II. - RICHARD DE STAFFORD, the elder of the two brothers,
succeeded his father in the lands at Eyam. This is proved by two
charters, both undated, but temp. Henry III [Ed: 1216-72]. The first is a
"grant by Eustace de Mortayne to Richard de Stafford of three
bovates of land in Eyam, one of which Richard de Stafford his
father had held; another was held by Adam de Kileburn, the
said Richard to find yearly a lamp burning during divine service
[Page 264]
before the altar of St. Helen in the parish church of Eyam".[6]
The second is a confirmation of this grant made to him by
"Eustace, the son of Eustace de Morteyne", by the same service
of the lamp kept burning on the altar of St. Helen during
divine service in the parish church.[7] The first was probably
executed soon after the death of Richard de Stafford, sen.,
and the latter within a few years. Somewhat later than
these is the "Release and Quitclaim by William de Mortein
to Richard de Stafford for all rights of service, and following
which he possessed in John, son of Nicholas de Eyam,
together with his goods and chattels". John de Eyam is
probably the man who married his niece, Lecia de Stafford,
and therefore father of Richard de Eyum. This deed[8] is
dated at Dunnisby, co. York, 32 Henry III. (1247), and bears
an heraldic seal, partially broken - evidently the armorial
bearings of the Morteynes. The coat is "on a chief a lion
pass." surrounded by the legend: S . Will . . . ORTOIN.
The next deed[9] is undated, but belongs to this period, and
refers to a
"Grant made by Roger Morteyne Lord of Eyam to Richard de Stafford
of a piece of Land lying nygh the Garden of ye said Richard as it is closed
and diched to higg and mak domez in ye sayd place" (i.e., fenced in to build
and enlarge houses).
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[Created 5 Mar 2001. Last updated 30 Dec 2007 - 13:42 by Rosemary Lockie]