The Gunnays Family of Hayton, Yorkshire

The following information was gathered by Peter Freeman, who generously agreed to permit its posting on this web site. If you have any questions about this information, please contact Peter directly (aed4p2f@lucs-03.novell.leeds.ac.uk). If you should use this information for any reason, you should credit Peter Freeman as the source.

13th Century

"Temp Hen. III" (1216-1272): Inquisition of Serjeanty in the County of York / William Gunnesse is stated to hold one bovate of land in Yapham.

July 1239: Notification by Fulk Basset, Dean of York, of the settlement of a dispute between William de Gunness and the men of Yapham: William had refused to bear the burden from 3 culturas of arable land there, belonging to the church of Pocklington and assigned for the provision of a chaplain in the chapel of Yapham.

1260?: William de Gunneys, juror at the Inquisition p.m. of Richard de Percy.

24 July 1275: Licence for Mosseus son of Jacob de Oxonia, Joceus son of Benedict, and Jacob Sablyn of York, Jews, to sell to Thomas de Guness', king's clerk, a debt of 47 [pounds]. wherein Thomas de Tanstern of Eyton(sic) and Walter de Rodestan are bound to them. / York, London - "The King to the Justices, greeting. Whereas in the time of the Lord Henry our father it was provided that no Jew might sell anything which was owed to him by a Christian to anyone, unless he first obtained grace and special licence therfor from our said father; and that if any, of licence, bought such debt from a Jew he should have no more in the same than our father or ourselves would have if that debt were in our hand or our father's hand, to wit the chattels in the charter made thereon, without usury: We, willing to do special grace to Mosseus son of Jacob of Oxford and Joceus son of Bendy, our Jews, have given them licence to sell to our beloved clerk Thomas de Guneyse certain debts of fifty-eight pounds; to wit, a debt of twenty pounds in which Thomas de Tunstern is bound to the aforesaid Mosseus, and a debt of twenty pounds in which he is bound to the aforesaid Josceus, and also a debt of eighteen pounds in which he and Walter de Rodeston' are bound to the same Jew, Josceus, by their charters. Also we have given licence to the said Thomas to buy that debt from the aforesaid Jews in the form of the provision aforesaid. Witness ourselves at Tame on the 24th day of July in the third year of our reign."

Easter Term 4 Edward I (1276): Memoranda / ". . . And by the writ aforesaid (see 24 July 1275) is enrolled the starr under-written in these words. / Lond. - "Mosseus son of Jacob and Joceus son of Ben', Jews, acknowledge by their starr that they have sold and released to Thomas de Gumneyse(sic), his heirs and assigns all right or claim which they had or might have in the debts underwritten; to wit, one debt of twenty pounds which Thomas de Tansterne owed to the aforesaid Mosseus; and one of twenty pounds which he owed to the aforesaid Josce, and one of 27 marks under the names of the aforesaid Thomas and Walter de Rodeston, and the aforesaid Jews have sold and released all right, claim, power and obligation which they had or might have in the aforesaid debts over the chattels of the aforesaid Thomas and his heirs and assigns in good and stable sale for ever; the buyer to have full power in all the aforesaid debts to acquit. pardon, receive and at his will do in respect of them according to the custom of Jewry. This starr the said Jews made by the King's order and licence before our (sic) Justices assigned to the keeping of the Jews at in (sic) the Easter Term of the third year of the reign of King Edward. And the said Thomas acknowledged that all quittance which the said Jews made before the said Term to Walter de Yodestayn (sic) and Thomas de Tanstern', the same Moss' and Josc' made by his licence and his order."

Hilary? Term 4 Edward I (1276): Pleas of the Quindene and 3 weeks of St. John / York - "Thomas de Gumeys offered himself on the fourth day against Walter de Rodestan touching a plea of acquittance of debt. And Walter came not: and the Sheriff was ordered to cause him to come. And the Sheriff has sent word that Thomas son [ ... ] and Henry le Cartewrithe mainperned the aforesaid Walter. And they had him not. / Judgement that he distrain by lands .... and have [his body] on the quindene of Michaelmas."

Trinity Term 5 Edward I (1277): Pleas resumed in the Octave of Trinity on account of the advance of the army towards Wales / York - "The Sheriff is ordered to cause Walter de Rudestan to come on the quindene of St. Michael to hear the record and his judgement in the cause which is between him and Thomas de Guneys."

