Netherseal & Overseal Parish Pages

NETHER and OVER SEAL form a parish, containing two hamlets so respectively named, in the western division of the hundred of Goscote, county of Leicestershire, which part is nearly surrounded by Derbyshire ; about five miles and a half S.W. from Ashby-de-la-Zouch.  The parish is in the honour of Tutbury, duchy of Lancaster, and within the jurisdiction of a court of pleas, held at Tutbury, every third Tuesday, for the recovery of debts under 40s.  The parish church is dedicated to St. Peter : the living is a rectory, in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. W.N. Gresley.  The parish contained, in 1831, 1,222 inhabitants.

POST OFFICE, OVER SEAL, William Simmons, Post Master. - Letters arrive every forenoon at eleven, and are despatched every morning at seven.

NOBILITY, GENTRY AND CLERGY
Fearnhead Mr. Peter (attorney) Over Seal
Gresley Rev. William Nigel, Nether Seal
Harris Mr. William, Over Seal
Lloyd Rev. Geo. Wood, D.D. Over Seal
Mammatt Edward, esq. Over Seal Cottages
Pycroft Miss, Over Seal
Tamworth Lady, Nether Seal
Thorpe Thomas, esq. Over Seal

ACADEMIES AND SCHOOLS
Small Joseph, Nether Seal

BAKERS & FLOUR DEALERS
Brittain Thomas, Over Seal
Harris Thomas, Nether Seal
Newbold John, Over Seal
Pegg William, Nether Seal
Simpkin Thomas, Nether Seal
Simpson Thomas, Nether Seal

BLACKSMITHS
Patrick Jas. Stretton & Nether Seal

BOOT AND SHOE MAKERS
Baghurst Edward, Netherseal
Bates Joseph, Over Seal
Freeman William, Over Seal
Miles Joseph, Over Seal
Parker William, Over Seal
Shakspeare Samuel, Nether Seal
Smith John, Nether Seal
Wainwright Thomas, Over Seal

BRICKMAKERS
Musgrave Samuel (& quarry owner), Nether Seal

BUILDERS
Newbold William, Over Seal

BUTCHERS
Hair John, Over Seal
Holmes Abraham, Nether Seal
Ison Thomas, Over Seal
Tunnadine Henry, Nether Seal

CHEESE FACTORS
Kettle George, Over Seal
Thomas William, Over Seal

COALMASTERS & MERCHNTS
Fernhead Peter, Over Seal

GARDENERS & SEEDSMEN
Heap John, Nether Seal

GROCERS AND DEALERS IN SUNDRIES
Brittain Thomas, Over Seal
Newbold John, Over Seal
Patrick Mary, Over Seal
Shepherd Ann, Over Seal
Simpkin Thomas, Netherseal
Sturgess Henry, Over Seal
Ward Wm. and Son, Nether Seal

INNS AND PUBLIC HOUSES
Holly Bush, Samuel Musgrave, Nether Seal
Nag's Head, Ths. Brittain, Over Seal
Robin Hood, Hannah Capenhurst, Over Seal

RETAILERS OF BEER
Heap John, Nether Seal
Readfern Joseph, Over Seal
Yeomans Thomas, Nether Seal

MALTSTERS
Harris Thomas, Nether Seal
Pegg William, Nether Seal

MILLINERS & DRESS MAKERS
Birkin Dorothy (dress) Nether Seal
Fletcher Mary, Nether Seal
Simpkin Ann, Nether Seal

NAIL MAKERS
Simmonds William, Over Seal

PAINTERS, PLUMBERS AND GLAZIERS
Conway Thomas, Nether Seal

SADDLERS AND HARNESS MAKERS
Kirkby William, Nether Seal

TAILORS
Betteridge Thomas, Nether Seal
Newbold Joseph, Nether Seal
Peace William, Over Seal

TANNERS
Newbold William, Over Seal

WHEELWRIGHTS
Wood Thomas, Over Seal
Wood William, Nether Seal

MISCELLANEOUS
Adams Wm. farmer & grazier, Over Seal
Bailey Edward, farmer, Nether Seal
Bailey Jas. farmer & grazier, Over Seal
Bakewell John, farmer & grazier, Over Seal
Birkin David, parish clerk, Nether Seal
Fox William Thos. farmer, Nether Seal
Harris Samuel, farmer, Over Seal
Haynes Christopher, mason, Over Seal
Rowley James, farmer, Pasture, Over Seal
Wagstaff Catherine, farmer, Nether Seal
Ward Wm. jun. fellmonger, Nether Seal

CARRIERS
To ATHERSTONE, Thos. Hutchinson, from Over Seal, every Tuesday.
To BURTON-UPON-TRENT, Thomas Hutchinson, from Over Seal, every Saturday.
To TAMWORTH, Thos. Hutchinson, from Over Seal, every Saturday.

SEAL (NETHER) is a manor and pleasant village, on the north side of the river Mease, containing 535 souls, and about 1200 acres of land, at the north-western extremity of Leicestershire, nearly 6 miles W.S.W. of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, where this country is joined by those of derbyshire and Staffordshire.  It supports its poor as a township, conjointly with Over Seal, and its PARISH comprises also Bootthorpe hamlet, in Blackfordby chapelry, as noticed at page 305 ; and part of the hamlet of Donisthorp.  The total population of the parish is 1281, and its area about 4000oA., extending eastward to the Ashby-de-la-Zouch canal, near Moira Colliery and Ashby Wolds.  Nether Seal, in some old writings, is called Seal Magna, and has been variously spelt, Sela, Sheile, Sceyle, &c.  The soil is chiefly a strong but fertile clay, and a great part of it belongs to the Rev. Sir Wm. Nigel Gresley, Bart., of Nether Seale Hall, (the lord of the manor,) and the remainder to Sir G.H. Hewett, N. Curzon, Esq., and a few smaller owners.  Grange Wood House, half a mile N. of the village, is the seat of Thos. Mowbray, Esq.  The four common fields and other meadow and pasture lands of Nether and Over Seal, were enclosed under an agreement dated July 2nd, 1755, and the enclosure was confirmed by an Act of Parliament passed in 1799.  The manor of Nether Seal has been held by various families, and was sold by the Gresleys to the Morewoods, in 1627 ; but in 1680, by the marriage of Frances Morewood with Sir Thomas Gresley, it passed again to his family.  The Church (St. Peter) is a large ancient structure, with a tower and five bells.  The living is a rectory, valued in K.B. at £17. 8s. 11½d., and in 1831, at £950.  The Rev. Sir W.N. Gresley, Bart., is patron and incumbent, and has 71A. of glebe, and a yearly tithe-rent of 7s. per acre.  Here is a General Baptist Chapel, built in 1840 ; and a National School, attended by 50 children.  The ALMSHOUSES were founded by Richard Johnson, who, in 1697, left £150 for their erection, and endowed them with property now yielding an annual income of £104, and consisting of 35A. 3R. 14P., in Nether Seal, let for £56, and a house called the Friars, and several closes of land, at Lichfield, let for £48 per annum.  The Almshouses have a garden attached to them, and are divided into six tenements, for as many poor women, who each have a weekly stipend of 4s., and a gown, and an allowance of coals yearly.  They are selected from the oldest and poorest women of Nether Seal, belonging to the Church of England.  The rector, and the lords of the manor of Shelton and Chillcot, are the trustees.  The poor parishioners have 4s. worth of bread every Sunday, from a yearly rent-charge of £10, out of "Stanley's Poor Land," purchased with £200 left by Sir Thos. Rich, in 1666.  They have also 22s. a year, left by John and Eliz. Ramsor, in the 21st of Charles II., and a yearly rent-charge of 5s., left by Thos. Capenhurst, in 1755.  The interest of £60, left by Zachary and Rebecca Johnson, in 1669 and 1678, is applied in apprenticing poor boys.

SEAL (OVER) is a manor and pleasant village, 4½ miles W. by S. of Ashby-de-la-Zouch ; containing 513 inhabitants, and about 1500 acres of land, mostly a high district, joining the Ashby Wolds.  It maintains its poor jointly with Nether Seal ; and between the two villages is a hill called Cadborough, supposed to have been an ancient British station, probably in connexion with that of Seckington, in Warwickshire.  On the sxouth side of this hill is a valley, called Dead-Dane Bottom ; and in an adjoin9ing field is a tumulus, where human bones have been turned up by the plough.  Over Seal, called also Little or Spital Seile, was one of the lordships given to Nigel de Albini, at the Norman Conquest, when it consisted of two or three manors, one of which was given, in the reign of Henry III., by William de Meisham, in marriage with his daughter, to Wm. de Appleby, together with a park, a wood, and a mill, called Woodlandes.  The services of this and another manor, the same Wm. de Meisham, about 1230, gave to Merevale Abbey, Warwickshire.  A third manor was afterwards held by Lucian de Deserto, and a fourth by the Vernons, of Haddon, Derbyshire.  But in the early part of the 13th century, all these manors were held under Wm. de Ferrariis, Earl of Derby.  In 1205, a curious agreement was made between Lucian of "Scheyl Minor" and the rector, respecting the maintenance of a resident chaplain, on his estate, to celebrate mass in the chapel there, three days a week.  In the 16th century, Sir Wm. Gresley, of Drakelowe, bought one of the manors, probably that which belonged Merevale Abbey.  In the following century, it passed to the Morewoods, of North Seal.  The manorial rights over the whole of Over-Seal now belong to Thos. Mowbray, Esq., but a great part of the soil belongs to the Rev. Sir W.N. Gresley, Sir. J.R.B. Cave, Bart., and several smaller owners.  The ancient chapel was "quite decayed and gone," when Burton wrote, in 1622 ; but in 1840-1, a new Chapel of Ease was erected here by subscription, and dedicated to St. Matthew.  It is a neat structure, with a tower and one bell, and has 289 sittings, of which 193 are free.  It has an organ, a carved stone altar, a font of Caen stone, carved with emblems of the four Evangelists ; an Eagle for the Bible ; service-books of a costly description ; and a beautiful stained glass window.  Its only monument bears a long inscription in memory of the late Elizabeth Pycroft, who died Dec. 19th, 1840.  This charitable lady gave the site and burial ground, and also contributed liberally towards the building, of which she laid the first stone, Aug. 27th, 1840.  The communion plate, altar table, and velvet covering, were the offerings of her relatives.  The Rev. John Morewood Gresley, M.A., is the incumbent curate.  The chapel-yard comprises three quarters of an acre ; and in the north-west corner is planted a descendant of the celebrated Royal oak of Boscobel.  Adjoining it is a school, erected by the lord of the manor, and supported by subscription.  It is attended by about 50 children.

