Newtons of Bassingthorpe, Westby and Swayfield 1628-1724

This research commences with John Newton born 1651 Westby (parish of Bassingthorpe). The inset map extract above is of Bassingthorpe and surrounds 1806.[1]

John Newton’s first marriage 1673 at Bassingthorpe was to Elizabeth Howitt who died between 1678 and 1682. He had four children, two died young,

From his second marriage 1683 at Bassingthorpe to Alice Love, he had ten children, six died young.

John Newton died April 1724 at Westby and did not leave a will.

The Will[2] of Alice Newton who died July 1724 lists her then living children as:

· Robert (b.1674) and Mary (b.1676), (their mother Elizabeth), as her in-law children; and

· Alice (b.1685), Catherine (b.1691), George (b.1699) and Cecile (b.1701), (their mother Alice).

She mentions: William Beacham (husband of Catherine); Alice with her married name of Corby; Cecile with her married name of Caster; Robert was of Pickworth; George (1699-1762) was made executor.

The six children were all adults by 1724 at the time of Alice’s will.

The eight children who died young were, listed in birth order, John (d.1677), Elizabeth (d.1678), John (d. 1716), Ann (d.1700), Edward (d.1690), Elizabeth (d.1693), Richard (d. 1697) and Daniel (d.1721). [3]

The preceding generation of who were John Newton’s parents and his siblings was a significant challenge as given he was born in period of the unyielding Commonwealth gap that likes to keep its secrets.

The "Commonwealth Gap" Period in English records is a lack of records between 1640 and 1660. This gap occurred due to the chaos of the English Civil War, and the decision by Parliament to cease church-based record keeping for births, marriages, and deaths. Some registers were kept but were sporadic or partial.

Parish Registers

In this instance the partial church register material was :

• Swayfield: Parish Register does not exist or not publicly lodged prior to 1724; Bishops Transcripts are held for 1561-1840 but Missing Years 1629-1630,1633,1635-1637,1640-1661.

• Bassingthorpe: Parish Register and Bishops Transcripts held. However entries 1640-1661 are a fraction of average number of entries in surrounding years.

• Bitchfield (likely birth parish of Alice Love); Parish Register does not exist or not publicly lodged prior to 1757; Bishops Transcripts are held for 1500-1757 Missing Years 1649-1662.

What do the partial parish registers reveal before seeking out other source material?

The immediately preceding Newton family generation in the parish registers is:

Robert Newton b. 13 June 1600 in Bassingthorpe, married 26 Apr 1627 at Bassingthorpe to Marie Wellinger who was born 10 Aug 1610 at Bassingthorpe.

Robert Newton was the son of Robert (Senior) Newton and Katherine Longland. They christened their first four children (1598-1605) at Bassingthorpe and their next three children (1608-1615) at Swayfield. Transcription of Robert’s will dated 1617[4] is in Appendix B.

Robert and Marie have the partial parish registers indicating their children as:

• Ann Newton christened 1 May 1628 Swayfield. “the daughter of Robert and Marie”.

• Robert Newton (prob. born 1629-1630 in Swayfield). Death recorded 4 Jul 1631 Bassingthorpe. “the son of Robert Newton was buried”

• Katherine Newton christened 18 Nov 1631 Bassingthorpe. “daughter of Robert Newton”

• Elizabeth Newton christened 18 June 1640 Bassingthorpe. “daughter of Robert Newton and Mary his wife”

• John Newton christened 17 Jan 1651 Bassingthorpe[5]

Marie was just turning 17 when she married Robert. Her child bearing years were 1628-1652. Accordingly in the gap years above, Marie had sufficient time to have had up to six other children.

Church Warden

Inside St Thomas a Beckett Church at Bassingthorpe, above the south doorway, is a stone plaque dated 1675 marking John Newton together with John Allen as Church wardens.

In the Bassingthorpe parish register it also records John Newton was Church Warden in 1674, 1682 and 1691.

I have been fortunate enough to visit inside the church at Bassingthorpe. The only other stone plaque was for another pair of church wardens in 1699.

Protestation Returns

• the not well known “census” of 1641. [6]

The English Parliament passed a Bill in 1641 requiring all males over the age of 18 to sign an oath of loyalty and to defend the reformed protestant religion. It was in part done to help prevent a looming civil war but failed in this goal.

These returns are archived with the House of Lords[7]

The Bassingthorpe return[8] has 42 adult males recorded. The only Newton listed is Robert Newton.

This indicates Robert Newton headed the only Newton household in Bassingthorpe in 1641.

