The Hissem-Montague Family

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The village or farm of Highfield is between Halton and Aughton, in Lancashire. Note that there are two Aughton's in Lancashire, one near Ormskirk and the other near Halton. The latter is the one we are concerned with. Aughton was known as 'Actun' in the 1086 Domesday Book, which meant a place where oak trees grow. It is located 7 miles northeast of Lancaster. Highfield is today divided into, moving from southwest to northeast, Lower Highfield, Middle Highfield, and Far Highfield. I'm not really sure which of these was the Highfield of William Heysham. See the following website, River Lune bluebells, for some beautiful photographs of the Lune river valley, Lower, Middle and Far Highfield, and Hawkshead farm.

There is, of course, a Highfield in Lancaster as well, but the men below are known either as 'of Halton' or as a tenant 'of Aughton,' placing them in the that region. That doesn't answer the question, however, of whether the Heyshams of Highfield actually lived on this property or were men of Lancaster who held lands therer. See (14) William Hesham/Heysham (c1520-1540) who owned lands in Caton and was sued reference "a capital Messuage called Heighfeld, with the lands and appurtenances, Oxcliffe, Moore pasture, and turbary in Lancaster Town."

The father of William Heysham of Highfield. Like his son, he was a customary tenant of Lord Dacre's Halton manor, that is, he had no copyhold, but depended for his tenancy rights on custom. That sounds like the family had held tenancy for some generations.

"William Heysham [see below], the third member, was a customary tenant at Highfield, a man of more acres than the Aughton tenants, and his father was a sworn signatory of Lord Dacre's 1553 survey." - from "Transactions of the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society"

Lord Dacre In 1553 the Lord Dacre was William, the 3rd Baron and Lord of Greystoke. He was the son of Thomas Dacre and had assumed the title in 1525. William married Elizabeth Talbot, a daughter of George Talbot, 4th Earl of Shrewsbury. The Dacre's had succeeded the Gernet family, the Royal Foresters, as Lords of Halton in about 1290, but they did not reside there, having greater estates in Cumberland. The Halton manor house was burnt by the Scots in 1322, the same year Lancaster town was destroyed, and was probably not rebuilt. When the Carus family bought the estate they turned the old rectory-house into their dwelling place, see below c1836. The Halton castle was also abandoned after 1322. William died in 1563 and was succeeded by his son, Thomas.

Highfield "Some distance to the east of the village [of Halton], in a little clough, is Halton Green, and after passing round the hill to the north-east Halton Park, in another clough, is reached, with Hawkshead on the further side of it. Still further north-east Lower Highfield, Middle Highfield and Far Highfield are found in turn, being separated by intervals of half a mile each. Another half-mile eastward is situated Aughton hamlet with its church. - from British History Online. The manor was held by the Dacre's, lords of Gillesland, of the King as of his Duchy by the serjeanty of being forester. Read the countour lines of the map to see why the village was known as Highfield. The closeness of the lines between the river and Highfield denote a steep rise in elevation to a "mesa," as we in the American southwest would call it, on which sat the village. Lower Highfield farm Middle Highfield farm. Photographs by David Metcalf.

There is, confusingly, a Highfield in Lancaster as well. It was the field just east of town. I don't "think" this was the land owned by the Heysham's since its history of ownership is well known, and does not include this family.

His children were,
(15) Jane Heisham (c1529)
(15) William Heysham (c1530)

Or Joan, of Highfield. She probably fits here, as the sister of William Heysham, a "customary tenant" of Highfield, below. The references refer to a Jane Heysham of Highfield, or Jane daughter of ____ Heysham, of Highfield, who married Thomas Harrison of Adcliffe.

"The celebrated Sir John Harrison (1589) was the grandson of Thomas Harrison of Aldcliffe, who married Jane Heysham of Highfield." - from "Time-Honored Lancaster, Historic Notes on the Ancient Borough of Lancaster," pg. 568.

"Sir John Harrison, born in 1589, was one of the borough's members in 1661 . . . Sir John Harrison's name is still highly venerated, and deservedly so in Lancaster. This remarkable man went to London in 1611, at the age of 22, and became an important official in the Custom House . . . Sir John Harrison bore for his arms or, upon a cross, azure, four pheons [arrow heads], or; and his ancestors resided at Aldcliffe [Atcliff]. The first name on the pedigree is Thomas Harrison, who married Jane, daughter of . . . Heysham, of Higham [sic, Highfield], one of the same family as Robert Heysham, M.P. for Lancaster, 1701-14." - from "Time-Honored Lancaster, Historic Notes on the Ancient Borough of Lancaster," pg 259.

"Thomas Harrison of Adcliffe com. Lanc. = Jane da. of Heisham of Highfeild" - from "The Visitation of London: Anno Domini 1633, 1634, and 1635" by Sir Henry St. George

The memoirs of the daughter of Sir John Harrison, Anne Harrison Fanshawe, agree that the wife of Sir John's grandfather was the daughter of Mr. Heysham,

"My father was born in Bemond, in Lancashire, the twelfth son of his father, whose mother was the daughter of Mr. Heysham," - from "Memoirs of Ann, Lady Fanshawe," pg. 21

Was John born on the Beaumont estate, that is, was his father a tenant or a relative? Anne goes on to refer to Mr. Heysham as,

"cousin german [first cousin] to the old Countess of Rivers."

Or is that right? The only person Anne could have been referring to as the old Countess of Rivers was Elizabeth D'Arcy, the wife of the 1st Earl Rivers, who was born in 1584, that is in generation (17) in my system. So we have (15) Jane Heisham's father, (14) Unknown Heysham, placed as a first cousin of a woman of the (17) generation. However, if we diagram the sentence there is room for ambiguity.

