Notes Extracted from "Genealogy of the Dutton family of Pennsylvania" compiled by Gilbert Cope, printed in 1871. In a note on p.28, Cope states that his account is taken from "Lycester's Historical Antiquities", pp.248-260. Apparently Lycester does not mention this Hugh, as Cope inserts the following indented paragraph into his narrative: I do conceive here was another Hugh Dutton, son and heir of this Hugh, who married Muriel, daughter of Thomas le Dispenser, and he had issue, Hugh, THOMAS, John, and Adam, as there followeth. And if so, some of these acts may belong to that Hugh, which are ascribed to this Hugh. Cope continues: This Hugh Dutton bought Preston nigh Dutton, of Henry de Nuers and Julian his wife . . . He purchased also the town of Little Legh . . . And ROGER DE LACY, Constable of Cheshire, and Baron of Halton acquitted this Hugh Dutton 'de judice de Legha', that is, of finding a judger to serve at Halton for Little Legh yearly, about the reign of Richard the First, or the beginning of KING JOHN's reign [i.e. about 1200]. . . purchased also the Moiety of Barnton. . . He also had the Magistracy, or rule and authority, over all the Letchers and Whores of all Cheshire, granted to him and his heirs, by JOHN, CONTABLE OF CHESHIRE and Baron of Halton . . . This Roll saith, that rabble consisted of
Players, Fidlers and Shoe-makers. The Deed here toucheth Letchers and Whores. The privilidge and custom used at this day by the heirs of Dutton, is over the Minstrelsie and common Fidlers; none being suffered to play in this County without the Licence of the Lord of Dutton, who keeps a Court at Chester yearly, on Midsomer-day, for the same, where all the licenced Minstrels of Cheshire do appear, and renew their licences; So that the custom seems to have been altered to the Fidlers, as necessary attendants on revellers in Bawdy-houses and Taverns. And it is to be observed, that those Minstrels which are licenced by the heirs of Dutton of Dutton, within the County Palatine of Chester, or the County of the City of Chester, according to their ancient custom, are exempted out of the Statute of Rogues, 39 Eliz., cap. 4.