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The Greatheeds and Scatcherds in Gildersome Part 1 © Charles Soderlund 02/21
During the 17th century, Major Joshua Greatheed (1615-1685) was promoted for competence and bravery during the turbulent Civil War and was later vilified for his role in the Farnley Wood Plot. For good or ill, during this time, he was Gildersome's most prominent and influential resident. His exploits during the Parliamentary and Restoration eras are well documented on the internet and within the pages of this website, so they will not be discussed here. Also, due to archive closings during the Covid 19 epidemic, I shall save Joshua's later years and his legal troubles for another Article. Instead, we'll focus on him, his ancestors and his descendants, where they lived, their properties and what became of them before and after his death.
Right: the only likeness of Joshua Greathead known to be in existence.
From a Scatcherd collection on display at the Morley's Town Hall.
Right: the only likeness of Joshua Greathead known to be in existence.
From a Scatcherd collection on display at the Morley's Town Hall.
Joshua Greatheed, when signing deeds and other documents, used the spelling "Greatheed." I've seen his signature on many documents from the National Archives (Kew) and the West Yorkshire Archives Services (WYAS). Right is an example from a 1670s deed signed by Joshua Greatheed who was a witness, it states:"Sealed and delivered in the presence of us, // Joshua Greatheed - Franncis Rodes, her T mark - Josias Brooke." This same spelling accompanies most archival documents and birth, marriage and death records pertaining to Joshua's ancestors and descendants.
(Click on the signatures to see an enlarged version)
The Greatheed family has had a long occupation in Batley parish and Morley especially. In a 1379 Poll Tax list for Morley, one William Greathede was wealthy enough to be included. The Greatheed name, in its various forms, appears now and then in Batley parish records from the 1500s and 1600s, but gaps in the records make a connection to the ancestral line of Thomas Greathead (c1575-1622), Joshua Greathead's father, impossible. Though many Greatheads lived in Batley parish during the 1500s, prior to the 17th century, it's not known if any lived in Gildersome. Thus far, the two earliest I've identified as living there is a John Greatheed (having an unknown connection to Joshua) who died in 1647, and Joshua Greatheed (the Major) who was born in Morley, at Morley Hole, but came to occupy Gildersome circa the 1640s. Legend has it that after the Farnley Wood Plot, the Major was so hated by his neighbours that he dared not show his face in Gildersome and Morley. But, after 1663, every official document I've seen describes him as being "of Gildersome." In 1664, the Major became a Receiver of the Hearth Tax of Yorkshire for the Crown, but It didn't take long before he and his financial backers became embroiled in a dispute with Exchequer concerning shortfalls which initially amounted to over £3,000. As a result, most, if not all, of the Major's property, in Gildersome and elsewhere was seized by the Crown who collected the rents which were then applied to the balance due. The Crown's suit wasn't settled, and any remaining obligations cancelled, until 1688, three years after the Major's death, and by 1690 all the seized property was returned to the Greatheed family.
The Major had business and banking interests in London and, it appears, may have kept a house just east of the Tower in the St Katherine's district. Two of his three living sons, Henry (1658-1718) and John (1650-1711) relocated to London. Henry kept a brewery in Lymehouse and John started off as haberdasher but later became a customs official at the London docks. Both brothers married and had children there. The Major's son, Samuel (1644-1721), may have spent time in London but he seems to have preferred Gildersome and Morley and resided there. The eldest son, Joshua (1642-1665), was recorded in the 1666 Hearth Tax records for Gildersome even though he died the year previously. Joshua's eldest daughter, Alice (1640-1727), married John Smith (abt 1640-1727?). Their descendants, the Smiths, were substantial property owners in Gildersome during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Major also had two other daughters who never wed, Susan (abt 1649-?) and Hannah (b.?- d. 1707?).
Son Henry, in his will, left his entire estate, which was unspecified, to his daughter Mary. She was born 16 May 1691 at Saint Dunstan's, in Stepney, London. It's unclear how, but she seems to have ended up as the sole owner of all the Greatheed properties in Gildersome and Morley. When she married Samuel Scatcherd on the 19th of June 1716 at Batley, all of that copious estate transferred to the Scatcherd family of Morley and, for the most part, remained Scatcherd land for 200 years.
In addition, there was a man called John Greatheed, probably born in the 1670s who, according to many sources, "emigrated to the island of St Christopher in the West Indies (now St Kitts and Nevis).......probably in 1663 after forfeiting their estate near Leeds to the Crown for non-payment of taxes." To my knowledge, no other Greatheeds anywhere were involved with the Crown over taxes and suffered estate forfeiture except Joshua and his immediate family. That same aforementioned John Greatheed had a son called Samuel Greatheed (abt 1710-1768) who inherited his father's sugar plantations on St Kitts, and became one of the richest and notorious slave owners of his day. He settled at Guy's Cliffe in Warwickshire. (more on the children of Joshua and the St. Kitts Greatheeds below).
(Click on the signatures to see an enlarged version)
The Greatheed family has had a long occupation in Batley parish and Morley especially. In a 1379 Poll Tax list for Morley, one William Greathede was wealthy enough to be included. The Greatheed name, in its various forms, appears now and then in Batley parish records from the 1500s and 1600s, but gaps in the records make a connection to the ancestral line of Thomas Greathead (c1575-1622), Joshua Greathead's father, impossible. Though many Greatheads lived in Batley parish during the 1500s, prior to the 17th century, it's not known if any lived in Gildersome. Thus far, the two earliest I've identified as living there is a John Greatheed (having an unknown connection to Joshua) who died in 1647, and Joshua Greatheed (the Major) who was born in Morley, at Morley Hole, but came to occupy Gildersome circa the 1640s. Legend has it that after the Farnley Wood Plot, the Major was so hated by his neighbours that he dared not show his face in Gildersome and Morley. But, after 1663, every official document I've seen describes him as being "of Gildersome." In 1664, the Major became a Receiver of the Hearth Tax of Yorkshire for the Crown, but It didn't take long before he and his financial backers became embroiled in a dispute with Exchequer concerning shortfalls which initially amounted to over £3,000. As a result, most, if not all, of the Major's property, in Gildersome and elsewhere was seized by the Crown who collected the rents which were then applied to the balance due. The Crown's suit wasn't settled, and any remaining obligations cancelled, until 1688, three years after the Major's death, and by 1690 all the seized property was returned to the Greatheed family.
The Major had business and banking interests in London and, it appears, may have kept a house just east of the Tower in the St Katherine's district. Two of his three living sons, Henry (1658-1718) and John (1650-1711) relocated to London. Henry kept a brewery in Lymehouse and John started off as haberdasher but later became a customs official at the London docks. Both brothers married and had children there. The Major's son, Samuel (1644-1721), may have spent time in London but he seems to have preferred Gildersome and Morley and resided there. The eldest son, Joshua (1642-1665), was recorded in the 1666 Hearth Tax records for Gildersome even though he died the year previously. Joshua's eldest daughter, Alice (1640-1727), married John Smith (abt 1640-1727?). Their descendants, the Smiths, were substantial property owners in Gildersome during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Major also had two other daughters who never wed, Susan (abt 1649-?) and Hannah (b.?- d. 1707?).
Son Henry, in his will, left his entire estate, which was unspecified, to his daughter Mary. She was born 16 May 1691 at Saint Dunstan's, in Stepney, London. It's unclear how, but she seems to have ended up as the sole owner of all the Greatheed properties in Gildersome and Morley. When she married Samuel Scatcherd on the 19th of June 1716 at Batley, all of that copious estate transferred to the Scatcherd family of Morley and, for the most part, remained Scatcherd land for 200 years.
In addition, there was a man called John Greatheed, probably born in the 1670s who, according to many sources, "emigrated to the island of St Christopher in the West Indies (now St Kitts and Nevis).......probably in 1663 after forfeiting their estate near Leeds to the Crown for non-payment of taxes." To my knowledge, no other Greatheeds anywhere were involved with the Crown over taxes and suffered estate forfeiture except Joshua and his immediate family. That same aforementioned John Greatheed had a son called Samuel Greatheed (abt 1710-1768) who inherited his father's sugar plantations on St Kitts, and became one of the richest and notorious slave owners of his day. He settled at Guy's Cliffe in Warwickshire. (more on the children of Joshua and the St. Kitts Greatheeds below).