"My father was born in Bemond, in Lancashire, the twelth son of his father, whose mother was the daughter of Mr. Heysham, cousin-german to the old Countess of Rivers"

Anne Fanshawe continued about her father, Sir John Harrison,

"I have little knowledge of my father's relations more than the families of Aston, Irland, Sandis, Bemond, and Curwen, who brought him to London and placed him with my Lord Treasurer Salisbury, then Secretary of State, who sent him into Sir John Wolstenholm's family, and gave him a small place in the Custom-house, to enable him for the employment . . . I have often heard him say that, besides his education, he never had but twenty marks, which his father gave him when he came to London; and that was all he ever had for a portion."

Historical Timeline: Reign of Kings 1558-1603 Elizabeth I Called Gloriana. She was one of the greatest monarchs of all time, and was so attested by even her great enemy, the Pope. She brought the realm good government, good coinage, and, most importantly, peace. Her rule created the basis for the country's great leap forward in economics, military power and artistic achievement. After the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Spanish King, Philip, sent the great Armada to subdue England and bring the country back to the Catholic faith. This force was destroyed in a series of fleet actions and by bad weather. The populace was exhilerated by this achievement. The first attempts were made to colonize America, but without success. In 1570 the population of England and Wales is estimated to be about 4 million.

Also as Hisame, Hysame. William Heysham was known to be living between 1555 and 1600. His father was a "sworn signatory of Lord Dacre." William was a "customary tenant [of the Dacre's] at Highfield," that is, he had no copyhold, but depended for his tenancy rights on custom. That may presuppose that members of the family had been tenants in Highfield for some years.

William married Bridget Banester [Banister] of Barnoldiswicke. Note that William Heysham of Lancaster, who also lived at this time, was married to Katherine. The Banesters [Banastre, Bannister] had been landowners in Lancashire since Norman times. See Sir Adam Banastre's rebellion against Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, in 1315 on the Heysham's of Lancaster page. The Banester's owned lands in the dales of East Lancashire, in Altham and Barnoldswick. A "Banister, "gent. of Cotes" (1587)" was mentioned in the "History of Barnoldswick: by the Reverend J.H. Warner. Also,

6 January 1629. "Richard Banister [Barnoldswick Cottes] & wife Helen & John Banister gent. may alienate a messuage, 3 cottages, 6 barns & 30 acres in Barnoldswicke, Yorks. to Thomas Drake, clerk & William, his son." - from "A Calendar of the Docquets of Lord Keeper Conventry" by Jan Broadway and Richard Crust

" . . . William Hisame, father of John Hysame, was Seized in fee of a Messuage in Halton, known by the name of Overhighfield, with 50 acres of arable land, meadow, pasture, wood and underwood to the same Messuage appertaining in Halton. So seized, by Indenture dated 7th February, in the 27th year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth (1584-85) he enfeoffed thereof Peter Scarborowe of Glascborne, co. York, and Richard Banister of Barnoldiswicke, co York, gentleman, to these uses . . . " - from the inquest of Wiliam's son, John Heysham, in 1613

William joined in a large land deal with Christopher Carus and William Wolfall to buy the Halton estates of Philip, the Earl of Arundel, of whom he was a tenant.

On 9 November 1583 [25 Elizabeth I], Christopher Carus, esq., of Halton, William Wolfall [Wulfall], of Halton, and William Heysham, yeoman, of Highfield in Halton, purchased the Manor of Halton, the advowson of the church, and various other lands, including some in the village of Heysham, from Phillip, the Earl of Arundel, and his wife, Anne, a daughter of Thomas Dacre, one of the co-heirs of the late George, Lord Dacre. - from the "History of Heysham" and "The Manor of Halton" by William Oliver Roper, in "Transactions of the Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire."

11 Nov. 1583 - "Bond: in £5000: (i) Philip, Earl of Arundel, (ii) Christopher Carus of Halton, esq., William Wolfall of Halton and William Hasen [Heysham] of Heighfeild, yeoman -- to perform covenants." - from British Archives

". . . all, but the Halton and Aughton rents are not in separate lists. A number of the Aughton names are the same, but some are different, and the holdings are not described in the same way; nor can one be sure that the money paid is on exactly the same land as in the 1501 survey. There is a note that the tenants of the town of Halton have improved 30 acres of the common and those of Aughton and High-field acres, for which the individuals concerned are charged sums varying from 2d. to 1s.; it is possible that in Aughton these may have been the high Newbanks; or the 'intaks', eastwards of the hamlet.

There is no reason to think that any big changes were made in the manor between 1501 and 1553, and rents appear to have remained the same. The Lord William Dacre died in 1563 and was followed by Thomas (d.1566) who left no records. He had four children--George, who died young (1569), Anne, Mary and Elizabeth. The three sisters were affianced to three brothers of the Howard family; the Lady Anne married Philip Howard, Earl of Arundel, the Lady Elizabeth married William, but the Lady Mary died before she was married to the third brother. Under the terms of Lord Dacre's Will, all four children received a share of the inheritance, but as George and Mary died young, the whole estate passed to Anne and Elizabeth. The manor of Halton was included in Anne's portion. For a few years, Philip, Earl of Arundel, was the titular Lord of the Manor of Halton, but he, being a southerner and a London man of fashion, had little use for this small estate. In 1582 he decided to sell the manor and lands, and a syndicate of three local men made arrangements for the purchase. These three were Christopher Carus of Halton in the County of Lancaster, Esq., William Woolfall of Halton, and William Heysham of Highfield. Christopher Carus was a well-to-do man of some social standing; his father was Thomas Carus of Ashthwaite, Cumberland, denoted as armiger in the 1553 Survey of Halton and a trusted friend of Lord William Dacre. It was probably the Caruses, father and son who first had the project of buying the manor, but possibly they had not quite adequate monies. William Woolfall, the second of the syndicate, was the son of a bailiff under the Dacres, not a rich man, but with enough to purchase some small lands. William Heysham, the third member, was a customary tenant at Highfield, a man of more acres than the Aughton tenants and his father was a sworn signatory of Lord Dacre's 1553 survey.

It seems probable from later developments that the syndicate of Carus, Woolfall and Heysham, not being certain that they could lay hands on all the money that Arundel would expect from his sale, early approached certain outlying tenants at Aughton, Sidegarth, Bare, etc., to see if they would be willing and able to buy their tenancies if the sale should go through.

