Forfeitures photos on Flickr

The Morris-Jumel Mansion was built in 1765 as a summer house by Colonel Roger Morris for his wife, Mary Philipse and their family on approximately 135 acres of land that stretched from the Harlem to Hudson rivers between what is now 140th and approximately 18oth streets. Their country estate was named Mount Morris and, being situated on one of the highest points of Manhattan, offered clear views of New Jersey, Connecticut, and all of New York harbor. In addition to serving as a summer retreat, Mount Morris was also a working farm with fruit trees, cows, and sheep in addition to a variety of crops.

With the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, the Morris family abandoned their summer home. Then, in the autumn of 1776, General George Washington and his Patriot officers moved in and made the house their headquarters from September 14th to October 21st. The superb views from Mount Morris made the location ideal for observing troop movements and General Washington used this advantage to plan his army’s first successful victory; the Battle of Harlem Heights. Despite this victory, on October 21st, General Washington was forced to retreat to White Plains. For the remainder of the war, the house was used as a headquarters for both British and Hessian armies.

Following the war, the estate was confiscated under the Forfeiture Laws by the State of New York and sold to cover war debts. For a time, it served as a tavern; however, after some years, the tavern became unsuccessful and the house was abandoned once again. Then on July 10th of 1790, now President George Washington held his first Cabinet dinner at the same place he scored his first victory during the Revolutionary War. n 1810, Eliza and Stephen Jumel purchased Mount Morris, all farmlands, and began a series of alterations to the house. A merchant from the south of France, who emigrated to New York some years earlier, Stephen met and married Eliza Bowen in New York. She grew up in a poor Rhode Island family, a voracious reader and self-educated, she developed into a shrewd businesswoman long before most women worked outside the home, let alone ran businesses. At a moment when Stephen's business was foundering, Eliza applied herself to the real estate trade, buying and selling land and renting properties downtown. Her success made large profits for her husband and herself, making her one of the wealthiest women in New York, after Stephen’s death.

By the 1880s, most of the Jumel land had been sold as the city expanded and fashionable townhouses rose immediately surrounding the Mansion. The City of New York purchased the house and the two acres it sits on creating Roger Morris Park. With the assistance of the DAR, the Mansion was turned into a historic house and museum. The mid-20th Century saw the neighborhood develop into a vibrant home to many artists and celebrities including Paul Robeson, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and Duke Ellington, who once referred to the Morris-Jumel Mansion as “the jewel in the crown of Sugar Hill.” The buildings in this district are protected by the New York Landmarks Commission and must be maintained by their owners reflective of when they were built. Because of this, the appearance of the neighborhood has changed very little since the beginning of the twentieth century.

Today, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest house in Manhattan and as a museum highlights the art, architecture and lives of the Morris and Jumel families, while celebrating the changing landscape from the now lost Polo Grounds to the contemporary artists who find inspiration from this over 250 year old structure, and culture. We hope to see you soon to experience all that is new at Manhattan’s oldest house.

"As Manhattan’s oldest residence, the Morris-Jumel Mansion Museum presents American life from the colonial era to the present by preserving, collecting, and interpreting history, culture, and the arts to engage and inspire diverse audiences.

Morris-Jumel Mansion, Inc. operates the Morris -Jumel Mansion as a historic house museum and thereby seeks to preserve and interpret Manhattan’s oldest residence, one that has witnessed the evolution of northern Manhattan from rural countryside to a dynamic multicultural community. Through historic site tours and education programs, the museum interprets the mansion in the context of domestic life in New York City from 1765 until 1865, the influx of European immigrants to Washington Heights in the late 1800’s, the City Beautiful movement at the turn of the century, the life of the Jumel Terrace Historic District, and more recent immigration. Morris-Jumel Mansion seeks to serve as a cultural resource for an audience of national and international visitors and, in particular, the diverse audiences of the City of New York."

Hailes Castle (10) by Arjayempee

The Great Hall of Hailes Castle, built by the Hepburn Earls of Bothwell.

Patrick Hepburn, 2nd Lord Hailes, was one of the leaders of the Confederate Lords who rebelled against the deeply unpopular King James III and commanded the vanguard against the Royal army at the battle of Sauchieburn, 11 July 1488. As the battle drew to a close, the King was thrown from his horse and probably died in the fall. The story persists, unsupported by any contemporary evidence, that James was 'finished off' as he lay on the ground not far from Bannockburn, and Patrick Hepburn is one of those suspected of the suspected murder!

In the reign of James IV, Hepburn rose to great power and held many offices including Master of the King's Household, Custodian of Edinburgh Castle and Sheriff Principal of Edinburgh and Haddington. On 13 October 1488, he was given a Crown charter of the feudal lordships of Chrichton and Bothwell, which were in the King's hands following the forfeiture of John Ramsay, Lord Bothwell. In parliament four days later, the lordship of Bothwell was erected into an Earldom in his favour, and he was belted as Earl of Bothwell. In 1492, he was given a charter of the lands and lordship of Liddesdale, including Hermitage Castle, upon the resignation of the same by Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus, the latter getting the lordship of Bothwell, but not the Earldom.

The Hepburns were also the Lord High Admirals of Scotland - a title less important than sounds, because we didn't have any ships!

decay, dereliction, forfeiture by Andreas Templin

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New “COP” program to expand opioid overdose prevention program throughout State_2 by Kara Hahn

Legislator Kara Hahn and County Executive Steve Bellone joined NY Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman as he announced details of the Community Overdose Prevention (COP) program, which will equip all police officers and EMT’s in New York State with naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, and train them to recognize the symptoms of an opioid overdose and administer the antidote. The program will be funded by $5 million in joint federal-state criminal and civil forfeiture money, enough to train and equip every law enforcement officer in the state with a naloxone kit.

The Morris-Jumel Mansion was built in 1765 as a summer house by Colonel Roger Morris for his wife, Mary Philipse and their family on approximately 135 acres of land that stretched from the Harlem to Hudson rivers between what is now 140th and approximately 18oth streets. Their country estate was named Mount Morris and, being situated on one of the highest points of Manhattan, offered clear views of New Jersey, Connecticut, and all of New York harbor. In addition to serving as a summer retreat, Mount Morris was also a working farm with fruit trees, cows, and sheep in addition to a variety of crops.

With the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, the Morris family abandoned their summer home. Then, in the autumn of 1776, General George Washington and his Patriot officers moved in and made the house their headquarters from September 14th to October 21st. The superb views from Mount Morris made the location ideal for observing troop movements and General Washington used this advantage to plan his army’s first successful victory; the Battle of Harlem Heights. Despite this victory, on October 21st, General Washington was forced to retreat to White Plains. For the remainder of the war, the house was used as a headquarters for both British and Hessian armies.

Following the war, the estate was confiscated under the Forfeiture Laws by the State of New York and sold to cover war debts. For a time, it served as a tavern; however, after some years, the tavern became unsuccessful and the house was abandoned once again. Then on July 10th of 1790, now President George Washington held his first Cabinet dinner at the same place he scored his first victory during the Revolutionary War. n 1810, Eliza and Stephen Jumel purchased Mount Morris, all farmlands, and began a series of alterations to the house. A merchant from the south of France, who emigrated to New York some years earlier, Stephen met and married Eliza Bowen in New York. She grew up in a poor Rhode Island family, a voracious reader and self-educated, she developed into a shrewd businesswoman long before most women worked outside the home, let alone ran businesses. At a moment when Stephen's business was foundering, Eliza applied herself to the real estate trade, buying and selling land and renting properties downtown. Her success made large profits for her husband and herself, making her one of the wealthiest women in New York, after Stephen’s death.

