Mirehouse, Richard, of Mockerkin in Loweswater (-1644)
Probably grandson of Richard and Agnes Mirehouse of Mockerkin and a son of the Richard mentioned in their 1605 will.
In that case maybe in his late 30s.
It is possible that he had two younger brothers (John Mirehouse of Mockerkin and James Mirehouse of Mockerkin) though these could have been cousins.
The inventory after his death was taken 06-11-1644, so it's possible that Richard was a victim of the Battle of Marston Moor. The prizers were: Thomas Fearon of Mockerkin; John Tiffin of Mockerkin; John Fearon of Mockerkin; and John Wilson of Mockerkin.
A smallish farm, about half of its stock being in animals. The value was set at £68 9s 8d, but worryingly there were unspecified debts of £31. It would not be unusual for an ambitious young farmer to take on debts at the start in order to improve the farm, with the prospect of years ahead to repay; but, especially with this round figure, the debts look more like legacies owing to younger siblings.
His wife Agnes was appointed administrator in 1646 of a child bond for their daughter Elizabeth, a minor, with bondsmen John Fearon of Pardshaw, yeoman, and Cuthbert Fearon of Mockerkin. John Fearon was most likely a close relative of Agnes. Cuthbert Fearon may have just been a bondsmen as the hamlet's dependable schoolteacher.
Sources not yet seen
Reference:C 3/426/72
Description:
Short title: Jackson v Myrehouse.
Plaintiffs: Anthony Jackson.
Defendants: Richard Myrehouse and others.
Subject: property in Mockerkin and Sosgill, Cumberland.
Document type: bill only.
Date:1641-1642
Held by:The National Archives, Kew
Legal status:Public Record