The Hissem-Montague Family

Home | Gernet Forebears | In England | Heesom in America | Heysham in America | Other English Colonies | Montague Family | Other Families | Links

"In the thirteenth century Caton manor was a single estate held by a branch of the Gernet family, who still survive at Quernmore. By the year 1297 the Caton branch had adopted the surname de Caton to distinguish themselves from the senior line who lived at Halton. When Thomas Caton, the last of his line, died in 1317 the original estate was divided between his two daughters."

The Lord of Caton under the Lords of Heysham during the reign of King Richard I, 1189-1199.

"Adam Gernet had issue four sons - . . . (3) Adam Gernet who held two oxgangs of land in Caton in 1212 of his [elder] brother Thomas and had issue . . ." - from "Remains, Historical and Literary, Connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester

"His [Thomas'] father [Adam Gernet] gave to Matthew [Gerneth] iij. bovates by rendering vjd., and the aforesaid Thomas gave to Adam, his brother, ij. bovates of land by rendering iijd. yearly." - from The Great Inquest of Service, A.D. 1212, page 92, "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

An Adam Gernet witnessed a land grant in 1246: Roger Gernet "granted land in the territory of Welslet" and the deed was witnessed by Sir Roger Gernet of Halton, Roger de Hesam, Adam de Katon, etc. This underwrites not only the relationship of the Gernets of Halton, Heysham and Caton, but of Adam Gernet [de Katon] to Roger Gernet of Caton.

Adam witnessed a land grant,

c1246-1249. Adam of Urswick granted to the church of St. Mary of Lancaster his land "in Little Heysham, which Benedict of Heysham [Beno de Hesham], my uncle, formerly held." Witnesses included "Sir Mathew of Redmayne, then Sheriff of Lancaster. . . Adam, son of Orm of Kellet, Roger Gernet of Caton, Adam Gernet, with many other." - from "Materials for the History of the Church of Lancaster"

Adam was a witness on an inquest with his brother, Thomas de Hesaym.

"Inquest made at Lancaster, on Monday next after the feast of the Ascension of our Lord, 33 Henry III. (May 17th, 1249), by Symon, son of Michael, Adam de Boelton, Roger, son of Alward, Richard de Dalton, clerk, Thomas de Hesaym . . . and Adam Gernet of Caton, who say that the said Elyas de Boelton held in chief of the King 2 bovates of land in the vill of Boelton . . ." - from page 175 "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

Most interesting, a little after 1280 an Adam Gernet joined Robert de Wessington in witnessing a grant of land by John, son of Grete de Syggeswyk, to Walter, son of Sir William de Stirkland. Robert was part of the George Washington lineage - from "The English Ancestry of the Wasingtons of Virginia." This makes the connection of Alice [Alina] Gernet and John Washington more believable.

Of Caton. Also as Matheus Gernet. "Mathew Gernet, a brother or younger son of Adam Gernet of Heysham and Caton." - from "The Lancashire Pipe Rolls of 31 Henry I., A.D. 1130, and of the Reigns of Henry II., A.D...." by W. Farrer.

"Adam Gernet had issue four sons - . . . (4) Mathew, who in 1212 held three oxgangs [or bovates] of land in Caton of the gift of Adam [in other places this was "of his brother, Thomas Gernet." A re-enfeoffment?], his father and lands in Burrow and Leck of Roger Gernet, the chief forester of Lancaster . . ." "Matthew Gernet, a younger brother of Thomas Gernet of Caton [that is, of Heysham and Caton] held the great part of Burrow and one car. [carucate] of land in Leck of [the Forest Fee of] Roger Gernet of Halton at his death before 26th July, 1215 when the latter had the wardship of [Roger] his son and heir, afterwards known as Roger Gernet of Burrow." - from "Remains, Historical and Literary, Connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester

"Mathew Gernet, a brother or younger son of Adam Gernet of Heysham and Caton, had, temp. John, a grant of confirmation of part of Quernmoor Forest. For joining the muster of Count John's adherents at Kendal his land had been seized. His fine of 10 marks was for pardon, and to have seisin of his forfeited estate." - from "The Lancashire Pipe Rolls of 31 Henry I., A. D. 1130, and of the Reigns of Henry II., A. D. 1155"

In a slightly different variation on the above,

"His [Thomas'] father [Adam Gernet] gave to Matthew [Gerneth] iij. bovates by rendering vjd., and the aforesaid Thomas gave to Adam, his brother, ij. bovates of land by rendering iijd. yearly." - from The Great Inquest of Service, A.D. 1212, page 92, "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

"The same William [William son of Richard de Thataim] gave to Matthew Gerneth vj. acres by vjd. yearly." - from The Great Inquest of Service, A.D. 1212, page 97 "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

"Everwichscr [Yorkshire]
De placitis Rannulfi de Gianuill' et sociorum ejus [From the Pleas of Ranulph de Gianuill]
Ricardus de Moreuill' redd. comp. de .xxxij. l. et .vij. s. et .j. d. pro assisa infracta versus Mattheum Gernet. In thesauro .c. s. Et debet .xxvij. l. et .vii. s. et .j. d." - from "The Publications of the Pipe Roll Society

Count John became King in 1199. Fines "were proffered by Lancashire free tenants for confirmation of charters granted by King John, when he was Count of Mortain, for the royal protection, for immunity from disturbance to their estates, and if summoned to prove their title, for the privilege of being heard before the King in Curia Regis . . . Matthew Gernet 20 [pounds] and two chasours, for confirmation of his charter." - from "The Lancashire Pipe Rolls of 31 Henry I., A. D. 1130, and of the Reigns of Henry II., A. D. 1155."

Doug Garnett holds that Adam Gernet was Lord of Caton at this time and that Matthew, his brother, held land only in Littledale.

I'm not sure where the following fits. It discusses land in Merton, which Matthew Gernet supra, below, owned, but is too late for him. It discusses an Adam and Matthew Gernet, which may be the two brothers discussed here, but seems to add another brother, William. Could Adam and Matthew be sons of Matthew Gernet supra?

1207-1235. "Confirmation by Adam Gerneth of his father's grant [Adam Gernet de Hesham?] to the monks of St. Mary of Furness, of an oxgang and a half of land in Merton, and two acres which Matthew Gerneth [of Caton, Adam's brother] gave them in exchange, and two other acres which Gillomichael gave them. Witnesses: William de Combremara, and William de Nort, monks of Furness, Ralph the priest, of Heysham, Peter de Stalmin, and William his son, Simon, clerk of Bolton, Roger de Bolton (Bothelton), William, brother of Adam Gernet, Henry de Stalmin, and Ranulph, son of Albert. (Seal.)" - from "Annual Report of the Deputy Keeper of the Public Records"

Matthew died before 26th July, 1215. His children were,
(6) Roger Gernet de Caton (c1200)

Of Burrow, or Burgh. He, and his land, were made the ward of Roger Gernet of Halton, "of whose fee the estates of Burrow and Leck were held," when he father died before 1215.

". . . the latter [Roger Gernet of Halton] had the wardship of his [Matthew's] son and heir, afterwards known as Roger Gernet of Burrow." - from "Remains, Historical and Literary, Connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester

"Mathew, who in 1212 held three oxgangs of land in Caton of the gift of Adam, his father and lands in Burrow and Leck of Roger Gernet, the chief forester of Lancaster . . ." "Matthew Gernet, a younger brother of Thomas Gernet of Caton [that is Heysham and Caton] held the great part of Burrow and one car. [carucate] of land in Leck of Roger Gernet of Halton at his death before 26th July, 1215 when the latter had the wardship of [Roger] his son and heir, afterwards known as Roger Gernet of Burrow." - from "Remains, Historical and Literary, Connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester

"This is the Inquest made by the oath of trusty knights concerning tenements [which have been] given and alienated within the Lyme in the county of Lancaster, namely Roger Gerneth of Burg, Robert de Lancastre . . . " - from "Roll of the Inquest of County Lancaster", The Great Inquest of Service, A.D. 1212, page 2, "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

Between 1215-1250 Roger Gernet of Burrow made a a number of grants in frankalmoign "to the canons of Cockersand." These included "of a certain ridding in the territory of Caton lying in Calveshurst," "one acre and one rood of land in Caton lying by the land of Vivian de Heysham," and "a portion of his land lying in Welslet in Caton, between the land of Roger son of John Gernet and the land of Vivian de Heysham, one end of which extends to Artle Beck at the old crossing, the other to the old pool of Caton Mill" - from "Remains . . ."

1225-1226. A jury was chosen by the consent of the suitors,

". . . Roger Gernet of Burgh, . . . William de Millum, Gilbert de Kellet and John Gernet." - from the Roll of the Eyre of M. de Pateshull, at Lincoln.

1236-1263. From a "Charter of Roger de Guernet [sic] concerning the church of Eccleston. "To all the sons of holy mother church to whom this present writing shall come, Roger Gernet of Halton, knight, greeting . . . . Let all of you know that I, from inspection of the confirmations of the Kings of England, and of the charters of Lord Roger of Poitou, founder of the church of the blessed Mary of Lancaster . . . have determined that the right of the patronage of the church of Eccleston, with its appurtenances in Leylandshire, of rights belongs to the Abbot and Convent of Sees, and to the church of the blessed Mary of Lancaster . . . These being witnesses - Sir Robert de Lathom, then sheriff of Lancaster, Sir Matthew de Redman, Sir John de la Mare, Sir John de Lee, Sir William de Clifton, Sir Adam of Bury, Warin de Walton, Richard Pincerna, Thomas of Capernwray, Adam of Kellet, Adama of Ursewick, Roger of Heysham, Roger Gernet of Caton, Philip, rector of the church of Croston, and many others. " - from "Materials for . . . " Sir Robert de Latham was High Sheriff of Lancaster, 1236, 1248, 1249 and again in 1263.

Roger may have had a son, Roger. Another grant mentions a "meadow where the grange of Roger Gernet [sic], father of the said Roger, stood." He may be the ancestor of the family of Burgh of Burrow.

Roger, son of Roger Gernet.

Of Caton. "In the time of Richard I, Matthew Gernet (probaby a brother of Adam Gernet of Heysham) held Littledale in Caton of the King by the service of 6s. 8d." per George Lissant, quoting the Charter Roll temp John, p. x-l.

Matthew was a witness in 1184 on a land grant.