The Early Family of Joshua Greatheed:
The Scholecroft estate circa 1780
Thomas Greatheed (c1575-1622), Joshua's father has two likely sets of candidates for his parents (or grandparents) one is John Greathead and his wife Isabel. During the second half of the 16th century they resided at Scholecroft, Morley, today the property is known as Hillcrest Farm off Scotchman's Lane. Sometime in the 1570s or 1580s, this John Greathead, along with John Stubley, of Stubley, received a grant of land in Gildersome, of undetermined size, from Sir John Savile. Out of that grant, in 1589, they resold some of that property to the freeholders of Gildersome which included fourteen subdivided fields from four Harthill closes, four Moor closes, four West Moor closes and two Carr closes. Among the purchasers was one Henry Crowther, his son was the father in law of Joshua Greatheed. When John Greatheed died in 1595, his will left property in Pontefract to his grandson, Thomas Bury, and money for the "poore in Gildersome," as well as the poor in Morley, Churwell and Batley. He named Isabel, his wife, heir and executrix to the residue of his property which certainly must have included Scholecroft, but it and any other properties were not named in the document. In 1596 Isabel, now a widow, married George Baynes at the Batley parish church, George's name appeared as a witness in John Greathead's will. After that the couple dropped out of sight. We must assume that Isabel died in 1613 and that, around the same time, William Birkby and his heirs took over the Scholecroft estate. Isobel left a will but without knowledge of its contents, it's unknown how many other properties, if any, were dispensed. Other than the aforementioned Alice, who married Mr Bury, there're no other children found in the surviving records to enable a connection to Thomas Greatheed.
The other candidate for the parents or grandparents of Thomas Greatheed are Nicholas Greatheed and Agnes Austwick (Asquith). Agnes Austwick, the child of John Austwick, married Nicholas Greatheed 12 Aug 1563 at the Batley Parish church. Nicholas died 29 July 1590 in Morley. Agnes died 07 Sep 1588, also in Morley. The couple had at least two children, Richard b. 1654 and Agnes b. 1655 who died young. There certainly was time for the couple to have had more children, including Thomas.
Thomas Greathead married Ellen Oates (c1579-16??) in Leeds on 08 Sep 1601. Of their children, I can only find six boys born to the couple, if the couple had any daughters, which is entirely possible, they're difficult to find in what remains of the records.
Their boys were:
Peter: born about 1602. He may have died 1649, marriage unknown.
Thomas: born about 1605, he died after 1664 in Gildersome, marriage unknown.
Robert: born was born in 1609, and probably died 1639, marriage unknown.
Joshua: born 1615, and died in 1685 at Fleet St. Debtors Prison in London. He married Susannah
Crowther in 1640. The couple had seven Children.
Nicholas: born probably about 1617 and possibly died in 1657, marriage unknown.
John: born 1622 in Morley, and died 1667 also in Morley. I believe he married Sarah Whitehead in
1644 and probably had at least one daughter, Rebecca.
Thomas Greathead married Ellen Oates (c1579-16??) in Leeds on 08 Sep 1601. Of their children, I can only find six boys born to the couple, if the couple had any daughters, which is entirely possible, they're difficult to find in what remains of the records.
Their boys were:
Peter: born about 1602. He may have died 1649, marriage unknown.
Thomas: born about 1605, he died after 1664 in Gildersome, marriage unknown.
Robert: born was born in 1609, and probably died 1639, marriage unknown.
Joshua: born 1615, and died in 1685 at Fleet St. Debtors Prison in London. He married Susannah
Crowther in 1640. The couple had seven Children.
Nicholas: born probably about 1617 and possibly died in 1657, marriage unknown.
John: born 1622 in Morley, and died 1667 also in Morley. I believe he married Sarah Whitehead in
1644 and probably had at least one daughter, Rebecca.
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There's a good chance that all the brothers were born on an estate in Morley, whose main house was located at Morley Hole. Morley Hole probably derived its name from a Tudor or earlier mining site.
In Michael Sheard's book, 'Records of the Parish of Batley' (1894), he gives an account of the properties owned by the old Batley Grammar School whose rents were applied to its maintenance. One of the properties purchased by the school's trustees was owned and occupied by Thomas and Ellen Greatheed. The sale was completed in 1623 between the trustees and Ellen with her oldest son Peter, his father having died the previous year. A description of the transferred property is as follows, "two messuages, barns, buildings, orchards, gardens, lands, closes, meadows, feedings, pasture woods, underwood, &c, in anywise belonging." Though there was no mention of its scope, given its description it appears to have been of considerable size. Soon after the sale, the Greathead's leased back the property for 21 years and again in 1636 for an additional 58 years. Sheard further states that: "In 1650, all entitled to any interest under this lease, must have died or surrendered it, for in that year the trustees granted a lease of the estate to Abraham Dawson." Sheard then includes a list, in chronological order, of the occupiers of the old Greathead estate, from Dawson and ending with John Fox in 1799. By using a combination of old records and maps, the last being the 1843 Tithe Apportionments for Morley and its accompanying map, I have been able to Identify, on that map, the exact holdings of the Greatheads, still owned by the Batley Grammar School, and still in existence in 1843's Morley Hole.(see Map right). |
In this 1843 section from the Morley Tithe Apportionment's map, above, Morley Hole dominates the centre. The four circled properties were owned by the Batley Grammar School. In 1843, the properties were occupied by: No. 7 is occupied by Wm Bradley & another and is described as "Cottages etc." No. 8 is occupied by Jos. Waring & others and is described as "Cottages barn etc." No. 13 is occupied by Benjamin Dyson and is described as "Cottages etc." No. 14 is occupied by Wm Bradley and is described as "Croft" |
What life was like for the Greathead children and their mother, after Thomas' death, we can only guess. In his father's will, Peter, the eldest (19 yo), was probably named an executor and principle heir, while each of the other brothers, all below the age of 21, were undoubtedly left money or property or both. Joshua was only 7 or 8 at the time of his father's death. The family appears not to have been lacking in resources and esteem. Peter became an eminent woollen manufacturer in Morley. Brother Thomas attended Magdalen College at 17yo, a B.A. in 1627 (age 22) and matriculated from Magdalen Hall with an M.A. in 1630, he was one of the original trustees of the Protestant Old Chapel Morley. Son Robert died young at age 27. Brother Nicholas removed to Holbeck and prospered in the woollen trade. In May of 1644 he was "commissioned as a troop captain in Lord Fairfax's regiment of horse, having raised and financed his officers and 60 troopers." Brother Joshua was described in his marriage banns (1637) as a clothier, so he must have apprenticed somewhere, perhaps with his brothers. Finally brother John, the youngest, resided in Morley. In 1666 he was described as a collector of the Hearth Tax.
In the Protestation Oath's (1641 to 42) records for Batley Parish, which included Gildersome, no Greathead came forth to take the oath. This would lead one to conclude that the families were dissenters and either refused to take the oath or hid when it was administered. Not surprising since brothers Thomas and Joshua later became trustees of the Old Morley Chapel.
During the Civil War, bothers Peter, Thomas, Nicholas and Joshua Greathead all joined the Parliamentary Army, were commissioned officers and served with honour and distinction.
Joshua Greathead married Susan Crowther (1620-1685) on the 28th of May 1640, however they first announced their intention to wed in the marriage banns 1637. It would be interesting to find out the reason for the three year delay. Given the character and temperament that Joshua displayed later in his life, it wouldn't surprise one bit if he was angling for a larger dowery. Or perhaps for the same reason, Susannah's father, Ralph Crowther, was hoping to delay the happy day. Whatever the reason, the couple were wed on 28 May 1640 at the Batley parish church. Susannah's parents, Ralph Crowther (1585-1658) and Alice Scott
(b 1580) were married on 15 Oct 1617 at Batley parish church. Ralph's father was Henry Crowther, mentioned in the 1580s John Greatheed sale above. In those days, the Crowthers were a large Gildersome and Morley family whose trades included mining, smithing and cloth making.
The Children of Joshua and Susannah Greatheed:
Alice - b. about 1641 d. 1727. She married John Smith of Gildersome abt. 1658, they had at least 5
children.
Joshua - b. about 1642 d. 1665. He died unwed.
Samuel - b. abt 1644 d. 1721. he married Susannah Appleyard of Gildersome June 1682, no children ???
Susannah - b. about 1649 d. probably 1711, unmarried.
John - b. 1650, d. 1711 in London. he married Jane Hill in 1670 in London and the couple had at least
one boy (of unknown name) and two girls both called Anne. He then married Margaret Boote in
London in 1689, they had no children.
Henry - b. about 1658 d. 1718 in London. he married Martha Fox (nee Kinge) in London 1689, she
died in Morley 1722, they had at least one child, Mary born 1691, she married Saml Scatcherd.
Hannah - Hannah's birth and death remain uncertain. She has been mistaken for Hannah Wood nee Smith
(1669-1758), her niece who married Nehemiah Wood. What's certain is that she did exist and died
unmarried.
In the Protestation Oath's (1641 to 42) records for Batley Parish, which included Gildersome, no Greathead came forth to take the oath. This would lead one to conclude that the families were dissenters and either refused to take the oath or hid when it was administered. Not surprising since brothers Thomas and Joshua later became trustees of the Old Morley Chapel.