Michaelmas Term, 5 Edward I (1277): Essonia de Quindena Sancti Michaelis / Ebor - Walterus Rodestayn versus Thomam de Gunnays de placito debiti per Adam de Boleton'. / Margin: Non jacet quia breve dicit 'venire facias'. / Ebor - Loquela inter Thomam de Gunneys et Walterum de Rodestan patet in termino sancti Michaelis anno regni regis Edwardi quarto incipiente quinto. Et preceptum est vicecomiti quod de bonis etc. predicti Walteri fieri faciat .xiij. marcas et dimidiam quas idem Thomas recuperavit etc. per considerationem etc. ut patet ibidem et eas habeat coram etc. a die sancti Hillarii in .xv. dies predicto Thome solvendas.

3 August 1287: William de Gunneys, juror at an Extent of the manor of Everingham and Inquisition p.m. of Robert de Everingham.

3 January 1287-88: William de Gunneys of Hayton, one of the "jurors of the neighbourhood of Kiblingcotes" at an Inquisition concerning a claim made by Peter of Chester, provost of Beverley, to the custody of a messuage and 24 bovates of land which Robert de Everingham held in Kibblingcotes.

circa 1290?: Thomas de Gunnays of Hayton, witness to - a "gift grant and confirmation" from Alan de Nothingham, clerk to Richard de Santon, dwelling in Pocklington (Endorsement: "The Parson of Pocklington") and Mabel his wife of 2 acres of land in the fields of Kilnwick that he had by gift and sale of William Louckock of Pocklington. (Details and locations given.)

Before 1290?: Thomas de Gunneys of Hayton, witness to - a quitclaim by William son of Ralph Pilecat of Everingham to his sister Alice for her life of a portion (15' by 15') of his house with (out)buildings in Everingham which he had of the gift of his mother / - a gift by Juliana, widow of Ralph Pilkat of Everingham to her daughter Alice of a half part of her house (towards the East from the South doorway) being 15 feet long and 15 feet broad

14th Century

10 July 29 Edward (1301): Thomas de Gunneys, juror at an Inquisition ad quod damnum (at York Castle) into the grant by William 'le Porter' of Warter of a messuage and 1 1/2 bovates of land in Warter to the Prior and Convent of Warter.

17 February 1301-02: Thomas de Gunnays, juror at Inquisitions ad quod damnum (at Pocklington) into -- the grant by Ralph son of William of 6 marcs' rent in Grymthorpe to maintain a chaplain in the chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Grymthorpe; the manor of Grymthorpe being held of the abbot and convent of Meaux. / the grant by Roger son of Remigius of Pocklington of a messuage and 4 bovates in Pocklington and Owsthorpe to maintain a chaplain in the chapel of Pocklington; the lands and property being held of the heirs of the countess of Albemarle, except the 2 bovates in Owsthorpe, held of Robert Ughtred.

1303: Thomas de Gunnays holds 1 carucate of land in Raisthorp, Buckrose wapentake.

1 September 1304: Thomas de Gunneys of Hayton, juror at an Inquisition ad quod damnum (at Beverley) into the grant by Richard Alund of 3 tofts, 2 bovates and 7 acres of land in Burnby and Cleaving to the prior and brethren of the hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.

6 November 1304: Thomas de Gunneys, juror at an Inquisition ad quod damnum (at York) into the retention by the abbot and convent of Selby of 15 acres of land in Gunby, which they had in fee from William de Tadecastre after the Statute of Mortmain.

10 May 1305: Thomas de Gunnays, juror at an Inquisition ad quod damnum (at York) into a grant by William son of William Sturmy of land to the prior and brethren of the hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.

21 February 1305-06: Thomas de Gunneys of Hayton, juror at an Inquisition ad quod damnum (at York) into the feoffment by John son of Reginald of the manor of Weighton to Herbert son of John.

30 August 1310: Thomas de Gunneys of Hayton, witness (at Everingham) to - a Demise from Adam de Alda of Everingham to Richard the smith of Everingham of 9 selions of arable in Everingham / 1 in Le Northflatt, and / 2 in Le Southflatt, lying between lands of Juliana Pilkat and Ralph de Lindesey; / 1 in Le Southflatt between lands of Juliana Pilkat and John Sleyt; / 1 capital selion in Le Southflatt stretching from the South side to the North; / 1 in Le Wrangland lying between lands of John Sleyt and John the Smith; / 1 abutting on Holmar; / 1 in the Schortholmes; / 1 in Peckerhill; / and 1/2 acre of meadow in Le Dritholm Deyle - all lying between lands of Alice Attekirk and Matilda wife of Hervy; / 1 rood of meadow in Le Northheyng lying between John Sleyt and Matilda wife of Hervy, and / 1 rood of meadow in Le Southheyng lying between Matilda wife of Hervy and S. ('solem').

