Shirland Parish

Shirland Parish Register

(Register does not start until - Burials 1678 - Baptisms 1695 - Marriages 1695 - Bishops Transcripts 1661)

John Clay buried in woollen and affidavit made 9th October 1685.

Thomas Clay. Churchwarden 1695.

Thomas son of Thomas Clay baptised 29th September 1696.

Elizabeth Clay baptised 22nd March 1697.

Ellen daughter of Thomas and Anne Clay baptised 22nd November 1699.

Ellen daughter of Thomas and Anne Clay buried 27th November 1699.

Francis son of Thomas and Anne Clay baptised 30th December 1700.

John son of Thomas and Anne Clay baptised 23rd February 1702.

Robert son of Thomas and Anne Clay baptised 25th February 1706.

William son of Thomas and Anne Clay baptised 2 nd May 1709.

Anne daughter of Thomas Clay baptised 11th November 1712.

William son of Thomas and Anne Clay buried in woolen 24th August 1723.

William Clay the bastard child of Sarah Hurt  baptised 6th July 1739.

John Clay married Mary Shaw 5th January 1740.

Mary daughter of John and Mary Clay baptised 5th January 1741.

Thomas son of John and Mary Clay baptised 15th June 1743.

Mary daughter of John and Mary Clay baptised 5th January 1747.

Robert son of John and Mary Clay baptised 25th April 1749.

Francis son of John and Mary Clay baptised 21st July 1751.

Elizabeth daughter of John and Mary Clay of Shirland baptised 9th November 1752.

Mrs Ann Clay of Higham buried 25th October 1754.

Thomas Clay of Morton married Elizabeth Hunt 30th January 1755.

Sarah daughter of John and Mary Clay baptised 24th July 1755.

Martha daughter of John and Mary Clay baptised  18th August 1757.

Elizabeth daughter of John and Mary Clay buried 7th April 1758.

George son of John and Mary Clay baptised 16th April 1761.

Mary Clay married George Barker of Alfreton 5th December 1764. Witness Thomas Clay.

Thomas Clay buried 7th December 1765.

Anne Clay married Stephen Wooding of Alfreton 3rd June 1771. Witnesses John Clay and Thomas Clay.

John Clay, Churchwarden 1787.

John Clay buried 23rd December 1788.

John Clay married Mary Roberts 9th June 1789.

John son of John and Mary Clay baptised 21st March 1789.

Thomas Roberts son of John and Mary Clay baptised 12th September 1791.

Martha Clay married Adam Ashton of Wirksworth 25th March 1791.

Mary daughter of John and Mary Clay baptised 10th January 1796.

Sarah Clay married James Brailsford of this parish 23rd April 1798. Witness. Thomas Clay.

George son of John and Mary Clay baptised 22nd January 1799.

Sarah Clay widow married Jonathan Chadwin of Mansfield 7th December 1809.

Mary daughter of John Clay junior of Shirland farmer and Sarah baptised 22nd August 1824.

Hemingway son of Richard Clay of Higham, gent and Martha baptised 2nd January 1825.

Sarah daughter of John Clay junior of Shirland, farmer and Sarah baptised 12th April 1826.

John son of John Clay of Shirland farmer and Sarah baptised 11th July 1830.

Thomas John Clay son of Sampson Clay of Shirland blacksmith and Katherine baptised 30th May 1843.

Thomas son of Sampson Clay of Shirland, blacksmith and Katherine baptised15th February 1846.

Emma and Hannah daughters of George Clay of Shirland, labourer and Ellen baptised 26th July 1846.

Amos son of George Clay of Shirland, labourer and Ellen baptised 21st August 1848.

Solomon son of George Clay of Shirland, labourer and Ellen baptised 31st March 1850.

John son of John Clay of Shirland, farmer and Elizabeth baptised 26th September 1858.

Martha daughter of William Clay of Shirland, labourer and Mary Ann baptised 3rd May 1864.

Frank son of John Clay of Shirland, farmer and sawyer and his wife Elizabeth baptised 9th February 1865.

George son of William Clay of Stonebroom, labourer and Mary Ann baptised 2nd September 1866.

George son of John Clay of Shirland, farmer and Elizabeth baptised 24th November 1867.

John son of William Clay of Stonebroom, collier baptised 6th March 1870.

Shirland Parish Churchwardens Accounts

(Derbyshire Records Office Ref.- D3107A/PW/1/1-77)

1720. 20th May. Churchwardens Accounts seen and allowed by Thomas Clay (and others). (PW1/1).

1729. Thomas Clay. Churchwarden - his accounts - remains in hand. £9-4-3. (PW1/5).

1731. ReceIved off the late churchwarden Thomas Clay. £1-18-4. (PW1/7).

1731. Paid to Thomas Clay 2 shillings. (PW1/7).

1731. Ye Accounts of Thomas Clay for ye churchwarden for Higham. £6-1-9. (PW1/8).

1732. 11th Sept. Accounts seen and allowed by Thomas Clay junior (and others). (PW1/9).

1735. Paid to Thomas Clay for wood for ye frame of ye loft. £4-9-6. (PW1/18).

1737. 6th June. Accounts seen and allowed by Thomas Clay (and others). (PW1/17 +18).

1738. 3rd Nov.      "       "        "         "         "       "      "     Thomas Clay (and others). (PW1/19+21).