During the Civil War, bothers Peter, Thomas, Nicholas and Joshua Greathead all joined the Parliamentary Army, were commissioned officers and served with honour and distinction.
Joshua Greathead married Susan Crowther (1620-1685) on the 28th of May 1640, however they first announced their intention to wed in the marriage banns 1637. It would be interesting to find out the reason for the three year delay. Given the character and temperament that Joshua displayed later in his life, it wouldn't surprise one bit if he was angling for a larger dowery. Or perhaps for the same reason, Susannah's father, Ralph Crowther, was hoping to delay the happy day. Whatever the reason, the couple were wed on 28 May 1640 at the Batley parish church. Susannah's parents, Ralph Crowther (1585-1658) and Alice Scott
(b 1580) were married on 15 Oct 1617 at Batley parish church. Ralph's father was Henry Crowther, mentioned in the 1580s John Greatheed sale above. In those days, the Crowthers were a large Gildersome and Morley family whose trades included mining, smithing and cloth making.
The Children of Joshua and Susannah Greatheed:
Alice - b. about 1641 d. 1727. She married John Smith of Gildersome abt. 1658, they had at least 5
children.
Joshua - b. about 1642 d. 1665. He died unwed.
Samuel - b. abt 1644 d. 1721. he married Susannah Appleyard of Gildersome June 1682, no children ???
Susannah - b. about 1649 d. probably 1711, unmarried.
John - b. 1650, d. 1711 in London. he married Jane Hill in 1670 in London and the couple had at least
one boy (of unknown name) and two girls both called Anne. He then married Margaret Boote in
London in 1689, they had no children.
Henry - b. about 1658 d. 1718 in London. he married Martha Fox (nee Kinge) in London 1689, she
died in Morley 1722, they had at least one child, Mary born 1691, she married Saml Scatcherd.
Hannah - Hannah's birth and death remain uncertain. She has been mistaken for Hannah Wood nee Smith
(1669-1758), her niece who married Nehemiah Wood. What's certain is that she did exist and died
unmarried.
More on the Sons of Joshua Greatheed:
Samuel Greatheed: 1644 to 1721
Samuel was most likely born in Gildersome. On 7 June 1682 he married Susannah Appleyard of Gildersome. As far as I can tell, the couple had no children. They are often mistakenly identified as the parents of Mary Greatheed who married Samuel Scatcherd, but that honour goes to his brother Henry and his wife Mary. Unlike his brothers, John and Henry, I have no documentation that Samuel ever lived in London, but it's certain he visited there often. Samuel does appear in records either as being of Morley or Gildersome, as he owned property in both places. Like his father, he seems to have been embroiled in at least two litigations, 1674 Lloyd v Greatheed and 1677 Greathead v Dickinson, they will be dealt with in Part Two. In 1702, his house, whether in Gildersome or Morley, was recorded in the parish of Batley, as a "Meeting House," but of which denomination it failed to say. Samuel was a clothier and from time to time took on apprentices. In the 1706 Dartmouth map, he is shown to lease 13 acres of land from Lord Dartmouth. Susannah outlived Samuel by 20 years.
Though I said above that Samuel and Susannah apparently had no children, however it's possible that they might have done so. Samuel, like his father, was a Presbyterian and a member of Morley's Old Chapel congregation. At the time of their marriage (1682), the Old Chapel had been shut down since 1663 and wouldn't be restored to the congregation for another decade or so. This was plenty of time to have had several undocumented children since the law, at that time, required only marriages be recorded. A copy of Samuel's will and probate is available from the Borthwick which has been closed due to Covid. When I finally acquire a copy, perhaps that might settle the matter.
Samuel was most likely born in Gildersome. On 7 June 1682 he married Susannah Appleyard of Gildersome. As far as I can tell, the couple had no children. They are often mistakenly identified as the parents of Mary Greatheed who married Samuel Scatcherd, but that honour goes to his brother Henry and his wife Mary. Unlike his brothers, John and Henry, I have no documentation that Samuel ever lived in London, but it's certain he visited there often. Samuel does appear in records either as being of Morley or Gildersome, as he owned property in both places. Like his father, he seems to have been embroiled in at least two litigations, 1674 Lloyd v Greatheed and 1677 Greathead v Dickinson, they will be dealt with in Part Two. In 1702, his house, whether in Gildersome or Morley, was recorded in the parish of Batley, as a "Meeting House," but of which denomination it failed to say. Samuel was a clothier and from time to time took on apprentices. In the 1706 Dartmouth map, he is shown to lease 13 acres of land from Lord Dartmouth. Susannah outlived Samuel by 20 years.
Though I said above that Samuel and Susannah apparently had no children, however it's possible that they might have done so. Samuel, like his father, was a Presbyterian and a member of Morley's Old Chapel congregation. At the time of their marriage (1682), the Old Chapel had been shut down since 1663 and wouldn't be restored to the congregation for another decade or so. This was plenty of time to have had several undocumented children since the law, at that time, required only marriages be recorded. A copy of Samuel's will and probate is available from the Borthwick which has been closed due to Covid. When I finally acquire a copy, perhaps that might settle the matter.
John's signature circa 1710
John Greatheed (1650-1711)
John was born in Gildersome in 1650, but he seems to have been baptised at Tong, St James in 20 Sep 1650. In 08 Apr 1670, he married Jane Hill a Spinster of Broad St. London, about 20 yo, with the consent of her uncle Joseph King, her parents being dead. John was recorded as living at Hart Street, St. Olave's parish, London and was described as a citizen, haberdasher & bachelor, abt 25yo.
Apparently, John and Jane had at least two daughters, both named Ann (John's mother, Susannah, was often called Ann). The first Ann was baptised 30 Nov 1671 at St Benet Fink, London, and though I don't have any burial record, she died prior to 1680. The second Ann was baptised 26 Nov 1680 at St Martin In the Fields, London. She was buried in 14 Dec 1685 at Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire. They may also have had a son whose existence is implied by a burial entry, recorded on 05 Sep 1707 at Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire and records the following: "Mrs. Elizabeth Greatheed, daughter of John and Jane Greatheed of London." If the word "Mrs" in the entry was not a mistake, John and Jane must have had a son, born in the 1670s, whose birth, baptism and marriage records has thus far not surfaced. This son could have been the elusive John Greatheed who went to St. Christophers Isalnd in the West Indies (see St. Kitts, below).
Haberdashery (a trade involving small articles for sewing, dressmaking and knitting, such as buttons, ribbons etc.) was one of several well regulated guilds in late 17th century London. In order for John to have become a haberdasher, he would have had to apprentice with the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, London. The length of time required of an apprentice in those days was seven years, so he must have been in London circa 1660. By 1670, the year of his marriage to Jane, he had graduated to Master. John, through the auspices of the guild, took on an apprentice in 1674. In a circumstance, too deliberate to be a coincidence, the apprentice happened to be one John Atkinson, whose father Henry was a clothworker of Leeds. At that time, the Atkinson family had ties to Gildersome and so presumably knew the Greatheeds.
Between 1674 and 1690, John was involved with his father's debt to the Crown and raised money to reduce the balance. It's possible that his other brothers did the same, but I have no record of their doing so. As mentioned previously, Joshua died in August of 1685. Unfortunately for Joshua, the state cancelled the debt the next year and by 1689 had released to John an unspecified amount of seized property in Yorkshire.
In early May of 1684, John's wife Jane, died and was buried on the 8th at St. Martin in the Fields, London.
On the 20th of February 1690, John witnessed the marriage of his brother, Henry. John Greatheed's address was recorded as St Andrews, Holborn, Middlesex and at Greenwich, Kent or unreadable. Seven days later, on the 27th, George Savile, the Marquess of Hallifax initiated a lawsuit against Baldwin Higgons; Robert Butler; John White; Richard Butler; Benjamin Mercer; John Greathead; and Thomas Medhurst. The cause of the suit? The "Conveyance of 3 acres called Baldwins Gardens, St Andrews Holborne, Middx and messuages, tenements erected there." Remarkably, the location of both events are nearly the same.
John was born in Gildersome in 1650, but he seems to have been baptised at Tong, St James in 20 Sep 1650. In 08 Apr 1670, he married Jane Hill a Spinster of Broad St. London, about 20 yo, with the consent of her uncle Joseph King, her parents being dead. John was recorded as living at Hart Street, St. Olave's parish, London and was described as a citizen, haberdasher & bachelor, abt 25yo.
