Ref: EDC 5/7/2

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Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/7/2 – Order by King’s Commissioners appointing ‘reevers’ for repair etc of Macclesfield Church. At Ludlow, 26 Sep. 1546 (formerly /1/9)

Summary:

James Browster, mayor of Macclesfield, and Raphe Heley, Johannes Ryle, Roger Rowe, Geoffrey Johnson, and Thomas Jackson, six of the burgesses of Macclesfield, against Richard Sutton and Roger Downes

This is a judgement in the above suit and is probably a ruling by the Council in the Marches of Wales because it was given at Ludlow and reference is made to ‘this Cownsell’. The suit concerns ownership of some timber which the defendants had possibly cut down and appropriated.

The ownership of the disputed timber depended upon the ownership of the land upon which it was growing, and this judgement ruled that the land belonged to Macclesfield chapelry. The ruling lays down detailed arrangements for future management of the chapelry and its possessions, presumably for the avoidance of future conflict. The chapelry was part of the parish of Prestbury but had clearly developed considerable autonomy.

Prestbury parish was owned by the monastery of St Werburgh prior to its surrender in January 1540 and it seems that uncertainty about the position of Macclesfield chapelry followed the sale of the parish and this was clarified by this ruling, including who had the right to appoint the curate.

It is not a ruling by the consistory court.

Year

1546

Type of Cause:

Cause Papers:

Miscellaneous (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

Transcript

[5/7/2 image 1]

Apud Ludlowe xxvj^to die Septembris
Anno regni Regis Henrici octavi xxxviijo

At which daie James Browster Maior of Macclesfield, Raphe Heley, Johannes Ryle, Roger Rowe
[Geof]frey Johnson, Thomas Jackson vj of the playantiefes being Burgesses of Macc[lesfield]
foresaid for themselves & all other the Burgesses theire plaintiffs, and Rychard Sutton [and]
Roger Downes esquyers defendants appeared before the Kinges Commissioners, by whome […]
deliberate examinacion, hearinge, & debatinge of the matters in these bookes mencioned, yt [is]
ordered, that at the next maiores Court to be holden at Macclesfeld and from
thensforthe yearelye at the said Court daie, fower Reeves to be elected or chosen, towe
for the Towne of Macclesfeld, and other two for the parisshe, that ys to s[aie]
Sutton, Wynkle, Rainowe, Hurdesfeld, Pott, Shrigley, Lyme in Hanley & K[erridge]
which shall have the ouersight of the Reparacion of the Churche, and the Levy […]
[…] of the Rents, […] , buryalls, bequests, & proffetts belonginge or geveyn [or]
hearafter to be geven to the same Church or Servyce within specified / And for the
Imployinge and bestowinge of the same, And for the safe keepinge of the Jewells
belonginge to the said Churche, that the said Reeves shall from tyme to ty[me in]
the yeare make a dewe accompte before the maior, Burgesses, and parisshioners afo[resaid]
of the Receipts, as of the bestowinge of the same, : And the same fower Reeves to be
[cho]sen and appoynted yearelye in forme followinge, that ys to saie, that the maior for
the tyme beinge & the Coburgesses of the said Towne of Macclesfeld to elect [and]
choose two of the said Reeves for the Towne, and oher two Reeves to be elected and
chosen by the parishioners. And yt ys further ordered that the maior & Burgesses, at all
tymes from hensforth shall have the nominacion & appoyntment of a sufficient & and an [able]
[prest], whom they shall thinke meete to celebrate and serue in the said Churche […]
Servyse within specyfied. And that the maior nowe beinge at the next maiors […]
there to be holden, shall call before him and other the Burgesses theire, […]

Miscellaneous (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

Transcript

[5/7/2 image 2]

[…] all other persons of the said parishe , which hould anie of the Churche Landes […]
[g]oodes or Jewells in theire hands or possession, to accompte and recconinge, so that […]
[…] knowen in whose custodye & possession the same rentes & Stock doeth remay[ne …]
[…] intent, that the same maie be ymployed by the maior and Reeves for the tyme […]
[…] for the mayntenaunce of goddes servyce and Reparacion of the said Churche. And
[…] same maior vppon Accompt & Recconing by him taken, to enter the same into a book
[a]nd the same book to be sende to this Cownsell by the said Reeves or by one of them, So th[…]
[…] maie be, by this Cownsell seene, and therevppon sende agayne : to the said maior & Reeve[s]
[…] that the maior and Reeves which shall heareafter happen to be elected & chosen next ensew[ing …]
the date of this order, shall once in the yeare duringe the space of fyve yeares b[…]
[…] sende to this Cownsell, theire book of Accompt, Receipts, & Recconinge before & […]
[…] and therevppon sende agayne. And furthermore for asmuch as […]
[… H]ughe Byrron nowe in this Cort present hath confessed the having of the evyde[nce]
[…] deedes concerning the Landes belonging to the Servyse within specyfyed who […]
[…] Cownsell at this tyme hath sworne vppon a book to make trewe delivera[nce]
[…] same evydences. Item yt ys therefore further ordered that the same y[…]
[…] fifteene dayes next after the date of this order shall deliuer the said evydences […]
[…] and euerye peece of the same to maior Burgesses & parisshioners nowe being […]
[…] them putt into a sure casket of three Lockes. And the maior for the tyme being
[to k]epe one of the kayes. And the Reeves to keepe one other key. And one such appon […]
shalbe appoynted by the maior Burgesses and parisshioners to keepe the thirde key, and
[…] the said Hughe at the deliuerance of the said evydences shall declare & showe to the […]
maior & Burgesses yf he knowe anye of the evydences belonginge to the said Church to be
[i]n anye other mens handes, and what the same evydences bee, & in whose Custodye, and
[…] suche tymber trees as ys nowe fallen and Cut downe vppon the […]

Miscellaneous (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

Transcript

[5/7/2 image 3]

grownde by the said defendantes or by eyther of them. Yt is also ordered that […]
tymber or trees shalbe deliuered to the said maior and Reeves to the intent the same […]
converted and Imployed to the vse & reparacion of the said Churche. And […]
further ordered, that in case the said Servyse or Churche hearafter […]
to fall in decay for lacke of Substans to maynteyne the same, That […]
shalbe Layed by the maior & Reeves Burgesses & parishioners amonge the sel[…]
to tyme as neede shall require, for the mayntenaunce & uphouldinge of […]
and Servyce. And also yt ys ordered that the defendantes […]
theire comming home, shall deliuer to the playntieffs the key of the Chapp[el …]
ornamentes of the same without deley Provyded allways & yt ys […]
ordered that the defendentes nor eyther of them shall not meddle heare[after …]
anie doers in the Choosinge the Reeves, nor in appoyntinge of the pr[iest …]
receyve anie the Rentes or proffyttes belonginge or dewe to the […]
or Servyse, nor meddle with Churchelandes Stocke or goods […]
of the Reeves, nevertheles not doubtinge but that the same def[endants …]
parisshioners will from tyme to tyme be Contributoryes & beare & […]
ratable porcions towards the mayntenaunce of the said Churche […]
& Reparacion of the same accordinge to theire degrees, as they be […]
& not otherways to meddle.

Miscellaneous (image 4)

Original Document

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Translation

Transcript

[5/7/2 image 4]

Endorsement

[in pencil in a different hand]

1546 Sep. 26

1546 Sep 26. Macclesfield

Order by the Kings Commres

Appmt of Minister
Reparation of Church
Custody of Jewells

etc etc

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

Ref: EDC 5/7/1

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Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/7/1 – Sentence of divorce: Hugh Holland v. Joan Bruckfeld alias Holland of pa. Ormskirk co. L. 14 Oct 1546.

Summary:

Hugh Holland contra Joan Bruckefeld or Holland

This is a sentence of annulment of an invalid marriage, although no background detail is available to explain why the judgement was made.

Year

1546

Type of Cause:

Matrimonial – annulment

Cause Papers:

Sentence

Sentence (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/7/1 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: the merits and circumstances of a certain cause of divorce or annulment of marriage having been heard, seen and understood and fully investigated by us, Nicholas Bucksey, clerk, sufficiently and lawfully appointed as commissary of the venerable George Wilmesley, Bachelor of Laws, vicar general in spirituals of the right reverend father in Christ, John, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester, by the supreme authority of the most illustrious Prince in Christ and our master, Henry the eighth, by the grace of God King of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith and on earth supreme head under Christ of the English and Irish church, and official principal of his consistory lawfully deputed in that respect by the said reverend father, which was disputed for some time and is as yet disputed and pending undecided before the said venerable man, between Hugh Holland, the party plaintiff and complainant on the one part, and Joan Bruckefeld otherwise Holland of the parish of Ormskirk of Chester diocese and of the same archdeaconry and of the jurisdiction of the said venerable man the defendant and party complained of on the other part; and the parties aforesaid appearing before us sufficiently and lawfully, namely the party of the said Hugh Holland in person and through his proctor and the party of the said Joan Bruckefeld through her proctor; the party of the said Hugh Holland praying that sentence is passed and that justice may be done to his party and the party of the said Joan Bruckefeld fervently praying that justice may be done to her party.

