did not surrender until after King Charles had given himself up to the Scotch army, in May, 1646, that was besieging Newark. "Those who were able to prove their voluntary surrender before Decr. 1st, 1645, were allowed by Parliament to compound for their estates at one-third or one-tenth, provided they had taken the national covenant or negative oath; otherwise they were to compound at one-half or one-sixth. Special favour was promised to those delinquents who should compound on their own discovery before May 1st, 1646, and this brought in numerous applicants. This system and vigorous mode of proceeding proved very useful to the Government, by bringing in large sums of ready money; whilst delinquents themselves, in the decline of their property, were only too glad by a sacrifice of two years' income, or more, to secure the discharge and protection of their estates.' Robert Mellish was one of those who compounded. In 1646 he obtained a pass to go to London, evidently for safety, having first satisfied the Parliamentarians that he had not taken up arms in defence of the King. After being in London three-quarters of a year, hearing that the garrison of Newark, now in the hands of the Parliament, were resolved to seize his estate, and turn his wife and children out of doors, he returned to Ragnall, having an order from the county committee that if he quietly resides at home he will not be molested.
Entry in State Papers:—"Robert Mellish, Ragnall, co. Notts, Begs to compound for delinquency in being in Newark whilst a garrison for the King. Never acted against Parliament by arms or counsel. By pass of the Earl of Manchester, left Newark for London, where he remained ¾ of a year, when hearing the garrison were resolved to seize his estate, and turn his wife and children out of doors, he returned. Obtained an order from the County Committee of Notts for his quiet residing at home, when the Scottish forces came before Newark, and so disabled him from reaping benefit thereby.'' 21 June 1646.
In the same year, December 28th, he was granted the sum of £1800. The entry in the State Papers does not give any reason for the grant being made; it is as follows:—'' Rich according to their report, ordered to settle £40 per year on Askham, £30 per year on Drayton, and £60 per year on Ragnall, for which Mellish is to be allowed £900, which is to be first payment of £1800."
Robert Mellish died 16 March, 1662, aged 63, when the estate passed to his son Reason Mellish, who married Anne Metham, daughter of Robert Metham of Bullington, co. Lincs. It is stated (Add C 53396) 23 July, 1658, "Lease for a year by Robert Mellish, sen, of Ragnall Hall, Esq, and Reason Mellish his son and heir to John Merson of Burton by Lincoln, Esq, son and heir of John Mersom of Burton, Knight and Bart, and William Metham, Esq, son and heir of Robert Metham, Esq., late of Bullington co Lincs, deceased, of messuages and lands etc in Ragnall, Dunham, Wimpton, Swaneterne, Darlton and Fledborough recited. Dat 23 July 1658."
(Add C, 53398) "Release on the above lease for a year for a settlement on the marriage of the above Reason Mellish with Anne Metham, daughter of the above Robert Metham and Selina, his wife, to uses recited in consideration of a marriage portion of £1800." Dat 24 July 1658.
(Add C, 53414) "Lease for a year by Reason Mellish of Ragnall to Robert Sannderson of South Carlton, co Lines, Esq, and John Slyman of Tickhill, co York, of the manor, soke etc of Dunham with appurtenances in Dunham, East Drayton, Ragnall, East Markham, Gringley (in Clareborough), Ordsall, Thrumpton, Headon, Upton, and Thorpe." Dat 19 Dec 1678.
(Add C, 53423) "Release by Reason Mellish of Ragnall, Esq., to George (Savile) Marquis of Halifax, William Mellish of London, merchant, Edward Mellish of Blyth, Samuel Mellish of Doncaster, Thomas Hall of Kettlethorpe, Linc, Esq, and Anthony Serlby in Harworth, co Notts, gent, of lands etc recited in Dunham in trust to increase the portion of his younger children, Jane, Edward, and Robert Mellish." Dat 11 Feb 1687.
On the death of Reason, in 1696, the estate passed to his second son, Charles, who married Elizabeth Bostock. He died in 1713, leaving an only child, a daughter; his wife became lady of the manor, and continued to reside at Ragnall Hall. She presented to the church a set of altar plate; her name is mentioned in several deeds as Mrs. Elizabeth Mellish. She died in June, 1742.
There is a handsome marble tablet in the church to the memory of William (brother of Reason) and Dorothy, his wife, bearing the following inscription:—'' Near this monument lyeth ye bodys of William Mellish, late of London, mercht. (2nd son of Robert Mellish of this place, esq.) who dyed ye 14th day of December, 1690, AEtat fuae 61, leaving no issue behind him. And of Dorothy, his wife, who in respect and love to her husband and his family ordered by her last will his body should be removed out of St. Andrew's Church, Holborn, London, and carried with hers and interred both together in this church by his family. She dyed ye 14th day of May, 1702; AEtat fuae 55. And was daughter of Sr Humphrey Bennet, of Hamshire, Kt who eminently signalized himself in ye service of King Charles ye first.'' On the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Mellish the estate passed to her only child, Elizabeth, who married Colonel Thomas Condon. They had two children, also called Charles and Elizabeth, who are mentioned in Add C, 53451, "Release by Thomas Condon of Kilawick with Walton, co York, Esq, and Elizabeth, his wife, sole daughters and heir of Charles Mellish, late of Ragnall, Esq, to trustees of the Manor of Dunham, Ragnall, with appurtenances in Dunham, Ragnall, Fledborough and Laneham; for the benefit of Charles Mellish Condon and Elizabeth Condon, their children to uses recited. Dat 9 July 1742."
