CTH 3/114

This indenture made between Geoffrey Rathebon, mayor of the town of Congleton, with the common assent and consent of all and singular the burgesses and commonalty of the same town on the one part, and Sir James Spenser, knight and alderman of London, of the other part. Witnesseth that the aforesaid Geoffrey Rathebon, with the common counsell of all and singular the burgesses and commonalty aforesaid, has delivered, granted, and to farm demised to the said Sir James Spenser, knight, one half acre of their land, lying near Horseleye Banckein in the territory of Congulton, and also one other acre of land lying in le greatte Strangforde on the east part and a certain parcel of land there called le Byfflette on the west part, and the water of the Dane on the north part and the same pasture le greatte Strangforde on the south part; to have and to hold the said half acre of land with its appurtenances and also the said acre of land in le greatte Strangforde to the aforesaid Sir James Spenser, knight, his heirs, and assigns forever of the chief lords of the fee by the service thence due and of right accustomed, paying thence annually to the aforesaid Geoffrey Rathebon, mayor of Congleton, and his successors at the two annual terms viz for the said half acre of land lying near Horseley 2s per annum, and for the acre lying in le greatte Strangforde 20d. per annum. And if it happen the said annual rents be behind in part or wholly by the space of 15 days, then it shall be lawful to the said mayor and his successors to make distraint until the said annual rent of 3s 8d is fully paid and satisfied. And the said Geoffrey Rathebon and his successors will warrant and forever defend the said half acre of land and also the said other acre of land with appurtenances to the said Sir James Spenser, knight, his heirs, and assigns in the manner and form aforesaid against all men.

Witnesses:- Geoffrey Rathebon then mayor of Congleton,. James Sutton then bailiff of the same town, Ralph Raide, John Walker, John Hobson, and Roger Spencer aldermen there, Randal Rowe, Hugh Moreton, and Thomas Grene, clerk. Dated 2nd September 28 Henry VIII [1536] per one Sir Jamys Spenser, alderman of London.