WIMLEY-MAGNA, (Hertfordshire) or WIMONDLEY-MAGNA, in a rich and well cultivated soil, on the S.W. of Baldock, stands on
the Pirral, which has a mill on it. The manor was sold by a decree in chancery, from Hildebrand Ld. Allington, to
Elizabeth, widow of James Hambleton, who commanded a regiment of foot in the R. of Charles II. in the navy against the
Dutch; but the same Ld. bought it again, and it fell afterwards to the daughters of his brother William, who were heirs at
law, by that Ld's. will, bearing date before the purchase. These were the late lady How, Diana, married to Sir Geo.
Warburton, whose daughter, the lady Grosvenor, has her mother's third, and Katherine, married to Sir Nath. Napier. Those
ladies held this manor by grand-serjeanty, viz. the office of cup-bearer, to present the first cup the sovereign drinks at
the coronation. 'Tis to be of silver gilt, and 'tis returned to them as the fee of the office, which has been appendant to
this manor ever since the Conquest. There are behind the Ch. which is united with that of St. Hyppolite, the traces of a
castle, or some fortification, erected in the time of the Normans. In the R. of Charles II. this place gave title of Baron
to the aforesaid Ld. Allington.