(170) Arden of Park Hall and Longcroft Hall

Arden of Park Hall and Longcroft Hall

The Ardens are considered to be one of the three longest surviving families in this country: only the Berkeleys of Berkeley (Glos) and the Swintons of Swinton (Berwicks) have the same distinction of a continuous male line descent from a known Anglo-Saxon forbear.  In the case of the Ardens, however, their status as landed gentry came to an end in 1890 with the sale of Longcroft Hall, and the continuous male lineage finally failed with the death of George Philip Arden in 1997, although doubtless there are male line descendants in collateral branches.

The Ardens trace their descent from the legendary Guy of Warwick who is said to have died in 929, and rather more realistically from Aelfwine, who was sheriff of Warwickshire and a benefactor to Coventry Abbey in the reign of Edward the Confessor. His son, Thurkill of Warwick, was one of the few Saxon lords who were not wholly dispossessed at the Norman Conquest, although even he ceased to be a tenant in chief and lost many of his estates to the newly created Norman Earl of Warwick, from whom his descendants held the lands they did retain. According to Dugdale, he was 'one of the first here in England, that in imitation of the Normans, assumed a sirname', he and his descendants calling themselves 'of Arden' after the royal forest of that name in which their property lay. Thurkill was already in possession of the family's core estate at Curdworth and Minworth at the time of Domesday Book, and it may be that this property was in their possession continuously from pre-Conquest times. 

From Thurkill, Curdworth and Minworth passed to his son, Siward de Arden and grandson, Henry de Arden (fl. 1166); then to Henry's son, Thomas de Arden (fl. 1207), his son, Thomas de Arden, and his son, Sir Thomas de Arden, who was taken prisoner at the Battle of Evesham in 1265 but lived to tell the tale. In 1287 he sold his lands at Curdworth and Minworth to his cousin, another Sir Thomas de Arden, of Hanwell (Oxon), who was a great-grandson of Henry de Arden (fl. 1166). This Sir Thomas passed on his estates to his son Ralph de Arden (fl. 1290) and grandson, also Ralph de Arden of Curdworth, who about 1323 married Isabel, daughter of Anselm de Bromwich, and had two sons. The elder, Sir John de Arden of Curdworth, had no sons and left his property to his daughter Rose, who with her husband Thomas Pakeson conveyed the Curdworth estate to her uncle Sir Henry de Arden, the younger son of Ralph de Arden of Curdworth. Sir Henry bought the manor of Park Hall at Castle Bromwich in 1373, and the genealogical details given below begin with him. Sir Henry's grandson, Robert de Arden (c.1412-52) acquired the manors of Saltley, Water Orton and Pedmore in Stourbridge through his marriage to Elizabeth Clodshall, who was sole heiress to her father's estates. Unfortunately, Robert backed the wrong side in the Wars of the Roses, and was captured and executed by the Lancastrians in 1452. Although his lands were forfeited to the Crown on his execution, his son Walter Arden (c.1437-1502) quickly recovered them. The rehabilitation continued under his son, Sir John Arden (c.1460-1526), who was an esquire of the body to King Henry VIII, and grandson, Thomas Arden (d. 1563). Sir John's younger brother, Thomas Arden (fl. 1546) is believed to have been the grandfather of that Mary Arden who married John Shakespeare in c.1557 and whose son was the playwright and poet, William Shakespeare. One of the reasons the Arden family is relatively well recorded in the 15th and 16th centuries is that two centuries of obsessive literary scholarship has sought to establish the exact link between the two families.

After the death of Thomas Arden in 1563, the Park Hall estate went to his grandson, Edward Arden (1533-83), who was sheriff of Warwickshire in 1574-75, and the first of his family known to have held that office since Aelfwine. All through the turbulent religious politics of the mid 16th century, Edward maintained his Catholic faith and his wife Mary was a Throckmorton from Coughton Court (Warks), one of the leading Recusant families in England. Edward himself maintained a priest (Hugh Hall) described as a gardener, at Park Hall, and one of his daughters married John Somerville, representative of another leading Catholic family. In 1583 Somerville, who may have been insane, hatched a plot to murder Queen Elizabeth, which was discovered by the authorities, and under torture he named both Edward Arden and Hugh Hall as co-conspirators. The authorities swooped on Park Hall in the 16th century equivalent of a dawn raid and took up not only the two men but also Arden's wife and his brother Francis. After vigorous questioning the latter were released, and Hugh Hall also eventually went free, but Somerville and Arden were condemned to death. Somerville was found strangled in his cell in the Tower of London the night before his execution was due to take place, but Arden was duly hung, drawn and quartered at Smithfield the following day.  It is now thought that Arden was the innocent victim of a plot. He died protesting his innocence and declaring that his only crime was the profession of the Catholic religion. Dugdale, quoting from Camden's "Annals of Queen Elizabeth," attributes Arden's prosecution to the malice of the Earl of Leicester, whose displeasure he had incurred by open criticism of the Earl's relations with the Countess of Essex before their marriage. He had further irritated Leicester by disdaining to wear his livery and by denouncing him as an upstart. It is supposed that Hall was suborned to involve Arden in the alleged plot, which would explain why he was allowed to go free. It is also possible that Somerville was persuaded to make the original accusation under torture and 'rewarded' with the cleaner death of manual strangulation in place of the gruesome horrors visited on Arden. Not surprisingly, Edward Arden, who was offered the chance to save his life if he changed his religion, is regarded as a Catholic martyr.

As a result of Edward Arden's conviction and execution, the family estates (apart from some property in which Edward had only had a life interest) were once again forfeited to the Crown, and they were quickly granted to one Edward Darcy.  Arden's son, Robert Arden (c.1555-1635), spent much of his life scheming and petitioning to recover his property, and in 1609 did indeed recover the manors of Park Hall and Saltley, but family's foundation estate at Curdworth and Minworth was lost forever. When Robert died he was succeeded by his grandson and namesake, who seems to have been a promising youth with antiquarian interests. He became a Colonel in the Royalist army during the Civil War, and was with the King at Oxford in 1643 when he was struck down by smallpox and died. As he was unmarried, the surviving estates were divided among his four married sisters or their widowers, and Park Hall passed out of the Arden family. One of his brothers-in-law, Sir Herbert Price (1605-78), bought out the interests of the others, and was perhaps responsible for building a new house on the estate, but in 1704 his son sold it to John Bridgeman of Castle Bromwich Hall, with which it descended thereafter.

With the extinction of the Park Hall branch of the family, the Ardens of Longcroft Hall became the senior male line of the family.  Simon Arden (c.1515-1600), the uncle of the martyred Edward, bought the Longcrofts estate in Yoxall (Staffs) in the late 1560s. The estate may have been the property at Yoxall which his great-uncle, Robert Arden, was renting from the Crown in the reign of Henry VIII, although more recently it had been in the hands of the Marrys family. Simon, who was living in Saltley in 1578, may never have lived at Longcrofts, but his son, Ambrose Arden, was resident at Longcrofts Hall in 1618. The estate, which was always quite small, passed to Ambrose's son, Humphrey Arden, and then to the latter's sons Henry (d. 1676) and Humphrey (d. 1705) in turn. Either Humphrey or his son Henry (d. 1728) may have built a new house within the old moated site, because its later general form and proportions suggest a house of the late 17th or early 18th century, and there are reasons for thinking that John Arden (d. 1734) laid out new gardens around it. John's grandson, Rev. John Arden (1752-1803), who was rector of King's Bromley (Staffs), had no fewer than 17 children and may therefore have needed a bigger house. At all events in 1796 he remodelled the house (which Stebbing Shaw described as preserving until then 'an appearance of antiquity'), gave it a new front elevation, and filled in the moat. When he died, he left the house to his widow, who lived on there until 1842.  After that, the house was normally let, and although Colonel William Arden lived there at the end of the 1870s, he had no children to inherit at his death in 1880. In 1890 the estate was finally sold, but it did not altogether leave the family, as the purchaser was the nephew by marriage of the Rev. John Arden's youngest daughter: Hollond Franklyn (1835-1919), a barrister. His son, Alwyne Hills Franklyn (1887-1965) was living in the house in 1938 but after it was requisitioned during the Second World War he emigrated to Canada. After the War, the house fell into disrepair, and it was demolished in 1955.

