1556 - 1558 -

Philip RIDEOUT v. Richard SEWARD (Sheward), esquire, and John VAGGE.: Joint demise to complainant and the said Vagge of the reversion of a mill and land in the said Seward's manor of Chilcompton.: SOMERSET.

1639 - Norton Hall was formerly a well-to-do farmhouse called Norton Down House was the home of two or three Henry Vaggs and other Vaggs from 1639 to the early 1800's. The last Henry died there in 1824, leaving the house to his son John Masters Vagg, who lived there until the early 1830's. Henry is first mentioned in a Terrier dated 1639 of Midsomer Norton when he owned a tenement and acreage for which Tithes were paid to the Vicarage of Midsomer Norton and which became known as Norton Down Farm House, although Henry dropped the Farm from the title when he attained the status of Gentleman.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.216)

1645 - When the Civil War was drawing to its close the Vaggs and the Stockers of Chilcompton met the Cavaliers and Roundheads at Shepton Mallet to act as mediators.
(Vagg Odyssey / Meandering Through Chilcompton p.181)

1679 - Henry Vagg gives a deposition which states that Charity Plummer, his grandmother was from 1603 to 1625 the copyhold possessor of Plummer's Close on Stratton Common, and her son Austin was copyholder in reversion. John Salmon, Gent., made an agreement with them which allowed him to 'work for coals' in Plummer's Close in return for one-eighth and one-sixteenth respectively of the coal raised. A payment would also be made for 'loss of herbage and trespass' and when the mine was 'worked out, the works would be carried away and the ground cleansed'. This was believed to be the first vertical shaft coal mine in these parts.

Sir Wm. Jones, Knt. (Attorney-General), by the relation of John Tooker, John Salmon, senr, Benjn. Walter, James Treaser, John Blaning, Saml. Treaser, Moses Ashman, Wm. Parfitt, Robt. Parfitt, Giles Blaning, John Young, Danl. Cary, Alexr. Maundrell, John Salmon, junr., John Berriman, John Shepheard alias Horley. v. ?: Manor of Stratton-upon-Fosse (Somerset), and certain closes, held of the manor, called "Plumers Close" and "Perthill." Touching the licence granted by the lord of the manor to work or search for coles in any part of such manor or inclosures thereof, notwithstanding the herbage before was granted for lives of such inclosures to other persons, &c., &c. Also touching the forest of Mendip. Metes and bounds, &c., &c. Customs of manor, &c., &c.: Somerset. (PRO E 134/30Chas2/Mich11)

1680 - Conveyances, mortgages, misc. properties: conveyance of messuage in Updowne and in Coleford and Walton in Kilmersdon by Jone Vagge of Midsomer Norton, widow, to William Vagg of Chilcompton, carpenter.