The indenture of the sale (a copy exists in the manorial records) is dated 9 November the 25th year of Elizabeth (1584). It conveys, in the elaborate legal language of the day, all that manor or lordship of Halton, with its rights, members and appurtenances, including the advowson of the church . . . messuages, court leet, court baron . . . [ellipses in original] franchises, etc. etc., in Halton, Aughton, Sidegarth, Highfield, Stubb, etc. etc., with all deeds, charters, court rolls from Philip Earl of Arundel and Anne his wife, of the one part, to Christopher Carus of Halton, William Woolfall of Halton and William Heysham of Highfield, of the other part. The conveyance was made for the sum of £5000. There are considerable legal guards to the effect that the Lady Elizabeth Howard, a co-heir to the late George Dacre has no claim on the estate. A week before the conveyance went through, ie on 1 November 1584, the syndicate had ready a big multiple deed of indenture between Carus, Woolfall and Heysham, on the one hand, and 13 named customary tenants of outlying lands, on the other hand. These include the tenants at the Highfields and six tenants at Aughton, these being John Burton, William Wynder, Thomas Lambe, Thomas Thorneton, Thomas Woolfall, John Turner . . . Besides the six Aughton tenants mentioned in the mulitple deed, another individual, Oswald Wales, also bought his lands in Aughton by separate indenture. As regards the eighth (and there were eight freeholders in later years) it is possible that William Heysham of Highfield bought it for his son, who, according to the Halton Church registers, was raising a family in Aughton soon afterwards.

The only clear figure for any individual sale is that of £144 which John Turner paid to the syndicate for a messuage in Aughton of the previous annual customary value of £1. 6s. Oswald Wales's deed is extant, but the figure is obliterated in a fold . . ."

- from "Transactions of the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society"

The Carus-Heysham-Wolfall land deal with Arundel was completed at about the time the Throckmorton plot was being uncovered, so they were probably unrelated.

Christopher Carus was clearly the leader of this group, and perhaps the "deep-pockets." I suspect that William was tagging along to pick up nearby properties in Halton.

1597-1598, Edward Birkett sued George Birkett, William Hesham and another for intrusion on a Messuage, lands and tenements in Aughton Manor, Lancashire.

The National Archives has slightly different wording for this event:

42 Elizabeth. "Byrkett or Brickett v. Hisam or Hesham & others:Aughton:Lancaster" - from Depositions, Duchy of Lancaster: Court of Duchy Chamber: Pleadings, Depositions and Examinations, Series II Date range: 1599 - 1600.

"Willielmus Hishame de Highefield, gen." was one of the freeholders in Halton, Lancashire in 1600.

Historical Timeline: Reign of Kings - House of Stuart 1603-1625 James I King of Scotland and son of Mary Queen of Scots. He gains the English throne through a sister of King Henry VIII. 1609 Henry Hudson explores Hudson and Delaware rivers for Dutch East India Company. English Colonies in Virginia and Massachusetts established. 1605 Gunpowder plot.

William died and was buried on 16 April 1600 at St. Wilfred's church, in Halton.

Burial: 16 Apr 1600 St Wilfrid, Halton, Lancashire, England
Gulielmus Hiesham -
Abode: Hiefield
Register: Burials 1592 - 1726, Page 3a, Entry 13
Source: LDS Film 1526205"

"William Hisame, father of John Hysame, was Seized in fee of a Messuage in Halton, known by the name of Overhighfield, with 50 acres of arable land, meadow, pasture, wood and underwood to the same Messuage appertaining in Halton."

In a series of documents about the estates of "Thomas Carus, of Halton, Gentleman":

"fo. 73. Affidavit of Christopher Harlinge, of Whittington, deposing that Widow Heeshame, about ten years before [circa 1640?], lent the compounder £40, and was to receive for life yearly £8. As security compounder assigned to her part of the desmesne lands of Westhall." - from "Publications" of the Record Society of Lancashire and Cheshire."

William's children were,
(16) John Hieshame (c1570), gentleman, of Halton
(16) Nicholas Heshame (c1570), of Aughton
(16) Oswald Heishame (c1570), of Aughton
(16) Alice Hesham (c1580)
(16) Anna Hishame (c1580), perhaps, and Jane?

Johannis Hieshame, of Halton. Was he named for his grandfather? In 1584/5, while he was yet a young man, his father, William, gave John a "moiety" of his lands for John's own use. John's wife was Anne Wynder. William Wynder was one of six tenants at Aughton. Note also that Anna Hishame, his sister, married Edwardus Wynder on 12 February 1615 in Halton, Lancashire.

In 1592-1593, William Widder [Wynder], in right of John Heysham and by his will or devise, sued William Swainson as the husband of Alice Heyshame in connection with leasehold lands, goods and chattles, legacies, debts upon bond and by simple contract in Nether Kellet, Lancashire. John's father, William, was apparently still alive in 1600.

Undated. "Inquest by John Johnson alias Bower of Borwicke, Thomas Woolfall of Aughton, John Hysham of Highfeild, Christopher Nicholson of Pulton, William Welby of Ellet, Thomas and . . ." - from "Remains, Historical and Literary, Connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester." There is a similar reference to "John Johnson alias Bower of Barwicke [sic]" in which William Heysham, William Heysam, and William Hysam, of Heighfelde [his father?] are variously mentioned.

John's father, William, had, along with Christopher Carus and William Wolfall, bought the manor of Halton from the Earl of Arundel on 9 November 1583. Prior to sealing the deal the three purchasers made an agreement on how to split the property. On this agreement was an endorsement, undated, but probably of a later date:

". . . ;that Robert Tatham purchased John Heysham's lands "about 40 years ago, [1543]" and claimed in a Chancery suit to be half lord of the manor with Thomas Carus the son of Christopher, and it was decreed that the counterpart deed should be admitted as evidence of the contents of the original deed, which could not be found.