1740. 26th Sept.   "      "        "         "         "        "      "    Thomas Clay (and others). (PW1/23+24).

1741.16th Sept. Rem.d Duete John Clay 12s-5d. witnessed by Thomas Clay.(PW1/26).

1741. Accounts seen and allowed by Thomas Clay (and others). (PW1/27+28).

1742.      "      "         "         "        "      "      "     John Clay (and others). 20th May. (PW129+30).

1746       "      "         "         "        "       "      "    John Clay (and others). 6th June. (PW1/35+36).

1747.      "      "         "         "        "       "      "    John Clay (and others). PW1/37+38).

1749.      "      "         "         "        "       "      "    John Clay (and others). 22nd Dec. (PW1/39+40).

1750.      "      "         "         "        "       "      "   Thomas Clay (and others). 29th June. (PW1/41).

1751. Thomas Clay Churchwarden - his accounts - total £1-18-6. (PW1/43).

1752. 18th June. Accounts seen and allowed by John Clay and Thomas Clay (and others). (PW1/43+44).

1754. 20th August. Paid Mr Clay for ye fox. 2 shillings. (PW1/47).

1754. Accounts seen and allowed by John Clay (and others). (PW1/49+50).

1755.      "     "        "          "        "       "      "   John Clay (and others). (PW1/51+52).

1757. 7th July. Paid to John Clay for two boards of oak 2 shillings and fourpence. (PW1/56).

1759. 10th August. Accounts seen and allowed by Thomas Clay (and others). PW1/57+58).

1768 - 70. Accounts seen and allowed by Thomas Clay (and others). (PW1/69+70).

1775. Accounts seen and allowed by John Clay (and others). (PW1/76+77).

Shirland and Higham Constables Accounts. (Derbyshire Record Office Ref. - D3107A/PP/1/1-38).

1718. Paid to Thomas Clay. 4 shillings. (PP1/1).

1718. Paid to Thomas Clay for going to ye day of appeals. 1 s-6d. (PP1/1).

1718. 13th Nov. Accounts seen and allowed by Thomas Clay (and others). (PP1/1).

1728. Paid to Mr Thomas Clay concerning the bridge £4. (PP1/4).

1729. Paid to Thomas Clay in part of his bell. £2-10s. (PP1/5).

1731. Paid to Thomas Clay and Mr Laverack for assessing the Land Tax. 4 shillings. (PP1/-).

1738. Accounts witnessed by Thomas Clay (and others). PP1/10).

1740. Paid to Mr Clay for wood for ye school 1 shilling and for firewood 1 shilling. ( PP1/11).

1740. Accounts witnessed by Thomas Clay (and others). (PP1/11).

1741. For going to Smalley on account of John Clay. 3 shillings. (PP1/12).

1744. For breaking Thomas Clays lanthorn at Will Wrights. £1-6- 0. (PP1/15).

1744. Accounts seen and allowed by Thomas Clay (and others). PP1/15).

1745. Myself and two Headboroughs viz.- Mr Thomas Clay and William Hearnshaw going to Chesterfield to have been sworn in to our office but then was not, being too late. 3 shillings. - Myself and the said Mr Clay going to Derby to be sworn. 3 shillings. - Paid them for our oaths 2 shillings. (PP1/16).

1745. Thomas Clay paid out to various people. 5s-10d. (PP1/16).

1746. Thomas Clay allowed the accounts. (PP1/17).

1747. Thomas Clay allowed the accounts. (PP1/18).

1748. To John Clay for inspecting 10 days. - 10 shillings. (PP1/18).

1750. 19th Nov. Paid to Mr Clay for 2 gate stoops for the lond gate. 5 shillings. (PP1/21).

1751. Accounts seen and allowed by John Clay (and others) (PP1/22).

1755.       "     "       "         "         "       "       "    Thomas Clay (and others) (PP1/25).

1756.       "     "       "         "         "       "       "    Thomas Clay and John Clay (and others). (PP1/26).

1758. Paid to John Clay and T.Siiddall for carrying the Land Tax. 8 shillings. (PP1/27).

1758. Accounts seen and allowed by John Clay and Thomas Clay (and others). (PP1/27).

1760.       "    "       "         "         "       "        "    Thomas Clay (and others). (PP1/28).

1761.       "    "       "         "         "       "         "   John Clay (and others). (PP1/30).

1764. Paid to Mr John Clay  £1-7-0d. (PP1/31).

1764. Accounts seen and allowed by John Clay (and others). (PP1/31).

1767.      "      "       "         "         "        "      "    Thomas Clay (and others). (PP1/33).

1772.      "      "       "         "         "        "       "   John Clay (and others). PP1/37). 

Shirland Parish Miscellaneous

1406. July 27th. Complaint by John de Darcey chivaler that 20 men including John de Cley  broke into his closes, houses and park at Shirland hunted in the park and carried off deer. (Cal. Pat. Roll ).

1624-25. Lay Subsidy. Kniveton Clay of Shirland parish taxed on goods. (TNA Ref.- E179/93/349).

1626. "The Forced Loan". Kniveton Clay of Shirland parish paid £2. (TNA Ref.- E179/93/355).

1626-27. Lay Subsidy. Kniveton Clay of Shirland parish taxed on goods. (TNA Ref.- E179/93/353).