Park Hall, Castle Bromwich, Warwickshire

The timber-framed manor house of the Ardens stood on a moated site which was recorded on early Ordnance Survey maps, but no record of the appearance of the house has been found and it is not clear when the medieval or Tudor house was demolished. A large barn, called Bromwich Barn, that stood close to the moat was no doubt a survivor of the manorial buildings

The site of Park Hall from the Ordnance Survey 6" maps of 1886-87; the site is split over adjacent sheets.

In the 17th century the house was let and probably fell into disrepair.  When the male line of the Park Hall Ardens failed in 1643 the property was divided between four daughters and their husbands.  One of the husbands, Sir Herbert Price, reunited the Park Hall manor by purchase and exchange by 1664, but other manors forming part of the estate passed into different hands. Either Sir Herbert or his son John built a new Park Hall on a different site a little to the north of the old moated site.  

The 17th century Park Hall, photographed in 1895 by J.H. Pickard of Edgbaston. Image: Birmingham Archives & Heritage

This was a fine late 17th century seven bay two-storey house with tall Dutch gables over the slightly-projecting wings. In 1704, however, it was sold to John Bridgeman of Castle Bromwich Hall, and it descended thereafter with the Castle Bromwich estate to the Earls of Bradford. Park Hall became a farmhouse and was derelict by 1938, although it remained standing until the early 1970s when the M6 motorway was built nearby and this part of Castle Bromwich was developed for housing.

Descent: Sir John Botetourt, kt. sold 1373 to Sir Henry de Arden (d. c.1400), kt.; to son, Sir Ralph Arden (d. 1420), kt.; to son, Robert de Arden (d. 1452); to son, Walter Arden (d. 1502); to son, Sir John Arden (d. 1526), kt.; to son, Thomas Arden (d. 1563); to grandson, Edward Arden (d. 1583); forfeited to Crown and granted 1586 to Edward Darcy but in 1609 surrendered and returned to Robert Arden (d. 1635); to grandson, Robert Arden (d. 1643); to four sisters, from whom it was bought up by the husband of Godith Arden, Sir Herbert Price (fl. 1664); to son, John Price (fl. 1704); sold 1704 to John Bridgeman of Castle Bromwich Hall, with which it descended thereafter.

Longcroft Hall, Yoxall, Staffordshire

Longcroft Hall, from an old postcard.

What became the Longcroft estate can be traced back to a property known as Sale Grange in 1252, when Earl William de Ferrers granted a charter at the house. The estate was acquired by Simon Arden in the late 1560s, and there was probably a moated medieval house at that time, which he or his successors may have rebuilt.  The general form and proportions of the house hint at a further rebuilding in the late 17th or early 18th century, but there is no documentary evidence of this, and at the end of the 18th century the house was said to still have an appearance of antiquity, and was still moated. It contained a medieval ten panel altarpiece which was presented to a museum in Lichfield in the late 18th century.

Longcroft Hall, probably c.1900 or earlier. Image: Matthew Beckett.

In 1796 the moat was filled in and the house refronted and modernised for Rev. John Arden, and it was altered again in the late 19th century, probably for Hollond Franklyn, when it was given plate glass windows and a large porch infill set into the recessed centre of the Georgian house. 

In 1734 the house had gardens of which John Arden (d. 1734) was sufficiently proud to make provision in his will for the employment of a gardener to maintain them during his son's minority, and which may therefore have been newly laid out. By the later 19th century these gardens had disappeared, and the fields around the house were ornamental parkland, which was maintained until the Second World War. On the outbreak of war the house was requisitioned for military use and became a training centre for the Home Guard. After the war, the house fell into disrepair and it was demolished in 1955.  The pond close to the house site visible on the plan below, which may have been another medieval moated site, still survives.

Longcroft Hall from the Ordnance Survey 6" map surveyed in 1881-82.

Descent: Robert Marrys (d. 1558); to son, Richard Marrys (fl. c.1568); sold? to Simon Arden (d. 1600); to son, Ambrose Arden (d. 1624); to son, Humphrey Arden (d. 1651); to son, Henry Arden (d. 1676); to half-brother, Humphrey Arden (c.1631-1705); to son, Henry Arden (1665-1728); to son, John Arden (1693-1734); to son, Henry Arden (d. 1782); to son, Rev. John Arden (1752-1803); to widow, Margaret Elizabeth Arden (d. 1842); to son, Rev. Francis Edward Arden (1777-1855); to son, Rev. Henry Cotton Arden (d. 1865), who let the house to Haigh Allen (fl. 1852-63); to younger brother, George Pinckard Arden (1813-86); who sold c.1878 to his brother, Col. William Arden (d. 1880); to nephew, Alwyne Hills Arden (1859-1915), who sold 1884 to his elder brother, George Edward Arden (1853-1921), who sold 1890 to Hollond Franklyn (1853-1919); to son, Alwyne Hollond Franklyn (1886-1965); requisitioned for military use in WW2; demolished 1955.

Arden family of Park Hall 

De Arden, Sir Henry (d. c.1400) of Park Hall, kt. Younger son of Ralph de Arden of Curdworth and his wife Isabel, daughter of Anselm de Bromwich, born about 1330. MP for Worcestershire, 1381-82. He married Ellen [surname unknown] and had issue including:
(1) Ralph de Arden (d. 1420) (q.v.);
(2) Geoffrey de Arden of Wappenham (Northants); died without issue;
(3) William de Arden of Sulgrave (Northants); died without issue.
He purchased the manor of Sulgrave (Northants) in 1371 and Park Hall from Sir John de Botetourt of Weoley Castle in 1373, free of all service save the presentation of a red rose once a year. In 1380 he acquired the estate of his father in Curdworth and Minworth from his niece.
He died in about 1400. He was survived by his widow and three sons.

De Arden, Sir Ralph (d. 1420) of Park Hall, kt. Eldest son of Sir Henry de Arden (d. c.1400) and his wife Ellen [surname unknown]. An esquire of the Earl of Warwick. He married Sybil [surname unknown] and had issue including:
(1) Robert de Arden (c.1412-52) (q.v.).
He inherited the Park Hall estate and other lands from his father about 1400. He settled the manors of Wappenham and Sulgrave on his mother and brothers for their lives.
He died in 1420.

De Arden, Robert (c.1412-52) of Park Hall. Only known son of Sir Ralph de Arden (d. 1420) and his wife Sybil [surname unknown], born about 1412. After his father's death he became a ward of Joan, Lady Bergavenny until he came of age in about 1433. Sheriff of Leicestershire and Warwickshire in 1437. He took the Yorkist side in the Wars of the Roses, but was captured and executed by the Lancastrians. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Clodshall, and had issue including:
(1) Walter Arden (c.1437-1502).
He inherited the Park Hall estate from his father in 1420 and came of age in about 1433. He inherited the manors of Wappenham and Sulgrave on the deaths of his uncles, but sold them in 1439. He acquired the manors of Saltley and Water Orton (Warks) and Pedmore (Worcs) through his marriage. His lands were forfeited to the Crown on his execution.
He was executed at Ludlow on 12 August 1452. He and his wife were commemorated by a brass in Aston-juxta-Birmingham church which was recorded by Dugdale but has since been lost.

