WELBERY, (Hertfordshire) N. of Offley, and on the W. side of Hitching, is also called Wells, from the springs in an
adjacent hill, that supply it with water from a conduit there. The manor bel. formerly to a college at Plessy in Essex,
but on the Diss. was conveyed by Hen. VIII. to Sir John Gates, on whose attainder it reverted to the crown, from which it
was granted to Sir Henry Gates, reserving the yearly rent of 9 l. 2 s. 1 d. payable to Catherine the late Q.-dowager,
being parcel of the fee-farm rents that were settled for her dowry. Sir Hen. Gates conveyed it to Rich. Spicer, alias
Helder, and his heirs, who disposed of it to Will. Crawley, who sold it to Wells, who carried it in marriage to Henry
Doldern; after which it was divided, and one part went to Sir Ralph Ratcliff, while another part returned in the
possession of Richard Helder, but the manor-house and the chief part went to Henry Doldern, great grandson to the said
Wells, and was at length divided bet. Edw. Radcliff and -Hurst, of London. The manor-house, which is neatly adorned with
walks, lies warm under the brow of the hill, in a pleasant healthy air, and is at all times more clean and dry than any
other place in Offley p.