1628-29. Lay Subsidy. Kniveton Clay of Shirland parish taxed on goods. (TNA Ref.- E179/93/356 -7).

1628. Will of Kniveton Clay of Higham in Shirland parish, yeoman, wife Margaret, son Francis, brother John Clay of Tupton. Anne Clay of Tupton daughter of John. (Ref.- Staffordshire Record Office).

1631. Will of Margaret Clay of Higham in Shirland parish. Widow, sons John and Francis Clay, daughters Isobell and Joan.  John Clay of Chesterfield, tanner is witness. (Ref.- Staffordshire Record Office).

1635. Will of Francis Clay of Higham, yeoman, daughter Mary, brother John Clay of Chesterfield.tanner, sisters Joan and Isobell. (Ref.- Staffordshire Record Office).

1635. Inquisition. Francis Clay of Higham.- People mentioned - Kniveton Clay. John Clay. Mary Clay and Joan Clay. (TNA Ref.-C142/529 - PFFP850 and Ward 7/87 - PFF850).

1648. Feb. 21st. Mary Clay daughter of Francis Clay of Higham married Hugh Bateman  barrister of Derby at All Saints Church. Derby. They had 3 children. ( Family Records vol.1 page 48).

1651. Bill of Complaint. Hugh Bateman of Grays Inn. Middlesex esq and Mary his wife daughter and heir of Francis Clay of Higham in Shirland parish yeoman. - Francis Clay did in 1634 purchase tenements in Morton and a capital messuage in Ashover called Old Eastwood House and a water corn mill and messuages and lands in Higham which was granted to John Clay. etc.- Contested by Thomas Ludlam, Robert Moore and Barbara Clay. (TNA Ref.- C6/130/39).

1656. Poll Tax.  Jo: Clay of Higham taxed. (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- Chandes Pole Gell Papers).

1694. Will of Francis Clay of North Wingfield. - Thomas Clay of Shirland is administrator of the Will. (Staffordshire Record Office).

1696. Association Oath Roll. Thomas Clay of Higham / Shirland. (TNA Ref.- C213/66).

1699. Easter Book. September 29th. Received with Thomas Clay the Easter Dues 19 shilling and 4 pence. (Parish Register).

1707. Sale to Thomas Clay  of Higham, William Wragg and Humphrey Oldfield of North Wingfield 5 acres north end of Ainmoor in North Wingfield parish comprising two thirds of a delph of coalmine called Hockbrooke for the sum of £40. (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- D37M/E124).

1713. to 1721. Easter Book. Thomas Clay listed as having paid Easter Dues. (Parish Register).

1718. Lease to Thomas Clay of Higham yeoman - messuages in Shirland on Higham Hill. (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- D37M/T1078-79).

1724. Estate Survey. Gables Farm at Higham in Shirland. 64 acres held by Thomas Clay. (Derbys Record Office- D37M/P245-249).

1728. Deed.-6297. Thomas Clay of Higham yeoman. - son Thomas. (Derby Local Studies Library Index Drawer).

1728. Thomas Clay junior of Higham yeoman and William Wragg licence to dig for coal at Clay Cross Close in Stretton. (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- D37M/E126).

1729. Partnership of Thomas Clay junior of Higham  yeoman, William Wragg, Humphrey Oldham and Henry Bourne. (DRO Ref.-D37M/E128).

1732. William Clay of Shirland Park and others - land conveyance. (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- D37M/T983).

1732. Thomas Clay junior acquired 7 acres land in Shirland called "The New Close". (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- D37M/T1166).

1732. Lease and Release by Thomas Clay of Higham yeoman and Anne his wife and Thomas Clay junior their son and Martha his wife of lands in Shirland. (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- D37M/T 1084 - 1085).

1733. Violation of Church Rights at Shirland. Witness Thomas Clay of Shirland. (Staffordshire Record Office Ref.- B/C/5/1733/140).

1734. Bond of £50 to Thomas Clay junior of Higham yeoman to farm 3 Closes in Handley. North Wingfield called "South Field", "Middle Field" and "North Field". (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- --D37M/T775).

1737. Sale to Thomas Clay the younger of Higham yeoman and Benjamin Siddon 870 trees in Carnfield. South Normanton  and to have road to Higham to carry them away. (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- --- D184/2/60).

1740. Jan.5th. John Clay and Mary Shaw both of Shirland married at St Michaels Church. Derby.

1751. Thomas Clay of Higham. Gentleman obtains land in Shirland. (Derbyshire Record Office Ref- D37M/T1293).

1754. Poll Book.  John Clay of Shirland. (Ref.- DFHS. Derbyshire Names in Miscellaneous Lists).

1756. Shirland Manor.-  Mr Thomas Clay - Rent for his New Close 8d. (DRO Ref. - D37/3/1).

1759. Thomas Clay witness to marriage of Samuel Wright and Sarah Cadman. (Parish Register).

1760. Nov.7th. Derby Mercury newspaper. To be Sold.- A freehold estate consisting of 3 closes in the parish of Shirland now in the occupation of George Mellor at the yearly rent of 10 pounds.- Enquire Mr Richard Clay of Hill.

1761. John and Mary Clay witnesses to marriage of James Wright and Sarah Bryan. (Parish Register).

1762 - 1765. Thomas Clay of Higham concerning coalmines in Stretton. (DRO. Ref.- D37M/E132+133+134+ 135+137).