All and singular acts, enactments, deductions, propositions, allegations, confessions and proofs had and done by all sides in this cause having first been examined and diligently considered by us, and having reviewed and weighed them with promptness and diligence, and all and singular matters which according to law should be observed in this respect having been observed by us, we have thus thought fit to proceed to making the pronouncement of our definitive sentence or our final decree in the said cause, and we do proceed in this manner which follows;

the whole and entire proceeding had and done before us in the said cause having first been examined and diligently considered by us, and having observed all and singular matters which according to law should be observed in this behalf, we have thus thought fit to proceed to making the pronouncement of our definitive sentence in the above-mentioned cause between the parties aforesaid, and we do proceed in this manner which follows;

forasmuch as we know and clearly find by the acts and enactments set forth, exhibited, propounded, proved and similarly confessed had and done by all sides in the said cause that the aforesaid Hugh Holland has sufficiently and fully established and proved his claim in a certain libel judicially given and offered before the said venerable official principal in that respect, the tenor of which libel follows in these words, ‘In the name of God, Amen: before you, venerable Master George Wilmesley, Doctor of Laws, et cetera’, the which libel we hold and wish to be held as here read and inserted and nothing effectual has been or is excepted, set forth, propounded, alleged or proved on behalf of the said Joan Bruckefeld which has destroyed or in any way weakened the claim of the said Hugh Holland.

Therefore we, the commissary or deputy abovesaid, having first called upon the name of Christ, and having God himself alone before our eyes, with the advice of the learned in the law with whom we have consulted promptly in this behalf break, make void and annul all and whatever pretended marriage between the aforesaid Hugh Holland and Joan Bruckefeld contracted de facto while it was void in law since it is, and we pronounce, decree and declare that it was and is quashed, void and nullified and we separate and divorce them, Hugh and Joan, from each other and any bond of marriage by this our definitive sentence or this our final decree which we pass and publish in these writings.

This sentence was read by Nicholas Bucksey on the 14^th day of the month of October in the one thousand five hundred 46^th year of our Lord.

Transcript

[5/7/1 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen auditis visis et intellectis ac plenarie discussis per nos Nicolaum Bucksey Clericum venerabilis viri Georgij
Wylmysley legibus baccallarij Reuerendi in Christo patris et domini domini Johannis permissione diuina Cestrensis Episcopi vicarij in spiritualibus generalis ac eius
Consistorij suprema auctoritate illustrissimi in Christo principis et domini nostri henrici octaui dei gracia Anglie Frantie et Hibernie regis fidei defensoris et in ter-
ris ecclesie Anglicane et hibernice <sub Christo> capitis supremi Officialis principalis per dictum reuerendum patrem sufficienter et legitime Fulciti Comissarium
suum in hac parte legitime deputatum : meritis et circumstantijs cuiusdam cause divortij siue nullitatis matrimonij que coram <dicto venerabili viri> inter hugones holland
partem Actricem et querelantem ex una et Johannam bruckefeld alias holland parochie de Ormskyrk Cestrensis diocesis ac archidiaconatus eisdem et dicti venerabilis viri Juris-
dictionis partem ream et querelatam ex parte altera Aliquandiu vertebatur et adhuc vertitur et pendet indecise rite et legitime procedentes partibusque predictis
videlicet parte dicti hugonis holland personaliter et per procuratorem suum parteque dicte Johanne bruckefeld per procuratorem suum
coram nobis sufficienter et legitime comparentibus parte dicti hugonis holland sententiam fieri et Justiciam fieri pro parte sua postulantibus
parteque dicte Johannis bruckefeld Justiciam fieri pro parte sua instanter petente

Visis primitus per nos atque diligenter inspectis omnibus
et singulis actis inactitatis deductis propositis allegatis confessatis et probatis in huiusmodi causa hincinde habitis et factis eisque cum maturitate et dili-
gentia recensitis et ponderatis ac seruatis per nos omnibus et singulis in hac parte de Jure seruandis ad nostre Sententie diffinitiue siue decreti nostri
finalis in dicta causa ferendum prolationem sic duximus procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum

Quia per acta et inactita
deducta exhibita proposita probata pariter et confessata in dicta causa hincinde habita et facta comperimus et luculenter Invenimus prefatum hugones
holland suam intentionem in quadam libello coram dicto <venerabili> officiali principali in hac parte Judicaliter dato et oblato cuius quidem libelli tenor sequitur in hec verba
In dei nomine Amen coram vobis venerabili viro Magistro Georgio Wilmysley in legibus baccallario et cetera quemquidem libellum pro hic lecto et inserto
habemus et haberi volumus sufficienter et ad plenum fundasse et probasse Nichilque effectuale ex parte dicte Johanne bruckefeld fuisse aut esse exceptum
deductum propositum allegatum seu probatum quod intentionem dicti hugonis holland elideret seu quomodolibet eneruaret

Idcirco nos commissarius siue deputatus supradictus Christi nomine primitus invocato ac ipsum solum deum pre occulis nostris habentes ex consilio
Jurisperitorum cum quibus mature in hac parte communicauimus Omnie et quodcunque pretensum matrimonium inter prefatos hugones holland et Johannam bruckefeld
de facto contractum cum de Jure nullum fuerit cum sit cassamus irritamus et annullamus cassumque irritum et nullum fuisse et esse pronuntiamus
decernimus et declaramus Ipsosque hugones et Johannam ab invicem et a quocunque vinculo matrimonij separamus et divortiamus per hanc
nostram Sententiam diffinitiuam seu finale decretum quam vel quod ferimus et promulgamus in hijs Scriptis

lecta fuit huiusmodi sententia per Nicolaum bucsey xiiij^to die mensis octobris Anno domini
millesimo quingentesimo xlvj^to

Sentence (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/7/1 image 2]

Sentence Holland against Holland in a cause of divorce; it has been registered

[in pencil in a different hand]

1546 Oct. 14

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

Transcript

[5/7/1 image 2]

Sententia holland contra holland in causa divortij Regestratur

[in pencil in a different hand]

1546 Oct. 14

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

People

Hugh Holland– plaintiff

Joan Bruckefeld – defendant

Officials

George Wilmesley – chancellor of the diocese of Chester

Nicholas Bucksey – deputy

John Bird – bishop of Chester

Subjects

Divorce

Places

Ormskirk

Ref: EDC 5/5/1

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Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/5/1 – 1544? Coddington tithe cause paper.

Summary:

John Fellowe, rector of Coddington, contra Jane Brereton

This document, concerning the tithes of Coddington, is badly damaged and about half is very difficult or impossible to make out so has been supplied from common form, where possible. In particular the type of tithe involved and the calculation of the amount unpaid is not entirely clear.

Year

1544

Type of Cause:

Tithes – other

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/5/1 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: before you, venerable Master George Wilmesley, Bachelor of Laws, by the authority of the most illustrious Prince in Christ and our master, Henry the eighth, by the grace of God King of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith and on earth supreme head under Christ over the English and Irish church, by the reverend in Christ […] vicar general in spirituals […] by divine permission bishop of Chester to hear and determine ecclesiastical causes and lawfully deputed official principal of his consistory or any other judge whomsoever competent in that behalf; the party of the venerable John Fellowe, rector of the parish church of Coddington against Jane Brereton of Chester diocese and its archdeaconry and of your jurisdiction and also against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law jointly and severally and in articles in the manner which follows:

Firstly, […] John Fellowe, rector of Coddington abovesaid, was and is canonically instituted to the same rectory of Coddington with its universal and singular rights and appurtenances, and has possessed it peacefully and quietly for some time just as (saving what will be said below) he thus also possesses it at present and also was and is commonly called, held, had and reputed openly, publicly and notoriously as true rector and occupier of the same rectory of Coddington […].

Also, that as well by the common law as by ancient and laudable, lawful and prescribed custom hitherto from time and throughout time immemorial, and often upheld in judgment in a contested cause, the right of receiving and having all and all types of tithes, as well greater as lesser […] of grazing and pastures commonly called ‘teythar bage’[1] within the bounds and limits of the said parish of Coddington however proceeding, belonged to the said John Fellowe, present rector there, and to all and singular his precursors and predecessors, and should have belonged and should also in future; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points.

Also, that the present rector of the parish church of Coddington and all and singular his precursors and predecessors for the time being were and are in peaceful possession, or quasi-possession, of the right of taking and having all and all types of tithes proceeding and arising within the parish aforesaid and the bounds and limits and tithable places of the same rectory in the manner and form specified and recited above for 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years past and before and since [and also from the time] to the contrary of which does not exist in the memory of man, and for the same time also peacefully and quietly took and had them himself or by his men and freely disposed of and with them at his own will and pleasure until the time of the trouble set out above; and he propounds as before.

Also, that all and singular parishioners of the said parish of Coddington as well as others from elsewhere who may hold or occupy any grazing or pastures within the bounds and limits of the same parish […] have continually paid, rendered and satisfied, or at least ought to have caused to be paid, rendered and satisfied to the above-mentioned rector and all and singular his precursors and predecessors from the time and throughout the time the contrary of which does not exist in the memory of men 8d of lawful money for the tithes of his grazing or pasture commonly called ‘teythar bage’ in any year in keeping with the annual rent of 6s 8d for the same grazing, as trustworthy and […] witnesses will sufficiently clarify and will appear in the settlement of this suit; and he propounds as before.

