Francis Clapham
was the 5th maternal great-grandfather of ELIZABETH ANN JOHNSON (1875-1948), mother of WILLIAM HENRY FLUEN (1906-1969).
He was born in Hunslet near Leeds, christened at St Peter's, Leeds on 03. Aug 1663 being most likely the son of WILLIAM CLAPHAM 'of Keasden Grainge', par. Clapham and SUSANNAH SIKES 'of Hunslet Hall'.
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Alfred Mattison (1868-1944), a Hunslet antiquarian and photographer, said that in 1600 Hunslet was a tiny, isolated village with pleasant meadows. Agriculture gave way to cloth-making, then flax spinning, pottery, and chemicals. Charles I granted 1626 a charter in response to a petition from Leeds people. Hunslet, up to then an independent township, then became part of Leeds borough. By 1650 Hunslet was known for the manufacture of pre-dyed woollen cloth. Around 200 families lived there, then.
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NOTE: In 1834 Hunslet Lane still contained " ... a number of good houses connected generally with extensive mercantile establishments ...", which were giving an idea of the original old feature of that area.
Francis and Elizabeth (Porter) Clapham had children, all christened at St Peter's, too:
(1) Sarah Clapham christened 25. Aug 1684(2) John Clapham christened 25. Oct 1686, burial 05. Dec 1727 & Martha Ormerod
(3) Henry Clapham christened 15. May 1689, died 30. May 1696
(4) Isabell Clapham christened 02. Dec 1691, died 1723 & Thomas Bywater
(5) Francis Clapham christened 20. Jan 1694
(6) Thomas Clapham christened 26. Dec 1697
(7) Elizabeth Clapham christened 08. Jan 1701 & Philip Taylor; both having been the paternal grandparents of Ann Taylor, grandmother of MATTHEW WELLS.
(St Peter's (Parish) Church, Leeds, old print, c1855)
William Smith, a historian of the 19th century, wrote that FRANCIS CLAPHAM was a great-grandson of GRESHAM CLAPHAM of Beamsley, Esq. (1556-1602) and Ann Fisher, daughter and heiress of Captain William Fisher. He said that according to the antiquarian Ralph Thoresby (1658-1725) of Leeds, still a contemporary of FRANCIS CLAPHAM, Gresham's eldest son, George Clapham (c. 1577-1629), continued the line until 1705, when the last of his grandsons by Christopher Clapham, then living in London, died also young. "... The elder branch dying out, the present time is continued by ... the ... son of Gresham Clapham who by ... his wife, had a son . . (Memo. The Mr. Clapham of Hunslet) who by ... his wife, had a son Francis, born 3rd August, 1663, ..."
Unfortunately William Smith did not hand down, whose of Gresham's sons continued the line, but because Ralph and Sheffield Clapham died without leaving any male issue, RICHARD CLAPHAM's family branch would have been in theory the next following "the elder branch dying out."
RICHARD CLAPHAM was christened on 08. Feb. 1582 at St Peter's, Leeds, and was probably the same, who was buried on 13. Oct 1634 at St James' Trinity in the parish of Clapham. Provided that it is true, then he was married to Agneta buried on 22. Oct 1623 also at St James' Trinity. According to Foster's pedigrees of the County families of York RICHARD CLAPHAM had at least one son named WILLIAM CLAPHAM, who could have been indeed FRANCIS CLAPHAM's father, but possible corresponding records are not in hand, yet.
NOTE: The often made assumption that Gresham's son, RICHARD CLAPHAM, was the same as Richard Clapham of Crakehall (1582-1634), yeoman has been proved wrong as that one was christened (07. Oct 1582) and buried (07. Jul 1634) in Crakehall, Bedale, and without doubt the son of Adam Clapham of Crakehall and Elizabeth Storie (Storey). But it is striking that this Richard Clapham of Crakehall had the same years of birth and death than Gresham's son. It might be perhaps the reason, why both got mixed up originally, also by Barbara Clapham.
Although during Victorian times it was quite popular to tie falsely your own family history to known families of the same name, it cannot be discussed at this point whether FRANCIS CLAPHAM's assumed relationship to the CLAPHAMS OF BEAMSLEY was
indeed existing or not. But as William Smith was a recognized scholar of his time, there is a good chance though that his results of research were rather genuine than manipulated in favour of any contemporary families.William Smith's reference to "The Mr Clapham of Hunslet" points out that there was seemingly only one prominent 'Mr Clapham' respectively family of that name living in Hunslet mid of the 17th century.