1763. Thomas and Mary Clay witnesses to marriage of George Warren and Anne Milward. (Parish Register).

1763. Mary Clay witness to marriage of William Radford and Easter Wright. (Parish register).

1766. Jan.17th. Derby Mercury newspaper. All persons who have any demands on the estate of Mr Thomas Clay of Higham are desired to send their accounts to Mr Robert Clay at Higham.

1766. June  6th. Will of Thomas Clay of Higham. (Staffordshire Archives Office). + (Derbyshire Record Office Ref. - D37M/T776).

1767. May 8th. Derby Mercury newspaper. - To be sold at the Greyhound in Higham 2 undivided 3rd parts of 3 closes near Oldfield Gate in the parish of Shirland late in possession of Mr Thomas Clay of Higham deceased containing about 15 acres and also 6 other closes called Park Closes in the parish of Shirland containing 29 acres all tithe free.- Enquire of Mr Thomas Clay of Shirland who will show the premises.

1767. Sarah Clay witness to marriage of Ralph Hodgkinson and Joanna Turner. (Parish Register).

1770. John Clay witness to marriage of William Tagg and Dorothy Hopkinson. (Parish Register).

1775. John Clay on Jurors list for Shirland. (DRO Ref.- Q/RJ/2/1).

1778. May 3rd. Derby Mercury newspaper. Married a few days since Miss Clay of Higham to Mr Brailsford of Woolley Moor.

1781. June 8th. Derby Mercury.- To be Sold. - New erected well built house, barn, stable, cowhouse situate at Shirland Park and 30 acres of land with timber growing. - Apply Thomas Clay on the premises.

1782. March 7th. To be Sold. All that new erected well built  thatched house, barn, stabe, cowhouse and other buildings situate at Shirland Park and 30 acres of land adjoining. Apply to Mr John Clay the younger of Shirland. (Ref.- Derby Mercury March 7th page 4).

1782. Aug. 22nd. Derby Mercury.- Auction - John Clay the younger of Shirland will show the premises,cottage and crofts on the decease of Mrs Clay age 70 near Higham containing 7 acres with valuable coal therein and a piece of land upon Danesmoor near Higham containing 1 acre.

1783. Thomas Clay  farmer of Shirland concerning 7 acres land in Higham. (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- D37M/T1167).

1783. Release by Thomas Clay of Shirland and others of a messuage and lands at Southill in North Wingfield and a cottage at Stretton for £105. (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- D37M/T766 - 767).

1783. Sarah Clay witness to marriage of John Duffield and Mary Mackaig. (Parish Register).

1785. Horse Tax. John Clay of Shirland. (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- 1700Z/Z1).

1785. Horse Tax. Martha Clay of Shirland. (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- 1700Z/Z1).

1789. June 9th. John Clay of Shirland Parish married Mary Roberts at Alfreton. (Alfreton Parish Register).

1794. July 3rd. Thomas of Shirland Clay married Sarah Hill at Wirksworth.

1797. List of Owners of Weights and Balances. Clay of Higham. Grocer.

1798. Oct.13th. Derby Mercury Newspaper. John Clay of Shirland was granted a Game License.

1799. Land Tax Assessment. John Clay of Shirland - Owner / Occupier taxed. - £2 -8 -11d. Also has tenants on 3 other properties. (TNA Ref.- IR23).

1799. Land Tax Assessment. Thomas Clay of Shirland - Owner- Anthony Street Occupier taxed. £1-7-7d. (TNA Ref.- IR23).

1800. Thursday. 30th October. Derby Mercury Newspaper.- Obituary.- On Tuesday night in consequence of a fall from a hayloft Mr Thomas Clay of Higham age 57 much lamented by his friends and     -- acqaintances.

1800. Apprentce Records. William Baggaley age 7 apprenticed to Sarah Clay of Higham.

1801. Will of Thomas Clay of Higham. (Staffordshire Record Office).

1801. Death Duty Register. Thomas Clay of Higham. Yeoman. (TNA Ref.- IR26).

1802. Thursday 18th February. Derby Mercury Newspaper. Obituary. - After a short illness Mrs Clay wife of Mr Clay of Shirland.

1816. Settlement Examination. James Edmands age 25 served John Clay of Shirland.

1816. Apprentice Records. Margaret Wright age 17 apprenticed to John Clay of Shirland.

1827. Sept.12th. Derby Mercury Newspaper. John Clay of Shirland is granted a Game License.

1827. Will of John Clay of Shirland gentleman. (Staffordshire Record Office).

1827. Newspaper Report. DCR. March 29th  page 3 column 2 obituary Mr Clay of Shirland.

1829. Owner / Occupiers. John Clay. Manor Farm. Higham. 112 acres. (Turbutt.History of Shirland and Higham).

1829. Owner / Occupiers. William Clay. Shirland Park. 92 acres. (Turbutt. History of Shirland and Higham).

1829. Glovers Directory. John Clay and William Clay Farmers at Shirland.

1829. Glovers Directory. Thomas Clay owner Sebastopol Farm. Shirland.

1831. Apprentice Records. Sarah Allen age 10 apprenticed to William Clay farmer of Shirland.

1835. William Clay of Higham. Painter. (Pigots Directory).

1835. June 17th. Derby Mercury Newspaper.- Voting. - Thomas Clay of Shirland Park supported the Conservative candidate.

1836. Dec.16th. London Gazette. Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Creditors of Thomas Clay the younger. Farmers Labourer - late of Shirland Parkhouse in the County of Derby who was lately discharged from His Majestys Gaol of Nottingham under an Act of Parliament for the Relief of Insolvent Debtors. The meeting will be held on Monday 2nd January 1837 at 11 o'clock at the office of Messrs Drabble and Waller in Chesterfield to approve, consider and direct in what manner and place the said insolvents real estate situate within the parishes of Shirland and North Wingfield shall be sold by public auction.