Also, that […] subordinates and subjects of our realm who maliciously presume to deprive […] the church […] or persons […] due by law are, by that fact, culpably […] in major excommunication […] punished and corrected according to the due requirement of law; and he propounds as before.

Also, that […] June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March or April, or in any of the same months, in one or several, in the present and current one thousand five hundred and forty […] year of our lord, the aforesaid Jane Brereton held, had and occupied a pasture called ‘the masons fyld’ at an annual rent of 40s […] 26s 8d being and lying within the bounds and limits of the said parish of Coddington, or of such a […] or intermediate of annual rent for the aforesaid pastures or grazing down to the sum of 20 shillings, and of such and so great a sum or value of such and so much […] as will become more clear and appear in the outcome of this suit; and as before.

[1] This is how the name of the land appears, supposedly in English, but it seems unusual. ‘Teythar’ may be ‘thether’ (OED) so this may be a generic term for a type of pasture. It may also perhaps be a corruption of ‘the herbage’, meaning here grass used for pasture. The name of the field in question (‘the masons fyld’) occurs later.

Transcript

[5/5/1 image 1]

In dei nomine amen coram vobis venerabili viro Magistro georgio Wylmysley in legibus baccallario auctoritate illustrissimi in Christo principis et domini
[nostri Henrici octaui dei gracia Anglie Francie et Hibernie Regis fidei defensoris] et in terris Ecclesie Anglicane et hibernie sub Christo capitis supremis per Reuerendi In Christo
[… permissione diuina] cestrensis episcopi ad causas ecclesiasticas decidendum et terminandum vicario in spritualibus generali Ac eius Consistorij Officiali
[principali … legitime deputato vel] Alio Judice in hac parte competenti quocunque Pars venerabilis viri Johannis felo Rectoris Ecclesie parochialis
[de Codyngton contra et aduersus Johannam Brereton] cestrensis diocesis ac Archidiaconatus eius et vestre Jurisdictionis Necnon contra quemcunque alium
[coram vobis pro eidem in Judicio legitime interuenientem] dicit allegat et in his scriptis
in Jure proponit coniunctim et diuisim Atque Articulatim modo pro vt sequitur

[Imprimis …Johannis felo] Rector de Codyngton supradicta fuit et est ipsamque Rectoriam de Codyngton canonice assecutus
[cum suis juribus et pertinentiis vniuersis et singulis] per nonulla tempora possedit pacifice et quiete provt Saluo infra scriptis sic etiam
[possidet in presenti necnon pro vero rectore et possessore] eidem Rectorie de Codyngton fuit et est communiter dictus tentus habitus et reputatus palam publice
[…]

[Item quod tam de Jure communi] quam de antiqua et laudabili consuetudine legitima et prescripta hactenus a tempore et per tempus
[immemorato et in contradictorio] Judicio sepius obtenta : Jus percipiendi et habendi omnies et omnimodas decimas tam maiores [quam minores …] pascurarum et pasturarum vulgo vocatarum teythanbage? infra fines et limites dicte parochie de Codyngton
[qualitercunque provenientes ad dictum Johannem] felo Rectorem ibidem modernum suos que precessores et predecessores omnies et singulos pertinvit ac pertinere
[debuit et debet etiam in futurum Et ponit coniunctim diuisim et] de quolibet

[Item quod rector ecclesie parochialis de Coddington modernus suisque precessores et] predecessores omnies et singuli per temporibus suis successiuis fuerunt et sunt in pacifica possessione
[seu quasi Juris percipiendi et habendi omnies et omnimodas decimas sub modo et] forma superius specificata et recitata infra parochiam predictam finesque et limites ac
[loca decimabilia eiusdem Rectorie provenientas contingentas] a x ‧ xx ‧ xxx ‧ xl^ta et l^ta annis elapsis ultraque et citra cuius contrarij in memoria hominum non existit
[easque per se et suos per idem tempus perceperunt et habuerunt atque de et cum] eisdem pro ipsorum libitis et voluntatis libere disposuerunt etiam pacifice et quiete vsque ad tempus
[gravaminis infrascriptum et ponit vt supra]

[Item quod omnies et singuli parochiani dicte parochie de Codyngton quam alij extran]ei qui infra fines et limites eiusdem parochie aliquas pascuasve pasturas habuerint vel
[occupauerunt … soluerunt redderunt et satisfece]runt seu saltem fit soluisse reddidisse et satisfecisse debuerunt rectori perpetuo supradictus
[et precessoribus ac predecessoribus suis omnibus et singulis a tempore et per tempus cuius] contrarium in memoria hominum non existit pro decimis pascurarum seu pasturarum suarum
[vulgo vocatarum teythanbage anno quolibet vjs viijd secundum] annuales redditu eadem siue eiusdem pascuarum siue pascue viij^d legalis monete provt testes fide-
[dignos et … sufficienter in fine huius litis liquidabitur et apparebit] et ponit vt supra

[Item quod … Regni nostro subditi et subiecti qui ecclesias …] ve personas suo Jure debito maliciose priuare presumunt et sunt ipso facto in maioris
[excommunicationis dampnabiliter … Juxta Juris debitam exigentiam] puniendum et corrigendum et ponit vt supra

[Item quod … Junij Julij Augusti Septembris Octobris Novembris] Decembris Januarij Februarij Martij seu Aprilis eorundemve mensium vno siue pluribus
[presenti et currenti Anno domini Millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo … prefata Johanna Brereton] tenvit habuit et occupauit vnam pascuam vocatam the masons fyld annvalis
[redditu xls … ] xxvjs viijd infra fines et limites dictam parochiam de Codyngton existentam et
[jacentam …vel intermedia] annvalis redditus predictarum pascuarum vel pascurarum vsque ad summam xxs ac de tali et tanta
[summa ve valore quali et quanta …] in eventu huius litis plenius liquidabitur et apparebit et vt supra

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/5/1 image 2]

Also, that the aforesaid Jane Brereton, who had or has nothing of right in the said rectory of Coddington in any way, heedless of the health of her soul and not fearing to fall under penalty of the law […] field or grazing land being and lying within the bounds and limits of the said parish of Coddington commonly called […] belonging and appertaining […] in the name of his rectory aforesaid contrary to and against the will of the same present rector […] subtracted and occupied for herself and retained and had and converted, ordered and acquired to her criminal use […] to the distinguished rector […] and he propounds as before.

Also, that […] of the abovesaid field or grazing land, commonly called ‘teythar bache’, as is thus aforesaid taken and […] by the aforesaid Jane Brereton in the present year aforesaid, according to the annual rate of rent of the aforesaid pastures and the custom of the said parish […] to the sum or value of 6s 8d; and this party claims and libels of such […] up to the sum of twelve pence, and of such and so great a sum of such and so much […] through trustworthy and […] witnesses sufficiently in the outcome of this suit; and he propounds as before.

Also, that and although the aforesaid Jane Brereton aforesaid on several occasions was duly requested and asked rightly and in due form of law, to give, pay, provide or deliver to the distinguished John Fellow, rector […] these said tithes of the aforesaid close, pasture or grazing as thus aforesaid taken and […] by the same Jane Brereton or to duly compound with him in that respect, yet she, Jane Brereton, has not wished to do so, but has wickedly and […] refused […] defers and refuses at present to no small and serious prejudice of the said present rector and his rectory; and […] example of other Christian faithful […] and involving himself; and he propounds jointly and severally.

Also, that […] of Chester diocese and notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction in that respect.

Also, that it was and is on the part and behalf of the abovesaid rector of Coddington that complaint is rightly and lawfully made to you and to Chester your consistory court.

Also, that all and singular matters were and are true, public, notorious, manifest and well-known, and public voice and fame are circulating about the same […] in the said parish of Coddington and other places surrounding the same.

Whereupon, due proof being made as is required by law in this regard, the party of the said rector of Coddington on behalf of his right, title and […] the tithes of the pasture, close or grazing aforesaid maliciously and unjustly had and subtracted by the said Jane Brereton in her […] by the aforesaid Jane Brereton belonging and appertaining to the said present rector by right and in the name of his rectory of Coddington […] and thus should be decreed and declared so to belong and appertain and the same Jane Brereton […] of the said pasture or grazing aforesaid specified in the manner as is aforesaid commonly called ‘teythar bage’ […] of Coddington judicially obliged and compelled and […] condemned in the lawful expenses incurred on behalf of the aforesaid rector of Coddington by reason of this suit, and he protests those to be incurred, and, having been condemned that she is canonically obliged and compelled to the real payment of the same and in the said sentence of major excommunication culpably incurred by occasion of the premisses […] by you and passing your definitive sentence or final decree in this respect, distinguished judge aforesaid; and otherwise, that what will have been of right and reason in the premises and anything concerning them may be done, established […]; which the party of the said rector of Coddington propounds jointly and severally, not obliging himself to prove all and singular the premises, nor to the burden of superfluous proof, concerning which he protests, but so far as he will have proved in the premises, thus far may he obtain in the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office in the premises and matters concerning them, lord judge aforesaid […] of amending […] and correcting this libel at a suitable and opportune time and place.