1184-89. "William Marshal (Marescallus) confirms to Gervase de Eincurt his tenements which William de Lancastre gave him as his charter testfies, "to hold of the said William Marshal and his heirs in fee and inheritance." Witnesses: Thomas son of Gospatrick, Gilbert de Lancastre, Roger de Croft, Roger son of Adam, Henry son of Norman, Geoffrey de Prestun, Geoffrey son of Robert, William Waler[an], Matthew Gernet, William de Kettovill, Richard son of Alard, William de Bevill, Gamel the for[ester]; orig. D. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

Circa 1189. "He [William, son of Waldeve de Ulverston] was also lord of Tatham and Ireby, and during his time gave lands to William, son of Adam, in marriage with his sister, to Elias de Wennington and to Matthew Gernet." - from The Great Inquest of Service, A.D. 1212, page 98 "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

Matthew married the daughter of Roger de Burton. See the Heyshams of Lancaster page for more information on the Burton family. Prince John, as Count of Mortain (1189-1194), granted Littledale to Matthew.

"The heir of Matthew Gernet holds a pasture of the King and renders half a mark yearly." - from The Great Inquest of Service, A.D. 1212, page 92, "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

Footnote. "This was Outhwaite, a hamlet of Roeburndale, and Littledale Fell in Caton, which John, Count of Mortain, gave to Matthew Gernet, and then the King confirmed by the following charter [18 June 1199]:--

"Know that we have granted, &c., to Matthew Gernet, for his homage and service, the whole land of Wluetheit (Outhwaite) up to the forest of Roger de Muntbegun (of Roeburndale), and on the other side of Wluetheit unto Clochoch (Clougha Pike), and from Clochoch ridge (de Clochoch Cundossino) unto the forest of Roger de Muntbegun, and from Wluesthet across unto the bounds of Caton, to hold, &c., by the service of half a mark to us and our heirs for all service therefor yearly to be done [18 June 1199] . . ."

For this confirmation Matthew gave 20l. and 2 chasours. - from The Great Inquest of Service, A.D. 1212, page 92, "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

Lancashire Inquests, 1, 92: A Charter given to Mathew Gernet confirms a grant of Littledale, a village near Caton, to hold in fee by the yearly service of half a mark, viz; Charter confirmed at Shoreham eighteenth June (Oct.?) 1199.

Mathew Gernet

"had, temp. John, a grant or confirmation of part of Quernmoor Forest. For joining the muster of Count John's adherents at Kendal his land had been seized. His fine of 10 marks was for pardon, and to have seisen of his forfeited estate." - from "The Lancashire Pipe Rolls of 31 Henry I., A.D. 1130, and of the Reigns of Henry II., A.D...." by W. Farrer

"And, moreover, beyond these bounds, John the king gave a certain part of that forest [Quernmoor, Quernmore] by his charter to Matthew Gernet and his heirs, paying thereafter, yearly, half a mark (6s 8d), saving his venison: and therefore the lord the king may do his will." - from "Lancashire and Cheshire, Past and Present," 1867

"Matthew Gernet had been a supporter of Count John during the disturbances of 1193-4, and had been disseised of two oxgangs of land in Grimstonlithe by King Richard. He had proffered 40s. and one palfrey for restitution. The place is described in the Fine Roll as in Westmorland, but it was probably in Caton . . . " - from "The Lancashire Pipe Rolls of 31 Henry I., A.D. 1130, and of the Reigns of Henry II., A.D...." by W. Farrer

Mathaeo Gernet was a witness to the charter of Stainall, circa 1190-1200, along with Henry de Redman and Nicholas de Redman. The charter of Carleton, of about the same date was witnessed by "Roger Gernet and his brother Matthew Rogero Gernet, Mathaeo fratre suo." - from "The Cockersand Chartulary." This is sticky because I don't have them as brothers. Maybe fratre has a looser meaning or there was another Roger Gernet floating around.

Mathew had a daughter, Ingus, and land in Merton: "1215-1222. Grant from Ingus, daughter of Mathew Gernet, of Merton, to the convent of Furness, of certain land in Merton. Witnesses: Roger, son of William, Alan de Penigton, R., parson of Kyrkebi, Robert de Boivill, Philip le Nories, and R. de Orgave. (Seal)" - from "Annual Report of the Deputy Keeper of the Public Records" See also Thomas Gernet of Heysham who had land in Merton.

Matthew may have had a son Thomas.

"Thomas Gernet tenet ij Carucatas terrae in Thainagio in Catton per [annum] xx.s. Pater ejus dedit Mathaeo ij bovatus reddendo vj.d." - from "The Lancashire Pipe Rolls of 31 Henry I., A.D. 1130, and of the Reigns of Henry II., A.D...." by W. Farrer

There is also a reference to

"Alexander [Gernet, who] had estates in Lancashire, and was dead before 1202, when Matthew Gernet obtained seizin of his lands (Rot. Canc.)." - from "The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States..."

"He [Matthew] died in 1202, when Roger de Burton, whose daughter he had married, gave 60 marks for custody of his land and heir, and the marriage of his widow. This land had been parcel of the royal demesne of Lancaster, and rendered but 6s. 8d. yearly to the Corpus Comitatus. In 1200 the Sheriff eased his farm of the honour half a mark for the pasture of Caton given to Matthew Gernet." - from The Great Inquest of Service, A.D. 1212, page 92, "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

Matthew's children were,
(5) John Gernet of Caton (c1180)
(5) Ingus Gernet de Caton (c1180)
(5) Thomas Gernet (c1180), perhaps

The Lord of Caton, "son and heir of Matthew Gernet supra" [Sr.]. "He [Matthew] was the father of John Gernet of Caton, who having been enfeoffed of one-third part of Caton by Thomas Gernet of Heysham, was described circa 1220 as one of the lords of Caton (Reg. of Lane priory p. 164)." - per George Lissant.

". . . John Gernet was probably son and heir of Matthew. He died in 1241, when Roger his son and heir fined 40s. for his relief, and had livery of the lands which he held of the King in chief." - from The Great Inquest of Service, A.D. 1212, page 92, "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

The Fines Rolls of Lancaster, 1225-26 show among the "jurymen of Lincoln Roger Gernet of Brugh and John Gernet.

1230-1241. "Grant in frankalmoign, from William de Kellet, to the monks of St. Mary of Furness, for the health of the souls of his father and mother and his brother Gilbert, of one acre of turbary, at the head of Birkelandeberg towards the west. Witnesses: Sir Roger Gernet, Adam de Kellet, Thomas de Kellet, ADam de Urswick, John Gernet of Caton, William de Parles, and Vivian Gernet of Heysham. (Seal)" - from the "Annual Report of the Deputy Keeper of the Public Records "

From the Chartulary of Lancaster Priory:

Sometime after 1230. "To all the sons of holy mother church who shall see or hear these letters, Vivian of Heysham [Vivianus de Hesham] and Roger Gernet and John Gernet, hereditary lay lords of the vill of Caton, greeting in the Lord. We wish to bring to the notice of you all that we bind ourselves and our heirs and successors for ever to God and the holy church, and by the authority of the ordinary, that we will never lay claim to the righ of patronage in the chapel of Caton by reason and pretext of the cemetary which the lord and our venerable father Walter, by the grace of God Archbishop of York, primate of England, beneficially decreed should be ordained by his venerable brother J., by the same grace Bishop of Man and the Isles, for the said chapel of Caton in the year of grace, 1230, (saving the right of the mother church of Lancaster, and of the neighboring churches,) on account of the dangers of the ways and the distance. In testimony whereof we have strengthened this present writing with out seals. These being witnesses--Thomas of Kirkby, then official of Richmond; Walter, then dean of Lancaster; Robert of Claughton; Benedict, parson of Halton; Richard, vicar of Tunstall; Geoffrey the clerk, and others." - from "Material for the History of the Church of Lancaster

A grant by Thomas of Capernwray to St. Marys in Lancaster, of land in Gressingham, was witnessed by Sir Benedict Gernet, Sir William of Heaton, Alan of Catherton, John Gernet of Caton, John of Oxcliffe, Adam of Borwicke, Nicholas of Lee, William of Claughton, and many others - from "Materials for . . ."

" . . . William de Burgh, living in Gressingham . . . have granted . . . to the Prior and monks of the church of the Blessed mary of Lancaster . . . two oaks to be annually received for ever in the wood of Gressingham . . . for the perpetual maintenance of their manor of Bolton and of the priory of Lancaster . . . These being witnesses - Sir Richard de Dacre, Sir Benedict Gernet, Orm of Kellet, Nicholas of Lee, Adam of Borwick, John Gernet of Caton . . ." - from "Materials for . . ."

John may have owned land in Casterton.

"This Alice, daughter of Gilbert, was undoubtedly the daughter of Gilbert Fitz-Reinfrid and sister of William de Lancaster III [Baron of Kendal]. Before the year 1235 she married William de Lindesay and in that year he and Alice his wife called William de Lancaster to warrant to them concerning the third part of the mill in Casterton against Hugh de Kaberge, and concerning 12 bovates, that is one moiety of the vill, in Kastreton against John Gernet. In the result Hugh and John respectively released their rights to William de Lancaster, who would then assure the premises to William de Lindesay and Alice his wife. Twelve years later, namely in 1247, Robert de Kaberg granted a third part of the vill of Casterton to William de Lindeseye. By these transactions Lindeseye probably became possessed of the whole manor."

1235. "John Gernet releases to William de Lancaster, whom William de Lindesey and Alice his wife called to warranty, 12 bovates in Kastreton (mort d' ancestor)." - from "British History Online."

In 1239 John Gernet had been prosecuted as a "nuisance" for demolishing a farm in Ellal.

John died in 1241, when "Roger his son and heir fined by 40s. for his relief, and had livery of the lands which he held of the King in chief." - from "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer.

The Assize Rolls of 1245-6 show that "Margery, late wife of John de Katon, is in the King's gift and marriageable and her land in the county is worth yearly 1/2 a mark.

John's children were,
(6) Catherine Gernet de Caton (c1210)
(6) Roger Gernet de Caton (c1210)
(6) Simon de Caton (c1210), perhaps

John Gernet of Caton granted land "to Catherine his daughter." - from "Remains, Historical . . ." Also referred to as "Katherine, daughter of John Gernet."

"Roger, son and heir of John Gernet of Caton, made fine with the King for 40s. to have the lands which his said father had held of the King in chief, and had livery by writ dated bth November 1241 (Fine Roll 1, p. 360)." - per George Lissant. Of Caton and Littledale, "who succeeded his father, John Gernet (son and heir of Matthew Gernet supra) in 1241 and died in 1251" - from "Remains . . . " From the Fine Roll, 1, p. 360: Made fine with the King for 40s to have the lands which his said father had held of the King in chief, and had livery by writ dated both November 1241."