This Indenture made the thiteenth day of February in the two and twentieth year of the Reign of our Soveriegn Lord Charles the Second. By the grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland King. Defender of the faith ___ and in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred and seventy nine. Between Jone Vagg of Updowne in the parish of Midsomer Norton in the county of Somerset widower of the first part? and William Vagge of Child Compton in the county aforesaid Carpenter of the other parte witnesseth that for the _____ and _____ of William Vagge eldest sonne borne of she the said Jone Vagge and of the heyres ++++ of the said William Vagge and for and in consideration of the Greate Motherly Law and natural affection which she the said Jone Vagge Bequeath? to the said William Vagge her sonne and in the intent and purpose that the manner lands and tenements hereafter mentioned shall and may be and continue in the stocke blood and kindred of the said Jone Vagge and for and in consideration of the sum of Three score pounds of Good Lawfull money of England to her in hand paid by the said William Vagge before the _____ and delivery hereof and for divers other good causes and considerations for the said Jone Vagge especially ____ Hath given granted and finally sold in and by those present unto the said William Vagge from and immediatly after her decease all that land tenements lyinge and being in Updown in the Parish of Midswomer Norton and all that tenements Lyinge and being at Coleford in the parish of Kilmersdon and all that ___ _____ lyinge and being at Walton oin the parish of Kilmersdon and twenty? acres of Arable lands lyinge in Charltons fields in the parish of Kilmersodn in the county aforesaid with all and singular rights members and appertences thereof and of all and singular the messuages tenements houses buildings orchards landes Meadows _____ pastures feeding commons woods underwoods ________ _____ rents services _____ estates royalties lybertys privelidges jurisdictions hereditments and all other the rights members and appertences Whatsoever to the said landes incidents belonging or in anysize appertaining or accepted reputed taken or knowne ior occupied demised or leasde? as part and parcell or member thereof shall from thenceforthe stand and be siezed of and in the said landes tenements hereditments and all other the premises and for and in every part and parcell therof with the appertences to the ____ uintents and purposes hereafter mentioned in the ___ and expressed and to nop other use intent or purpose whatsoever (that is to say) unto the use of the said Jone Vagge during her natural life to lett and keepe from yeare to year and foir no longer time ir terme immediatly from and after her decease to the use of the said William Vagge and of the heyres ++++ of the said William Vagge of the body of Avice his now wife lawfully begotten for ever And further the said Jone Vagge doth by these covenants and grants for her executors administration instruct and assign and every of them to and with the said William Vagge his tenents administrators and assignes in manner and form following (that is to say) the lands tenements and hereditments and all other the premises ___ ____ now are and bee and at all times hereafter and from time to time shall and may continue remayne and bee clearly acquitted exonnerated and discharged or otherise well and sufficiently ____ and kept harmlessly? by the said Jone Vagge her executors administrators or her assignees or some or one of them at his or their owne proper costs and charges off and from all and all manner of other bargaines sales gifts grants leases joyntures Dowres tithes of dower uses wills ___ rents socke ___ of rents tithes recognisances Statutes Mercant and of the staple of and from all other charges rememberances and demands whatsoever has made committed or done by the said Jone Vagge or her assignes or some or one of them at his or their owne proper ___ assent consent manner or privy procurement the rents services which from thenceforth shal grow? due to the chief lord or lordes of the foefee or foefees of the premises and all lawfull leases or grants theretofore made or granted of the premises shall continue to them during the year or years as and expressed in ____ leases or grants if so many lives as is ____ nominated shall so long live But not granting any further estate in the same from and after the date of the present? without the consent of the aforesaid William Vagge his heyres or assignes which said leases or grantes are for six? houses and no more situate lyinge and being in Coleford in the parish of Kilmersdon in the county aforesaid the yearly rent thereof ammountinge in the whole to the sum of five and twenty shillings which shall be paid unto the said Jone Jone Vagge proportionally as is expressed in the leases or grants during the term of her naturall life and for noo longer time or ____ and afterwards to the said William Vagge his heyres executors administrators and assignes for ever And for the better and further more perfect? assuracnes? _____ _____ makinge and conveying of the aforesaid landes houses tenements and all and singular other the premises with the appertences in and by these present mencioned as granted bargained and sold unto the said William Vagge his heyres executors administrates and assignes for ever. I the said Jone Vagge do here guide? myself my executors administrates and assignes unto the said William Vagge his heyres executors adminsistrates or assignes in the sum of one thousand pounds of good and lawfull english money to be payd unto the said William Vagge his heyres executors administrates or assignes upon the day when any further estate shall be granted in and upon the the aforesaid premises for any longer time or terme then for naturall life and that the executor administratoes or assignes of the said Jone Vagge shall deliver up all these deeds evidences leases or any other writings as shall or may concern the aforesaid premises or any parte parcell therof before two his houses be fully accomplished and ended after the decease of the said Jone Vagge unto the handes of the said William Vagge his heyres executors administrates or assignes and in witness where of I the said Jone Vagge hand hereunto sett my hand hereunto set my hand seal to this present indenture the day and yeare first above written. Here signed and sealed. Jone Vagge

1685 - Edward Vagg was convicted, probably on the 8th of July 1685, before Chief Justice Jefferies at the Court of Oyer and Terminer for Wells. He was tried for "Levying war against the King", admitted his guilt and was sentenced to transportation. He was among the 200 given to Sir Philip Howard (of whom 30 escaped) and marched via Sherbourne to the Coast at Weymouth. He may have been on the ship commanded by Edward Brooks which sailed on October, 10th or 19th, 1685, and anchored at Jamaica on November, 24th. Brooks treated them badly and 22 of the Company (rebels plus sailors) had died on the crossing. The folk in Jamaica treated them well between their landing and their subsequent fate in the slave auctions. The sentence was enrolled on 4th of February 1691 and about half of those who survived returned to England. I am still trying to ascertain if Edward was a Chilcompton man or not, but his trial at Wells makes it seem likely.
(Vagg Odyssey / The Complete Book of Emigrants, 1607-1776)

1711/17 - Deeds mentioning Edward Vagg of Chilcompton. Indicating he married Deborah Greene daughter of John Greene. See also DD\SAS\H/43/1/9 and DD\SAS\H/43/1/11.