Transcript

[5/5/1 image 2]

[Item quod prefata Joanna Brereton qui nihil Juris in dicta rectoria de Cod]yngton habuit aut habet aliqualiter animæ suæ salutis immemor in penam Juris cadere
[non formidans … pascuram ve pascurarum] infra fines et limites dicte parochie de Codyngton excistentium et Jacentium vulgo vocatarum
[…nomine] rectorie sue antedicte pertinentium et spectantium preter et contra voluntatem eiusdem Rectoris presenti
[…subtraxit et occupauit ac penes se] retinvit et habuit ac in vsum suum nepharium convertit mandauit et fecit dicto discreto
[rectori …] et ponit vt supra

[Item quod … supradictarum pascuram et pascurarum vulgo] vocatarum teythar betge sic vt prefertur predicta Johanna Brereton presenti anno predicto percepit et
[…secundum Ratus annualis redditus predictarum pascuarum] et consuetudinem dicte parochie ad summam siue valorem vjs viijd ac dat et libellat pars ista de quolibet
[… vsque ad summam duodecimi denariorum ac de tali] et tanta summa quali et quanta per testes fidedignos et […] sufficienter in eventu huius
[litis … et ponit vt supra]

[Item quod licet prefata Johanna Brereton antedicta ad ] dictarum decimarum cla<v>surarum pascuarum siue pascurarum sic vt prefertur per ipsam Johannam Brereton
[perceptarum et …ac iteratis temporibus] debite requisata et interpellata fuit ipse tamen Johanna Bereton dictas huiusmodi decimas
[dicto discreto Johnne felo Rectore … iuste et] indebite Juris forma traddere soluere prestare seu liberare aut cum eo in hac parte debite componere noluit
[sed nequiter et … recusauit … difert et recusat in presenti] dicto Rectoro moderno ac eius Rectorie preiudicium non modicum et graumen ac aliorum
[christifidelium exemplum … ] et se ipsum involuendum et ponit coniunctim et diuisim

[Item quod … cestrensis diocesis ac vestre] Jurisdictionis et in ea parte notorie subdita et subiecta

[Item quod fuit et est ex parte et per partem supradicti] Rectoris de Codyngton ad vos et Curiam vestram cestrensem rite et legitime querelatum

[Item Quod omnia et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica] notoria manifesta et famosa ac in dicta parochia de Codyngton et locis alijs eidem circumvicinis de et
[super eisdem … laborant publica vox et fama]

Vnde facta fide in hac parte de Jure requisitur petit pars dicti Rectoris de Codyngton pro Jure titulo et
[…] decimas pascuarum clausurarum seu pascurarum predictarum per dictam Johannam Brereton in sua
[… per predictam Johannam] Brereton maliciose et iniuste habitas et subtractas ad dictum Rectorem modernum Jure et nomine
[rectorie sue de Codyngton … spectauisse et] pertinuisse ac sic spectare et pertinere debere decerni et declarari ipsamque Johannam
[Brereton … dictarum pascuarum] siue pascurarum predictarum modo vt prefertur specificatarum vulgo vocatarum teythar bage dicto
[… de Codyngton Judicaliter cogi et compelli et … in expensis legitimis] per partem predicti Rectoris de Codyngton occatione huius litis factis et protestatur
[de faciendis condemnari condemnatamque ad Realem solutionem earundem] canonice cogi et compelli ac in dictam maioris excommunicacionis sententiam premissis occatione damnabiliter incidisse
[… per vos et vestram] sentenciam diffinitiuam seu finale decretum in hac parte ferendam Judex egregie antedicte Vlteriusque fieri statui
[…quod Juris fuerit et rationis premissa] proponit et fieri petit pars dicti Rectoris de Codyngton coniunctim et diuisim
[non arctans se ad omnia et singula premissa probanda nec ad onus superflue] probationis de quo protestatur sed quatenus probauerit in premissis
[eatenus obtineat in petitis Juris beneficio in omnibus semper saluo vestrum] officium in premissis et ea concernentibus humiliter implorando
[…] domine Judex antedicte
[… de addendo … et corrigendo] hunc libellum pro loco et tempore congruis et oportunis

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/5/1 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Libel of the rector of Coddington in a cause of tithes […].

[…] Jane Brereton in a cause of subtraction of tithes.

[in pencil in a different hand]

Tithes

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

Transcript

[5/5/1 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Libellus Rectoris
de Coddington
in causa decimarum
[…]

[…] Janam Brereton in causa subtractionis decimarum

[in pencil in a different hand]

Tithes

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

People

John Fellowe, rector of Coddington – plaintiff

Jane Brereton– defendant

Officials

George Wilmesley – official principal

Places

Coddington

Notes

This dispute seems to concern an ‘agistment tithe’ which was a tithe levied on the owner of land which was let out for grazing cattle. This type of tithe was chargeable at the rate of one tenth of the rent for the pasture land. Of the figures which are clear in this cause, the amount of 8d represents one tenth of 6s 8d (80d) which is the rental mentioned. However, the extensive damage to the document makes it difficult to decipher.

Ref: EDC 5/4/1

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Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/4/1 – Libel in defam. cause: Petronelle Danyell v. Joan Walton of Lower Knutsford. 1543.

Summary:

Pernell Danyell contra Joan Walton

Depositions in this cause may be found at CALS EDC 2/2 ff. 530v-531 (taken on 16 October 1543) and ff. 544v-545 (taken on 26 October 1543). The witnesses are not questioned as to the truth of the allegation, but only whether the defendant made the alleged statement.

Year

1543

Type of Cause:

Defamation – sexual slander

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/4/1 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: before you, venerable Master George Wilmesley, Bachelor of Law, by the authority of the most illustrious Prince in Christ and our master, Henry the eighth, by the grace of God King of England and France, Defender of the Faith […] and of Ireland and on earth supreme head under Christ […] lawfully appointed by the reverend in Christ, John, by divine permission bishop of Chester, to decide ecclesiastical causes within the diocese of Chester, by the same authority vicar general in spirituals, or any other lawfully deputed judge competent in that behalf; the party of the honest woman Pernell Daniel against Johanna Walton of the parish of Knustford of the archdeaconry of Chester of Chester diocese and of your jurisdiction, and against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law jointly, severally and in articles as follows:

1 Firstly, that all and singular subjects and subordinates of this realm of England who for the sake of gain, hatred or favour or any other […] speak, express, proffer or utter abuse, disparagements or calumnious or contumelious words sounding or tending to the discredit, blackening, injury or diminution of the good fame of any person against good morals, whereby among good and serious people […] should be, were and are to be canonically punished and are to be obliged and compelled to desist from these abuses and these other words.

2 Also, that the aforesaid Joan Walton not being ignorant of the premises but forgetful of the welfare of her soul, being induced, as it is believed, by an evil spirit, defamed the said Pernell Danyell, previously in no way defamed among good and serious people, in the township of Bexton, of and upon the crimes set out below in the months of January or February in the one thousand five hundred and 42nd year of our Lord and also around the feast of the nativity of St John the Baptist[1] […] in June or July in the present and current one thousand five hundred and 43rd year of our Lord, in one or other of the aforesaid years and months in the township aforesaid she expressed, spoke, uttered and declared the following scandalous, disparaging, calumnious, injurious words […] trustworthy and honest people of and upon the crime of incest or fornication, in the common tongue ‘Parnell and hyr brother Robert Danyell dyde lye to gether and dolt carnally[2] or bodily to ge[ther …] Parnell hade a childe beffor Cristmase a more or a lesse’ or by other defamatory words importing […]; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any part thereof.

3 Also, that by occasion and reason of this defamation and the aforesaid imposition of a crime, and the utterance and declaration of the aforesaid words, the standing and good fame of the said Parnell are injured and also she and her reputation are burdened, blackened and diminished and she, Parnell, was and is at no little expense and otherwise and elsewhere wearied, vexed, burdened, oppressed and perturbed in many different ways, and among and between good and substantial people she is of less reputation and favour and good and substantial people have ascribed and given, and ascribe and give, less trust and favour to the same Parnell by reason of the premises; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any part thereof.

4 Also, that before this defamation and the aforesaid crime and injury and the aforesaid imposition, utterance and declaration of the abusive insulting, scandalous and calumnious words and until then, the aforesaid Pernell was a woman of good fame, unblemished reputation and honest conversation, and previously in no way defamed among and between good and substantial people; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any part thereof.

5 Also, that the aforesaid Joan Walton was and is of the parish of Knutsford of the archdeaconry of Chester of Chester diocese and notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction, and she is had, held and openly, publicly and notoriously known and reputed as such and for such; and he propounds as before.

Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, flagrant and well-known and public voice and fame were circulating of and upon the same, just as they are circulating at present, in the parish of Knutsford and other parishes, townships and places neighbouring the same.

Whereupon, due proof being made, as is required in that respect upon all and singular of which matters the libelling party aforesaid prays for right and justice in the premises and that the aforesaid Joan has culpably sustained and incurred the sentence of excommunication by reason of the premises and that she will be excommunicated […] and should denounced as such and for such and will be pronounced, decreed and declared and for her imposition and assertion should be punished and duly punished according to the due requirement of law, and that she, Joan, will be obliged and compelled that she will desist from these disparagements, abuses, calumnies, dishonesties and injuries and these injurious, defamatory words; and also will be condemned in the lawful costs incurred on the part of the aforesaid Pernell Danyell in this matter, and he protests those to be incurred, and, having been condemned, will be canonically obliged and compelled to the real payment of the same by you and your passing your definitive sentence in that behalf, lord judge aforesaid; and furthermore that what may be of law and reason in the premises and matters concerning them may be done, established and decreed; this party propounds the premises and prays that they are done jointly and severally, not obliging himself to prove all and singular the premises, nor to the burden o a superfluous proof, concerning which he protests, but so far as he has proved in the premises thus far may he obtain in the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office in the premises, distinguished judge aforesaid.