31 July 1315: Thomas de Gunnas of Hayton, witness (at Everingham) to - a gift from Adam de Alda of Everingham to Richard son of Ralph de Lindesay living in Everingham, of 2 selions of arable with the marsh of Tranker adjoining, in the East field of Everingham across ('extransverso') the road of Brunnebye (i.e. 1 selion lying in breadth between lands of Malot [Matilda] widow of Hervy and Alice Attekirk; the other between lands of Robert the Reeve and Richard Day, extending with marsh in length from the street of Langow to the cultivated parcel called Prestflatt.

After 1315: Thomas de Gunneys of Hayton, witness to - a gift from Adam de Alda of Everingham to Richard the smith of Everingham and his wife Alice of 8 selions in the field of Everingham - / 1 on Le Brott; / 1 'atte Milne'; / 1 called Engdayle; / 1 called Refgerhill; / 1 called Whynnyhill; / 1 called Crossehilrode; / 2 called Tranekar Halfacres. / All lying between the lands sometime of Richard Attekirk, and that which Matilda Hervey sometime held in the North Field.

28 March 1318: Thomas de Gunnays of Hayton, witness (at Everingham) to - a quitclaim by William Pilkat of Everingham to Richard the smith of Everingham and his wife Alice [sister of William Pilkat] of all the land, and 1 acre of meadow, in Everingham which he inherited from his mother Gillian [Juliana - see 'before 1290'] and which they had of his gift.

1 September 1320: Thomas de Gunneys of Hayton, witness (at Everingham) to - a gift by William Pilkat of Everingham to John son of Geoffrey le Grace of Hayton, for his life, of a messuage in Everingham (in length and breadth between the tofts of Hugh son of Malot [Matilda] and of Isabel, widow of Elias son of Hugh).

30 May 1322: Thomas de Gunneys of Hayton, witness (at Everingham) to - a quitclaim by Alice daughter of Ralph Pilkat of Everingham to John son of Geoffrey le Grace of Hayton, of a half part of a house in Everingham (towards the East from the North doorway) being 15 feet in length and 15 feet in breadth, which she had of the gift of her mother.

Michaelmas Term 2 Edward III (1328): Thomas de Gunnays of Hayton, plaintiff, vs. John de Grantham, defendant, concerning a mill and land in Holteby.

18 November 1328: Thomas de Gunnays of Hayton, witness (at Everingham) to - a quitclaim by Beatrice daughter of Ralph Pilkat of Everingham to John le Grace of Hayton, of a chamber in a messuage sometime of William Pilkat [her brother], in Everingham.

1330: Thomas Gunneys of Hayton "put in his claim" in a case involving transfer of land and houses in York and Holtby from John de Grantham to his son John. Names John's brothers Thomas, William, Robert, Stephen.

Easter/Michaelmas Term 1332: Thomas son of William de Gunnays of Hayton - a lifetime lease from William son of Thomas de Gunnays of Hayton of 1 messuage, 10 bovates of land and 6 tofts in Hayton, and 9 acres of meadow in Everingham. (2 of the tofts in Hayton occupied for life by Adam le Vikereman and Joan his wife), paying yearly one rose at the Nativity of St. John.

January 28 1333: Commission of oyer and terminer ... on complaint of Thomas de Gunneys the elder that John de Gunneys (and 4 others, named) and others at Hayton, co. York, broke his close and houses, assaulted him, carried away his goods and assaulted his servants.

February 16 1333: John son of Thomas de Gunnays acknowledges that he owes to Thomas son of William de Gunnays 18 marks; to be levied, in default of payment, of his lands and chattels in co. York.

(1332-1343)?: William de Gunnais, witness to - a Gift grant and confirmation, from William son of Richard de Boschale to Henry son of Richard de Boschale, his brother, of 19 bovates of land in the territory of Hayton with the mill which is called Dune milne with all appurtenances within the town and without, with the "rustics" and all their sequels, whether in demesne or in villeinage ("tam in dominicis quam seruagiis"); Rendering the service only due from 19 bovates (where) 8 carucates of land make the fee of one knight.

July 12 1335: Thomas de Gunnays of Hayton acknowledges that he owes to Thomas de Wake, lord of Lidell, knight, 500 [pounds]; to be levied, in default of payment, of his lands and chattels in co. York.