1836. Will of Richard Clay of Shirland. Wife Martha. Sons Richard Clay and Hemingway Clay. Daughter Martha. Bequests to John Gorrel Barnes of Ashgate in Brampton parish. (TNA Ref.- -- PROB11/861/485).

1837. Jan 28th. Derbyshire Courier. To be sold by auction. - Freehold and leasehold property in the parishes of Shirland and North Wingfield in 3 lots by order of the assignees of Thomas Clay the younger an insolvent debtor. - Lot 1. - The reversionary estate of the said Thomas Clay the younger in case he shall survive his father Mr Thomas Clay the elder (aged about 50 years) of a compact freehold farm situate near Shirland called Shirland Park now in possession of the said Mr Clay the elder consisting of a good farmhouse, suitable outbuildings and about 32 acres of excellent land divided into closes. - Lot 2. - The absolute equity of redemption (Subject to the life interest of the said Mr Clay the elder) which his son the said insolvent will upon the decease of his father be entitled to 2 closes of freehold land at Pilsley in the parish of North Wingfield called by the name of The Great Locco and the Stubbing. - Lot 3. - Also the lease of the farm at North Wingfield consisting of a farmhouse, outbuildings and 55 acres of land now in possession of Henry Brocksopp as under tenant.

1838. Sept.29th. Derbyshire Courier Newspaper.- Derbyshire Agricultral Society. - For the single man servant under 30 years of age who has lived with a member of this Society with good character Daniel Radford age 27 lived seven and a half years with Mr William Clay of Shirland Park.

1839. Will of Richard Clay of Higham. (Prerogative Court of Canterbury).11/1921

1839. May 18th. Derbyshire Courier. Thomas Clay`s Insolvency. - The creditors of Thomas Clay the younger formally of the Turf Tavern. Chesterfield afterwards of Newbold Lane. Chesterfield then of Hucknall under Huthwaite then of Sutton in Ashfield then at South Wingfield being in all places in lodgings and out of employment and since of Parwich and late of Shirland Park House labourer who was lately discharged from Nottingham Gaol. Creditors are requested to meet the assignees of the insolvent on Tuesday next at the office of Drabble and Waller in Chesterfield.

1840. Jan.25th. Derbyshire Courier newspaper. - Farm to be let and land in Shirland 127 acres and a stone built dwelling house, dairy, cheese room. piggeries, barn, stables, cowhouse and malthouse. - Contact John W. Clay at North Wingfield. 

1840. May 6th. Derby Mercury Newspaper. Insolvent Debtors. Thomas Clay the younger of Shirland Park. Labourer.

1843. Oct 11th. Derby Mercury Newspaper. William Clay of Shirland Park. Farmer.

1846. Bagshaws Directory. John Clay. Schoolmaster. Shirland. - Sampson Clay Blacksmith. Shirland. John Clay  yeoman.

1846. Bagshaws Directory. Thomas Clay and William Clay yeomen at Shirland Park.

1846. History, Gazetteer and History of Derbyshire. John Clay. Schoolmaster of Higham in Shirland. Sampson Clay. Blacksmith of Shirland. John Clay. Yeoman of Shirland. William Clay. Yeoman of Shirland -- Park and Thomas Clay of Shirland Park.

1846. April 11th. Derbyshire Courier Newspaper. Mr John Clay of Higham on the Grand Jury of the Crown Court.

1848. Faculty Case. John Clay of Shirland. Churchwarden. (Staffordshire Record Office Ref.- B/C/5/1848/17).

1848. Sept.9th. Derbyshire Courier Newspaper. - To be Let.- A comfortable house fitted for a small family situate in Shirland consisting 2 parlours, kitchen, 4 bedrooms, garden, stable and other outbuildings with 5 acres of ground. - Apply Mr John Clay at Shirland.

1849. Jan. 4th. Indenture. Mortgage of a £200 loan from the "Public Works Loan Board" for repair of Shirland Church between John Clay of Shirland Parish farmer and churchwarden and others. (John Clay's signiture). (Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- D3107/PW8/1).

1857. Whites Directory.Mr John Clay and Mr William Clay listed under Shirland.

1857. Whites Directory. John Clay and William Clay. Farmers at Shirland Park

1858. August 28th. Sheffield Independant. On the 21st in London died Sarah Lee age 33 the only daughter of John Clay esq of Shirland.

1865. Will of John Clay the Elder of Higham gentleman. Witnessed by Francis Clay of Matlock. (Somerset House and Derbyshire Record Office Ref. D96/1/8/ Page 319).