[1] This feast is observed on 24 June.

[2] carnal dole = sexual intercourse

Transcript

[5/4/1 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis venerabili viro Magistro Georgio Wilmysley in legibus baccallario Auctoritate Ill[ustrissimi in Christo]
principis et domini nostri Henrici octaui dei gracia Anglie et Francie Regis fidei defensoris ac et in terris […]
et Hibernie sub Christo capitis supremi ad causas ecclesiasticas decidendum infra diocesis Cestrensis per reuerendum [in Christo]
Johannem permissione diuina Cestrensis episcopum eandem auctoritate vicario in spritualibus gen[erali legitime]
fulcito seu alio Judice in hac parte competenti quocunque legitime deputato Pars honeste
mul[ieris Petronelle Danyell]
contra et aduersus Johannam Walton parochie de knottisforth Archidiaconatus Cestrie Cestrensis diocesis ac vestre Jurisdi[ccionis ac contra quemcunque alium]
coram vobis in Judicio legitime intervenientem pro eadem dicit allegat et in hijs scriptis
in Jure proponit coniunctim et diuisim atque articulatim prout [sequitur]

1 Inprimis quod omnes et singuli huius regni Anglie subditi et subiecti qui gratia lucri odij vel fauoris seu quacun[que …]
convicia vituperia verba ve calumpniosa aut contumeliosa ad infamiam denigracionem lesionem vel diminusionem [bone fame]
sonancia vel tendencia contra bonos mores de aliquo dicunt emittunt proferunt seu predicant vnde apud bonos [et graves …]
fit fuerunt et sunt canonice puniendi ut ab huiusmodi convicijs et alijs verbis huiusmodi desistant cogendi et compellendi

2 Item quod prefata Johanna Walton premissorum non ignara Imo salutis anime sue Imemor spritu ut creditur maligno [ducta dictam Petronellam Danyell]
de et super criminibus infrascriptis apud bonos et graues per prius minime diffamata in villa de Bexton [mensibus]
Januarij siue februarij Anno domini Millesimo quingentesimo xlij^o Necnon circiter festum Nativitatis sancti Johannis Bapt[iste …]
Junij seu Julij presenti et currenti anno domini Millesimo quingentesimo xliij^o In villa predicta siue vno vel [alio predictorum annorum]
et mensibus verba scandalosa vilipendiosa calumpniosa Iniuriosa sequentia protulit dixit emisit et predicant […]
fidedignis et honeste personas de et super crimine incestus seu fornicacionis diffamauit prout in vulgari[s …]
Parnell and hyr brother Robert Danyell dyde lye to gether and dolt carnally or bodily to ge[ther …]
Parnell hade a childe beffor Cristmase a more or a lesse seu per alia verba diffamatoria hijs similia […]
importancia et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et de quolibet

3 Item quod pretextu et occasione huiusmodi diffamacionis ac criminis predicti imposicionis prefatorumque verborum prolacionem et [emissionis status]
et bona fama dicte Petronelle leduntur necnon ipsa et eius opinio grauantur denigrantur et attenuantur ipsaque [Petronella fuit et]
est in nonnullis expensis ac alias et aliunde mulipliciter fatigata vexata onerata grauata et perturbata ac a[pud et inter bonos et]
graues minoris reputacionis bonique et graues adhibuerunt et dederunt adhibentque et dant eidem Petronelle [minorem fidem atque]
favorem pretextu premissorum et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et de quolibet

4 Item quod prefata petronella ante huiusmodi diffamacionem et criminium ac conviciorum verborum contumeliosorum scandalosorum [et]
calimpniosorium predictum Imposicionem assercionem et predicacionem predictum et vsque ad eas fuit mulier bone fame op[inionis illese et]
conuersacionis honeste ac apud et inter bonos et graues pro prius minime diffamata Et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et de q[uolibet]

5 Item quod prefata Johanna Walton fuit et est parochie de knottisforth Archidiaconatus Cestrie Cestrensis diocesis ac [vestre Jurisdiccioni notorie] subdita et subiecta ac pro tali et ut talis habita tenta ac palam publice et notorie cognita et reputata et ponit [ut supra]

6 Item quod premissa omnia et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta et famosa ac de et super omnib[us et singulis]
in dicta parochia de knotisforth alijsque parochiis villis et locis eidem convicinis laborarunt prout in presenti laborant [publica vox et fama]

Vnde facta fide que requisitur in hac parte super quibus omnibus et singulis pars libellans predicta petit Jus et Justiciam [sibi in premissis]
ac predictam Johannam in excommunicacionis sententiam dampnabiliter incedisse et incurrisse premissorum pretextu atque excommunicatum [fuisse …]
pro tali et ut talis denunciandum fore debere pronunciari decerni et declarari ac pro imposicionem et assercionem suis [iuxta Juris]
debitam exigentiam puniendum fore et debite puniri ac ipsam Johannam ut ab huiusmodi vituperijs convicijs calumpn[ijs …]
vilipendosis inhonestis Iniuriosis verbisque diffamatorijs desistat cogi et compelli Necnon in expensis le[gitimis per partem]
prefate petronelle Danyell in hac parte factis et protestatur de faciendis insuper condempnari ac condempnatam ad [realem]
solucionem earundem canonice cogi et compelli per vos et vestram sententiam diffinitiuam in hac parte ferendam domine Judex a[ntedicte Vlteriusque]
fieri statui et decerni in premissis et ea concernentibus quod Juris fuerit et racionis Premissa proponit et fieri [petit pars ista]
coniunctim et diuisim Non arctans se ad omnia et singula premissa probanda nec ad onus superflue probacionis de quo prot[estatur Sed quatenus]
probauerit in premissis eatenus obtineat in petitis Juris beneficio in omnibus semper saluo vestrum officium in [premissis humiliter]
implorando Judex egregie antedicte

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/4/1 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Libel of Pernell Danyell against Joan Walton in a cause of defamation.

[in pencil in a different hand]

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

Transcript

[5/4/1 image 2]

[Endorsement]

libellus Petronelle Danyell contra Johannam
alton in causa diffamacionis

[in pencil in a different hand]

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

People

Pernell Danyell – plaintiff

Joan Walton – defendant

Robert Danyell – brother of the plaintiff; named in the libel

Officials

George Wilmesley – chancellor of the diocese of Chester

Subjects

Defamatory words

Women

Places

Knutsford

Bexton

Ref: EDC 5/3/2

Widget not in any sidebars

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/3/1,2 – Libel & exceptions in tithe cause: Thomas Valentyne gent. Of Benclif in pa. Eccles co. L v. Sir Richard Brereton kt. Farmer of tithes of Eccles. 1542

Summary:

Sir Richard Brereton contra Thomas Valentine – exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff

These exceptions indicate that Thomas Valentine had been working for Sir Richard Brereton and deponents in this cause (CALS EDC 2/2 ff. 456v-457v) stated that it had been agreed that his wages would comprise tithes of his own land ‘as longe as they cold agree and now about mydsomer last Master Brereton … discharged hym’. However, Thomas Valentine claimed that he was still entitled to the tithes in dispute. He also claimed that any dispute in this matter should be heard by the secular courts.

Exceptions against the libel are filed as EDC 5/3/1.

Year

1542

Type of Cause:

Tithes – wheat

Cause Papers:

Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff

Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/3/2 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; in a certain pretended cause of subtraction of tithes, which is disputed and depending undecided before you, venerable Master George Wilmesley, Bachelor of Laws, vicar general in spirituals and lawfully supported official principal for deciding ecclesiastical causes within the diocese of Chester of his consistory by the authority of our most illustrious prince in Christ and our lord Henry the Eighth, by the grace of God king of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, and on earth supreme head under Christ of the English and Irish church […] bishop by the same authority; or your commissary or any other judge whomsoever competent in this behalf; between the venerable Sir Richard Brereton, knight, pretended plaintiff and complaining party on the one part and the distinguished Thomas Valentine, gentleman, defendant and party complained of, on the other part, in the term judicially assigned to him for speaking and excepting against the persons, statements and depositions of certain pretended witnesses invalidly produced upon […] and the articles of a certain pretended libel on behalf of the said venerable Sir Richard Brereton, knight; the party of the said Thomas Valentine, against all and singular the same pretended witnesses, and their persons, statements and the pretended depositions of the same, says, alleges and in these writings propounds, excepting, jointly and severally as follows:

1 Firstly, the party of Thomas Valentine, in excepting, propounds against James Crompton, the first pretended witness, that his testimony is null, false and invalid and for the whole and entire time of his production, admission and oath-swearing he has been and was a useless, inept and unsuitable witness and to be prohibited, excluded and rejected from testimony in this respect inasmuch as the said James is a tenant and servant of the said Richard Brereton, knight, and of his livery and profits and emoluments namely, the collected, received and acquired the tithes both mixed and minute and real, predial and personal within the parish of Deane and in any parts of the same parish, to the use and profit of the said Sir Richard Brereton; and he is a supporter and promoter of the said pretended suit; and he maintains and keeps in his house a certain […] Brereton, son of the said Sir Richard begotten from an illegitimate union, and he is unreliable […] and changeable and not in agreement with his fellow-witnesses as clearly appears in his pretended depositions and statements, to which this party refers so far as is necessary to him and not otherwise or in any other way.

