There are no christening records for Elizabeth Rigley in about 1640,
in or around Smalley, Derbyshire, where she married Henry Godkin.
Several public trees suggest that Elizabeth Rigley was the daughter
of John Wiggley of Wirksworth. There is a christening record for
Elizabeth Wiggley in 1640 in Wirksworth.
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF JOHN WIGGLEY AND BRIGETT GELL
John Wiggley was christened 4 June 1617 in Wirksworth, Derbyshire,
the son of Richard Wiglye and Elizabeth Hall.
Baptism record for John Wigley in Wirksworth: "John fillius Mr.
Richarde Wiglye baptized - 4 of June"
John was an alumni of Cambridge University, entering in 1634.
John married Brigett Gell January 1637 in Carsington, Derbyshire.
Brigett was the daughter of John Gell. "Bridgett married John
Wigley of Wigwell Grange. These three Derbyshire sons-in-law were
to be critical in supporting Gell through the next decade and
their families would maintain the Puritan cause long after 1662.
The Wigleys were perhaps the most important allies. An old lead
mining family from Wirksworth, they had acquired land in
Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire by shrewd marriages. The John
Wigley who married Bridgett Gell was the son of Richard Wigley,
who had inherited Wigwell Grange from his brother Henry. Two of
Richard Wigley’s daughters married into Puritan families. Faith
Wigley married Thomas Shelmerdine, Vicar of Crich, and was
therefore the mother of Daniel Shelmerdine, who led the 1689
Nonconformists to Bakewell. Anne Wigley married Henry Buxton of
Bradbourne, who would play a role in the Presbyterian Classis at
Wirksworth during the Commonwealth. Moreover, the Wigleys were
already related to the Gells through the second marriage of John
Gell’s grandfather, Ralph Gell, to Emma Beresford. One of their
daughters was married to Henry Wigley, Richard’s older brother.
The Wigley family were friends of Martin Topham, Puritan rector of
Wirksworth. These are the classic models of country squires and
their families who would support Parliament in the Civil War."
(Nonconformity in Derbyshire: A Study in Dissent, 1600-1800,
Stephen Orchard)
John died and was buried 5 December 1647 in Wirksworth.
Burial record for John Wiggley in Wirksworth: "John Wiggley
sepulta - 5 of September"
John and Brigett had the following children:
1. John, christened 3 June 1639 in Wirksworth; likely died
young.
*2. Elizabeth, christened 23 September 1640 in Wirksworth;
married Henry Godkin 2 February 1666
in Smalley; buried 6 September 1687 in
Smalley.
Baptism record for Elizabeth Wigley in Wirksworth: "Elizabeth
filia John Wiggley Esq bapt - 23 of September"
3. John, christened 8 November 1642 in Wirksworth.
4. Ann, christened 6 August 1643 in Wirksworth.
5. Henry, christened 8 September 1644 in Wirksworth; his
monument in the church in Wirksworth reads: "Sacred to
the memory of HENRY WIGLEY of Wigwall in this parish Esquire son
of JOHN, son of RICHARD, who was second son and heir of HENRY
WIGLEY of Middleton in this parish, gentleman, who lies interred
under the table monument, lineally descended from JOHN de WIGLEY."
6. Thomas, christened 7 February 1646 in Wirksworth.
7. Margreat, christened 25 August 1647 in Wirksworth.
8. Anne, christened 1 August 1648 in Wirksworth.
SOURCES: Wirksworth parish register; Nonconformity in
Derbyshire: A Study in Dissent, 1600-1800, by Stephen Orchard;
www.ancestry.com.
Wirksworth
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF RICHARD WIGLEY AND
ELIZABETH HALL
Richard Wigley was born in about 1583 of Wirksworth, the son of
Henry Wigley and Elizabeth Gell. He married Elizabeth Hall,
the daughter of Henry Hall, 14 April 1605 in Costock,
Nottinghamshire.