10 Anne, Aug.10. Anthony Stocker of Child Compton, Esq; and William Stocker of Norton St. Phillipps, Gentleman, second son of the said Anthony to James Greene of Child Compton, Gentleman, for £500 OF Messuage or Tenement called Brymscombe with the appurtenances in the Manor and parish of Child Compton; 22½ acres of Land, meadow and pasture in several closes belonging to the same tenement; 2 acres of arable land in the West Feild of Child Compton; 2 acres, 3 yards in the East feilds of Child Compton; 1½ acres in Lawcombe; ½ acre without the West gate of Child Compton, the Water Mill adjoining the said tenement and appurtenances (all now in the possession of Anne Greene, widow, held by Indenture of Lease, 1 Wm. & Mary, Mar.1, from Anthony Stocker to John Green, late husband of Anne for 99 years determinable on the lives of William Greene, the said Iames Greene and Deborah Greene, late sons and daughter of the said John Greene); Several closes of meadow or pasture ground now used as one, called Lynkmead (30 acres) in the parish of Midsomer Norton (late in the tenure of the said John Greene and now held by the said James Greene by Indenture of Lease,1697,Dec.1 from Anthony Stocker to Anne Greene for 99 years determinable on the lives of the said Iames Greene, William Greene and John Green, sons of the said Anne) with the appurtenances Reserving 1½ acres of arable land in the West Feidl of Child Compton above the parke wall near New close (formerly inclosed by Anthony Stocker into the tineing above the parke) to William Stocker,his heirs and assigns. Covenants as to peaceable entry, etc., excepting (1) Indenture of Mortgage, 1702, Feb.8, Anthony Stocker, John Lloyd, Esq., Henry Lloyd, Merchant and Richard Taylor, Iron-monger, to Sarah Stephens widow, for £500 and Int.; term 500 years; since by assignment vested in Thos. Edwards, the younger, Esq., and John Hicks, Gentleman, in trust for Thos. Edwards, the elder. (2) Indenture of Mortgage, 1703, July 29, William Stocker to Thos. Edwards. the elder and Hester Willing for £300 and Int.; term 1000 years; the estate of Hester Willing in which was released on her marriage with John Still to the said Thos. Edwards. Both terms now to be assigned in trust for Jas.Greene. (3) Indenture of Lease, 1 Wm. & Mary, Mar.1, Anthony Stocker to John Greene, Yeoman, of part of premises for 99 years determinable on lives of William Green, the said James Greene and Deborah Greene at 17/8 p.a. (4) Indenture of Lease, 1697, Dec.1 Anthony Stocker to Anne Greene, widow, of other part of premises for 99 years determinable on lives of James, William and John Greene at 20/- p.a. Which rents pass with the present release. Schedule of title deeds given (7 Eliz.-1710). Signatures of two first parties on fold. 2 red wax seals impressed on red tape, inscription and device on left hand one, "M..VFFIT Altar and Cupid bearing heart; device on right hand one, male head crowned with wreath. Parchment, 3 skins, outermost indented; needle holes down each side of each. two 6d stamps on each skin, Endorsements as to execution and receipt for consideration money; witnesses, Jos. Edwards, Gilbt. Fleming, H. Neale and Jam Coward.

3 Geo.I, May 15. Edward Vagg of Child-compton, yeoman and Iohn Hole of Farrington Gurney, gentleman, by direction of Iames Greene late of Child-Compton but now of Shaston or Shaftsbury, Dorset, gentleman, to Thomas Salmon of Stratton Super Fosse, gentleman, in Trust for William Moore of Charlton in the parish of Kilmersdon, gentleman, to attend the inheritance, etc. (Reciting Mortgage of 1 Anne, Feb.8 and Assignment of 1708, Aug.4 [See recital of DD\SAS\H/43/1/11] and two assignments of 1711, Aug.13. (1) Thos. Edwards, the younger and John Hickes to Vagg and Hole in Trust for said James Greene to attend the inheritance, for £500 and Int. term 500 years, OF Messuage called Brimscombe, Lynckmead, land, water mill and premises.

Thos. Edwards the elder by direction of Wm. Stocker to Vagg and Hole in trust for the said James Greene to attend the inheritance of term of 1000 years on Lynckmead granted by Wm. Stocker to Hester Willing, Spinster and Thos. Edwards, the elder and by Hester and her husband John Still assigned to the said Thomas) for £67.10.0. (making with £512.10.0. due from Iames Greene to Wm. Moore £580.) and 5/- to Vagg and Hole, for remainder of terms of 500 and 1000 years, on Lynckmead (30 acres) in the parish of Midsomer Norton.

1726 - Marriage settlement possibly from a High Court case. This land passed down through the Vagg-Raynes line.

Marriage settlement between Edward Vagg of Chilcompton and William his son and William Norman of Stoke St. Michael and Mary his daughter. Messuage and land called Backside, Orchard, Garden, Cattishole 1/2 acre and 3 acres. Clay Pitts 13 acres enclosed with land of William Long esq.

1728 - Will of Henry Vagg of Midsomer Norton, yeoman.