The estate passed to their son Charles, who took the name Mellish for his surname. Father and son are mentioned in Add C, 53454, "Lease by Thomas Condon of West Merby, co York, Esq, and Charles Mellish of Ragnall, Esq, his only son, to Stephen Husband, yeoman, of the ferry over the Trent at Dunham, for 24 years at a rent of £10." Dat 1 May 1744.
Charles Mellish was present on January 26th, 1765, when Mr. Chaworth was killed while fighting a duel with Lord Byron, great uncle to the poet. A number of Nottingham gentlemen were in the habit of meeting in London at the Star and Garter Tavern, Pall Mall, once a week during the season, and dining together at what was called the Nottinghamshire club. Shortly before seven o'clock, the time for departing, Mr. Hewett chanced to start a conversation about the best method for preserving game on estates, which eventually led to a duel in the house between Mr. Chaworth and Lord Byron, ending in the death of the former.
Charles Mellish had no son, he died in 1781. The circumstances connected with his death and burial are somewhat curious. On June 30th, 1781, he left Ragnall to go north for the benefit of his health, his wife and daughter being away from home. He died at Doncaster on July 10th. Miss Rankin, his nece, came to Doncaster early on the morning after his death. She was annoyed at the will he had left, and evidently made up her mind to spite her cousin, Miss Mary Mellish. She refused to wait until her cousin came from London; ordered the corpse to be carried to Ragnall on July 14th, but not into the house, and to be put into the ground. He was accordingly buried without being carried into the church. Some of the tenants said he should have a wheel round the house, and the body was wheeled round two or three times before being put into the ground. The date of his burial in the Register is July 17th, so it seems the Burial Service was read at the grave two or three days after the interment, probably at the request of his daughter who came to Ragnall on the 16th. He had a house in Southampton Row, London, where probably his wife and daughter were residing at the time of his death. He left the Ragnall and Dunham estate to his wife for life, with remainder to his two daughters, Mary and Frances (the latter died unmarried before her father). At the Nottingham Assizes in 1785 Mary Mellish brought a "Plea of trespass" against Elizabeth Rankin. The jury found a verdict for Miss Mellish, the plaintiff. Elizabeth Rankin married Samuel Crawley, of Keysal, Beds., who was the next owner, so that they must have purchased the estate from Mary Mellish. Samuel Crawley died in 1805, and his wife in 1813. The next owner was their son William, who sold the estate, comprising 1300 acres, on Sept. 9th, 1819. It was put up to auction at Scarthing Moor Inn, in 32 lots, and was purchased by William Simpson.
The advertisement of the Sale is as follows:—'' The Manors of Ragnall, East Markham, Upton, Thorpe, Whitehouses, and Thrumpton. An old house, called Ragnall Hall, with offices and walled garden sundry eligible farms and lands, containing about 1300 acres, excellent meadow, grazing and arable land, and osier ground (bounded by the navigable River Trent) with farm houses, outbuildings and cottages; also Dunham Ferry. The land are now in the occupation of Messrs Birket, Wilson, Johnson, Roberts, Wells, Williamson and others whose terms expire at Lady Day next, when possession may be had. The present rents amount to £3573 per annum. Also the Rectorial Tithes of the Parish of Askham, held by lease under the Church of York. Which will be sold by auction by Messrs. Skinner, Tuchin, and Forrest, on Thursday, the 9th of September 1819, punctually, at Scarthing Moor Inn, near Tuxford, in 32 Lots."
It was again put up to auction on August 13th, 1824, at Garraway's Coffee House, Change Alley, Cornhill, London, in two lots, when it was purchased by John Angersteine. Shortly after this, probably in 1827, the old hall was pulled down. It is described as "a roomy brick structure, containing a large hall paved, a commodious dining parlour, a lofty drawing room, and study, 8 bedrooms, 9 dressing rooms, and a water closet; proper apartments for servants and convenient domestic offices of every description." Thorsby describes it as "a dwelling of no inferior order.'' Only a small portion of the old Hall is embodied in the present house. John Angersteine added to the estate, for when it was put up to auction again, at the Town Hall, Retford, on October 24th, 1867, it contained an area of 1676 acres. The Ragnall portion of the estate was purchased by the late Mr. James Wilson, of Newark, and it is now in possession of his executors; the rest of the estate was purchased by others.
Nottingham County Records, pages 17 and 18
Richard Taylor of Ragnall was appointed chief Constable of the North Clay Hundred in 1654. During the Commonwealth the Chief Constables were appointed by the Justices, but formerly by the Court Leet.
Constables were of two sorts, High or Chief Constables and petty Constables. The petty Constables were inferior officers in every hundred and parish, subordinate to the high Constable of the hundred. They were officers of the Manor, chosen annually by the Court Leet. When in the course of the 17th century the Court Leet ceased to be held in many parts of England, or the appointment of a constable was omitted by them, the appointment was transferred to the Justices.
On April 18th, 1617, it is stated that Thomas Stannidge, sen, of Darleton "inhabiting in a farmer's house" has refused execution of the office of Constable "alleging some privilege to farmers and tenants of his house in which he then inhabited to exonerate them from that service."
Illegal, Buying and Selling
On 12th April, 1605, George ffolchs of Raggenhill, taylor, was presented "that he bought peas and hempseed without a license.''
On 22nd April, 1653, Leon Hornshey of Ragnall, gentleman, was bound over to appear at Assizes to answer for granting letters of administracon and approving of will and testament without lawful authority and taking divers somes of money of several persons for fees to the great abuse of the County.