John Perkins/Pirkins# Wright

  Notes:

John Pirkins Wright was born on the 21st March 1820 in Pattishall (possibly at Pattishall Manor). As far as we can tell the family were reasonably well to do farmers and lived at both Irthlingborough (where his father was born) and Pattishall (where his mother was born) and almost certainly had land in both places (John himself left land at Pattishall in his will). We do not yet have any education details for him (although he was not educated at Repton, Oundle or Rugby), possibly he went to Wellingborough School, although they do not have records going back that far (although it was founded in 1595) or Higham Ferrers Grammar (now closed, but also no records before 1850's) he could however have been a boarder almost anywhere.

In 1844 John married Elizabeth Jane Vanderplank, and in 1848 she inherited "a mansion and 200 acres in Warwickshire" from distant relatives (the Bradshaw's who were related to the Freeman's, of whom more later). This 'mansion' is the property in Priors Marston now known as 'The Cedars' or 'Cedars Farm' and the indications are that John and Elizabeth moved to Priors Marston in 1848 with John farming some of the land (some seems to have been leased out, specifically 96 acres at Ridgeway Farm). It would almost be possible to describe Elizabeth as an 'heiress' as besides the Priors Marston property she also had entailed interests in estates in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, although the Priors Marston property was the only one 'in fee' (ie freehold and hers to do with as she pleased, in 1845 she executed a settlement giving it to John in the event of her death).

Elizabeth died in February 1850 at the age of 27, leaving five children; her two daughters who both died young; and three sons who lived a little longer but non of them saw 31 and they died within 6 years of each other. There is a memorial to Elizabeth and her daughters inside the church at Priors Marston. John was remarried in October 1851 to Mary Anne Rands, who's brother George shortly afterwards married John's sister Julia. Interestingly John's other two sisters both married Holbrook brothers (John's step-mother Fanny was nee Holbrook, although we're not sure if she is related to the two brothers). One of these Holbrooks was also a witness at the marriage of John and Elizabeth, fully three years before he married into the family, so presumably there was some strong connection, the Holbrook's come from Shropshire, but not really sure of the family link at this time, although there are indications that John Holbrook also lived in Irthlingborough.

A couple of years after Elizabeth's death John instigated at least two Chancery cases pertaining to her inheritance. In Wright v Vanderplank John sued his former father-in-law, effectively for his 'undue' influence over Elizabeth. Although John lost this case the judge implied that he might have won had he not waited so long to bring it. Full details of the case are here;
http://www.george-powell.co.uk/family/docs/wright_v_vanderplank.pdf (note the interesting exchange regarding the wedding dress starting on page 13!).
This seems to have become an important reference case for undue influence.

The second case was Wright v Freeman (the Freeman's were distant relatives of Elizabeth's, and there are also Freeman's in the Sumpter branch of Wm's family) and we don't yet know the full details of this, although the upshot of the case seems to have been that in 1857 the Vice-Chancellor ordered the auction of "two freehold dwelling-houses, cottages, butchers shop, close of pasture ground and premises situate in the village of Priors Marston", whether this means John won or lost the case remains to be seen, however this sounds very similar to the property sold after his death in 1881. Whether John's frequent recourse to the courts was due to his relationship with his solicitor brother-in-law George Rands is open to question, although certainly in Wright v Vanderplank he seems to have had a very strong (although not necessarily worthwhile) case.

John seems to have eventually settled into a relatively quiet life in Priors Marston, raising his family, hunting ('Annals of the Warwickshire Hunt 1795-1895' mentions "Mr Wright, of Priors Marston, a hard rider") and farming approx 160 acres (based on the 1861 and 1871 census), although other land was rented out, and we know that he also had land in Pattishall (presumably given to him by his grandfather John Pirkins before his death as John is not mentioned in Pirkins' will, although his sisters are). Indeed in the 'Return of Land Owners 1873' he is shown as having 253 acres in one place and 80 acres elsewhere, presumably the 253 acres is Priors Marston (based on the property sold in 1881) and the other Pattishall. He was also a Land Tax Commissioner for Warwickshire.