Arden, Walter (c.1437-1502) of Park Hall. Only known son of Robert de Arden (c.1412-52) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Clodshall, probably born about 1437. He was a minor when his father was executed and it is not clear whether the Crown retained his wardship. He married, c.1457, Eleanor, daughter of John Hampden of Great Hampden (Bucks), and had issue:
(1) John Arden (c.1460-1526) (q.v.);
(2) Thomas Arden (fl. 1501-46?) probably of Wilmcote in Aston Cantlow and Snitterfield (Warks) and thus the grandfather of Mary Arden (c.1537-1608) who became the mother of the poet and dramatist, William Shakespeare;
(3) Martin Arden (fl. 1526) of Natford (not identified, but apparently in Oxfordshire, and perhaps recte Hatford?); married Margery, daughter of Henry East of Yardley (Worcs) and had issue a daughter;
(4) Robert Arden (fl. 1526); Yeoman of the Chamber to King Henry VII; keeper of the park at Altcar (Lancs); bailiff of Codmore (Derbys); lessee of Yoxall manor (Staffs) under the Crown;
(5) Henry Arden (d. by 1526?);
(6) William Arden (d. by 1526?) of Haynes (Beds); married Elizabeth, daughter of John Francklin of Thurley and had issue a son and two daughters;
(7) Joyce Arden (d. 1557?); married John Charnells of Snareston (Leics);
(8) Elizabeth Arden; married Walter Leveson of Wolverhampton (Staffs);
(9) Margaret Arden (fl. 1526); married [forename unknown] Abell;
(10) Alice Arden (fl. 1526); married [forename unknown] Buckland.
He quickly recovered his father's lands from the Crown.
He died 5 August 1502 and was buried at Aston-juxta-Birmingham.

Arden, John* (c.1460-1526) of Park Hall. Eldest son of Walter Arden (c.1437-1502) of Park Hall and his wife Eleanor, daughter of John Hampden of Hampden (Bucks), born about 1460. Esquire of the Body to King Henry VII. He married 1st,Alice, daughter of Richard Bracebridge of Kingsbury (Warks) and 2nd, Elizabeth [surname unknown], and had issue:
(1.1) Thomas Arden (d. 1563) (q.v.);
(1.2) John Arden (d. 1525/6); married but died without male issue; sold lands [at Saltley?] to his nephew, William Arden (c.1510-46);
(1.3) Geys Arden (fl. 1526); married Thomas Brayles;
(1.4) Katherine Arden (fl. c.1530); married, 1514, Richard Mucklowe (d. 1557) of 'Hodon', Worcester and Martley (Worcs) and had issue;
(1.5) A daughter; married [forename unknown] Brown;
(1.6) Margaret Arden; married [forename unknown] Kambur;
(1.7) Agnes Arden; married Richard Cotton of Siddington (Glos).
He inherited the Park Hall estate from his father in 1502.
He died in 1526; his will was proved in the PCC, 15 June 1526.
* Many sources record him as Sir John Arden, but his will, written a few days before his death, records him as John Arden, esquire.

Arden, Thomas (d. 1563) of Park Hall. Elder son of John Arden (c.1460-1526) of Park Hall and his wife Alice, daughter of Richard Bracebridge of Kingsbury (Warks); some accounts give his date of birth as 1477 but it is not clear on the basis of what evidence. He married Mary (1481-1548), daughter of Sir Thomas Andrew of Charwelton (Northants), and had issue:
(1) William Arden (c.1509-46) (q.v.);
(2) Thomas Arden (b. c.1510?); 'a student at law';
(3) Edward Arden (b. c.1513?);
(4) Simon Arden (c.1515-1600) [for whom see the Ardens of Longcroft below];
(5) George Arden (c.1515-c.1544-50), a Captain in the Army; killed at Boulogne;
(6) Joyce Arden; married Richard Cade of London and had issue a son;
(7) Elizabeth Arden; married [forename unknown] Beaupré in Wales;
(8) Cicely Arden; married Henry Shirley of Woodborough (Notts);
(9) Mary Arden; married Francis or Thomas Waferer in London.
He inherited the Park Hall estate from his father in 1526.
He died 5 February 1563. His wife died in 1548.

Arden, William (c.1509-46). Eldest son of Thomas Arden (d. 1563) and his wife Mary, daughter of Sir Thomas Andrews of Charwelton (Northants), born about 1510. He married Elizabeth (b. 1512?), daughter of Edward Conway of Ragley (Warks), and had issue, with four more daughters who probably died young or unmarried:
(1) Edward Arden (1533-83) (q.v.);
(2) Anne Arden (b. c.1534?; fl. 1544); married John Barnsley (fl. 1559) of Barnesley Hall, Bromsgrove (Worcs) and had issue;
(3) Ursula Arden (b. c.1535?; fl. 1544);
(4) Barbara Arden (c.1536-85); married Richard Nevill (d. 1590), son of John Nevill, 3rd Baron Latimer and had issue a son; died in Warwick, 1585;
(5) Bridget Arden (b. c.1537; fl. 1544); married Hugh Massey of Crossley (Cheshire);
(6) Francis Arden of Pedmore (b. c.1538?; fl. 1619), Sutton Coldfield (Warks); married [forename unknown], daughter of Edmund Fox of Oxford;
(7) Joyce Arden (b. c.1539; fl. 1544); married John Lodbroke;
(8) Jane Arden (b. c.1541; fl. 1544);
(9) Ursula Arden (b. c.1543; fl. 1544) [a second child of the same name; both living in 1544];
(10) Frances Arden (b. c.1544; fl. 1544).
He purchased lands [at Saltley?] from his uncle, John Arden.
He died in the lifetime of his father in 1546 and requested burial in St Bride's, Fleet Street, London; his will was proved 14 April 1546.

Arden, Edward (1533-83) of Park Hall. Elder son of William Arden (c.1509-46) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Conway of Ragley (Warks), born 1533. High Sheriff of Warwickshire, 1575. He was a recusant Catholic, and maintained a priest (Rev. Hugh Hall) at Park Hall, disguised as a gardener. He was implicated by the confession under torture of his son-in-law, John Somerville, in the latter's plot to murder Queen Elizabeth. Although he may in fact have been unaware of the plan, he was tortured and executed for treason, claiming on the scaffold that his only crime was being a Roman Catholic. He married Mary (d. 1603), daughter of Sir Robert Throckmorton of Coughton (Warks), and had issue:
(1) Robert Arden (c.1555-1635) (q.v.);
(2) Thomas Arden; believed to be the person of that name who accompanied the Earl of Leicester's expedition to the Netherlands in 1585;
(3) George Arden; perhaps died young;
(4) Francis Arden; perhaps died young;
(5) John Arden; believed to be the person of that name who accompanied the Earl of Leicester's expedition to the Netherlands in 1585;
(6) Catherine Arden (d. 1627), married Sir Edward Devereux (1558-1622), 1st bt., of Castle Bromwich Hall and had issue five sons and four daughters; buried at Aston-juxta-Birmingham;
(7) Margaret Arden; married 1st, John Somerville (d. 1583) and had issue two daughters; married 2nd, [forename unknown] de la Haye;
(8) Meriel Arden (fl. 1582); married William Charnells of Snarestone (Leics), and had issue three sons and three daughters;
(9) Elizabeth Arden; married Simon Shuckburgh of Napton-on-the-Hill (Warks), son of Anthony Shuckburgh of Shuckburgh (Warks), and had issue one son and two daughters.
He inherited the Park Hall estate from his grandfather in 1563, and bought the reputed manor of Haybarn in the same year. When he was executed his estates were seized by the Crown and granted to Edward Darcy, although some property, which was held by Trustees under whom he had only a life interest, escaped being forfeited.
He was hung, drawn and quartered at Smithfield, 20 December 1583. His widow died in 1603.