Apparently, John and Jane had at least two daughters, both named Ann (John's mother, Susannah, was often called Ann). The first Ann was baptised 30 Nov 1671 at St Benet Fink, London, and though I don't have any burial record, she died prior to 1680. The second Ann was baptised 26 Nov 1680 at St Martin In the Fields, London. She was buried in 14 Dec 1685 at Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire. They may also have had a son whose existence is implied by a burial entry, recorded on 05 Sep 1707 at Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire and records the following: "Mrs. Elizabeth Greatheed, daughter of John and Jane Greatheed of London." If the word "Mrs" in the entry was not a mistake, John and Jane must have had a son, born in the 1670s, whose birth, baptism and marriage records has thus far not surfaced. This son could have been the elusive John Greatheed who went to St. Christophers Isalnd in the West Indies (see St. Kitts, below).
Haberdashery (a trade involving small articles for sewing, dressmaking and knitting, such as buttons, ribbons etc.) was one of several well regulated guilds in late 17th century London. In order for John to have become a haberdasher, he would have had to apprentice with the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, London. The length of time required of an apprentice in those days was seven years, so he must have been in London circa 1660. By 1670, the year of his marriage to Jane, he had graduated to Master. John, through the auspices of the guild, took on an apprentice in 1674. In a circumstance, too deliberate to be a coincidence, the apprentice happened to be one John Atkinson, whose father Henry was a clothworker of Leeds. At that time, the Atkinson family had ties to Gildersome and so presumably knew the Greatheeds.
Between 1674 and 1690, John was involved with his father's debt to the Crown and raised money to reduce the balance. It's possible that his other brothers did the same, but I have no record of their doing so. As mentioned previously, Joshua died in August of 1685. Unfortunately for Joshua, the state cancelled the debt the next year and by 1689 had released to John an unspecified amount of seized property in Yorkshire.
In early May of 1684, John's wife Jane, died and was buried on the 8th at St. Martin in the Fields, London.
On the 20th of February 1690, John witnessed the marriage of his brother, Henry. John Greatheed's address was recorded as St Andrews, Holborn, Middlesex and at Greenwich, Kent or unreadable. Seven days later, on the 27th, George Savile, the Marquess of Hallifax initiated a lawsuit against Baldwin Higgons; Robert Butler; John White; Richard Butler; Benjamin Mercer; John Greathead; and Thomas Medhurst. The cause of the suit? The "Conveyance of 3 acres called Baldwins Gardens, St Andrews Holborne, Middx and messuages, tenements erected there." Remarkably, the location of both events are nearly the same.
St Giles parish church can be seen in the background c.1720 (Hogarth's Noon)
John then married Margaret Boote on the 3rd of Feb 1686, at Saint Giles Cripplegate, London. She was born in Wistaston, Cheshire in January of 1655, but resided and had property in Dodcott cum Wilkesley, Cheshire. Margaret resided in London and was well connected. It was through some of these connections that John probably secured a job inspecting exports aboard outgoing shipping for the government's Custom Service. He began as a deputy searcher as recorded in a custom's entry in 1689 in which he was promoted to searcher. His boss, the Surveyor of Searchers, was Peregrine Bertie (born 1634 - 1701) who, in a strange coincidence, was the great-granduncle of Lady Mary Bertie (1727-1774). She married Samuel Greatheed (1727-1774), the son of the aforementioned John Greatheed who emigrated to St. Kitts (see below).
In Feb 1711 John died, a date that was corroborated by a Customs entry. He was buried on the 23rd of February 1711 at St Giles in the Fields, Middlesex, England. John's will can also be found at the Borthwick.
Margaret Greatheed nee Boote died 1725 in West Hampstead. In her will, written in the parish of St. Giles, she left everything to her Boote family except for £10 left to Joseph Smith and his wife Mary of Gildersome. In it she gives to a dear friend, a portrait of her husband, John Greatheed, and his daughter, presumably Ann.
In Feb 1711 John died, a date that was corroborated by a Customs entry. He was buried on the 23rd of February 1711 at St Giles in the Fields, Middlesex, England. John's will can also be found at the Borthwick.
Margaret Greatheed nee Boote died 1725 in West Hampstead. In her will, written in the parish of St. Giles, she left everything to her Boote family except for £10 left to Joseph Smith and his wife Mary of Gildersome. In it she gives to a dear friend, a portrait of her husband, John Greatheed, and his daughter, presumably Ann.
The Parish of Stepney, Lymehouse lies along the river (Click to expand)
Henry Greatheed (1658-1718)
Henry was born in Gildersome about 1658. His date of death is inferred from his age (80) found on his tombstone in Morley, He died 1718.
Henry became a brewer, in Lymehouse. In order to practice that trade in the London region, he had to apprentice with the "Worshipful Company of Brewers":
Henry was born in Gildersome about 1658. His date of death is inferred from his age (80) found on his tombstone in Morley, He died 1718.
Henry became a brewer, in Lymehouse. In order to practice that trade in the London region, he had to apprentice with the "Worshipful Company of Brewers":
"one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. London brewers are known to have organised as a group in the 13th century. Their first royal charter was granted by Henry VI in 1438. In 1643, Parliament imposed excise taxes on beer, ale, and malt, steadily increasing them until gin became cheaper, causing the growth of unlicensed breweries and, in 1685, James II extended the company's jurisdiction to eight miles around London and its suburbs."
Above, Henry's signature as witness to Matthew's Will.
He must have begun his apprenticeship circa 1670 and finished 7 to 10 years later. He took a brewers's oath in 1696, but is's unclear whether he was swearing in as a new member or merely as a reaffirmation, most likely it's the latter.
On the 20th of February 1690, he married Martha Fox (nee King) at Saint Dunstan's Church, Stepney, London. As described in the parish register, both were from Stepney, Middlesex. Henry was a bachelor about 28 years old and Martha was a widow about 30 years old. Witnessing the marriage was Henry's brother, John Greatheed, gentleman, whose address was given as St Andrews, Holborn, Middlesex; or at Greenwich, Kent or unreadable.
Before marrying Henry, Martha King was married twice before, or possibly thrice, all in London:
1) 17 Dec 1674 to Henry Lucas. The couple had at least two boys, mentioned in Henry's will, Henry Lucas
and William Lucas.
2) 01 Sep 1685 to George Fox.
Also mentioned as a son in Henry's will, was one Thomas Sheppard. It's not known whether he was born out
of wedlock to Henry or through another husband of Martha's.
As far as can be told, Henry and Martha had only one child together, Mary Greatheed born 16 May 1691, also in Stepney, and baptised at Saint Dunstan's Church. Mary married Samuel Scatcherd 19 Jun 1716 at Batley, All Saints.
Henry Greatheed operated a brewery in Lymehouse, a short distance south of Stepney, along the river. In 1705 he became insolvent and faced the Commission of Bankruptcies, It took three years (1708) before his debts were settled and the charges were dropped.
Henry kept close ties to Gildersome, as revealed in 1713 when he witnessed the will of Matthew Miller, a clothier there.
Henry died on the 15 August of 1718. In his probate index at York it states, "London (but late of Gildersome, Batley, Yorkshire)," so he must have died in Gildersome, and was later buried in the Scatcherd Mausoleum in Morley. His will, written 1711 in the Parish of St Giles Cripplegate, probably cleared probate in York the same year as his death but, 10 years later (1728), it was submitted to the Probate Commission in London. The highlights of his Will are as follows:
First he states that any debts he had contracted since he was cleared of his bankruptcy were to be paid.
To his stepsons, Henry Lucas and his wife Mary, 20s, William Lucas, 10s. and Thomas Sheppard and Martha his wife 20s. Each, to buy a gold ring.
To his three sisters, Alice Smith, Hannah Greatheed and Susannah Greatheed 10s each, to buy a gold ring.
To nephews in Gildersome, John Smith, Joseph Smith, Joshua Smith and Samuel Smith and his niece Hannah Wood; 10s each, to buy a gold ring.
To his wife Martha, 10 pounds yearly out of his estate in Acfield St (presumably London).
To his Brother Samuel six pounds to buy him a mourning and a gold ring. He also appoints him executor in trust for his daughter Mary till she reaches the age of 21.
Plus, "All the rest of both reall and personall estate goods and chattles and credits whatsoever I give to my loving daughter Mary Greatheed..."
Witnessed by Gilbert Harrison, Joseph Ball and Henry Wade.
In 1728, Mary Scatcherd with her husband, Samuel Scatcherd, appeared in London for the probate.
On the 20th of February 1690, he married Martha Fox (nee King) at Saint Dunstan's Church, Stepney, London. As described in the parish register, both were from Stepney, Middlesex. Henry was a bachelor about 28 years old and Martha was a widow about 30 years old. Witnessing the marriage was Henry's brother, John Greatheed, gentleman, whose address was given as St Andrews, Holborn, Middlesex; or at Greenwich, Kent or unreadable.