The endorsement concludes:--"Ned Gardner of Leonard Gate's wife was when said Chancery suit commenced then Wife of Robt Tatham the pretended half Lord of Halton and John Hollands Widow of Lancaster was his daughter, so that they may remember when said suit was commenced if that may be of service for the easyer finding out of the above said proceedings in Chancery." - from "Transactions of the Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire"

John Hyseham is in the index of the "Index Nominum: Being an Index of Christian and Surnames (with Arms) Mentioned in Blomefeld's . . ." Nicholas Hysham, his brother, was also there.

The following appears to be a warrant of the peace against John and his friends.

c1603. "Warrant of good behavior against Henry Crofte of Claughton. Also against Edward Wynder, Robert Burton, John Hysome, Oswald Walles, and John Burton of Halton." - From "Remains Historical . . ."

Johannes Heisam de Heighfeilde died and was buried on 13 April 1613 in Halton. He held land in Over Highfield of the King by the fortieth part of a knight's fee and 3s 9d rent. Lancashire Inquisitions:

"John Hisame, of Halton, gentleman. Inquisition taken at Preston Amoundernes 30th September II James (1613) before Edward Rigbie, Esq., Escheator, after the death of John Hisam of Houlton co Lancaster, gentleman, by the oath of Richard Blundell of Preston, William Walton of Walton in le Dale, George Sallome of Preston, Henry Sudell, Nicholas Sudell, Roger Breares William Hinde, Henry Hodgekinson of Churchgate, John Sumpner, John Hardman, Michael Higham [Heysham?] and Roger Tyrer of Preston, gentlemen, who say that William Hisame, father of John Hysame, was Seized in fee of a Messuage in Halton, known by the name of Overhighfield, with 50 acres of arable land, meadow, pasture, wood and underwood to the same Messuage appertaining in Halton. So seized, by Indenture dated 7th February, in the 27th year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth (1584-85) he enfeoffed thereof Peter Scarborowe of Glascborne, co. York, and Richard Banister of Barnoldiswicke, co York, gentleman, to these uses :As to one moiety, to the use of himself for life and after his death to the use of John Hisame (named in the writ) and the heirs of his body begotten, with remainder to the right heirs of himself for ever: as to the other moiety, to the use of the said John Hisame for life, then, to the use of Anne, wife of John, for her life as jointure and dower, with remainder to the issue of John, and in default, to his own right heirs for ever; as appears by an Indenture made between William Hisame of one part, and Bridget Banester of Barnoldiswicke, widow, of the other part. By virtue whereof and by force of the Statue of Uses the said William was seized of a moiety of the premises for life in freehold, with remainder, etc. and died in the life time of John who had been already seized of the other moiety for life. The Messuage, etc. are held of the King as of his Crown of England, by the 40th part of a knight's fee and 3s. 9d. yearly rent and are, worth per annum (clear) 31s. John Hisame died 16th April last (1613); and Richard Hisame his son and next heir, is aged at the time of taking this Inquisition 18 years. Anne, late wife of John, yet survives at Halton."

John's children were,
(17) Richard Heisham (1595)
(17) Elizabeth Hishame (1600)
(17) Daniel Hishame (1603)
(17) Katherine Heisam (1610)
(17) William Heysham (c1610)

Here's an interesting note for a John Heisham who lived in or near Halton:

1629. "Halton -- bastardy of John Heisham and a servant of John Croskell QSB/1/52/25 1629. No further details" - from the Recognizance Roll: Lancaster, Easter, 1629

The son and heir of John Heysham, the son of William. According to his father's inquest he was 18 years old in 1613. Richard died without issue on 9 November 1621 and was succeeded at Highfield by his brother Daniel. He held approximately 38 acres, plus whatever his mother, Anne, who was still alive, had inherited.

"Richard Heisham, of Heighfield.
Inquisition taken at Preston in Amondernes, 2 May, 20 James (1622) before Edward Rigby, Esq., Escheator, after the death of Richard Hersham [sic], late of Heighfield, in the parish of Haughton by the oath of Richard Cromleholme and others, gentlemen, who say that Richard Hersham was Seized in fee of one moiety of a Messuage, 1 garden, 12 acres of arable land, 6 acres of meadow, 10 acres of pasture, 10 acres of underwood, in Heighfield, and of the reversion of the other moiety after the death of Anne Wynder, his mother, which premises are held of the King, as of his Duchy of Lancaster, by military service and 3s. 9d. rent and are worth per annum (clear) 10s. Richard Heisham died at Heighfield 9 November last past (1621) and Daniel Heisham his brother and next heir, is aged at the time of this Inquisition 18 years 7 months."

". . . by the oath of Richard Cromleholme, William Arthwright, Richard Walmesly, John Warde, John Dauson, Robert Thornton, Robert Leach, Henry Hayhurst . . . ."

Elizabetha Hishame was christened on 14 December 1600 in Halton, Lancashire, England. I know nothing more about her.

Danyell Heesom de Highfield. He inherited the Highfield estate upon his brother's death in November 1621, see the Inquisition above.

1625. "Md That the Churchwardens for the yeare 1624 have made theire accompts & there is remayning in their handes to be delivered to the new Churchwardens who are for Halton Thom: Barker & Lawrence Hutton & for Aughto [Aughton] Robt Burto & Daniel Hishame." - from the Halton Parish Register.

"The yeare 1634 upon Easter Munday 07 Apr 1634 all accompts being made streight by the eight men there remained due from the old Churchwardens 1li 8s wch they payd in & delivered over unto the New Churchwardens for this prsent yeare who are these fower [four] Willm Grenebank Willm Webster Robert Burton & Danyell Heesom" - from the Halton Parish register.

"Daniel Heysham in 1635 held a messuage and 10 acres in Halton of the king by the grand serjeanty of being forester. He died in that year and left a son and heir John, aged eight; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m." - from British History Online. There was still a forester in 1635?

Daniel died in 1635/6.