Arden, Robert (c.1555-1635) of Park Hall. Eldest son of Edward Arden (d. 1583) of Park Hall and his wife Mary, daughter of Sir Robert Throckmorton of Coughton (Warks), born about 1555. He is said to have been educated at one of the Inns of Court. He married, 1573, Elizabeth, daughter of Reginald Corbet, a Justice of the Queens Bench, and had issue:
(1) John Arden (b. 1578), baptised at Pedmore (Worcs); probably died young;
(2) Sir Henry Arden (1580-1616) (q.v.);
(3) Margaret Arden; married Walter Ferrers and had issue two sons and one daughter.
He recovered the manor of Park Hall from the Crown in 1609, and certain other property, but some parts of the estates were permanently lost as a result of his father's attainder.
He died 27 February 1635.

Arden, Sir Henry (1580-1616). Only son of Robert Arden (c.1555-1635) of Park Hall and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Reginald Corbet, born 1580. He married Dorothy (c.1584-1625), daughter of Basil Feilding of Newnham (Warks) and had issue:
(1) Robert Arden (d. 1643) (q.v.);
(2) Elizabeth Arden (d. 1632); maid of honour to Queen [presumably Anne of Denmark]; married Sir William Poley (b. 1602) of Boxted (Suffolk) and had issue one daughter; buried at Boxted, 23 June 1632, where she is commemorated by a ledger stone;
(3) Goditha Arden (fl. 1650); married, November 1638, Sir Herbert Price (1605-78), later of Park Hall, and had issue four sons and one daughter;
(4) Dorothy Arden (d. 1649); married, 1643, Harvey Bagot (who m2, Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Thomas Rotheram of Someries (Beds)) and had issue; died September 1649;
(5) Anne Arden (d. by 1641); married, 17 November 1636, Sir Charles Adderley (1610-82) (who married thrice more) of Hams Hall (Warks) and had issue two sons and one daughter.
He died in the lifetime of his father and was buried at Aston-juxta-Birmingham, 7 July 1616. His widow is said to have died in 1625.

Arden, Robert (d. 1643) of Park Hall. Only son of Sir Henry Arden (1580-1616) and his wife Dorothy, daughter of Basil Feilding of Newnham (Warks). In 1636 he owned the celebrated Warwick Roll, an illustrated family chronicle of the Earls of Warwick by John Rous, which is now in the British Library, and he therefore presumably had antiquarian interests. He was a Colonel in the Royalist army during the Civil War, and is said to have been Sheriff of Warwickshire, perhaps in 1640. He was unmarried and without issue.
He inherited Park Hall from his grandfather in 1635. At his death the estate was divided among his four sisters.
He died of smallpox in Oxford, 22 August 1643, and there is an elegy by Peter Halstead upon his death among the Ashmole papers in the Bodleian Library, Oxford.

Arden family of Longcroft Hall

Arden, Simon (c.1515-1600) of Longcroft Hall. Second son of Thomas Arden (d. 1563) of Park Hall and his wife Mary, daughter of Sir Thomas Andrews of Charwelton, born c.1515. High Sheriff of Warwickshire, 1569. He married 1st, Margaret [surname unknown] and 2nd, Christian, widow of Thomas Bond of Ward End, and had issue, possibly amongst others:
(1.1) Ambrose Arden (d. 1624) (q.v.).
He was living at Saltley (Warks) in 1578, but in the late 1560s acquired the manor of Longcroft in Yoxall (Staffs), which was perhaps the property in Yoxall which Robert Arden had leased from the Crown at the beginning of the 16th century. 
He died in 1600, when he was probably about 85, although in a draft petition to the Crown datable to 1595-98, he describes himself as 'of the age of 100 years or thereabouts'.

Arden, Ambrose (d. 1624) of Longcroft Hall. Only known son of Simon Arden (c.1515-1600) of Longcroft Hall and his first wife Margaret [surname unknown]. He married, 1588, Mary, daughter of John Wedgwood of Heracles, Leek (Staffs) and had issue:
(1) Humphrey Arden (d. 1634) (q.v.);
(2) John Arden; married and had issue two daughters;
(3) Richard Arden; died without issue;
(4) Simon Arden; died without issue;
(5) Walter Arden; died without issue;
(6) Ambrose Arden (d. 1656) of Barton-under-Needwood (Staffs); married and had issue five sons and at least one daughter; buried 15 July 1656.
He inherited the Longcroft Hall estate from his father in 1600.
He died in 1624 and his will was proved at Lichfield.

Arden, Humphrey (d. 1634) of Longcroft Hall. Eldest son of Ambrose Arden (d. 1624) of Longcroft Hall and his wife Mary, daughter of John Wedgwood of Heracles. He married 1st, 1621, Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Lascelles of The Newarke, Leicester, and 2nd, 1 December 1630, Jane Rowbotham, and had issue:
(1.1) Henry Arden (c.1625-1676) (q.v.);
(1.2) John Arden (c.1625-1709) of Wisbech (Cambs), a citizen of London; married Anne [surname unknown] but died without issue, 2 April and was buried at Yoxall, 5 April 1709;
(1.3) Mary Arden (fl. 1664); married Walter Payton of Marlpit Hall, Sutton Coldfield (Warks);
(1.4) Elizabeth Arden (fl. 1644); married, 22 December 1644 at Barton-under-Needwood (Staffs), Robert Masters of Farwell (Staffs);
(1.5) Anne Arden (fl. 1705); married Rugeley Littleton of Newfield, Marchington (Staffs), a Captain in the Royalist army;
(1.6) Grace Arden; died unmarried;
(2.1) Humphrey Arden (c.1631-1705) (q.v.).
He inherited the Longcroft Hall estate from his father in 1624.
He died in 1634 and his will was proved at Lichfield.

Arden, Henry (c.1625-76) of Longcroft Hall. Elder son of Humphrey Arden (d. 1634) of Longcroft Hall and his first wife Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Lascelles, born about 1625. He married Catherine (d. 1692), daughter of Richard Harpur of Littleover (Derbys) but had no issue.
He inherited the Longcroft Hall estate from his father in 1634 and came of age about 1646. At his death it passed to his half-brother, Humphrey Arden (c.1631-1705).
He died 26 November 1676. His widow married 2nd, 27 March 1679 at Yoxall, Daniel Watson (d. 1683) and was buried at Yoxall, 23 October 1692.

Arden, Humphrey (c.1631-1705) of Longcroft Hall. Only son of Humphrey Arden (d. 1634) of Longcroft Hall and his second wife, Jane Rowbotham, born c.1631. He married [forename unknown] Lassal [Lascelles?] of London, and had issue:
(1) twin, Henry Arden (1665-1728) (q.v.);
(2) twin, Catherine Arden (1665-1722); died unmarried, 21 September and was buried at Yoxall, 25 September 1722.
(3) Elizabeth Arden (c.1668-89); died unmarried, September 1689, aged 21;
He inherited the Longcroft Hall estate from his half-brother in 1676. Either he or his son was possibly responsible for building a new house on the estate.
He died 31 January 1705/6; his will was proved 13 June 1706.

Arden, Henry (1665-1728) of Longcroft Hall. Only son of Humphrey Arden (c.1631-1705) of Longcroft Hall and his wife [forename unknown] Lassal of London, baptised 7 November 1665. He married, 14 January 1692 at Alrewas (Staffs), Anne (1674-98), daughter of Robert Alcock of Tutbury (Staffs) and heiress of James Smith of Nantwich (Cheshire) and had issue:
(1) John Arden (1693-1734) (q.v.);
(2) Elizabeth Arden (b. & d. 1696), baptised 5 May 1696; died in infancy and was buried 12 May 1696.
He inherited the Longcroft Hall estate from his father in 1705.  Either he or his father was possibly responsible for building a new house on the estate.
He died 10 August and was buried at Yoxall, 13 August 1728, where he is commemorated by a monument erected in 1729. His wife died 6 and was buried at Yoxall, 19 January 1697/8.