Before marrying Henry, Martha King was married twice before, or possibly thrice, all in London:
1) 17 Dec 1674 to Henry Lucas. The couple had at least two boys, mentioned in Henry's will, Henry Lucas
and William Lucas.
2) 01 Sep 1685 to George Fox.
Also mentioned as a son in Henry's will, was one Thomas Sheppard. It's not known whether he was born out
of wedlock to Henry or through another husband of Martha's.
As far as can be told, Henry and Martha had only one child together, Mary Greatheed born 16 May 1691, also in Stepney, and baptised at Saint Dunstan's Church. Mary married Samuel Scatcherd 19 Jun 1716 at Batley, All Saints.
Henry Greatheed operated a brewery in Lymehouse, a short distance south of Stepney, along the river. In 1705 he became insolvent and faced the Commission of Bankruptcies, It took three years (1708) before his debts were settled and the charges were dropped.
Henry kept close ties to Gildersome, as revealed in 1713 when he witnessed the will of Matthew Miller, a clothier there.
Henry died on the 15 August of 1718. In his probate index at York it states, "London (but late of Gildersome, Batley, Yorkshire)," so he must have died in Gildersome, and was later buried in the Scatcherd Mausoleum in Morley. His will, written 1711 in the Parish of St Giles Cripplegate, probably cleared probate in York the same year as his death but, 10 years later (1728), it was submitted to the Probate Commission in London. The highlights of his Will are as follows:
First he states that any debts he had contracted since he was cleared of his bankruptcy were to be paid.
To his stepsons, Henry Lucas and his wife Mary, 20s, William Lucas, 10s. and Thomas Sheppard and Martha his wife 20s. Each, to buy a gold ring.
To his three sisters, Alice Smith, Hannah Greatheed and Susannah Greatheed 10s each, to buy a gold ring.
To nephews in Gildersome, John Smith, Joseph Smith, Joshua Smith and Samuel Smith and his niece Hannah Wood; 10s each, to buy a gold ring.
To his wife Martha, 10 pounds yearly out of his estate in Acfield St (presumably London).
To his Brother Samuel six pounds to buy him a mourning and a gold ring. He also appoints him executor in trust for his daughter Mary till she reaches the age of 21.
Plus, "All the rest of both reall and personall estate goods and chattles and credits whatsoever I give to my loving daughter Mary Greatheed..."
Witnessed by Gilbert Harrison, Joseph Ball and Henry Wade.
In 1728, Mary Scatcherd with her husband, Samuel Scatcherd, appeared in London for the probate.
Death of the Major:
(As mentioned at the start, I've chosen to defer the narrative of Joshua Greatheed's life post Farnley Wood Plot until the UK archives reopen. When I started this project early last year, Covid 19 was just gearing up. I had planned to order many copies of documents, but alas, even their copying departments have shut down. Another article, probably next year, is the plan)
Between 1663 and his death, most of Joshua's time was taken up with lawsuits and numerous problems with the law. In 1664, Greatheed was rewarded for his actions by the Crown, most notably with the office of Collector of the Hearth Tax for York, but by 1666 or 67, he owed the Crown about £3,500. His properties in Gildersome and elsewhere were seized and he spent a lot time trying to cancel that debt. As mentioned previously, his 1881 debt to Richard Lepton proved lethal in the end, to him and John Smith his son in law, as both their lives ended in debtor's prison. In November of 1684, Richard Lepton's grievance with Greatheed and Smith over a debt of £300 caused him to apply to Westminster for a resolution. Lepton won the case and Greatheed was banished to Fleet St. debtor's prison in London. Joshua died there in August of 1685 at the age of 70. It would seem that none of his sons could raise enough money in time to secure his release.
(left, Greatheed's burial entry from the records of Fleet Street Prison, 25 August 1885)
(As mentioned at the start, I've chosen to defer the narrative of Joshua Greatheed's life post Farnley Wood Plot until the UK archives reopen. When I started this project early last year, Covid 19 was just gearing up. I had planned to order many copies of documents, but alas, even their copying departments have shut down. Another article, probably next year, is the plan)
Between 1663 and his death, most of Joshua's time was taken up with lawsuits and numerous problems with the law. In 1664, Greatheed was rewarded for his actions by the Crown, most notably with the office of Collector of the Hearth Tax for York, but by 1666 or 67, he owed the Crown about £3,500. His properties in Gildersome and elsewhere were seized and he spent a lot time trying to cancel that debt. As mentioned previously, his 1881 debt to Richard Lepton proved lethal in the end, to him and John Smith his son in law, as both their lives ended in debtor's prison. In November of 1684, Richard Lepton's grievance with Greatheed and Smith over a debt of £300 caused him to apply to Westminster for a resolution. Lepton won the case and Greatheed was banished to Fleet St. debtor's prison in London. Joshua died there in August of 1685 at the age of 70. It would seem that none of his sons could raise enough money in time to secure his release.
(left, Greatheed's burial entry from the records of Fleet Street Prison, 25 August 1885)
To read more about the Chapel Protest and the Farnley Wood Plot, click on the references below:
Wikipedia
The Farnley Wood Plot
BBC Legacies
The Old Chapel Morley Protest
Greathead's Roll in the Plot
Wikipedia
The Farnley Wood Plot
BBC Legacies
The Old Chapel Morley Protest
Greathead's Roll in the Plot
17th Century Greatheed Properties in Gildersome:
Below are four 17th century Greatheed deeds which I have been able to find in their entirety, not too much else has survived. Most of the properties named below passed to the Scatcherds in the 18th century, some with different field names. I've found only one Greatheed deed from the early 1700s, Susannah Greatheed, the Major's daughter to Thomas Fawley, concerning a property in Adwalton. This deed can be found in Morley at the public library archives. The Greatheeds had property elsewhere but, for the sake of this article, unless necessary, it won't be mentioned.
Greatheed to Lepton:
Joshua Greatheed first appears in a Gildersome deed dated 1650, which also happens to be the same year he's promoted to major in the Parliamentary Army. In it Greatheed leases to Richard Lepton*, a yeoman of Gildersome, "a Lith close (a grain storehouse. ed) called Hollings Close and the Sour Ing," (numbers 9 and 10 on Map 1, below). The Major, at that time, was clearly in a generous mood because the yearly rent was "one red rose in the time of roses (if the sum be used) and no other or more rent provided." As we shall see, the Major's attitude towards Lepton would sour in the years to come. The deed further states:
Below are four 17th century Greatheed deeds which I have been able to find in their entirety, not too much else has survived. Most of the properties named below passed to the Scatcherds in the 18th century, some with different field names. I've found only one Greatheed deed from the early 1700s, Susannah Greatheed, the Major's daughter to Thomas Fawley, concerning a property in Adwalton. This deed can be found in Morley at the public library archives. The Greatheeds had property elsewhere but, for the sake of this article, unless necessary, it won't be mentioned.
Greatheed to Lepton:
Joshua Greatheed first appears in a Gildersome deed dated 1650, which also happens to be the same year he's promoted to major in the Parliamentary Army. In it Greatheed leases to Richard Lepton*, a yeoman of Gildersome, "a Lith close (a grain storehouse. ed) called Hollings Close and the Sour Ing," (numbers 9 and 10 on Map 1, below). The Major, at that time, was clearly in a generous mood because the yearly rent was "one red rose in the time of roses (if the sum be used) and no other or more rent provided." As we shall see, the Major's attitude towards Lepton would sour in the years to come. The deed further states:
"And also one sufficient way and passage for wayne carts and carriages and for no other uses, att all times of the year in on and through or in out and through the said South end of the same close of land called the SOUR in the access now there accustomed to and fro and between the said south end of the saide close and one layne called Stonygatelayne (a) which said south end of the said close and the said way and passage
the said Joshua Greathead hath souled unto the said Richard Lepton....."
* Richard Lepton's name has long been associated with Gildersome's Bottoms, known as
"Lepton Place," now the entrance to Manor Farm
It's clear from the above, that the Major also owned property to the north and west of Stonygatelayne in Gildersome prior to 1650 but its size, and how and when it was acquired is not known. The most probable scenarios are: that Joshua inherited it from his family, or that it came from his wife, either as a dowery or inheritance, or that the Major purchased the property himself. The same uncertainty can also be applied to when he and his family first resided there. In the same deed, Joshua is described as a Gentleman of Gildersome. so clearly by that time he was a resident.
"Lepton Place," now the entrance to Manor Farm
It's clear from the above, that the Major also owned property to the north and west of Stonygatelayne in Gildersome prior to 1650 but its size, and how and when it was acquired is not known. The most probable scenarios are: that Joshua inherited it from his family, or that it came from his wife, either as a dowery or inheritance, or that the Major purchased the property himself. The same uncertainty can also be applied to when he and his family first resided there. In the same deed, Joshua is described as a Gentleman of Gildersome. so clearly by that time he was a resident.