Initially it looked as if John had perhaps fallen out with the children from his first marriage, however we now know that all of them died young (only one having issue).

In his will John left his grandson (the only surviving descendant of his first marriage) £500. This seems a relatively small amount given that a substanital proportion of John's wealth appears to have come from his first wife, presumably however the grandson was the sole beneficiary of Elizabeth's entailed interests. He left all his goods, personal effects, livestock etc to his wife. His son to get £3,000 and each of his daughters £2,000. The residue to be invested and the income paid to his wife during her lifetime (she actually died four months before him) and then split equally amongst the five children from his second marriage. I cannot find a grave for John or Mary Anne in Priors Marston churchyard, although it would appear that there should be one.

The house and land at Priors Marston were sold immediately, the large farmyard adjoining the house has now been converted to housing.

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Research etc;
DoB and Baptism from Sandy Hall research. This clearly shows Sarah as his mother.
Slight variation on date on http://www.northants-familytree.net/pattishall%20christenings%201813-1884.htm which says "John Pirkins WRIGHT s William & Sarah (adm Sept 1823) Pattishall Farmer 26-Mar 1820"

NB In 1861 census his birthplace is given on ancestry as Fallishall (in search) but is Pattishall (N of Towcester on A5 - Watling Street). Notes on back on Priors Marston drawing say born at Pattishall Manor. Originally I thought such a place didn't exist, however from http://pattishallparish.org.uk/content/Trail.pdf it appears that it is actually adjoining the churchyard. "Its history is linked with the Markes family – they bought both Manors – in the 17th and 18th centuries, and with the family of George Osborn from 1838 -1899." For more on Pattishall links see under John Pirkins.

Repton have no record of him as a pupil (unlike his youngest son). Neither have Oundle (close to Irthlingborough and was in touch with them anyway over the Rands boys).

1841 Census (age 20) occupation not given. Living with father and step mother and sisters at High Street, Irthlingborough. Father is listed as Farmer (in the High Street?). NB; Ages rounded to nearest 5 in '41 census.

1844; Northampton Mercury; " J. P. Wright, of Irthlingborough, to Elizabeth Jane, only daughter of S. Vanderplank, Esq. "

On his marriage details to Elizabeth 1844 he is "of Irthlingborough, bachelor, full age, gentleman, father William, gentleman". Witnesses to this marriage were Samuel A.Vanderplank (her father presumably although also had cousin of same name), Sarah A.Wright (JPW's sister) and Thomas Holbrook - presumably his sister Sarah A.Wrights eventual husband.

1847; Northampton Mercury; Wellingborough ; " Mr. J. Wright, of Irthlingborough. No damage was proved ; it was brought more to try the question of a right of road, which the bench perceiving, said the matter was out of their jurisdiction. Dismissed. "

1850; 'History, Gazetteer and Directory of Warwickshire'. Priors Marston; Farmers; Wright, John Pirkins. (There is also Bradshaw, J, butcher). He is NOT listed amongst the major landowners of the parish.

1851 marriage from Northants CRO;
John Perkins(!) Wrightm Widower, Gentleman, Priors Marson, Wm Wright, Gentleman
Mary Ann Rands, Spinster, Newland, George Rands, Gentleman.
Properly signed, not 'mark of'
Witnesses; Christopher Rands, Julia(?) Wright, George Rands (hard to read, but logical).

Collection WARWICKSHIRE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE AND OXFORDSHIRE DEEDS
Series Deeds of Property
SubSeries Warwickshire deeds
SubSubSeries Priors Marston
Level; Item
Title Lease by John Perkins Wright to Robert Bolton of property in Priors Marston.17 Jul 1848
Doc ref CR3902/134.
Fonds No 00623/1/1/20/1
Lease. John Perkins Wright of Irthlingborough, Northants (1); Robert Bolton of Priors Marston, farmer (2). For 5 years, rent £216, of Ridgeway Farm, Priors Marston (96 ac)., late occupied Miss Bradshaw, now (2).
So;
a.He is still of Irthlingborough.
b.The property is NOT called the Cedars, but this is presumably just part of the 'Warwickshire mansion with 200 acres".
c.He appears to be leasing it TO Bolton, although not conclusive.
d.BRADSHAW - this is Eliz. Bradshaw who the PM estate was inherited (by Elizabeth) from.
e.This is 1848 but he is still 'of Irthlingborough'.
Have tried to obtain a copy of this lease, but that can only be done by visiting Warwick CRO in person and photographing yourself.
In 1841 census Robert Bolton (aged 20) is living with his father John who is a farmer.
Can't see Robert Bolton in the '51 census.
In '41 there are 14 Bradshaw's in PM. A Wm Bradshaw of PM went to Rugby School.
Wedding; STANDON Nathaniel of Little Billing, Lettice BRADSHAW otp in 1816 at Priors Marston WAR