Daniel's children were,
(18) John Hishame (1627)
(18) Anna Highsame (1629)
(18) Bridgett Hyesham (1630/1)
(18) Jane Heisome (1632)
(18) Alice Heisome (1634)
(18) Daniell Heesome (1635)

Johes [John] Hishame, whose father was Danielis Hishame de Highfield, was christened on 5 August 1627 in Halton, Lancashire, England. He was only 8 years old when his father died.

"16 Apr 1655. In ye pish [parish] Church of Halton & by ye cleare votes of ye sd pishioners Will Richardson of Halton Christopher Barwicke of Greene, Robt Burton, John Heysom & John Garner of Highefields were chosen to make vp ye numbr of ye eight men wthin ye sd pish & Edmund Dennye in ye room of Christ: Bower by reason of his declineing many yeares to act according vnto his ingagement." - from the "Halton Parish Register.

In 14 Charles II [20 March 1662] - a Hearth Tax was passed. An annual payment of 2 shillings was levied for every fire-hearth and stove within every house. For Preston we have a "Jo. Hisham . . . 2 [shillings]" listed - from "The History of the Parish of Preston." By the way, the highest rate-payer, at 15s., was Alexander Rigby, esq., who you can read about in the Merchants of Lancaster page. He had many dealings with Giles Heysham.

John paid the hearth tax of 1674 on one hearth in his house.

"During the period of the great rebuilding, the Aughton house-holders were visited and inspected to provide the hearth tax returns of 1674-75. It is surprising to find from these that the Fell family had now spread into three houses, one of which, where John Fell lived, had two hearths or chimneys. Isobel Raft, a widow, survives as the last relict of that family in another house. Thomas Lamb, John Heysham and William Croskell all pay in respect of one hearth. There are four new names in the hearth tax returns, which also occur in the church registers, but they cannot be associated with particular houses."

- from "Transactions of the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society" pg 34

"19 Jul [1680] Richard Burton, of Highfeild, p. Halton, yeo., and Anne Turner, p. Mellin, spr. Bondsman: John Heisham, of Highfeild, husbandman." - Marriage Bonds, Deaneriees of Londale, Kendal, Furness and Copeland.

19 April 1685 "Halton. Thomas Cole of Coate, esq. Minister. Thomas Wither. Churchwarden. John Heysham. Witnesses. Richard Esqriggs of Halton, gent. and James Walker of Coate, husbandman."

From Burials, Halton Parish Register:
"Katherine Heisham off Highfield widdow Dep: Mary Heisham wife of Jo: Heisham of Highfeild 18 Feb 1681."
"Mary Heisham w. of John Heisham of Hyghfield Mr Coles Certificate 14 Jan 1683."

"John Heisham of Highfield Mr Carus's Certificate 04 Jun 1687." There was a will probated for a "Heysham, John, of Halton, late of Halton [I think they meant Aughton]," in 1687. - from "A List of the Lancashire Wills, Proved Within the Archdeaconry of Richmond, and Now Preserved in..." by Richmond (England). Archdeaconry, Henry Fishwick, Halton, England (Parish)

His children were,
(19) Daniel Heisham (1649)
(19) Robert Heisom (1650)
(19) Katherine Heishem (1652)
(19) Richard Heysom (1655)
(19) Anthony Hyshem (1656)
(19) Jana Hyshem (1656)
(19) Thomas Hyshem (1659)

Daniel Heisom, the son of John, was christened on 2 December 1649 in Halton, Lancashire, England. He died on 30 July 1714. I have a will for "Heysham, Daniel, of Halton, late of Aughton, husbandman" for 1714. - from "A List of the Lancashire Wills, Proved Within the Archdeaconry of Richmond, and Now Preserved in..." by Richmond (England). Archdeaconry, Henry Fishwick, Halton, England (Parish). I don't know of any children.

Robertus Heisom, the son of John, was christened on 27 October 1650 in Halton, Lancashire, England. He may have had the following children,
(20) John Heisham (1686)
(20) William Heisham (1688)
(20) Mary Heisham (1692)
(20) Elizabetha Heisham (1695)

John Heisham, father Robt. Heisham & Ann, was christened on 26 December 1686 in St. Cuthbert, Over Kellet, Lancashire.

William Heisham, father Robt: Heisham & Ann, was christened on 8 July 1688 in St. Cuthbert, Over Kellet, Lancashire.

Maria Heisham, father Robti Heisham de Highfield, was christened on 17 July 1692 in Halton, Lancashire, England.

Elizabetha Heisham, father Robti Heisham de Highfield, was christened on 31 March 1695 in Halton, Lancashire, England.

Katherina Heishem, the daughter of John, was christened on 14 November 1652 in Halton, Lancashire, England. A Katerhin Heisham married Joshua Craven on 15 May 1680 in Halton, Lancashire.

Richardus Heysom, the son of Johannis Heysom de Highfield, was christened on 18 March 1654/5 in Halton, Lancashire, England. He died on 9 August 1655 - from Halton Parish Register.

Anthonious Hyshem, the son of John, was christened on 31 August 1656 in Halton, Lancashire, England. He died on 22 November 1656.

Jana Hyshem, the daughter of John, was christened on 31 August 1656 in Halton, Lancashire, England. She died on 29 July 1658.

Thomas Hyshem, the son of John, was christened on 3 April 1659 in Halton, Lancashire, England. He died on 14 June 1659.

Anna Highsame, the daughter of Daniel, was christened on 2 August 1629 in Halton, Lancashire, England. She died on 16 September 1629.

Bridgetta Hyesham, the daughter of Daniel, was christened on 20 March 1630/1 in Halton, Lancashire, England. She died on 3 July 1631.

Jane Heisome, the daughter of Danielus Heisome, was christened on 26 August 1632 in Halton, Lancashire, England. She died on 19 October 1632.

Alce Heisome, the daughter of Daniel, was christened on 15 June 1634 in Halton, Lancashire, England.