Consequently this 'Mr Clapham of Hunslet' was WILLIAM CLAPHAM 'of Keasden Grainge', par. Clapham, who married 'michaelmas term' (Oct - Dec) 1654 SUSANNAH SIKES (1632-1680), daughter of HENRY SIKES (Sykes), gent. of Hunslet Hall (1601-1655) and MARY WOOD of Fulbourne, Cambridgeshire (1601- bef 1661).
Assignment CM/116 11 Oct 1652
Mary Sykes, wife of Henry Sykes of Hunslet Hall to William Clapham of Keisden Grainge. All those messuages and lands in Beeston and Churwell held in trust for said Mary during her life, in consideration of a marriage to be solemnised between Susannah, daughter of Henry and Mary and William Clapham; it is also provided that William and Susannah shall maintain Mary or (if she prefers to live elsewhere) allow her [obliterated] ty pounds a year.
Former reference: B1 b4
Feoffment CM/119 28 Dec 1661
Contents: Richard Sikes of Hunslet Hall to William Clapham of Keisden grainge (par. Clapham, co. York). --- Capital messuage of Hunslet Hall, 12 closes called the Parkes and the Parke Lane and 10 several cottages (except one house adjoining the hall, reserved to Richard Sikes); in obedience to a chancery decree made in pursuance of certain articles of Nov. 1., 1652, prior to the marriage of William Clapham and Susannah, daughter of Henry Sikes, father of the said Richard. Former reference: B1 b4
Besides an inquiry of the Canadian Member of Parliament, John Greaves Clapham was also indicating that there was in all probability a relationship between FRANCIS CLAPHAM and WILLIAM CLAPHAM of Hunslet Hall. Joseph Turner wrote 1888 in his 'Yorkshire notes and queries', "Thanks to the carelessness of the Clergymen of the last two centuries, and the cupidity of some present church authorities, who think more of their Registrar's fees than the convenience of the public, whose servants they are, it is often difficult to trace a lineage." and quoted as example the Canadian M. P., who made inquires concerning his own family. According to the author John Greaves Clapham wrote to the Vicar of Leeds in 1865 asking information of the following entry "to leave with my offspring in this Country (Canada), where by the providence of God their lot appears to be cast, a correct genealogy of the family with a desire and earnest prayer that they may transmit it unsullied to remote generations." [Entry] "8th Aug. 1668, Mr. Clapham, of Hunslet Hall, had a child born," and Mr Clapham said "through the culpable neglect of the officiating Clergyman neither the Christian name of the Child or Parent are inserted."
NOTE: The Canadian M. P., John Greaves Clapham (born 03. Oct. 1792) was descended from the FRANCIS CLAPHAM above by his son John Clapham (1686-1727). The minister's father, Samuel Smith Clapham (1769-1850), a cloth merchant of Leeds, and married to Anne Greaves was John Clapham's grandson by his son Francis Clapham (born 08. Mar 1726) married to Abigail Smith.
The Clapham family of Beamsley had indeed property in Keasden as Gresham Clapham's father was living there with his second wife, Mary Elizabeth Morgan, at least at the time, when their twin children, Maria and William Clapham, were christened respectively buried in the parish of Clapham, at St James Trinity, 18. Apr 1598. Besides he was involved in some legal cases concerning his property at Keasden:
(1) Ducatus Lancastriae, 3 Eliz [1561] "William Fletewoode Serjeant of the Duchy and Hugh Gregson and others the Queen's Tenants and Farmers (plaintiffs) vs. William Clapham and George Clapham as Heir Apparent of the said William (deforciant) and claiming as Lord and Owner of the Pasture Claim to Pasture without Stint in Right os Messuages Lands Tenements and Appurtenances late Parcel of Fumes Monastery Clapham Town Clapham Lordship and Manor Clapham, Wood Keysden, Wood Lawe Moor Yorkshire."
(2) Yorkshire Fines 1572 [Easter term] "Henry Wylson (plaintiff) and George Clapham, gent. (deforciant) about 6 messuages and a cottage with lands in Keisden (Keasden)."
It does not to be clear though, who held the land at Keasden after George Clapham's own death in 1612. Considering the fact that George's eldest son, Gresham Clapham, died before him, his eldest grandson by Gresham, George Clapham, Esq. (1577-1629) became his main heir.