In the name of God Amen! This seven and twentieth day of april in the yeare of our Lord 1728. I Henry Vagg of Midsomer Norton in the county of Somerset, Yeoman, being of sound and perfect mind memory and understanding Thanks be given to almighty God therefore do make witness ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following First I give and _____ my soul unto the almighty god who gave it and my body I commit to the earth to be buried hoping that at generall resurection I shall _____ the same again there the mighty power of God And as for such temporall estates and worthy goods as god by his generous provision hath blessed me with in this life I give ____ and bequeath the same in the following manner and form _____ I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Mary Vagg that part of my dwelling house called the hall with the chamber over the same and also my little Orchard and the Upper plott my garden All which premises belong to the tenement wherein I dwell to hold unto her during the term of her naturall life And if my wife shall not be willing to live in this part of my said dwelling house then I give the sum of one pound and ten shillings of lawfull money of Great Britain to be paid her yearly and every yeare from after she shall give up the possession of my Dwelling house to my heir during so many years as she shall from them happen to her out of my lands and estates Item I give ____ and bequeath unto my two daughters Mary Vagg sand Anne Vagg all my linen that shall be in my house at the time of my death And also half of all those my household goods except of my Silver spoons and Clock which I give and leave to my son Henry. These linen and half of my other goods (except as aforesaid) to be delivered to my said daughters and equally to be devided between them share and share alike aftyer the decease of my said wife. And in the mean time to be kept in the custody of _____ to my said wife. Item I give _____ and bequeath unto my said two daughters Mary Vagg and Anne Vagg the sum of three hundred pounds of lawfull money of Great Britain to be equally devidedbetween them share and share alike And each of them to be paid their appropriate share thewreof when she shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years And if either of my daughters shall happen to die before her _____ share or part shall be paid then my will is that the whole sum of three hundred pounds shall be padi to the survivor of them. Item I further give ____ and bequeath unto my said daughter Mary Vagg the sum of fifty pounds to be paid to her immediatly after the decease of my wife. Item I further give ___ and bequeath unto my said daughters Anne Vagg the like sum of fifty pounds to be like wise paid her immediatly after the decease of my said Wife. Item I further give ___ and bequeath unto my said daughter Mary Vagg the anually or yearly sum of seven pounds and ten shillings top be paid her yearly and every year from and after my decease until she shall reach the age of one and twenty years for her support and maintenance in her minority. Item I likewise give ____ and bequeath unto my said daughter Ann Vagg the like sum of seven pounds and ten shillings to be paid her yearly and every year for her support and maintenance in her minority until she shall attain the age of one and twenty years all which legacies or sums here before given and bequeathed I _____ my will is ???? shall be paid and verified out of the Rents Issues and Profits of my personal seat and freehold estates. And the said ____ yearly sums to be for the support and maintenance of my said daughters in their minority shall be paid at two equal and several days of payment in the year by ______ and equal ____ The first payment thereof to begin and to be made within six months after my decease and my Will is that if it shall happen that the said legacies or sums of money herein before given and bequeathed of? one? or either of them shall be ___ or unpaid in part or in the whole by the space of two months next after the same shall___ one ___ payable in the mean time lawfully remembered that then my will is that my two daughters and either of them shall and lawfully enter? into and upon all my lands freehold and leasehold estates amd the same to have hold and enjoy and the rents issues and profits thereof to ____ ____ and take until by the __ profitts of the same the said legacies and every of them And also all ___ charters leases and expenses with my said daughters or either of them or any other person or persons for them or either of them and in thier behalf shall pay bear ___ putt into in recovering? or ___covering? to restore the said legacies or any or other of them or __ on my lands for that purpose shall be fully satisfied paid Item all the rest and residue of my goods chattels real and personal estates after my legacies and funerall charges shall be paid and my executors? herinafter named also paid reasonable satisfaction for their trouble and charges in ____ this my last will and testament I give devise and bequeath unto my said son Henry Vagg and lastly I do make ____ and ordain my trusty friedn and brother in law Henry Woolford and Robert Bartlett of Stratton super Fosse in the county aforesaid yeomen together with my said wife joint executors of this my last will and testament defining them to see this my will fulfilled In witness thereof I the said Henry Vagg the testator have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the day and year first above written Henry Vagg signed sealed and published and declared by the above named testator Henry Vagg to be his last will and testament and witnessed at the request and in the presence of the said testator by ___ Edward Vagg, William James, Dorothy James, Isaac Hodges.

Be it remembered that I the above named Henry Vagg the elder do hereby a__ide and declare that this ___ shall be taken as part of my will that whereas I have given the sum of fifty pounds to my daughter Mary and the like sum of Fifty pounds to my daughter Anne to be paid immediatly after the decease of my wife my will now is that if either of my daughters shall happen to die before the said severall sums of fifty pounds shall be paid then in such circumstance? I revoak both the said severall sums and desire the same may remain my son Henry. And if the said severall sums of fifty pounds shall be paid before my said daughters shall attain the respected ages of one and twenty years or either of them shall happen to die before she shall accomplish her __ of _____ age of one and twenty years then the sum of one hundred pounds part of the said sum of three hundred pounds shal remain to my said son Henry my will that if either of my daughters shall happen to die as aforesaid the several of them shall have her yearly anually as above given her and the sum of three hundred pounds and no more In witness whereof I the said Henry Vagg the ___ have hereunder set my hand and seal this 15th day of May An. Dm. 1729 Henry Vagg __ ___ hereof written was also signed and sealed ___ by the above named __

1738 - 1749 James Green, son of James and Anne Green sold a share in the grist (corn) mill in the valley to Edward William Vagg, Yeoman in 1738. They sold it along with the surrounding area called Brymscomb and a field situated "at Greenditch beside the road from Chilcompton to Wells" to William Kelson on the 6/7th November 1749.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.18)

1745 - William Vagg, Yeoman of Chilcompton is listed amongst others as qualified to serve on juries.