According to Lord Justice Turner the PM estate was worth between £350 and £450 pa. He also says that Vanderplank initially proposed that if there were no children from the marriage that he should have a life interest in the PM Estate ! "and he himself married the sister of his present solicitor".

'Land Tax Commissioners' for Warwicks (~1853) Wright, John Perkins, Priors Marston

London Gazette 22 Dec 1854; Similar notice to the one below 'Wright v Freeman' claimants are reqd etc. etc.

London Gazette 26 Dec 1854; Similar notice to 22 Dec.

London Gazette 3rd April 1857; Pursuant to the order of the High Court of Chancery, made in a cause John Perkins Wright, plaintiff, against Richard Marriot Freeman (!!?) and others, defendants, all parties claiming to be incumbrancers on the real estate situate at Priors Marson, in the county of Warwick, of Elizabeth Langton BRADSHAW, deceased, late of Priors Marston aforesaid, Spinster, who died in or about the month of June 1848 are, by their solicitors, on or before the 1st day of May 1857 to come in and prove their claims at the chamber of the Vice Chancellor Sir John Stuart etc. etc.

London Gazette 10 Jul 1857. To be sold, pursuant to an order of the High Court of Chancery, made in a cause of Wright v Freeman and others, with the approbation of the Vice-Chancellor Sir John Stuart, in one lot, by Mr Nathaniel Wells FREEMAN (!?), the person appointed by the said judge, at the Falcon Inn, at Priors Marston in the co of Warwick on Thursday the 30th day of July 1857 at 4 o'clock precisely; Two freehold dwelling-houses, cottages, butchers shop, close of pasture ground and premises situate in the village of Priors Marston aforesaid, late the property of Elizabeth Langton Bradshaw, Spinster, deceased, and now in the several occupations of Miss Ralphs, Mr Abraham Johnson, and Mr John Newbury. Particulars from .... etc.

So,
1845; In Irthl, he names his first born Sarah Elizabeth FREEMAN

1848;
Sometime in 1848 Elizabeth Wright comes into a 'Warwickshire Mansion with 200 acres" - presumably this is the PM Property now called 'The Cedars'.
June ; Miss BRADSHAW dies.
17 Jul; Lease between him and a Robert Bolton over a farm formerly occupied by a Miss BRADSHAW
14 Nov; James BRADSHAW Wright is bapt in PM

1854; Sues FREEMAN over property in PM formerly occupied by BRADSHAW
1857; Said property (or part thereof) is sold at auction by order of a judge.
This is a separate case to the long-running Chancery case relating to the inheritance of his first wife, as Priors Marston not mentioned in any of those legal cases. And the 'Warwickshire Mansion' is Elizabeth's freehold, whilst the rest (Leics and Northants) is entailed and she only has a partial interest ; possibly these interests passed to her children which may explain why JPW doesn't leave them much in his will ??

Sometime in 1848 - moved to Priors Marston (but see lease above) - James Bradshaw Wright born in Irthlingborough, but christened in PM. This ties in with his wife inheriting the 'Warwickshire Mansion with 200 acres' in 1848. This also backed up by notes on back of Priors Marston picture which says he lived there from 1848.