But it cannot be excluded that certain parts of his inheritance were perhaps left to his other children, too. George's 2nd son, William Clapham (c. 1558-1635) for example resided with his family at Malinscale (Melding Scale) from c. 1600 onwards. Malinscale is just 3.5 miles away from Keasden and would form almost a natural whole with it. Also William Clapham of Malinscale for his part had a son named William, who was christened in the parish of Clapham (19. May 1616 at St James Trinity church). As nothing specific is yet known about his later whereabouts he could have also been in theory the same as 'William Clapham of Keasden Grainge' provided that Keasden was passed to William Clapham sen. on his father's death, William Clapham jun. did not die young, and did not stay later in the parish of Clapham or somewhere else than Hunslet.
But whether this William Clapham jun. of Malinscale was perhaps the same as 'William Clapham of Keasden', who married SUSANNAH SIKES of Hunslet Hall in the end or not, cannot determined for sure, especially because it would contradict Ralph Thoresby's notes written in the time of FRANCIS CLAPHAM that the latter respectively his father should have been offsprings of GRESHAM CLAPHAM of Beamsley. For that reason it seems to be rather unlikely that it was him.
FRANCIS CLAPHAM came from Hunslet near Leeds. After the Clapham family of Beamsley sold their main seat and most of their ancient lands end of the 16th century, many family members settled in and around Leeds still owning some of the 'old' smaller family estates though.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Medieval times (up to the 15th century) the little town probably had a population of around 1,000 people. It would (Norwich Place – near the old Hunslet Lake in the 1960s/70s, sketch by Pete Wood)
seem tiny to us, but settlements were very small in those days. A typical village had only 100 or 150 inhabitants. Having said that, in the Middle Ages, Leeds was a small and relatively unimportant town.
Leeds grew much larger in the 16th century though. That was mainly due to the rapid growth or a woolen cloth industry in the town. The amount of cloth made in Leeds boomed and the population soared. By the late 16th century the population of Leeds had reached 3,000 and by the middle of the 17th century was probably about 6,000. From being a small and rather insignificant town Leeds grew to be one of the largest towns in Yorkshire. Meanwhile in 1552 a grammar school was founded in Leeds, and in 1626 Leeds was incorporated. In other words it was given a corporation and mayor.
In 1628 a writer described Leeds: "Leeds is an ancient market town. It stands pleasantly in a fruitful and enclosed vale upon the north side of the River Eyer over or beyond a stone bridge from where it has a large and broad street (paved with stone) leading directly north and (A 1560 map of Leeds) continually ascending. The houses on both sides are very thick and closely compacted together, being old, rough and low built and generally all of timber (although they have many stone quarries in the town). Only a few of the richer inhabitants have houses that are larger and more capacious."
In the 17th century Leeds was a wealthy town. The wool trade boomed, and many of the merchants rebuilt their houses in stone. St Johns Church was built in 1634. Then in 1642 came civil war between king and parliament. Most of the townspeople supported the king and a royalist army occupied Leeds. But in January 1643 parliamentary soldiers captured it. They held Leeds until the summer of 1643 when, after losing a battle in Yorkshire, they were forced to abandon the town. The parliamentary army returned to Leeds in April 1644. They held Leeds for the rest of the civil war.
Like all towns in those days Leeds also suffered from outbreaks of the plague. The plague struck towns at irregular intervals from the 15th century to the 17th century, and there was a severe outbreak in Leeds in 1645, which resulted in the death of 1300 inhabitants, a good fifth of the population. Deaths occurred with such startling rapidity that it was impossible to keep pace with them in the parish registers. However in 1694 Leeds gained a piped water supply for those who could afford to be connected.
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In the 17th century Leeds was a wealthy town. The wool trade boomed, and many of the merchants rebuilt their houses in stone. St Johns Church was built in 1634. Then in 1642 came civil war between king and parliament. Most of the townspeople supported the king and a royalist army occupied Leeds. But in January 1643 parliamentary soldiers captured it. They held Leeds until the summer of 1643 when, after losing a battle in Yorkshire, they were forced to abandon the town. The parliamentary army returned to Leeds in April 1644. They held Leeds for the rest of the civil war.
Like all towns in those days Leeds also suffered from outbreaks of the plague. The plague struck towns at irregular intervals from the 15th century to the 17th century, and there was a severe outbreak in Leeds in 1645, which resulted in the death of 1300 inhabitants, a good fifth of the population. Deaths occurred with such startling rapidity that it was impossible to keep pace with them in the parish registers. However in 1694 Leeds gained a piped water supply for those who could afford to be connected.