In 1230 a cemetery was established in Caton-with-Littledale close to the site of the present parish church in Brookhouse on land granted by the Gernet family. This meant that the dead of the village no longer had to be carried the long miles to Lancaster for burial.

Roger "granted land in the territory of Welslet" and the deed was witnessed by Sir Roger Gernet of Halton, Roger de Hesam, Adam de Katon, etc. This underwrites not only the relationship of the Gernets of Halton, Heysham and Caton, but of Adam Gernet [de Katon} to Roger Gernet of Caton. I have not been able to locate Welslet.

Roger witnessed a land grant,

c1246-1249. Adam of Urswick granted to the church of St. Mary of Lancaster his land "in Little Heysham, which Benedict of Heysham [Beno de Hesham], my uncle, formerly held." Witnesses included "Sir Mathew of Redmayne, then Sheriff of Lancaster. . . Adam, son of Orm of Kellet, Roger Gernet of Caton, Adam Gernet, with many other." - from "Materials for the History of the Church of Lancaster"

Doug Garnett has it that Roger received a further two oxgangs of land at Welslet in marriage with his wife Helen, and gave property to Cockersand Abbey by a grant of frakalmoign. By the way, Adam de Molyneux of Sefton, who married Annota Gernet of Speke in an earlier period, also gave lands to Cockersand Abbey.

The following is from the Chartulary of Cockersand. Donatores were those offering the services of their villeins, nativi, to the abbey at Cockersand. It is a prime example of the confusion caused by the use of de Hesham as both a title, for the Gernets, and a residence, for the villeins. I'm not sure of the date, but I suspect circa 1250. Roger, son of Vivian Gernet de Hesham, lived circa 1230 to 1285. I believe Thomas Gernet de Hesham was Roger's younger brother, mentioned in the records from 1247 to 1253. Another donatore, Thomas de Coupmanwra, was of age to witness charters 1252-1269. Roger Gernet of Halton held the manor from 1207 to 1252. Roger Gernet of Caton held that manor from 1241 to 1251. Matheus de Redeman of Yealand was witnessing charters from circa 1229 to 1252.

Nomina nativorum de quibus cartas habemus et Donatorum, De Lonnesdale et Kendale.
[The names of the bondmen granted to the canons by charter, with the names of the donors in Lonsdale and Kendale]

Donatores: Rogerus filius Wiviani Gernet de Hesham
- Nativi: Adam filius Ricardi filii Rogeri de Hesham
- Nativi: Rogerus f. [filius] Adae f. Michaelis cum sequerla
- Nativi: Alanus f. Adae de Hesham c.s. [cum sequerla]
- Nativi: Adam f. Brun f. Michaelis c.s.
- Nativi: Adam f. Michaelis de Hesham c.s.
- Nativi: Ricardus f. Adae f. Michaelis c.s.
- Nativi: Thomas f. Radulfi f. Gilberti c.
- Nativi: Radulfus f. Simonis de Hesham
- Nativi: Adam f. Simonis praepositi c.s.
- Nativi : Gilbertus f. Radulfi de Hesham c.s.

Donatores: Thomas Gernet de Hesham
- Nativi: Ricardus f. Radulfi de Hesham c.s.
- Nativi: Rogerus f. Simonis generis Ormi.
- Nativi: Benedictus f. Simonis c.s.

Donatores: Rogerus Gernet de Halcton
- Nativi: Hutredus f. Willelmi f. Radulphi de Lec c.s.
- Nativi: Benedictus f. Benedicti praepositi de Lec.

Donatores: Rogerus Gernet de Catuna
- Nativi: Ricardus f. Ricardi de Catona
- Nativi: Adam f. Roberti de Caton.

- from "Remains, Historical and Literary, Connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester" by Chetham Society, page 1057-8.

"Roger Gernet of Caton died shortly before 5th October 1251, the date of the writ of diem clausit extremum ["he has closed his last day"] directed to the escheator [the official who would seize property for the state if there were no heirs] to make enquiry, by which it was found that he had died seized of Littledale, which he held of the King, 6 oxgangs of land in Caton which he held of Roger de Heysham, the third part of the corn and the third part of the fulling mill in Caton and other estates in Barrow and Leck." - per George Lissant.

"XV. Roger [Gernet] de Caton.--Inq. p. m.
[35 Henry III., No.48.]
Writ dated at Westminster, October 5th, 35th year (1251), directed to Thomas de Stanford and his co-escheator in co. Lancaster.
Inquest made at Lancaster, before Sir John de Lee, on Thursday next before the feast of the Apostles Simon and Jude, 35 Henry III. (November 2nd, 1251), by the oath of Roger de Heton, Matthew de Burgh, Richard de Burgh, John de Oxeclive, Adam de Middilton, Simon, son of Michale de Bothelton, Adam de Bothelton, Adam Gernet of Katon, Roger de Hesam, John de Burgh, Benedict de Gersingeham and Richard de Burton, who say that Roger de Katon held in chief of the King a certain pasture called Liteldale by the service of 6s. 8d. yearly, which said pasture is of the clear yearly value to his own use of 40s., saving the King's rent of 6s. 8d. He also held 6 bovates of land in the vill of Katon, of Roger de Hesam by the service of 7s. 2d., which are of the clear yearly value to the use of the said Roger, of 22s. 10d., saving the rent of 7s. 2d. to Roger de Hesam. He also held there of the said Roger de Hesam the third part of a water corn mill, and the third part of a fulling mill, which are yearly worth 40s. He also held one carucate of land in the vill of Burgh of Matthew de Burgh by knight's service, worth 24s. yearly; and half a carucate of land in the vill of Lec, of the said Matthew, likewise by knight's service, worth 12s. yearly. He also held the third part of the mill of Burgh of the said Matthew, worth 13s. 4d. yearly. He also held one carucate of land--viz., 8 bovates in the vill of Lec, of Sir Roger Gernet of Halehton [Halton] by knight's service, of which [land] the Abbot and Convent of Croxton hold 2 bovates of land in frankalmoign, and 6 bovates remain in his own hands worth 18s. yearly. Be it known that the mother of the said Roger de Katon has her third part in dower in all the aforesaid lands and tenements both in demesne and in rents, and the wife of the said Roger ought to be dowered of the third part of the remaining two-thirds.
They also say that John, son of the said Roger, is his next heir and of the age of 2 (rectius 13) years at the feast of St. Martin next to come (November 11th, 1251). The sum total of the value in money (in denariis remaining to the King's use, both in demesnes and in rents [amounts to] 77s. 5. and two-thirds of two-thirds of one penny (i.e., 4/9ths of one penny)." - from Roger [Gernet] de Caton, page 184-186 "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer
Footnote. "John Gernet, son and heir of Roger Gernet, gave half a mark for his relief and because he was unable to render the fealty due to the King in person on account of an infirmity by which he was withheld, the sheriff and escheator were commanded by writ dated November 25th, 1259, to take his homage vice the King and to give him seisin of the pasture in Caton of which his father died seised." - from Roger [Gernet] de Caton, page 185 "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

"XXXV. Roger Gernet of Caton.--Inq. p. m.
[43 Henry III., No.37.]
Writ dated at Westminster, October 20th, 43rd year, directed to the sheriff of Lancaster.
Inquest made at Lancaster, on Monday, the eve of St. Martin, 44 Henry III. (November 10th, 1259), before the sheriff and escheator of the County, by John de Oxeclive, Henry de Hest, William son of Simon de Bothelton, Adam son of Gilbert de Bothelton, William de Assceton, John de Griseheuet, Ralph de Bolrun, William de Burgh, Roger de Stodehahe, John de Croft, Thomas son of William de Hest, and John Gernet, who say that Roger Gernet of Katon held a certain pasture called Littledale in chief of the King by the service of 6s. 8d. for all service, worth 40s. in all issues; he held 6 bovates of land in the vill of Katon in chief of Roger de Heshaym by the service of 7s. 6d. yearly for all services, worth 26s. 8d. yearly; he held the third part of the water mill of Katon, and the third part of the fulling mill of the said Roger de Heshaym, worth 40s. in all issues; he held one carucate of land in the vill of Burgh (Burrow) of Matthew de Burgh, and half a carucate of land in the vill of Lec (Leck) of the same Matthew by knight's service with with the third part of the mill of Burgh 40s. 10d. in all issues; he held one carucate of land in chief of Sir Roger Gernet of Halton in the said vill of Lec by knight's service, worth 24s. in all issues. They also say that all the said tenements are in the King's hand by the escheator [William le Latymer], and the John his son is his next heir and of age of 12 years at Easter next." - from page 224 "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

Roger's children were,
(7) John Gernet de Caton (1250)
(7) Walter Gernet de Caton (c1250), perhaps

"John, his [Roger's] son, was his heir, aged 2 years at the ensuing feast of St. Martin [shortly before 5 October 1251] Subsequently two further inquests were taken, both in the 44 of Hen. III (cf. Fine Roll, ii, p, 319) John Gernet, who came of age in 1270, held two ploughlands (is. the manor of Caton and the pasture of Littledale) in Caton of Edmund, Earl of Lancaster, at the latter's death in 1297, by the service of 26s. 8d. yearly. No doubt the manor had been granted to the said John after the estates of the Gernets of Heysham had escheated to the chief lord. This John's name occurs rather frequently in the public records. A deed, temp. Hen. III, recites that Matthew de Burgo gave the meadow and arable land, lying between the water-mill and the fuller's mill, in Caton, and near the land of John, son and heir of Roger Gernet de Caton, Witness Benedict Gernet de Halton and others. And the Assize Rolls of 1245-6 show that "Margery late wife of John de Katon is in the King's gift and marriageable and her land in the county is worth yearly 1/2 a mark. In 1239 this same John had been prosecuted as a "nuisance" for demolishing a farm in Ellal. " - per George Lissant. Note that in 1278 John son of Roger de Heysam was charged, with others, for demolishing a fence in Ellal. Is this a coincidence or was Lissant confused here?

