Dispute over Bamfurlong Hall (1552/1553)

Tuesday 13th July, 2010

The Dispute

When John Assheton (Ashton) was still a boy his father died and bequeathed him several “lands and tenements in Abram” near Wigan. These included Bamfurlong Hall – a valuable holding which was described at the time as a “capital messuage”. (see below)

As John was a minor at the time of his inheritance he was put under the care of Roger Anderton of nearby Bickershaw Hall until he reached the age of 21.

When he was 14, John went with a friend, John Shakerley, to view his property at Bamfurlong. He alleges that while there, three servants of Sir Thomas Gerrard of “Wyndleshae” assembled “in most riotous manner... and with spiteful words commanded them in the name of Sir Thomas... to go away from the premises,” stating that Richard Assheton was the true holder of the property.

John fled from the “devyllyshe” intent of his assailants and took refuge inside the house. His attackers asked their master for help and 12 more of his servants were sent to Bamfurlong. John, however, escaped during the night and hid himself “in secret places” as he was “afraid to show himself”.

Young John Assheton took his case to the Duchy Court of Lancaster. The defendants, however, declared that they were “... not guilty of any riot, force and arms, unlawful assembly or commandment, or trespass of any kind”.

Bamfurlong Hall

The date of the foundation of Bamfurlong Hall is unknown but it was thought to have been in existence as early as the 13th century. Further evidence of its medieval origins is provided by the oval shape of the moat which encloses two islands. Another unusual feature of the building is the jettied upper storey.

Ironically, possession of the hall eventually passed from the Ashton family to a junior branch of the Gerrards, said to be from Brindle, and eventually came into the hands of the Gerrards of Ince.

Unfortunately, like several of Wigan's medieval halls it has been demolished and only a fragment of timber bearing the inscription “J A 1577” remains. The date refers to a refurbishment of the hall rather than its date of origin. The initials are possibly those of a member of the Ashton family.

Read John Ashtons plea to the duchy court here.

A “messuage” is a large dwelling house and surrounding property with associated tenancy rights such as grazing cattle. A “capital messuage” is the main household of a property containing several messuages.