By the 1880s, most of the Jumel land had been sold as the city expanded and fashionable townhouses rose immediately surrounding the Mansion. The City of New York purchased the house and the two acres it sits on creating Roger Morris Park. With the assistance of the DAR, the Mansion was turned into a historic house and museum. The mid-20th Century saw the neighborhood develop into a vibrant home to many artists and celebrities including Paul Robeson, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and Duke Ellington, who once referred to the Morris-Jumel Mansion as “the jewel in the crown of Sugar Hill.” The buildings in this district are protected by the New York Landmarks Commission and must be maintained by their owners reflective of when they were built. Because of this, the appearance of the neighborhood has changed very little since the beginning of the twentieth century.

Today, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest house in Manhattan and as a museum highlights the art, architecture and lives of the Morris and Jumel families, while celebrating the changing landscape from the now lost Polo Grounds to the contemporary artists who find inspiration from this over 250 year old structure, and culture. We hope to see you soon to experience all that is new at Manhattan’s oldest house.

"As Manhattan’s oldest residence, the Morris-Jumel Mansion Museum presents American life from the colonial era to the present by preserving, collecting, and interpreting history, culture, and the arts to engage and inspire diverse audiences.

Morris-Jumel Mansion, Inc. operates the Morris -Jumel Mansion as a historic house museum and thereby seeks to preserve and interpret Manhattan’s oldest residence, one that has witnessed the evolution of northern Manhattan from rural countryside to a dynamic multicultural community. Through historic site tours and education programs, the museum interprets the mansion in the context of domestic life in New York City from 1765 until 1865, the influx of European immigrants to Washington Heights in the late 1800’s, the City Beautiful movement at the turn of the century, the life of the Jumel Terrace Historic District, and more recent immigration. Morris-Jumel Mansion seeks to serve as a cultural resource for an audience of national and international visitors and, in particular, the diverse audiences of the City of New York."

Charter, under the privy seal, by King James VII to the rector and principal, granting a tack of the parsonage and vicarage teinds of Colmonell (19 May 1685) (front) by University of Glasgow Library

Dearborn, Michigan by Anthony

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2009 Ford F-450

Vehicle purchased with drug Forfeiture Funds

Bobby Mathieson by Office of Public Affairs

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U.S. Marshal, Eastern District of Virginia Bobby Mathieson displays a $850,000 check for Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force Ray Colgan. The Check is being awarded to the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund, so they can continue to their efforts to keep local gangs in check.

Photo by (Shane T. McCoy / US Marshals)

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Charter, under the privy seal, by King James VII to the rector and principal, granting a tack of the parsonage and vicarage teinds of Colmonell, which had been set by the masters to Thomas Kennedy once Grange but had now fallen into the King's hands by reason of forfeiture od the said tacksman. (19 May 1685)

(University of Glasgow Archive Services Ref: GUA BL/325)

There may have been a seal, now lost, since there is an integral seal tag.

The document is written in Scots on parchment in an italic hand. The first letter is ornamented.

Image of back available here

Bibliography:

Munimenta Alme Universitatis Glasguensis, Records of the University of Glasgow from its Foundation till 1727, ed. by Cosmo Innes (Glasgow : the Maitland Club, 1856), I, p. 426 (entry no 268).

View the catalogue for GUA BL/325 online

by because maybe

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"beauty against forfeiture"

ph: Samantha Faini

location: Consonno (LC)

All Saints, Wouldham, Kent by Jelltex

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Today (Saturday) was the highlight of the churchcrawling calendar: Ride & Stride coupled with Heritage Weekend. The day on which many churches that are usually locked could be found open.

Three years ago, 12 out of 12 were open, and two years ago I think 10 out of 12 were open.

This year would be a different experience.

That is because, some churches are locked all the time outside services, even on Ride and Stride, their only concession is to have the charity signing sheet pinned to a door or in the porch. Maybe some refreshments for the riders and striders, but it seems the days of most churches being open are long gone.

Maybe I was unlucky. But Boughton-Under-Blean, Great Chart, Little Chart were among those locked fast today.

So bad was the experience, with the weather as well, I might not bother next year.

Having walked to the door of Great Chart, a church in a large village on the outskirts of Ashford, there was no wardens, and the church locked, though refreshments available, but again no one came to refresh the used glasses.

The plan was to end at Brookland to see inside the triple candlesnuff tower, but three hours on the Marsh, with most churches visited several times, I gave in and came home.

I got back at quarter to four, there was a brew waiting, andI had bought a couple of small Bakewells from Tesco when I called in to buy pizza for dinner.

I had woken up at seven, with the sound of heavy rain outside. There was even a few rumbles of thunder. The clouds so low and thick that we need the table light on to see.

I made final touches to my plans for the day. Jools was going to stay home. Maybe not get dressed.

I left just after nine, rain was falling steadily. I made my way to the A2, then up to Barham where I turned towards Wigham, before turning off at Addisham.

Addisham is a nice church. Old, but they had replaced the heating and floor a decade back, and it was open as part of Heritage weekend, this one should have been open.

It was, and whilst I took shots of details, I chatted with the two wardens, one of whom remembered my from my previous visit a decade back.

When I left the church, I saw a torrential downpour had started, and the road I parked on had turned into a river. I got soaked in the 15 yards back to the car, and feet wet from the road.

I decided to not go to Hackington in Canterbury, that would require using endless back lanes. Instead I drove back to the A2, then north in driving rain to Boughton-Under-Blean.

Boughton is not often found open, but I battled the partially flooded lanes and traffic forcing me off the road, arriving at the church with the rain coming down just as hard.

I used an umbrella, walked up the path under the trees, meaning it seemed even darker. None of the three doors was unlocked, with the Ride and Stride sheet pinned to the west door, and no refreshments for the riders and striders.

I went back to the car, and decided to head north to find dry weather. Back to the A2, then up to the services for a comfort break and two sausage rolls from Greggs.

Refreshed, and the clouds having parted and blue sky seen, soon sunshine brightened everything.

I had to get through the traffic at the top of Bluebell Hill, then down the A229, before turning off north to get to the banks of the Medway.

I thought I recognised the new road to Burham. It was being built last time I was here. I parked outside, and upon entering I recognised the wooden wheel from the tower for the bells, now hung on the north wall.

I took shots anyway, as I was there. But I now doubted the next church, Wouldham: had I been there before too?

It was a ten minute drive through the narrow streets of the village, but I arrived at the church. Good news was that I did not recognise it.

I walked to the door, turned the handle, and found it locked.

A voice came from inside:

Who is it, what do you want?

I thought the church would be open, I take photographs.

The door opened.

No, the church isn't open today, would you like to come in to take shots?

That would be great, thanks.

Meetings like this is what churchcrawling is all about. We talked long about this and that, and I got my shots. The church though interesting from the outside with its offset tower, but quite plain on the inside.

I set course for Thurnham, a church I have never found open.

I sighed and made my way back to the 229, then down to the M20, before turning east for one junction to Detling.

Next village along is Thurnham, and driving past the pub I could see the church just through the trees below. I turned down the hill, and parked beside a hedge between two mansions. There is a path leading between the large houses to the church.

I walked along to the gate into the churchyard, a bike was parked by the open porch door. A good sign.

Indeed the church was open, I walked in with a huge smile, and the warden was equally pleased to see another visitor.

I explained I had been here on six previous occasions and found it locked, but this was a red letter day as it was open.

I talked for a while with the warden and a rider, who was taking a break. We talk about churches and their fittings.

Little did I know, this was the last church of the day. That would be open.

I was going to go to Hothfield, but the road to the church was closed, so I drove on to Little Chart for the 20th century church there.

I struggled to find it, having driven past it in the rain without realising. Without getting out of the car, I could see a cool box and the Ride and Stride form on it.

This wasn't open either.

My mood got even lower.

Final chance was Great Chart.

Great Chart is a big village on the edge of Ashford, surely there would be wardens and it be open? If it wasn't, I told myself, I would go home.