In an article on Wigley Grange by Derek A. Wigley, Richard's
life is described: "In 1598 Henry’s second son Richard obtained
a lease of some lands at Costock in Nottinghamshire. It was there
that he met his wife to be, Elizabeth Hall, and her sister Jane,
who would eventually marry Edward Lowe of Alderwasley. In 1603
Wigwell was settled on Richard and two years later (March 3rd
1605) the marriage settlement between Henry Hall, Henry Wigley and
Richard was drawn up. By this indenture Henry Hall was to pay
Henry Wigley £200 – and certain lands were to be settled on
Elizabeth Hall for her life. These were “Wigwall Green and Rough
Close, Ould Wigwalls and Haseleys all being near the capital
messuage, and the Water Mill with the Griste Soake and Cley
Flatts”. Richard now built a house adjoining the old grange, which
was rather different from the usual farmhouses of the area. By
1610 Richard and Elizabeth had three daughters and in that year
his father died, and Wigwell gained a half of Henry’s library. It
was not until 1617 that his first son, John was born, to be
followed in 1618 by Edward who died an infant, and in 1620 by
Richard. When Richard died in 1635 John, his heir, was yet an
infant at law (under 21) so his mother placed the estate in the
Court of Wards." (Derbyshire Miscellany, Vol 3)
An article on the Wigleys describes Richard and his marriage: "Richard
could be considered as the adventurer of the family...During the
few years that Richard spent near Nottingham he absorbed something
of the way of life of the town dweller and their methods of
entertaining. He was on very good terms with the neighboring
families and in two of them found his own wife-to-be and a husband
for his sister Mary...Richard's marriage could well have been a
love match. Elizabeth Hall of Costock was very capable and she
applied her talents very well in later life when she was widowed
and her eldest son was still in his minority." (Old Henry Wigley,
by Derek Wigley, Derbyshire Miscellany, Vol 4)
Richard died and was buried in Wirksworth 27 April 1635 in
Wirksworth.
Burial record for Richard Wigley in Wirksworth: "Richard Wigley
gen sepult - 27 of Aprill"
Richard left a will written 1 April 1635 and proven September 1635.
Will of Richard Wigley of Wigwell, 1635
In the name of God Amen: the ffirst day of Aprill in the yeare of
our Lord God one thousand sixe hundred thirty and ffive, and in
the eleaventh yeare of the raigne of our soveraigne Lord Charles
by the grace of God of England, Scotland, ffrance and Irelande
kinge defender of the faith, I Richard Wigley of Wigwell
in the County of Derby gent doe constitute ordayne and make this
my last will and testament in manner and forme followinge that is
to say, ffirst I commit my soule into the hands of my heavenly
ffather and appoint that my bodie be buried at Wirkesworth amongst
my ancestors hopeinge for a comfortable resurrection only through
the sacrifice satisfaccon and merittes of my Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. Item my will is and I give devise and appoint that
all my woode underwoode and trees in the Hastleys be feld, and
sould by my executrix within the space of two yeares next after my
decease to and for the use and benifitt of my daughter
Elizabeth Wigley to be payd unto her for soone as it shall
be collected and gathered. Item I give and bequeath unto my
daughter Ffaith Shelmerdine two messuages ffarmes of
tenements lyinge and beinge in Matlocke in the County of Derby
with all the lande tenements and hereditaments thereunto belonging
nowe in the tenure of occupacon of William Cockayne Taylor oand
Edward Bankes husbandman both of Matlocke aforesaid for and
duringe the terme of the natural life of the said Ffaith
Shelmerdine. Item I give and bequeath unto my sonne Edward
Wigley for and duringe the terme of his natural life two
ffarmes, messuages or tenements scituate and beinge in Matlocke
aforesaid with all the lands tenements and heredimenence thereunto
belonging nowe in the tenure or occupacon of John Bradwell and
George Ogden theire assigne or assinges. Item I give and bequeath
to my grandchilde Samuell Shelmerdine one hundred poundes
of good and lawfull money of England to remayne in the hands of my
loving brother in law Robert Hall gent and my sonne in
law Henry Buxton for the use and behoofe of the said
Samuell until hee come to the age of one and twenty yeares and
then to be payd to the said Samuell Shelmerdine with sixe pound p
annum of money duringe all the while it remains in the hands of
the said Robert and Henry. But if it please God to call the said
Sammuel Shelmerdine before hee attayne the age of one and twenty
yeares then the said money with the increase according to the rate
of sixe poundes p annum for the tyme then past and after till the
money be payd to be payd unto my daughter Ffaith Shelmerdine
within the space of one yeare next followinge the decease of the
said Samuell Shelmerdine. Item I give and bequeath unto my
sonne Henry Buxton one messuage or tenement commonly call
Spencers in the Lane lyinge and beinge in Midleton in the County
of Derby with all lands commons pffitte and hereditaments to the
said ffarme belonging now in the tenure or occupacon of one Henry
Spencer of Midleton aforesaid for and during the terme of one and
twenty yeares next after my decease. Item I give unto my sonne
John Wigley all my bookes. Item I constitute ordayne and
appoint my beloved wife my sole executrixs of this my last will
and testament and my brother in law Robert Hall and my
loving cosen Thomas Fflynt gent my supvisors. In witness
whereof I the sayd Richard Wigley have hereunto sett my hand and
seale the day and yeare so above written. Richard Wigley. / Sealed
and delivered in the presence of signed Jane Lowe, Peter Watkinson
Robert Hall Henry Wooddis, Edward Allen./
Elizabeth died and was buried 26 October 1637 in Wirksworth.