The Swayfield return[9] has 50 adult males recorded. The only Newton listed is Francis Newton (brother of Robert).

Wills

• The keys to unlocking the Commonwealth Gap.

In the absence of birth records, Wills are often the next primary source to evidence family connections. Wills are especially valuable in retrospectively bringing to light the families within the Commonwealth Gap.

Robert and Marie Newton who died 1676 and 1675 respectively did not leave wills.

So next we seek out the siblings of John Newton, mindful that their christenings may not be recorded in the parish registers because of the record gaps.

First prime candidate is Thomas Newton of Westby who died 11 May 1680. Contemporary with John Newton and living in the same hamlet. Thomas’s will date 9 May 1680[10] is providentially a goldmine of information.

He makes his brother John Newton executor and gives to John’s son Robert half a dozen silver spoons. We know from our earlier research that in 1680 Robert was the first born and only living son of John at that time, age 5 years old.

Thomas also gives two pounds to his sister Katherine, now with the married name of Collingwood. This matches well with Katherine born 18 Nov 1631 making her 48 at the time of this will. From the nearby parish of Corby we have Katherine Newton married Thomas Collingwood 29 January 1648, matching at a then age of 26 years for her.

Ann Newton and Elizabeth Newton are not mentioned. Presumably they died prior to 1680.

Thomas also mentions his sister Ellen now with the married name of Allen. This accords with Ellen Newton marrying Robert Allen 27 May 1662 at Bassingthorpe. If she was 20 years of age at the time she would have been born circa 1642. If older then born in the late 1630’s.

Thomas also gives to Ellen Allen’s children Ann 1663, John 1665, Francis 1670, Mary 1672, and Sarah 1675, some money upon them reaching the age of 21 years.

Potentially Robert Allen was brother of John Allen the fellow church warden of Bassingthorpe with John Newton.

The other sibling Thomas mentions is his brother George who he gives 20 pounds. Matching well is George Newton of Swayfield who died 1681. He married Sarah Denis 24 Apr 1661 at Corby Glen.

George Newton’s will is dated 5 June 1681[11]. It includes his wife Sarah and children Robert, George, Thomas, Mary, Catherine, Ann and John. The eldest son Robert who would have been 19 years old at the time was bequeathed the farm.

If George was 20 years of age at the time of marriage in 1661 he would have been born circa 1641. If older then born in the late 1630’s.

For a layout of my understanding of who was in occupation of the Bassingthorpe farm between 1627 and 1683 refer Appendix E.

As George was probably the oldest son and would have become an adult about 1659 it would appear he took over a farm at Swayfield. Whilst Robert the father continued to head the farm at Bassingthorpe with Thomas and John working on it. After Robert and Thomas die, John heads the Bassingthorpe farm.

Francis Newton, uncle of George, resided at Swayfield up to at least 1650. It is understood at some point after that he moved to Ancaster. Francis died 1672 and was buried at Bassingthorpe.[12]

Family of Robert and Marie Newton

Constructed from the above material Robert and Marie Newton's children were:

· Ann christened 1 May 1628 Swayfield. Died prior to 1680.

· Robert (prob. born 1630 in Swayfield). Died 4 Jul 1631 Bassingthorpe.

· Katherine christened 18 Nov 1631 Bassingthorpe.

· Elizabeth christened 18 June 1640 Bassingthorpe. Died prior to 1680.

· George born abt 1641. Died 12 Jun 1681 Swayfield

· Ellin born abt 1642. Died 3 Jul 1708 Bassingthorpe.

· Thomas born abt 1645. Died 11 May 1680 Bassingthorpe.

· John christened 17 Jan 1651 Bassingthorpe. Died 9 Apr 1724 Bassingthorpe.

This is part of wider research and posted to assist those who also have ancestry links through the Newtons of Bassingthorpe and Swayfield in the 17^th century. As I have opportunity I intend to write up my research on the wider Newton[13] family and the Longlands in the months ahead.

Russell Walley

August 2021

[1] Turnor, Edmund: Collections for the History of the Town and Soke of Grantham. Containing authentic memoirs of Sir Isaac Newton. Published London 1806. Frontispiece.

[2] Will of Alice Newton of Westby LCC 1724/238. Refer Appendix A for Transcription.

