BITHAM-CASTLE, (Lincolnshire) near Witham, on the b. of Rutlandshire, which is now in ruins, was, in the R. of Will. I.
given to Odo, E. of Albemarle and Holderness, who, having married that Kg's. sister, obtained it to support their young
son, Steph. with wheatenbread, at a time, when the greatest people in these parts eat none but Oatloaves. K. Edw. III.
demolished this castle; after which this place became the seat, and as it were the head of the barony of the Colviles, who
flourished here a long time, 'till John de Gernon and Ralph de Basset of Sapcote became heirs of this rich inheritance, in
right of their mothers, who were the sisters of Edmund de Colvile.