Burial record for Elizabeth Wigley in Wirksworth: "Elizabeth
Wigley widow sepult 26 of October"
Rycharde and Elizabeth had the following children:
1. Elizabeth, born about 1606 of Wirksworth; married Martin
Topham.
2. Ann, born in about 1607 of Wirksworth; married Henry
Buxton 29 December 1634 in Wirksworth; mentioned in father's will of
1635.
3. Faith, born about 1610 of Wirksworth: married Thomas
Shelmerdine 17 February 1633 in Crich, Derbyshire; mentioned in
father's will of 1635.
4. Jane, christened 3 December 1614 in Wirksworth; buried 17
October 1624 in Wirksworth.
*5. John, christened 4 June 1617 in Wirksworth; mentioned in
father's will of 1635; married Brigett Gell 3 August 1638 in
Wirksworth.
6. Edward, christened 21 December 1618 in Wirksworth;
mentioned in father's will of 1635.
7. Richard, christened August 1620 in Wirksworth; buried 5
June 1632 in Wirksworth.
SOURCES: Wirksworth parish register; will of Richard Wigley of
Wigwell, 1635; Derbyshire Miscellany, Vol. 3; www.ancestry.com.
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF HENRY WIGLEY AND ELIZABETH GELL
Henry Wigley was born in about 1543, the son of John Wigley and
Elizabeth Crane. He married Elizabeth Gell, the daughter of Ralph
Gell and Emma Beresford.
"Elizabeth Gell married Henry at Carsington when she was
about 15 years old, (probably about 1566). The customs of the
times indicate that Henry would have courted her for about six
months and that she was agreeable tothe match.
After the wedding the bride and groom lived at Ralph Gell's house
for their "honey-month" and at the end of that time the dowry was
paid and they went to live in Henry's house which was probably in
Senior Field." (Old Henry Wigley, by Derek Wigley, Derbyshire
Miscellany, Vol. 4)
The Reliquary: Depository for Precious Relics, Legendary,
Biographical, and Historical, Volume 12
"In 1570 Elizabeth gave Henry his first son, who was called
Thomas. This would cause a major celebration, to be followed a
year later by a second son Richard. In all there were eight sons
and three daughters. Henry and Elizabeth were very happy. Many of
their children were naned after their godparents. Their eldest
son's godfather was Thonas GeII (Sir John's father) the second
son's godfather was brother Richard, Mary's godmother was Mary
Hurt, Elizabeth's sister. Anthony was godson to Anthony Gell. John
was godson to John WigIey of the Gatehouse, Henry's brother Ralph
was godfather to the fifth son. The other godparents are more
difficult to find, but by the time the sixth child was born, in
1579, John, Henry's father died. Elizabeth his widow went to live
in a cottage in Senior Field, and Henry and Elizabeth and their
children went to 1ive in "The Hall' at Mliddleton." (Old
Henry Wigley, by Derek Wigley)
Although from a farming family, Henry made a fortune in lead mining,
and was granted a coat of arms. In 1586, Henry purchased land in
Wirksworth: “On March 1st 1586 Wigwall was purchased by Henry
Wigley of Middleton by Wirksworth from George Babington of
Kingston for £300. Although Henry Wigley had purchased Wigwell he
never lived in the Grange. His interest in the estate was mainly
for the timber which he used on his “bole”; lead-smelting was one
of his family’s more important activities.” (Derbyshire
Miscellany, Vol. 3)
"Henry seems to have had no small ability in these matters - and
was careful for his family's health. In his garden there were
roses and some of the hardier English flowers but there were many
herbs, and his wife Elizabeth was well skilled in making herbal
brews which were considered efficacious - for in his commonplace
book, headed "The Vertues of Nyne Waters", Henry wrote the
following:-
Water of Churne1l is good for a sore mouth,
Water of Calaminte is good for the stomake,
Water of Plantin is good for the flixe and whott dropsie,
Water of Fennell is good to make a gt bodye small, and for the
eye.
Water of Vyolette is good for a man that is swollen in the bodye
or for the raynes & the liver.
Water of Endyve is good for jaundice, dropsie & the stomake.
Water of Burradge is good for the stomake & the collique.
Water of both sages is good for palsy.
Water of Betanye is good for heavinges and all manner of Sickness
in man's boddye.
