Pypes of Bilson – Extracts from “Bilston in the Seventeenth Century – Chapter VIII”
The origins and author are not known.
By the side of the railway
bridge in Church Street, facing St. Leonard's Church, there is a drive, or
entrance, which leads to the present Pype Hall. The ancient mansion that
preceded the present one was occupied by the Pype family. a knightly race of
Norman extraction and of military celebrity; once the associates of Kings and
nobles, whose connection with Bilston dates back in an unbroken line to the
twelfth century. The ancient hall, which was still standing .in Mr. Ames' day,
was a large half‑timbered structure of unusual strength, having been erected at a time when the country was in a
most unsettled state, from the continued struggles between the Saxon and Norman
races, and the quarrels of lawless and tyrannical nobles. There is reason for believing that it was
erected by the first of the family who settled here though there is no record
of the actual date.
The head of the family is
said to have originally settled at Pype, and Pype Ridware, in the north of this
county, soon after the Conquest, on lands bestowed upon them by the Conqueror,
for military services. Shaw, in his History of Staffordshire, tells us that the
Pipes of Bilston were an offshoot of the Redware Pypes and came here when that
family divided. Whether that be an actual fact or not little matters; but it is
certain that regular succession of Pypes have resided here since the time of
Edward 1., as documentary evidence amply proves. But it is almost a matter of
certainty that the date of their settlement here was many years earlier. One
member of the family fought ruder that King's banner against the Scots. under
Sir William Wallace and again in the reign of Edward T1. ; for according to the
Normanorum Villorum Roll for
Staffordshire, of the 9th year of that King's reign. Thomas de Pype was Lord of
the Manor of Bradley in Bilston. and was summoned the year before to repair to
Newcastle‑upon‑Tyne, well fitted with horse and arms and
accompanied by four bowmen to march with the King against the Scot's They
continued to reside in their half‑timbered house for three hundred years
and more. It stood in the midst of a great orchard and garden that abutted anon
Church Street on the north, and extended to Bilston brook on the south. but
when strength was no longer of prime importance and domestic improvements in
architecture and furniture became familiar to them through come »f its members becoming merchants. and residing in
London came to the conclusion that
comfort war better than strength and so about the middle of the 17th century
the
present Pype Hall was erected. The orchard was cut
down, though the name is still retained in the narrow thoroughfare at the side,
and the old Hall by the existing names of "Hall Fold " and Pype's
Meadow."
The new hall is largely built of stone, and is very light, and
airy, for architects had just learned the value of such important matters.
after having been so long infatuated with sombre massiveness, and irregularity
of design‑characteristics which, however much they were essential in
lawless times, were out they harmony with more peaceful and refined conditions.
The interior was admirably fitted up in accordance with the obligations imposed
upon the family by their position in society. It has a commanding
approach. a fine entrance hall, and a
handsome staircase. Over the front entrance is a semi‑circular niche,
originally intended to contain a statue of Sir Richard Pype but for some unexplained
reason the intention does not went to have been carried out. The Hall is now
used as an hotel .
Thomas Pype. already
mentioned according to the Assize Rolls for the 17th of Edward 1T., was
summoned on Wednesday December 7th, of that year before John de Stonore and
other of the King's Justices and the Jurors of the various hundreds within the
County of Stafford, held at Tamworth, when certain presentments were made to
the effect that Sir Thomas Pype Knight, and Philip Luttaleye, who had lately
acted within the said County as the principal Taxers and Collectors, had within
the last tea pears taken great sums of money from various Villes under cover of
their office, and Appropriated the name to their own use. They appeared before
the Court and pleaded guilty: but prayed that the Justices would mulct them in
a fine for their transgress Thomas
de Pype got off with the Payment of a fine of £40. which. considerinn the
enormity of the offence, Avis but a light punishment. The reasons for the delay
in the proceedings were that the defendants had been encored in the Kings wars
against the foots. and that theca had only returned to their respective midst
of a great orchard and garden that abutted anon Church Street on the north, and
extended to Bilston brook on the south. but when strength was no longer of
prime importance and domestic improvements in architecture and furniture became
familiar to them through come »f its
members becoming merchants. and residing in London came to the conclusion that comfort war better than strength and
so about the middle of the 17th century the
present Pype Hall was erected. The orchard was cut
down, though the name is still retained in the narrow thoroughfare at the side,
and the old Hall by the existing names of "Hall Fold " and Pype's
Meadow."
The new hall is largely built of stone, and is very light, and
airy, for architects had just learned the value of such important matters. After having been so long infatuated with
sombre massiveness, and irregularity of design‑characteristics which,
however much they were essential in lawless times, were out they harmony with
more peaceful and refined conditions. The interior was admirably fitted up in
accordance with the obligations imposed upon the family by their position in
society. It has a commanding approach. a fine entrance hall, and a handsome
staircase. Over the front entrance is a semi‑circular niche, originally
intended to contain a statue of Sir Richard Pype but for some unexplained
reason the intention does not went to have been carried out. The Hall is now used as an hotel.