13 July 1343: John de Gunnays and Simon de Gunnays, witnesses to - the transfer of Thomas de Bossall's lands in Hayton to William de Holthorp, as follows: / - 1 messuage and 2 bovates of land in Hayton, between the tofts of Mabel le Grace (on the east) and William Rate (on the west); / - 20 shillings annual rent from a messuage and 4 bovates held by William Ward of Hayton, and a messuage and 4 bovates held by Mabel and John le Grace; / - 1 bovate bequeathed to his brother John de Bossall by their father; / - Reversion of 1 bovate held during his life by his brother Nicholas de Bossall, and 2d. annual rent from a toft where Nicholas dwells; / - Reversion of 2 bovates held as dower land by their mother, Margaret; / - 2d annual rent from a messuage held by his brother Richard de Bossall, and 1d annual rent from a toft where Richard dwells; / - and his mill, pond, suit and lordship ... in Hayton.

15 April 18 Edward II (1344): John de Gunnays, John son of Elias Fancourt of Brunby, Thoams de Hundegate of Brunby, John de Alta Ripa of Foulsutton, Simon de Billyng, witnesses to - a quitclaim by John de Swynton to John Fancourt of Brunby of his right in lands in Estelvele and Westelvele lately belonging to John Joruy of Middleton, his cousin.

20 March (St. Cuthbert's Day) 20 Edward III (1345-46): Inquisition taken at Pokelyngton .. by oath of James Jurdan, Richard de Lundres, John de Gunnays, Richard de Santon of South Cave, William de Cliff, William Coke of Northcave, Richard de Herlethorp, Richard de Gouneby, Robert Aglyon, William de Whelpyngton, Robert de Esthorp, John de Rudstane, & Robert Weyle, jurors: / The knight's fees in Herthill in the hands of laymen are held by the following:- / -Richard de Lundon, John Moygne of Hessill, William de Raventhorp, James Jurdan, Richard de Santon of Cave, William Constable of Holme, Robert Veyle of Shipton, Peter atte Welle, John Gunnays, William Ronyng, John de Bilton, John de Rypplyngham.

7 May 1346: Thomas Gunnays, appointed (jointly with John Bell) "to take seisin of all the lands and tenements in Hayton" of William, son of William de Holthorp.

15 August 1367: Grant by Ralph de Wressill and Richard de Gunnays, chaplains, to Sir Henry de Ingilby, Richard de Aske, John de Aske, & John de Brakenholme of the manor of Ousthorpe with its appurtenances, which formerly belonged to Sir John de Ousethorpe, knight, and Thomas Verious, in the vills & territories of Ousthorpe, Hythe, Bellassise, Cotenesse, Wyton, Newland by Estrington & Grisby.

17 June 1369: Grant from John, son of Sir Thomas de Sewerby to Thomas Gunnays of Hayton of 2 messuages and 1 bovate of land in Sewerby.

7 April 1371: Robert de Gunnays of Hayton: quitclaim of land in Holtby, nr Warthill (Bulmer wapentake).

Octave of St. John the Baptist/Octave of Michaelmas 47 Edward III (1373): Fine between John de Hayton, quer., and Robert de Naburn and Margery his wife, of Staynfordbrigg, def., of 2 messuages, 4 tofts, 6 bovates and 3 roods of land, and 9s. 6d. rent in Hayton: to hold to Robert and Margery for their lives, together with the homage and service of Henry Mareschall, Richard atte Kirkestile, John son of Robert son of Robert, and Robert de Naburn and their heirs; remainder to Robert de Gunnays of Hayton and Margaret his wife and (their) heirs; remainder to the right heirs of Margaret.

30 March 1380: "Memorandum quod xxx die Marcii 3 Ric. II Elyas de Beverlaco, vicarius de Hayton, in camera super pontem / Use in Ebor', coram Johanne de Gysburn tunc maiore Ebor', Johanne de Burton, camerario et Willelmo de Cestria, clerico, in presencia Willielmi Gunnays, scriptoris; et optulit se paratum ibidem, ac in manu sua ostendebat viginti solidos argenti ad solvendum prefato Willelmo Gunnays in persolucionem centum solidorum dicto Willelmo et aliis coexecutoribus suis de debito cujusdam domini Radulfe de Vynesey, capellani, eisdem executoribus so(l)vendo sub condicione quod dictus Willelmus Gunnays faceret sibi acquietanciam generalem omnium actionum; et predictus Willelmus hoc facere recusavit, dicens quod .... omnino .... excludere ipsum et coexecutores suos predictos de alia actione quam habent versus predictum Elyam, et ea occasione noluit predictos xxs. recipere."