Besides these Henry grew "Hyssope, Thyme, Winter Sage, Sweet
Marjoram and. Rosemary", and he had a small orchard." (Old Henry
Wigley)
Henry died and was buried 18 June 1610 in Wirksworth, at which time
his widow Elizabeth moved into the Senior Field, where there were
several cottages.
Henry left a will written 16 May 1610 and proven 30 October 1610:
Will of Henry Wigley, 1610
In the name of God Amen the sixteenth day of May in the yeare of
our Lord God one thousand sixe and tenne I Henry Wigley
of Middleton in the County of Derby gentleman,
beeinge of very good and pfect memory thankes be to God, do make
and declare this my last will and testament as followeth first I
comend my soule into the hands of Almighty God, trusting
faithfully of the salvation therof by the mercies & merittes
of Jesus Christ, my onely Saviour and redeemer, and my body to be
buried in the parish church of Werkesworth at the discretion of my
executours hereafter named: And also I do hereby niholate, make
ffanstrate and void all former will or willes heretofore by me
made or done whatsoever. Item I will and devise the summe of ffyve
poundes to be distributed to and amongst the poore of the said
parish church of Werkesworth by my executors upon the day of my
buriall. Item Item I will and devise to a learned preacher that
shall preach at the church of Werkesworth aforesaid upon the day
of my burial, the summe of tenne shillinges Item my will is, that
my executours shall out of my gooddes be at the charge of a tombe
to bee set over the place where my body shall lye. Item I give and
bequeath unto my godsonne Henry Wigley my
brother Raph his sonne one cowe & one calfe and tenne ewe
lambes to be put forth to his best profit and use.Item I give and
bequeath unto every of the children of of Eme
Barlow my daughterJames Barlow,
Thomas Barlow and Elizabeth Barlow
the summe of tenne poundes a peece, to be set forth within one
yeare after my decease for their best use and comoditie by the
advise of my executours and supervisours till every one of them
shall accomplish their age of one and twenty yeares, and said
summe before devised with the increase theof or issuing to be paid
unto them and every of them, and if it happens that any of the
said children of the said Eme Barlowe, to dy or dept this life
before they shall accomplish their said several ages of one &
twenty yeares as aforesaid, then such legacy or legacyes shall
be and remaine to the survivor or survivors of them, and of
every of them. Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Emme
Barlow, twenty nobles. Item I give and bequeath to my
eldest sonne Thomas Wigley one hundredth poundes to
be paid unto him within one yeare after my deceasse. Item my will
is that my said sonne Thomas shall conferme the leases made by me
to Henry Gee, William Winffeld, John Milward, and Thomas Ffowale
according to the tierme and meaninge of the said leases. Item I
give and bequeathe unto Anthony Wigley my sonne the summe
of twenty markes, to bee paid unto him within one half yeare after
my deceasse. Item I bequeath to my brother Raphe Wigley
ffourty shillinges. Item I give and bequeath unto my
brother in lawe William Walker fforty shillinges.
Item I give and bequeath unto Thomas Wigley my servant and sonne
of Henry Wigley of Wharston yet deceased fforty shillinges. Item I
give and bequeath unto my sonnes Thomas and Richard
Wigley, all my library and bookes whatsoever.
Item I give and bequeath unto Henry Walker my godsone,
second sonne of my brother in lawe William Walker,
one cowe and a calf, and five ewe lambes, to be putt forth for his
use. Item I and bequeath unto Edmund Spencer of Matlocke parish
twenty shillinges to bee paid unto him within one yeare next after
my deceasse. Item I give and bequeath unto Mary Olyver
my sister Margret daughter fforty shillinges. Item I
give and bequeat unto Raph Wigley my sonne
twenty nobles. Item I give and bequeath to Dorathy Fflynt [torn]
daughter twenty poundes. Item I give and bequeath unto my
sonne Thomas my gylt bowle, and sixe silver spones
that were William Barlowes, and the furniture and bedding that are
now remanyinge & comonly used in the [torn] and which I lately
bought of John Zouch Esquier. Item I give and bequeath to every of
my servanntes that shall serve in my house at the tyme of my death
five shillinges a peece. Item I give devise and bequeath to my
sonne Thomas [torn] ploughes and iron bound
waynes plough tymber and all other implementes to the plough and
wayne belonging whatsoever they bee. Item I give devise and
bequeath unto my daughter Eme Barlowe one annuity or
yearly rent of ffyve markes [torn] paid unto her yearly duringe
her natural life, out of all those lands and tenements lyinge in
Wirkesworth and which I heretofore purchased of Henry Wigley and
George Wigley, the first payment to beginner at the next ffeast of
St. Michaell tharchangell [torn] of our Lady which of them shall
ffirst happen after my decease and so to continew payable half
yearly at the foresaid ffeaste by equall portions. Item I will
devise and bequeath all those lands tenements and herediments
situate lyinge and being in {torn{ which I with my
sonne Raph Wigley joined with me, bought of the
aforesaid Henry Wigley and George Wigley of Scraptoft in the
County of Lecester gentlemen and which were the lands and
tenements of John Wigley of Werkesworth gentleman [torn] to and