1851 Census (age 30) living at 'Farm House' (Picture says The Cedars, I think it's name in this time was probably "Cedars Farm" as this mentioned in a few websites) Priors Marston. Is widower. 5 children and 2 sisters and 5 servants (Cook, Housemaid, Groom and Head Nurse, Undernurse). Occupation; Farming 74 acres and employing 4 labourers. Birthplace just says Northants.
The house is now known as 'Cedars Farm' and there are houses to one side in courtyard development that was presumably originally a farmyard. Adjacent to the garden (up the hill away from war memorial) is an interesting looking place called 'Castle Folly' - the name of which says it all really.
Can search for old pictures of PM (inc The Cedars) at http://www.windowsonwarwickshire.org.uk/ ('Brownrigg' ALSO looks like the same house!).

1851; Birmingham Gazette; Game Lists, County of Warwick "J.P. Wright, Priors Marston"

I had Rands marriage as at Priors Marston, Doug C has at St.Sepulchre, Northampton on same date, which certainly makes more sense, so have changed.

"A collection of the public general statutes passed in the year of the 1853". An Act to appoint additional Commissioners for executing the Acts for granting a land tax and other rates and taxes ....... That the several and respective Persons herein-after named shall and may and are hereby empowered to put in execution the said Acts ........For The County of Warwick ..... Wright, John Perkins, Priors Marston.

May 1856; Is named in the will of Stephen Sumpter of Irthlingborough "WRIGHT John Pirkins of Priors Marston, Warwicks, friend, administrator".

1861 Census (Age 41); Living at Priors Marston ('South of Village') with second wife, 6 children, 2 nieces (Eleanor M and Charlotte M Lamb - Rands relatives). Occupation; Landed Proprietor occupying 166 acres employing 4 men and 3 boys. This is the first time it specifically says born in Pattishall, previously just Northants, although knew that anyway.

1861 Banbury Guardian: Priors Marston, Bridge (presum 'Ridge') Way Farm, 100 acres of rich feeding land, grass keeping, in 8 lots, to be sold by auction by Thos Martin on May 10th 1861 by order of J.P.Wright, Esq.

Birmingham Gazette, 27 May 1865; South Warwickshire Election. Central Committee for promoting the election of Sir Charles Mordaunt, Bart, M.P. and H.C.Wise Esq, the Conservative Candidates. A LONG list of people including; Wright, J.P., Esq, Priors Marston.

Northampton Mercury, 30 Dec 1865; A Shepherd Wanted, on a moderate-sized farm; liberal wages, with an excellent cottage and gardens rent free. Apply Mr.Wright, Priors Marston, Daventry.

1867 Oxford Times ; a cricket match between PM and Helliden(sic) "in a field lent for the occassion by J.P.Wright Esq".

Oxford Times, 25 Jul 1868; PRIORS MARSTON. A spirited Cricket Match was played at this village on the inst., between the cricket clubs of Priors Marston and Napton. in field kindly lent for the purpose by J. P. Wright, Esq. Similar in same year for match v Napton (in which a W Wight played for PM). A similar match in 1871 doesn't mention JPW, but Christopher Wright played, as did a Rands. Another mention (1867) where a club has been formed and JPW is a committee member.

Northampton Mercury, 1st Feb 1868; A long article about a court case regarding warranty of a horse. JPW didn't sell it (ie not being sued!) but "Mr.J.P.Wright of Priors Marston deposed that he was the former owner of the horse which was in his possession for about 4 months, during which period he hacked him about the roads and used him wherever he wanted to go. He had splints then, but never suffered from lameness. He was not unsound then. Would not take 50gns for the horse for which he exchanged him. Saw him sold and he went like a sound horse till he trod on a stone. Cross - examined; Sent him to Coates Repository in Leamington to be sold in September last. He was not to be warranted, but sold with all his faults. Said the buyer might have a vets inspection before delivery".

Northampton Mercury; 7th November 1868; Wanted a shepherd on a moderate sized farm. Wages 13s per week and cottage rent free. Address J.P.Wright, Prior's Marston, Daventry.

1871 Census (age 51); Living in Priors Marston, farmer of 160 acres (and then it says something else) with wife, 4 daughters, a niece (Julia Rands - 14 - George & Julia Rands dau), a governess and 3 servants.