 1866. Nov.14th. Derby Mercury Newspaper. Perjury. - Mr John Clay of Shirland stood £500 surety for the bail of Mr Robert Pocklington. Innkeeper and Contracter. who has 300 people working for him. It would be punishing for other people to keep him in custody.

1866. Nov.28th. Derby Mercury. Court Case. - Witness, John Clay of Shirland Farmer and landowner said "I have known Mr Pocklington very well for some time and I have been to Stonelow Farm several times and I know that Mr Pocklington has bought and sold stock and given directions for the cultivation of the farm".

1867. March 13th. Sheffield and Rotherham Independant Newspaper. Conspiracy Case.  Mr John Clay. Witness was examined by Mr Cave and said he was a farmer and had known Mr Pocklington for some years and since April  he had frequently been to Stonelow and he had given orders there when Mr Pocklington could not be present. He remembered being at the farm on one occasion when some sheep were being talked of. (Pocklington was found not guilty at a later trial).

1867. October 17th. Sheffield Independant. Derby Sessions. John Wharton age 48 charged with stealing a scythe at Shirland the property of John Clay on 17th August. - 18 months imprisomnment.

1869. March 13th. Ilkeston Petty Sessions. Alice Dunn was charged with leaving the service of John Clay farmer. Shirland.

1869. October 11th. Sheffield Daily Telegraph.  Alfreton Petty Sessions. John Rooth jnr of Stretton charged with trespassing in search of game at Shirland on land occupied by John Clay. Fined 10 shillings and costs.

1870. May 28th. Derbyshire Courier Newspaper. - Robbery - Mr Job Clay of Shirland bought a new hat from Mr Mountney's shop which was sent in a box to his trap in Commercial Yard where it was stolen by Thomas Sims of Sutton.

1871. Will of William Clay of Shirland Park Esq. (Somerset House and Derbyshire Record Office. Ref.- D96/1/14 Page 237).

1872. Nov.13th. Derby Mercury. Alfreton Petty Sessions. John Clay esq of Shirland charged 15 men with trespassing on his land on their way to Shirland Colliery. He said he simply wanted protection for his property. - 11 of the men were fined 5 shillings each.

1873. Admon of John Clay the younger of Shirland yeoman. (Somerset House and Derbyshire Record Office Ref.- D96/2.7/ p345).

1873. Returns of the Owners of Land. - Executors of John Clay of Shirland. 93 acres. 2 rood. 26 perches. (Publication).

1873. July 18th. A Decree of the High Court of Chancery made in the cause John Clay an infant by Francis Clay of Matlock. Grocer and Ironmonger. Plaintiff against Elizabeth Clay Defendant the creditors of John Clay late of the parish of Shirland. Yeoman who  died  in or about the month of December 1872. (London Gazette page 3430).

1873. Returns of the Owners of Land. William Clay of Shirland. 6acres.1 rood. 4 perches. (Publication).

1876. July 4th. High Court of Chancery.  A Cause of Clay v Clay regarding the estate of John Clay lated of Shirland. Farmer deceased. Land on Park Lane Road and land on the corner of Bevan Street in Shirland. (London Gazette page 3855).

1876. July 5th. Derby Mercury. - Auction. 28 Lots of Freehold building land situate at Shirland on the north side of the highway heretofore the estate of John Clay late of Shirland.

1876. July 22nd. Derbyshire Times.- Shirland. Derbys. - To be sold pursuant to a decree of the High Court of Chancery made in a cause of Clay v Clay. - Auction at the George Hotel. Alfreton on Tuesday 25th July 1876. - 28 lots Freehold building land situate at Shirland heretofore the estate of John Clay late of Shirland farmer deceased. (Lots described).

1881 Census Chesterfield. Thomas Clay born Shirland wife Esther and family living at 7 Devonshire Street.Chesterfield.

The following incident refers to the time of the Jacobite Rebellion when on the 4th of December 1745 a Scottish army led by Charles Stuart marched into the English town of Derby and whose retinue comprised of the McDonald Clan of Glengarry. -

1885. Oct 9th. Nottingham Guardian Newspaper. - `Glengarry in 1745 and the Leather Breeches`.

John Clay of Shirland Derbyshire was a tenant and retainer of the Duke of Devonshire in 1745 and when Prince Charles marched to Derby the Duke drove from Chatsworth and called at Shirland and asked John Clay to go to his Lordships house at Derby and secure his plate, pictures and valuables there. Clay immediately obeyed and bade his wife bring him his leather breeches to travel in. When he arrived at Derby he found no one but women in the Dukes house. He at once buried the plate in a large ash hole under the kitchen fire, had all the pictures and other valuables removed to the attic which he locked and ordered a plentiful supply of food and drink to be provided on the table in the large hall. Scarcely had these precations been taken when loud knockings occurred at the gates which Clay opened to Lochiel and Glengarry with some of their followers. "Ah" said Clay to the Scotchmen "We heard you were coming and we hope you will make yourselves comfortable for the moment but the Duke of Cumberland is at hand and if after you have refreshed yourselves you do not make yourselves scarce it will be worse for you all". After a substantial meal and deep drinking on their part Clay who sat between the Chiefs still pressed their retirement, when Glengarry said he was a good fellow and should suffer no hurt as he would draw off his men only he must have Clay's leather breeches in exchange for his kilt and sporran. Against this Mr Clay stoutly remonstrated pleading the fun his wife would make of him to see him in petticoats but as nothing less would satisfy McDonald he made the exchange and the Scots left. As soon as he could he returned to Shirland where his wife made quite a scoff - He however regained his character and footing when he explained this affair and the kilt dark green and blue plaid and sporran were kept in the family till they fell to pieces from age. The Duke shortly after called to thank Mr Clay for preserving his property none of which was injured or lost and he said "As long as there is a Cavendish and a Clay the latter shall never be refused any request that the former can grant".