Return of persons qualified to serve on juries.
Thomas Salmon, gentleman, Richard James, blacksmith, John Chard, yeoman, William Vagg, yeoman, William Millward, maltster, William James, yeoman, William James the younger, yeoman, and James Salmon, maltster, all of the parish and tithing of Chilcompton, Hundred of Chewton. Signed: James Selway, tithingman. Sworn before Hodges Strachey and John Hippisley Coxe [JPs].
Date 6 Sep 1745

1754 - William Vagg was the first toll-gatherer at the turnpike gate situated at the foot of Lynch Hill in Chilcompton.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.18)

1757 - In his will Henry Vagg (b. 1712) leaves a close of meadow at Walton Court, 6a of arable in Eastfield and 6a in Westfield, Charlton, a close called Walton Paddock (1a 2r 16 p.) and a close called Foss Tyning (10a 1r 27 p.) in Kilmersdon, to his son Henry Vagg. I haven't yet found a copy of the will.
(SRO - Hylton Family of Ammerdown, Kilmersdon. Deeds of Kilmersdon manor and parish - DD\HY/2/3/21)

1781 - The legacies that had devised to Henry Vagg (b.1747) from his father Henry Vagg (b.1712) of Midsomer Norton, yeoman, under his will of 1757 are released.

Whereas Henry Vagg late of the Parish of Midsomer Norton in the County of Somerset yeoman deceased whilst living rightly and duly made and executed his last will and Testament in writing bearing date the twenty second day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and fifty seven and amongst other Legacies therein contained did give and bequeath unto his three Daughters Mary Susanna and Elizabeth the sum of Three Hundred pounds to be equally divided between them share and share alike at their several and respective ages of twenty one years and did also bequeath to his said three Daughters One Moiety or half part of his Household Goods and Furniture equally to be divided between them as Tenants in common and did further bequeath the residue and remainds of his Goods Chattles and Personal Estates of what nature or kind soever unto his only son Henry and his said three daughters equally to be divided also between them as Tenants in common and of his said Wife did nominate and appoint his Brother in Law Thomas Masters of Emborough in the said County Gentleman and George James of Welton in the Parish of Midsomer Norton aforesaid Yeoman Executors and also Guardians of his said children during thier several respective minorities And whereas the said executors neglected to prove and take upon them the execution of the said Will and the said Henry Vagg the Son being arrived to the full age of twenty one years Letters of Administration with the said Will annexed of all and singular the Goods Chattles and Credits of the said deceased were sometime since committed and granted to him the said Henry Vagg the son by authority of the Consistorial Episcopal Court of Wells and the said deceaseds three daughters being also respectively arrived to the age of twenty one years having received of and from their Brother the Administrator aforesaid their legacies before mentioned are willing and desirous together with their husbands to give him a Release of discharge fir the same Now know all men by these presents that we Henry Salmon and Mary his Wife, Josiah Savage and Susanna his wife and Henry Woolford Salmon and Elizabeth his wife which said Mary Susanna and Elizabeth are the three daughters of the said deceased Henry Vagg and the legatees mentioned in his said will do and each and every of us doth hereby confess and acknowledge that we have had and received of and from the said Henry Vagg the said Administrator the said legacies and bequests so given to us in and by the said Will of our said late father deceased and therefore we do and each and every of us doth by these presents acquit release and discharge the said Henry Vagg the Administrator aforesaid his executors and administrators of and from the Legacies and Bequests before mentioned and of and from every part thereof by virtue of these presents. In witness whereof we the said Henry Salmon and Mary his wife, Josiah Savage and Susannah his wife and Henry Woolford Salmon and Elizabeth his wife have hereunto respectivley set our hands and seals this first day of May in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty one.

Sealed and delivered in the presence of }
Mary Matthews
Frances Nicholas

Henry Salmon
Henry Woolford
Josiah Savage

1780 - Tenure of property relating to the Hooper Inheritance (1633-1780). See "The Hippisley Family, ed. I. Fitzroy Jones, 1952".

Tenants: Brodribb, Bullock (alias Palmer)*, Clarke, Gould*, Hill (incl. of Nettlebridge)*, House (of Ashwick), Joyce*, Mashman, Parfett, Salmon (of Stratton on the Fosse)*, Stocke*, Vagg, Watts (of Canford), Weare, West*

1784 - At Greenditch, Chilcompton, farmer William Vagg was living in a house which is now called 'Silverstream' and owned 33 acres of land, which included part of the Britannia Yard and the house (which later became the Britannia Inn) and two fields on the south-west side. In 1822 it was owned and occupied by William Raynes, followed in 1840 by Edward Vagg who was described as the landlord, but the inn was called "The Hope and Anchor", which was the first mention of an inn. It was re-named "The Britannia Inn" in about 1851.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.36)