[3] Bassingthorpe Parish register

[4] Will of Robert Newton of Swayfield LCC 1617 ii, 197. https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/. Refer Appendix B for transcription

[5] John Newton his name entry in the Bassingthorpe register 17 Jan 1651. The surname is Nuton. The N is difficult to read but matches well with handwriting examples from the seventeenth century. See: https://archives.ncdcr.gov/media/859/open

[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestation_of_1641

[7] https://archives.parliament.uk/research-guides/family-history/protestation-returns-for-family-history/

[8] https://archives.parliament.uk/collections/getrecord/GB61_HL_PO_JO_10_1_96_48

[9] https://archives.parliament.uk/collections/getrecord/GB61_HL_PO_JO_10_1_96_61

[10] Will of Thomas Newton of Westby. LCC W1680/i/140. Refer Appendix C for transcription.

[11] Will of George Newton of Swayfield. LCC W1681/ii/618. Refer Appendix D for transcription.

[12] Francis had two sons Anthony & William. Research on this family and the Longlands I intend to write up in the coming months.

[13] For those researching Sir Isaac Newton I recommend the seminal work by Foster, C. W. (1928). "Sir Isaac Newton's Family". Reports and Papers of the Architectural and Archaeological Societies of the County of Lincoln, Etc.

https://archive.org/details/cw-foster-sir-isaac-newtons-family

Appendix A - Transcription of the Will of Alice Newton of Westby who died 1724

LCC 1724/238. Lincolnshire Archives.

The will is dated 19 July 1724

This transcription is as accurate as I can discern. Where I could not discern words I have inserted “…”.

I have transcribed the literal spelling of Cisel as Cecile.

In the name of God amen this 19th day of July 1724 according to the computation of the Church of England.

I Alice Newton of Westby in the parish of Bassingthorpe in the county of Lincoln widow being of perfect memory and remembrance praised be God to make and ordain this my last will and Testament in manner and form following.

First I bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God my maker hoping that through the meritorious death and passion of Jesus Christ my only Saviour and Redeemer granting free pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and as for my body to be buried in Christian burial at the direction of my executor hereafter nominated.

I give to my son-in-law Robert Newton of Pickworth one Shilling to be paid by my executor one month after my decease.

I give to my son-in-law William Beacham one Shilling to be paid by my executor one month after my decease.

I give to my daughter Alice Corby one Guinea to be paid by my executor one month after my decease.

I give to my daughter Cecile Caster Ten Pounds to be paid by my executor two years after my decease.

I give to my daughter-in-law Mary Crosby two shillings and sixpence a year to be paid by my executor for so long as he shall continue in the farm as I now live in.

I give to my daughters Alice, Katherine, and Cecile all my … linen.

I give to my daughter Alice Corby one gold ring.

All the rest of my goods chattels and substance I give to my son George Newton upon condition that he shall pay all my debts and legatees and do make him sole executor of this will and Testament revoking all other wills and testament in witness whereof I have hereto set my hand this day and year first about written

Alice Newton

Appendix B - Transcription of the Will of Robert Newton of Swayfield who died 15 May 1617.

LCC 1617 ii, 197. https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/.

The will is dated 11 September 1616.

This transcription is as accurate as I can discern. Where I could not discern words I have inserted “…”.

Eleventh September one thousand six hundred & sixteen.

I Robert Newton of Swayfield in the Countie of Lincoln, Yeoman, do make this my last will and Testament. In manner and form following.

First I bequeath my Soul into the hands of almighty God...my body is to be buried at the instruction of my executor.

And as for those lands and goods which God has sent me in … I give and bequeath all hereinafter is ...

And first I give unto my son Robert Newton all my freehold land & houses that I have in England now and...

I give unto my children that is to say Robert Newton, John, Francis, Jane, Mary, Anne and Elizabeth

To each one of my said children the sum of one hundredth marks of current english money to be paid as following.

To my three sons at their said full age of one and twenty years

& my said daughters to receive their portion at their said full age of twenty one years or should they be married whichever happens first.

And if one of them depart of this life before they accomplish the age of 21 years. My will is that portion shall be equally divided amongst them.

I give unto my son Robert Newton that best horse or mare.

I give the poor of Swayfield three shillings.

To my wife Katherine Newton I make my sole executrix of this my last will and testament.

And…my kinsman Robert Holland & my brother in law Francis Longland to be……. For my wife and children…

…I do appoint…of this my last will, Robert Newton….

Research Notes

· In 1616 his children were aged between 1 and 18 years old.

· Francis Longland was the brother of his wife Katherine Longland. Hence brother in law

· Robert Holland married his sister Marie. Hence kinsman rather than say Brother in law in a different sense than above.

Died 15 May 1617. Probate 10 Feb 1621

Appendix C - Transcription of the Will of Thomas Newton of Westby who died 1680

LCC W1680/i/140. Lincolnshire Archives.

The will is dated 9 May 1680

This transcription is as accurate as I can discern.