Thomas Pype, already
mentioned according to the Assize Rolls for the 17th of Edward II., was
summoned on Wednesday December 7th, of that year before John de Stonore and
other of the King's Justices and the Jurors of the various hundreds within the
County of Stafford, held at Tamworth, when certain presentments were made to
the effect that Sir Thomas Pype, Knight, and Philip Luttaleye, typo had lately
acted within the said County as the principal Taxers and Collectors, had within
the last ten years taken great sums of money from various Villes under cover of
their office, and Appropriated the name to their own use. They appeared before
the Court and pleaded guilty: but prayed that the Justices would mulet them in
a fine for their transgress Thomas
de Pype got off with the Payment of a fine of £40. which. considering the
enormity of the offence, Avis but a light punishment. The reasons for the delay
in the proceedings were that the defendants had been encored in the Kings wars
against the Scots and that they had only returned to their respective domiciles
a fee months before, which reasons were urged before the Justices as a plea for
leniency.
This Thomas had a son named
Robert. He with William de Stafford and
William de Wrottesley by letters Patent dated from St. Edmund's on the 10th of
March 1300, was appointed a Justice for the County of Stafford for the due
observance of the Articles of the Great Charter and the Statute of Winchester.
In 1318, Thomas Pype, who was probably a son of the above said
Robert, served under the banner of John de Sorcery, Baron of Dudley. The writ
of summons was issued in April of that year.
Thomas de Pype sat as a
juror on an Inquisition held m the Michaelmas Term, in the 44th year of Henry
Ill., at which Margaret de Bromwyche sued John Wygot for imprisoning her
against the King's peace.
He appears to have had a
brother named Roger, who was chosen by Alexander, Bishop of Lichfield, as his
attorney, to appear on his behalf
in a charge that he, the Bishop, had without warrant, made a saltatorium, or deer leap, against the Boundary of Cannock
Forrest, in the year 1286 whereby the King's deer had frequently escaped, or
been driven by his men into the Bishop's land, and could not return, wherein‑ye
Chief Forester claimed restitution.
This illegal trick of the Bishop was only one of many high handed
proceedings of which the Bishops in those turbulent times were guilty. They
were, in fact, as lawless as the great, civic Barons and were continually
encroaching upon the lands of others, or claiming rights and privileges for
which they had no sufficient justification, as the Plea Rolls give abundant
evidence. But then Bishops were also great Barons, and exercised feudal sway,
while many of them were military Knights, and fought at the head of their
tenants and retainers, so it was no wonder that they often compounded "For
sins they were inclined to. By damning
those they had no mind to," as the witty author of Hudibras very quaintly
expresses it.
Roger pype was succeeded by
Randulph Pype in 1294, who died about the year 1392. leaving as his heir,
Robert. This Robert had two sons named John and Thomas. ‑'The first named
was witness to a deed signed apud
Darlaston dies Petrius ad Vincula. 1339, says Mr. Ames. He married a daughter of Hugh MollesIey, by
whom he had several children; among them Walter his heir ; John who became
Vicar of Bradley in the North of the County; and Joan, who married John de
Hardshull in 1354. The second son John was at one time chantry priest in
Lichfield Cathedral, as appears from the Chapter Muniments of the time. He
afterwards became Prebendary of Hilton. in Wolverhampton Collegiate Church and
after that was Archdeacon of Coventry, dying in the year 1374.
In 1415, John Pype and a number of Bilston men at
his instigation, were presented in the Hundred Court by Sir‑Hugh Burnell,
"for that they had broken into his closes at Willenhall trespassed upon
his lands, and committed damage to a grievous extent, in defiance of the
law.” What led to this riotous conduct,
and what was the verdict arrived at, the record does not show.
From these extracts it
appears that come of the Pypes in those early clays were as rapacious and
turbulent as the general run of people of their rank: mere encouragers of
common robbers by their example, and exciters of discontent by their exactions.
But judging from the entries in the Plea Rolls, this part of the County seems
to have peen freer from cases of robbery and violence than any other of the
Hundreds into which the County was divided and this fact must he put as a set
off to the cases just mentioned.
In the 36th year of Henry
VII. William Pype is described in a deed as son and heir of William Pype. This
William, says Mr. Ames "surrendered his land in Wyndmill Street to Sir
Thomas do Erdington, as well as lands in Prison Croft, Pagebirch Croft. and
Moxall Croft, towards founding a Chantry in Bilston Chapel." This deed was
preserved among the Wrottesley manuscripts, but was consumed in the fire at:
Wrottesley Hall a few years ago.
To William succeeded Thomas
Pype, who had two sons, John and Richard.
John died without issue twelve years after his father, and was buried on
September 16th. in .the 33rd year of Henry VIII in Our Lady's Chapel in
Wolverhampton Church. He married Alice, daughter of Ralph, Baron Ducie and had
two sons, one of whom Richard, was a minor at his father's death.
