Wich Malbank

Who he is

Name

The heirs of the Malbank barons: the barony was partitioned among three sisters after the last Malbank baron died in the later twelfth century. One share is said to have gone with Philippa Malbank to Thomas Basset, the royal justice; the others are not pinned

Title

Coheirs of the barony of Wich Malbank

Since

Later twelfth century (not pinned)

Confidence

low

Overlord

Ranulf III, earl of Chester

What it holds

• Nantwich castle and the lordship of the town (the earl keeps his share of the salt toll)
• Manors in Nantwich hundred

How it was acquired

Partition among heiresses.

How things stand that morning

Held by the coheirs under the earl.

Wealth

Salt: the brine springs and salt houses of Nantwich.

Military

A castle at Nantwich (motte).

Places of note

• Nantwich castle and the salt works: Caput

Where the sources disagree

Evidence: The partition is well known in outline; the holders of each share in 1200 are not checked.

On the map: Rough block; the three shares are not separated.

Primary sources for Chester

Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.

• The Charter Rolls of King John (1199 to 1216, at the royal chancery). The enrolled charters of John's first years, beginning with his accession in 1199: confirmations to towns, bishoprics and abbeys, grants of land and office, and the great grants to men like William Marshal and the king's new allies in Poitou. Read online
• The Great Rolls of the Pipe for 1199 and Michaelmas 1200 (1199 and 1200, at the Exchequer). The audited accounts of every sheriff and farmer for the Exchequer year ending Michaelmas 1200: county farms, the scutage of 1199, the carucage of 1200, debts of magnates and towns, wardships, and the fines offered to the new king.