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(1) Elizabeth Clapham 'of Market Place' christened
21. Jan 1655, buried 09. Nov 1714 & Richard Waugh
NOTE: [15 Jun 1683] "Richard Waugh of Hunslet Hall and Elizabeth his wife, Mary Clapham and Susanna Clapham both of Hunslet Hall, spinsters, to William Waugh of Hunslet Hall and Thomas Leigh of Leeds, for settling the estate. Capital messuage called Hunslet Hall, Kilburn close with cottage on it, Hudsons closes, 4 closes called Longclose, Wheat close, wood garth and oxhouse garth, closes called the Parkes, and several cottages; Mary Clapham to be paid £6 by Susanna, and Richard." (Sheffield Archives - Conveyance in Trust CM/137)
(2) Mr Clapham (c. 1657-1663)
NOTE: Striking, but not unusual for that time is though that he was buried at St Peter's, Leeds on exact the same day, when FRANCIS CLAPHAM was christened there. (The watercolour sketch (c. 1838) by John N. Rhodes (1809-1842) depicting the Altar from the South Aisle
of the Chancel of the old Parish Church of St. Peter. The Church was rebuilt between the years of 1837 and 1841.)
(3) Samuel Clapham 'of Market Place' (c. 1659 - 01. Jun 1670); buried at Beeston Chapel, Leeds
(4) FRANCIS CLAPHAM 'of Hunslet Lane' christened at St Peter's Leeds on 03. Aug 1663 married to Elizabeth Porter 'of Market Place'
(5) 'child' Clapham christened at St Peter's Leeds on 08. Aug 1668
NOTE: Independant of the fact that Barbara Clapham connected GRESHAM CLAPHAM's son, RICHARD CLAPHAM wrongly with Richard Clapham of Crakehall she suggested that William Clapham 'the proctor' of Burton Pidsea (died 1722), who was named after his father, was perhaps an offspring of that line. She assumed that the Burton Pidsea branch must be descended from the ancient line, because they inherited many interesting family relics, including the sword of John Clapham. Besides William Dade shall have examined the original evidences and confirmations of their pedigree in 1785, the Vellum Roll included. Because neither the child's name nor sex got recorded, the 'child' could have been either one of William Clapham's daughters below or perhaps also an other son named for example 'William Clapham'. If this corresponds to the truth this 'child' might be the missing link to the Burton Pidsea branch. However it is a pure and simple speculation and cannot be verified at the moment.
(6) Mary Clapham & Josias Westerman
(7) Susannah Clapham & Joseph Lister
NOTE: [5-6 May 1690 ] "Joseph Lister of Halifax and Susannah his wife (one of the daughters and co heirs of Wm. Clapham, late of Hunslet Hall, deceased) to Josias Westerman of Leeds, who married Mary another of the daughters of Wm. Clapham. Two parts of an orchard and a brick laith and croft at Hunslet Hall, and undivided moiety of 3 cottages in Hunslet for £45 3s." (Sheffield Archives - Conveyance (lease and release) CM/140-141)
(3) Samuel Clapham 'of Market Place' (c. 1659 - 01. Jun 1670); buried at Beeston Chapel, Leeds
(4) FRANCIS CLAPHAM 'of Hunslet Lane' christened at St Peter's Leeds on 03. Aug 1663 married to Elizabeth Porter 'of Market Place'
(5) 'child' Clapham christened at St Peter's Leeds on 08. Aug 1668
NOTE: Independant of the fact that Barbara Clapham connected GRESHAM CLAPHAM's son, RICHARD CLAPHAM wrongly with Richard Clapham of Crakehall she suggested that William Clapham 'the proctor' of Burton Pidsea (died 1722), who was named after his father, was perhaps an offspring of that line. She assumed that the Burton Pidsea branch must be descended from the ancient line, because they inherited many interesting family relics, including the sword of John Clapham. Besides William Dade shall have examined the original evidences and confirmations of their pedigree in 1785, the Vellum Roll included. Because neither the child's name nor sex got recorded, the 'child' could have been either one of William Clapham's daughters below or perhaps also an other son named for example 'William Clapham'. If this corresponds to the truth this 'child' might be the missing link to the Burton Pidsea branch. However it is a pure and simple speculation and cannot be verified at the moment.
(6) Mary Clapham & Josias Westerman
(7) Susannah Clapham & Joseph Lister
NOTE: [5-6 May 1690 ] "Joseph Lister of Halifax and Susannah his wife (one of the daughters and co heirs of Wm. Clapham, late of Hunslet Hall, deceased) to Josias Westerman of Leeds, who married Mary another of the daughters of Wm. Clapham. Two parts of an orchard and a brick laith and croft at Hunslet Hall, and undivided moiety of 3 cottages in Hunslet for £45 3s." (Sheffield Archives - Conveyance (lease and release) CM/140-141)