NETHER SEAL.
Berkin David, parish clerk
Boss Thos. beerhouse keeper
Broadhead Thos. shoemaker
Capenhurst Miss Mary Ellen
Clements Thos. shopkeeper
Conway Thos. plumber and glazier
Cooper Mr Jas.
Moss Mr Joseph
Gresley Rev Sir Wm. Nigel, Bart. B.A. Seal Hall
Hewett Frank Wm. gent. Old Hall
Holmes Abraham, butcher
Jones Edward, schoolmaster
Kirkby Wm. saddler, &c.
Marriott Thomas, shoemaker
Mousley Miss, Seal House
Mowbray Thos. Esq. Grange Wood House
Patrick James, blacksmith
Poultney Joseph, corn miller
Shakespear Thos. blacksmith
Shakespear Jno. & Saml. shoemkrs.
Shakespear Saml. (Baptist minister)
Tagg Thomas, baker, &c.
Talbot Andrew, vict. Cricketers Inn
Tetley Chas. vict. Holly Bush
Tunnadine Henry, butcher
Wood Thomas, wheelwright
Yeomans Dorothy, vict. Dog Inn

FARMERS AND GRAZIERS.
Bailey Jas.
Elton Richard
Cowlishaw John, Grange Wood
Garner Edward, Seal Pasture
Insley Wm.
Upton J.
Musgrove Cath. & Joseph & Wm.
Newbold Thomas, Gosty Leys
Pegg Wm. Hollow
Tunnadine Wm. Wood farm

OVER SEAL
Post Office at Wm. Simmons's. Letters from Ashby at 10 morning, and despatched at ½ past 3 aftrnoon.
Booth Mrs. Shrubbery House
Brown John, assistant engineer
Capenhurst Hanh. vict. Robin Hood
Cave Sir J.R.B. Bart. Stretton Hall
Cave Rev. Wm. Astley Cave Browne, M.A. rector of Stretton-en-le-Field
Dennitts Wm. gentleman
Eardly Edwin, engineers clerk
Gresley Chas. solr.
Gresley Mrs My.
Gresley Rev. John Morewood, M.A. incumbent
Haines Christopher, bricklayer
Ison Thomas, butcher
Marriott Thomas, butcher
Mason Joseph, tailor
Meades Elijah, baker
Newbold Edw. vict. Nag's Head
Patrick Mary, shopkeeper
Peace Mary, shopkeeper
Peace Wm. tailor and constable
Piddocke Thomas, Esq. solicitor
Priestley Wm. carpenter
Sheppard Joseph, gardener
Shilcock John, gentleman
Simmons Wm. nail manufacturer
Smith Joseph, schoolmaster
Spencer Wm. veterinary surgeon
Sturgess Fanny, beer house keeper
Woodhouse Jno. Thos. civil engnr.

FARMERS AND GRAZIERS
Admans Wm. and Thomas
Bailey Jas.
Harris John
Statham Robt.
Whitehead Rd.

CARRIER, Samuel Stewardson, to Atherstone, Tuseday ; Burton-on-Trent, Thurs. ; Lichfield, Friday ; and Ashby, Saturday

NETHER and OVER SEAL form a parish, containing two hamlets respectively so named, in the hundred of Goscote, county of Leicester, about 5½ miles S.W. from Ashby-de-la-Zouch.  The parish church, is dedicated to St. Peter.  At Over Seal a new church was erected in 1841, and dedicated to St. Matthew ; the workmanship of the interior, which is very chaste, is ornamented with a large painted window, and furnished with a self-acting organ.  The living of Seal is a rectory in the patronage of the Rev. John Morewood Gresley.  In 1842 a national school was established at Over Seal.
The population of the foregoing parish, in 1841, was 1,281.

POST OFFICE, OVER SEAL, William Simmonds, Post Master. - Letters from all parts arrive every morning at half past nine, and are despatched at half past three in the afternoon.

NOBILITY, GENTRY AND CLERGY
Bosanquet Captain -, Over Seal
Cooper Mr. James, Nether Seal
Dennett Mr. William, Over Seal
Geldart Thos. Charles, Esq., Nether Seal Hall
Gresley Rev. John Morewood, Over Seal
Gresley Mrs. Mary, Overseal
Hair Mrs. Ann, Over Seal
Hamp John, Esq., Over Seal
Miles Joseph, Over Seal
Webster Rev. Montagu, Nether Seal

ACADEMIES AND SCHOOLS
Jones Edward, Nether Seal
NATIONAL SCHOOL, Over Seal - W.T. Haskins, master
Shepherd Eliza, Over Seal

BAKERS & FLOUR DEALERS
Newbold John, Over Seal
Tagg James, Nether Seal
Titley Charles, Nether Seal
Wood Mary, Nether Seal

BLACKSMITHS
Patrick James, Nether Seal
Patrick Mary, Over Seal
Shakespear Thomas, Nether Seal

BOOT AND SHOE MAKERS
Bates Joseph, Over Seal
Cook Francis, Nether Seal
Davis Thomas, Nether Seal
Freeman William, Over Seal
Hough Samuel, Over Seal
Miles Joseph, Over Seal
Roulstone William, Nether Seal
Shakespear John, Nether Seal
Shakespear Thomas, Nether Seal
Smith John, Nether Seal
Wainwright Thomas, Over Seal

BRICKLAYERS
Haynes Christopher, Over Seal

BUILDERS
Priestley Thomas, Over Seal
Street Richard, Nether Seal

BUTCHERS
Ison Thomas, Over Seal
Marriott Thomas, Over Seal
Tunnadine Henry, Nether Seal

CARPENTERS
Stevenson Robert, Nether Seal

FARMERS
Adams William, Over Seal
Adams Thomas, Over Seal
Bailey James, Over Seal
Bestwick William, Over Seal
Capenhurst Mary Ellen, Nether Seal
Elton Richard, Nether Seal
Harris John, Over Seal
Hewitt Frank, Nether Seal
Musgrove Catherine, Nether Seal
Whitehead Richard, Over Seal

GARDENERS & SEEDSMEN
Shepherd Joseph, Over Seal

GROCERS AND DEALERS IN SUNDRIES
Clements Thomas, Nether Seal
Patrick Mary, Over Seal
Tagg James, Nether Seal
Titley Charles, Nether Seal
Wilson Elizabeth, Nether Seal

MILLERS
Poultney Joseph, Nether Seal
Stevenson Reuben, Nether Seal

NAIL MAKERS
Simmonds William, Over Seal

PAINTERS, PLUMBERS AND GLAZIERS
Conway Thomas, Nether Seal
Whetton James, Over Seal

SADDLERS
Kirkby William, Nether Seal

TAILORS
Betteridge Thomas, Nether Seal
Jebbitt George, Nether Seal
Mason Thomas, Over Seal
Milner Charles, Nether Seal
Peace William, Over Seal

TAVERNS & PUBLIC HOUSES
Cricket, Richard Street, Nether Seal
Hollybush, Charles Titley, Nether Seal
Nag's Head, Edward Newbold, Over Seal
Robin Hood, Wm. Spencer, Over Seal

RETAILERS OF BEER
Boss Thomas, Nether Seal
Bradley William, Nether Seal
Choyce Thomas, Over Seal
Yeomans Dorothy, Nether Seal

WHEELWRIGHTS
Whitehead James, Nether Seal
Wood Thomas, Nether Seal
Wood William & Thomas, Over Seal

MISCELLANEOUS
Berkin David, registrar of births and deaths, Nether Seal
Eardley Edward, surveyor, Over Seal
Spencer William, veterinary surgeon, Over Seal
Woodhouse John Thomas, civil engineer &c. Over Seal

PLACES OF WORSHIP, AND THEIR MINISTERS
SAINT MATTHEW'S CHURCH, Over Seal - Rev. John Morewood Gresley.
SAINT PETER'S CHURCH, Nether Seal - Rev. Montague Webster, rector.

CARRIERS
To ASHBY-DE-LE-ZOUCH. Samuel Stewardson, from Over Seal, Saturday.
To ATHERSTONE. Samuel Stewardson, from Over Seal, Tuesday.
To BURTON-UPON-TRENT. Samuel Stewardson, from Over Seal, Thursday, and to LICHFIELD, Friday.