2 Also, this party, in excepting, propounds against Ralph Heyton, the second pretended witness, that his testimony is null, false and invalid and he is to be prohibited, excluded and rejected from testimony in this respect inasmuch as for the whole and entire time of his production, admission and oath-swearing he has been and was, just as he still is, principal supporter, sustainer, friend and prosecutor of this pretended cause of the said Sir Richard Brereton, knight, not only in this pretended cause but also in a certain other pretended cause which the said venerable knight before you against William Hulton of Farnworth, esquire, Thomas Lee, Hugh Forster and Peter Bradshaw; and […] Ralph Heyton occupies and holds certain lands and tenements in the parish of Deane by concession, rental and demise of the said Richard Brereton […] and the said Ralph Heyton dwells, sleeps and stays in his mother’s house and occupies and holds certain of her lands and has converted […] to his own benefit and so lives with and under his mother for his board and lodging and support as will become clear and appear by lawful proofs; and this party refers as before.

3 Also, in excepting, this party propounds against John Carison, the third pretended witness, that his testimony is null, false and invalid and he is to be prohibited, excluded and rejected from testimony in this respect inasmuch as for the whole and entire time of his production, admission and oath-swearing he has been and was, just as he still is, principal supporter and friend of the party producing him, and he is a stranger and outsider in this […] Eccles because he is of the parish or chapelry of Shocklach in the county of Chester; and he has effectually deposed nothing of his own certain knowledge […] from hearsay and the reports of others, nor of the name or position of this pretended close called ‘heefeld’ or ‘Barnerfeld’ within […] of Eccles because such a close does not […] within the township of Eccles, as is suggested or supposed in the said pretended libel, […] conflicting, unique and singular, as is clearly evident from his pretended depositions and statements, to which this party refers himself as far as is necessary to him and not otherwise.

Transcript

[5/3/2 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen In quadam pretensa causa subtraccionis decimarum que coram vobis venerabili viro Magistro Georgio [Wilmesley]
in legibus baccallario Auctoritate Illustrissimi in christo principis et domini nostri Henrici octaui dei gratia Anglie Francie et [Hibernie Regis]
fidei defensoris et in terris ecclesie Anglicane et Hibernice sub christo capitis suprimi per reuerendum in christo […]
permissione diuina Cestrensis episcopum eandem Auctoritate ad causas ecclesiasticas decidendum infra diocesem Cestrensem [vicario in spiritualibus]
generali ac eius Consistorij Officiali principali legitime fulcito vestro ve Commissario [seu alio Judice] in hac parte competente quocunque [inter]
venerabilem virum Richardum Brereton militem partem pretensam actricem et querelantem ex vna et discretum virum [Thomam]
Valentyne generosum parochie de Eccles partem ream et querelatam partibus ex altera vertitur et pendet indec[isa in termino sibi]
Judicaliter assignato ad dicendum et excipiendum contra personas dictas et depositiones quorundam pretensorum testium [super …]
et articulis cuiusdam pretensi libelli ex parte dicti venerabilis viri Richardi Brereton militis nulliter productorum pars d[icti Thome Valentine]
contra eosdem pretensos testes omnes et singulos eorumque personas dicta et deposiciones pretensis eorundem dicit allegat et [in hijs]
scriptis excipiendo proponit coniunctim et diuisim prout sequitur

1 In primis pars Thome Valentyne excipiendo proponit contra Jacobum Crompton primum
pretensum testem quod ipsius testi[monium est]
nullum falsum et invalidum ac toto et omni tempore sue produccionis admissionis ac Juramenti prestacionis fuit et erat testis [inutilis]
ineptus et Inidoneus ac a testimonio in hac parte prohibendo repellendo et reijciendo pro eo <videlicet> et ex eo quod dictus J[acobus est]
tenens et serueus dicti Richardi Brereton militis ac de eius roba proficuaque et emolumenta videlicet decimas tam [mixtas]
et minutas quam reales prediales et personales ad vsum et proficium dicti domini Richardi Brereton infra parochiam de Dean […]
aliquibus partibus eiusdem parochie collegit recipit et acquirit fautorque et promotor dicti pretensi litis Ac quendam […]
Brereton filium dicti domini Richardi ex illegitimo coitu procreatum in domo suo fouet et tenet estque varius […]
ac discrepans et non concordans cum contestibus suis prout in suis pretensis deposicionibus et dictis liquide apparet […]
se refert pars ista excipiens quatenus sibi expedit et non aliter neque alio modo.

2 Item pars ista excipiendo proponit contra Radulphum Heyton secundum pretensum testem quod ipsius testimonium est nullum falsum et invalidum [ac a]
testimonio in hac parte prohibendo repellendo et reijciendo pro eo et ex eo quod toto et omni tempore sue produccionis admissionis [et]
Juramenti prestacionis fuit et erat prout adhuc est principalis fautor sustentator amicus et prosecutor huiusmodi pretensa [causa]
dicti domini Richardi Brereton militis non solum istius pretense litis veram eciam in quadam alia <pretensa> causa que dictus venerabilis miles coram vo[bis]
contra Willielmum Hulton de Farnworth Armiger Thomam Lee Hugonem Fostar et petrum Bradsha occupatque et tenet […]
Radulphus Heyton quasdam terras et tenementa in parochia de Dean ex concessione locacione et dimissione dicti Richardi Brere[ton]
habitatque cubat et Jacet dictus Radulphus Heyton in domo matris sue ac quasdam ex illis terris occupat et tenet […]
et commodum suum proprium conuertit et sic cum et sub matre sua quoad victum et vestitum ac tenens viuit prout per probaciones l[egitimas liquebit]
et plene apparebit et refert se pars ista ut supra

3 Item excipiendo pars ista proponit contra Johannem Caryson tercium pretensum testem quod ipsius testimonium est nullum falsum et invalidum [ac a]
testimonio in hac parte prohibendo repellendo et reijciendo pro eo et ex eo quod toto et omni tempore sue produccionis admissionis [et Juramenti]
prestacionis fuit et erat prout adhuc est principalis fautor et amicus partis eum producentis estque extraneus et alienus in huiusmodi […]
Eccles quia est parochie siue capelle de Shocklach Comitatis Cestrie Nichilque effectualiter deponit ex certa sua scientia […]
auditu et relacione aliorum neque de nomine seu situacione ipsius pretense clausure vocate heefeld siue Barnerfeld infra […]
de Eccles quia talis clausura saltem infra villam de Eccles prout in dicto pretenso libello suggeritur seu supponentur non […]
varius vnicus et singularis prout in suis pretensis deposicionibus et dictis liquide patet ad quas et que se refert pars ista
quatenus sibi expedit et non aliter

Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/3/2 image 2]

4 Also, in the case that the said Thomas Valentine received, took and had certain tithes of wheat from a certain close of his and converted and applied them to his own use (but not from a certain close called ‘heefeld’ or ‘Branefeld’ as in the said […] libel is alleged) which this party expressly does not admit but denies, however the aforesaid Thomas tithed […] in heaps, ‘hattockes’[1] […] and after he tithed them he applied and […] them to his own use by concession, rental, gift and demise of the […] Richard Brereton, knight, for the true and faithful service done and rendered to the aforesaid Richard and his salary, as was fair, permissible and just to him as will become clear and clearly appear by lawful and sufficient proofs.

5 Also, that all and singular the said pretended witnesses are singular, conflicting and in no way in agreement, lying, incited, coached and instructed how and what they should depose in the said pretended cause, and clearly appears in their pretended depositions and statements; to which this excepting party refers so far as is necessary to him, and wishes to have here inserted, and not otherwise or in any other way, and he propounds […] and concerning any part thereof.

6 Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, evident and famous and public voice and fame were, just as they are at present, are circulating of and upon the same in the parish of Eccles and other surrounding parishes, townships and places.

Whereupon, due proof being made as required in this regard, the party of the said Thomas Valentine, gentleman, all and singular these said […] coached, instructed, presumptuous, hired, pretended witnesses and their statements and depositions are decreed, pronounced and declared to be null and void, by reason that they are thoroughly lacking in all proof […]; and that he, Thomas Valentyne, is to be […] and absolved from the petition and presumptuous vexation of the same Richard Brereton, knight, aforesaid, together with the lawful expenses incurred in this respect, and he protests those to be incurred, and that this pretended cause will be dismissed to the royal court by you and your passing definitive sentence in this respect, lord judge aforesaid. The party of the aforesaid Thomas Valentine propounds the premises and prays that they may be done jointly and severally, not binding himself to proving all and singular the premises, but so far as he shall prove in the premises so much may he obtain of the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office so far as is necessary for a complement of justice.

[1] hattock = a group of sheaves of corn, placed upright with two sheaves placed over them to keep off the rain (OED online).