"Roger Gernet of Littledale, sometimes described as of Caton . . . died in 1251, leaving issue, a son John, then aged 2." - from "Remains Historical . . . "

1259. "John Gernet, son and heir of Roger Gernet, gave half a mark for his relief and because he was unable to render the fealty due to the King in person on account of an infirmity by which he was withheld, the sheriff and escheator were commanded by writ dated November 25th, 1259, to take his homage vice the King and to give him seisin of the pasture in Caton of which his father died seised." - from Roger [Gernet] de Caton, page 185 "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

In 1260 there was another inquest into the estate of John's father, probably as the behest of William de Bussay. Note that the inquest of 1259 said that "They also say that all the said tenements are in the King's hand by the escheator [William le Latymer], and the John his son is his next heir and of age of 12 years at Easter next."

"XXXVI. Roger de Caton.--Inq. p. m., et de melius inquirendo
[44 Henry III., No.23.]
Writ dated at Westminster, July 28th, 44th year [1260], directed to William le Latymer, escheator beyond Trent, in these words:--"Whereas Roger de Caton who held of us in chief is now deceased (dudum diem clausit extremum) and we have confrerred the wardship of the land and heir upon William de Bussy, and whereas, at the suggestion of certain persons, by writ emanating out of our Chancery, two inquests have lately been made which make no mention of the said wardship, and that we, by pretext of one of the said inquests, caused seisin to be delivered to John Gernet, son and heir of the said Roger, believing that the said inquests were fraudulently made by the suppression of the truth, we command you, whereby we may be more fully certified upon the premises, that you do go to the said land accompanied by the sheriff and coroners, and the escheator of the county, and make diligent inquiry by the oath of true men of the neighborhood of what land the said Roger held of us in chief, &c., and whether the said William le Latymer has the said wardship or we have, and who held that land after the death of Roger, or still holds it, and whether we or our predecessors have otherwise disposed of that wardship, &c.
Inquest made by Adam de Holand, John de Oxeclive, Gervase de Oxeclive, Ralph de Bolerun, William de Eston, Roger de Stodath, William de Burgh, Roger de Brocceholes, Gilbert de Meles, Orm de Thorneton, William de Marton, and Hugh de Mitton, who say that Roger de Katon (Gernet cancelled) held a certain pasture in chief of the King, called Littledale, by the yearly service of 6s. 8d. for all service, which pasture is yearly worth 40s. in all issues. He also held 6 bovates of land in the vill of Katon of Roger de Hesham by the yearly service of 7s. 6d. for all service, yearly worth 26s. 8d. in all issues. He also held the third part of a water-mill in Katon, and the third part of a fulling mill of the said Roger de Hesham, which third parts are worth 40s. yearly in all issues. He also held 12 bovates of land in the vills of Burgh and Lecke [viz., one carucate in Burgh and 1/2 carucate in Lec (No. 37)], with the third part of a water-mill in the vill of Burgh of Matthew de Burgh by knight's service, which are worth 40s. 10d. yearly. He also held one carucate of land in . . . [page 226 image not available]" - from page 225-226 "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

In about 1270 or 1271 John aggrieved some of his tenants by choosing to enclose part of his land.

54 Henry III, 20 July 1270, Roger, son of Vivian de Heseham [sic] and John, son of Roger Gernet (of Caton), were defendants in a suit of novel disseisin brought by Alan de Welleslech in reference to a common of pasture in Caton. - from page 250 "A Calendar of the Lancashire Assize Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office, London: In Two..." by John William Robinson Parker

8 Edward I [1280].

"Caton (Lanc.); appointment of Geoffrey Aguillon and Alan de Walkington to take the assise of novel disseisin arraigned by Alan de Welleslet and John son of Simon de Caton against John Gernet and Ranulph de Daker, touching common pasture in [Caton]." - from the "Annual Report of the Deputy Keeper of the Public Records."

"Levens-in-Kendal (Westmorel.); appointment of Geoffrey Aguillon and Alan de Walkingham to take the assise of mort dancestor arraigned by Hugh son of Gerard de Leuenes against John Gernet, touching a toft and land in [Levens-in-Kendal]."

A dozen years after their first complaint, two of John's tenants renewed the same complaint against John of Caton, Ranulf de Dacre and Joan Dacre [that is, Joan Lucy, Ranulf's wife].

12 Edward II [1284]. "Novel disseisin--John son of Simon de Caton v. John de Caton, Ranulph de Dacre and Jennet [sic] his wife re common of pasture in 30 acres of moor and 4 acres of wood in Caton.
Novel disseisin--William le Breuster v. same re same common of pasture."
Footnote. "Ranulph says that John de Caton enfeoffed him; and John says that John son of Simon and William have no freehold to which common of pasture belongs, and he as chief lord pleads the Statute of Merton: and 6 acres were approved by one [blank] his father. The plaintiffs say that the Statute of Merton should not apply, for at the last Eyre of Peter de Cestrie and his fellow Justices in Eyre in that County on the Morrow of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the year of Grace MCCLXXI [3rd February 1271-2] it was agreed between Alan de Useflet, Gilbert le Serjaunt, William le Breuster, Elyas de Harkelbeck, John de Gilberdholm, Richard Fuller, Adam de Appeltrethwayt, Adam his son, John son of Gilbert, John de Hoton, Robert de Hydeschawe, William de Moreplatte, Thomas son of Robert, Gilbert le Monner, Robert le fitz Essoll, John son of Simon, William Spurman, Thomas del Wra, Robert son of Robert de Kibbelsdale and all other the freeholders of that vill, on the one part, and John Gernette of Caton defendant, on the other part, as to a fence set up in Caton by John to the hurt of all the said plaintiffs, that the said John should at once demolish the fence; and John agreed never to set up a fence nor to extend nor to make any approvement of the said waste in Caton to the hurt etc. And the said Alan and others gave the said John 6 marks [the rest torn]." - from page 177 "A Calendar of the Lancashire Assize Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office, London: In Two..." by John William Robinson Parker

1271 - Two inquests were taken, both in the 44th year of Henry III (cf. Fine Roll, ii, p, 319). John Gernet, who came of age in 1270, held two ploughlands (is. the manor of Caton and the pasture of Littledale) in Caton of Edmund, Earl of Lancaster, at the latter's death in 1297, by the service of 26s. 8d. yearly. No doubt the manor had been granted to John after the estates of the Gernets of Heysham had escheated to the chief lord. Since the Gernet's of Caton held their property from the elder branches of the family, when the Gernet lines in Halton and Heysham ended in a female heir, the Caton property had to be regranted from the chief lord, the Earl.

John married Margery and had a grant of lands in Liverpool. She was the daughter of Randolph [Randle, Ranulf] de la More [Moore], Reeve of Liverpool in 1246.

"Among the early undated Moore deeds is a grant of land in Liverpool by "Robert de Ferrers son and "heir of William de Ferrers nobilis viri, quondam "Earl of Derby." this second Earl William Ferrers had died about 1252, and his son Robert was the ward of Henry III, who, in 1257, conferred the Ferrer's estates upon his son Edmund Crouchback [the Earl of Lancaster, sic, this actually occurred after 1265]. One of the witnesses to the above Moore deed was John Gernet, son-in-law of Randolph del More . . .",

"Ranulphus de Mor de Lyv'pool grants to Margery his daughter and John Gernet and their "heirs," various lands in the town; including "half an acre with half a burgage next to the "Chapel," also "the fourth part of one burgage "lying next to the "Chapel" and next to the land of "William de Chnouslee [Knowsley]." Here, in correct proximity to the land of the Knowsley family at the river side, whereon, later, was built the Tower, we may discern the Chapel del Key [Liverpool] existing certainly before 1257." - from "Transactions of the Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire.

John and Margery's holdings were challenged.

43 Henry III, 17 March 1258/9. Justice: Peter de Percy. Ralph son of Robert de Hibernia v. John Gernet and Margery his wife. Mort d' Ancestor. 6 oxgangs in Lyuerpol.
43 Henry III, 17 March 1258/9. Justice: Peter de Percy. Margery, Matilda and Mabel, daughters of Robert de Hibernia v. John Gernet and Margery his wife. Mort d' Ancestor. 6 burgages and 6 acres in Liurepol.
45 Henry III, 18 June 1261. Justice: Peter de Percy. Matilda daugther of Robert de Hibernia and Margery her sister v. John Gernet and Margery his wife. Novel disseisin. A tenement in Lyurepol. - from page 229-235 "A Calendar of the Lancashire Assize Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office, London: In Two..." by John William Robinson Parker.

Margery's brothers, Richard, a clerk, and John, an attorney, sat in the Parliament of 1307 for Liverpool and were bailiffs for that town. From "British History Online:"

"The first on record of the Moore family is Randle de la Moore, who as reeve of Liverpool appeared at the sessions of the justices in eyre at Lancaster in 1246. His name frequently occurs in documents of the time of Henry III and Edward I. His eldest son, John de la Moore, sen., also attested many charters of the time of the first Edwards; he was one of the three attorneys found by the borough of Liverpool in a plea of quo warranto at Lancaster in 1292, and he and his brother Richard were returned to the Parliament at Carlisle in January, 1307, as burgesses for Liverpool."

This John's name occurs rather frequently in the public records. A deed, temp. Hen. III, recites that Matthew de Burgo gave the meadow and arable land, lying between the water-mill and the fuller's mill, in Caton, and near the land of John, son and heir of Roger Gernet de Caton Witness Benedict Gernet de Halton and others.

". . . King John by knight's service. Roger Gernet, the chief forester of Lancashire, who died in 1252, held one carucate of land here in demesne; Matthew de Burgh, lord of Burrow [Burgh], held one carucate, and John Gernet, son and heir of Roger Gernet of Caton, held the third carucate of the said Roger by knight's service." - from "Remains, Historical . . ."

A John de Horneby obtained lands from Benedict de Brerelay in Hornby and Farleton in 1307, and in 1314 he claimed further lands in Caton and Claughton [sic] against John de Caton.

From the Chartulary of Lancaster Priory: A grant deed from John, son of Roger Gernet, of Caton, to the priory of Lancaster of an acre of land in Caton.

1272-1274. "Let all the faithful know that I, John, son of Roger Gernet of Caton, for the safety of my soul and of the souls of my father and mother, the common assent and will of the free men of Caton being had, have given, granted, and by this my present charter confirmed, to God and the church of the Blessed Mary of Lancaster, the Prior and monks there serving and for ever to serve God, a piece of land in the town of Caton lying outside the boundaries of the land of Benstede and John of Gilbertholm towards the east . . . These being witnesses: Sir Ralph of Dacre, the sheriff of Lancaster; Sir Benedict Gernet, Alan of Catherton, Orm of Kellet, [and others." - from "Materials for . . ."