NETHER SEILE or SEAL is a township, village, and parish, 4 miles south-west from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, 8 south from Burton-on-Trent, 13 from Lichfield, in the Hundred of West Goscote, Ashby-de-la-Zouch Union, Peterborough bishopric, North Leicestershire ; it is bounded on the south by the river Mease.  The living is a rectory, value £850, with some glebe land; the Rev. John Morewood Gresley, M.A., is the present incumbent ; the Rev. Montagu Webster, M.A., is curate ; the patron is Sir Thomas Gresley, Bart., lord of the manor.  The church of St. Peter consists of a chancel, nave, aisle, porch, and tower containing 5 bells ; it is in good repair.  In a recess on the north side is a very ancient tomb of the 15th century to the memory of Roger Doughton, formerly rector of this parish.  The parish school is supported by subscription.  The gentlemen's seats are those of Sir Thomas Gresley, Bart., Sir George Hewett, Bart., and Thomas Mowbray, Esq.  The population of this township, in 1851, was 571, and 2,528 acres of land ; and the whole population of the parish is 1,330 ; the land consists of clay, gravel and sand.  There are charities of £118 7s. annual value, including almshouses for six poor persons.  There is a chapel for General Baptists.
OVER SEAL or SEILE is a hamlet of the parish of Seal, distant 4 miles south-west of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, 6 miles south from Burton-on-Trent, and 14 miles from Lichfield, in West Goscote Hundred, Union of Ashby-de-la-Zouch ; it is divided from the parish of Ashby-de-la-Zouch by the Hooborough brook.  The chapel of ease is dedicated to St. Matthew, and is a newly-erected and very handsome and solid building, in the early English style, with handsome stained glass windows comtaining 9 subjects illustrating Our Saviour's life, a fine-toned organ, and handsome font curved in Caen stone, with oak cover, consecrated July 26, 1841 ; It has a tower at the west end, containing 1 bell.  The parish school is maintained by subscription.  Thomas Mowbray, Esq., is lord of the manor.  Cadborough is thought to have been a British camp.  Near Dead Dane Bottom is a barrow.  Over Seal has 512 people, and 1,153 acres, mostly high land, near the Ashby Wolds.

NETHERSEAL
Cooper Mr. James
Gresley Sir Thomas, bart. Hall
Hewett Frank William, esq. Pastures
Hewett Sir George, bart
Mowbray Thomas, esq. J.P. Grange wood house
Thomson Spencer, M.D. Grangewd. ldg
Webster Rev. Montagu, M.A. [curate]

TRADERS
Betteridge Thomas, tailor
Bradley William, german silver worker
Capenhurst Mary Ellen (Miss), farmer
Cartwright Samuel, shopkeeper
Clements Thomas, shopkeeper
Coleclough John, farmer
Conway Thomas, plumber & glazier
Elton Richard, farmer
Insley William, farmer
Jones Edward Bridge, schoolmaster & postmaster
Kirby William, saddler & harness makr
Leedham James, carrier
Newbold Thomas, wheelwright
Newbold Thomas, Cricket inn
Patrick James, blacksmith
Pegg William, farmer
Poultney Joseph, miller
Roleston William, beer retailer
Shakespear Thomas, farmer
Shakespear Thomas, blacksmith
Shakespear William, bootmaker
Smith John, bootmaker
Stevenson Reuben, miller
Stevenson Robert, carpenter
Tagg James, shopkeeper
Titley Charles, Holly Bush inn
Tunnadine Henry, butcher
Tunnadine William, farmer
Whitehead Richard, farmer
Yeomans Dorothy (Mrs.), beer retailer

POST OFFICE. - Edward Bridge Jones, receiver.  Letters through Ashby-de-la-Zouch office ; arrive at 10 a.m. ; dispatched at 5 p.m.

OVER SEAL
Bosanquet Captain, Shrubbery house
Gresley Mrs
Gresley Rev. John Morewood, M.A. [rector]
Hamp John, esq.
Singleton the Misses
Singleton Joseph, esq
Woodhouse John Thomas, esq. Manor house
Woodhouse William Henry, esq. Manor house

TRADERS
Adams Thomas, farmer
Adams William, farmer
Bailey James, farmer
Bestwick William, farmer, Wadlands
Fisher Thomas, beer retailer
Freeman & Son, boot & shoemakers
Freeman William, blacksmith
Harris John, farmer
Haskins William Thomas, schoolmastr
Haynes Christopher, bricklayer
Haynes James, 'Nags Head'
Haynes John, 'Robin Hood'
Ison Thomas, butcher
Marriott Thomas, butcher
Patrick Mary (Mrs.), shopkeeper
Peace Selina (Mrs.), mistress of National school
Peace William, tailor
Perry thomas, parish clerk & nail manufacturer
Priestley Thomas, carpenter, builder & postmaster
Sheppard Joseph, gardener
Statham Robert, farmer
Stewardson Samuel, carrier
Wainwright Thomas, boot & shoe mkr
Wetton James, plumber &c
Whitehead Richard, farmer
Woodhouse John Thos. civil & mining engineer; offices, Midland road, Derby
Woodhouse William Henry, civil engineer; offices, Midland road, Derby

POST OFFICE. - Thomas Priestley, postmaster.  Letters are received through the Ashby-de-la-Zouch office ; arrive ½ past 5 p.m.  The nearest money order office is at Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
RAILWAY - Leicester & Burton
CARRIERS :-
- Samuel Stewardson, to Ashby-de-la-Zouch on sat. returns same day ; to Atherton on tues, returns same day ; to Burton-on-Trent on thurs. returns same day ; to Lichfield on friday, returns same day
- James Leedham, to Tamworth on sat. returns same day ; to Burton-on-Trent on thursday, returns same day
- Charles Redfern, to Ashby & Burton, saturday & thursday.

SEAL (NETHER) is a township, village, and parish, on the north side of the river Mease, 4 miles S.W. of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, 8 miles S. of Burton-on-Trent, and 13 miles from Litchfield, in the Union of Ashby-de-la-Zouch.  The population of the township is 571, and 2528 acres of land ; and the whole population of the parish is 1330 ; the land consists of clay, gravel, and sand.  The living is a rectory, value £950, with 71 acres of glebe, in the patronage of Sir Thomas Gresley, Bart. : the Rev. John Morewood Gresley, M.A., is the incumbent.  The Church (St. Peter) is a large ancient building, in good repair, with a tower containing five bells.  In a recess on the north side is a very ancient tomb of the 15th century to the memory of Roger Douhgton, formerly rector of this parish.  The General Baptists have a chapel here.  The parish school is supported by subscription.  The gentlemen’s seats are those of Sir Thomas Gresley, Bart., Sir George Hewett, Bart., and Thomas Mowbray, Esq.  There are ALMSHOUSES, founded and endowed by Richard Johnson, for six poor women, selected from the old and poorest in nether seal, belonging to the Church of England.  They have each 4s. a week and an allowance of coals, and a gown yearly.  The poor have 22s. a year left in the reign of Charles II. by John and Elizabeth Ramsor ; 5s. yearly left in 1755 by Thomas Capenhurst ; they have also 4s. worth of bread weekly from a yearly rent charge of £10, out of land purchased with £200 left in 1666 by Sir Thomas Rich.  For apprenticing poor boys Zachary and Rebecca Johnson in 1669 and 1678 left the interest of £60.

POST OFFICE at Edw. B. Jones’.  Letters from Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
Betteridge Thomas, tailor
Bradley Wm. German silver worker
Capenhurst Mary Ellen, farmer
Cartwright Samuel, shopkeeper
Clements Thomas, shopkeeper
Coleclough John, farmer
Conway Thomas, plumber and glazier
Cooper Mr. James
Elton Richard, farmer
Gresley Sir Thomas, bart. Hall.
Hewett Frank. Wm. Esq. Pastures
Hewett Sir George, Bart.
Insley William, farmer
Jones Edward B. schoolmaster
Kirby William, saddler
Mowbray Thos. Esq. Grangewood House
Newbold Thomas, farmer, Seal Field
Newbold Thomas, wheelwright
Nichols John, vict. Cricket Inn
Patrick James, blacksmith
Pegg William, farmer
Poultney Joseph, corn miller
Rolestone William, beerhouse
Shakespear Thomas, farmer
Shakespear William, boot maker
Smith John, boot maker
Stevenson Reuben, corn miller
Stevenson Robert, carpenter
Tagg James, shopkeeper
Titley Charles, vict. Holly Bush
Thomson Spenser, M.D. Grangewood Lodge
Tunnadine Henry, butcher
Tunnadine William, farmer
Whitehead Richard, farmer
Webster Rev. Montague, M.A. curate
Yeomans Dorothy, beerhouse
CARRIER. – James Leedham, to Tamworth, Sat. ; and to Burton-on-Trent, Thursday

SEAL (OVER) is a hamlet of the parish of the parish of Seal, distant 4 miles S.W. of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and 6 miles S. of Burton-on-Trent, in the Union of the former ; containing 512 inhabitants and 1153 acres of land.  Thos. Mowbray, Esq., is lord of the manor.  The Chapel of Ease dedicated to St. Matthew, is a handsome building, with a tower at the west end, containing one bell.  It has, also, an organ, carved stone altar, a font of Caen stone, carved with emblems of the four Evangelists, and a beautiful stained glass window.  It was consecrated July 26th, 1841.  The site and burial ground were given by Elizabeth Pycroft, who also contributed liberally towards the building ; she died Dec. 19th, 1840.  The Rev. J.M. Gresley, M.A., is the incumbent.  Adjoining the Church is a School erected by the Thos Mowbray, Esq., and is supported subscription.