In the name of God amen the ninth day of May 1680 according to the computations of the Church of England. I Thomas Newton, Yeoman, of Westby in the County of Lincoln, yeoman, being of perfect mind, memory and remembrance, praise be God, do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following.

First I bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping hereafter to have a joyful resurrection and as for my body to be buried in Christian burial according to the directions of my executor hereafter named.

I give to my brother George Newton the sum of twenty pounds,

I give to my sister Katherine Collingwood the sum of two pounds,

I give to my sister Ellen five pounds in money and those things she has in her possession.

I give to Ann Allen my niece, the sum of fifteen pounds.

I give to John Allen, to Francis Allen, to Mary Allen and Sarah Allen the sum of twenty pounds to be equally divided amongst them upon getting to the age of one and twenty years.

I give to Robert Newton the son of John Newton half a dozen silver spoons.

If any of those aforesaid children should die before they get to age then that part shall go my sister Ellen.

I give to my brother John Newton all the residue of my goods and chattels on the condition he pay all my debts and legatees and make him sole executor of this my last will and testament revoking all other wills and testaments whatsoever. In witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand.

Thomas Newton

Research notes:

Katherine Newton m Thomas Collingwood 29 January 1648 at Corby

Robert Allen and Ellen Newton were married 27 May 1662 at Bassingthorpe.

Their children and birth years were Ann 1663, John 1665, Francis 1670, Mary 1672, and Sarah 1675.

Appendix D - Transcription of the Will of George Newton of Swayfield who died 12 Jun 1681

LCC W1681/ii/618. Lincolnshire Archives. The will is dated 5 June 1681

In the name of God Amen. I George Newton of Swayfield in the county of Lincoln Yeoman being sick and weak in body but of perfect sense mind and memory blessed be God do make and constitute this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following:

I give and resign my soul to God the father of spirits; hoping to appear before Him without sin and unto salvation through the merit and satisfaction of the ever blessed Jesus Christ His only son and my alone Saviour.

I give and resign my body to the earth from whence it came to be decently buried at the discretion of my executor hereafter to be nominated and appointed.

I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Sarah that half plough commonly called and known by the name of Young’s half plough with all its appurtenants now in my tenure and occupation and the occupation of Thomas Pepper; to have hold and enjoy the same with all its appurtenants during her natural life; and then after my will is that it shall be to my eldest son then living and to his heirs.

I give and bequeath unto my son Robert all that farm in which I now live with all its appurtenants; and to his lawful heirs if any; provided that if he the said Robert die without issue the said farm shall be to my son George and his heirs if any;

Provided if the said George die without issue the said farm shall be to my son Thomas and his heirs if any;

Provided that if the said Thomas die without issue the said farm shall be to my son John and his heirs if any;

And if it shall happen that all my sons aforenamed die without issue then my will I the said farm be equally divided amongst so many of my daughters as shall then be living.

I give unto my son George the sum of £20 to be paid unto him as soon as he shall attain the age of 20 years by my son Robert if he shall live so long.

I give unto my son Thomas the life sum of £20 to be paid unto him by his brother Robert or George if Robert be dead without issue, as soon as he shall attain the age of 20 years.

I give unto my son John £25 to be paid to him as soon as he shall attain the age of 20 years. By whomsoever of his brethren, or their issue shall then be possessed of this same farm in which I now live.

And if it happens that any or either of my sons viz George, Thomas, or John shall die before they attain the age of 20 years then my will is that the son or sons legacy of £20 shall be to the survivor or survivors of the brethren George, Thomas, or John.

I give unto my daughters Mary, Catherine and Ann the sum of £20 to be paid unto them severally when they attain severally the age of 20 years. If it shall happen that either or all of the said daughters shall die before they attain the age of 20 years then my will is the said legacy shall be the three aforesaid sons or the survivor or survivors of them as aforesaid.

I give to my loving wife one bed and furniture for herself, and one for her servant provided she part from my son Robert and she my said wife shall find it convenient to live apart from my said son Robert or his successors in the said farm I now live.

My will is that my said son Robert or his successors shall plough the land, cart the manure, corn and hay belonging to Young‘s farm or half plough aforesaid for her my said loving wife, as ought to be, for and during the time of her widowhood.

Lastly I make constitute and appoint my son Robert sole executor of this my last will and testament dated under my hand this fifth day of June in the reign of King Charles the Second and of our Redemption by Christ 1681.

Signed sealed declared and proclaimed in the presence of

William Stilton; Robert Asnoh; and Robert Collingwood

Signed George Newton

Appendix E