Transcript

[5/3/2 image 2]

4 Item casu quo dictus Thomas Valentyne recepit percepit et habuit certas decimas siliginis ac ad vsum suum proprium co[nvertit et]
applicauit ex quadam sua clausura (sed non ex quadam clausura vocata heefeld siue Branefeld prout in dicto […]
libello allegatur quod non expresse fatetur pars ista sed diffatetur Attamen prefatus Thomas in Acervos hattockes […]
decimauit et postque decimauit easdem ad vsum proprium ex concessione locacione donacione et dimmissione […]
viri Richardi Brereton militis ac pro vero et fideli seruicio ac salario suo prefato Richardo facto et impenso applicauit et […]
equium licitum et iustum sibi fuerat prout per probaciones legitimas et sufficientes liquidabitur et plene apparebit

5 Item quod dicti pretensi testes omnes et singuli sunt varij singulares discrepantes et nullo modo concordantes falsi subornate doc[ti et]
Instructi qualiter et quid in dicta pretensa causa deponerent prout in suis pretensis deposicionibus et dictis plene liquet ad [quem]
se refert pars ista excipiens quatenus sibi expedit et hic pro insertis habere vult et non aliter neque alio modo et ponit […]
ac de quolibet

6 Que omnia et singula premissa fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta et famosa ac de et super eisdem in dicta [parochia de]
Ecclijs alijsque parochiis villis et locis circumvicinis laborarunt prout in presenti laborant publica vox et fama

Vnde fact[a fide in]
in hac parte de Jure requisita petit pars dicti Thome Valentyne generosi dictos huismodi pretensos testes omnes et singulos […]
doctos instructos subornatos conductos eorumque dicti et deposiciones nullas et invalidas omnique fide prorsus carentes […]
pretextu decernendum pronunciandum et declarandum Ipsumque Thomam Valentyne ab impeticione et iniusta ac temeraria [vexacione]
dicti Richardi Brereton militis antedicti vnacum expensis legitimis in hac parte factis et protestatur de faciendis […]
et absolui ac huismodi pretensam causam ad forum regium dimittendum fore per vos et vestram sentenciam diffinitiuam in hac parte ferendam [domine Judex]
antedicte. Que omnia et singula premissa proponit et fieri petit
pars antedicti Thome Valentyne coniunctim et diuisim Non arc[tans se ad]
omnia et singula premissa probanda Sed quatenus probauerit in premissis eatenus obtineat
in petitis Juris beneficio in omnibus [semper]
saluo vestrum officium quatenus oporteat pro complemento Justicie humiliter implorando.

Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/3/2 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Exceptions Valentine against Richard Brereton, knight, in a cause of subtraction of tithes.

1542

[in pencil in a different hand]

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

Transcript

[5/3/2 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Excepciones Valentine contra Richardum Brereton
militem in causa subtraccionis decimarum

1542

[in pencil in a different hand]

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

People

Sir Richard Brereton – plaintiff

Thomas Valentine – defendant

James Crompton – witness for the plaintiff

Ralph Heyton – witness for the plaintiff

John Carison – witness for the plaintiff

Officials

George Wilmesley – chancellor of the diocese of Chester

Subjects

Illegitimacy

Right of action

Witnesses

Places

Deane

Eccles

Shocklach

Related Causes

EDC 5/3/1 – Sir Richard Brereton contra Thomas Valentine

Ref: EDC 5/3/1

Widget not in any sidebars

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/3/1,2 – Libel & exceptions in tithe cause: Thomas Valentyne gent. Of Benclif in pa. Eccles co. L v. Sir Richard Brereton kt. Farmer of tithes of Eccles. 1542

Summary:

Sir Richard Brereton contra Thomas Valentine – exceptions against the libel

Exceptions against the witnesses are filed as EDC 5/3/2.

Year

1542

Type of Cause:

Tithes – barley; tithes – rye

Cause Papers:

Exceptions against the libel

Exceptions against the libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/3/1 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; in a certain pretended cause of subtraction of tithes, which is in effect disputed and pending undecided before you, venerable Master George Wilmesley, Bachelor of Laws, official principal of the Chester consistory court, between Sir Richard Brereton, knight, farmer, as he alleges, of the rectory of […], of Chester diocese on the one part, and the distinguished Thomas Valentine, gentleman, of Bentcliffe, of the parish […] of the parish of Eccles, on the other part; the party of the said Thomas Valentine against the said Richard Brereton and against any other person whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same, and also against a certain pretended libel on behalf of him, Sir Richard Brereton, against the aforesaid Thomas Valentine in this alleged cause, and whether offered and by the power of […] consonant way, method and form of law and to every suitable effect of law which may follow therefrom, says, alleges and in these writings propounds in law jointly and severally as follows;

Firstly, that the party of the said Sir Richard Brereton should not nor cannot help himself by reason of the declarations or narratives in his said pretended libel, nor the tithes in that respect […] which or […] acquire or intend any other advantage or benefit in law whatever inasmuch as the said Thomas Valentine for the whole and entire time libellate in that respect and before and since was, just as he is at present, […] or an inhabitant of the village or hamlet of Eccles of the said parish of Eccles, and as such and for such was commonly held […] openly, publicly and notoriously.

[…] libelled in that whence and to whom the tithes of grain by the said Sir Richard Brereton from the aforesaid Thomas Valentine […] are and claimed within the neighbourhood, surroundings and confines of the village or hamlet of Monton are confirmed and lay and […] commonly held and reputed.

[…] that although the said Thomas took and had and applied and converted to his own use tithes of barley and oats of the said third of an acre or half an acre in a certain place called […] in Monton as is suggested in libelling, which thus alleged […] which this party does not admit, propounding in turn, but denies; not only the same tithes of barley and oats […] and singular tithes of grain from Bentcliffe, his demesne farm, of Henry Oldham, Thomas Smyth, Richard Nedham, of the village or hamlet […] of Eccles, and also of all and singular tithes of grain ‘in the whetcroft’ and ‘stokkynkes’ in the village or hamlet of Barton […] tithed for two complete years without the interruption or opposition of any aforesaid […] before the aforesaid suit was moved or begun […] Valentine used, enjoyed and gained possession of and also took, had, applied and converted to his own use all and singular the same tithes with knowledge and permission formerly (as is aforesaid) tithed by the aforesaid Richard Brereton, farmer aforesaid, […] and with the permission of the said venerable Richard Brereton, knight, for his true, just and faithful service and for his salary […] and was spent he took, had and applied and converted to his own personal use as would have been fair, permissable and just to him on account of […] lawful and sufficient as will become clear and plainly appear.

[…] that by reason of matters set out already and by occasion and reason of the premises this said pretended cause better appertains to the royal court than to the ecclesiastical by reason […] all and singular the said tithes should first of all have been tithed and afterwards taken and kept by the said Thomas Valentine by reason of the gift […] of the rental and discharge aforesaid to him by the said venerable man permitted him to do on account of the true, just and faithful service and as his salary […] [and] converted and applied to his own use as is fair and just.

Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, evident and famous and public voice and fame were and are circulating upon the same.

Whereupon, due proof being made as required in this regard, the party of the said Thomas Valentine prays that justice may be done and administered to him in the premises […] and that the complaint of the aforesaid Sir Richard Brereton will be sent and dismissed to the royal court and with the observation of your judgement in that respect; and also that he, Sir Richard Brereton will be condemned in the costs of this suit, by you and your passing definitive sentence or final decree in this respect; and otherwise, that what will have been of right in the premises and anything concerning them may be done, established and decreed, which the party of the said Thomas Valentine propounds and prays will be done jointly and severally; not binding himself to prove all and singular the premises, nor to the burden of a superfluous proof, against which he protests, but only as much may realise the confirmation of his claim as in the premises, or may be required by law; reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office, lord judge aforesaid.

Transcript

[5/3/1 image 1]

[In dei] nomine Amen in quadam pretensa causa subtraccionis decimarum que coram vobis venerabili viro Magistro Georgio W[ilmesley]
[in legibu]s baccallario Officiali Consistorialis Episcopalis Cestrensis inter Richardum Brereton militem firmarium ut asseruit rectorie de
[…] Cestrensis diocesis ex parte vna et discretum virum Thomam Valentyne de benchlif generosum parochie […]
[par]ochie de Eccles ex parte altera de facto vertitur et pendet indecisa pars dicti Thome Valentyne con[tra et adversus]
[dictum] Richardum Brereton ac contra quemcunque alium coram <vobis> pro eodem in Judicio legitime intervenientem Necnon contra quendam [pretensum]
[libellum ex] parte ipsius domini Richardi Brereton contra prefatum Thomam Valentyne in asserta causa huiusmodi vtrumque oblatum vimque […]
[…] consonum via modo et Juris forma melioribus ac ad omnem Juris effectum commodiorem qui exinde sequi poterit […]
[dicit allegat] et in hijs scriptis in Jure proponit coniunctim et diuisim prout sequitur

[In pri]mis quod pars dicti domini Richardi Brereton ex deductis et narratis in dicto suo pretenso libello Juuare aut decimas in ea parte […]
[…] qui vel […] quicquid aliud comodum seu emolumentum acquerere vel sentere de Jure non debet neque potest
[pro] eo videlicet ex eo quod dictus Thomas Valentyne toto et omni tempore in hac parte libellato anteaque et citra fuit prout in presenti est
[…] siue habitatorum villule seu hamelecte de Eccles dicte parochie de Eccles ac pro tali et ut talis communiter habitus […]
[…] palam publice et notorie