POST OFFICE at Thos. Priestley’s  Letters from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, which is also the nearest Money Order Office.
Adams Thomas, farmer
Adams William, farmer
Bailey James, farmer
Bestwick Wm. Farmer, Wadlands
Bosanquet Capt. Shrubbery House
Fisher Thomas, beerhouse
Freeman and Son, boot and shoe makers
Freeman William, blacksmith
Gresley Mrs.
Gresley Rev. John Morewood, M.A. incumbent
Hamp John, Esq.
Harris John, farmer
Haskins Wm. Thos. schoolmaster
Haynes James, vict. Nag’s Head
Haynes John, vict. Robin Hood
Ison Thomas, butcher
Marriott Thomas, butcher
Patrick Mary, Shopkeeper
Peace William, tailor
Perry Thos. nail maker and parish clerk
Priestly Thomas, joiner and builder
Sheppard Joseph, gardener
Singleton The Misses
Singleton Joseph, Esq.
Statham Robert, farmer
Wainwright Thomas, shoemaker
Wetton James, plumber
Whitehead Richard, farmer
Woodhouse John Thos. civil and mining engineer
Woodhouse Wm. Hy. Civil and mining engineer
CARRIERS to Ashby, Atherston, & Burton, Saml. Stewardson and Chas. Redfern.

SEAL (NETHER) is a manor and pleasant village on the north side of the river Mease, containing about 560 inhabitants and 2381A. 3R. 10P. of land, at the north-west extremity of Leicestershire, nearly 6 miles W.S.W. of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, where this county is joined by those of Derbyshire and Staffordshire.  It supports its poor as a township, conjointly with Over Seal, and its PARISH comprises also part of Boothorpe hamlet, in Blackfordby chapelry, as noticed at page 445 ; and part of the hamlet of Donisthorpe.  The total population of the parish is 1569, and its area about 4530A., extending eastward to the Ashby-de-la-Zouch canal, near Moira Colliery and Ashby Wolds.  Netherseal, in some old writings, is called Seal Magna, and has been variously spelt Seile, Sela, Sheile, Seeyle, &c.  The soil is chiefly a strong but fertile clay, and a great part of it belongs to Sir Thomas Gresley, Bart., of Cauldwell Hall, Derbyshire, who is also lord of the manor.  Sir George J.B. Hewett, Bart., John Curzon, Esq., and several smaller owners have estates here.  Nether Seal Hall, the seat of Sir Thos. Gresley, Bart., is at present occupied by E.W. Robertson, Esq.  It is an ancient stone building with additions of brick.  The Gresley family is of great antiquity, and the baronetcy was created in 1611, the present baronet being the tenth in succession.  Grange Wood House, a stone mansion pleasantly situated one mile N. of the village, is the seat of Thomas Mowbray, Esq. ; and the Old Hall is the residence of Captain Henry Bagot.  The four common field and other meadow and pasture lands of Nether and Over Seal were enclosed under an agreement dated July 2nd, 1755, and the enclosure was confirmed by an Act of Parliament passed in 1799.  The manor of Nether Seal has been held by various families, and was sold by the Gresleys to the Morewoods in 1627 ; but in 1680, by the marriage of Francis Morewood with Sir Thomas Gresley it passed again to his family.  The Church (St. Peter) is a large ancient structure in the early English style, with a tower containing five bells and a clock.  The latter was purchased in 1861 at a cost of £100.  The living is a rectory valued in K.B. at £17. 8s. 11½d., and now at £970.  Sir Thos. Gresley, Bart., is patron, and the Rev. Nigel Gresley is the incumbent, and has 71 acres of glebe.  The tithes have been commuted for £970 per annum.  The Rev. John Morewood Gresley, M.A., is the curate.  A new School and Rectory House are about to be erected here.  The present school is attended by about 60 children, and is supported by subscription.  Here is a General Baptist Chapel, built in 1840.  The ALMSHOUSES were founded by Richard Johnson, who in 1697, left £150 for their erection, and endowed them with property now yielding an annual income of £116, and consisting of 35A. 3R. 14P. in Nether Seal, and a house, called the Friars, and several closes of land, at Lichfield.  The Almshouses have a garden attached to them, and are divided into six tenements for as many poor men or women, who each have a weekly stipend of 5s., and a gown and three tons of coal yearly.  They are selected from the oldest and poorest parishioners belonging to the Church of England.  The rector and the lords of the manors of Stretton-en-le-Field and Chilcote are the trustees.  The poor parishioners have a distribution of bread every Sunday from the rent of "Stanley's Poor Land," purchased with £200, left by Sir Thos. Rich in 1666.  They have also 22s. a-year, left by John and Eliza Ramsor in the 21st of Charles II., and a yearly rent-charge of 5s., left by Thos. Capenhurst in 1755.  The interest of £50, left by Zachary and Rebecca Johnson in 1669 and 1678, is applied in apprenticing poor boys.

SEAL (OVER) is a manor and pleasant village, 4½ miles W. by S. of Ashby-de-la-Zouch ; containing about 530 inhabitants, and 1127 acres of land, mostly a high district, joining the Ashby Wolds.  It maintains its poor jointly with Nether Seal ; and between the two villages is a hill called Cadborough, supposed to have been an ancient British station, probably in connexion with that of Seckington, in Warwickshire.  On the south side of the hill is a valley, called Dead-Dane Bottom ; and in an adjoining field is a tumulus, where human bones have been turned up by the plough.  Over Seal, called also Little and Spital Seile, was one of the lordships given, in the reign of Henry III, by William de Meisham, in marriage with his daughter, to Wm. de Appleby, together with a park, a wood, and a mill, called Woodlandes.  The services of this and another manor, the same Wm. de Meisham, about 1250, gave to Merevale Abbey, Warwickshire.  A third manor was afterwards held by Lucian de Deserto, and a fourth by the Vernons, of Haddon, Derbyshire.  But in the early part of the 13th century, all these manors were held under Wm. de Ferrariis, Earl of Derby.  In 1205, a curious agreement was made between Lucian of "Scheyl Minor" and the rector, respecting the maintenance of a resident chaplain, on his estate, to celebrate mass in the chapel there, three days a-week.  In the 16th century, Sir Wm. Gresley, of Drakelowe, bought this manor, and in the following century, it passed to the Morewoods, of Netherseal.  The manorial rights over the whole of Over-Seal now belong to Thos. Mowbray, Esq., but part of the soil belongs to John Curzon, Esq., and several smaller owners.  The ancient chapel was "quite decayed and gone," when Burton wrote, in 1622 ; but in 1840-1, a new Chapel of Ease was erected here by subscription, and dedicated to St. Matthew.  It is a neat structure, in the early English style, with a tower and one bell, and has 289 sittings, of which 293 are free.  It has an organ, a carved stone altar, a font of Caen stone, carved with emblems of the four Evangelists ; an eagle for the Bible ; service books of a costly description ; and a beautiful stained glass window.  Its only monument bears a long inscription in memory of the late Elizabeth Pycroft, who died Dec. 19th, 1840.  This charitable lady gave the site and burial ground, and also contributed liberally towards the building, on which she laid the first stone, Aug. 27th, 1840.  The communion plate, altar table, and velvet covering were the offerings of her relatives.  The chapelry is annexed to Nether Seal rectory, and the Rev. John Morewood Gresley, M.A., is the curate.  The chapel-yard comprises three quarters of an acres ; and in the north-west corner is planted a descendant of the celebrated Royal Oak of Boscobel.  Adjoining it is a school, erected by the lord of the manor in 1841, and supported by subscription.  It is attended by about 50 children.  The General Baptists and Primitive Methodists have chapels here, the former built in 1840, and the latter in 1860.

NETHERSEAL
POST OFFICE at Ann Jones's.  Letters arrive from Ashby-de-la-Zouch at 8½ morning, and are despatched at 4½ afternoon.

Bagot Captain Henry, Old Hall
Berry John Harley, brewer and maltster, Acresford Brewery
Conway Thomas, plumber and glazier
Cooper Mr James
Cooper William F. brewer's traveller
Gresley Rev. Nigel, B.A. rector
Hollis Henry, schoolmaster
Mowbray Ths. Esq. Grange Wood House
Robertson Eben William, Esq. Nether Seal Hall
Thompson Spencer, M.D. Grange Wood Lodge
Webster Robert, bricklayer
White William, draper

INNS AND TAVERNS
Cricketers' Inn, Robert Lees
Holly Bush, Richard Blay

BAKERS
Poultney John
Tagg James

BEERHOUSES
Allsebrook John
Bradley William
Newman John
Yeomans John

BLACKSMITHS
Lunn William
Patrick James
Shakespear Thos.

BUTCHERS
Tunnadine Henry
White George

CORN MILLERS
Poultney John, jun.
Stevenson Reuben

FARMERS
Carter Thomas
Colclough John, Gunby Leye
Deville John Coleman, Far Field
Elton John, Gunby
Insley Sarah
Newbold Thomas, Seal Field
Pegg Wm. Grange
Shakespear John, Woodside Farm
Townshend Wm. Grange Wood
Tunnadine Wm. Woodside
Whitehead Richd.

