it lay waste, but William ordered a castle to be built. The demesne was valued at twenty-six shillings[1].
It probably continued in the hands of the Crown for several years, the first grant of the manor with the Fair distinct from the castle, being made to Alianora, grandmother of Henry III., (Eleanor of Guienne), in 1224[2]. The profits arising from fairs and markets, must in those times have been something considerable, since we find Henry III., in the eighth year of his reign (1224), directing William de Insula (Lisle) who was then constable of the castle, that the proceeds of the fair held on the exaltation of the cross in the preceding year, should be reserved for the use of the king's mother, Isabella of France[3]. It had, however, been included previously in the ample dowry of her Majesty by King John[4]. (1203.)
In 1271, we find the manor in the hands of Edmund, earl of Cornwall, son of Richard, king of Germany[5] who then obtained the grant of a market here every Friday[6].
In 1315, Edward the Second possessed the manor[7].
In 1329, Edward the Third confirmed the grant to his mother Isabella[8].
In 1346, he granted to his consort Philippa, for her life, a certain spot in the forest of Rockingham, containing sixty acres, in aid of the repairs of the castle, described as being then ruinous[9].
The castle, domain, and manor of Rockingham, were confirmed to Queen Margaret, wife of Henry VI., with all their privileges, together with the village and manor of Brigstock, and the wood and bailiwick of Cliff, for the term of her natural life[10]. Granted March 19, 24th of Hen. VI., confirmed 32nd Hen. VI., resumed by the Crown 4th Edw. IV.[11] In 1464, the manor, with the castle and forest, was settled on the Queen Elizabeth, by Edward the Fourth, for her natural life[12], and confirmed to Elizabeth, 7th of July, 7th of Edw. IV.[13] Raulf Hastynges, esquire, keeper of the royal lions, William Hastynges, knight. Lord Hastynges, constable of the castle, and surveyor of the verte and venison in the forest of Rokyngham, steward of the lordships and manors of Rokyngham, Brigstock,
- ↑ Domesday, vol. i. p. 220.
- ↑ Lit. Rot. Claus., p. 581.
- ↑ Ibid.
- ↑ Calend. Rot. Chart., p. 30. Rymer's Fœdr., vol. i. p. 88. 5th John.
- ↑ Calend. Rot. Chart., p. 207.
- ↑ Bridge's Northants, vol. ii. p. 334, quoting Cart. 56 Hen. III.
- ↑ Plac. de quo Warr., p. 556. Nomina Villarum apud Parl. Writs, p. 391.
- ↑ Author. apud Bridges, p. 334.
- ↑ Rot. Orig., p. 181.
- ↑ Roll of Parl., vol. v. p. 261.
- ↑ Ibid., p. 517.
- ↑ Pat., 5 Edw. IV.
- ↑ Roll of Parl., vol. v. p 627.