Crowther to Greathead: Ralph Crowther, Joshua's father in law, in 1655 drew up what appears to have been a property transfer for his Greatheed grandchildren in advance of his death . What prompted him to draw up such a document one can only guess. It goes like this:
TO ALL XPIAN (Christian) PEOPLE to whom this present writing Indented shall come: Raphe Crowther of Gildersome in the County of Yorke yeom sonne and heir of Henry Crowther late of the same deceased sendeth greeting in our lord on hailing: Know ye that the said Raphe Crowther for the fathers love and affection I have and beare towards Susan my daughter now wife of Joshua Greathead of Gildersome aforesaid in the said County Yorke and for the better maintenance and fray of living of her and her heirs after my decease and for the love and affection which I have and bear as well towards Alice Greathead, Hanna Greathead and Susan Greathead my grandchildren the three daughters of the said Joshua Greathead and for the augmentation of their persons AS towards Joshua Greathead, Samuel Greathead and John Greathead my grandchildren the three sonnes of the said Joshua Greathead (ed. son Henry had not yet been born) and for the better maintenance and advancement of them and their heirs and for divers other good causes and considerations.....
Ralph then describes that the following Gildersome properties shall continue in the occupation of John Hanson of Northbinks and Josiah Brooke of Churwell until his death.
....ALL THAT Messuage or Tennement called the Newhouse and all the house pasture barns buildings folds gardens orchards backsides and easements ...... now in the tenure or occupation of me the said Raphe Crowther AND ALSO one close or croft of land lying near or adjacent to the said messuage and also all the several closes of land herein after mentioned that is to say the Middlefield close the close called the close beyond the street the Westmoor close the little close called the little close by the laynside, the Moorfield close the close called John Hoyle the close called Bellroyd theretofore used in three closes and the close called Harthill.
The deed specified that after Ralph's death, to sum it up briefly, all the the property was to come into the possession of the Major's wife and children when they came of age. In Ralph's will of 1658, there's no mention of any landed property, indicating that he had disposed of it all prior to his death. (see Map 1, below)
Greatheed to Scott:
In 1656, Joshua leased to William Scott property he had acquired earlier from Ralph Crowther. The property leased consisted of 2 closes near The Street and what would later come to be called Andrew Hill Farm. The Andrew Hill property has been, and is probably still rich in iron ore and coal.
Left: the1800 Enclosure Map of Gildersome: The three fields comprising the main properties of Andrew Hill Farm are marked with red dots in this map. In a 1738 deed in Samuel Scatcherd the elder, of Morley, was titled the owner. In 1843, the three marked fields from left to right were called the Hillside or Brow, the Moor Field and the Overhouse Croft.
In 1656, Joshua leased to William Scott property he had acquired earlier from Ralph Crowther. The property leased consisted of 2 closes near The Street and what would later come to be called Andrew Hill Farm. The Andrew Hill property has been, and is probably still rich in iron ore and coal.
Left: the1800 Enclosure Map of Gildersome: The three fields comprising the main properties of Andrew Hill Farm are marked with red dots in this map. In a 1738 deed in Samuel Scatcherd the elder, of Morley, was titled the owner. In 1843, the three marked fields from left to right were called the Hillside or Brow, the Moor Field and the Overhouse Croft.
Major Greatheed's house circa 1900.
Greatheed to Lepton:
In 1661, an agreement between the same Richard Lepton, mentioned above, of the first part, and Joshua and his son in law, John Smith, on the other, probably reveals the extent of the Major's original Gildersome estate. In the agreement, Lepton gave them the loan of £300 for one year to Greatheed and Smith and in return Greatheed put up the following properties up as surety: "all that messuage or tennement and all the folds closes barns buildings, gardens orchards, outbuildings, folds easements and heridataments.... then in the tenure or occupation of the said Josh Grethd., and all those several closes and parcels of land formerly called or known by the several names of SOUR ING GREAT ING the Upper Middle and nether BRACKENLEY The SPRING, Coats Close (of Herbert Royds) two closes called the CARR and the PIG HILL." What Greatheed failed to tell Lepton prior to signing the agreement was that the properties mentioned had been seized by the Crown over the Hearth Tax dispute, therefore Lepton could not claim ownership when Greatheed and Smith defaulted. (See Map 1)
The Major's primary dwelling was along today's Church Street, across the street from the Church School (now gone), and just to the east of the New Inn. It was built in the style of a Halifax House. It was recorded as occupied by Joshua Greatheed Jr. in 1666, and described as having five hearths, John Smith's house in Gildersome had six. The properties mentioned in the above quote begin at the Major's house and occupy all the ground from there to Farnley Wood Beck. (see map below) Unfortunately, for both parties, the deal soured. More on that in Part 2.
In 1661, an agreement between the same Richard Lepton, mentioned above, of the first part, and Joshua and his son in law, John Smith, on the other, probably reveals the extent of the Major's original Gildersome estate. In the agreement, Lepton gave them the loan of £300 for one year to Greatheed and Smith and in return Greatheed put up the following properties up as surety: "all that messuage or tennement and all the folds closes barns buildings, gardens orchards, outbuildings, folds easements and heridataments.... then in the tenure or occupation of the said Josh Grethd., and all those several closes and parcels of land formerly called or known by the several names of SOUR ING GREAT ING the Upper Middle and nether BRACKENLEY The SPRING, Coats Close (of Herbert Royds) two closes called the CARR and the PIG HILL." What Greatheed failed to tell Lepton prior to signing the agreement was that the properties mentioned had been seized by the Crown over the Hearth Tax dispute, therefore Lepton could not claim ownership when Greatheed and Smith defaulted. (See Map 1)
The Major's primary dwelling was along today's Church Street, across the street from the Church School (now gone), and just to the east of the New Inn. It was built in the style of a Halifax House. It was recorded as occupied by Joshua Greatheed Jr. in 1666, and described as having five hearths, John Smith's house in Gildersome had six. The properties mentioned in the above quote begin at the Major's house and occupy all the ground from there to Farnley Wood Beck. (see map below) Unfortunately, for both parties, the deal soured. More on that in Part 2.
MAP 1: Below, in the diagram, are the properties mentioned in Greatheed to Lepton 1681 are shown as numbers 1 thru 9. Number 10 is the Hollings closes, previous leased to Lepton in Greatheed to Lepton 1655 above. It's unclear whether the said messuage, which in this case implies a dwelling house, was located at number one or number two. The yellow dashed line represents Stoney Gate Lane which branches at Pighill (7), one branch going north to Farnley, the other heading east possibly joining up with the Leeds Road. Today this lane is called Spring View.
1. The Greathead House on Church
Demolished around 1900.
2. Site of Carr Hall
3. The Great Ing
4. The Brackenleys & part of Herbert
Royd
5. The Spring
6. Coat Closes
7. Pighill Close
8. 2 Carr Closes
9. Sour Ing
10. Holling Closes
1. The Greathead House on Church
Demolished around 1900.
2. Site of Carr Hall
3. The Great Ing
4. The Brackenleys & part of Herbert
Royd
5. The Spring
6. Coat Closes
7. Pighill Close
8. 2 Carr Closes
9. Sour Ing
10. Holling Closes
Click on the map to see an enlarged version.
MAP 2: below, is the 1843 Tithe map of Gildersome Township. On it can be found fields whose corresponding numbers can be matched in a book containing the names of the fields, their owners and their occupiers. Working back thru time utilising old deeds and records, it's often possible to trace the ownership of properties back several centuries. (clicking on the map will open larger version in another page)
Doing just that, I've detailed on the map below what I believe to be approximately the entirety of the Greatheed owned properties at Gildersome, circa 1680 to 1700. Each property is marked by a coloured dot within its boundaries. Between 1680 and 1843, changes to the names and configuration of the fields are inevitable, some fields may have been larger in the 1600s than they appear in this map. For instance, the orange dotted field at Number one may have included the fields surrounding it. However, most of the field names remained the same and if a field name or location is described in a deed or other record, and compared to the 1843 map, its position appears to be in accord.
The Orange Dots represent properties found in deeds from the 17th and 18th centuries which were subsequently sold prior to 1843.
The Red Dots represent Scatcherd's estate found in the Tithe Apportionments 1843.
The Purples are either possible properties or valid properties whose locations are approximate.
The Red Star is the site of Carr Hall with its surrounding properties within the red semi-circle.
The Blue Star was the site of a 1600s Greathead house. It and its surrounding properties was known as the Major's Farm for centuries. In the 1600s, all the properties in that northwest corner may have been attached to the estate.
No. 1: The orange dot was called Scatcherd's Ion Hole, and the red dots, below, were called the Bell Royds. This area was a consistently mined into the 20th century.