I parked opposite, walked over in steady rain and found the usual sheet and squash in the porch. The inner door locked.

Bugger it.

I held my promise and turned for home through Ashford to the motorway. It was twenty past two, and the radio went through previews of the games to come.

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Famous for the grave of Walter Burke, in whose arms Nelson died. The church stands low in its valley and is visually undistinguished, but external appearances are misleading as it contains a great deal of interest. Part of the arcade between south aisle and nave is formed of Saxon walling, with a double splayed window visible over the central arch. The wall was cut through by the present arcade in the thirteenth century. There is a standard twelfth-century font of five columns supporting a square bowl. The tower stands in an unusual position to the north-west of the nave, and the doorway between tower and north aisle shows deep notches cut by the bell ropes when the Sanctus bell was rung. By standing outside the door the ringer could see the high altar and the altar of St Blaise in the south chapel. A lancet in the chancel forms a low side window, while a more conventional, although much smaller, low side window exists in the south-east corner of the south aisle. There is also a fine fourteenth-century piscina.

www.kentchurches.info/church.asp?p=Wouldham

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WOLDHAM.

NEXT to the parish of St. Margaret and liberty of Rochester, southward, lies the parish of Woldham, written in the Saxon charters, Wuldaham, in the succeeding Latin ones, Vuldeham, and in the record of Domesday, Oldeham.

This place is supposed to take its name from the Saxon words wolde, a plain open down or hill, free from trees and wood, and ham, a village or dwelling; in the like manner as those large open downs in the north are still called wolds, in opposition to weald, a low woody region. (fn. 1)

It is likewise described in several later grants by the name of Woldeham Monachorum, from its belonging to the monks of Rochester.

THE PARISH of Woldham lies on the eastern bank of the river Medway, something more than two miles from the city of Rochester, in a situation of a very disferent aspect, and far less pleasant than that of the country last described, though so few miles distant from it. The village having the church in it, lies at the foot of the hills, very low, almost close to the river Medway (which is the western boundary of this parish) and from its contiguity to the marshes is accounted far from being healthy. In it there is a handsome sashed brick house, named Woldham house, built by Captain Robert Trevor, of the navy, since the residence of George Guy, esq. About a mile northward, in a situation equally low, and about the same distance from the river, is the house of Starkey's, which, though now only a farm-house, has still a handsome appearance, being a strong building of stone, with gothic windows and door cases, of ashlar stone. Hence, as well as from the back of the village, the hills rise to a great height eastward, as far as Nashenden, being mostly uninclosed, open downs, the soil of which is chalk, much covered with slints, being poor and unfertile, a dreary country.

About forty years ago, in digging a trench from Woldham house up to the open downs, there were found several instruments of an antique form like a wedge, or axe, usually called celts, which were chiefly of brass.

This parish ought antiently to have contributed to the repair of the fourth pier of Rochester bridge. (fn. 2)

ETHELBERT, king of Kent, in the year 751, first gave Vuldeham to the church of St. Andrew, in Rochester; but sometime after it was taken from it, and several kings possessed it, one after the other, till the time of king Edmund, who began his reign in 941, of whom one Ælsstan Heahstanine bought it, at the price of one hundred and twelve marcs of gold, and thirty pounds in money, on whose death, Ælfege, his son, succeeded to it, who by will made in the presence of archbishop Dunstan, about the year 970, made a distribution of all his effects, and devised one part to Christ-church, in Canterbury, one part to the church of Rochester, and the remaining third part to his own wife. Notwithstanding which, one Leossunu, who had married his nephew's widow, endeavoured to set aside this disposition, as well as the archbishop's testimony in relation to it, and entered on them, but they were recovered from him in a solemn trial held at Erhede by the archbishop, for this purpose. After which, on the division of these estates, Vuldeham seems to have been part of that share of them allotted to the church of St. Andrew, in Rochester. King Ethelbert, in the year 995, confirmed Wuldaham, which then contained six mansœ, which the Kentish men called sulings, to St. Andrew's and bishop Godwin.

In the book of Domesday, Woldham is thus described, under the general title of the bishop of Rochester's lands:

The 'same bishop (of Rochester) holds Oldeham. It was taxed for six sulings in the time of king Edward the Confessor, and now for three. The arable land is five carucates. In demesne there are two, and eighteen villeins, with sixteen borderers having six carucates. There are six servants, and one fishery, and sixty acres of meadow. Wood for the pannage of twenty hogs. There is a church. In the time of king Edward the Confessor, and afterwards, it was worth eight pounds, now twelve pounds.

Bishop Gundulph, who was elected to the see of Rochester in the time of the Conqueror, on the division of the revenues of his church, allotted this manor, with its appendages, to the monks; to the use of their refectory, in lieu of Freckenham, in Suffolk, which he took in exchange for it, chusing rather, as the latter lay at so remote a distance from Rochester, that himself and his successors should be put to the inconvenience of going there, than that the monks, or the poor of that parish, should be yearly harrassed in carrying their corn so far, (fn. 3) but bishop Gilbert de Glanvill, on his coming to the see of Rochester in 1185, claiming this manor with its appendages, among others, which had been allotted to them by bishop Gundulph, as belonging to the maintenance of his table, the monks were at last forced to submit. In consequence of which, though he took the church of Woldham from them, yet they continued in possession of the manor till the dissolution of the priory in the 32d year of king Henry VIII.

In the reigns of king Edward I. and II. the bishop of Rochester claimed several liberties, as belonging to all the lands and fees of his church, as did the prior of Rochester in the 21st year of the former reign in this manor, (fn. 4) both equally the same as has been already more fully mentioned under Frindsbury. (fn. 5)

King Edward I. in his 23d year, granted to the prior and convent free warren in all their demesne lands of this manor; so that no one should hunt or take any thing on them which belonged to warren, without their licence, on forfeiture of ten pounds. (fn. 6)

The manor of Woldham, on the dissolution of the priory of Rochester in the 32d year of Henry VIII. was surrendered, with the other possessions of it, into the king's hands, who, in his 33d year settled it on his new-founded dean and chapter of Rochester, with whom the inheritance of it continues at this time.

There is a court leet and court baron held for this manor.

The lessee of it, under the dean and chapter of Rochester, is Mr. Iden Henham.

In the Custumale Roffense there is frequent mention made of a water mill in Woldham, belonging to the above manor, and the custom was, that once a year every house was obliged to send one man for a day, to clear the passage, ditch, and mill-pond, that the water might come well to turn the mill; and there were two particular acres of land, the occupiers of which were to clean the ditch, which led from the river to the millpond.

There were several small parcels of land granted at several times to different persons by the prior and convent of Rochester, lying in Magna and Parva Woldham, being two divisions in this parish, a more particular account of which may be seen in the Registrum Roffense.

RINGS is a manor here, a small part of which extends itself into the adjoining parish of St. Margaret, in Rochester. It was formerly in the possession of Robert de Woldham, after which it became separated into moieties, one of which became part of the estate of the eminent family of Cosington, of Cosington, in Aylesford, and the other became the property of Carter. From the family of Cosington that moiety passed by sale in the reign of Henry VI. to William Whorne, afterwards knighted, and lord-mayor of London, who built Whorne's-place, in Cookstone, where he resided; and the other moiety passed about the same time to Laurence; they, by a mutual deed of conveyance, alienated their joint interest in this manor to William Hadde, of Meriam-court, in Frinsted, who in the 36th year of that reign, gave it to his second son, Mr. John Hadde, whose descendant sold it to Thomas Roydon, esq. of Roydon-hall, in East Peckham, who, among others, in the 31st year of king Henry VIII. procured his estates to be disgavelled by act of parliament. From Roydon this manor passed to Brockhull, of Aldington, in Thurnham, whose descendant, Henry Brockhull, alienated it to Sir John Leveson, alias Lewson, of Whorne's-place, in Cookstone; (fn. 7) after which it passed, in like manner as that seat by sale to the family of Marsham, in which it has continued down to the right hon. Charles lord Romney, the present possessor of it.