Arden, John (1693-1734) of Longcroft Hall. Only son of Henry Arden (1665-1728) of Longcroft Hall and his wife Anne Alcock, baptised 1 January 1693/4. High Sheriff of Staffordshire, 1730. He married 1st, 14 September 1713 at Kings Bromley, Anna Catherina (1697-1727), eldest daughter of John Newton of King's Bromley (Staffs), and 2nd, 23 December 1728 (settlement 10 October), Ann (1696-1764), daughter of Rev. John Spateman, rector of Yoxall, and had issue:
(1.1) Catherine Arden (b. & d. 1718), baptised at Yoxall 5 September 1718; died in infancy and was buried at Yoxall, 21 September 1718;
(1.2) Anna Catherina Arden (1721-95), baptised at Yoxall, 11 June 1721; married, 15 November 1743 in St Paul's Cathedral, London, Fettiplace Nott (1701-75) of Bickenhill (Warks) and Lichfield, barrister-at-law, and had issue one son and one daughter; buried at Bickenhill (Warks), 8 December 1795.
(1.3) Catherine Arden (1722-26?), baptised at Yoxall, 16 December 1722; died young in her father's lifetime; possibly the person of that name buried at Hindlip (Worcs), 24 October 1726;
(1.4) Henry Arden (1724-82) (q.v.).
He inherited the Longcroft Hall estate from his father in 1728.
He died 8 November 1734; his will was proved 10 February 1734/5. His first wife died 17 March and was buried at Yoxall, 20 March 1727. His widow died 10 November 1764.

Arden, Henry (1724-82) of Longcroft Hall. Only son of John Arden (1692/3-1734) of Longcroft Hall and his first wife, Anna Catherina, daughter of John Newton of King's Bromley (Staffs), baptised 18 April 1724 at Yoxall (Staffs). Educated at Magdalen College, Oxford (matriculated 1743). He married, 18 April 1749 at St Mary, Lichfield (Staffs), Alathea (1722-83), daughter of Robert Cotton of Worcester, and had issue:
(1) Anne Arden (1750-1829), baptised at Yoxall, 19 May 1750; married, 18 May 1786 at Yoxall, Benjamin Spilsbury (1746-1818) of Willington (Derbys) and had issue one son and two daughters; died 31 December 1829 and was buried at Willington, 7 January 1830;
(2) Rev. John Arden (1752-1803) (q.v.);
(3) Henry Arden (b. 1754), baptised at Yoxall, 10 November 1754; died, apparently unmarried, in the West Indies;
(4) Alathea Catherine Arden (1756-1836), born 24 June and baptised at Yoxall, 9 July 1756; died unmarried and was buried at Leamington (Warks), 18 May 1836;
(5) Robert Arden (1757-59), born 24 and baptised at Yoxall, 25 December 1757; died in infancy, 10 April and was buried at Yoxall, 12 April 1759;
(6) Humphrey Arden (1758-1809) of Sutton Coldfield (Warks), born 6 December 1758; an officer in 34th Regiment, 1776-88 (Ensign, 1776; Lieutenant, 1780); married 16 December 1788 at St Nicholas, Warwick (Warks), Maria (1764-1808), daughter of Dr. Walter Landor of Ipsley Court (Warks) and half-sister of the poet, Walter Savage Landor, but had no issue; he may have had an illegitimate daughter, Sarah Greville alias Heritage, who was a beneficiary of his will; buried at Yoxall, 13 July 1809; will proved 10 October 1809;
(7) Capt. Samuel Arden (1760-1824), born 23 November 1760; served in the Royal Navy (Lt. by 1781; Post Captain, 1783); lost his right arm in action on the sloop Atalante in an action against an American frigate on the Newfoundland banks, 28 May 1781; married, 15 August 1814 at Northwood (Isle of Wight), Rachel Fielding (c.1784-1872) (who m2, 24 April 1828 at St Thomas the Apostle, Exeter (Devon), Jonathan Lavington Glyde (1780-1828)) but had no issue; Captain of the Royal Naval Hospital, Greenwich, 1796-1824; died 12 April and was buried in the Royal Naval Hospital burial ground at Greenwich, 19 April 1824; will proved 10 May 1824.
He inherited the Longcroft Hall estate from his father in 1734 and came of age in about 1744. 
He died 22 June 1782, aged 59, and was buried at Yoxall where he is commemorated by a monument. His widow died 1 July and was buried at Yoxall, 4 July 1783.

Arden, Rev. John (1752-1803) of Longcroft Hall. Eldest son of Henry Arden (c.1723-82) and his wife Alathea, daughter of Robert Cotton of Worcester, born March 1752. Educated at Repton and St. John's College, Cambridge (matriculated 1770; BA 1774; MA 1784). Ordained deacon, 1774 and priest, 1776; curate of Sheepy (Leics), 1774-76 and Aston-juxta-Birmingham (Warks), 1776; rector of Oxnead and vicar of Buxton (Norfolk), 1777-1801; rector of Lyng with Whitwell (Norfolk), 1784-94; Minister of King's Bromley (Staffs) by 1786. JP for Staffordshire. He married, 15/18 May 1775 at Wellesbourne (Warks), Margaret Elizabeth (1754-1842), only child of Rear-Adm. Joseph Hamar, and had issue:
(1) Major John Arden (1776-1809) (q.v.);
(2) Rev. Francis Edward Arden (1777-1855) (q.v.);
(3) Alethea Arden (1778-86), baptised at Pipe Ridware, 26 September 1778; died young and was buried at Yoxall, 13 March 1786;
(4) Henry Arden (1780-1814), baptised at Pipe Ridware (Staffs), 6 April 1780; Lieutenant in 61st Foot; wounded in action on 10 April 1814 at Toulouse (during the Peninsula Campaign) and died unmarried shortly afterwards of his wounds; 
(5) Eliza Arden (1781-1845), baptised at Pipe Ridware, 6 September 1781; died unmarried 2 December 1845; will proved 28 April 1846;
(6) Maj. Samuel Arden (1782-1822), baptised at Pipe Ridware (Staffs), 17 September 1782; Major in East India Co.'s 27th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry; married, 7 January 1812 at Westbury-on-Trym (Glos), Jane Hannah (d. 1822), daughter of James Franklyn, mayor of Bristol, and had issue three sons and two daughters; he and his wife both died of bilious fevers at Saugor (India); he died 18 October 1822 and she died 25 November 1822;
(7) Charles Joseph Arden (1784-85), baptised at Yoxall, 18 February 1784; died in infancy and was buried at Yoxall, 4 June 1785;
(8) William Arden (1785-1860), of Foobrook House, Barton-under-Needwood (Staffs), baptised at Yoxall, 4 August 1785; married, 30 June 1825 at Chiswick (Middx), Lettice (1793-1871), daughter of Rev. John Watson of Prestbury (Cheshire) and had issue three sons and two daughters; died 6 May and was buried at Yoxall, 10 May 1860; will proved 4 July 1860 (effects under £6,000);
(9) Thomas Hamar Arden (1786-91), baptised at Yoxall, 4 December 1786; died young and was buried at Yoxall, 29 June 1791;
(10) Emma Catherine Arden (1788-1851), baptised at Yoxall, 25 August 1788; married, 16 November 1820, Walter William Fell (d. 1825) of Preston (Lancs) and Middle Temple, who was appointed Stipendiary Magistrate of Manchester shortly before his death; buried 5 September 1851 at St Mary, Upton, Torquay (Devon);
(11) George Humphrey Arden (1790-1816), baptised at Yoxall, 6 June 1790; drowned in the moat at Longcroft, having shortly before saved one of his brothers from the same fate, and was buried at Yoxall, 21 November 1816;
(12) Anne Diane Arden (1791-1877), baptised at Yoxall, 1 September 1791; married, 24 February 1820, Very Rev. Francis Close (1797-1882), the noted evangelical rector of Cheltenham (Glos) and later Dean of Carlisle (who m2, 2 December 1880, Mary Antrim, widow of David Hodgson) and had issue five sons and four daughters; died 9 April 1877;
(13) George Arden (1793-1819), baptised at Yoxall, 13 September 1793; Lieutenant in Royal Navy; his will shows he had literary and artistic interests; died at sea in the West Indies, 1819; will proved 29 November 1819;
(14) Thomas Arden (1794-95); died aged 7 months and was buried 26 June 1795;
(15) Rev. Thomas Arden (1796-1860), born in March 1796 and baptised at Kings Bromley (Staffs), 12 October 1796; educated at Rugby and Trinity and Queens' Colleges, Cambridge (matriculated 1815; BA 1819); ordained deacon, 1819 and priest, 1820; curate of St John the Baptist, Gloucester, 1820-22; stipendiary curate of Quinton (Warks), 1823; rector of Bassingham (Norfolk), 1832-42; stipendiary curate of Yoxall, c.1834-46; chaplain to Magdalen Asylum, Birmingham, 1850-53; rector of Walton-upon-Trent (Derbys), 1858-60; married, 9 April 1834 at Longdon (Staffs), Isabella Mary (1795-1859), daughter of Rev. Edward Cooper and had issue two sons and two daughters; died 8 October 1860; will proved 12 November 1860 (effects under £1,000);
(16) Charles Arden (1799-1802), baptised at Kings Bromley, 11 August 1799; buried at Yoxall, 4 March 1802;
(17) Mary Jane Arden (1801-62), baptised 30 April 1801; married, 3 May 1825 at Yoxall, George Woodroffe Franklyn* (c.1801-70), tobacco and snuff manufacturer and MP for Poole, and had issue two sons and four daughters; died Oct-Dec 1862. 
He inherited the Longcroft Hall estate from his father in 1782 and his will refers to improvements made there in 1796. At his death it passed to his widow for life. His wife inherited Northedge Hall, Alfreton (Derbys) from John Newton (d. 1783) but sold it in 1804.
He died 10 February 1803; his will was proved 2 April 1803. His widow died in May 1842; her will was proved 19 October 1842.
*G.W. Franklyn's brother, Rev. Thomas Ward Franklyn, was the father of Hollond Franklyn (1835-1919) (q.v.) who purchased Longcroft Hall in 1890.