1872; Leamington Spa Courier; "... Leamington. JOHN WILLIAM VANDERPLANK WRIGHT (DECEASED.) ALL persons having any Claims or Demands against the Estate of JOHN WILLIAM VANDERPLANK WRIGHT. late of Snitterfield. in the County of Warwick, Farmer and Grazier, deceased, are requested forward their, Claims to John Pirkins Wright, of Priors Marston, Warwickshire, ."Sole Executor of the said deceased, or to me. the undersigned, to examined, and correct, discharged; and all persons indebted to the Estate are requested pay the amount of their Debts to ...."

1873 Return of Owners of Land : England: Northampton to York. Wales: Anglesey to Radnor ; There are TWO entries for him;
Wright, John P., Priors Marston 253 3 27 605 1. So that’s 253 acres, 3 roods and 27 perches, with rental value of £605 1 shilling.
and
Wright, John P., Priors Marston 80 acres (can't read the rest on google books).
So presumably one of these is for Priors Marston and one for Pattishall, I would guess PM is the 253 acres (as he is farming 160 acres and renting out 96) and the 80 is Patttishall, but don't know for sure.

Birmingham Daily Post; 24 Nov 1873. Warwickshire Chambers of Agriculture; J.P.Wright of Priors Marston gets a mention, didn't pay to pull whole article.

1873; Leamington Spa Courier : Conservative Alliance; " J. P. Wright, of Priors Marston, complimentary terms, proposed "Success to the Conservative Alliance;" spoke of its usefullness and congratulated its officers on the success of the gathering, success which was, he thought, complete answer to the objection, J. P. Wright (Priors Marsron), Kins, ....."

1874; The Farmers Magazine; (some agricultural show) ...Gelding or filly above two and under three years old, adapted for riding purposes .....2nd £3 J.P.Wright, Priors Marston, Daventry

Northampton Mercury; 19 Sep 1874; Northamptonshire Agricultural Show; J.P.Wright of Priors Marston gets a mention, didn't pay to pull whole article.

Northampton Mercury; 31 Jul 1875; Priors Marston "A Fatal Accident occurred on Tuesday last. A man named Gardner, while loading hay, fell from the waggon, and expired immediately. He was a valued servant of T.P.Wright Esq (sic) in whose service he had been for twenty-eight years (which ties in with the date they moved to PM).

1875; Leamington Spa Courier; South Warwickshire Conservative Assoc "....J.W.Wright, Priors Marston".

1875; Leamington Spa Courier; The Dinner ; "J.P.Wright (Priors Marston)..."

1877 F.White & Co's Directory (Northants FHS Library) whe is listed as; Wright, John Perkins, Farmer of Priors Marston House ; only time I've seen the house actually named whilst in JPW's possession, and it's not 'The Cedars' or 'Cedars Farm".

1881 census (age 61) Still living in Priors Marston, says he was retired (but farm servants, so probably still farming; sale info actually indicates that most of the land is now rented out) and his wife was dead. 2 daughters and a niece (Edith Rands) and 3 servants also living there.

From Wendy H; The Times May 31 1881; Deaths; on 27 inst at Priors Marston, Warwickshire JOHN PIRKINS WRIGHT age 61.

Banbury Guardian Dec 1881;Sales of 239 valuable timber trees standing and marked upon the Home and Ridgway Farms, PM, in the occupation of the Trustees of the late JP Wright Esq and Mr John Bolton at the Falcon Inn, PM.

Doesn't appear in Warwicks burial records index !?

Monunmental inscription at St.Leonards Church Priors Marston;
http://www.hunimex.com/warwick/mi/mi_priors_marston.html
Specifically I found the following;
1.In graveyard there is grave for John Williams Vanderplank Wright
2.Inscription inside St Leonards Church on wall for Elizabeth Jane (1st wife), Sarah Elizabeth and Mary Jane (both daughters from 1st marriage)
I could find no grave for JPW or Mary Ann at St Leonards, however according to the link above there should be one. Although JPW is mentioned on the 2 that I did find, Mary Anne is NOT - but the list above specifically mentions Mary Ann - so there must be one somewhere (presumably for both of them) that I missed.