STARKEYS is a manor here, lying in that district of this parish called Little Woldham, which was formerly known by the name of the manor of Lyttlyhall and Woldham.

In the reign of king Edward III. it seems to have been in the possession of Richard Byset, who held it as one quarter of a knight's fee in Parva Woldham, (fn. 8) and afterwards passed it away to Henry de Bokeland, who alienated it to Henry Newman, and he held it in the 20th year of that reign of the bishop of Rochester as above-mentioned. His descendant, Henry Newman, conveyed it to Humphry Starkey, descended from the Starkeys, of Wrenbury, and Oulton, in Cheshire, and bore for his arms, Sable, a stork proper, who in the 12th year of king Edward IV. was made recorder of London, and in the 2d year of king Richard III. chief baron of the exchequer, having been knighted before. (fn. 9)

He built a good house here, being a large strong edifice of stone, tho' much larger formerly than it is at present, together with a handsome chapel on this manor, a fragment of the latter only being now left at the east angle of the house, which, from that and his residence here acquired the name of Starkeys. (fn. 10) He died possessed of this manor, and lies buried in St. Leonard's, Shoreditch, in London, leaving four daughters his coheirs; and on the division of their inheritance, this manor fell to the share of Sir John Rainsford, who had married Anne, the youngest of them. His son, of the same name, was a person much in favour with king Henry VIII. who made him a privy counsellor. (fn. 11) He alienated this estate to Lambe, who passed it away to Sir John Leveson, alias Lewson, from which name it was sold, together with the manor of Rings before mentioned, in the reign of king Charles I. to John Marsham, esq. whose descendant, the right hon. Charles lord Romney, is the present possessor of this manor and estate.

SELLERS is a manor, which lies partly in this parish and partly in Burham, which with the mansion of it, called the Hall, alias Woldham ball, was held in the teign of king John, as appears by the inquisitions returned into the treasury in the 12th and 13th years of that reign, by Robert de Woldham Magna, as one quarter of a knight's fee, of the bishop of Rochester. Soon after which the possessors of this manor were called, from it, At-Hall, and in Latin deeds, De Aula. Robert Le Neve was owner of it in the reign of king Edward I. and then held it by the above tenure. His heirs sold it to John Atte Celar, written also At Celere, in Edward III's reign, whose descendant Warine Atte Celar, or De Celario, held this manor in the 30th year of it, and continuing in his descendants, it at length acquired the name of Sellers, as they now began to spell themselves. They bore for their arms, Argent, a saltier between four mullets gules; which arms were painted in a window of this church, and remained very lately in a window of the mansion-house of this manor.

The manor of Sellers remained in this family, till a female heir, about the reign of king Henry VII. carried it in marriage to John Beuly, gent. who bore for his arms, Argent, a chevron between three griffins heads erased, sable, and continuing in his descendants it gained the name of Beuly's-court, though the mansionhouse itself retained that of Hall-place, (fn. 12) alias Woldham hall. In this name of Beuly it continued till the year 1693, when it was alienated to Manley, who bore for their arms, Argent, a sinister hand couped, sable, and were descended from Thomas Manley, of Chester, (fn. 13) in which name it remained down to Mr. William Manley, who resided in it and died in 1779, and this manor became the property of his three sons and coheirs in gavelkind, from whom it was afterwards sold to Joseph Brooke, esq. on the death of whose widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Brooke, in 1796, it came by his will to the Rev. John Kenward Shaw, now of Town Malling, who has taken the name of Brooke, and is the present possessor of this estate. There is a court baron held for this manor.

There are no parochial charities.

WOLDHAM is within the ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION of the diocese and deanry of Rochester.

The church, which is a small building, with a low square tower, on which was formerly a spire steeple, is situated at the south west extremity of the village, and is dedicated to All Saints. The steeple of this church, and much of the fabric, owe their original to the liberality of Stephen Slegge, of this parish, who was sheriff of Kent in the 20th year of king Henry VI. and gave by his will in the 36th year of it, one hundred marcs to be expended on it. It was formerly an appendage to the manor, and as such allotted by bishop Gundulph, in the division which he made of the possessions of his church, to the share of the monks of St. Andrew's; but bishop Gilbere de Glanvill, though he suffered them to retain the manor, yet he wrested this church out of their hands, and it has ever since remained in the possession of the bishops of Rochester, his successors.

Richard, bishop of Rochester, in the 9th year of king Edward I. at the instance of the prior and convent of Rochester, made enquiry by inquisition as to the method which the monks used in taking their portions of tithes within their manors, and what part of them was allowed to the several parish churches, by which it appeared, that in their manor of Woldham, the parish church, and the abbess of Malling took the whole of the tithes of sheaves only, but of other small tithes, it did not nor ever used to take any thing; and he decreed, that the parish church should be content with the tithes of the sheaves of every kind of corn only. All which was confirmed by John, archbishop of Canterbury, by inspeximus next year, anno 1281.

THE PORTION OF TITHES belonging to the abbey of Malling, was given to it by Ralf de Woldham, (fn. 14) being the third part of his tithe of corn, and two parts of the tithe of his demesne in this parish, and Robert de Woldham gave the whole of his tithe of Parva Woldham to it. In the 15th year of king Edward I. this portion of tithes was valued at eight marcs.

An inquisition was made by Thomas de Alkham, and the tenants of Woldham, concerning these tithes in this parish, belonging to the abbess in the 26th year of king Edward III.

In the Registrum Roffense, p. 694, is a particular account of the portions of sheaves, which the abbess took on the several lands in this parish, the names of which, of the owners and occupiers, and the measurement of them are therein mentioned, in which in some, the abbess had two sheaves, and the rector one; in others she had but one, and the rector two; in some she had the tenth sheas with the rector, and in the rest therein mentioned, she had all the tenth of sheaves.

Much dispute having arisen between the rector of this parish and the rector of Snodland, the opposite parish on the other side of the Medway, concerning the tithe of fish, caught within the bounds of this parish by the parishioners of the latter, it was submitted to the final decree of John, bishop of Rochester, who by his instrument, anno 1402, decreed that for the future the parishioners of Snodland, being inhabitants of it at any time going out from thence to fish, with their boats, nets, and other instruments necessary for that purpose, might, either by themselves or by others, draw their nets, and take fish beyond the stream of the main river to the shore of the water situated within the bounds and limits of this parish; that one moiety of the tithe of the fish so caught should belong to the rector of Snodland for the time being, and the other moiety to the rector of Woldham, to be paid to them by the fishers, without any diminution whatsoever. (fn. 15)

The church of Woldham is a discharged living in the king's books, of the clear yearly certified value of 30l. the yearly tenths of which are 1l. 8s. 7¾d. This rectory, in 1716, was augmented by queen Anne's bounty, the sum of 200l. having been contributed to it by different persons. In 1708, here were sixty-five communicants. The bishop of Rochester is patron of this rectory.

www.british-history.ac.uk/survey-kent/vol4/pp399-408

Ray Colgan by Office of Public Affairs

Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force Ray Colgan speaks after receiving a $850,000 check. The Check was awarded to the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund, so they can continue to their efforts to keep local gangs in check.

Photo by (Shane T. McCoy / US Marshals)

Leamaneh castle by Wendy:

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The castle was originally a basic, multi-storied Irish tower house which was built circa 1480, probably by Turlogh Donn, one of the last of the High Kings of Ireland and a direct descendant of Brian Boru. The castle's name "Leamaneh" is believed to be derived from the gaelic "léim an éich" which, when translated into English means "the horse's leap".