Daniell Heesome, the son of Daniel, was christened on 25 July 1635 in Halton, Lancashire, England - LDS website. Oddly there is also an entry, Daniell Heesome, "nup [nuptiae - wedding] de Hefeilds," 25 July 1635 - from Clergy officiating at Marriages, Halton Parish Register. There may be confusion here between a wedding and a birth. Daniell may have had two sons, John and Daniel (the given names certainly fit).
(19) John Heysham (c1663)
(19) Daniel Heisome (1665/6)

Of Highfield, a yeoman. I suspect he was part of this line. John may have had a son,
(20) Daniel Heysham (c1693)

Of Highfield, the son of John Heysham of Highfield, Yeoman. He married on 18 April 1723 - Heysham Parish Register. The LDS database refers to this as a christening., at Halton.

I suspect he was part of this line; if not a son of (18) Daniell, at least a grandson of (17) Daniel. A Daniellus Heisome was born in about 1665/6 in Haltonapud [apud is latin for "of"], Aughton, England. Of Melling. Melling is up the Lune river, beyond Gressingham. Daniel Heisham married Janet [Jennett] Swainson of Melling on 19 July 1690/1 in Halton. She was born in about 1669 in Tunstall, Lancahire, England.

The following may fit here; there are a lot of Daniel Heyshams, but few living in 1716.

circa 1716. "One witness, Robert Jepson, yeoman of Skerton, said that Christopher Fell [of Aughton] owed his wife L10 and he was having a great deal of trouble in getting repayment of the debt. John Fell [Christopher's son] agreed to pay the L10 on his father's account. Further trouble was reported in that Christopher Fell, Daniel Heysham and Thomas Wilson had all borrowed jointly from his wife L15 on bond and Jepson had to take out a writ to recover the money."- from "Death, Money and the Vultures: Inheritance and Avarice" by John Addy

"Oct. 21 Jennet Heysham, Hawkshead, wdw" was buried - from the Halton Parish Register, "Church of Dalton, Burials 1727-1837." Was this Daniel's wife, Jennet Swainson Heysham?

His children were,
(20) Maria Heisham (1692)
(20) Johannes Heisham (1695)
(20) William Heysham (c1700)
(20) Janett Heisham (1699)
(20) Elizabeth Heisham (1703)
(20) Joseph Heysham (c1707)

Maria Heisham, father Danielis Heisham de Highfield, was born on 4 September 1692 of Melling, Lancashire, England. Maria Heisham was christened on 4 September 1692 in Halton, Lancashire, England.

Johannes [John] Heisham, father Danielis Heisham de Hyghfield, was born on 6 October 1695 of Melling, Lancashire, England. Johanes Heisham was christened on 6 October 1695 in Halton, Lancashire, England.

The information below is from the Lancashire: Dalton - Parish Register, 1727-1837, and refers to a Heysham family of Hawkshead and Highfield. Dalton could refer to Dalton-in-Furness, which is in the far north of Lancashire, in the Lakes district. There is a village of Hawkshead there, just northeast of Dalton-in-Furness, and a Highfield House just north of Hawkshead itself. However, there is also a Hawkshead [I believe this is Hawkshead Farm], near Halton Park, just southwest of the Highfield where all of the Heysham's just previously mentioned lived. There is also a Hawksheads, just north of Bolton-le-Sands. To add just a bit more confusion, there is a Dalton Parish is in southern Lancashire, near Liverpool.

Hawkshead is a small village between Halton and Highfield, just across the Lune river from Caton. While this is an ancient Heysham stomping ground, it is not in the parish of Dalton.

Hawkshead is also an ancient market town and parish in Ulverston, in the far north of Lancashire. The town stands in a warm and sheltered valley, at the head of Esthwaite water, 2 miles west of Windermere lake in the Lakes District. Interestingly, just north of the village of Hawkshead is Highfield House, which is today a hotel.

My guess is that the Dalton register cited was actually the Halton register. It simply makes more sense that the family stayed in the Lune valley, as they always had.

I recently received an email from a book dealer,

"Noticed your site while doing some research.
I am a book dealer and several interesting documents have come into my possession, one very interesting document on parchment. It is concerned with the sale of a farm (I think Highfield ) to a John Heysham in 1751 for the sum of one hundred pounds.
Please excuse my forwardness but, I usually approach the present house owners with this type of thing as they make a wonderful framed talking point, but after seeing your site, I thought I would approach you first.
Is it something you would be interested in purchasing?"

On 24 November 1757 John Heysham was witness to the marriage of John Tomlinson and Mary Buck - from Lancashire: Dalton - Parish Register, 1727-1837.

John died in 1759.

"George [Wright] the elder was a labourer with John Heysham of Highfield in Aughton, a wealthy yeoman, farmer and timber dealer . . . In 1759 John Heysham died and left his workman L40 . . ." - from "John Marsden's Will: The Hornby Castle Dispute, 1780-1840" by Emmeline Garnett.

"Heysham, John, of Halton,late of Aughton . . . 1759" - from "A List of the Lancashire Wills, Proved Within the Archdeaconry of Richmond"

"Dec. 11 [1759] John Heysham, A. Barns [Aughton Barns], yeo" [was buried] - from the Halton Parish Register, "Church of Dalton, Burials 1727-1837."

Aughton Barns This is located near the Burton Wood, below the village of Aughton, at the bottom of an old lane where a ford once crossed the river to Claughton.

John's children were,
(21) Elizabeth Heysham (c1730)
(21) Robert Heysham (1730)
(21) Jonathan Heysham (1735)

"May 29 [1751] William Sutton, dyer, & Elizabeth Heysham, sp [spinster], both of Lancr:, lic.", that is, they were - from the Halton Parish Register, "Church of Dalton, Marriages 1727-1837." In the LDS database William's name is shown as Sustan.

Of Highfield. "Apr. 19 [1730] Robert s. of John Heysham, Hawkshead, yeo" was baptized - from the Halton Parish Register, "Church of Dalton, Baptisms 1727-1837." The LDS database ascribes this to Halton parish.