SHOEMAKERS
Cooke Francis (& parish clerk)
Davis Thomas
Eaton Frank
Roulston William
Shakespear James
Shakespear John
Shakespear Saml.

SHOPKEEPERS
Cartwright Saml.
Tagg James
Tetley Miriam
Yeoman Charles

TAILORS
Betteridge Joseph
Jebbett George

CARRIERS
To Lichfield, Fri. and Burton, Sat. Leedham John ; Mear John
To Burton, Thurs. Leedham John

OVERSEAL
Post Office at Thos. Priestley's.  Letters via Ashby.

Fisher Edw. Solicitor, The Shrubbery
Fisher Thomas, beerhouse
Freeman William, blacksmith
Gresley Rev. Jno. Morewood, M.A. curate
Gresley Mrs. My.
Hamp Jno. gent.
Hincks Thomas, schoolmaster
Hynes Christopher, bricklayer & bldr.
Perry Thos. joiner, Post Office
Shepherd Joseph, gardener
Singleton Misses Mary and Emily
Whetton James, painter
Woodhouse John Thos. civil engineer

INNS AND TAVERNS
Nag's Head, Jas. Haynes, (& bricklayer)
Robin Hood, James Collingwood

BUTCHERS
Ison Thomas
Marriott Thomas

FARMERS
Adams Thomas
Adams William
Rowland Joseph
Shakespear Joseph, Woodlands
Whitehead George, Gosty Leys

GROCERS, &c.
Bladon John (and baker)
Wood William

SHOEMAKERS
Freeman John
Mellows John
Wainwright Thos.

TAILORS
Bettridge William
Curringbell Richd.

CARRIER
Redfearn Chas. to Burton & Ashby

SEAL (NETHER), or NETHER SEAL, is a parish and village distant 4½ miles from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and 3½ from Moira station, in the north division of the county, hundred of West Goscote, union and county court district of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, diocese of Peterborough, archdeaconry of Leicestershire, and rural deanery of Akeley.  The church is dedicated to St. Peter.  The living is a rectory, annual value £970, with residence, in the gift of Sir Robert Gresley, Bart.  The Rev. Nigel Gresley, M.A., is the rector.  The Baptists have a chapel.  There is a national school for boys and girls, Henry Hollier master, Elizabeth Oliver, mistress.  The parish contains 2381 acres of land, of which the chief owners are Major Mowbray, E.W. Robertson, Esq., and several others.  The population is about 560.  The lord of the manor is sir Robert Gresley, Bart.  Boothorpe is a hamlet belonging to this parish.  A new cemetery was opened 1869, and a new school is about to be built.  POSTAL REGULATIONS - William Ford sub-postmaster.  Letters arrive at 9 a.m., are dispatched at 4.30 p.m.  The nearest money-order office is at Over Seal.  Post-town, Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Gresley Rev. N., M.A., rector, the Rectory
Martin Rev. -
Mosley Captain
Mowbray Major
Robertson E. William, Esq.

GENERAL TRADES, &c.
Allen George, saddler
Bradley William L., beer retailer
Brotherhood -, Cricketts inn
Conway Thomas, painter, plumber, &c.
Cooke Francis, boot and shoemaker
Eaton Francis, boot and shoemaker
Ford William, wheelwright
Goodall Mrs. saddler
Jebbitt William, tailor
Kirkley Robert, tailor
Leedham Joseph, beer retailer
Lees Robert, the Holly Bush
Newbold Thomas, wheelwright
Oliver James, blacksmith
Patrick James, blacksmith
Poultney John, baker
Stevenson Thomas, miller
Tagg James, grocer and baker
Tunnadine Henry, butcher
Webster Robert, bricklayer, &c.
White George, butcher
White William, grocer and draper, &c.
Yeomans James, beer retailer

FARMERS
Day John
Elton Thomas
Matt Richard
Mear John
Newbold Thomas, and landowner
Poultney Joseph, and landowner
Pratt Richard
Rigg William
Rowland Joseph
Stevenson Thomas, and landowner
Townsend William
Tunnadine William
Whitehead Richard, and landowner

SEAL (OVER) is a chapelry and village distant 4 miles from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and 1½ from Moira railway station, in the north division of the county, hundred of West Goscote, union and county court district of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, diocese of Peterborough, archdeaconry of Leicester, and rural deanery of Akeley.  The church is dedicated to St Matthew.  The living is annexed to the rectory of Nether Seal.  The Rev. F.B. Teesdale is the curate.  The Baptists and Primitive Methodists have each a chapel.  There is a National school for boys and girls, Thomas Hincks master, Frances Whetton mistress.  The acreage is 1129.  The chief owners are Major Mowbray (lord of the manor), N. Curzon, and J.T. Woodhouse, Esqs.  The population is about 600.  Post and money-order office - Thomas Priestley sub-postmaster.  Letters arrive at 8 a.m., are dispatched at 5 p.m.  Post-town, Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Fisher Edward, Esq., solicitor
Gresley the Misses
Singleton the Misses
Teesdale Rev. F.B., curate
Woodhouse, John Thomas, Esq., C.E.

GENERAL TRADERS, AC.
Clement Robert, shopkeeper and market-gardener
Collingwood James, Robon Hood inn
Collumbell Richard, tailor
Freeman John, boot and shoemaker
Freeman William, blacksmith
Haynes Christopher, bricklayer
Haynes James, bricklayer and victualler, Nag's Head inn
Hope Robert, beer retailer
Ison Thomas, butcher
Marriott Thomas, butcher
Priestley Thomas, general builder
Stewardson Samuel, baker
Stonehouse James, beer retailer
Whetton James, painter, plumber, &c.
Wood William, grocer

FARMERS
Adams Thomas
Rowland Joseph
Trussell William
Whitehead George
Winterton Samuel

NETHER SEAL (or SEILE) is a township, village and parish, 4 miles south-west from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, 3 south-west from Moira station, 8 south from Burton-upon-Trent and 13 from Lichfield, in the Northern division of the county, hundred of West Goscote, Ashby-de-la-Zouch union and county court district, rural deanery of West Akeley, archdeaconry of Leicester and diocese of Peterborough, bounded on the south by the river Mease.  The church of St. Peter is an ancient stone structure in the Early English style, restored in 1874, at a cost of £3,700, raised by subscription, and consists of a chancel, nave, north aisle, south porch and west tower containing 5 bells and clock ; a stained east window was inserted in 1879 to the late Thomas Woodhouse esq. thirty-six years churchwarden of this parish : in a recess on the north side is a tomb of the fifteenth century, representing a priest in full canonicals, to the memory of Roger Doughton, formerly rector of this parish, but the date is illegible.  The register dates from the year 1566, and is in very good condition.  The living is a rectory, yearly value £970, with about 60 acres of glebe, in the gift of Sir Robert Gresley bart. and held by the Rev. Nigel Gresley B.A. of Trinity College, Cambridge : a residence has been erected for the rector ; it is a handsome red brick mansion, situated close to the church.  There is a chapel for General Baptists.  There are almshouses, founded and endowed with £182 yearly by one Richard Johnson in 1697 for 9 poor people, who are also maintained by the charity : £41 yearly, the amount of Sir T. Rich's Charity, left by will in 1666, is distributed in bread.  Here is an extensive colliery, worked by the Nether Seal Colliery Company Limited.  The Hall is the residence of Robert and Herbert Garnett esqs. ; Grangewood House, the residence of Major George Thomas Mowbray D.L., J.P. ; and the Old Hall is the residence of Capt. Harry Leigh Townsend.  The principal landowners are Sir R. Gresley bart. who is lord of the manor ; Sir Harold Hewett bart. Major G.T. Mowbray J.P. W.R.M. Wynne, N.C. Curzon and F.W. Robertson esqrs. and Messrs. Freer Brothers.  The land consists of clay, gravel and sand.  The usual crops are grown.  The acreage is 4,217 ; rateable value, £9,372 ; the population in 1881 of the whole parish was 1,708, and of the township, 1,240.

OVER SEAL (or SEILE) is a hamlet of the parish of Seal, distant 4 miles south-west from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and separated from the parish of Ashby by the Houborough brook.  The chapel of ease of St. Matthew is a very handsome building, in the Early English style, consisting of a chancel and nave, having a tower at the west end containing 1 bell, with stained windows and an organ : it was consecrated July 26, 1841.  Cadborough is thought to have been a British camp.  Near Dead Dane Bottom is a barrow.  Major George Thomas Mowbray J.P. who is lord of the manor, and N.C. Curzon esq. are the chief landowners.  The population and acreage is included with that of Nether Seal.

Parish Clerks (Nether Seal), Francis Cooke ; (Over Seal), Arthur Perry.

POST OFFICE (Nether Seal). - William Ford, receiver.  Letters through Ashby-de-la-Zouch, arrive at 8 a.m. ; dispatched at 5.30 p.m. on week days, & 10.20 a.m. on sundays.  Letters for Nether Seal Colliery should be addressed Burton-upon-Trent.

POST, MONEY ORDER & TELEGRAPH OFFICE & Savings Bank (Over Seal). - Henry Wilkins, postmaster. Letters through Ashby-de-la-Zouch, arrive at 7.40 a.m. ; dispatched at 5.50 p.m. on week days, & 10.40 a.m. on sundays.