The tower was surrendered to Henry VIII in 1548 AD by Turlogh Donn's son, Murrough, who was subsequently created 1st Earl of Thomond and Baron Inchiquin (the O'Briens having surrendered their Royal status to the English Crown).

The manor house was erected in 1648 by Conor O'Brien and his wife, Máire ní Mahon, one of the most infamous women in Irish folklore who, due to her flaming red hair, was commonly known as "Máire Rúa" (Red Mary). Conor, was another member of the large O'Brien family which had ruled much of Clare for several hundred years. She born in 1615 or 1616. Her father was Sir Torlach Rúa MacMahon, Lord of Clonderlaw and her mother was Lady Mary O'Brien, daughter of the third Earl of Thomond. Her first husband, Daniel O'Neylan (also written O'Neillan) of Dysert O'Dea Castle in north Clare died young and upon his death, she gained control of his substantial

estate and a £1,000 fortune. This wealth enabled her and Conor to build a more comfortable mansion on to the tower house. It was, without doubt, Clare's most magnificent seventeenth century house. The multi-gabled manor house was very modern for its time.

In 1651 Conor was killed in battle against the Cromwellians. His widow realized that the punishment for his rebellion against the English would be the forfeiture of their property. Therefore, in a desperate attempt to retain her lands and estates, she offered to marry any Cromwellian officer who would take her hand. (This is refuted in other versions of the story which state that Máire Rúa didn't marry until 1653, two years after Conor's death.)

Her third husband, Cornet John Cooper was a Cromwellian soldier and through this marriage Máire Rúa successfully retained her estates. Cooper left the army and amassed some wealth through land and property speculation. However, he later ran into financial difficulty and, as a result, Leamaneh was mortgaged.

Máire Rúa's son, Donagh (later Sir Donagh) was the last of the O'Brien's to occupy the house. He subsequently moved the family seat from Leamaneh to the much-larger Dromoland Castle in Newmarket-On-Fergus, south of Ennis where his mother spent her final years. Although Máire Rúa's children from her first marriage to Daniel O'Neylan (or O'Neillan) were raised Catholic, he was brought up as a Protestant and eventually became the "richest commoner in Ireland."

IMG_8454merged

Congressman Wolf 1 by Office of Public Affairs

Congressman Frank Wolf speaks during a ceremony in which a check for $850,000 was presented to the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund.

Photo by (Shane T. McCoy / US Marshals)

(5 of 10) Craignethan Castle - The Bastard's demise by Arjayempee

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The outer ward's curtain wall, which as seen here, and contrary to its appearance in my stitched together photos - is straight!

By the time it was finished in 1536, Craignethan Castle was one of the wonders of Scotland! It was also a substantial house.

In May 1536, Finnart welcomed King James V and the Royal Court to Craignethen for the wedding of his daughter. It may well be that he chose Craignethen for this event so that he could show off his architectural ideas, such as the carponier, to the king. While Finnart tended to conduct his business from various other castles, usually more conveniently placed, such as nearby Strathaven, he seems to have intended Craignethen to be his base - his secure country chateau and perhaps his planned place of retirement. If so, his plans came to nought!

In July 1540, Finnart was seized and on 15 August 1540 he was subjected to a show-trial on two points of treason: first, that he had conspired with the Douglases to murder the King at Holyrood 12 years earlier; and second, that he had fired a missile from a machine of his invention from the campanile at Linlithgow to the King's danger. The former charge was ludicrous: if there had been a conspiracy, it would certainly not have been to the benefit of the Douglases, in whose defeat Finnart had been so instrumental. Any conspiracy against James V would only have been intended to advance the Hamilton family's occupation of the throne. There was, however, some substance to the second point. Something indeed had happened at Linlithgow, since both John Crummy (Master of the King's Entry at Linlithgow, and a Finnart acolyte) and James Nasmyth (a Linlithgow burgess) were also charged with being involved in firing a machine at the King in Linlithgow, and later pardoned.

The result was preordained. Finnart was beheaded the same day as his trail, protesting in terms almost identical to Cardinal Wolsey some years before, that if he only had served his God with the same degree of devotion that he had served his King, he would not have come to such a pass.

The real motive for the bringing down of the Bastard of Arran, and who was behind it all, seems to be hidden in the mists of time. No doubt jealousy and power had much to do with it!

The importance of Craignethan to Finnart is demonstrated by the fact that, upon his forfeiture, it was from here that his deeds, great screen, expensive chapel ware, clock, 45 lbs of silver including five silver dining tables (but excluding his eighteen spoons, two silver salt cellars, and two silver flagons) - to say nothing of the box of over £1,500 worth of gold coins - were collected by a succession of porters sent by the King for delivery into royal hands at Edinburgh!

Congressman Wolf 2 by Office of Public Affairs

Congressman Frank Wolf speaks during a ceremony in which a check for $850,000 was presented to the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund.

Photo by (Shane T. McCoy / US Marshals)

Policia National Colombia Drug Forfeiture Car Equipped As Patrol Car by Steve Bunting

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Wingfield, Suffolk by mira66

Church of St Andrew, Monument to John second duke of Suffolk (d.1492) and Lady Alice Chaucer (d. 1475), Alabaster

The tomb stands on a purpose built chest. Decorated with quatrefoils, filled with now blank heraldic, shields and under a wide arch with further decoration, which allows for the squint with a view of the high altar from the de la Pole chantry (now the vestry). The framing columns must have extended higher as the heraldic beasts (a dog(?) and a tame lion that looks more like a begging lap-dog) which frame another Saracen’s head are no longer connected with the tomb. There is damage, besides the obvious vandalism: both of Lady Alice’s arms are broken and the angel once supporting her cushion has lost its head and arms.

The details are finely carved: their coronets, the duke’s finely combed hair, his stern features, tassel holding his cloak and belt, Lady Alice’s veil (linen) and the fine detail of her neckpiece.

John de la Pole, the only son of William first duke of Suffolk (1396–1450), suffered as a result of his father’s downfall. Duke William had been a successful courtier and Henry VI's favourite, a relationship treated with increasing suspicion resulting in the popular outcry of 1450 leading to his impeachment by the Commons. Although not convicted, Duke William was exiled and murdered when the boat on which he was sailing to the Netherlands was intercepted. His son was stripped of his father’s valuable appointments, reducing his income below that expected of a duke. His marriage in 1458 to Elizabeth, the daughter of Richard, duke of York, never brought the material advancement that he could reasonably have expected. When their son Lincoln was attainted for treason and suffered forfeiture in 1487, Suffolk was allowed to save the family lands held by his son, but only during his life-time. On his death the attenuated inheritance meant that his next son, Edmund de la Pole, gave up the title of duke in return for forfeited lands.

Michael Hicks, ‘Pole, John de la, second duke of Suffolk (1442–1492)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/22450, accessed 30 April 2014]

FDNY/NYPD Social Security Disability Scams by j07august

Jan 14, 2014 Manhattan prosecutors on Tuesday made the first move to seize nearly $22 million that 106 suspects allegedly gained from the twisted disability scam.

Noting that “there is extremely strong evidence . . . to support the charges,” the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office filed court papers seeking forfeiture proceedings, saying “there is legitimate concern’’ that the suspects will try to hide the dough.

The suspects include 80 cops and firefighters who retired with three-quarters-pay disability pensions from the city, then filed fraudulent Social Security to get more money, authorities said.

1737_tax_forfeited_house_sale-20180426 by Hennepin County

Congressman Wolf 3 by Office of Public Affairs

Congressman Frank Wolf speaks during a ceremony in which a check for $850,000 was presented to the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund.

Photo by (Shane T. McCoy / US Marshals)

by because maybe

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"beauty against forfeiture"

ph: Samantha Faini

location: Consonno (LC)

Prudhoe Castle, Prudhoe, Northumberland, England. by HISTOGRAPHY by DM & DBM.