Of Highfield. John, the son of John Heysham, was baptized on 21 September 1735 in Halton.
- "Sep. 21 [1735] John s. of John Heysham, Hawkshead [yeo]" was baptized - from the Halton Parish Register, "Church of Dalton, Baptisms 1727-1837."
- "July 15 [1770] John Heysham, A. [Aughton?], husb [husbandman]" was buried - from the Halton Parish Register, "Church of Dalton, Burials 1727-1837."
- "Aug. 29 Mary Heysham, late of A. Barns [Aughton Barns], wdw [widow]" was buried - from the Halton Parish Register, "Church of Dalton, Burials 1727-1837."

Below is a painting of Hawkshead Farm, looking south to the Lune river.

John's children were,
(22) Nancy Heysham (1759)
(22) Elizabeth Heysham (1761)
(22) Robert Heysham (1764)
(22) Mary Heysham (1766)

"July 29 [1759] Nancy d. of Jno: Heysham, Highfield, your:" [yeoman?] was baptized - from the Halton Parish Register, "Church of Dalton, Baptisms 1727-1837."

"Mar. 31 [1761] Elizabeth d. of John Heysham, Highfield" was baptized - from the Halton Parish Register, "Church of Dalton, Baptisms 1727-1837."

"Feb. 19 [1764] Robt: s. Jno: Heysham, Highfield" was baptized - from the Halton Parish Register, "Church of Dalton, Baptisms 1727-1837."

"Aug. 8 [1766] Mary d. of John Heysham, Highfield" was baptized - from the Halton Parish Register, "Church of Dalton, Baptisms 1727-1837."

I assume he was a brother of Johannes, and son of Daniel. "Aug. 26 William Heysham, yeo, & Mary Bradley, sp [spinster], both of A. in p. H. [Aughton in the parish of Halton], were married at A. [Aughton] chapel by the Reverend Mr. Joseph Nicholson, curate of A. chapel, lic." - from the Halton Parish Register, "Church of Dalton, Marriages 1727-1837." Note that Joseph Nicholson was noted to be the curate of Aughton in 1765 - from "Remains, Historical and Literary, Connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester."

"Probate Will of Christopher Cannys, appointing James Holmes, Christopher Atkinson, William Heysham, Thomas Hawthornwaite and his wife Ann, Executors" 5 May 1736 - from "Miscellaneous Old Deeds, etc.," Fitzherbert-Brockholes family of Claughton, Lancashire, UK Archives. Note that Claughton is across the Lune river from Aughton Barns.

There is a copy of a will, not the probate, dated 1758, for "Heysham, William, of Halton, late of Aughton" - from "A List of the Lancashire Wills, Proved Within the Archdeaconry of Richmond, and Now Preserved in..." by Richmond (England). Archdeaconry, Henry Fishwick, Halton, England (Parish). I also find that "Heysham, William, of Aughton, parish of Halton, K [Kirby Lonsdale]" was probated in 1761, which matches the death noted below.

"June 13 [1761] William Heysham, A. Barns [Aughton Barns], yeo" was buried - from the Halton Parish Register, "Church of Dalton, Baptisms 1727-1837." There was also a "William Heysham, A. Barns, yeo [yeoman]" who was buried in Lancaster on 13 June 1761. This was probably a duplicate record kept at the parent church. He may also be the witness of a marriage between Roger Hind and Joanna Eskrigg in Over Kellet in 1742. There he was listed as a house carpenter.

I have a William Heysham of Aughton, Halton, Kendal, Lancashire, the husband of Mary, whose will was probated on 13 August 1761 - from "Western Deaneries of the Archdeaconry of Richmond."

I don't know of any children for William.

Janett [Jennett?] Heisham was born on 26 March 1699 of Melling, Lancashire, England. Jenett Heisham was christened on 26 March 1699 in Halton, Lancashire, England.

Elizabeth Heisham, father Danielis Heisham de Hyghfield, was born on 12 March 1703 of Melling, Lancashire, England. Elizabetha Heisham was christened on 12 March 1704 in Halton, Lancashire.

I assume he was Daniel's son based on the baptism of Joseph's children in Melling.

Esther, the daughter of Josephs Heysham, was baptized on 22 October 1737 at St Chad's church, Kirkby by Melling, Lancashire.

George, the son of Joseph Heysham, was baptized on 16 December 1739 at St Chad's church, Kirkby by Melling, Lancashire.

Katheren Heisam, whose father was Johannes Heisham, was christened on 13 February 1610 in Halton, Lancashire, England.

William Heysham (late of Skerton) died in 1637 holding land in Halton by knight's service. His heir was his sister Helen wife of Edmund Tockim, and fifty years of age - from "British History Online." I assume the Halton land was his share of Highfield estate, as a younger son.

In 1598-1599, George Briekett [Brickett] clerk, sued Nicholas Heshame, Oswald Hesham and John Burton for wrongful possession of a Messuage and lands in Aughton hamlet, Halton parish, Lancashire. - from the "Ducatus Lancashire".

1603. "Like warrant against Nicholas Hysham of Heighfeilde, yeoman.

The presentment concerning Dooden Bridge is deferred till next session. "

". . . Burnes to answer for contempt.

New warrant against Nicholas Heesham."

"Francis Birket, and William Madison, yeomen - give a verdict of not guilty.

The sheriff is ordered to secure the appearance of Nicholas Hesam . . ."

"John Ireland, esq., sheriff (in accordance with the king's writ) on 1 Sept. at Lancaster ordered his bailiff Richard Williamson to arrest Nicholas Hesam of Highfeilde, yeoman, who was arrested accordingly at Lancaster on 29 Sept. ; but he was then rescued by Thomas Carous [Carus] of Westhall, gent., George Orrell, gent., and William Cowpeland, both of Horneby." - from "Remains, Historical and Literary, Connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester."

Nicholas Hysham is in the index of the "Index Nominum: Being an Index of Christian and Surnames (with Arms) Mentioned in Blomefeld's . . ." John Hyseham is also there.

Nicholas Heishame was buried on 25 January 1623 in Caton. The only child of his of whom I am aware was,

Catherine Heisham, whose father was Nicholas Heisham, was christened on 7 August 1598 in Caton, Lancachire, England - from "The Registers of Caton (Lancashire) 1585-1718" by Henry Brierly.