By another deed John de Houton granted to John, son of Roger Gernet, of Caton, and to the priory of Lancaster the watercourse of Artle Beck for their mill. [A Sir John de Houton was installed as Rector of Todwick in 1232]

John Gernet, the Lord of Caton, granted to the prior of Lancaster all his right in the advowson of the church of Caton with certain land near that church. From that time to the present the church of Caton has remained annexed to the vicarage of Lancaster (Trans. of the L & C. Antiquarian Soc.)

John Gernet witnessed a land grant by John of Parles. Other witnesses were Sir Henry of Lee, then Sheriff of Lancaster, and Sir Benedict Gernet. Sir Henry was Sheriff from 1282 to 1284. Could this have been our John Gernet, Lord of the Manor of Caton? John Gernet also witnessed a land grant in 1292.

In 1303 Richard de Mourthwayt was pardoned for the death of John Gernet of Casterton, Westmorland on account of his good service in Scotland. This was not be "our" John, but Casterton is important to the evolution of at least one branch of the Garnett family [see subsequent pages]. Note also that John's grandfather had interests in Casterton, see above.

Note the following about Casterton and a Robert Gernet, the reeve:

"1454 Rental of Casterton from 6 March, 31 Henry VI to Michaelmas, 33 Henry VI, namely for 10 years and 26 days: Robert Gernet, reeve there, accounts for £4 2s. 9d. of two parts of the rents and farms there (at £4 2s. 9d. per annum for the whole), and of 21s. 10d. for two parts of the free rents there (at 21s. 10d. per annum for the whole); and nothing for the farm of the fulling-mill there, formerly let for 6s. 8d. per annum, because it is in the lord's hand, unoccupied; of gressoms nil, and of perquisites of courts nil, because no courts were held." - from "British History Online"

In July 1312 John Gernet of Caton and his son, Roger, claimed Caton manor and 100-acres of wood at Roeburndale from Thomas. I suspect this is a legal device to establish John Sr's life interest, not a dispute within the family.

For the next, remember that John had gained an interest in Liverpool through his marriage to Margery de la More whose father was the Reeve of Liverpool.

19 Edward II [27 February 1326] Leicester. "Inspeximus of a grant, dated at Liverpool, on Tuesday after St. Giles the Abbot, 1271, by Edmund son of Henry III to the church of St. James, Birkheved, and the monks there of 15 acres of land below the grange of Neusum, which John Gernet formerly held of him at will, to hold in frankalmoin at a rent of 5s. Witnesses--William le Botiler, Robert Banastre, Henry du Lee, Robert de Holand, and Benedict Gernet, knights, John Gernet, Richard de Holand, and others; and confirmation thereof to the prior and convent of that place. By fine of 20s. Lancatre." - from "Patent Rolls"

From a number of land and property claims, it can be deduced that John had two sons,
(8) Thomas Gernet of Caton (c1280)
(8) Roger Gernet de Caton (c1280)

The Lord of Caton, he was born in about 1280. "Thomas "de Caton" succeeded, and was probably the son and heir of John Gernet, who was styled "John de Caton" in the inquest of 1297. By a fine made in 5 Edw. II, 1312, the manor of Caton was granted to Thomas, apparently as son and heir of John, but a life interest in it was ensured to John, the father, and Roger, the younger son." - per Geprge Lissant. In July 1312 John Gernet of Caton and his son, Roger, claimed Caton manor and 100-acres of wood at Roeburndale from Thomas. I suspect this is a legal device to establish John Sr's life interest, not a dispute within the family.

In 1315 Joan Gernet, the widow of Roger and the daughter-in-law of John of Caton, claimed title to two Messuages in Caton from Thomas and Mary, his wife. That is, she tried to leverage her dead husband's life interest into one for herself.

Thomas died in 1317. His widow, Mary, was named as one of the executors of his estate and his two daughters, Alice and Agnes, became co-heirs to his share of the Gernet's property at Caton. Thomas's children were,
(9) Alice de Caton (c1300)
(9) Agnes de Caton (c1310)

The Extent of 1322 records that Alice and Agnes "daughters and heirs of Thomas de Caton held the manor of Caton by homage and service of 20s. and the pasture of Littledale by the service of 6s. 8d." Alice was also known as Aline [or Eleanor] Garnet.

Alice married (11) William de Lancaster (c1320) of Howgill [I do, however, have the generations mixed up]. Another source on the de Lancaster family claims this was actually (8) Sir John de Lancaster (1260?) of Howgill Castle, Westmorland sometime before 1329, but that doesn't fit the 1346 wapentake survey, below.

From the Le Fleming MSS., Rydal Hall, UK Archives:

1340 - "Memorandum of Assize, [31 August 1340] held at Carlisle before Robert Parvyng and other justices, that John de Lancaster, kt., Richard his son, William de Lancaster and Alice his wife, William de Denton, chaplain, William Brunnyng, chaplain, William Bisshep, of Kirkeby, chaplain, Adam de Appleby, chaplain, Robert de Merton, chaplain unjustly dispossessed Elena, wife of Alexander de Fetherstanhalgh of her freehold in Skirwith (case found against her)."

31 August 1340. "Memorandum of Assize held at Carlisle before Robert Parvyng and other justices, that John de Lancaster, kt., Richard his son, William de Lancaster and Alice his wife, William de Denton, chaplain, William Brunnyng, chaplain, William Bisshep, of Kirkeby, chaplain, Adam de Appleby, chaplain, Robert de Merton, chaplain unjustly dispossessed Elena, wife of Alexander de Fetherstanhalgh of her freehold in Skirwith (case found against her)."

Alice inherited one third of the Caton estates centered on Old Hall Brookhouse - From The Gresgarth Estate and Gresgarth Hall. Brookhouse is just east of Caton. The name "Old Hall" in Brookhouse, Caton, and its proximity to the parish church suggests that it was the original site of the manor though the present house dates from the seventeenth century. Alice's sister, Agnes, received the larger share of the estates, centered on Gresgarth Hall. William de Lancaster was, perhaps, a descendent of a junior branch of the de Lancaster family.

In 1329 Joan, widow of Roger Gernet de Caton, again sued for a portion of the Gernet estates. Joan claimed a piece of land from the surviving heirs of Thomas Gernet. Named in this suit are William Wither, who had evidently married Thomas' widow, William de Lancaster, husband of Alice Gernet, and Agnes Gernet, the yet unmarried younger daughter of Thomas.

Two years later, in 1331, John de Curwen and Agnes his wife claimed a two-thirds share of Caton Manor from William de Lancaster the younger, son of Alice Gernet and William de Lancaster senior of Howgill.

By 1346, land surveys show that two plough-lands in Caton were jointly being held by John de Curwen and William Lancaster in right of their wives at a rent of twenty-shillings a year, and right of pasture at Littledale by payment of six-shillings and eight-pence annually.

"John de Kulwenne, in right of Agnes his wife, William de Lancaster, of Halgill, in right of Alice his wife, hold the village of Katon for two carves of land in socage, paying yearly at the four terms as above twenty shillings, and relief as above." - from the 1346 wapentake survey

John Curwen apparently died at some point before 1355 and his widow, Agnes, married John Swainson of Ellel as her second husband. In 1355 and again in 1360, the Swainsons together with William and Alice Lancaster claimed the manor of Caton from the eventual heirs of Roger Gernet of Caton, his only daughter and sole heiress, Margaret Gernet and her husband Robert Pert of Strickland. I presume this refers to the life interest Roger had of his father, John Gernet.

According to Burke's Peerage, after the death of Sir William de Lancaster of Howgill in 1367, Alina Garnet, who I assume is our Alice, married John de Washington, the second son of Robert and Agnes de Washington and forebear of George Washington, first president of the United States. They had no children.

Agnes was born between about 1306 and 1310. She married John de Curwen (or Culwen) some time between 1329 and 1331 (Vict Hist. of Lancashire Vol 8, p80, note 25). His descendents were seated at Stubhall in Aughton [Haughton], in the parish of Halton, and Gressyard (later Gresgarth) in Caton until the 17th century. Agnes inherited two thirds of the Caton estates from her father, including Gresgarth Hall, which remained in the Curwen family for the next 300 years. The Gresgarth estate almost certainly originated in the division of the Caton-Gernet inheritance. Gresgarth hall, Caton, is 3 miles east of Lancaster. It was a fortified manor house, founded in about 1330. The oldest surviving portions of the Hall, right, consist of a two storey building, 48' long and 27', wide, with a tunnel vault on the ground floor. This building is embedded in later additions but the end walls can be recognised externally by their massive, rougher masonry.

The Curwen's were related to the de Lancaster's.

It is possible that John Culwen, who was a younger son of Sir Gilbert II, received the Caton estate [that is, the hand of Agnes] as compensation to the family for their loyalty to the English crown and for the consequent loss of their Scottish estates during the troubles there. Wealthy heiresses were generally wards of the crown and the marriage may have been arranged as a reward. The Scottish War of Independence only came to an end with the Treaty of Northampton which was signed in 1328. Under the treaty the Scots paid 20,000 pounds to the dispossessed for the loss of their Scottish estates.

In 1316 a Scottish raid devastated the country as far south as Furness and in 1322 Bruce himself led a raid which ravaged Lonsdale and sacked Lancaster. The Gresgarth tower, a defensive addition to Gresgarth Hall, may have been begun in 1330 following Curwens arrival. John Curwen would have felt particularly vulnerable in view of the families participation in the Scottish wars. He would also have been familiar with the architecture of the tower house whose evolution began in the border region with the troubles of the early fourteenth century.

When John Curwen of Caton, fourth in line of descent from the John Curwen who married Agnes, died without issue some time after 1457, the estate passed to a relative, Gilbert Curwen and his descendants. When the last Curwen died in 1633 it passed to the Morleys who sold it to the Girlingtons of Therland. (Thurland).

John Curwen, Agnes' husband, apparently died at some point before 1355, and his widow married John Swainson of Ellel as her second husband. In 1355 and again in 1360, the Swainsons together with William and Alice de Lancaster claimed the manor of Caton from the heir of Roger Gernet of Caton, his only daughter Margaret Gernet and her husband Robert Pert of Strickland. As you'll remember, Roger had only a life interest in the estate, though Margaret's husband would be certain to contest this.

The younger son of John Gernet and brother of Thomas. In July 1312 John Gernet of Caton and his son, Roger, claimed the Caton manor and 100-acres of wood at Roeburndale from Thomas Gernet of Caton, the elder son. Roeburndale is "a wide tract of hill country, most of it quite solitary" in western Lancashire, not far from Caton. Note that (4) Matthew Gernet had owned land in Outhwaite, which is just north of Roeburndale.

By a fine made in the fifth year of King Edward II [1312] the manor of Caton was granted to Thomas Gernet, but a life interest in it was ensured to John and Roger, John's son. This meant that while the manor now belonged to Thomas, John and Roger got to live there for the rest of their lives. I suspect these were legal devices to establish the terms of the life interest, not the result of a family dispute.

The son of John Gernet of Caton. He married Joan. I suspect he died soon after the suit of 1312, above, because in 1315 Joan, his wife, claimed title to two Messuages in Caton from Thomas Gernet and Mary, his wife. I don't know if she won her case, but in 1329 Joan again sued for a portion of the Gernet estates. She claimed this piece of land from the surviving heirs of Thomas Gernet. Named in this suit were William Wither, who had evidently married Thomas' widow, William Lancaster, husband of Alice Gernet, and Agnes Gernet, the yet unmarried younger daughter.

Roger had only one child,
(10) Margaret Gernet de Caton

Margaret was the sole heir of Roger. She married Robert Pert of Strickland.

Inquest for John son of Alan de Welslete, 30 Edward I [2 February 1302]. "Inquest made at Lancaster . . . by William de Hoton, Adam de Urswyk, . . . and Walter Gernet, who say that John son of Alan de Welselet was outlawed for the death of Ralph, chaplain of Claghton. The said John held a messuage and 20 acres of land with the appurtenances in Caton, in chief, of John de Caton [Walter's brother] by fealty and the service of 1d. yearly. The messuage and land are worth 10s. yearly, and have been in the King's hand for the space of two years, and for that time the township (villata) of Caton shall answer." - from page 311 "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

Perhaps the son of John.

In 1284 two tenants in the village of Caton renewed a complaint against John of Caton, the son of Roger Gernet of Caton, Ranulf de Dacre and Joan Dacre [that is, Joan Lucy, Ranulf's wife].

12 Edward II [1284]. "Novel disseisin--John son of Simon de Caton v. John de Caton, Ranulph de Dacre and Jennet [sic] his wife re common of pasture in 30 acres of moor and 4 acres of wood in Caton.
Novel disseisin--William le Breuster v. same re same common of pasture."
Footnote. "Ranulph says that John de Caton enfeoffed him; and John says that John son of Simon and William have no freehold to which common of pasture belongs, and he as chief lord pleads the Statute of Merton: and 6 acres were approved by one [blank] his father. The plaintiffs say that the Statute of Merton should not apply, for at the last Eyre of Peter de Cestrie and his fellow Justices in Eyre in that County on the Morrow of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the year of Grace MCCLXXI [3rd February 1271-2] it was agreed between Alan de Useflet, Gilbert le Serjaunt, William le Breuster, Elyas de Harkelbeck, John de Gilberdholm, Richard Fuller, Adam de Appeltrethwayt, Adam his son, John son of Gilbert, John de Hoton, Robert de Hydeschawe, William de Moreplatte, Thomas son of Robert, Gilbert le Monner, Robert le fitz Essoll, John son of Simon, William Spurman, Thomas del Wra, Robert son of Robert de Kibbelsdale and all other the freeholders of that vill, on the one part, and John Gernette of Caton defendant, on the other part, as to a fence set up in Caton by John to the hurt of all the said plaintiffs, that the said John should at once demolish the fence; and John agreed never to set up a fence nor to extend nor to make any approvement of the said waste in Caton to the hurt etc. And the said Alan and others gave the said John 6 marks [the rest torn]." - from page 177 "A Calendar of the Lancashire Assize Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office, London: In Two..." by John William Robinson Parker

1215-1222. "Grant from Ingus, daughter of Mathew Gernet, of Merton, to the convent of Furness, of certain land in Merton. Witnesses: Roger, son of William, Alan de Penigton, R., parsonof Kyrkebi, Robert de Boivill, Philip le Nories, and R. de Orgave. (Seal)" - from "Annual Report of the Deputy Keeper of the Public Records"

The mesne manor of Hincaster, in Westmorland, was held by the family of Gernet of the Burtons, as of their manor at Burton in Kendale, later Kendal, by the yearly service fee of 6s. 8d. The Burtons probably held, in turn, under the de Lancasters, Barons of Kendal. The pleadings in a suit in 1338 preserve the descent of 4 generations of Gernets, the last, Adam, son of John Gernet, having alienated his estate here to Sir Walter de Stirkeland in the time of Edward II. Adam son of Benedict Gernet, representing a junior branch of the family, which held their lands of the the senior line, had a daughter Avice, who married Sir Thomas de Hellebek. The male line of the Burton family terminated in the mid-1300's. The lordship of Hincaster was held in 1374 by Peter de Ros and Thomas de Stirkeland [Strickland?], and in 1426 by Walter de Stirkeland, son of Sir Thomas. - from "British History Online"

I have a Benet de Gernet of Halton, the younger brother of Roger de Gernet, who was born about the right time to be this man. I pulled Benedict's name from George Lissant's document; Doug Garnett does not hold that Benet in his records. The "Calendar of the Close Rolls" has an entry for Benedict Gernet of Hincaster and Emma, his daughter. The following may be his children.
(6) John Gernet of Hincaster (c1200)
(6) Adam Gernet of Hincaster (c1200)
(6) Emma Gernet

Or Gernett. The first born son and heir of Benedict. His wife was Ingerith.

1237. "In the year 1237 Roger son of Roger de Burton [who appears to have been the local lord of Burton manor] and John son of Benedict Gerneth make an agreement, namely that Roger grants to John the whole carucate of land in the vill of Henecastre [Hincaster], in demesnes and services, which was late of Benedict his father, as his right to the first born heir of the said Gerneth. For this, and for the release of his relief due to Roger, the said John confirms to the said Roger, his lord, and to his heirs 30 a. land of his demesne in the vill of Hinecastre, namely 10 a. in Cornewaith towards Quiteclif and his share of the land upon Tunstides, any deficiency [of 30 a.] to be made good upon Quiteclif; 2 a. of his demesne meadow on Hayhus and upon Brokesbanc; with release of the service of Richard Godemund and his heirs for the tenement he held of the said John's ancestors, and all his part of the fishery of the vivary of Henecastre, as his ancestors used to fish it; to hold by rendering yearly one gilt spur for the said fishery, which gilt spur, the said John is bound to render to his lords of Stainton, saving to John and his heirs water for the support of his mill; release also to the said Roger of one bovate of land in the vill of Henecastre, whereof eight bovates make one carucate, in meadows and other places, doing for the said bovate and for the tenement of Richard Godemund the foreign service of those tenements; grant also of all grain growing in the said 30 acres and in the bovate of land quit from the said John and his heirs of multure and that the said John will find the miller. Witnesses: Sir Patrick [de Culwen] son of Thomas, Sir Matthew de Redeman, Sir Richard de Preston, Sir Alexander de Windeshouer, Henry de Croft, Geoffrey de Huppesal, John de Kyrkeby, Adam the chaplain, who has written these letters; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1237-48. "John Gernett grants to Ralph de Ayncurt the vivary of Hennecastre, both the moiety which the grantor holds of Ralph and that which he holds in demesne, and the mill of Hennecastre with the onset and the mill-stream over his land of Hennecastre from the vivary to the mill; and the whole multure of Hennecastre to the 13th measure, saving the feoffment of Roger de Burton, both in the vivary and in the mill and elsewhere in the vill of Hennecastre, as his charter testifies, and saving the liberty of the heirs of Vivian Gernet [which Vivian? The elder, born c 1080? Third son of Benet de Gernet of Halton, born c1175, or the son of Thomas de Gernet of Heysham, born c1200?] in the said mill and the liberty of other free tenants in the vill and saving the liberty of Adam Gernet in the said mill, and saving John's own grain quit of multure; to hold by rendering yearly a pair of white gloves at St. Lawrence. Witnesses: William de Daker [Dacre, husband of Joan Gernet], then sheriff of Westmerie [Westmorland], Robert de Askeby, Richard de Preston, Thomas de Musgrave, Alexander de Wyndesoure, Thomas de Levenes, Henry de Witeby, Ralph de Sitheritheserh, William de Wedaker, Nicholas de Heversaym, Adam Gernet, Gilbert the constable. Portion of paste seal; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

The following grant from Ralph de Ayncurt concerns both John and his brother, Adam.

1237-48. "Ralph de Ayncurt grants liberty to John Gernet and his heirs in Ralph's mill of Hencastre, namely that the grantor will find the mill and a miller to grind John's own grain there without multure, namely when the hopper is void, unless the corn of Adam Gernet should chance to come first; further be it known that John and his heirs shall give food to the miller reasonably, when he grinds his grain and if by chance the miller be not found in the mill, the said John or another for him shall grind without any harm of either party. The grantor further gives to the men of Hennecastre common of the water of his vivary of Hennecastre for watering all manner of beasts, and grants to John that all his men who owe suit shall grind to the 13th measure. The grantor further grants to John that he will find for Roger de Burtun a mill to grind his grain growing on the land which the said John formerly gave to him, whosoever sows it, namely so much as grows on 40 acres and one bovate of land, free of multure, and that the said Roger shall have his fishery in the vivary of Hennecastre, as his charter [from the said John] testifies; the grantor also undertakes to grind the grain of the heirs of Vivian Gernet [the son of Thomas of Heysham?], quit of multure [etc. as in the preceding charter]. Witnesses: William de Dakre [Dacre], then sheriff of Westmerie, Robert de Askeby, Richard de Preston, Thomas de Musgrave, Henry de Bethum, Ralph de Bethum, John de Heselslac, Thomas de Levenes, Thomas his son, Roger Kayrus, Adam Gernet. Circular seal of green wax bearing on a heater-shaped shield 2 bars, in the sinister part of the chief a canton. Legend: s. Radvlphi D'aincvrt; Orig. at Sizergh; Dodsworth's MS., 149, f. 136." - from "British History Online"

"No. 15. Ralph de Ayncurt to John Gernet. Ralph obliges himself to find a mill and miller in Hencaster to grind John's corn multure-free when the hopper is empty, unless the corn of Adam Gernet or his heirs be in the mill. John Gernet and his heirs are to furnish the miller with reasonable entertainment while the corn is grinding." - from the "United Kingdom, Royal Commissionon Historical Manuscripts, Fifth Report, England and Wales," The Papers of Walter Charles Strickland, Esq, of Sizergh Castle, Westmoreland

Circa 1312. ". . . Walter de Strickland. It is an interesting fact, however, that the seal of Sir Ralph d'Eyncourt (Elizabeth's father), appended to one of his charters to John Gernet, bears the the coat: Two bars, in chief a canton. These arms are a variant of those of Sir Ralphs' overlord, William III de Lancaster, lord of Kendal: (Silver) two bars (gules), on a guarter (gules) a leopard (or); and another variation of the de Lancaster coat had evidently occasionally been used by the Stricklands, who like the d'Eyncourts, held of the Kendal barony." - from "The Early History of the Stricklands of Sizergh" by Sydney Horace Lee Washington.