Oct 07 - got a copy of his will from Birmingham Probate Office. Key points are;
1.Executors are Christopher Wright (no mention of St John!) and "my friend Robert Bolton, late of PM, but now of Banbury, Farmer and Grazier" - presumably the same RB he leased Ridgway Farm to in 1848.
2.Wife Mary gets all personal goods etc inc farm stock, horses etc.
3.He has land at PM AND at Pattishall - which proves my theory of why he's not named in John Pirkins will (although all his sisters are) - he's already had his cut - namely land in Pattishall.
4.Christopher gets £3k
5.Four daughers get £2k each
6.£500 to be invested and the annual proceeds to be paid unto the guardian or parent of my grandson the son of my late son Samuel Pirkins Wright. With said son to get the £500 plus any accumulations when he reaches 21.
7.Ada's money also to be held in trust till she is 21 (only 18 when he died)
8.Residue to be invested and paid to his wife during her lifetime. Then to be split equally amongst the 5 children. She was already dead.
9.Witnesses (and solicitors) were, not surprisingly, George and George W.Rands.
10.Will dated 1779 - 2 years before he died.
11.Gross value of personal estate £2,595 (net £1571), I think this excludes the value of land and securities, it's just the personal goods.

Northampton Mercury; Sat 3 Sept 1881; Priors Marston, Warwickshire. Valuable Freehold Residence and about 266 acres of pasture and arable land. Also five freehold houses, situate at Priors Marston. To be sold by auction by Graves and Miller in three lots at the Red Lion, Banbury on Wednesday 5th October 1881, 3 for 4 O'clock p.m.
Lot 1; All those Eight several Closes of highly productive pasture land, containing 93a 3r 27p called 'Ridgway Farm' with rick-yard, and convenient farm buildings, in the occupation of Mr.John Belton. The above is situate about a quarter of a mile from the village of Priors Marston, on the road to Southham and consists of some of the most fertile grazing land in the county. SMGP: This is the same property JPW rented to Robert Bolton, it's possibly John is actually John Bolton, and is the son.
Lot 2; All that excellent Family residence, situate in the healthy(?!) and picturesque village of Prior's Marston, Warwickshire, for many years the residence of the late Mr J.P.Wright with 173a 0r 11p of arable and pasture land adjoining, together with a farmhouse and homestead (situate in the village), gardeners and shepherds cottages, and convenient and extensive buildings.
The house comprises dining, drawing and breakfast rooms, kitchen, back kitchen, larder and butlers pantry, ten sleeping rooms, dairy, laundry, and other conveniences ; it is surrounded with well laid out pleasure grounds, planted with ornamental trees and shrubs, and adjoining to it is a large and productive brick-walled kitchen garden, orchard, paddock, shrubbery, greenhouse, conservatory, and forcing and meloa pits, and gardeners cottage & c.
Near the house are two fishing ponds, enclosed by ornamental shrubbery, giving a constant supply of water for garden purposes.
There are two coach houses, extensive stabling, harness room, granary, cow-houses, cart sheds, large yard and barn, and other conveniences. A constant supply of good spring water is laid on to the house and premises, supplying a never failing spring rising on the estate. The estate is well timbered, and the orchard and garden are well planted with fruit trees.
The House, Grounds and four adjoining pasture closes containing 32a 1r 23p are in hand; the remainder, containing 140a 2r 28p, being in the occupation of Mr Abraham Johnson, a yearly tenant.
<Description of Priors Marston, trains etc> The above offers an opportunity seldom to be met with for acquiring a most desirable residence in a mostly healthy, picturesque and fertile country, and at the same time offering a good return for capital seeking investment.
Lot 3; All that convenient stone-built and slated Messuage, with yard, close and outbuildings, at Priors Marston aforesaid, in the occupation of Mr.A.Johnson as yearly tenant at £12 per annum, containing two sitting rooms, and kitchen on the ground floor, back kitchen (detached), good cellerage, two bedrooms, storeroom and two attics, yard, garden, and small paddock containing about 30 poles, stable with loft over, and good pump and well of water.
Also, all that Messuage or Dwelling House, stone built and slated, containing two sitting rooms and kitchen, on the ground floor and four good bedrooms. The premises comprise a detached building, containing Butcher's Shop, stable, loft, slaughter-house, pigsties, with boiling house attached; orchard, and productive garden, with good pump and well of water in the occupation of Mr.Jester at £10 10s per annum.
Also two adjoining cottages, in the occupation of Messrs Pearson and Hemmings, at a rent together of £6 18s.
The vendors reserve the right of withdrawing the last lot if Lot 2 is not sold; or to offer the same to the purchaser of Lot 2.
For further particulars, plans and conditions of Sale apply to the Auctioneers, Southam or to Messrs G and G.W.Rands, Solicitors, Northampton, and from whom also may be had permission to view the premises.
SMP ; Similar (same probably) adverts ran the next four Saturdays.