No. 2: The West Moors was another extensively mined area. Anyone who has trod along the footpaths out that way could not fail to have noticed the vestiges of shallow pit mining.
No. 3: The yellow star is the location of what used to be the Kings Arms at the junction of the Street and Gelderd Road on the on the northwest side. Samuel Scatcherd the Younger may have lived there during the 1770s. For centuries, the fields south of the junction was one of Gildersome's most abundant coal mining areas.
No. 4: Is an area stretching from the Street to the southern most point of Gildersome. It contained a rich coal mine called "Johnny Hole." In the mid to late 17th century, for reasons unknown at the present moment, Joshua Greatheed lost this property to a Mr. Lloyd in a lawsuit.
MAP 2: below, is the 1843 Tithe map of Gildersome Township. On it can be found fields whose corresponding numbers can be matched in a book containing the names of the fields, their owners and their occupiers. Working back thru time utilising old deeds and records, it's often possible to trace the ownership of properties back several centuries. (clicking on the map will open larger version in another page)
Doing just that, I've detailed on the map below what I believe to be approximately the entirety of the Greatheed owned properties at Gildersome, circa 1680 to 1700. Each property is marked by a coloured dot within its boundaries. Between 1680 and 1843, changes to the names and configuration of the fields are inevitable, some fields may have been larger in the 1600s than they appear in this map. For instance, the orange dotted field at Number one may have included the fields surrounding it. However, most of the field names remained the same and if a field name or location is described in a deed or other record, and compared to the 1843 map, its position appears to be in accord.
The Orange Dots represent properties found in deeds from the 17th and 18th centuries which were subsequently sold prior to 1843.
The Red Dots represent Scatcherd's estate found in the Tithe Apportionments 1843.
The Purples are either possible properties or valid properties whose locations are approximate.
The Red Star is the site of Carr Hall with its surrounding properties within the red semi-circle.
The Blue Star was the site of a 1600s Greathead house. It and its surrounding properties was known as the Major's Farm for centuries. In the 1600s, all the properties in that northwest corner may have been attached to the estate.
No. 1: The orange dot was called Scatcherd's Ion Hole, and the red dots, below, were called the Bell Royds. This area was a consistently mined into the 20th century.
No. 2: The West Moors was another extensively mined area. Anyone who has trod along the footpaths out that way could not fail to have noticed the vestiges of shallow pit mining.
No. 3: The yellow star is the location of what used to be the Kings Arms at the junction of the Street and Gelderd Road on the on the northwest side. Samuel Scatcherd the Younger may have lived there during the 1770s. For centuries, the fields south of the junction was one of Gildersome's most abundant coal mining areas.
No. 4: Is an area stretching from the Street to the southern most point of Gildersome. It contained a rich coal mine called "Johnny Hole." In the mid to late 17th century, for reasons unknown at the present moment, Joshua Greatheed lost this property to a Mr. Lloyd in a lawsuit.
From the Greatheeds to the Scatcherds:
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If ever you lived in Morley or Gildersome, you've probably heard the name Scatcherd at one time or another, or maybe you're familiar with Scatcherd Park or Morley's well known native sons,' Norrison Cavendish Scatcherd and Oliver Scatcherd. Norrison, born in 1780, had been a prolific historian and antiquarian who wrote many books and articles, his most well known work, especially among local historians, is 'The History of Morley' published in 1830. Norrison died in 1853. His son, Oliver Scatcherd (1833-1905), was a mill owner and popular mayor of Morley, his wife, Alice Cliff Scatcherd was an early British suffragist who in 1889 founded the Women's Franchise League. After his death, Oliver donated land and money to create Morley's Scatcherd Park.
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Norrison Cavendish Scatcherd
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The Scatcherds had been a prominent and influential family in Morley since the 1600s. But what's not well known is that, in Gildersome beginning around 1718, and for more than a century thereafter, they owned over 55 fields, including many houses and cottages and several coal mines. Nearly all of the Scatcherd's 18th century estate had once belonged to Gildersome's notorious family, the Greatheeds, which eventually became the property of Joshua Greatheed's granddaughter, Mary Greathead (1691-1771), who married Samuel Scatcherd (the Elder 1688-1766). As far as I can tell, Mary and Samuel never lived in Gildersome, instead preferred to dwell at Morley House (on Scatcherd Hill in Morley).
By the mid 18th century, numerous deed abstracts from Wakefield's registry reveal that the old Greathead estate in Gildersome was then owned or occupied by the two sons of the elder Samuel and Mary. Son Samuel Scatcherd the younger (1717-1779), lived at Morley House and owned the larger share (70%) which included all the coal bearing portions, the so called Major's Farm and a public house which later became known as the King's Arms along the Street. His brother, Henry Scatcherd (1722-1768), occupied Carr Hall Farm. After the passing of the two brothers, their heirs appear to have kept control of their own portions until around 1800 when a property dispute ensued between the two families and their creditors. Tax records from then until 1815 record the entire Gildersome estate to be under the control of the "lawyer for Scatcherd," indicating that a property settlement had not been reached. When the dust settled (c1816), the younger Samuel's grandson, Norrison, was recorded as the sole owner of what remained of all the Gildersome properties and properties in Morley as well. (In red in Map 2, above)
As recorded in the 1843 Tithe Apportionments, the Gildersome estate had diminished to 31 fields comprising the Carr Hall farm, Major's Farm and coal pits near the Street and at Philadelphia. Surprisingly, Norrison Scatcherd owned more land in Gildersome (over 60 acres, all occupied by tenants) than in Morley where he resided (around 40 acres, with about 30 acres occupied by Norrison himself). After Norrison's death in 1852, control of the Gildersome estate passed to his son Oliver. Oliver and his family became the last of that Scatcherd line to live in Morely. Sometime after 1930, his executors finally sold what remained of the Gildersome properties, ending a 200 year's proprietorship.
By the mid 18th century, numerous deed abstracts from Wakefield's registry reveal that the old Greathead estate in Gildersome was then owned or occupied by the two sons of the elder Samuel and Mary. Son Samuel Scatcherd the younger (1717-1779), lived at Morley House and owned the larger share (70%) which included all the coal bearing portions, the so called Major's Farm and a public house which later became known as the King's Arms along the Street. His brother, Henry Scatcherd (1722-1768), occupied Carr Hall Farm. After the passing of the two brothers, their heirs appear to have kept control of their own portions until around 1800 when a property dispute ensued between the two families and their creditors. Tax records from then until 1815 record the entire Gildersome estate to be under the control of the "lawyer for Scatcherd," indicating that a property settlement had not been reached. When the dust settled (c1816), the younger Samuel's grandson, Norrison, was recorded as the sole owner of what remained of all the Gildersome properties and properties in Morley as well. (In red in Map 2, above)
As recorded in the 1843 Tithe Apportionments, the Gildersome estate had diminished to 31 fields comprising the Carr Hall farm, Major's Farm and coal pits near the Street and at Philadelphia. Surprisingly, Norrison Scatcherd owned more land in Gildersome (over 60 acres, all occupied by tenants) than in Morley where he resided (around 40 acres, with about 30 acres occupied by Norrison himself). After Norrison's death in 1852, control of the Gildersome estate passed to his son Oliver. Oliver and his family became the last of that Scatcherd line to live in Morely. Sometime after 1930, his executors finally sold what remained of the Gildersome properties, ending a 200 year's proprietorship.
(click on the photo to enlarge)
The photo left, taken by me from inside Morley's Town Hall, shows a collection of cameos and old photos of the Scatcherd Family which had been framed and placed on display. Norrison Scatcherd (1779-1853), a well known historian of Morley and direct descendant of Joshua Greatheed, said this about the cameos: "Among the pictures of my family I have the the good fortune to possess a miniature of the Major* - a three quarters portrait of his son Samuel, and a full-length portrait of his grand-daughter ...... In the Major's is depicted the wily, thoughtful, desperate, and undaunted soldier." *( In his book, "The History of Morley" author Scatcherd frrequently refers to Joshua Greathead as "the Major") Starting at the top row and working across left to right, we have: Captain and Lady Delaplace, (the parents of Frances Fountaine). Joshua Greathead (patriarch) and Frances Fountaine and her husband Watson Scatcherd. (2nd Row L-R) It says C. Handasyde 1769 (unknown relation), Esther Norrison, Grace Scatcherd and presumably Theodosia Norrison wife of Samuel Scatcherd the Younger (3rd row and below) I believe that they all depict Norrison Scatcherd and his wife Mary Stockwell.
The Scatcherds of Morley and Gildersome, Direct Line:
The Scatcherds of Morley and Gildersome, Direct Line:
First Generation:
Matthew Scatcherd born about 1622 in Morley, died 8 Jul 1688 in Morley.
