To add to the solemnity of the ceremony of foundation, the Earl on this occasion manumitted several slaves, who had petitioned for their liberty. One of them, called Wilhelmus Medicus, was doubtless a physician; another, Rogerus Barkarius, probably a shepherd: the surnames of persons at that time being derived from their profession. A person named Roger Barker resided until lately at a place called Stickney Wydale. This place belongs to the parish of Revesby, though about four miles distant, and is supposed to have been given to the monks on condition of their keeping Nordyke Causeway, formerly a dangerous pass, in repair.
Beside the endowment of William de Romara, the monastery was enriched by numerous other benefactions. At the dissolution of religious houses, its possessions with all its rights were granted to Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk; and on the death of his two infant sons, who survived him only a short time, their extensive possessions were divided among the heirs general. On this division, Revesby fell to the lot of the Carsey family, who resided here several years, and afterwards sold it to the Lord Treasurer Burleigh, from whom it descended to the first and second Earls of Exeter; the latter of whom settled it on his grandson Henry Howard, the third son of the Earl of Berkshire. About a century ago it was sold by the descendants of Henry Howard, to Joseph Banks, Esquire, the great grandfather of the Right Honorable Sir Joseph Banks, Baronet, who is the present possessor.
The seat of the proprietor was built by Craven Howard, nephew and heir of Henry Howard; but has been much enlarged by the family of Banks. Part of an ancient mansion, formerly the residence of the abbots, now forms the offices. The monastery, which stood at a considerable distance, has long been entirely demolished.
The church, which is a small neat structure, was re-built by the before mentioned Joseph Banks, Esquire. It is a donative of exempt jurisdiction.
At the east end of the chancel is a tablet containing this inscription:
“Dedicated to the Memmorie of NEHEMIAH RAWSON, Esq. A Member of this Common Wealth, and a Justice of Peace. Hee Married Frances the Daughter of Thomas Knightley of Brough Hall in the County of Stafford, Esq. By Whome hee had Issue Six Daughters, Elizabeth Married to Richard Parkes of Lutton, Gent. Hanna to Theophilus Hartt of Birkwood Esq. Abigal to Daniell Hartt of London Grocer, Sarah, Rebecca and Mary, Dyed Younge, he Departed this Life in January 1657. Aged 80 Yeares.”
At the same end is another tablet, with the following inscription, and a shield containing a bend, in the sinister chief three crosses fitchy:
“To the perpetual Memorie of HENRY HOWARD third Son of Thomas Howard Earle of Barkshire by Elizabeth Daughter and heiresse to William Cecill Earle of Exeter his Wife who Departed this Life in the XLIIII Yeare of his age in December MDCLXIII.
“This Monument was Dedicated and Erected by his Nephew whom hee made his heir and successor to this Mannor of Revesby and his Lands in Lincolnshire, Craven Howard Son of William Howard who was 4th Son of the Earle and Countesse of Barkshire (before mentioned) in the yeare 1691.”
On the north side of the chancel is a large marble monument, surmounted by the bust of the individual whose memory it perpetuates, and ornamented with a shield containing the arms of Banks, Sable, a cross or, between four flowers de luce argent. This monument contains the following inscription: