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From the annals of the Duchy may be learnt some interesting particulars relative to changes in ownership at that period of certain portions of the territory comprised in the Fylde. In 1380 John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster, issued a “precept to the Escheator to give seisin of the Lands of William Botyler in Layton Magna, Layton Parva, Bispham, Warthebrek, and Great Merton,” etc.; and shortly afterwards gave orders to “seize the Lands of William Botyler.” In 1385 mandates were issued by the same nobleman to his Escheator to “seize into the Hands of the King and himself the Lands of Thomas Banastre, (deceased, 1384), in Ethelswyk, Frekculton, Claughton in Amoundernes, Syngleton Parva, Hamylton, Stalmyn,” etc.; also those of “Emund Banastre, (deceased, 1384), in Wodeplumpton, Preston,” etc. In the Rolls the subjoined entries also occur:—

1381. Grantors. Grantees. Matters and Premises. John Botyler, Knt. Henry de Bispham, Richard de Carleton, Chaplains. Enrolment of the Grant of the Manors of Great Layton, Little Layton, Bispham, and Wardebrek; lands in Great Merton, and the whole Lordship of Merton Town. Henry de Bispham, Richard de Carleton. John Botyler, Knt., and Alice his wife. Enrolment of the Grant of the above Manors, Lands, and Lordship, in Fee Tail special. 1382. Robert de Wasshyngton. William de Hornby, Parson of St. Michael-upon-Wyre, and William le Ducton. Enrolment of Grant of Lands, etc., in Carleton in Amounderness, for a Rose Rent per ann. 8 years, and increased rent £20 per ann.

There is nothing of interest or importance to recount affecting the Fylde from the death of Richard II. until the year 1455, when the battle of St. Albans, resulting in the defeat of Henry VI. and the royal forces by the Duke of York, initiated those lamentable struggles between the rival houses of York and Lancaster; and the inhabitants of our section shared, like the rest, in the ruin and bloodshed of civil war. Those contests, which lasted no less than thirty years, and included thirteen pitched battles, were finally terminated in 1485, by the union of Henry VII. with Catherine of York, daughter of Edward IV.