SCHOOLS:-
Very handsome schools were erected at Over Seal in 1875, at a cost of £1,400, defrayed by Major G.T. Mowbray J.P. ; Joseph White, master ; Miss E. Storey, mistress.
National, Nether Seal, Samuel Philip May, master

CARRIERS:-
Joseph Leedham, to Tamworth, saturday ; to Burton-upon-Trent, thursday ; to Lichfield, friday
John Coulton (Over Seal), to Burton on thursday, to Ashby on saturday

Nether Seal
Bastable Daniel Herbert, Grangewood lodge
Garnett Herbert, Nether Seal hall
Garnett Robert, Nether Seal hall
Gresley Rev. Nigel B.A. Rectory
Hincks Mrs. Acresford
Mowbray Major George Thomas D.L., J.P. Grangewood house
Radford Vernon, Grangewood cottage
Swale Robert, Grangewood cottage
Titley Mrs
Townsend Capt. Harry Leigh, Old Hall

COMMERCIAL
Bastable Daniel Herbert, surgeon, Grangewood Lodge
Bladon Thomas Ball, general draper, grocer & baker
Bonnett John Thomas, com. traveller
Brotherhood John, Crickets inn, Acresford
Carter Thomas, farmer
Conway Thomas plumber
Cooke Francis, shoe maker
Cooper George & William Field, brewers, Acresford
Coxon Edward, farmer
Cross Abraham, shopkeeper
Eaton Frank, shoe maker
Ford William, wheelwright
Goodall Henry, farmer
Kirby Robert, tailor
Leedam Joseph, beer retailer & carrier
Liggins Joseph, Holly Bush inn
Lilley Joseph, miller
Mear John, farmer
Mousley & Goodall, harness makers ; & at Walton-upon-Trent
Nether Seal Colliery Co. Limited (Thomas Halliday, agent)
Newbold Thomas, wheelwright
Poultney John, shopkeeper
Poultney Joseph, farmer
Pratt Elizabeth (Mrs.), farmer
Roulstone Henry, blacksmith
Roulstone William, shoe maker
Scattergood Samuel, shopkeeper
Shakespear James, shoe maker
Shakespear William Carey, farmer
Spencer William, farmer
Stevenson Thomas, miller & farmer
Tagg John, shopkeeper
Tunnadine Henry, butcher
Tunnadine William, farmer
Ward Arthur, butcher
Webster Robert, bricklayer
White George, farmer, Woodside
Whitehead Richard, farmer
Yeomans John, beer retailer

Over Seal
Coyte Rev. Walter Beeston M.A. [curate], The Elms
Gresley Misses
Newbold Misses
Singleton Misses
Woodhouse Mrs. The Cottage

COMMERCIAL
Adams Thomas, farm bailiff to Major Mowbray
Berry William, farmer
Collumbell Joseph, tailor
Coulton John, carrier
Freeman George, blacksmith
Gilbert Joseph L. Robin Hood
Haynes Susannah (Mrs.), Nag's Head
Hope Robert, farmer
Litherland Joseph, grocer
Marriott Thomas, butcher
Priestley Thomas, builder
Stonehouse James, threshing machine owner & farmer
Stubbs William, shopkeeper
Wallis Joseph, beer retailer
Whetton James, plumber & glazier
Whitehead George, farmer
Wilkins Henry, farmer, & post office

NETHER SEAL (or SEILE) is a manor and pleasant village on the north side of the river Mease, in Seal parish, on the north-western extremity of the county, adjoining Donisthorpe parish, nearly 6 miles W.S.W. from Ashby, where this county is joined by those of Derby and Stafford.  It is in the Bosworth division, hundred of West Goscote, rural deanery of Akeley, Ashby union and County Court district.  The various landowners are Sir Robert Gresley, of Drakelowe hall, Burton-on-Trent, lord of the manor ; Major Mowbray, of Grange Wood house ; Mrs. F.W. Robertson, of the hall ; Sir Harold Hewett, N.C. Curzon, Esq. and W.R.M. Wynne, Esq.  Netherseal hall, the seat of Mr. F.W. Robertson, is an ancient stone building, with modern additions of brick.  Four common fields and other lands of Netherseal and Overseal were annexed under an agreement dated July 2nd, 1755, and their enclosure was confirmed by Act of Parliament passed 1799.  The Manor of Netherseal was held by various families, and sold by the Gresleys to the Morewoods in 1627, but in 1630, by the marriage of Frances Morewood to Sir Thomas Gresley, it passed again to the latter family.  St. Peter’s Church is a large handsome structure in the Early English style, with features of the Decorated period, comprising chancel, vestry, nave, north aisle, porch, and embattled tower, with two dialled clock and five bells.  The clock was purchased in 1861, at an expense of £100.  The church was thoroughly restored and reseated in 1874, at a cost of £27000.  The vestry was built and the tower arch opened towards the nave.  In 1878 a reredos was added, and a magnificant stained east window inserted to the memory of J.T. Woodhouse, the mining engineer.  The cost was £350.  About Christmas, 1885, a chancel screen was added.  The Rectory, apportioned at £1080 a year, is in the gift of Sir Robert Gresley, Bart.  There is a good residence house.  The income is derived from 71s. of glebe and from the tithes which were commuted for £970 per annum.  The church yard was closed by an order from the Privy Council, and a cemetery of one acre, presented by the late Sir T. Gresley, has been formed.  The National school was built in 1871, at a cost of £600, defrayed by subscription.  The Baptist Chapel was built in 1840.  There is a reading and coffee room for the use of the parishioners. In 1697 Rd. Johnson left £150 for the erection of almshouses, and endowed them with property now yielding £130 a year.  The property consists of 35a. 3r. 14p. in Netherseal, a house called The Friars, and several closes at Lichfield.  The almshouse have gardens attached to them, and are divided into nine tenements.  Each inmate is allowed 5s. per week, 3 tons of coal every year, and medical attendance when necessary.  They are selected from the oldest and poorest parishioners who are members of the Church of England.  The rector, along with the lords of the manors of Stretton and Chilcote, are the trustees.  There is a distribution of bread every Sunday from the rent of Stanley’s Poor’s land, purchased with £200 left by Thomas Rich in 1666, and there are some smaller charities.  The acreage of Nether and Overseal is 3629a. 2r. 18p. ; rateable value £11,288 17s. ; population 1695, of the township of Netherseal 1240.  The feast is on the Sunday after June 29th, or upon that day when it falls upon Sunday.

ST. PETER’S CHURCH. – Services on Sunday at 11 and 3.  Communion first Sunday in month. Rev. N. Gresley, B.A. ; Wardens, Major Mowbray and Mr. Cooper ; Organist, Mr. J.W. Arnott ; Clerk, F. Cooke.  Hymns A. & M.

BAPTIST CHAPEL. – Services on Sunday at 2 and 6.  Rev. B. Noble (Measham) ; Steward, Mr. James Shakespeare.

POST OFFICE. – William Ford, sub-postmaster.  Letters from Ashby delivered at 8-15 a.m. ; box cleared at 5-15 p.m. on week-days, 10-30 a.m. on Sunday.  The nearest Money Order and Telegraph Office is at Netherseal.

Arnott John Welbourn, master National school
Bonnett John Thomas, coml trvllr
Coleman Miss Ella
Cooke Francis, par clk & asst oversr
Cooper G. & W.F., brewers, Acresford brewery, Donisthorpe
Cooper George, of G. & W.F. Cooper, Acresford, Donisthorpe
Farmer John, painter and plumber
Gresley Rev. Nigel, B.A., The Rectry
Hague Ernest, agent Netherseal Colliery Company
Hincks Mrs. Elizabeth, Acresford
Howe Robert, mining manager, Netherseal Colliery Co.
Kirkby Robert, tailor
Mowbray George Thomas (Major) J.P., Grange Wood house
Netherseal Colliery Co., E. Hague, agent ; Thos. Wilkinson, manager
Newbold Thomas, wheelwright
Pooley John, gamekeeper
Robertson Mrs. My. Isabella, Netherseal hall
Roulstone Henry, blacksmith
Tagg Mrs. Mary
Townsend Henry Lee (Capt.), Netherseal old hall
Villers William, saddler
Webster Robert, builder
Webster Robert, builder
Wilkinson Thomas, colliery manager

BAKERS.
Bladen Thomas Ball, & shopkeeper
Tagg John, and shopkeeper

BOOTMAKERS.
Bancroft John, and cottager
Davis Thomas, repairer & tax collr
Roulstone Wm.
Shakespeare Jas.

COTTAGERS AND COWKEEPERS.
Bancroft John, and boot maker
Cooke John
Ford William, and wheelwright and sub-postmaster
Poynton Henry
Richardson Geo.
Richardson Thomas
Shakespeare James, and boot maker and tax collector
Sharp John Henry
Smith George
Ward John
White Thomas

DRESSMAKERS.
Gallaghan Mrs. Ada
Roulstone Miss Agnes
Scattergood Mrs. Elizabeth

FARMERS AND GRAZIERS.
Carter Thomas
Cooper William
Coxon Edward, Hollow farm
Coxon Thomas
Goodall Henry
Gotheridge George
Lilley Joseph, and miller
Mousley Henry
Pratt Geo., Sealfield
Scattergood Samuel, and shopkeeper
Spencer William, Grange farm
Stevenson Mrs. Mary, and miller
Tunnadine William
White Geo., & btcher, Woodside farm
Whitehead Richard

PUBLICANS.
Brotherhood John, v. Crickets’ Inn
Leedham Jph., bhs, Pig & Whistle
Payne William, v. Holly Bush
Yeomans John, bhs, Dog

SHOPKEEPERS.
Bladen Thomas Ball, and baker
Scattergood Saml.
Smith Arthur
Tagg John, and baker

CARRIER.
Leedham Joseph, to Burton Th. Lichfield Fri, Tamworth Sat.