Spouse: Elizabeth Hudson born about 1631 in Morley, died 25 Aug 1715 in Morley.
The couple were married in 14 Jul 1656 in Batley Parish church.
Notes: Built the earliest parts of Morley House. Called by Oliver Heywood "a very rich man," and by a descendant, "an opulent merchant." During the Civil War he was a Musketeer in Sir Thomas Wentworth's Regiment.
Matthew Scatcherd born about 1622 in Morley, died 8 Jul 1688 in Morley.
Spouse: Elizabeth Hudson born about 1631 in Morley, died 25 Aug 1715 in Morley.
The couple were married in 14 Jul 1656 in Batley Parish church.
Notes: Built the earliest parts of Morley House. Called by Oliver Heywood "a very rich man," and by a descendant, "an opulent merchant." During the Civil War he was a Musketeer in Sir Thomas Wentworth's Regiment.
Second Generation:
Thomas Scatcherd born about 1661 in Morley, died 20 May 1700 in Morley.
Spouse: Jane Smurthwaite born circa 1665 probably in Morley, died 4 Sep 1691 in Morley
Not known at the present where the couple was married.
Notes: Lived in Morley House. One of the Trustees of Morley's Old Chapel.
Thomas Scatcherd born about 1661 in Morley, died 20 May 1700 in Morley.
Spouse: Jane Smurthwaite born circa 1665 probably in Morley, died 4 Sep 1691 in Morley
Not known at the present where the couple was married.
Notes: Lived in Morley House. One of the Trustees of Morley's Old Chapel.
Third Generation:
Samuel Scatcherd (the elder) born about 1688 in Morley, died 7 Jan 1766 in Morley.
Spouse: Mary Greathead born about 1691 in Morley, died 22 Dec 1771 in Morley.
The couple were married on 19 June 1716 at Batley Parish Church.
Notes: Was Gamekeeper for the manor of Morley for Lord Dartmouth. Lived in Morley House. Mary Greathead was the granddaughter of Joshua Greathead and inherited his Gildersome properties.
Samuel Scatcherd (the elder) born about 1688 in Morley, died 7 Jan 1766 in Morley.
Spouse: Mary Greathead born about 1691 in Morley, died 22 Dec 1771 in Morley.
The couple were married on 19 June 1716 at Batley Parish Church.
Notes: Was Gamekeeper for the manor of Morley for Lord Dartmouth. Lived in Morley House. Mary Greathead was the granddaughter of Joshua Greathead and inherited his Gildersome properties.
Fourth Generation:
Samuel Scatcherd (the younger) born in October 1717 in Morley, died 13 Jun 1779 in Morley.
Spouse: Theodosia Norrison born in 1728 in Willerby, died 13 Feb 1767 in Morley.
The couple were married in 1749 at Rowley, East Yorkshire.
Notes: Lived in Morley House. Became Gamekeeper of Morley after his father's tenure. Apprenticed to learn the trade of a Salter and practiced the profession in Morley.
Samuel Scatcherd (the younger) born in October 1717 in Morley, died 13 Jun 1779 in Morley.
Spouse: Theodosia Norrison born in 1728 in Willerby, died 13 Feb 1767 in Morley.
The couple were married in 1749 at Rowley, East Yorkshire.
Notes: Lived in Morley House. Became Gamekeeper of Morley after his father's tenure. Apprenticed to learn the trade of a Salter and practiced the profession in Morley.
Henry Scatcherd of Gildersome (Though not on the direct line he was the son of Samuel the elder) born about 1722 in Morley, died 03 Feb 1768 in Gildersome and was buried in Morley.
Spouse: Mary Wilkinson born about 1730 in Halifax, died 10 Jun 1782 in Gildersome.
The couple were married in 20 Nov 1751 probably in Adwalton or Drighlington.
Notes: He was the only member of the Scatcherd to live in Gildersome, most likely living at Carr Hall. Henry became a bankrupt circa 1766, in a newspaper account at the time he was described as a Wool Stapler, Dealer and Chapman. Around the same time, Carr Hall was put up for lease.
Spouse: Mary Wilkinson born about 1730 in Halifax, died 10 Jun 1782 in Gildersome.
The couple were married in 20 Nov 1751 probably in Adwalton or Drighlington.
Notes: He was the only member of the Scatcherd to live in Gildersome, most likely living at Carr Hall. Henry became a bankrupt circa 1766, in a newspaper account at the time he was described as a Wool Stapler, Dealer and Chapman. Around the same time, Carr Hall was put up for lease.
Fifth Generation:
Watson Scatcherd born 17 Mar 1750 or 51 in Morley, died 5 Mar 1817 in Morley.
Spouse: Frances Fountaine born 2 Non 1747 in Marylebone, London, died 14 Oct 1812 in Morley.
The couple were married on 18 Dec 1777 at St. Brides, Fleet Street, London.
Notes: Lived in Morley House. He attended ‘Marylebone School’ which was run by Rev. Dr John Fountaine and his wife. Mrs Fountaine ran it until she died in 1791, The school was ‘in great repute’, and many aristocratic pupils confirm the school’s elevated status. They included Henry Belasyse, 2nd Earl of Fauconberg and MP for Peterborough; Frederick Augustus, 5th Earl of Berkeley; Sir George Amyand (later Cornewall), 2nd Baronet, MP for Herefordshire; and ‘Scotland’s greatest landowner’ Henry Scott, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch. Amyand, Buccleuch and Fauconberg. Marylebone was chiefly a prep school, being confirmed by George Colman’s remark that it was ‘a fashionable stepping-stone to Westminster, and other public schools of the first order’. Norrison married the daughter of Rev Fountaine. He was a Barrister at Law, admitted to the Inner Temple then Justice of the Peace. Chaired a commission to build Gelderd Road. In Watson's 1817 will, he left all his property in the East Riding (Willerby near Hull) and in Greetland in the West Riding to his younger son Watson Samuel Scatcherd. To his older son Norrison, he left all his property in Morley, Gildersome, Churwell, Beeston and wherever else.
Watson Scatcherd born 17 Mar 1750 or 51 in Morley, died 5 Mar 1817 in Morley.
Spouse: Frances Fountaine born 2 Non 1747 in Marylebone, London, died 14 Oct 1812 in Morley.
The couple were married on 18 Dec 1777 at St. Brides, Fleet Street, London.
Notes: Lived in Morley House. He attended ‘Marylebone School’ which was run by Rev. Dr John Fountaine and his wife. Mrs Fountaine ran it until she died in 1791, The school was ‘in great repute’, and many aristocratic pupils confirm the school’s elevated status. They included Henry Belasyse, 2nd Earl of Fauconberg and MP for Peterborough; Frederick Augustus, 5th Earl of Berkeley; Sir George Amyand (later Cornewall), 2nd Baronet, MP for Herefordshire; and ‘Scotland’s greatest landowner’ Henry Scott, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch. Amyand, Buccleuch and Fauconberg. Marylebone was chiefly a prep school, being confirmed by George Colman’s remark that it was ‘a fashionable stepping-stone to Westminster, and other public schools of the first order’. Norrison married the daughter of Rev Fountaine. He was a Barrister at Law, admitted to the Inner Temple then Justice of the Peace. Chaired a commission to build Gelderd Road. In Watson's 1817 will, he left all his property in the East Riding (Willerby near Hull) and in Greetland in the West Riding to his younger son Watson Samuel Scatcherd. To his older son Norrison, he left all his property in Morley, Gildersome, Churwell, Beeston and wherever else.
Sixth Generation:
Norrison Scatcherd born 29 Feb 1780, died 16 Feb 1853 in Morley.
Spouse: Mary Stockwell, born 1791 in Birstall, died 19 Dec 1884 in Leeds.
The couple were married in 27 Aug 1819 at Batley, West Yorks.
Notes: Lived in Morley House. Solicitor and Councillor.
Norrison Scatcherd born 29 Feb 1780, died 16 Feb 1853 in Morley.
Spouse: Mary Stockwell, born 1791 in Birstall, died 19 Dec 1884 in Leeds.
The couple were married in 27 Aug 1819 at Batley, West Yorks.
Notes: Lived in Morley House. Solicitor and Councillor.
Seventh and Final Generation:
Oliver Scatcherd born 1833, died 16 Sep 1905 in Morley.
Spouse: Alice Cliff born 1841, died 24 Nov 1906 in Morley.
The couple were married in Apr 1871 at Leeds.
Notes: Lived in Morley House. Solicitor and Councillor.
Oliver Scatcherd born 1833, died 16 Sep 1905 in Morley.
Spouse: Alice Cliff born 1841, died 24 Nov 1906 in Morley.
The couple were married in Apr 1871 at Leeds.
Notes: Lived in Morley House. Solicitor and Councillor.