Known as "de Aughto," or of Aughton. Oswaldus Hieshame married Anna Matterow on 6 July 1596 in Halton, Lancashire.

In 1598-1599, George Briekett, clerk, sued Nicholas Heshame, Oswald Hesham and John Burton for wrongful possession of a Messuage and lands in Aughton hamlet, Halton parish, Lancashire. In 1622-3 an Oswald Heisham was mentioned in an inquisition on Edmund Raft.

I have several references to Oswald, his wife Anne, and a possible brother, John in the Recognizance rolls of the Lancashire county Quarter Sessions of 1629 in the British Archives:

Halton - Ann wife of Oswald Heysam of Aughton, yeoman, to prosecute by John Grosgill.

Halton - John Heysam of Aughton, bachelor, to prosecute by Ellin Gibson.

Aughton -- John Croskell, husbandman, to prosecute Anne, wife of Oswald Heesham, charged with stealing two geese

Aughton -- Anne, wife of Oswald Heesham, to appear at Sessions

Aughton -- gift of goose pudding and pie to Anne, wife of James Winder, by Oswold [sic] and Anne Heesham

The Halton Parish Register also shows "Agnes vxor [wife of] Oswaldi Heesome de Aughton 16 Jan 1637." - Burials. Was this a confusion begin Anna and Agnes, or did it denote the existence of a second wife?

"Easter Munday the 26 Mar 1638 all accompts beinge made before the parson & eight men there remaynes in their hands to be delivered to the new Churchwardens 2s 3d besides the forbearance of the Church stocke for the yeare by past wch 2s 3d they are to pay in to the new Churchwardens for this yeare aforesayd 1638 being Christopher Bower, Thomas Rigmayden, Oswald Heesome & Tho: Starnethwayte." - Halton Parish Register.

I have an Oswaldi Heisam with the following children,
(17) Mary Hieshame (1598)
(17) William Heisham (c1599)
(17) William Hieshame (1600)
(17) Oswald Heisam (1609)
(17) Robert Heisame (1611/2)
(17) Jana Heisam (1614)
(17) Dorothea Hishame (1616)

Maria Hieshame, whose father was Oswald Hieshame, was christened on 22 February 1598 in Halton, Lancashire, England.

Gulielmus [William] Heisham de Hiefild, whose father was Oswald Heisham, was buried on 16 April 1600.

Gulielmus Hieshame, whose father was Oswald Hieshame, was christened on 30 Novmeber 1600 in Halton, Lancashire, England. Willielmus Heishame, whose father was Oswaldi Heishame de Aughton, was buried on 16 December 1623 in Halton.

Oswaldus Heisam, whose father was Oswaldi Heisam de Aughton, was christened on 16 May 1609 in Halton, Lancashire, England.

Robertus Heisame, whose father was Oswald Heisame, was christened on 23 March 1611/2 in Halton, Lancashire, England. I have a Robert Heisham whose will was proved in the Lancashire Diocesan Registry in 1627. This seems far too early for this man, but I don't currently have another Robert to tie this to.

Jana Heisam, whose father was Oswald Heisam, was christened on 22 October 1614 in Halton, Lancashire, England.

Dorothea Hishame, whose father was Osualdi Hishame de Aughto [Aughton], was christened on 24 July 1616 in Halton, Lancashire, England.

"Ales Hesham of the Hye Feilde." She married "Randall Myers de Easington" of Yorkshyre. Her son, "Roger fillius Randall Myers de Easington in Yorkshyre & Ales Hesham of the Hye Feilde" was baptized on 5 May 1609 in Cockerham Parish, Lancashire. "Roger filius Randall Myers de Slayteburne et Ales Hesham de Hyefeild" was buried on 7 July 1609 [1610] in Cockerham.

In 1592-1593, William Widder, in right of John Heysham and by his will or devise, sued William Swainson as the husband of Alice Heyshame in connection with leasehold lands, goods and chattles, legacies, debts upon bond and by simple contract in Nether Kellet, Lancashire. What does this refer to?

It is interesting that in the same village where Ales Hesham lived, there was also an Easam family: "John s. of Will: Easam . . . 22 January [1633]" - from Baptisms in the Cockerham parish register. Apparently the Easam name was used by the Heysham family as well. The Lancashire Parish Register Society claims at "Willia. f. Willmi Astu [baptized] . . . 11 June 1628" was also an Easam.

Anna Hishame married Edwardus Wynder on 12 February 1615 in Halton, Lancashire. Another entry has it that Ann Hishame married Edward Winder on 12 February 1616 of Highfield, Lancashire. I don't know for certain that Anna was William's daughter, but note that his eldest son, Johannis Hieshame, married Anne Wynder. Edward was buried on 7 May 1624.

I don't know where the following fit, though I am fairly certain they are part of the (15) William Heysham (c1550) line.

Galfridus. I have, from Petitions, Lancashire County Quarter Sessions, from the UK Archives:
- Easter session 1664 "Halton-with-Aughton -- settlement of Jeffray Heysham, Margaret his wife, and William his son."

I have a "Margaret Heisham vidua [widow]" who was buried on 30 August 1663/4.

An Anne Heysham, probably a wife, was cited for non-payment:
- Lancashire Record Office: Assessment Cause Papers: File - Aughton (Halton): Joshua Nelson and churchwardens v. John Robinson, Robert and Thomas Fletcher, Anne Heysham and John Edmundson for non-payment of assessment for repairs to church, 1717-1719.

I have an Emme Heysham, a widow of Middle Highfield, who died and was buried on 5 November 1726. She may be a wife of one of these Highfield Heysham's.

"09 October 1758. John Heysham 23, husbandman, Highfield, Halton, Lancashire and Catherine Bateson, 21, Spinster, Garstang, Garstang, Lancashire" were married - Archdeaconry of Richmond Marriage Bonds from the Lancashire Record Office. The marriage apparently occurred in Garstang.

Steve Hissem
San Diego, California