for the use and behooffe of my sonne Thomas Wigley
and his assignes for and dureinge the tearme of his natural liffe,
and from and after the deceasse of the said Thomas, then to the
use and behooffe of the heires males of the same Thomas lawfully
begotten, or to be begotten, and for default of such issue, then
to and for the use and behooffe of Richard Wigley,
one other of the sonnes of me the said Henry Wigley for and
duringe the tearme of his natural liffe, and from & after the
deceasse of the same Richard, then to the use and behooffe of the
heires males of the same Richard lawfully begotten, or to bee
begotten and for want of such issue then to the use and behooffe
of the right heires of me the said Henry Wigley for ever. Item I
give and bequeath unto Raph Wigley my sonne
on annuity or yearly rent of sixe poundes thirteen shillinges and
foure pence for the tearme of his natural liffe to be paid forth
of the issues and pfitts of my house and lands called Senior
ffylde situate lying and beinge in Matlock neer unto Cromfforth
bridge and to be paid by my said sonne Thomas and his heires at
two days or feastes in the yeare that is to say at the next feast
day of St. Michaell tharchangell, or the Annunciation of our Lady
which of them shall first happen after my deceasse, and so to
continew payable halffe yearly, at the aforesaid ffeastes by
equall portions. Item I give devise and bequeath unto Edmund
Wigley my sonne one annuitye or yearly payment of
nyne poundes to be issuing and paid unto him yearly duringe his
natural liffe out of my parsonage of Shinye in the County of
Stafford of two days or ffeastes in the yeare by equall portions
by my said sonne Thomas and his heires the ffirst payment to
beginner at the next feast day of St. Michaell tharchangell or the
annunciation of our Lady which of them shall first happen after my
deceasse and so to continue payable half yearly at the aforesaid
feaste by equall porcons. Item I will devise and bequeath to the
three children of my said sonne Raph Wigley
twenty markes, equally to be devided amongst them and to be paid
by myne executors within one yeare next after my deceasse unto the
hands of Ffrancys Teylyor of Ballydon to be set forth by him to
their use. Item I give an& bequeath unto Elizabeth
my lovinge wiffe one bedstead with all the furniture
and bedding therto belonging in the parler where she usually
lyeth. Item I give devise & bequeath unto Mary
Sterley my daughter my bay mere which I usually ride
of. Item my will is that my executors shall within one yeare after
my decease put put forth and inploy one hundreth markes for &
duringe the natural liffe of Chrystoffer Sterley my
sonne in lawe to the use and behooffe of my
said daughter Mary and within one half yeare next
after the deceasse of the said Chrystoffer, that my said executors
shall pay unto my said daughter Mary the said hundreth markes
fforty of my gooddes with the increase and profittes therof if my
said daughter Mary shall be then be living. Item I
will devise and bequeath unto my said sonne Richard
Wigley one hundreth poundes to be paid him within one
yeare after my deceasse. Item I will devise and bequeath unto my
said sonne Thomas Wigley, and unto my said
daughter Mary Sterley, my lease of certen lands in
Lytchurch & Osmerston neer Darbie and all my tearme and tytle
therin for and duringe all such tearme of yeares as I have yet to
come therin equallie to be devided between them. And all the
residue of my gooddes and chattelles not bequeathed, my legacies
and funeral charges beinge pformed I give & bequeath unto my
said sonne Thomas Wigley. And I ordeyne and make the same
Thomas my said sonne Richard Wigley and my
said brother in lawe William Walker executors of this
my last will & testament. And I do name and appoint William
Winfeild of Shefeld and Raph Wigley of Werkesworth my
brother to bee supivsors on this my last will and
testament and I give and bequeath to ether of them twenty
shillings for their paines to bee taken in that behalf. Item my
will is that if any pson or psons who is or are to have any
thinge by this my last will do go about by sute or other wise to
interrupt the trew pformance of this my last will that then such
pson or psons so goinge about to interrupt the trew pformance of
this my last will (as aforesaid) to be excluded from recovering of
any benefyttes by this my last will as if he or shee had never
bene named or mentioned herin, and that his or her porton to him
or her bequeathed shall go to maynteyne the sutes of lawe aagainst
him or her, that shall so go about to interrupt ye trew pformance
of this my last will at the discretion of my executors and
supervisors. Also I give and bequeath forty shillinges towardes
the repayringe of hye ways, that is to the inhabitants of
Werkesworth towards the cawsyinge and pavinge of the lane leading
from the North towne end of Werkesworth towards Cromfforth thirty
shillinges and the other ten shillinges to be bestowed by my said
sonne Thomas about the reparynge of the high waies at Steeple gate
^ at the breath gate. Item I give and bequeath to my sister
Margrett Ollyver ffyve markes. In witnesse whearof I
have herunto sett my hand & seale the day and yeare above
written./ These being witnesses Edwarde Mellor of Wirkesworth, George
Walker of Rybor, Henry Gee of Middleton, John Bradshaw of
Wirkesworth.