John Gernet died before 1257.

1257. "Ingerith, late the wife of John Gernet, is amerced [?] mark because she did not prosecute her plea; Parker, Pipe Roll of Westmorland, 207." - from "British History Online"

I don't know of any children for John.

Adam the [second?] son of Benedict Gernet. Note that several of the grants for Adam's brother, John, above, mention Adam as well, either in the body or as a witness. The following grants, for which Adam was a witness, deals with lands of Ralph de Ayncurt. The latter also had dealings with Adam's brother, John.

1250-65. "Robert son of Matthew de Sywirtherwe grants and sells to dame Alice de Ayncourt two parts of 2 acres of his meadow in Sywirtherwe, which Ralph "my brother" formerly took from Ralph de Ayncourt in exchange for certain lands called Ewode; to hold for a pair of white gloves or 1d. Witnesses: Sir Matthew de Redeman, William de Wyndesouere, Thomas de Levenes, Adam Gernet; ib." - from "British History Online"

1250-67. "William son of Patrick de Sygiswik releases to Richard de Ayncurt the land which Sir Ralph de Ayncurt held at his death of the said William's fee in Sigiswyk. Witnesses: Sir Matthew de Redeman, Sir Gilbert de Lancastre, Thomas de Levenes, Thomas de Howes, Thomas de Forstwayt, Robert de Kendal, William de Wedaker, Adam Gernet; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1338. ". . . Thomas [son of Walter de Stirkeland] says that one Roger de Burton, great-great-great-grandfather (tritavus) of the said Roger, granted to Adam Gernet a messuage and one carucate of land, to hold by the service of 6s. 8d. yearly . . . ; De Banco R. 316, Mich., 12 Edward III, m. 184." - from "British History Online"

1237-48. "Adam Gernet grants to Ralph de Ayncurt 3 a. land in Hennecastre of his demesne next the mill-pool of Hennecastre, as they lie in parcels between the mill-pool and the highway which comes from Kirkeby, and one acre of meadow in the said vill next the boundary of Stayntun, namely by the rod of 20 feet, (fn. 2) to hold by rendering yearly a pair of white gloves at St. Lawrence. Witnesses: [as in the last charter]; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1255. "Adam de Hencastre, Adam Gernet and John de Hencastre, jurors. Lancs. Inq. (Rec. Soc.), pt. i, 195." - from "British History Online"

He had a daughter, Avice, who married Sir Thomas de Hellebek [Hellebeck, Hellebaek, Hellebeke] - from "British History Online". Unfortunately the Hellebek's repeated the same given name over several generations making it difficult to know what time period this covers.

Adam's children were,
(7) Avice Gernet of Hincaster (c1230)
(7) John Gernet of Hincaster (c1230)
(7) Benedict Gernet of Hincaster (c1230)

She married Sir Thomas de Hellebek [Hellebeck, Hellebaek, Hellebeke].

The son and heir of Adam Gernet. His younger brother, Benedict, held his lands "of" his brother, John. The next three citations mention both John and Benedict.

1265-77. "Richard de Stainton in Furness grants to William de Pykering the land in the vill of Sigiswic which he held of William son of Patrick [de Siggiswic]; to hold of William son of Patrick. Witnesses: John Gernet, Benedict Gernet, Roland de Thorneburg, Henry de Sigiswic, Nicholas de Lee. Vesica shaped seal of green wax; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1275-90. "Grant by Gretea de Syggiswike [Sedgewick] to Alan le Boteller in free marriage with Eva daughter of Greta of the moiety of her land of Syggiswike with meadow, wood, waste and moss, and the messuage and buildings which William son of Juliana holds in the said vill, to hold to Alan and Eva and the issue of Eva by rendering 4s. 6d. yearly. Witnesses: Sir Roger de Burton and Sir Henry de Redemane knights; William de Wyndeshouer, Richard de Preston, John Gernet, Benedict Gernet, William son of Patrick, Henry the clerk. Vescia shaped seal of white wax bearing a fleur de lis; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1281. "Roger de Burton, knt., mortgages until Holy Trinity, 1283, to William de Stirkeland, knt., for £10, his land in Hennecastre with the mill, soke and fishery. Witnesses: Richard de Preston, Robert de Betham, knights; William de Wyndeshouer, William de Crofte, Matthew de Redeman, John Gernet, Benedict Gernet. Dated on Wednesday, before the feast of St. Gregory the Pope, 1281; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1290-1300. "Alan le Botyllere releases to John son of Grete de Syggeswick the land which the grantor had of the gift of Grete de Syggeswyck in marriage with Eva daughter of Grete in the territory of Syggeswyck. Witnesses: Sir Richard de Preston, Sir Thomas de Pekeryngg, Adam de Haverington, John Gernet, Henry de Syggeswyck, Robert son of William of the same place, Thomas de Farlton; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1292. "John son of Thomas de Levenis grants to Sir William, son and heir of Sir Robert de Stirkeland, his land in Le Houwes, which the grantor had by the gift of Alice his mother. Witnesses: Robert de Burton, Richard de Preston, knights; William de Wyndesouere, Matthew de Redeman, John Gernet. Benedict Gernet, John de Forstewayt, John de Camera; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1300-15. "Adam son of John Gernet of Hencastre grants to Sir Walter de Stirkland and his heirs, his land and tenements in Hencastre in the vill of Burton with buildings, gardens, meadows, woods, wastes etc. and the reversion of the dower of Cecily late the wife of the said John Gernet, and the homage and service of Benedict Gernet [John's brother] for the lands which he held of the grantor in the said vill; to hold for a rose at midsummer. Witnesses: Matthew Redeman, Richard de Preston, knights; Robert de Wassington, Baldwyn de Schepesheved, Rowland de Patton, Thomas de Levenes, Robert the clerk. Part of a seal of red wax; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

The son of John Gernet.

1338. ". . . Thomas [son of Walter de Stirkeland] says that one Roger de Burton, great-great-great-grandfather (tritavus) of the said Roger, granted to [(6)] Adam Gernet a messuage and one carucate of land, to hold by the service of 6s. 8d. yearly; from Adam the right descended to John as son and heir and from John to John, as son and heir, and from John to Adam, as son and heir; that John, father of Adam, enfeoffed Roger de Burton, grandfather of the said Roger, of half the said premises and died seised of the other moiety, being succeeded by his son and heir Adam, who enfeoffed Walter de Stirkeland; from Walter the right descended to Ralph, who died without issue, and from Ralph to Thomas de Stirkeland as brother and heir; De Banco R. 316, Mich., 12 Edward III, m. 184." - from "British History Online"

The son and heir of John Gernet.

1290-1310. "John son of Grete de Syggeswyk grants to Walter son of Sir William de Stirkland two messuages with land, meadow, wood and waste and rent of assize in the hamlet of Syggeswyk, in exchange for a messuage upon the land of the church of Kyrkeby in Kendale and 20 a. land in the territory of Nateland. Witnesses: Robert de Wessington, Baldwyn de Schepeshevid, Thomas de Levenes, Adam Gernet, Henry de Syggeswyk, Robert son of William de Syggeswyk, Robert the clerk; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1338. "Roger de Burton, knt., and John Baret were summoned to answer Thomas son of Walter de Stirkeland of a plea that they took the cattle of the said Thomas and unjustly detained them in a place called Hencastre in the vill of Burton in Kendale. Roger says that one Adam Gernet held of the same Roger two messuages and two carucates of land in Burton in Kendale, of which the said place is parcel, by homage, fealty and the service of 6s. 8d. yearly and suit at Roger's court every three weeks, of which service Roger de Burton, father of the said Roger, was seised; the said Adam enfeoffed Walter de Stirkeland of the said premises. Thomas says that one Roger de Burton, great-great-great-grandfather (tritavus) of the said Roger, granted to Adam Gernet a messuage and one carucate of land, to hold by the service of 6s. 8d. yearly; from Adam the right descended to John as son and heir and from John to John, as son and heir, and from John to Adam, as son and heir; that John, father of Adam, enfeoffed Roger de Burton, grandfather of the said Roger, of half the said premises and died seised of the other moiety, being succeeded by his son and heir Adam, who enfeoffed Walter de Stirkeland; from Walter the right descended to Ralph, who died without issue, and from Ralph to Thomas de Stirkeland as brother and heir; De Banco R. 316, Mich., 12 Edward III, m. 184." - from "British History Online"

Also as Gernett. The son of John Gernet.

1281-1303. "Thomas son of Thomas de Hellebeck grants to Robert son of John Gernet of Hennecastre all the land which Thomas de Hellebeke had of the gift of Adam Godmund (of Hennecastre) in Hennecastre in Burton-in-Kendale, to hold of Roger de Burton. Witnesses: Roger de Burton, knt., Richard de Preston, knt., William de Stirkeland, knt., William de Windelesoure, Gilbert de Wyteby, Matthew de Rideman, Benedict de Hennecastre, John de Forsthwayt, Thomas de Niandesherge, John Gernet of Hennecastre; Orig. at Levens." - from "British History Online"

1303. "Adam Gernet and Robert his brother are jurors. Lancs. Inq., pt. i, 311." - from "British History Online"

1310. "John son of Sir Roger de Burton releases to Sir Walter de Stirkelaund and his heirs his right in the lands and tenements in the hamlet of Hencastre and in the mill there, with suit of the mill, the mill-pool and fishing of the same and the back-water (retroversio aque) of the mill-pool, which he had in the hamlets of Henecastre and Staynton of the inheritance of the said Sir Walter. Witnesses: Patrick de Collewenne, Richard de Preston, William de Windeshouere, Robert de Wessington, Robert Gernett, Rowland de Patton. Dated at Crossecrack on Wednesday after the Nativity of the B.V.M., 4 Edward son of Edward; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

The son of John and the brother of Robert.

