Inquiry into the origin, pedigree, & history of the family, or clan, of Aitons in Scotland

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jng to Aton, came tlirougli Broomfleet to the family of ClifFord,
late earls of Nortliumberland.
Besides this, which terminates Sir William Dugdale's
Genealogical account of the family of Vescey, lords of Alnwick,
he gives the pedigree of the Aitons per se, in the second volume
of the Baronage of England, page 98. The first of the name
was Gilbert, who lived in the reign of Henry 1., holding, Sir
William says, the lordship of Aton in Pickering Lithe. Gil-
bert was succeeded by William his son, and William was ia
his turn, succeeded by Gilbert Aton his son, who married
Margerie, the daughter and heir of Warine de Vescey, a youn-
ger son of William de Vescey, lord of Alnwick, in Northum-
berland, William Aton, who succeeded Gilbert bis father, made
large donations to the Church. To William succeeded Gilbert
his son, who, dying whithout issue, was succeeded by William
his brother. William left issue, a son named Gilbert, wlio
received Charters to Barnedy, Holney, and, Knapton. William
Aton was summoned to appear at Ne%vcastle, to oppose the
Scots ; and he was found to be heir of law to William Vescey,
the father of William the bastard, who was killed at the battle
of Bannockburn. Gilbert was succeeded in his own estates
and honours, and also in those that remained of the illustrious
family of Vescey, by William Aton his son and heir, who was
appointed sheriff of York, and governor of the castle of York.
William Aton also founded the Chantry of tbe Chapel of Saint
John the Baptist, in the Manor of Aton, in Pickering Lithe.
Thus far, has Sir William Dugdale traced the origin and
pedigree of the Noble and illustrious family of Vescey, and
that of the Aitons, who are descended from them. His account
might have been better arranged, and rendered more intelligible :
but surely none will call in question, his history in general,
backed as it is, by many authorities, which he quotes ; but which
are too numerous, and too antiquated, to be easily come at, and
therefore need not be given here. Such as feel inclined to
pursue that enquiry, may find a Key to these authorities, in
Sir William Dugdale's Baronage. It is proper to mention