NETHER SEAL (or SEILE) is a township, village and parish, bounded on the south by the river Mease, the county of Derby on the north-west, and the county of Stafford on the south-west, 5½ miles south-west from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, 3 south-west from Moira station on the Burton, Ashby and Nuneaton branch of Midland railway, 8 south from Burton-upon-Trent and 13 from Lichfield, in the Western division of the county, hundred of West Goscote, Ashby-de-la-Zouch petty sessional division, union and county court district, rural deanery of West Akeley, archdeaconry of Leicester and diocese of Peterborough.  The church of St. Peter is an ancient edifice of stone in the Early English style, restored in 1874, at a cost of £3,700, raised by subscription, consisting of chancel, nave, north aisle, south porch and western tower containing a clock and 5 bells ; the stained east window, inserted in 1879, is a memorial to the late Thomas John Woodhouse esq. 36 years churchwarden of this parish : in a recess on the north side is a tomb of the 15th century, with the effigy of a priest in full canonicals, representing Roger Doughton, a former rector of this parish, but the date is illegible : the church was restored in 1874 at a cost of £2,700, and has 300 sittings.  The register dates from the year 1566 and is in very good condition.  The living is a rectory, average tithe rent-charge £769, gross yearly value £901, with 72 acres of glebe and residence, in the gift of Sir Robert Gresley bart. and held since 1860 by the Rev. Nigel Gresley B.A. of Trinity College, Cambridge : the rectory house is a good building of red brick, situated close to the church.  There are General Baptist and Wesleyan chapels, and almshouses, founded and endowed with £182 yearly by one Richard Johnson in 1697 for nine poor people, who are also maintained by the charity : a sum of £41 yearly, the amount of Sir T. Rich's Charity, left by will in 1666, is distributed in bread.  "No-man's Heath," situated close to Nether Seal Hall, derives its name from its position on the confines of the counties of Derby, Leicester, Warwick and Stafford respectively ; the exact spot is marked by an ancient stone, divided into four parts, each of which is in one of the above counties.  Here is an extensive colliery, worked by the Nether Seal Colliery Company Limited.  The principal landowners are Sir Robert Gresley bart. of Drakelowe, Derby, who is lord of the manor, Sir Harold George Hewett bart. J.P., Major George Thomas Mowbray D.L., J.P. of Grangewood House, Nether Seal, William Robert Maurice Wynne esq. D.L., J.P. of Peniarth, Towyn, and Nathaniel Charles Curzon esq. J.P. of Lockington Hall, Mrs. Mary Katherine Robertson and Messrs. Freer Brothers.  Nether Seal Hall is the property of Mrs. Robertson, widow of Francis William Robertson esq. (d. 1882), but let to Francis Charrington esq. ; it dates back to the reign of James I. when it was in the possession of the Gresley family, coming into the hands of the Robertsons about the beginning of the 19th century.  Grangewood House is the residence of Major George Thomas Mowbray D.L., J.P. ; and the Old Hall is the residence of Capt. Harry Leigh Townsend J.P.  The soil is clayey ; sub-soil, various.  The acreage is 4,890 ; rateable value, £10,189 ; the population in 1881 of the whole parish was 1,338.

Over Seal (or SEILE) is a hamlet of the parish of Seal, distant 4 miles south-west from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, separated from the parish of Ashby by the Hooborough brook.  St. Matthew's chapel of ease, consecrated July 26th, 1841, is a building in the Early English style, consisting of a chancel, nave, aisles and an embattled western tower containing one bell, and there are several stained windows.  Cadborough is thought to have been a British camp.  Near Dead Dane Bottom is a barrow.  Major George Thomas Mowbray D.L., J.P., of Nether Seal, who is lord of the manor of Over Seal, and Nathaniel Charles Curzon esq. J.P. of Lockington Hall, are the chief landowners.  The population and acreage is included with that of Nether Seal.  In 1884 detached parts of this parish were amalgamated with Blackfordby, and other detached parts amalgamated with Oakthorp and Donisthorpe, in Derbyshire.

Parish Clerks (Nether Seal), Francis Cooke ; (Over Seal), Arthur Perry.

POST, M.O. & T.O., S.B. & Annuity & Insurance Office (Over Seal). - Henry Wilkins, postmaster. Letters through Ashby-de-la-Zouch arrive at 7.30 a.m. ; dispatched at 6 p.m. on week days & 11.10 a.m. on sundays.

POST OFFICE (Nether Seal). - William Ford, receiver.  Letters through Ashby-de-la-Zouch arrive at 8 a.m. ; dispatched at 5.30 p.m. on week days & 10.20 a.m. on sundays.  The nearest money order & telegraph office is at Over Seal.  Letters for Nether Seal Colliery should be addressed Burton-upon-Trent.  Postal orders are issued here, but not paid.

SCHOOLS:-
National (mixed), Over Seal, erected in 1875, at a cost of £1,400, defrayed by Major George Thomas Mowbray J.P. for 194 children ; average attendance, 163 ; Joseph White, master ; Adele Neale, mistress
National (mixed), Nether Seal, erected in 1870, for 103 children, enlarged in 1890 for 158 children ; average attendance 96 ; Theophilus Matkin, master ; Sarah Ann Wykes, mistress

CARRIERS:-
William Leedham, to Tamworth, sat. ; to Burton-upon-Trent, thurs ; to Lichfield, fri
Henry Wilkins (Over Seal), to Ashby on sat

Netherseal
Charrington Francis, Nether Seal hall
Checkland Alex. Seal Pasture's farm
Checkland Henry, Seal Pasture's farm
Coleman Miss
Creagh William, Grangewood lodge
Gresley Rev. Nigel B.A. Rectory
Hincks Miss
Mowbray Major George Thomas D.L., J.P. Grangewood house
Townsend Capt. Harry Leigh, Old hall

COMMERCIAL
Adkin Edward, farmer, Woodside
Bladon Thomas Ball, draper, grocer & baker
Bonnett John Thomas, com. traveller
Brotherhood Jn. Crickets inn, Acresford
Carter Thomas, farmer
Coxon Edward, farmer
Creagh Wm. surgeon, Grangewood lodge
Ellis Charles, beer retailer
Farmer John, plumber
Ford William, wheelwright, Post office
Goodall Henry, farmer
Gotheridge George, farmer
Kirby Robert, tailor
Leedam William, carrier
Lilley Joseph, miller (wind & water)
Lovett Frederick, Holly Bush inn
Mosely Henry, farmer
Nether Seal Colliery Co. Limited (H.S. Hincks, sec. & commercial agent ; George J. Binns, manager & agent)
Newbold Thomas, wheelwright
Newborough Thomas, farmer
Pratt George, farmer
Richardson George, shopkeeper
Roulstone Henry, blacksmith
Scattergood Samuel, shopkeeper
Shakespear James, grazier
Spencer William, farmer
Stevenson Thos. (Mrs.), miller & farmer
Tagg John, shopkeeper
Tunnadine Thomas, farmer
Villers William, saddler
White George, sen. farmer
White George, jun. butcher

Over Seal
Chope Rev. Clement R. [curate]
Hall John, Manor house
Singleton Misses
Woosnam Misses

COMMERCIAL
Adams Thomas, farm bailiff to Major Mowbray
Allen Thomas, Nag's Head P.H. & saddler
Clamp Abram, butcher
Collumbell William, tailor
Freeman George, blacksmith
Hart Aaron, grocer
Hunt James, grocer
Jones Thomas, The Boot P.H.
King Thomas, farmer
Kirby Samuel, boot dealer
Large John Dick, commercial traveller
Litherland Joseph, grocer
Mason Henry, farmer
Nixon Arnold J. farmer
Perry Arthur, farmer
Slater John & Harrison, builders
Smith George Fallows, farmer
Thornewell Joseph, Robin Hood P.H.
Wallis Joseph, beer retailer
Whetton James, plumber & glazier
Wilkins Hy. farmer & carrier, Post office
Winterton Samuel, farmer

NETHER SEAL (or SEILE) is a township, village and parish, bounded on the south by the river Mease, and the county of Stafford on the south-west, 3 miles south-west from Moira station on the Burton, Ashby and Nuneaton branch of Midland railway, 5½ south-west from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, 8 south from Burton-upon-Trent and 13 from Lichfield, in the Southern division of the county, hundred of West Goscote, Swadlincote petty sessional division, Ashby-de-la-Zouch union and county court district, rural deanery of West Akeley, archdeaconry of Leicester and diocese of Peterborough.

Under the provisions of the "Counties of Derby and Leicester (Woodville &c.) Order," dated May 8, 1897, and which came into operation Sept. 30, 1897, this parish formerly in Leicestershire, was transferred to Derbyshire.