Elizabeth died in 1626.
"Old Henry died in June 1610 and Thonas was named as one of his
executors. Elizabeth, Henry's widow (a cousin of John Gell) went
to live at Senior Field where she died .in 1626, at which time her
grand-daughter Millicent Wooddis was living with her."
(Derbyshire Miscellany, Vol. 4; Faith Wigley's Will)
Henry and Elizabeth were buried in the Wirksworth parish church.
Their monumental inscriptions was mentioned in a volume of
Derbyshire church notes, written by Francis Bassano in 1710: "Upon
Old Henry Wigley of Middleton his Monum't erected on ye north side
ye chancell: who was grandfather to Henry above written. The
ffigure at length of old Henry & his wife in antique dress,
with their hands elivated as in prayer. Between their heads ye
arms of Wigley vizt. At ye feet of Henry his 8 sons are yet to be
seen. But his daughters at his wives feet are defaced by age. In a
border round ye edge of ye covering stone of ye tombe of
alibaster. "Here lyeth Henry Wigley of Middleton gentleman. He
dyed ye 18 day of June Anno: 1610. And Eliz his wife daughter of
Raph Gell of Hopton gentleman". On a border round ye face of
stone:
I know yt my Redeemer liveth And yt I shall rise out of ye Earth in ye last day And shall be connected again into my skinne And shall see God in my flesh Yet I my selfe shall behold him." (Old Henry Wigley, by Derek Wigley in Derbyshire Miscellany,
Vol. 4)
Henry and Elizabeth had the following children:
1. Thomas, married Faith Durant, left a will dated 1635.
*2. Richard, married Bridgett Gell; died 24 April 1635 in
Wirksworth.
3. Eme, married Mr. Barlow
4. Anthony, married Elizabeth; occupation: farmer; died June
1629.
5. Mary, married 1) Christopher Strelley; married 2) Henry
Chaworth.
6. John
7. Raph, occupation - tanner; married Isabell.
8. Edmund
9. Edward
10. Henry
11. Dorothy, married 1) Henry Wooddiss, 2) Thomas Flint
SOURCES: Wirksworth parish register; will of Richard Wigley of
Wigwell, 1635; Derbyshire Miscellany, Vol. 3; www.ancestry.com; The
Reliquary: Depository for Precious Relics, Legendary,
Biographical, and Historical, Volume 12; Old Henry
Wigley, by Derek Wigley in Derbyshire Miscellany, Vol. 4;
Cromford Village in Derbyshire.
Wirksworth
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF JOHN WIGLEY AND ELIZABETH CRANE
John Wigley was born in about 1490. He married Elizabeth Crane,
daughter of Ralph Crane. "John Wigley, of Middleton, in the
county of Derby, living in 1491, son of John Wigley of Worksworth,
in the same shire, married Elizabeth, daughter of Ralph Crane".
(Burke's Commoners of Great Britain). Other sources suggest
that John's father was Richard Wigley.
"ln 1532 Richard purchased a fourth part of Roger More's lands in
Middleton-by-Wirksworth for £8. At that time ]ohn Wigley was
unmarried, and More, a draper of Derby, and presumably a business
acquaintance, agreed to an abatement of half the purchase money if
John would marry one of his daughters. The proposal was not
favourably received because John, shortly afterwards married
Elizabeth, daughter of Ralph Crane, a cousin of the Ge1l family.