Arden, Maj. John (1776-1809).  Eldest son of Rev. John Arden (1752-1803) and his wife Margaret Elizabeth, daughter of Rear-Adm. Joseph Hamar, baptised at Wombourn (Staffs), 27 March 1776. Major in King's Own/3rd Light Dragoons.  He married, 22 October 1799, Anne Maria (1777-1860), daughter of John Hodson of Wellingborough (Northants) and had issue:
(1) Margaret Mary Anne Arden (1800-65), baptised at Wellingborough, 26 December 1800; married, 11 July 1822 at Thrapston (Northants), James Crallan (c.1799-1852), a clerk in the Bank of England, and had issue two sons and one daughter; died 27 August 1865; will proved 31 October 1865 (effects under £800);
(2) Susannah Maria Arden (1802-59), born 22 August and baptised at Rugeley (Staffs), 26 November 1802; married, 14 October 1825 at Upton Helions (Devon), John Bott (1803-63) of Coton Hall (Staffs) and had issue two sons and five daughters; died 17 March 1859;
(3) John Humphrey Cotton Arden (1804-24), baptised at Wellingborough, 24 March 1804; died without issue in India, 1824.
He lived at Wellingborough (Northants) in a house near the church.
He died 2 August 1809, aged 33. His widow married 2nd, 20 September 1810 at Gretna Green and again 29 September 1811 at St George, Hanover Square, London, John Exley Adams (c.1792-1870), who had been articled to her father as a solicitor but subsequently retrained for the church, and had further issue; she died 15 June 1860.

Arden, Rev. Francis Edward (1777-1855) of Longcroft Hall. Second son of Rev. John Arden (1752-1803) and his wife Margaret Elizabeth, daughter of Rear-Adm. Joseph Hamar, born 3 June and baptised 27 June 1777. Educated at Rugby and St John's College, Cambridge (admitted 1795; BA 1799). Ordained deacon, 1799 and priest, 1801; curate of Oxnead (Norfolk), 1799-1801; rector of Gresham (Norfolk), 1801-55; vicar of Paston (Norfolk), 1806-29; rector of Burgh-by-Aylsham (Norfolk), 1829-31; rector of Burrough Green (Cambs); perpetual curate of West Beckham (Norfolk), 1853-55. Amateur artist. He married, 24 October 1803 at Blickling (Norfolk), Rachel (1779-1852), daughter of John Pinckard of Towcester (Northants) and had issue:
(1) Rev. Francis Edward (sometimes Edward Francis) Arden (1809-53), baptised at Gresham, 12 January 1809; educated at Peterhouse, Cambridge (admitted 1830; BA 1835); ordained deacon, 1834; curate of Sustead (Norfolk), 1835-46; chaplain and companion to Earl Ferrers, 1842-46 and perpetual curate of Staunton Harold (Leics), in which capacity he was a witness in a breach of promise case against the Earl and described sallying out at night in disguise with the Earl for frolics of a kind unbecoming to his calling*; unbeneficed in 1851 and dependent on his father for financial support; a victim of fraud, 1853; died unmarried and without issue at Buckden (Hunts), 13 August 1853;
(2) Rev. Henry Cotton Arden (1810-65) (q.v.);
(3) Rachel Margaret Arden (1811-1906), baptised at Gresham, 6 August 1811; married, 18 April 1837 at Bessingham (Norfolk), Henry Cooke (c.1802-87) of Catton (Norfolk) but had no issue; died 29 July 1906, aged 94; will proved 5 September 1906 (estate £13,399);
(4) George Pinckard Arden (1813-86) (q.v.);
(5) Emma Jane Arden (1815-56), baptised 25 January 1815; died unmarried, 22 February and was buried 27 February 1856; grants of administration of her goods, May 1856 and 30 October 1873 (estate under £1,500);
(6) Hamar Humphrey Arden (1816-95), baptised at Gresham, 22 June 1816; wine merchant in London until c.1850; moved to Brighton and in 1853 emigrated to New Plymouth (New Zealand), where he later worked as a professional artist with his son; served in the Taranaki Volunteers and so obtained a land grant at Tikorangi.  He married, 10 November 1840 at Holy Trinity, Grays Inn Road, Holborn (Middx), Alice (1819-93), daughter of John Clisby, solicitor, and had issue four sons and four daughters; died in New Zealand, 27 November 1895;
(7) Lt-Col. William Arden (1817-80) of Longcroft Hall, baptised 7 October 1817; served as surgeon in the Army, 1841-66 (Asst. Surgeon, 1841-51; Staff Surgeon, 1851-56; Surgeon, 1856-61; Surgeon-Major, 1861-66; retired as Lt-Col.) and later held a commission in Kings Own 1st Staffordshire Militia, 1869-80; DL (1853, 1870) and JP for Staffordshire; purchase Longcroft Hall from his elder brother c.1878; died unmarried and without issue, 12/14 August 1880; will proved 19 November 1880 (effects under £30,000);
(8) Charlotte Mary Arden (1819-99), baptised at Gresham, 28 August 1819; married, 14 May 1851, Richard George Pern Minty (1818-70) of Petersfield (Hants), solicitor, and had issue two sons and three daughters; died 29 July 1899; will proved 13 September 1899 (effects £5,913);
(9) Alfred John Arden (1822-23), baptised at Gresham, 10 December 1822; died young and was buried at Gresham, 17 April 1823.
He inherited the Longcroft Hall estate from his mother in 1842. At his death it passed in turn to his two eldest surviving sons.
He died at Gresham, 27 December 1855; his will was proved in the PCC, 18 February 1856. His wife died in May 1852.
* Leeds Times, 21 February 1846, p.4

Arden, Rev. Henry Cotton (1810-65).  Second, but eldest surviving son of Rev. Francis Edward Arden (1777-1855) and his wife Rachel, daughter of John Pinckard of Towcester (Northants) and Blickling (Norfolk), baptised 18 February 1810. Educated at North Walsham Grammar School and Trinity College, Cambridge (admitted 1828; BA 1837). Ordained deacon, 1836 and priest, 1838; rector of Bessingham (Norfolk), 1840-65; perpetual curate of Sustead, 1846-65.  He married*, 26 November 1857, Lydia (1815-76), daughter of Rear-Adm. George Hills, but had no issue.
He inherited Longcroft Hall from his father in 1855. At his death it passed to his younger brother, George P. Arden.
He died 28 September 1865 and was buried at Yoxall; administration of his goods was granted 13 December 1865 (effects under £800). His widow married 2nd, 9 October 1866 at Little Maplestead (Essex), William Fell (1813-78), registrar of the diocese of Lichfield; she died 24 February 1876; administration of her goods (with will annexed) was granted 10 April 1876 (effects under £3,000).
* Some sources refer to an earlier marriage in 1839 to Margaret Julia Davys, daughter of the bishop of Peterborough; but she married her father's chaplain, Rev. Marsham Argles, on 24 October 1839.