The church of St. Peter is an ancient edifice of stone in the Early English style, consisting of chancel, nave, north aisle, south porch and western tower, containing a clock and 5 bells : the stained east window, inserted in 1879, is a memorial to the late Thomas John Woodhouse esq. 36 years churchwarden of this parish, and there aretwo others in the chancel, erected in 1898 as a memorial of the Rev. Nigel Gresley R.A. rector 1869-97 : in a recess on the north side is a tomb of the 15th century, with the effigy of a priest in full canonicals, representing Roger Doughton, a former rector of this parish : the inscription, deciphered with difficulty, appears to read :- "Hic jacet Rogerus Douton quondam Rector Ecclesiae parochialis de Scheyle qui quidem Rogerus obiit penultimo die Julii anno D'ni M'l'o quingentessimo cujus a'i'e propicetur De' Amen" : the organ was reconstructed and enlarged, at a cost of £110, in 1892 : the church was restored in 1874, at a cost of £2,702, and has 300 sittings.  The register dates from the year 1566 and is in very good condition.  The living is a rectory, average net yearly value £675, with 72 acres of glebe and residence, in the gift of A.O. Worthington esq. of Maple Haves, Staffs. and held since 1897 by the Rev. Herbert Edward Worthington B.A. of Merton College, Oxford : the rectory house is a good building of red brick, situated close to the church.  There are General Baptist and Wesleyan chapels, and almshouses, founded and endowed with £182 yearly by one Richard Johnson in 1699, for nine poor people, who are also maintained by the charity : a sum of £51 yearly, the amount of Sir T. Rich's Charity, left by will in 1666, is distributed in bread.  "No-man's Heath," close to Netherseal Hall, derives its name from its position on the confines of the counties of Derby, Leicester, Warwick and Stafford respectively ; the exact spot is marked by an ancient stone, divided into four parts, each of which is in one of the above counties.  Here is an extensive colliery, worked by the Nether Seal Colliery Company Limited, and employing about 700 men and boys.  The principal landowners are Sir Robert Gresley bart. of Drakelowe, Derby, who is lord of the manor, Sir Harold George Hewett bart. J.P., Mons. de Preville, William Robert Maurice Wynne esq. J.P. of Peniarth, Towyn, and William Curzon esq. of Lockington Hall, Leicestershire, Mrs. Mary Katherine Robertson and Messrs. Freer Brothers.  Netherseal Hall is the property of Mrs. Robertson, widow of Francis William Robertson esq. (d. 1882), and is occupied by Francis Charrington esq. ; it dates from the reign of James I. when it was in the possession of the Gresley family, coming into the hands of the Robertsons about the beginning of the 19th century.  Grangewood House is the property of Mons. de Preville, and occupied by Horace Rendell Mansfiedl esq. J.P. ; and the Old Hall is the residence of Cyril Grant Cunard esq.  The soil is clayey ; sub-soil, various.  The area of Netherseal is 2,622 acres ; rateable value, £6,369 ; the population in 1891 was 692 Netherseal and 821 Overseal.

OVERSEAL (or Seile) is a civil parish in the ecclesiastical parish of Seale, distant 4 miles south-west from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, separated from the parish of Ashby by the Hooborough brook.  St. Matthew's chapel of ease, consecrated July 26th, 1841, is a building in the Early English style, consisting of a chancel, nave, aisles and an embattled western tower containing a clock and one bell, and there are several stained windows.  There is a Baptist chapel, rebuilt in 1896, and a Primitive Methodist chapel, rebuilt.  Cadborough is thought to have been a British camp.  Near Dead Dane Bottom is a barrow.  Mons. de Preville, William Curzon esq. of Lockington Hall, and the trustees of the late Lord Donington (d. 1895), are the chief landowners.  The area of Overseal is 1,173 acres ; rateable value, £5,174.  In 1884, detached parts of this parish were amalgamated with Blackfordby, and other detached parts amalgamated with Oakthorp and Donisthorpe, in Leicestershire.

Parish Clerks, Netherseal, William Ford ; Over Seal, William Adams.

Post, M.O. & T.O., S.B., Express Delivery & Annuity & Insurance Office, Overseal. - Henry Watkins, sub-postmaster. Letters through Ashby-de-la-Zouch arrive at 7.15 a.m. & 4.15 (for callers only) ; dispatched at 6.35 p.m. on week days & 11.20 a.m. on sundays.

Post & M.O. Office (Nether Seal). - William Ford, sub-postmaster.  Letters through Ashby-de-la-Zouch arrive at 7.40 a.m. & 5 p.m. (for callers only) ; dispatched at 5.25 p.m. on week days & 10.30 a.m. on sundays.  Postal orders are issued here, but not paid.  The nearest telegraph office is at Overseal.  Letters for Netherseal Colliery should be addressed Linton, Burton-upon-Trent.

Schools
National (mixed), Overseal, erected in 1875, at a cost of £1,400, defrayed by Major George Thomas Mowbray J.P. for 194 children ; average attendance, 185 ; Joseph White, master ; Miss Rhoda Humphrey, mist
National (mixed), Netherseal, erected in 1870, for 103 children, enlarged in 1890 for 158 children ; average attendance 112 ; Theophilus Matkin, master ; Miss Edith F. Featherstone, mistress

Carrier. - William Hughes, Gorsey Leys, to Burton on thurs ; to Ashby on sat

Railway Station (Overseal & Moira), L. & N.W. Railway, George J. Granger, station master

NETHERSEAL
Charrington Francis, Nether Seal hall
Creagh William, Grangewood lodge (postal address, Lullington, Burton-on-Trent)
Cunard Cyril Grant, Old hall
Gresley Rev. Nigel B.A. Rectory
Hincks Miss
Mansfield Horace Rendell J.P. Grangewood house
Worthington Rev. Herbert Edward B.A. Rectory

COMMERCIAL
Allsopp Isaac, farmer
Baxter George, farm bailiff to Mr. George Checkland, Seale pastures
Bladon Thomas Ball, draper, grocer & baker
Bollard Samuel Thos. commercial manager to Donisthorpe colliery, Seale pastures
Bonnett John Thos. commrcl. traveller
Brotherhood John, Crickets inn
Carter Thomas, farmer, Eastfield
Carter Thomas, jun. miller (water) & farmer
Cliff Thomas, gamekeeper to Sydney Evershed esq. M.P. Grangewood
Cooper William Gervase, baker & confectioner
Coxon Sarah (Mrs.), farmer
Creagh William L.R.C.S.I. physician & surgeon, medical officer for Lullington & Roslington districts, Burton union & Clifton district. Tamworth union, Grangewood lodge (postal address, Lullington, Burton-on-Trent)
Farmer John, plumber
Ford William, Post office
Goodall Henry, farmer, Gunby farm
Hillman William, beer retailer
Kirkby Robert, tailor
Leedham Albert, dairy farmer, Hawthorn house
Leedham Elizabeth (Mrs.), beer retlr
Leedham William, sen. farmer, Gunbylea
Lovett Frederick, Holly Bush inn
Manley Thomas, thatcher
Mosely Henry, farmer
Netherseal Colliery Co. Lim. (H.S. Hincks, sec. & commercial agent ; C. Dickinson, manager) (postal address, Linton, Burton-on-Trent)
Pratt Geo. farmer Seal Fields farm
Richardson Geo. blacksmith & shpkpr
Scattergood Samuel, shopkeeper
Shakespeare James, tax collector
Simpson Wm. Hy. farmer, Grange fm
Spencer William, farmer
Stevenson Fredk. miller (wind & steam)
Stevenson Hy. farmr. White House fm
Stevenson Mary (Mrs.), farmer
Sutton William T. (exors. of the late), farmer
Tagg John, shopkeeper & farmer
Villers William, saddler
Waters George, farm bailiff to Mr. William Leedham, jun. Woodside
White Edward, wheelwright
White George, sen. farmer
White George, jun. butcher

OVERSEAL
Private Residents
Betterton Arthur Herbert, The Elms
Hall John, Manor house
Harrow George Ph.D.
Ison Fredk. Wm. Reservoir cottage
Pickering William Hudson Atkinson, Overseal house
Singleton Miss, The Shrubbery
Trussell Mrs. Highfield house
Tunnicliffe Miss

COMMERCIAL
Allen Tom, butcher
Boss Frederick, painter & plumber &c
Brown Edwin, blacksmith
Collumbell Francis William, tailor
Coxon William Henry, Nag's Head P.H.
Freeman John, bootmaker
Hart Aaron, grocer & beer retailer
Haywood Thomas, beer retailer
Hughes Wm. carrier, Gorsey leys
Hunt James, grocer & draper
Kirby Samuel, boot dealer & grocer
Mason Ada (Mrs.), farmer, The Poplars
Moore Samuel & Sons, red brick & sanitary pipe manufacturers, Swains Park brick works
Moore Wm. brick maker, Field view
Newborough Thos. frmrs. Gorsey leys
Nixon Arnold James, farmer
Ord Arthur Percy, veterinary surgeon
Overseal Cricket Club (J.T. Thornewell & A. Jackson, hon. sec. & treas)
Perry Arthur, wheelwright
Poyser Samuel, farmer, The Grange
Robinson & Dowler, Canal sanitary pipe works
Slater & Harrison, builders & contrctrs
Smith J. & Sons. chimney sweepers
Thornewell Joseph Tow, rate collector & clerk to Overseal parish council ; & Robin Hood inn, wines & spirits of the best quality ; pale & Burton ales ; good accomodation for travellers
Whetton Bros. plumbers & glaziers
Whitehead George, farmer
Wilkins Henry, farmer, Post office
Winterton Samuel, farmer, Woodlands