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Prudhoe Castle is a ruined medieval English castle situated on the south bank of the River Tyne at Prudhoe, Northumberland, England. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building.

Archaeological excavations have shown that the first castle on the site was a Norman motte and bailey, built sometime in the mid 11th century. Following the Norman Conquest, the Umfraville family took over control of the castle. Robert d’Umfraville was formally granted the barony of Prudhoe by Henry I but it is likely that the Umfravilles had already been granted Prudhoe in the closing years of the 11th century. The Umfravilles (probably Robert) initially replaced the wooden palisade with a massive rampart of clay and stones and subsequently constructed a stone curtain wall and gatehouse.

In 1173 William the Lion of Scotland invaded the North East to claim the earldom of Northumberland. The head of the Umfraville family, Odinel II, refused to support him and as a result the Scottish army tried to take Prudhoe Castle. The attempt failed as the Scots were not prepared to undertake a lengthy siege. The following year William attacked the castle again but found that Odinel had strengthened the garrison, and after a siege of just three days the Scottish army left. Following the siege, Odinel further improved the defences of the castle by adding a stone keep and a great hall.

Odinel died in 1182 and was succeeded by his son Richard. Richard became one of the barons who stood against King John, and as a result forfeited his estates to the crown. They remained forfeited until 1217, the year after King John's death. Richard died in 1226 and was succeeded by his son, Gilbert, who was himself succeeded in 1245 by his son Gilbert. Through his mother, Gilbert II inherited the title of Earl of Angus, with vast estates in Scotland, but he continued to spend some of his time at Prudhoe. It is believed that he carried out further improvements to the castle. Gilbert took part in the fighting between Henry III of England and his barons, and in the Scottish expeditions of Edward I. He died in 1308 and was succeeded by his son, Robert D’Umfraville IV. In 1314, Robert was taken prisoner by the Scots at Bannockburn, but was soon released, though he was deprived of the earldom of Angus and of his Scottish estates. In 1316 King Edward granted Robert 700 marks to maintain a garrison of 40 men-at-arms and 80 light horsemen at Prudhoe.

In 1381 the last of the line, Gilbert III, died without issue and his widow married Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland. On her death in 1398, the castle passed to the Percy family.

The Percys added a new great hall to the castle shortly after they took possession of it. Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland fought against Henry IV and took part in the Battle of Shrewsbury, for which act he was attainted and his estates, including Prudhoe, were forfeited to the Crown in 1405. That same year it was granted to the future Duke of Bedford, (a son of Henry IV) and stayed in his hands until his death in 1435, whereupon it reverted to the Crown.

The Percys regained ownership of the Prudhoe estates in 1440, after a prolonged legal battle. However, Henry Percy, 3rd Earl of Northumberland fought on the Lancastrian side in the Wars of the Roses and was killed at the Battle of Towton in 1461. In 1462 Edward IV granted Prudhoe to his younger brother George, Duke of Clarence. The latter only possessed the castle briefly before the king granted it to Lord Montague.

The castle was restored to the fourth Earl in 1470. The principal seat of the Percys was Alnwick Castle and Prudhoe was for the most part let out to tenants. In 1528 however Henry Percy 6th Earl was resident at the castle as later was his brother Sir Thomas Percy. Both the Earl and Sir Thomas were heavily involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536 and both were convicted of treason and executed. Following forfeiture of the estates the castle was reported in August 1537 to have habitable houses and towers within its walls, although they were said to be somewhat decayed and in need of repairs estimated at £20.

The castle was once again restored to Thomas Percy, the 7th Earl in about 1557. He was convicted of taking part in the Rising of the North in 1569. He escaped, but was recaptured and was executed in 1572.

The castle was thereafter let out to many and various tenants and was not used as a residence after the 1660s. In 1776 it was reported to be ruinous.

Between 1808 and 1817, Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland carried out substantial repairs to the ancient fabric and replaced the old dwellings within the walls with a Georgian mansion adjoining the keep.

In 1966 the castle was given over to the Crown and is now in the custody of English Heritage and is open to the public.

The Morris-Jumel Mansion was built in 1765 as a summer house by Colonel Roger Morris for his wife, Mary Philipse and their family on approximately 135 acres of land that stretched from the Harlem to Hudson rivers between what is now 140th and approximately 18oth streets. Their country estate was named Mount Morris and, being situated on one of the highest points of Manhattan, offered clear views of New Jersey, Connecticut, and all of New York harbor. In addition to serving as a summer retreat, Mount Morris was also a working farm with fruit trees, cows, and sheep in addition to a variety of crops.

With the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, the Morris family abandoned their summer home. Then, in the autumn of 1776, General George Washington and his Patriot officers moved in and made the house their headquarters from September 14th to October 21st. The superb views from Mount Morris made the location ideal for observing troop movements and General Washington used this advantage to plan his army’s first successful victory; the Battle of Harlem Heights. Despite this victory, on October 21st, General Washington was forced to retreat to White Plains. For the remainder of the war, the house was used as a headquarters for both British and Hessian armies.

Following the war, the estate was confiscated under the Forfeiture Laws by the State of New York and sold to cover war debts. For a time, it served as a tavern; however, after some years, the tavern became unsuccessful and the house was abandoned once again. Then on July 10th of 1790, now President George Washington held his first Cabinet dinner at the same place he scored his first victory during the Revolutionary War. n 1810, Eliza and Stephen Jumel purchased Mount Morris, all farmlands, and began a series of alterations to the house. A merchant from the south of France, who emigrated to New York some years earlier, Stephen met and married Eliza Bowen in New York. She grew up in a poor Rhode Island family, a voracious reader and self-educated, she developed into a shrewd businesswoman long before most women worked outside the home, let alone ran businesses. At a moment when Stephen's business was foundering, Eliza applied herself to the real estate trade, buying and selling land and renting properties downtown. Her success made large profits for her husband and herself, making her one of the wealthiest women in New York, after Stephen’s death.

By the 1880s, most of the Jumel land had been sold as the city expanded and fashionable townhouses rose immediately surrounding the Mansion. The City of New York purchased the house and the two acres it sits on creating Roger Morris Park. With the assistance of the DAR, the Mansion was turned into a historic house and museum. The mid-20th Century saw the neighborhood develop into a vibrant home to many artists and celebrities including Paul Robeson, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and Duke Ellington, who once referred to the Morris-Jumel Mansion as “the jewel in the crown of Sugar Hill.” The buildings in this district are protected by the New York Landmarks Commission and must be maintained by their owners reflective of when they were built. Because of this, the appearance of the neighborhood has changed very little since the beginning of the twentieth century.

Today, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest house in Manhattan and as a museum highlights the art, architecture and lives of the Morris and Jumel families, while celebrating the changing landscape from the now lost Polo Grounds to the contemporary artists who find inspiration from this over 250 year old structure, and culture. We hope to see you soon to experience all that is new at Manhattan’s oldest house.

"As Manhattan’s oldest residence, the Morris-Jumel Mansion Museum presents American life from the colonial era to the present by preserving, collecting, and interpreting history, culture, and the arts to engage and inspire diverse audiences.

Morris-Jumel Mansion, Inc. operates the Morris -Jumel Mansion as a historic house museum and thereby seeks to preserve and interpret Manhattan’s oldest residence, one that has witnessed the evolution of northern Manhattan from rural countryside to a dynamic multicultural community. Through historic site tours and education programs, the museum interprets the mansion in the context of domestic life in New York City from 1765 until 1865, the influx of European immigrants to Washington Heights in the late 1800’s, the City Beautiful movement at the turn of the century, the life of the Jumel Terrace Historic District, and more recent immigration. Morris-Jumel Mansion seeks to serve as a cultural resource for an audience of national and international visitors and, in particular, the diverse audiences of the City of New York."

www.entoto-natural-park.org/2019/11/ethiopia-and-river-ni...