Arden, George Pinckard (1813-86) of Roman Hill House, East Donyland (Essex). Third son of Rev. Francis Edward Arden (1777-1853) of Longcroft Hall and his wife Rachel daughter of John Pinckard of Towcester (Northants), baptised at Gresham (Norfolk), 13 October 1813. Articled clerk to John Henry Borton of Bury St. Edmunds, solicitor, 1830-35; solicitor and insurance agent in private practice at Halstead (Essex); in partnership with J. Moss Sperling to 1841 and then in sole practice to 1870s; Clerk to Halstead Local Board of Health; High Bailiff of various County Courts in Essex and Suffolk. A Conservative in politics. Hon. Sec. of Halstead and North Essex Floral and Horticultural Society for over 30 years. From 1870 onwards he suffered increasingly from asthma, which eventually obliged him to retire. He married, 13 September 1842, Caroline (1819-99), daughter of Adm. George Hills, and had issue:
(1) Caroline Louisa Arden (1843-1941), baptised at Halstead, 30 November 1843; lived at Bond End, Yoxall (Staffs); died unmarried, Apr-Jun 1941;
(2) Emma Fanny Arden (1845-1921), baptised at Halstead, 12 February 1845; married 1st, 8 August 1871 at Halstead, her cousin, Rev. Edward Thomas Arden (1837-77), vicar of Rangemore (Staffs), and had issue two daughters; and 2nd, 13 January 1883 at St Mary, Bryanston Square, London, William Boden of Cross Hayes House, Hoar Cross (Staffs), brewer, and had issue one son; died 27 November 1921; will proved 2 May 1922 (estate £182);
(3) Charlotte Emily Arden (1846-76), baptised at Halstead, 9 September 1846; married, 27 January 1875 at Dovercourt (Essex), Maj. Francis Friend Smith Constant of the Indian Army (who had m.1, 1870, Anna Maria Fell); died 3 January 1876 at Byculla, Bombay (India);
(4) Mary Georgina Arden (b. 1848; fl. 1913), baptised at Halstead, 29 July 1848; married, Jan-Mar 1877, George Gard Pye (1849-1908) of Colchester and later of Battersea, architect, and had issue two sons; her husband was declared bankrupt, 9 February 1882, but returned to practice; she obtained an administration order from the County Court when was in debt in 1913; her death has not been traced;
(5) Harriet Maria Arden (1849-1940), baptised at Halstead, 28 September 1849; lived at Bond End, Yoxall (Staffs); died unmarried, April 1940;
(6) Rachel Mary Cay Arden (b. 1850), baptised at Halstead, 8 December 1850; married, 4 September 1875 at British Embassy in Brussels (Belgium), Newton Henry Nixon (c.1849-1935), Secretary of University College Hospital, and had issue one son and one daughter; died Jan-Mar 1918;
(7) Katharine Arden (b. & d. 1852), born 14 April and baptised at Halstead 9 June 1852; buried at Halstead, 9 November 1852;
(8) George Edward Arden (1853-1921) (q.v.);
(9) Julia Frances Arden (1855-1944), baptised at Halstead, 3 October 1855; married 1st, 14 August 1877 at Berechurch (Essex), Col. Edward Reay of 6th Native Infantry, Indian Army, and 2nd, 16 June 1891 at St Michael & All Angels, Paddington (Middx), Rev. George Augustus Nicolls (1840-1908); died Apr-Jun 1944;
(10) Catherine Constance Arden (b. 1857), baptised at Halstead, 1 May 1857; married, 9 August 1881 at Berechurch (Essex), Rev. Owen Tudor Bulkeley (1851-1919), colonial agent and later vicar of East Tytherley (Hants); died 8 December 1937; will proved 28 February 1938 (estate £1,584);
(11) Alwyne Hills Arden (1859-1915) (q.v.);
(12) Rev. William Henry Perceval Arden (1863-1956), born 20 January and baptised 5 April 1863; vicar of Whiteparish, 1915-25; married, 10 December 1889 at Yoxall, Emily Beatrice (d. 1961), daughter of Rev. J.B. Lowe DD, rector of Yoxall and had issue two sons and one daughter; died 23 February 1956.
He lived in Halstead until he retired and thereafter at Roman Hill House, East Donyland (Essex) in 1878 and New Hall, Ardleigh (Essex), where he died. He inherited the Longcroft Hall estate from his eldest brother in 1865 but never moved there and the house was occupied by his brother William, to whom he sold the estate c.1878. The estate at Longcroft was 358 acres in 1873.
He died at New Hall, Ardleigh (Essex), 14 August 1886 and was buried at Yoxall; his will was proved 19 August 1887 (effects £406). His widow died Apr-June 1899.

Arden, Alwyne Hills (1859-1915) of Longcroft Hall. Second son of George Pinckard Arden (1813-86) of Longcroft Hall and his wife Caroline, daughter of Adm. George Hills, born 1 April and baptised at Halstead (Essex), 29 June 1859. Served in the Army before his marriage.  Purchased a brewery at Stafford, 1882 but was made bankrupt in 1884. Emigrated to South Africa and served with South African forces in the First World War. He married, 17 October 1882 at St George, Bloomsbury, London, Kate Rosetta, daughter of James Martin but had no issue.
He inherited the Longcroft Hall estate from his uncle, William Arden, in 1880 but sold it to his elder brother, George Edward Arden, in 1884.
He died at Wynberg, Capetown (South Africa), 3 October 1915. His wife predeceased him.

Arden, George Edward (1853-1921) of Longcroft Hall. Eldest son of George Pinckard Arden (1813-86) of Longcroft Hall and his wife Caroline, daughter of Adm. George Hills, born 19 June and baptised at Halstead (Essex), 12 August 1853. He married, 5 June 1878, Alice (c.1861-1937), daughter of Dr. Edward Hemmlings Snoad of Yoxall, surgeon, and had issue:
(1) George Alwyne Hills Arden (1879-97), baptised at Wyken (Warks), 2 March 1879; died unmarried, 1897;
(2) William Reginald Guy Arden (1881-1954) (q.v.);
(3) Edward Arthur Hemersley Arden (1885-1945), born 31 October 1885; emigrated to Canada before First World War, but served in WW1 in Canadian Army; engineer; married, Jan-Mar 1912 in London, Annie M. Josephine (d. 1956), daughter of [forename unknown] Slattery and had issue one son and one daughter; died 29 July 1945 and was buried at Hillside Cemetery, Medicine Hat, Alberta (Canada);
(4) Cyril Alvanley Arden (1892-1952), baptised 4 September 1892 at Burgess Hill; telecommunications engineer who worked mainly abroad; died unmarried in Vancouver (Canada), 29 November 1952.
He farmed at Ryton-on-Dunsmore (Warks) and then at Keymer (Sussex) and later lived in the suburbs of London. He purchased the Longcroft Hall estate from his younger brother, Alwyne Hills Arden, in 1884, but sold it to Hollond Franklyn in 1890.
He died in 1921. His widow died in 1937.

