Hi Steve
How marvellous that you live at Nook Farm!
I started this topic in 2008 when I began to have an interest in the Salt family of Wooton, and in particular at Nook Farm. The earliest mention of a Salt in the Ellastone parish registers that I have found was in 1584 when William Salte baptised his son Thomas, and then three more sons by 1591. In that year a John Salt married Jone Parkar, and both William and John are described as freemasons, ie stonemasons, in the registers. I think William and John were brothers, but they may have been father and son, both also served as churchwardens at Ellastone church.
Work probably brought them to Wootton in the late 16th century, and it may have been to help build Wootton Lodge which was built as a hunting lodge for Sir Richard Fleetwood between 1580 and 1610. I understand that Nook farm was also built in the late 16th century and am wondering whether they built that as well. I would be very interested indeed to know how far back your knowledge of the Salt family goes.
I have traced my Salt family tree back to both of the original freemason Salts. The connection with Nook farm I have traced back to Samuel Salt baptised in 1648, son of John and Emma Salt and gt.grandson of the original William. Thomas died in 1699 and administration was granted to his wife Ann, also a Salt and gt.granddaughter of the original John Salt. The administration lists his belongings and mentions "the goods in the house in the nook for it is commonly called so."
The Salts would have farmed as tenants and the Manorial Rolls should have records of changes of tenancy. I have not looked at those yet, the combination of Latin and being written in secretary hand is a bit daunting. The Salt family connection with Nook farm is my main interest now and I would appreciate any help you can provide.
Regards
Beryl
