m^m of Sir l^cnvp Fcvuon of l^atilion. 



By W. a. Carringtox. 



HE following will affords a characteristic illustration 

 of testamentary dispositions prior to the Reformation 

 period, when the chief concern of testators for the 

 welfare of their souls is testified by the ample pro- 

 vision and detailed instructions for that object usually contained 

 in the wills of persons of rank or station. In other respects 

 also, and more especially in regard to the distribution of articles 

 of household plate, jewellery, etc., as well as to references oc- 

 curring in it to Haddon Hall, and to bequests to members of 

 the household and others, the will in question will be found of 

 considerable interest. 



The testator, Sir Henry de Vernon, Knt., son and heir of 

 William de Vernon, succeeded his father, who died 14th July, 

 1467, when he was found to be then twenty-six years of age. 

 {/////. p.m., 6 Edward IV.) This Sir Henry was governor to 

 Prince Arthur, son and heir of Henry VII. He married Anne; 

 daughter of John Talbot, second Earl of Shrewsbury, by whom 

 he had a large family. She died 17th May, 1494, and was 

 buried at Tonge, co. Salop. Sir Henry died 13th April, 15 15, 

 aged seventy- four, and was also buried at Tonge, to which place 

 he gave the great bell of forty-eight hundredweight and six yards 

 round, " for the tolling of it when any Vernon comes to town." 

 He was succeeded by his eldest son and heir, Sir Richard 

 dc Vernon, then thirty years of age (/'/</. p.m., jnd June, 

 6 