About 1533 their first son, Henry, was born." (Old Henry Wigley)
John and Elizabeth were mentioned in a history of Sheen in
Staffordshire, about 15 miles from Wirksworth: "Burton abbey was
dissolved in 1539, but in 1541 it was reconstituted as a college,
which was itself dissolved in 1545. In 1546 the Crown
granted most of its possessions, including Sheen chapel, to Sir
William Paget. Later in 1546 Paget was licensed to sell the chapel
and its property to Ralph Crane of Middleton, in
Wirksworth (Derb.). It was probably then that the chapel ceased to
be part of Ilam parish. Crane was succeeded by his
daughter Elizabeth and her husband John Wigley
evidently in or shortly before 1567. John continued to hold the
chapel after Elizabeth's death, and he was succeeded by their son
Henry in 1579." (British History Online - Sheen)
From Beresford Pedigree, Miscellanea Genealogica et Heraldica, Vol. 1
The pedigree of the Wigleys is found in the Visitation of
Derbyshire in 1611.
Visitation of Derbyshire, 1611
John died in 1579 in Wirksworth.
John and Elizabeth had the following children:
*1. Henry, married Elizabeth Gell
2. Raph, married Isabel.
3. Margrett, married Mr. Ollyver.
4. Richard, married Grace.
5. John, occupation: yeoman farmer; died 1591; "Early in
January 1591 Henry's youngest brother John died. He did a good
deal of the family weaving and in his cottage at Senior Field were
three looms." (Old Henry Wigley)
6. Mary
7. Matthilda
SOURCES: Miscellanea genealogica et heraldica, Volume 1; A
Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Commoners of Great
Britain, Vol. 2; Visitation of Derbyshire, 1611; Cromford Village
in Derbyshire.
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
RICHARD AND ISABEL WIGLEY
Richard Wigley was born in about 1470 of Wirksworth. He married
Isabel.
"Richard Wigley was a yeoman, probably born in the 1480s.
As a farmer he grew wheat, barley and oats, and in pasture there
were sheep and goats. His wife and daughter wove the wool into
cloth which was in great demand at that time. This alone could
have founded his family's fortunes, but he also had a bole for
smelting lead. Consequently he had amounts of ready money which he
reinvested partially in 1and, for the bole required a great deal
of firewood, and it was better to grow timber on one's own land
than to buy it. By 1530 Richard had lent £30 to William Tagg,
yeoman of Mat1ock, but since William could not repay this he sold
two messuages, a cottage and thirty acres of land to Richard. This
land was tenanted by Roger Walker. In 1532 (September) William
Tagg, perhaps in need of ready money again, contracted a sale to
John, Richard Wigley's elder son, for the remainder of his houses,
lands, tenements, pastures and services. In the conveyance Richard
Wigley's brother Willian (whose descendants lived at Mylnehouses)
was a witness. A close on this land was called Senior Field...When
Henry's grandfather Richard died in 1540 widowed lsabel went
to live at Senior Field, and John and. Elizabeth and their
children moved to Middleton.." (Old Henry Wigley, by Derek Wigley)
Wigley Pedigree from "Old Henry Wigley, by Derek Wigley, Derbyshire Miscellany, Vol 4"
"In 1540 Richard Wigley died. He had lived at Middleton since
buying land there from Roger More. The house was to become known
as the Hall. In his will he requested to be buried in Wirksworth
church before the St Catherine Quire, a chantry which had been
founded by the Wigley family. He left money for prayers and masses
to be said for him. Also "I bequeath to ye chapel of Crumford
11s." (two shillings)Richard also left to his wife
Isabel, during her life "a close called Senyor Fyld with all the
houses longing thereto with all ye rights and heyreditaments."
(Cromford Village in Derbyshire)
Richard died in 1540, leaving a will written 9 August 1540 and
proven 15 December 1540. He left bequests to his wife Isabell, son
John, and daughters Elizabeth, Katheryne, and Crystyn.
Will of Richard Wigley of Middleton, 1540
Isabel died September 1558, leaving a will dated 14 May 1556 and
proven 16 September 1558: "In 1556 Grandmother Isabel -
made her Will and made small bequests to Henry and his brothers -
also a sheep to his cousin William of Millerrs Green, and Henry's
Aunt Elizabeth was appointed. sole executrix" (Old Henry
Wigley) Isabel left bequests to her granddaughter
Elizabeth Hall, her daughter Elizabeth, and son John.
"Isabel Wigley, Richard's widow, had moved to Senior Field in
Cromford where she died in September 1558. She wanted to be buried
in "my parish church of Matlok before ye image of oure lady (if my
son John will be so pleased)." She did not choose to be buried
with her husband, who eighteen years previously had been buried
before the chantry of St Catherine in Wirksworth church. Included
in the inventory of her goods were 4 "fodders" of lead, a measure
worth at that time £5. These would be used as security against
cash or goods. Two of them she left to her granddaughter Elizabeth
Gell. The witnesses to the will were William Flint, priest, who
wrote the will, John Lane, Thomas Woodwyse and Roger Walker - who
still tenanted part of the lands. Among the appraisers of her
estate were William Woodwyse, Edward Hygton and Henry Rag. Senior
Field Close was left to Isabel for her lifetime so now reverted to
her son John, who lived at The Hall, Middleton with his wife
Elizabeth." (Cromford Village in Derbyshire)
Will of Isabell Wigley, 1558
Richard and Isabell had the following children:
*1. John, married Elizabeth Crane.
