82 A TOPOGRAPHICAL 



stratum is generally cannel, and the lower inferior coal raised for 

 common use. 



The family of Paget is ancient. Lewis Paget, Esq. was one of 

 the gentlemen of Staffordshire who, in 1486, signed a certificate 

 relating to the office of Master of the game at Cankewood ; but the 

 first who attained to the dignity of the Peerage was William Paget, 

 a man of eminent abilities. He was born in London, was educated 

 in St. Paul's school, and received his academical education in 

 Trinity Hall, Cambridge. He afterwards went to study in the 

 University of Paris ; and in consequence of his learning and ac- 

 complishments, he was afterwards employed by Henry VIII. in 

 important public missions. That Sovereign bequeathed him a 

 legacy of o300. instituted him one of his executors, and appointed 

 him one of the Council to his successor, Edward VI. In 1549, he 

 was called by writ to the House of Peers, by the title of Lord Paget, 

 of Beaudesert, in Staffordshire, and took his place in Parliament on 

 the 3d of December, being then Comptroller of the Household, and 

 Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. But so uncertain is human 

 greatness, that this meritorious Nobleman was committed to the 

 Fleet in 1551, and soon afterwards removed to the Tower by the 

 influence of the Duke of Northumberland. The Duke of Somerset, 

 the friend of Lord Paget, was also committed to the Tower, and 

 soon afterwards tried, condemned, and beheaded, being charged 

 with a design to murder the Duke of Northumberland, and some 

 other Noblemen at Paget-house. It was expected that Lord Paget 

 would be implicated in this charge, but the Duke of Northumber- 

 land contented himself with depriving him of his public employ- 

 ments. On the 22d of April, 1552, he was divested of the ensigns 

 of the Garter, on pretence of defect in blood. On the 16th of June 

 following, he was fined 0^6000. in the Star-chamber, but in February 

 ensuing he had a discharge for the payment of c2000. and in 

 March, 1553, he obtained a grant from the King to him and his 

 posterity for ever of the arms borne by the family. 



On the accession of Queen Mary, he was sworn of the Privy 

 Council. She also restored to him the Order of the Garter, and 

 bestowed on him divers grants. 



When Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne in 1558, Lord Paget, 

 at his own request, was permitted to quit the public service, for 

 " he was a strict zealot of the Romish Church."* He died on the 

 9th of June, 1563, aged 57, and was buried at Drayton, in Middle- 



* Camden's History of England, Vol. II. p. 394. 