1381: East Riding Poll Tax Returns / Robert Gunneys, assessed at 3s. 4d (Jur') / William Gunneys, assessed at 3/- / Thomas Gunneys, assessed at 12d. / Henry Gunneys, assessed at 8d.

27 June 1390: Robert de Gunnays, witness to - a Demise from John Carwell of Hayton, living in Beleby, to John Barker of Evryngham and his wife Isabel, for the lives of John Carwell and his wife Joan, of a messuage, toft and 2 bovates in Hayton at 16s. rent, payable at Martinmas and Whit Sunday. At Hayton.

21 May 1396: Robert de Gunneys, witness to - a gift from Robert Sleght of Evryngham to Thomas de Halden, parson of Evryngham, and Robert de Rudstane of Hayton of a messuage and 2 bovates in Evryngham. At Everingham.

4 January, 15 Richard II (1397-98): Robert Gunnays, witness to - a release and quitclaim by Agnes, widow of John de Easingwold, to John, son and heir of John de Holthorp of Hayton of all right in the lands and tenements, rents and services with appurtenances in Hayton which she and John de Easingwold had of the gift and feoffment of John, father of John de Holthorp. At Hayton.

31 January 1397-1398: Robert Gunnas named as executor of the will of Margaret of Knaresborough. Also mentioned: Matilda (the sister of Margaret), wife of Robert Gunneys; John and Agnes, children of Robert; Cecilia & Katherine, "famulae" (servants) of Robert Gunnas.

15th Century

24 February 1400-01: Robert Gunnays, juror at the Inquisition p.m. (at Pocklington) of Thomas Dayville of South Cave.

16 June 1403: Gift from Peter de la Pole and John Ibury to William Hungate, Peter del Hay, Thomas Colvyle and Henry Randolf of the Manor of North Dalton in exchange for .. property in Blatherwyk, co. Northumberland. / Witnesses: John Hastyngs of Brunby, Walter Rudstan, John dell More, Robert Gunnays, William Crauncewyk of North Dalton. At North Dalton.

3 April 1404: Robert Gunnays of Hayton, juror at the Inquisition p.m. (at York Castle) of Katherine, one of the daughters and heirs of Thomas de Malton.

8 May, 5 Henry IV (1404): Robert Gunnays, witness to - a quitclaim by Beatrice de Roos to John de Holthorp, son and heir of John de Holthorp of Hayton (and 3 others, named) of all right in a rent of 100s. sterling per annum which the grantor held jointly with William de Roos, knt., of the grant of John de Holthorp of Hayton, from lands &c in Hayton and Friton; plus a quitclaim of "all actions real and personal against the said John". At Hayton.

20 May 1404: Robert Gunnas, juror at the Inquisition p.m. (at Allerton) of Denise, who was the wife of Robert de Stodowe.

12 March 1404-05: Robert Gunnays, juror at the Inquisition p.m. (at York Castle) of Thomas de Plumland, son and heir of Katherine de Malton.

6 October 1410: John Gunnays, witness to - a remittance, release and quitclaim from Richard Clevyng, chaplain, to Master John Southewell, clerk, Thomas Whyxley, chaplain, and Henry Kythby of a messuage in Burnby next to the Church path that he had by gift of Thomas Kyrkstill esq.

6 April 12 Edw IV (1472): Margaret Gunnace, widow, & Robert Gunnace (brother of John Gunnace, and to whom he was heir) gave 9 messuages, 20 bovates, 40 acres of meadow, 20 acres of pasture and 4/- rent in Hayton, all held of Robert de Rudston (service unknown), whereof they were seised in fee, to Robert Kelk of Beverley esq, William Langdale esq, William Rolston, and Guy Wyncent, chaplain, their heirs and assigns.

17 December 1476: "Margaret Hayton to Robert Gunnas of Hayton, John Gunnasse, Robert Rudstane, gentlemen, and Roger Kelk the younger. Release and quitclaim of all actions, real or personal, and all appeals and executions of judgements that she may have against them up to the date of these presents."

25 February 1488: Writ of 'diem clausit extremum' issued for John Gunnace, esquire; York.

16 April 1488: John Gunnas: Inquisition post mortem for the lands listed in Hayton in 1472. "He died 21 Feb. last year. / Dorothy, aged one year ... is his daughter and heir.

16th Century

1501: Inquisition p.m. of William Gunneys, clerk: (inter alia) leases lands at Winestead from Robert Hildyard and Peter, his son.

1505: William Gunnes - Vicar of Boston, Lincs in May 1505; obit. before December 1505.