2. Elizabeth
3. Katheryne
4. Crystyn
SOURCES: Old Henry Wigley, by Derek Wigley in Derbyshire
Miscellany, Vol. 4; will of Richard Wyggeley of Middleton, 1540;
Cromford Village in Derbyshire.
A stone carving of a medieval lead miner in the
church at Wirksworth, carrying a pick and his wisket - a box for carrying ore.
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF RALPH AND ISABEL WIGLEY
Ralph Wigley was born in about 1435 of Wirksworth, the son of John
Wigley. He married Isabel.
Ralph and Isabel had the following child:
*1. Richard, married Isabel.
2. William
SOURCES: Old Henry Wigley, by Derek Wigley in Derbyshire
Miscellany, Vol. 4.
FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF JOHN WIGLEY
John Wigley was born in about 1400 of Wirksworth. John was mentioned
in a manor court record in 1451 at Wirksworth, when a cottage in
Wirksworth was surrendered to the use of John Wigley and his son
Ralph. "In 1451 at Wirksworth Manor Court William Alson
surrendered a cottage in Wirksworth to the use of John
Wigley and Ralph, his son. During 1452 Richard Bagot,
William Purdhomme and John Forth, chaplain, gave an attorney to John
Wigley of Wirksworth to deliver to Henry Bradbourne
and Margery, his wife, seisin of their manors of Bradbourne and
Legh with watermilIs and appurtenances. For a few years the
records are scarce, but it seems that generally the Wigleys were
yeoman farmers. Later they acquired interests in lead mines, but
probably as merchants, and other branches of the family became
tradesmen." (Some Notes on the Wigley Family of Derbyshire, by
Derek A. Wigley; Derbyshire Miscellany, Vol. 3)
John and his wife had the following children:
1. John, married Alice.
*2. Ralph, married Isabel; died 1540.
SOURCE: Cromford Village in Derbyshire; Some Notes on
the Wigley Family of Derbyshire, by Derek A. Wigley; Derbyshire
Miscellany, Vol. 3.
Early Wigleys:
"The Wigley family takes its name from a hamlet near Old
Brampton, four miles from Chesterfield. The first recorded mention
of a Wigley in Wirksworth was in 1383 when land was granted to
Richard, son of Roger de Wygeleye. In 1451 at Wirksworth manor
court, William Alson surrendered a cottage in Wirksworth to the
use of John Wigley and Ralph his son." (Cromford Village in
Derbyshire)
"The Wigley family takes its name from a hamlet near Old Brampton
in the Hundred of Scarsdale. At the time of the Domesday survey
there were three manors in Brampton, covering an area of between
twelve and fifteen square miles, including ploughland, pasture and
woodlands. One manor belonged to Walter Deincourt and the two
others to Ascuit Musard. Wigley is situated near the head of a
vaIley, some four miles from Chesterfield, at an altitude of 1,000
ft. in the north-western part of one of the Musard manors. The
early history of the Wigley family is very scanty, but there are
references to John de Wiggeley who lived in the reign of Richard I
and John, who “bore for his coat-armour, Paley of eight,
embattled, argent and gules”. The origin of these arms is not
clear, but it is possible that this John may have been on a
Crusade." (Some Notes on the Wigley Family of
Derbyshire, by Derek A. Wigley; Derbyshire Miscellany, Vol. 3)
Lead Mining in Derbyshire:
"The first smelting of Derbyshire lead ore, known as galena, was
some 3500 years ago. Two thousand years ago the Romans made it an
important industry. By the 1600s lead had become second in
importance in the national economy only to wool. It was essential
for the roofs of public buildings and the new houses being built
in every part of the country by the nobility and gentry. All
houses, including farmhouses and cottages by then, had glazed
windows, with lead glazing bars. It was the only material for
water storage and piping. Even the army used it as ammunition.
There was a thriving export trade as well as the home market and
the Wirksworth area was the main source of the ore. (Derbyshire
UK, http://www.derbyshireuk.net/leadmining5.html)
SOURCE: Cromford Village in Derbyshire; Derbyshire UK - Lead
Mining.
