s stated[459] to have left
seven children, but the name of his heir, Walter, is alone preserved.
Such omissions are more likely to have occurred in earlier times. The
Ardens frequently held land in more counties than one, and thus may
appear in county histories as doubles; while their general use of common
Christian names at other times makes it difficult to separate recorded
incidents. Wills, inquisitions, and other records often strangely bring
into closer relationship individuals not known to be connected, and the
severe test of dates often separates those supposed to be near in blood.

The main line had estates in Northampton. Robert de Arden had a charter
of free warren in Wapenham and Sudborough.[460] In 7 Henry IV. Wapenham
was assigned as dower to Elena, widow of Sir Henry de Arden, by Ralph
his son, with remainder to Geoffrey de Arden, his brother (see p. 170).
After the death of Elena and Geoffrey it reverted to Ralph, and to
Robert, his son, who in 20 Henry VI. received the King's pardon for
alienating it without licence. The manor of Sulgrave[461] was sold by
the Traffords to Sir Henry Arden, and it remained in the family until
Sir Robert sold it in 20 Henry VI. Laurence Washington, Mayor of
Northampton 1538, had a grant of the dissolved priory of St. Andrews
there. On April 26, 1564, William Arderne of Sulgrave[462] left to his
sister Mary all the portion his father, Richard Arden,[463] had left
her, and all his own goods. He left a legacy to Robert,[464] son of
Laurence Washington, and Laurence was the overseer of his will. There is
preserved a bond by John Ardern, Laurence Washington, and others for
L100, July 4, 1587.

An Adam de Arden, clerk, was incumbent of Croughton 1218. Another Adam
was Rector of Thornhagh and Bolewyck 1336 and of Barby 1361. Nichola de
Arden presented John de Arden to Cotesbrook Church, May, 1361.
Thomas de Arderne was incumbent of Laxton, July 9, 1310, and of
Clopton-on-the-Wold, 1325. Robert de Ardern, clerk, is mentioned August
16, 1322. Thomas de Ardern, diac., was presented to Nether Heyford,
1455. Eustachia de Ardern, patron of Holdenby, 1263, presented Ralph de
Ardern, and Thomas, son of Thomas Ardern, of Hanwell, recognised as
co-patron Thomas Ardern, of Rotley.

FOOTNOTES:

[439] The will of Thomas Arden of Long Itchington was proved 1552, at
Lichfield. Sons, Edmund, William and Thomas, and six daughters.

[440] Dugdale, 926.

[441] Baker's "Northampton"; Whalley's