1784 - The corner house on "The Pitching", which was once a bakery was owned by Henry Vagg along with 26 acres. It was sold as part of the great Vagg sale in 1832.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.54)

1787 - Papers relating to the culture of turnips by Henry Vagg of Norton Down, Chilcompton. See Meandering through Chilcompton.
Bath and North East Somerset Record Office - Bath and West of England Agricultural Society - 0038/6/1

1789 - 29th August 1789. Litton Lease for Messrs. Vagg, Hippisley etc. coal.
SRO - Church Commisioners Records - DD\CC\P/5236

1792 - The Rev. Richard Paget, who lived in Chilcompton about 1792 for a short time, mentioned in his diaries carrying certain letters for Harry Vagg to Oxford.
(Vagg Odyssey)

1793 - Henry Vagg mortgages £800 worth of land in Kilmersdon to Frances Andrews of Bath, widow.

1795 - Leases for Vagg End. A messuage at Vagg End (40 p.) leased by Thomas Samuel Jolliffe, Esq. to Jacob Ashman of Kilmersdon, labourer. (SRO - HYLTON FAMILY OF AMMERDOWN, KILMERSDON - DD\HY/2/3/22)

1810 - Map of Midsomer Norton. With sketch of Norton Down Farm, Apr 1810. At end, Miss Tooker. 26.6in to 1 mile. OS 29 NW.

Farm where Norton Hall later stood, with lands belonging thereto (approximately 130a). Fields (named with acreages), names of certain adjacent owners, quarries. Enclosed: Surveyor's drawing (with reference key to fields) of Norton Down Farm. Surveyor's drawings (2) for Clapton Manor Farm 'Major Tooker's Lands' giving field names and acreages.

1813 - 2 cottages at Vagg End leased by Thomas Samuel Jolliffe, Esq. to John Hambleton of Kilmersdon, coalminer. (SRO - HYLTON FAMILY OF AMMERDOWN, KILMERSDON - DD\HY/2/3/22)

1814 - The 1793 mortgage between Henry Vagg and Frances Andrews was assigned by Robert Ball of Weymouth, Dorset, Esq. in 1814. (On behalf of Frances Andrews, deceased) to Henry Vagg, who assigned it to Robert Sutcliffe.

1822 - Henry Vagg owned "The Hollies" he was probably the person who built it for Walter Leach, a surgeon, who was the occupier.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.72)

1822 - In 1822 a close of meadow at Walton Court, 6a of arable in Eastfield and 6a in Westfield, Charlton, a close called Walton Paddock (1a 2r 16 p.) And a close called Foss Tyning (10a 1r 27 p.) All in Kilmersdon, was conveyed by Robert Sutcliffe of Bath, Esq., and Henry Vagg of Midsomer Norton, yeoman, to Thomas Samuel Jolliffe, Esq., with the mortgage on the property being assigned in trust.

The property had devised to Henry Vagg from his father Henry Vagg of Midsomer Norton, yeoman, deceased, under his will of 1757 (the legacies of which were released in 1781), and mortgaged with additional lands in Kilmersdon to Frances Andrews of Bath, widow, 1793. The mortgage was assigned by Robert Ball of Weymouth, Dorset, Esq. (On behalf of Frances Andrews, deceased) to Henry Vagg, who assigned it to Robert Sutcliffe, 1814.

Also includes extracts from various parish registers for members of the Harris, Vagg, Masters and James families, 1699-1783; extract of the will of William Joshua Wendy Taylor [no parish stated], 1816; and affidavits of Mary Watson, wife of Benjamin Watson of Binegar, yeoman, and Henry Vagg of Midsomer Norton, gent., George Carter of Kilmersdon, yeoman, and Robert Perry of Downside, yeoman, concerning the Vagg family, 1822. [A23] Date 1781-1822.

Consisting of 16 parts:

1. Attested copy of a release of legacies, from Messrs. Salmon to Henry Vagg. 1st May 1781.
Henry of Midsomer Norton, yeoman, deceased left £3000 to be devided between 3 daughters Mary, Susanna and Elizabeth. Remainder to his only son Henry, he appointed his brother in law Thomas Masters of Emborrow and George James of Welton, executor.

2. Copy of Mortgage of lands for securing £800 by Frances Andrews to Henry Vagg. Sale to the said Frances lots of land in Coleford and Kilmersdon. 25th June 1793.

3. Extract of Fine.
Roll 86 - Trinity Term 33rd George III 1793 15/- Somerset. Frances Andrews Widow Plt. Henry Vagg and Ann his wife, Dfd. Of one messuage two gardens twenty five acres of pasture with the appertences in the parishes of Kilmersddon and Midsomer Norton before Robert Giles and William Joshua Wendy Taylor, Gents. By Com. 25th June 33 Geo III.
Returnable from the day of Holy Trinity in Three weeks.
Examined with the Entry at the Kings Silver Office. 15th April 1822.

4. Parish Register Extracts.
1822 Letter from Midsomer Norton vicarage to W. Vagg regarding an unsuccessful search for the baptism of Henry Vagg 1677 - 1730 and also the marriage of George James and Mary Vagg about 1740, which W. Vagg requested. The vicar found a memorandum that no registers were kept 4th May 1737 to 11 June 1739. The vicar did find the following:
i. Thomas Masters was buried 22nd October 1780 in Ston Easton.
ii. George James was buried 11th October 1783 in Binegar.
iii. Mary Vagg was buried 15th December 1781 in Chilcompton.
iv. Mary daughter of George and Ann Harris was baptised 31 January 1748.
v. Ann daughter of George and Ann Harris was baptised 29 July 1750.
vi. Joyce daughter of George and Ann Harris was baptised 11 May 1752.
vii. Sarah daughter of George and Ann Harris was baptised 14 January 1754.
viii. Betty daughter of George and Ann Harris was baptised 12 December 1756.
ix. Martha daughter of George and Ann Harris was baptised 31 December 1760.

5. Affidavits of Henry Vagg and Mary Watson + Marriage PR extract of Henry Vagg to Mary Woolford 18th June 1699 Chilcompton. (See below).

6. Assignment of outstanding term Mr. Robert Ball to Henry Vagg 19th October 1814 (Frances Andrews)

7. Copy of Mortgage Henry Vagg to Robert Sutcliffe.

8. Will of William Joshua Wendy Taylor. Proved 23rd January 1816. (link)

9. Lease for a year Robert Sutcliff and Henry Vagg to Thomas Samuel Jolliffe. 25th March 1822.

10. Release in Fee. Robert Sutcliff and Henry Vagg to Thomas Samuel Jolliffe. 26th March 1822.

11. Assignment for 200 years Miss Taylor to Mr E. Brodrip. And deed of covenant Henry Vagg to Samuel Thomas Jolliffe. 26th March 1822.

This probably relates to land near Highbury, Coleford called Vagg End.

1822 - Affidavit of Henry Vagg.

I Henry Vagg of the Parish of Midsomer Norton in the County of Somerset Gentleman George Carter of the Parish of Kilmersdon in the same county Yeoman and Robert Perry of Downside in the Parish of Midsomer Norton aforesaid Yeoman severally make oath and say And first the deponent Henry Vagg for himself make the oath and saith that he is upwards of Seventy four years of age and that his father Henry Vagg deceased was prior to and at the time of making his will in the year One thousand Seven hundred and fifty seven and also at the time of his decease (which happened in the same year) seised to him and his heirs of a good Estate of Inheritance in fee ?????? of and in the two closes of Ground called respectively Walton Paddock and Foss Tyning situate in the Parish of Kilmersdon aforesaid with the appertences which are now contracted to be sold by this Deponent to Thomas Samuel Jolliffe Esquire and that immediately on the decease of his said father this deponent entered into the possession of the same. And the deponent George Carter for himself make the oath and saith that he is upwards of Eighty years if age that he remembers the said closes of ground called Walton Paddock and Foss tyning herein before mentioned for upwards of seventy years and that he always heard and understood and believes it to be true that the same closes were the property of Henry Vagg deceased and since his death of his son the above named deponent Henry Vagg And that as to the said closes called Walton Paddock in particular he remembers the same to have been rented if the said Henry Vagg deceased as potatoe ground by Francis Harding and John Elford of Coleford Labourers upwards of Seventy years ago And that Foss Tyning was always since the rememberance of this Deponent kept in his own occupation by Henry Vagg deceased And his said son ?????? he remembers ??? circumstances of the adjoining ??? of Ground belonging to his late father where he was daily in the habit when a boy of twelve or fourteen years old of serving his fathers cattle with their hay. And the deponent the said Robert Perry for himself maketh the oath and saith that he is upwards of eighty years of age that he has known the above mentioned close of Ground called Foss tyning ever since he was quite a boy and that since his earliest recollection thereof he always understood and heard and believes it to be true that the said close of ground was the property of Henry Vagg deceased and since his decease of his son the above named deponent Henry Vagg And the deponent also saith that he well remembers and was ultimately acquainted with the said Henry Vagg deceased and that to the best of this deponents knowledge and belief be the said Henry Vagg deceased never had any Brother but on the contrary he always understood and heard and believes it to be true that he was an only son and the heir at law of his father the grandfather of the present Henry Vagg.

Henry Vagg
George Carter
The Mark of Robert Perry X

Sworn at Midsomer Norton aforesaid by the deponents Henry Vagg George Carter and Robert Perry the thirteenth day of March One thousand eight hundred and twenty two the same having been first heard over to the said deponents who appeared respectivley to understanding? the same and the deponent Robert Perry having set and inscribed his mark therunto in the presence of} John Davies

1822 - Affidavit of Mary watson.

