| Description | 13 May 1604. William Eastoft [Estoft] of Airmyn states that John Eastoft and his predecessors have always been lords of the manor. The choir was situated on the north side of Adlingfleet church where several Eastofts are buried. He believes the Eastoft arms were defaced by the Haldenbie's. It is said that the Eastoft family have always had arms and monuments in the chancel or choir. Witnesses: William Drinkall, Thomas Pocklinton, Richard Roberts, William Eastoft.
Haldenbie's also used to sit in the choir but for the past year[?] it has been locked. Francis Gorrell of Haldenbie gives his evidence on the burials of Eastoft family.
Other witnesses:
Anthony Foxall, servant to Mr Thomas Estoft who says it used to be called Estoft and Haldenbie choir but that its right name was the lady choir. Believes the parish used to repair the choir.
Margaret Haldenbie, wife of Christopher Haldenbie confirms that the Haldenbie family used to sit the choir and that the family's arms are set in stone and in the windows. Robert Haldenbie and his wife, Agnes have an inscription dedicated to them in 1420
Believes Haldenbie's repaired the choir and the costs are kept locked at Haldenbie Hall.
Anthony Haldenbie, gives similar evidence for the Haldenbie family. That the Haldenbie's repaired the glass window and that it was locked and a key was kept by the Haldenbie's and that a priest used to come and say mass.
14 years ago John Estoft wished to bury his wife, who died in childbirth, in the closet and Francis Haldenbie gave him the key but would not allow him to put a stone tablet down in her memory.
Robert Easbie of Haldenby said that a seat of stall on the south side of the church was often used by the Haldenbies, not the one in the closet. About 14 years ago Mr Watson, vicar of Adlingfleet had the Estoft seat taken away. He has seen both the Haldenbies and Estofts share each other's seats.
Current vicar of Adlingfleet, John Seale says that as John Estoft's father died before he reached full age he used to sit with the Haldenbie family.
Mr Haldenbie says that the Estofts sat there under sufferance and the wife was buried without leave.
John Estoft said that after meeting with Francis Haldenbie, who said he shouldn't have buried his wife in the closet and had not put an inscription on the stone.
12 Dec 1605.
Sentence found in favour of Mr Haldenbie. |