This Richard became Lord Mayor of London, and was
.Knighted by Queen Elizabeth. He was born in Bilston in 1523, and after
receiving an education suited to his position, married at the age of 25,
Margaret, daughter of Nicolas Moseleye of Bilston, by whom he had two sons,
Humphrey and Samuel, the latter of whom became Lord of the Manor of Bradley in
pursuits, and was accordingly placed with a wealthy London silk mercer, named
Wallingford. In this position he soon displayed such excellent business
qualities and such superior tastes that he gradually became known to many of
the famous men of the time. Some years
after his marriage he set up in business far himself, and prospered
exceedingly. His mansion became the resort of persons skilful in conversation,
eminent in Judgment, learned in literature, and politics. He was grave with the serious gay, with the witty,
cautious with the prudent, and highly esteemed by all. He was a patron of the man of letters, a
wise counsellor of his fellow traders, and to crown all a great benefactor of
the poor. Queen Elizabeth, who loved to
have handsome and able men about her and Sir Richard had a fine presence
occasionally sought his advice in City affairs while he was Chief Magistrate
for it was always sound, or, as the old writers phrased it
"judgmatical," and she in return showed him many marked favours. Stephen
Gosson dedicated his “ School of Abuse" to him and his Council, and
William Barnfield who was a native of Wolverhampton, and no mean poet among the
best, found in him a. liberal patron, and a discriminating friend.
Later in life Sir Richard purchased large estates in Derbyshire
to which he subsequently retired, and died full of years arid full of honour.
"He was buried," says Shaw, "in Barlborough Church, where a
mural tablet was erected in the chancel to his memory."
We wrote some years ago to
the thin Rector of Barlborough, the Rev. I T Stapyton, for a copy of this
inscription, and in his reply he said there was no inscription visible in the
church, but had an impression that it was hidden behind modern reredos, which
could not be removed. Not satisfied with this doubtful statement we wrote to
the Rev. J. D. Griffiths, the present Rector, and his answer was to a similar
effect, and there the matter rests, though we are inclined to think that Mr.
Stapyton's idea offers the true explanation.
In his later years Sir
Richard but rarely came to Bilston, but when he did tile villagers assembled in
fore to meet the coach and formed two lines, down which the great merchant
passed to Pype Hall nodding to those he recognised, saving a few words to those
he personally knew, though his general demeanour was grave and magisterial, as
became the Chief Magistrate of the greatest City in the world. His reception
was warm, and ho might easily have been taken as the counterpart of Addison's
Roger de Coverley'.
When he died, his estates in
Bilston devolved upon his son. Samuel, who, in 1578, married Elizabeth,
daughter of John Wrottesley Esq., and Elizabeth, his wife who was daughter of
Sir John Talbot of Albrighton: He was succeeded by his son Walter, who in 1631
was fined £12 for refusing to appear to be Knighted, but, according to the
Wolverhampton Register, he must have withdrawn his objection, for he is, in the
burial entry in 1650 distinctly called Sir Walter Pype. Sir Walter had a son
named Samuel, born in 1641, a daughter named Elizabeth, who was baptized on the
30th of May 1640, and an other son named Walter, his heir. Elizabeth died in
infancy. The following extracts froth the Wolverhampton Registers relate to
various members of the family:
1604 ‑Dorothie,
ye daughter of Samuell Pipe of Bylston, was baptised ye Vth daye of September.
1605‑John,
ye sonne of Samuel Pipe, of Bylston, was buried on ye XXX daye of Maye
0‑‑Elizaheth, daughter of Mr.
Walter Pipe. <>f Bylston. was baptized ye, XIth daye of Mayo.
1641‑Samuell,
ye sonne of Mr. Walter Pipe, of Bylston, was baptized ye IInd daye of Auguste.
1642 ‑
Mrs. Elizabeth Pipe, of Bylston, was buried ye IInd daye of Auguste.
Besides the two children of
11‑alter Pipe, already mentioned, he had another son named Humphrey, as
tee shall presently find from Mr. Ames' notes-
"1706 ‑ Nov 2. On this day, about 7
o'clock in ye morning, Samuel Pype, Esq., died of a cho1ic, or such like acute
illness having been reasonably hearty ye evening before aged, as I take it,
about sixty‑five
He left £10 to ye poor.” He had issue two sons, James and Humphrey, and two daughters,
named Sarah and Mary. Humphrey was
educated at Oxford and took his M.A. degree in 1684. The Wolverhampton Church Register thus records his death:
"Humphrey Pype, M.A., undermaster of Wolverhampton Grammar School, and
younger son of Samuel Pype. Esq., of
Bylston, was buried August ye
23rd, 1705 (this should be possibly be 1725) , aged 43 years." to
which Mr. Ames adds this note: " Tis said that Mr. Humphrey Pype has, by
his last will and testament, left a considerable sum of money to he laid out in
charitable uses in Bilston, and that his sister has left £40 after her decease
to be used for similar purposes. She died September 20th, 1732” Mr. Ames says:
" 20th September, 1732. On this
day died at Birmingham Mrs. Sarah Pype, 2nd daughter of Samuel Pype Esq.,
formerly of Bilston. In her lifetime
she bestowed several benefactions for the use of ye poor of Bilston, and at her
death ordered by her will that fifty shillings should be liven to 2 poor women,
and £40, the interest of which was to be applied to charitable purposes in
Bilston."