1300-15. "Adam son of John Gernet of Hencastre grants to Sir Walter de Stirkland and his heirs, his land and tenements in Hencastre in the vill of Burton with buildings, gardens, meadows, woods, wastes etc. and the reversion of the dower of Cecily late the wife of the said John Gernet, and the homage and service of Benedict Gernet for the lands which he held of the grantor in the said vill; to hold for a rose at midsummer. Witnesses: Matthew Redeman, Richard de Preston, knights; Robert de Wassington, Baldwyn de Schepesheved, Rowland de Patton, Thomas de Levenes, Robert the clerk. Part of a seal of red wax; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

Inquest for Roger de Burton, 31 Edward I [22 June 1303]. "Inquest made at Kyrkeby in Kendale, co. Westmorland, on Saturday the feast of St. Margaret the virgin, 31 Edward I. (July 20th, 1303), respecting the lands of and tenements which Roger de Burton held on the day he died, by . . . Adam Gernet, Robert his brother . . . " - from page 311 "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

"Adam, son of John Gernet, having alienated his estate here to Sir Walter de Stirkeland in the time of Edward II." - from "British History Online"

1315. "Feoffment by Adam, called Gernet, of Hencastre, to Sir Walter de Stirkeland and his heirs of the lands and tenements which the grantor had in Hencastre in the vill of Burton with messuages, buildings, rents, services of free men and others, concerning which Adam levied a fine in the king's court. Witnesses: Sirs Nicholas de Layburne, Thomas de Pikering, William de Windeshouer, knights; Roger de Kernetby, perpetual vicar of the church of Kirkeby in Kendale, John de Wesington, Thomas de Levenys, Thomas de Aunay ("de Alneto"), Roland de Patton, Alan the clerk. Dated at Kyrkeby in Kendale, on Sunday the morrow of All Saints, 1315; Orig. at Sizergh."

Also as Gernette. He represented the junior branch of the family and held his lands "of" his older brother, John. Because the following mentions the Stricklands and Ayncurts, I assume the witness is Benedict of Hincaster.

1265-75. "Grant by William de Styrkeland to Sir William de Pykering of his land, which sometime belonged to Sir Ralph de Anecurt [Ayncurt] in Brigster and in Syggiswic [Sedgewick], to hold for 4s. 6d., payable at Whitsuntide and Martinmas, out of which rent 12d. yearly shall be allowed to Sir William de Pykering and his heirs for farm due to Roger Nutting and his heirs for the land of Syggiswic, for which the said Sir William shall acquit the grantor and his heirs. Witnesses: Robert de Ormyshevid, Thomas de Derley, Rowland de Thornebure, William son of Patrick, Richard de Sandes ("de sabilonibus,") Benedict Gernet; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1265-77. "Richard de Stainton in Furness grants to William de Pykering the land in the vill of Sigiswic which he held of William son of Patrick [de Siggiswic]; to hold of William son of Patrick. Witnesses: John Gernet, Benedict Gernet, Roland de Thorneburg, Henry de Sigiswic, Nicholas de Lee. Vesica shaped seal of green wax; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1275-90. "Grant by Gretea de Syggiswike [Sedgewick] to Alan le Boteller in free marriage with Eva daughter of Greta of the moiety of her land of Syggiswike with meadow, wood, waste and moss, and the messuage and buildings which William son of Juliana holds in the said vill, to hold to Alan and Eva and the issue of Eva by rendering 4s. 6d. yearly. Witnesses: Sir Roger de Burton and Sir Henry de Redemane knights; William de Wyndeshouer, Richard de Preston, John Gernet, Benedict Gernet, William son of Patrick, Henry the clerk. Vescia shaped seal of white wax bearing a fleur de lis; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1281. "Roger de Burton, knt., mortgages until Holy Trinity, 1283, to William de Stirkeland, knt., for £10, his land in Hennecastre with the mill, soke and fishery. Witnesses: Richard de Preston, Robert de Betham, knights; William de Wyndeshouer, William de Crofte, Matthew de Redeman, John Gernet, Benedict Gernet. Dated on Wednesday, before the feast of St. Gregory the Pope, 1281; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1292. "William de Stirkelaund, son of Sir Robert de Stirkelaund, releases to Walter de Stirkelaund, his son and heir, the manor of Sithiserg, 104s. 10d. worth of land in Nateland, which William reserved on the day when he enfeoffed Walter of the vill of Natelaund, with the wood of Staynton, reserving only his right of inheritance which the grantor holds by the courtesy of England. Witnesses: Roger de Burton, Richard de Preston, William de Wyndishouer, Gilbert de Bronolhisheved, Benedict Gernet. Given at Kirkby in Kendale on the feast of Holy Trinity, A.D. 1292; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1292. "John son of Thomas de Levenis grants to Sir William, son and heir of Sir Robert de Stirkeland, his land in Le Houwes, which the grantor had by the gift of Alice his mother. Witnesses: Robert de Burton, Richard de Preston, knights; William de Wyndesouere, Matthew de Redeman, John Gernet. Benedict Gernet, John de Forstewayt, John de Camera; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1303. "John del Howes releases to Walter de Estirkelande his land and tenement in Sitheserge, which he had of the gift and feoffment of Sir William de Sterkelande, father of the said Walter. Witnesses: Richard de Prestone, knt., Thomas de Pykering, Robert de Wessington, Nicholas de Leyburne, Richard de Derley, Benedict Gernette, Baudewyn the clerk; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

1300-15. "Adam son of John Gernet of Hencastre grants to Sir Walter de Stirkland and his heirs, his land and tenements in Hencastre in the vill of Burton with buildings, gardens, meadows, woods, wastes etc. and the reversion of the dower of Cecily late the wife of the said John Gernet, and the homage and service of Benedict Gernet [John's brother] for the lands which he held of the grantor in the said vill; to hold for a rose at midsummer. Witnesses: Matthew Redeman, Richard de Preston, knights; Robert de Wassington, Baldwyn de Schepesheved, Rowland de Patton, Thomas de Levenes, Robert the clerk. Part of a seal of red wax; Orig. at Sizergh." - from "British History Online"

There is this for John, the son of Benedict Gernet, circa 1290. This seems to fit, but I'm not sure John is truly a brother to Adam and Richard.

". . . to the dean of Lonnesdale and Kendale of the absolution of Alan Kaboche, John son of Benedict Gernet, and Roger Wyppe, from a sentence of excommunication for intruding into the church of Kirkeby in Kendale in the name of Master Alan de Thirnum [a priest, circa 1289-90] . . ."- from "The Register of John Le Romeyn, Lord Archbishop of York, 1286-1296. Also known as John Romanus.

The two sons of Benedict Gernet were indicted on charges of murder in 1293.

"LXIX. Adam Son of Benedict Gernet and Richard His Brother.
[21 Edward I., No.174.]
Writ dated at Westminster, June 10th, 21st year (1293), directed to the sheriff of Westmorland, to make diligent inquiry whether Adam son of Benedict Gernet of Hanecastre, and Richard his brother, were taken and detained in Appelby prison for the death of Walter del Burne, whereof they have been accused (rectati).
Inquest taken on Thursday next after the feast of St. Oswald the King, 21 Edward I. (August 6th, 1293), in full [County] court of Westmorland, respecting the death of Walter del Burne, of which Adam son of Benedict Gernet and Richard his brother were accused (rectati), by the oath of William de Wyndeshovers, Henry de Engayne, Andrew de Hellerton, Alan le Boteler, Alan Warde, Alexander de Askeby, Henry de Hayberg, William de Maunesberg, Nigel Kayrous, Thomas de Cheyney, Adam de Lagefite, and William de Gylpyn, who say that the said Adam and Richard are not guilty of the death of the aforesaid Walter, but they are inclined to believe (potius intelligunt) that they have been charged in hatred and anger (odio et atya) for they are not guilty. They also say tht John de Dunerdale, a stranger and fugitive, struck the said Walter on the head with a sword, of which he died, and the said John de Dunerdale is guilty thereof." - from page 277-278 "Lancashire Inquests, Extents, and Feudal Aids ..." by William Farrer

1293. "An inquest was taken on Thursday after St. Oswald the king in full County [court] of Westmorland to inquire in pursuance of the king's writ if Adam son of Benedict Gernet of Hanecastre and Richard his brother were taken and detained in Appelby prison for the death of Walter del Burne, whereof they were charged. The jury, which included William de Mannesherg, Nigel Kayrous, Thomas de Cheney, Adam de Lagefite and William de Gylpyn found that they were not guilty, but had been charged in malice; Lancs. Inq., pt. i, 278." - from "British History Online"

34 Edward I [25 November 1306]. "Between Richard, son of Agnes de Ulverston, plaintiff, by William de Slene put in his place, and Adam Gernet and Katherine, his wife, impedients of a messauage, fifty acres of land, one acre of meadow, and one acre of wood, in Ulverston, respecting which a plea of warranty of charter had been summoned between them. Adam and Katherine acknowledged the tenement to be the right of Richard, as that which he had by their gift . . . For this acknowledgement Richard gave them tweny pounds of silver." - from "Final Concords of the County of Lancaster: From the Original Chirographs, Or Feet of Fines..." by William Farrer

Adam's brother, and son of Benedict Gernet.

"In 1311 Edward II in vain tried to raise another army of invasion [of Scotland], for his barons were more intent on persecuting Piers de Gaveston than on fighting Bruce [putative King of Scotland]. So he called upon Clifford and others to riase horse to defend the borders, and we find once more extant the list of Clifford's knights--viz., Thomas de Mounteny, John de Clif, Nicholas de Vipont, Nicholas de Leyburn, Thomas de Pickering, Matthew Redmayne, John Mauleverer, Thomas de Hellebeck, Rob. Hansard, Ralph de Albo Monasterio, James de Ros, Thomas de Sheffield, John de Penrith, Robert de Askeby, and amongst the troopers, Thomas de Balliol, Richard de Musgrave, John de Boys, John l'Engleys, William de Vipont, Richard Gernet, John Redmayne, Roger de Stirkland . . . The whole force was exactly 50 lances. The horses were inventoried November 3rd, and ten knights and ten troopers lost their mounts in a fight "apud Faringley" or Farenley, which is just across the border in Scotland." - from "Transactions of the Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archeological Society" by James Simpson, Richard Saul Ferguson, William Gershom Collingwood

The Gernet's of Hincaster and Kendale in Westmorland were probably the early ancestors of the subsequent Garnet and Garnett families that resided at Kendal, Kirby Lonsdale, Windermere, Crosby Ravensworth, Strickland, Cartmel, and other nearby towns around Westmorland and in the northern part of Lancashire. The story of their lives is on the next page.

Steve Hissem
San Diego, California