Ethiopia and the River Nile by Entoto Natural Park

Ethiopia and the River Nile.

A rare knowledge, indeed, is that Ethiopia's high plateau is the abundant water source and the origin to most of the high cultures of history and even the cultural cradle of the today's modern civilizations. Even among highly educated groups in the technologically advanced countries, this is unknown and often an embarrassingly irritating piece of information.

The reason for this lack of interest among the academic world is mainly difficulties in distinguishing the abundant precipitation source over the Ethiopian Highland and its much later deposited body of water in Egypt and the Mediterranean sea. Furthermore, a twisted history record appeared due to the early literary legacy of adventurers among the explorers and their desire to find the mysterious and evasive source of the White Nile.

They hesitated to follow the Blue Nile to such a high degree that the explorers first in 1968 could muster the challenge and lure of the more significant cause of this ancient and mysterious water-flow by following an arduous journey through Ethiopia's deep gorges and canyons. Thus, they gazed the horizon of Lake Tana, the still mythical source of the Nile and the team of 60 British and Ethiopian servicemen and scientists made the first complete descent and scientific investigation of the Blue Nile.

Always hazardous this journey went, into waterways of steep rising clefts, endlessly repeating and with little rests in unforgiving dusky nights. Through the hardship and moisty starvation, this journey continued, into these irresistible beautiful but harshly demanding and dizzying looming twilight gorges. They continued intensely beneath these towering high mountain crests of the Ethiopian Highland and among the waterways of deeply lurking beasts. Within this abyss of still unknown origin and in this concealed landscape underneath the Ethiopian high-plateau they, at last, found their way and created the first investigative research of the mighty waterways beneath Ethiopia's historic Highland.

Thus, Egypt, the ancient high culture, usually regarded as the cultural cradle for the ancient Greek and European civilizations, have their historical culture thanks to the watershed from the Ethiopian Highlands. These past civilizations, located far below and beyond Ethiopian, have the nourishment of their cultural source thanks to this mighty water flow of the Blue Nile.

In ancient times, Ethiopia's considerable rainwater resources were probably not so contradictory, and the reason was mainly the abundant natural vegetation of Ethiopia's highlands. This native Ethiopian vegetation served as an extremely effective physical barrier, blocking and the country's water masses from rushing down the country's slopes in the direction of Egypt. Also, the same native vegetation was the reason that this water was not only prevented from draining but also that this original vegetation function as countless very efficient drainage pipes, down towards Ethiopia's thick soil layers and the deeper groundwater reservoirs. This seasonal water flows over the Ethiopian Highlands were then historically and even more pre-historically infiltrating the deluge into soil permeability and by gravity vertically delivered this mass of purified water to be stored in underground aquifers.

Historically, these large quantities of torrential precipitations were accumulated for a long time within the borders of Ethiopia, with the result that the total water flows in the country were greatly extended over time and at the same time subdued in its sudden and erosive overflows. These floodwaters were thus regularly swallowed by Ethiopia's geology, landscape and vegetation during each rainy period, and only after these were fully saturated did the abundance of rainwater begin to flow further into the Nile.

After the surprisingly long opposite turned detour of the Blue Nile's long journey towards the south and Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, the Blue Nile turns at last turns northwards and unites with the White Nile in Sudan and then continues to Egypt. Although the river Nile is very long and mighty, it can, of course, be seen as very odd how it also is subdued to considerable losses. Due to leaks along its extremely long river path the River Nile is, of course, defeated with many forfeitures in soil permeability and evaporation. Furthermore, these countries receiving the water below the Ethiopian Highland are well known as warmer lowland areas; nevertheless, this water from Ethiopia finally arrives in Egypt in historical quantities.

It is a meteorological phenomenon (Orographic Precipitation) that is very well known and obvious that the incoming clouds transform their moisture into rain as they rise over a high mountain mass. However, this mountain massif need not in any way be close to potential civilization to deliver high volumes of water. Still, the source of the precipitation and the beneficial countries may be very distant from one another, such as the Ethiopian Highlands and the Egyptian civilization. The Ethiopian Highlands is a historical example here, which, despite its remoteness, is nevertheless the most significant carrier of the water that arrives in Egypt's civilization through the Nile River.

The Blue Nile from Ethiopia is here, with it's 70 - 80% of the Nile's water during the rainy seasons, without comparison the dominant source of the Nile, and this should be essential to point out as a crucial historical reality. It's is usually described how the countries south of Ethiopia are the source of the Nile. However, this is only correct in the adventure literature and the early travellers' romantic description of heroic adventures' discoveries in the ascent of the breathtakingly beautiful cloud-covered Ruwenzori mountains and glaciers in the mountain range through the countries of Uganda and Congo. In the case of Ethiopia, it is the large lake Tana that dominates and distributes this water through the Blue Nile's long journey through the highlands of Ethiopia.

Located on a mountain ridge of Entoto Natural Park its crest forms a big water divider. The northern slope drains into the Blue Nile, and the precipitation from the southern slope will end up in the Awash River.

This topographical configuration of Entoto Natural Park's mountain crest has the curious result that two raindrops that simultaneously moist the soil of Entoto's mountain crest, only a centimetre apart from each other, will have quite different destinies. One waterway will, after a long journey through the River Nile reach the Mediterranean Sea. In contrast, the other watershed will pass through the city of Addis Ababa, eventually evaporating in the Danakil Desert, as the Awash River never reaches the sea.

unscrupulous x 2 - Weston Upon Avon, Warwickshire by jmc4 - Church Explorer

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"Here was buried Edward Greville formerly lord of Milcot, who yielded to his destiny on the eve of Christmas Day, in the 59th year of human safety above one thousand five hundred, Elizabeth then being the most serene ruler over the English, already in her second year"

He was buried in "St Anne's chappell alongside his father, his effigy brass which has miraculously escaped where his shields and inscription are lost, now lies on the chancel floor

Sir Edward Greville 1559 was the only son of Sir John Greville 1546 www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/t224Z8 & 2nd wife Elizabeth daughter of John Spencer of Hodnet

He m Margaret flic.kr/p/2dfWQPT daughter of William Wellington / Willington of Barcheston Warwickshire by Anne Middlemore flic.kr/p/R8eVFA

Children

1. Ludovic 1547 -1589 +++ m Thomasine d1611 daughter of Sir William Petre flic.kr/p/b4Nb6F of Ingatestone by Anne daughter of Sir William Browne, Lord Mayor of London & 2nd wife Alice Keble

+++ Ludovic Grevill in 1567 obtained a royal licence to build and embattle a new house at Milcote and to call it Mountgrevell which he began but never completed, and it was possibly to obtain funds for this purpose that he caused 2 of his servants to murder a wealthy tenant Richard Webb of Drayton, and forged his will leaving his lands to himself. One of the murderers Thomas Brocke, babbling in his cups, was removed, but Grevill was arrested for this second murder in 1589 and Webb's widow who had already claimed the lands in Drayton, now charged Ludovic with the murder of her husband When he was brought to trial he refused to plead and was therefore 'pressed' to death on 14 November 1589, (his refusing to plead saved his estates from forfeiture)

Milcote passed to his son Edward on whom it had been settled on his marriage with Joan daughter of Lord Chancellor Sir Thomas Bromley & Elizabeth Fortescue. - Edward had become heir after accidentally fatally shooting his elder brother, unscrupulous like his father, he nonetheless apparently possessed a great deal of charm, after his marriage in 1583, he spent his wife’s fortune, leaving her with little more than the clothes on her back. Edward & Joan's only son died without heirs in his father's lifetime leaving his father with his 5 sisters and many debts.. This branch of the Grevilles became extinct and in 1622 the 3rd daughter Mary & husband Sir Arthur Ingram conveyed Milcote to Lionel, Lord Cranfield, afterwards Earl of Middlesex.