This all sound like exactly the same property as the 1857 auction the Vice-Chancellor ordered of "two freehold dwelling-houses, cottages, butchers shop, close of pasture ground and premises situate in the village of Priors Marston" after the court case. So how did JPW still finish up still owning it ? Was a settlement reached? Was the order that he should get 90/75/50% of the auction proceeds, so he bought it all at auction only paying x pence is the £? Was the auction cancelled? It's all very confusing. Mr. Abraham Johnson was one of the tenants listed the first time it was sold.

'Annals of the Warwickshire Hunt, 1795-1895, from Authentic Documents', there is a reference to a "Mr. Wright, of Priors Marston, a hard rider"

This is the Warwicks Archives (found on National Archives MIGHT also relate to him and hunting);Contents: J. Wright, Marston to 'Dear Sir': asks him to send Lord Leigh's subscription to the schools. Says he hopes the enclosure will be effected next season. 12 June 1862.

Notes on back of Priors Marston house picture (which has caption 1848-1881, which ties in).
"House at Priors Marston (Warwickshire) where my Grandfather (John Pirkins Wright) lived from 1848 to 1881 and where he died 27th May 1881.
John Pirkins Wright was born 21st March 1820 at Pattishall Manor.
He married twice -
First wife Elizabeth Jane (Vanderplank) daughter of Samuel Vanderplank of Long Buckby, her mother was a daughter of John King, deputy lieutenant of Leicestershire her name was Jane & she died 30th June 1831 aged 72.
Elizabeth Jane (Vanderplank) married J.P.Wright at Long Buckby 12th November 1844 & they had five children.
The first four were born at Irthlingborough (where my grandfather J.P.Wright was living at the time of his marriage). The 4th child was born at Irthlingborough but baptised at Priors Marston and the fifth born at Priors Marston. (4th child baptised at Priors Marston November 14th 1848 & the 5th born at Priors Marston 12th February 1850)
Eilzabeth Jane (Vanderplank) died at Priors Marston 12th February 1850.
The second wife of my grandfather (John Pirkins Wright) was Mary Anne Rands whom he married 16th October 1851 at Priors Marston.
They had five children (my father Christopher St.John Wright and his four sisters Eleanor, Fanny, Julia and Ada, the latter died 3rd August 1947 aged 85) They were all born at this house in Priors Marston where they spent their childhood.
John Pirkins Wright died at Priors Marston 27th May 1881 and my Grand mother (Mary Anne, (nee Rands) there 1st February 1881."
Colchester 37 Lexden Road, A.St.J.Wright 1949 (so definately Arthur)

John married Elizabeth Jane Vanderplank, daughter of Samuel Vanderplank and Elizabeth Freeman King, on 12 Nov 1844 in Long Buckby, Daventry, Northants. (Elizabeth Jane Vanderplank was born on 16 Feb 1822 in Long Buckby, Daventry, Northants, christened on 20 Aug 1822 in Long Buckby, Daventry, Northants, died on 12 Feb 1850 in Priors Marston, Warwickshire and was buried on 20 Feb 1850 in Priors Marston, Warwickshire.)

John next married Mary Anne# Rands, daughter of George# Rands and Eleanor# Outlaw, on 16 Oct 1851 in St Sepulchres, Northampton. (Mary Anne# Rands was born in 1822 in Northampton, Northants, christened on 22 Nov 1822 in Northampton St Sepulchre and died on 1 Feb 1881 in Priors Marston, Warwickshire.)