Arden, William Reginald Guy (1881-1954). Second but eldest surviving son of George Edward Arden (1853-1921) of Longcroft Hall, and his wife Alice, daughter of Dr. Edward Hemmlings Snoad, born April 1881 and baptised at Ryton-on-Dunsmore (Warks), 1 May 1881. Bank clerk. He married, 29 August 1904 at All Saints, Norfolk Square, Paddington (Middx), Violet (d. 1952), daughter of Charles Lowther of Wokingham (Berks), and had issue:
(1) Leonetta Arden (1910-47), born Oct-Dec 1910; died unmarried, 17 July 1947, aged 36;
(2) George Philip Arden (1913-97), of Longcroft, Wentworth Estate, Virginia Water (Surrey), born 4 June 1913; educated at University College, London (MB; BS); FRCS; MRCP; accident and emergency surgeon at Windsor group of hospitals; served in WW2 in RAF Medical Service (mentioned in despatches); married, 20 January 1944, Kathleen Monica, daughter of Edward Joseph McCaffrey of North Harrow, and had issue four daughters; died 25 September 1997, aged 84; will proved 11 May 1998.
He lived at Farnham Common (Bucks).
He died 18 February 1954; his will was proved 17 May 1954 (estate £11,531). His wife died 27 November 1952; administration of her estate (with will annexed) was granted 14 February 1953 (estate £6,206).

Franklyn family of Longcroft Hall

Franklyn, Rev. Thomas Ward (1801-76). Younger son of George Franklyn of Henbury (Glos) (b. 1764) and his wife Anne Alethea, daughter of Thomas Ward, and brother of the George Woodroffe Franklyn (c.1800-70) who married Mary Jane Arden [see above], born 23 March 1801. Educated at St John's College, Cambridge (matriculated 1820; BA 1823; MA 1827). Usher at Bristol Grammar School, 1823-26; ordained deacon, 1824 and priest, 1826; curate of Newnham-on-Severn (Glos), 1824-27 and of Bembridge (Isle of Wight), 1830-37; vicar (and patron) of Christchurch, Tunbridge Wells (Kent), 1840-56. He married, 8 September 1825 at All Souls, Langham Place, London, Sophia, youngest daughter of William Hollond of Bevis Mount, Southampton (Hants), an officer of the East India Company, and had issue:
(1) William Franklyn (1827-44), baptised at Newnham, 11 February 1827; died unmarried, Apr-Jun 1844;
(2) George Franklyn (1828-39), baptised at Newnham, 8 June 1828; died young and was buried at St Giles, Reading (Berks), 7 March 1839;
(3) Edmund Franklyn (b. & d. 1829), baptised at Salehurst (Sussex), 5 June 1829; died in infancy;
(4) Rev. Thomas Edmund Franklyn (1830-1901) of Burton Grange, Chesham, Herts, born 29 September 1830; Assistant Chaplain of Chapel Royal, Savoy, London; ordained priest, 1870; sometime vicar of Ruabon (Denbighshire), Old Dalby (Leics) and St John, Leamington (Warks); married, 22 August 1854, Selina Elizabeth (1833-1919), daughter of Capt. George Hope-Vere RN and had issue five sons and three daughters; died 6 August 1901;
(5) Frederick Franklyn (1832-1902), baptised at Bembridge (IoW), 25 February 1832; engineer; married, 18 January 1860, Mary Philomena Crossman (1838-1924), daughter of Thomas Henry Pochin of London, customs officer; died 2 June 1902;
(6) Sophia Franklyn (1833-1908), born 15 March 1833; married, 8 October 1856, Frederick Chalfont Blackden (1825-94), son of John C. Blackden of Ford (Northbld) and had issue two sons and two daughters; died 3 January 1908; will proved 7 February 1908 (estate £13,814);
(7) Fanny Franklyn (1834-76), baptised at Greatham (Hants), 10 August 1834; married, 11 June 1862 at Holy Trinity, Brompton Square, Kensington (Middx), Marcus Seton Blackden (1826-1916) (who m2, 4 November 1884, Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. J. Rogerson Cotter) and had issue; died 22 March 1876.
(8) Hollond Franklyn (1835-1919) (q.v.).
After 1856 he lived at his London home (55 Onslow Square) and later at Birchwood, Sydenham Hill (Kent).
He died at the Royal Hotel, Ascot Heath (Berks), 17 May 1876; his will was proved 3 July 1876 (effects under £18,000). His widow died 29 October 1882.

Franklyn, Hollond (1835-1919). Youngest son of Rev. Thomas Ward Franklyn (1801-76) and his wife Sophia, daughter of William Hollond, born 19 September and baptised 22 November 1835. Educated at Trinity Hall, Cambridge (matriculated 1854; LL.B 1859; LL.M 1862) and Lincolns Inn (admitted 1855; called to bar, 1860); barrister-at-law on the western circuit. He married 1st, 12 December 1863, Frederike Auguste, dau. of Herr Mattaus, of Camenz (Germany), and 2nd, 8 September 1884, Lottie Alves (1861-1943), daughter of Stanley Jones, a businessman with interests in Britain and America, and had issue:
(2.1) Hilda Alethea Franklyn (1885-1988), born Apr-Jun 1885; married, 1909, Marcus Worsley Blackden (1864-1934) and had issue a daughter; died in Victoria, British Columbia (Canada), 9 January 1988, aged 102;
(2.2) Alwyne Hollond Franklyn (1886-1965) (q.v.);
He purchased Longcroft Hall from his kinsman, George Edward Arden (1853-1921) in 1890. He also had a house in Lowndes Square, London.
He died in 11 October 1919; his will was proved 25 November 1919 (estate £53,220). His first wife's date of death is unknown. His widow died...

Franklyn, Alwyne Hollond (1886-1965). Only son of Hollond Franklyn (1835-1919) and his second wife, Lottie Alves, daughter of Stanley Jones, born August 1886. 2nd Lieutenant, Staffordshire Yeomanry in 1911. He emigrated to Metchosin, Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Canada) and became a Canadian citizen about 1940.
He inherited Longcroft Hall from his father in 1919.  He was living there in 1938 but the house was requisitioned in World War 2 and demolished in 1955.
He died 12 May 1965; his will was proved in Canada and sealed in London, 28 October 1965 (estate in England £4,991).

Sources

Burke's Landed Gentry, 1898, i, p. 549; Burke's Landed Gentry, 1969, pp. 15-17; G.R. French, Shakespeareana Genealogica, 1869, pp. 499-502; Chelmsford Chronicle, 20 August 1886, p. 6; VCH Warwickshire, iv, 1947, p. 45; VCH Staffordshire, x, pp. 288-9;

Location of archives

No significant archive is known to survive.

Coat of arms

Ermine, a fesse checky or and azure.

Can you help?

Here are a few notes about information and images which would help to improve the account above. If you can help with any of these or with other additions or corrections, please use the contact form in the sidebar to get in touch.

• The original Park Hall probably disappeared too early to be recorded in drawings or even on an estate map, but if anyone comes across a representation of the house it would be of great interest.
• As usual with families which were prominent in the 16th and early 17th century, there are many missing details, and probably some inaccuracies, in the genealogical details given for the early generations. If anyone has additional information from wills or other records which would help to fill out the picture, please get in touch.
• Although I have not managed to trace any collection of family portraits, it seems likely that there are representations of at least the martyred Edward Arden (1533-83); can anyone locate one for me?

Revision and Acknowledgements

This post was first published 6 June 2015 and updated 28 April and 11 September 2016, 15 July 2018 and 26 January 2019. I am grateful to Nina Green for drawing the will of John Arden (d. 1526) to my attention.