1889. April 16th. Derbyshire Courier Newspaper. William Clay appointed Overseer for Shirland.

1895. Bulmers Directory. William Clay. Farmer. Shirland Park.

1896. August 27th. Sheffield Daily Telegraph. Tibshelf Agricultral Show.  Officials were Mr W. Clay of Shirland Park and Mr F. Clay of Hardstoft (Stewards for Cattle) Prize List.- Bull. 3rd prize Mr Clay of Shirland. - Cow in Milk 1st and 2nd prize and reserve W. Clay - Pen of Ewes reserve prize Mr W. Clay - Horses One Year Old 2nd prize W. Clay - Farm Produce. Cabbage 1st prize W. Clay.

1896. Sept 9th. Derby Mercury Newspaper. Alfreton Show.- Cattle.- William Clay of Shirland Park 2nd prize for a bull.

1899. Sept.13th. Derby Mercury. Alfreton Agricultural Society Exhibition. William Clay of Shirland Park. - 2nd Prize Agricultural Horse.

1901. June 1st. Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald. On Tuesday afternoon 21st May at Holy Trinity church Brackenfield. Mr John Clay eldest son of Mr William Clay of Shirland Park Farm married Miss Ellen Limb of Broomhill Farm. Brackenfield. The honeymoon was at Blackpool. Presents from .- Mr W. Clay a cheque. - from Mrs Clay household requisites - from Mr Edwin Clay of Shirland Park a dinner service - from Mr and Mrs Edwin Clay of Hardstoft a counterpane and traycloth - from Miss Clay silver mounted carvers.

1903. Oct.10th. Derbyshire Times Newspaper. Oakerthorpe Show. Mr J. Clay of Shirland elected secretary and was in attendence at the Societys dinner held at the Peacock Hotel. W. Clay was also in attendence.

1908. Will of William Clay of Shirland Parish. (Somerset House and Derbyshire Record Office. Ref.- D96/1/51/ Page 695).

1910. Sept.17th. Derbyshire Courier Newspaper.- Oakerthorpe Show. Brace of Ox Cabbage 3rd prize E. Clay of Shirland Park.- 6 Mangolds. E. Clay commended.

1913. Sept. 23rd. Derbyshire Courier.- Alfreton Show Awards. - Cattle. 3rd prize E. Clay of Shirland Park.- Lambs. 3rd prize E. Clay.-  Ewes.- 4th prize E. Clay.

1917. December. Belper News.- Alfreton Branch Derbyshire Farmers Union.- Secretary and organiser Mr E. Clay. In the auction Mr Clay paid five and a half guineas to buy his own gift cow back and has made many self sacrificing efforts in an endeavour to make the sale worthy.

1921 Census. Shirland. William Clay. May Clay. Elizabeth Clay and 7 others.

1921 Census Stonebroom. William Clay (Born Shirland).  Mary Clay.  Arthur Clay.

1921. August 13th. Derbyshire Courier.- Alfreton Show. Mr E. Clay in proposing the health of the judge said he had never seen a better pig class. - Heifer 1st prize E. Clay of Shirland. Cow in Milk. 3rd prize E. Clay. Shire Mare. 4th prize E. Clay of Shirland.

London Gazette. Juy 4th 1876. (Page 3855).

Shirland. Derbyshire.

To be sold pursuant to a Decree of the High Court of Chancery made in the cause of Clay v Clay with the approbation of the Vice Chancellor Sir Charles Hall by Mr George Marsden the person appointed by the said Judge for that purpose at the George Hotel.  Alfreton in the County of Derby on Tuesday the 25th day of July 1876 at six o'clock in the afternoon precisely in 28 lots the following freehold building land situate in Shirland in the County of Derby hereto fore the estate of John Clay late of Shirland farmer, deceased.

Four several plots of building land containing together one rood, situate at the junction of the road leading to Blackwell called the Park Lane Road with the Alfreton and Higham turnpike road which forms the town street of Shirland aforesaid.

Two several plots of building land containing together 649 square yards situate at the corner of Bevan Street and the said Alfreton and Higham turnpike road.

Twenty one several plots of building land in Shirland situate on the north side of the highway leading from Shirland to Hallfield Gate being the entirety of two small closes of land  called respectively Calf Croft and Upper Pondstead.

The property immediately adjoins two good roads and is highly advantageous  for building purposes. Particulars may be had at the George Hotel. Alfreton.

  Shirland Census 1841

Shirland Park

Thomas Clay  age  50  Farmer.  Born in County.

Hannah Clay  age 35  Born in County.

Sampson Clay age 18  Blacksmith   Born in County.

Emma Clay age 15   Born in County.

Solomon Clay age 10  Born in County.

Shirland Park. Census 1841

William Clay  age 56 Farmer.   Born in County.