Wingfield, Suffolk by mira66

Church of St Andrew, Monument to John second duke of Suffolk (d.1492) and Lady Alice Chaucer (d. 1475), Alabaster

detail heraldic animal

The tomb stands on a purpose built chest. Decorated with quatrefoils, filled with now blank heraldic, shields and under a wide arch with further decoration, which allows for the squint with a view of the high altar from the de la Pole chantry (now the vestry). The framing columns must have extended higher as the heraldic beasts (a dog(?) and a tame lion that looks more like a begging lap-dog) which frame another Saracen’s head are no longer connected with the tomb. There is damage, besides the obvious vandalism: both of Lady Alice’s arms are broken and the angel once supporting her cushion has lost its head and arms.

The details are finely carved: their coronets, the duke’s finely combed hair, his stern features, tassel holding his cloak and belt, Lady Alice’s veil (linen) and the fine detail of her neckpiece.

John de la Pole, the only son of William first duke of Suffolk (1396–1450), suffered as a result of his father’s downfall. Duke William had been a successful courtier and Henry VI's favourite, a relationship treated with increasing suspicion resulting in the popular outcry of 1450 leading to his impeachment by the Commons. Although not convicted, Duke William was exiled and murdered when the boat on which he was sailing to the Netherlands was intercepted. His son was stripped of his father’s valuable appointments, reducing his income below that expected of a duke. His marriage in 1458 to Elizabeth, the daughter of Richard, duke of York, never brought the material advancement that he could reasonably have expected. When their son Lincoln was attainted for treason and suffered forfeiture in 1487, Suffolk was allowed to save the family lands held by his son, but only during his life-time. On his death the attenuated inheritance meant that his next son, Edmund de la Pole, gave up the title of duke in return for forfeited lands.

Michael Hicks, ‘Pole, John de la, second duke of Suffolk (1442–1492)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/22450, accessed 30 April 2014]

Ancient Munro Foulis Set Tartan by Tupper26

This is my actual historical clan family tartan. Learn more at www.clanmunro.org.uk/index.htm.

Short History of the Munros

Crest Badge:

An eagle perching, proper

Motto:

Dread God

Gaelic Name:

Mac an Rothaich

Origin of Name:

Gaelic Rothach (man from Ro)

Plant Badge:

Common club moss

War Cry:

Caisteal Folais'n a Theine (Castle Foulis in flames)

Pipe Music:

Bealach na Broige

Hunting Tartan:

42nd Black Watch

The origins of Clan Munro are lost in the distant past. By tradition, C11th mercenary soldiers from Ireland, they were granted Lands in Ross by a grateful King after assisting him in defeating the Viking invaders of this part of Scotland.

From documentary evidence, they were well established by the middle of the C14th on the north shore of the Cromarty Firth in the area known as Ferindonald (Donald's land) after their legendary first chief. From this narrow base comprising the modern parishes of Kiltearn and Alness they gradually spread their sphere of influence northwards and eastwards into the fertile plain of Easter Ross.

Initially, they held land as vassals of the powerful Earls of Ross but on the forfeiture of that earldom, directly from the Crown. In general a law abiding and peaceful clan, nevertheless when needs arose they stoutly defended their interests against more powerful neighbours.

Loyal to the Crown, early in the reformation the Chief and his followers adopted the Protestant faith, a move which greatly influenced future clan policy. Under their Chief they fought on the continent in the 30 Years War and supported the Protestant succession to the British Crown against the Catholic Stuarts during the Jacobite Risings of the C18th.

The Munros military record continued into the present century, providing the British Government with some of its finest fighting troops through the Highland Regiments. Clansmen and women have excelled in many professions including medicine and politics. Military expeditions, adventurism and social change in the Highlands saw the name Munro spread throughout the world. The power of the old Highland Chieftains has gone but the spirit of the Clan lives on through the Clan Munro (Association) which enjoys a world-wide membership.

The Morris-Jumel Mansion was built in 1765 as a summer house by Colonel Roger Morris for his wife, Mary Philipse and their family on approximately 135 acres of land that stretched from the Harlem to Hudson rivers between what is now 140th and approximately 18oth streets. Their country estate was named Mount Morris and, being situated on one of the highest points of Manhattan, offered clear views of New Jersey, Connecticut, and all of New York harbor. In addition to serving as a summer retreat, Mount Morris was also a working farm with fruit trees, cows, and sheep in addition to a variety of crops.

With the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, the Morris family abandoned their summer home. Then, in the autumn of 1776, General George Washington and his Patriot officers moved in and made the house their headquarters from September 14th to October 21st. The superb views from Mount Morris made the location ideal for observing troop movements and General Washington used this advantage to plan his army’s first successful victory; the Battle of Harlem Heights. Despite this victory, on October 21st, General Washington was forced to retreat to White Plains. For the remainder of the war, the house was used as a headquarters for both British and Hessian armies.

Following the war, the estate was confiscated under the Forfeiture Laws by the State of New York and sold to cover war debts. For a time, it served as a tavern; however, after some years, the tavern became unsuccessful and the house was abandoned once again. Then on July 10th of 1790, now President George Washington held his first Cabinet dinner at the same place he scored his first victory during the Revolutionary War. n 1810, Eliza and Stephen Jumel purchased Mount Morris, all farmlands, and began a series of alterations to the house. A merchant from the south of France, who emigrated to New York some years earlier, Stephen met and married Eliza Bowen in New York. She grew up in a poor Rhode Island family, a voracious reader and self-educated, she developed into a shrewd businesswoman long before most women worked outside the home, let alone ran businesses. At a moment when Stephen's business was foundering, Eliza applied herself to the real estate trade, buying and selling land and renting properties downtown. Her success made large profits for her husband and herself, making her one of the wealthiest women in New York, after Stephen’s death.

By the 1880s, most of the Jumel land had been sold as the city expanded and fashionable townhouses rose immediately surrounding the Mansion. The City of New York purchased the house and the two acres it sits on creating Roger Morris Park. With the assistance of the DAR, the Mansion was turned into a historic house and museum. The mid-20th Century saw the neighborhood develop into a vibrant home to many artists and celebrities including Paul Robeson, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and Duke Ellington, who once referred to the Morris-Jumel Mansion as “the jewel in the crown of Sugar Hill.” The buildings in this district are protected by the New York Landmarks Commission and must be maintained by their owners reflective of when they were built. Because of this, the appearance of the neighborhood has changed very little since the beginning of the twentieth century.

Today, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is the oldest house in Manhattan and as a museum highlights the art, architecture and lives of the Morris and Jumel families, while celebrating the changing landscape from the now lost Polo Grounds to the contemporary artists who find inspiration from this over 250 year old structure, and culture. We hope to see you soon to experience all that is new at Manhattan’s oldest house.

"As Manhattan’s oldest residence, the Morris-Jumel Mansion Museum presents American life from the colonial era to the present by preserving, collecting, and interpreting history, culture, and the arts to engage and inspire diverse audiences.

Morris-Jumel Mansion, Inc. operates the Morris -Jumel Mansion as a historic house museum and thereby seeks to preserve and interpret Manhattan’s oldest residence, one that has witnessed the evolution of northern Manhattan from rural countryside to a dynamic multicultural community. Through historic site tours and education programs, the museum interprets the mansion in the context of domestic life in New York City from 1765 until 1865, the influx of European immigrants to Washington Heights in the late 1800’s, the City Beautiful movement at the turn of the century, the life of the Jumel Terrace Historic District, and more recent immigration. Morris-Jumel Mansion seeks to serve as a cultural resource for an audience of national and international visitors and, in particular, the diverse audiences of the City of New York."