Mary Watson the wife of Benjamin Watson of the Parish of Binegar in the County of Somerset, Yeoman maketh the Oath and saith that she is now upwards of Seventy Years of age and that she is the daughter of George James and Mary his wife who formerly lived at Welton in the Parish of Midsomer Norton in the said County but which said George James lived in the Parish of Binegar at the time of his decease And this deponent further saith that she has frequently heard her Mother the said Mary James state that her maiden name was Vagg and that Henry Vagg late of Norton Down deceased was her only Brother and that he was the only son of Henry Vagg his father who was the Grandfather of this deponent And this deponent also saith that her Uncle the first mentioned Henry Vagg deceased was the father of Henry Vagg who now resides at Norton Down and that she has slight recollection of him but that he died when she was bout six years old.

Sworn at Shepton Mallet in the County of Somerset aforesaid the seventh day of March 1822 Before me ????????????? } Mary Watson.

1824 - Henry Vagg, Yeoman of Norton Down House died he owned 73 acres and 16 houses. His son and heir, John Masters Vagg, was renting seven acres at that time.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.181 / Estate Duty Will)

abt. 1830 - The "Doctor's Paddock" where 15 (later 16) White Post houses and one Inn were built measured 2 acres, 2 roods, 26 perch and was owned by Henry Vagg of Norton Down House.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.200)

1830 - John Masters Vagg makes a donation of £50 to the rebuilding fund for the church of St. John the Baptist in Midsomer Norton.
(Vagg Odyssey page 107)

1832 - Map of Mr.J.M.Vagg's Estate in Midsomer Norton and Chilcompton, 1832. T.D.Bennet of Bruton, surveyor.

Sale map overlay of 1st Edition Ordanance Survey map.

Sale plan of scattered plots of land and cottages (c 70a) in Chilcompton village and around the parish, including certain fields and cottages in Midsomer Norton. Fields numbered in lots, names of adjacent landowners.
Enclosed: book of reference giving field names, state of cultivation and acreages, surveyor's drawing of part of above map, sale poster for above lands to be sold 15 May 1832 (letter ordering above map from Charles Wainright, 27 Apr 1832 on back, addressed to Bennet).
[endorsed: Mr J M Vagg's Estate in Midsomer Norton and Chilcompton, 1832 ?T O Bennet of Bruton, surveyor]
13.3in to 1 mile. - OS 29 NW.

1832 - At 4 o'clock on Tuesday 15th May 1832 at the Greyhound Inn, Midsomer Norton, all of John Masters Vaggs inherited land (73 1/2 acres) and houses (15) except for his Norton Down House were sold by auction, since called 'The Great Vagg Sale'.

Reconstruction of the Sale Poster.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.54)

1836 - 5th August. Mortgage is made by John Masters Vagg.

Title to John Masters Vagg of Norton Down House in the parish of Midsomer Norton in Somerset, gentleman, mortgager, and Robert Hoskins of East Compton in Somerset, mortgagee, on properties at Chilcompton in Somerset. Description Policy number 1229831 Premium: 14s 3d Sum insured: £335 In folder showing table of assurances on lives and survivorships of Sun Life Assurance Company.

1842 - James Vagg is a butcher.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.17)

1849 - William and John Vagg were renting a butcher's shop at The Street/Parsonage Lane junction, it was owned by Thomas Hollwey. It could have been that same William who was owning The Retreat in The Street and the Easter cottage behind it.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.53)

1849 - James Vagg who had married Ann Penny, and James Vagg (junior) with his wife Matilda (nee Salmon James of Blacker's Hill) were both butchers living in the two houses opposite the Infants School which had their entrances in The Pitching.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.181)

1849 - William Vagg-Raynes farmed 20 acres at "The Lost Farm" on the south side of Broadway.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.102)

1851 - James Vagg and William Hollway are assistants to John Hoskins, the village constable.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.13)

1852-7 - James Vagg is the village constable with assistants William Hollway and John Hoskins.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.13)

1858 - William Vagg-Raynes is village constable with assistant William Hollway.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.13)

1866 - James Vagg was landlord of the Britannia Inn as well as being a farmer and butcher.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.36)

1872 - A John Vagg was attending Stratton-on-the-Fosse Primary School.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.181)

1908 - Conveyance of Broadway Farm. Spencer - Vagg.
(SRO - BEAUCHAMP MANUSCRIPTS SOMERSET - DD\BE/1/112)

1912 - There was a James Vagg living at Three Tuns, Coal Lane.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.181)

1912 - The last of the Chilcompton Vaggs was John Vagg, a bachelor, who farmed Rookery Farm from 1912 until he died in 1924. During his last years at the farm he was looked after by his widowed cousin, Mary James of Blacker's Hill. John did not own Rookery Farm, but he did own Bowden House on Bowden Hill. Ada Mary Vagg and Henry James Vagg owned Rookery Farm, formerly known as Broadway Farm. They installed John as tenant. When John died the farm was sold by the sole owner, Ada Mary Vagg of Brighton.
(Meandering Through Chilcompton p.181)

To do:

1. SDNQ - v.XXXI - page 126 reference to Henry Vagg
2. Search of Longleat archive for Marriage settlement of Edward Vagg and Elizabeth Stocker. (Vagg Odyssey)