Shirland

John Clay  age  46  Farmer  Born in County.

Sarah Clay  age  40  Wife  Born in County.

John Clay  age 10  Son  Born in County.

Higham Census 1841

 Martha Clay age 50         

Shirland Census 1851

Shirland Park

Thomas Clay age 62 Farmer 33 acres  Born  North Wingfield

Hannah Clay  age 55  Wife   Born  Ashover

George Clay  age 24  son. Widower  Born North Wingfield

Solomon Clay age 20 son  Born North Wingfield

Emma Clay  age 7 Grandaughter  Born Shirland

Thomas Clay  age 3 Grandson   Born Shirland

Solomon Clay  age 1 Grandson   Born Shirland

Shirland Park

William Clay age 66, unmarried. Farmer 110 acres. Born North Wingfield.

2 servants and 2 labourers.

Shirland

John Clay age 61, Gentleman. Landed Proprieter. Born Shirland.

1 Servant.

Shirland

Catherine Peacock age 52. Proprieter of Houses  Born Tottenham, Middlesex.

Frances Clay age 25. Daughter married   Born Shirland

Edward Clay  age 4   Grandson  Born Shirland

Emma Clay age 2   Grandaughter Born Shirland

Lewis W. Clay age 1 month?    Born Shirland

Higham Mill. Shirland Parish

John Clay age 24.  Miller.   Born Ault Hucknall

Shirland Census 1861

Shirland

John Clay  age 71. Farmer 97 acres  Born Shirland,   Employs 2 Labourers and 1 boy.

Sarah Clay age 68. Wife  Born Matlock.

John Clay age 30   Son married. Land Surveyor  Born Shirland.

Elizabeth Clay age 22 Daughter in Law,   Born Shirland.

John Clay  age 2  Grandson   Born Shirland.

Henry Clay  age  7 months Grandson   Born  Shirland.

Shirland Park

William Clay age 75 unmarried, farmer, 95 acres  Born North Wingfield.  Employs 3 men.

Stonebroom

Sampson Clay age 6 Grandson Scholar  Born Pilsley.

Shirland Census 1871

Shirland Village

John Clay age 40  Farmer and Land Surveyor  Born Shirland.

Elizabeth  Clay  age  31  Wife  Born Shirland.

John Clay  age 12  Son   Scholar  Born Shirland.

Henry Clay age  10  Son   Born Shirland.

William Clay age  8   Son   Born Shirland.    

Frank Clay age 6   Son   Born Shirland.

George Clay age 4  Son  Born Shirland.

Stonebroom

William Clay  age 43 Labourer   Born Ault Hucknall.

Elizabeth Clay age 44   Born  Staffordshire. 

Shirland Census 1891

Shirland Park Farm.

William Clay  age 38  Farmer  Born  Heckmondwyke. Yorks.

Catherine Clay  age 35  Wife   Born Wessington. Derbys.

John Clay  age 11  Son     Scholar  Born Wessington.  

Edwin Clay  age 9   Son   Scholar  Born  Shirland. Derbys.

Mary Clay  age  22  Sister   Visitor  Born Hardstoft. Derbys.

Shirland Common

Walter Clay  age 32   Coalminer   Born  Walsall. Staffs.

Sarah Ann Clay age 24   Wife   Born  Old Basford. Notts.

John S. E. W. Clay  age  2   Son  Born  Stonebroom. Derbys.

Eliza Ann Clay  age 1  Daughter  Born Stonebroom. Derbys.   

Dog Lane

Arthur Clay  age 8  Adopted   Scholar  Born New Whittington. Derbys.

(Living with Joseph and Sarah Carlin).

Shirland Census 1901

Shirland Park.

William Clay  age 48   Farmer  Born Yorkshire.

Sarah Catherine Clay  age 45   Wife  Born  Wessington. Derbys.

John Clay age 21    Son  Assistant Farmer   Born Hardstoft. Derbys.

Edwin Clay  age 19  Son  Assistant Farmer  Born  Shirland Park.

Alice Wetton  age 17   Neice   Born Stanley. Derbys.

Shirland

Arthur Clay   age 18 Adopted Son  Coal Miner   Born New Whittington. Derbys.

(Living with Joseph and Sarah Carlin). 

Shirland Census 1911

Shirland Park.

Sarah Catherine Clay age 55 widow farmers wife.  Born Tibshelf. Derbys.

6 Servants.

(Martha Clay of Higham widow. (1841 Census) moved to Staffordshire to live with her son Hemmingway Clay who was a publican on Oldbury Lane. Harborne with his wife Eliza and their son  -

-Hemmingway listed there in the 1851 Census).

Shirland Census 1921

Shirland Park.

Edwin Clay age 39 Farmer Born Shirland.

Rose Emily Clay age 37 Wife Born Buxton.

Harold Clay age 13 Son Born Shirland.

Kitty Clay age 12 Daughter Born Shirland.

Edwin Clay age 10 Son Born Shirland.

Jack Clay age 8 Son Born Shirland.

1 Female Servant.

1851 Census. Clapham. Surrey 

 Lee Family household.

John Clay age 20 Clerk unmarried Born Shirland. Derbyshire. (Brother to Sarah Lee born Shirland.

Sarah Clay age 58 Landed Proprietors wife Born Matlock. Derbyshire.

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