We do not know a lot about Kirby in the 16th century. It remains in the hands of the Hastings family.
The earliest Parish Registers start from this time. You can see some transcripts here.
Here are a few random jottings about our village history at this time.
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A bequest |
Ralph Petch was Assistant Clerk of Works at the Castle and also controller of the accounts during the 15th century. He died in 1508 and his bequests to Kirby Church included an annual feast day gift of 3s 4d, an ewe and a pullet. We haven't checked with St. Bartholomew's whether that tradition continues to this day, but if you see an ewe and a pullet wandering the churchyard, please let us know ! |
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A ghost ? |
Jane Shore, the most beautiful of Edward IV's mistresses, died in 1527. After Edward's death, Lord Hastings is said to have installed her at Kirby, which presumably is why the story arose that her ghost walks the castle grounds. Again, if you see her, please let us know ! In practice, we think there's more chance that you'll see an ewe and a pullet. |
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16th century farming |
The earliest surviving probate inventories, which record the breakdown of an estate when the owner's will has been proven, date from the 16th century. Agnes Kyng died in 1559, leaving an estate valued at £21. This included 7 acres of wheat, rye and barley (about 28,000 square metres) and 7 acres of peas. Her livestock comprised 4 oxen, 8 cattle, 6 swine and 2 horses. |
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The above information is taken from the late Jonathan Wilshere's book "Old Kirby (Muxloe)", with kind permission of the Wilshere family. |