A Disputed Will and a Fracas in Rufford in 1620: Jane Hesketh and Her Inheritance

Unpublished records in the National Archives reveal the violent events in Rufford, Lancashire, following the death of Sir Robert Hesketh, lord of the manor, on 7 November 1620. These took the form of a confrontation between Jane, his wife of three years but his mistress for rather longer, and his sons from his first marriage. About half the village were involved and took sides. The stronger party, most of the family of Sir Robert including Thomas and Robert Hesketh, the heirs, and their adherents, gained the upper hand. Armed, they took over the hall and confined their stepmother to her chamber. They barred her family from the hall. She hid her husband’s will until she could spirit it away to the Bishop of Chester where it was proved. Both sides, Robert Hesketh and Jane Hesketh then appealed to the Court of Star Chamber. Although that judgement does not survive, a subsequent inquisition in Chorley upheld the will and allowed Jane, now married to Sir Richard Hoghton, her jointure and her sons by Sir Robert their inheritance. Jane was to remain in possession of her estates until her death in 1658, though not without troubles owing to her continuing Roman Catholicism, generally known as recusancy. The documents reveal not just a family rift, but cast light on issues surrounding recusancy in Lancashire, attitudes to illegitimacy and inheritance.