[…] in hac libellatum vnde et de quabus decime granorum per dictum dominum Richardum Brereton ab predicto Thoma Valent[yne …]
[…] sunt et vendicate infra ambitum circuitum et precinctum villulle seu hamlecte de Monton firmantur et Jacent ac per […]
[…] communiter habiti et reputati

[…] quod licet dictus Thomas decimas ordij et Avenarum dictarum tercium acrarum siue dimedium Acre in quodam loco vocato […]
[…]ackes in monton percepit et habuit ac ad vsum suum proprium applicauit et conuertit prout per libellantem suggeritur que sic all[egatur…]
[…] non fatetur pars ista respectiue proponens sed diffatetur Non solum easdem decimas ordij et Auenarum […]
[…] singulas decimas granorum de benclif fundum sui domincalis Henrici Oldome Thome Smyth Richardi Nedham villule seu [hamlecte]
[…] de Eccles Necnon omnes et singulas decimas granorum in the whetcroft et stokkynkes villenele seu hamlecte de Barton
[…] decimatorum per duos annos integros ante pretencis litis mote seu inchoate absque interrupcione seu contradiccione alicuis prefat[…]
[…]
[… V]alentyne vsus gauisus et potitus sunt ac eciam percepit habuit applicauit et ad vsusm suum proprium conuertit prefatus Richardus B[rereton]
[firm]arius antedictus ad sciente et tollerante Easdem decimas omnes et singulas per prius (ut prefertur) decimatas […]
[…] et dimissione dicti venerabilis viri Richardi Brereton militis pro vero iuste ac fideli seruicio ac sala[rio] suo […]
[…] et impenso percepit habuit ac ad vsum suum proprium prout equium licetum et iustum sibi fuerat applicuit et conuertit pro […]
[… legit]imas et sufficientes liquidabitur et plene apparebit

[…] quod dicta huiusmodi pretensa causa occasione premissa ac premissorum occasione et pretextu potius tangit forum Regnium quam ecclesiasticam rac[…]
[…] dicte decime <omnis et singulis> primo et ante omnia decimato fuerint ac postmodum per dictum Thomam Valentyne percepte et habite racione dona[…]
[…] locacionis et dimmissionis predictis sibi per dictum venerabilem virum pro vero iusto et fideli seruicio ac salario suo […]
[…] suum proprium conuerte et applicate prout equium et iustum ei licebat facere

[Item] quod premissa omnia et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta et famosa ac de et super eisdem laborarunt et laborant pu[blica]
[vox et] fa[m]a

Vnde facta fide de Jure in hac parte requisita petit pars dicti Thome Valentyne Justiciam
sibi in premissis fieri [et ministrari]
[…] predicti domini Richardi Brereton instanciaque et obseruacione Judicij vestrum in hac parte ac ad forum regnium premissorum occasione […]
[…] mittendum fore et dimitti Necnon ipsum dominum Richardum Brereton in expensis huius litis condempnari per vos et vestram s[ententiam]
[diffinitivam si]ue finale decretum in hac parte ferendam Vlteriusque fieri statui et decerni in premissis et ea concernentibus quod Juris fuerit […]
[…] q[ue] proponit et fieri petit pars dicti Thome Valentyne coniunctim et diuisim Non arctans se ad omnia et singula premissa <probanda> nec ad onus
[su]perflue probacionis de quo protestatur Sed ad ea tantum que ad suam intencionem in premissis fundandam proficiat vel fuit de Jure requisit[…]
[Ju]ris beneficio in omnibus semper saluo vestrum officium domine Judex antedicte humiliter implorando

Exceptions against the libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/3/1 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Material on behalf of Thomas Valentine against Richard Brereton, knight, in a cause of subtraction of tithes

1542

[in pencil in a different hand]

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

Transcript

[5/3/1 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Materia ex parte Thome Valentyne contra Richardum Brereton
militem in causa subtraccionis decimarum

1542

[in pencil in a different hand]

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

People

Sir Richard Brereton – plaintiff

Thomas Valentine – defendant

Officials

George Wilmesley – chancellor of the diocese of Chester

Subjects

Right of action

Places

Deane

Eccles

Related Causes

EDC 5/3/2 – Sir Richard Brereton contra Thomas Valentine

Ref: EDC 5/2/1

Widget not in any sidebars

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/2/1 – Libel in tithe cause: Sir Ralph Brereton Kt. Farmer of tithes of Eccles & Dean co. L. v. Peter Bradshaw, William Hilton, Thomas Lee & Hugh Forster of pa. Dean 1541. (roll form, c. 8 ft. long)

Summary:

Sir Richard Brereton contra William Hilton, Thomas Lee, Hugh Forster and Peter Bradshaw

This cause concerned the tithes of the parishes of Eccles and Deane. The parishes had belonged to Whalley Abbey before its dissolution in 1537, as is mentioned in the libel, and it is possible that any failure to pay may have resulted from the change of ownership. The situation was complicated by two factors. Firstly, the farm of the parishes had been granted by the king to John Penne, who had sub-let to Sir Richard Brereton. Secondly, at the time of the first lease Deane was a chapelry of Eccles, but by the time of this libel it had been made a parish in its own right.

This libel is very long and the original catalogue entry states that leaves, as sewn together, were in a roll about eight feet long. It is the only libel that I have seen so far in Chester which ends ‘finis’ as though the scribe were relieved to have got through it all.

Year

1541

Type of Cause:

Tithes – grain; Tithes – hay

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/2/1 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: before you, venerable and distinguished Master George Wilmesley, vicar general in spirituals and official principal of the right reverend father in Christ, John, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester […] and to determine certain ecclesiastical causes in the diocese of Chester lawfully deputed by authority of the King or any other judge whomsoever competent in that behalf; the party of the venerable and distinguished Sir Richard Brereton, knight, farmer of our lord, Henry the Eighth, by the grace of God king of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, and on earth supreme head of the churches […] of Ireland, of the rectories of the parish churches of Eccles and Deane, with the chapels of the same, against William Hilton, Thomas Lee, Hugh Forster, parishioners of the parish church of Deane […] of the parish church of Eccles of the archdeaconry of Chester and the diocese of Chester and of your {and} jurisdiction and any of them whomsoever, jointly and severally; and also against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same, or any of them, by way of complaint and complaining to you in this behalf, says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law in articles as follows:

1 Firstly, namely that once, in times gone by, in the county of Lancashire, then of Coventry and Lichfield diocese, at this time of the diocese of Chester, there was a certain monastery rightly and lawfully founded, erected, constructed and established called in the common tongue, Whalley, in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of Saint […] consisting of one abbot and of monks perhaps to the number of about thirty of the Cistercian order, […]the rule of almighty God was served continuously there; and this was and is […] notorious, manifest and well-known; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points.

Transcript

[5/2/1 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis venerabili et egregio viro Magistro georgio Wemmysley Reuerendi In Christo patris et domino domino
Johannis permissione diuina Cestriensis episcopi vicarius In spritualibus generalis ac eius consistorij Officialis principalis
[…] ad quascunque causas ecclesiasticas terminandum in diocesis Cestriensis auctoritate Regio legitime deputato aut
Alio Judice In ea parte competenti quocunque pars venerabilis et Egregij viri magistri Richardi brereton militis firmarij
domini nostri Henrici octaui dei gracia Anglie Francie et Hibernie regis fidei defensoris et in terris Ecclesiarum
[…] Hibernie Capitis supremi Rectoriarum Ecclesiarum Parochialium de Eccles et Dene cum capellis eijsdem
[contra et aduer]sus Willielmum Hilton Thomam Le Hugone Forstar parochianos Ecclesie parochialis de Deane
[…] ecclesie parochialis de Eccles Archidiaconatus <cestrie> Cestrensisque diocesis et vestre et Jurisdicionis ac
eorum quemlibet per se diuisim et in solidum necnon Contra quemcunque allium coram vobis pro eijsdem seu eorum quemlibet
in Iudicio legitime Interuenientem per viam querele et vobis in hac parte querelando
dicit Allegat <et> In hijs scriptis
in Jure proponit articulatim provt sequitur

[1] In primis videlicet quod olim retroactis temporibus In comitatu Lankaustrie Tunc Couentrensis et lichfeldensis diocesis modo Cestriensis
diocesis quoddam monasterium vulgariter nuncupatum Whalley In honore beate Marie Virginis et sancti [blank] de
vno abbato et circiter triginta [?] forsan expresse numero monachorum ordinis cisterciensium omnipotenti deo subregulari
[…] continue ibidem deseruitur rite et legitime fundatum erectum constructum et stabilitum fuit hocque fuit et est
[… no]torium manifestum et famosum et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et de quolibet

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/2/1 image 2]

2 […] by the erection, construction of these rectories of the parish churches of Eccles and Deane, formerly of Coventry and Lichfield diocese and Canterbury province, at this time of the diocese of Chester and York province, and the chapelries belonging to them, together with their universal rights and appurtenances, belonged to the same monastery while it existed as an entity with its essentials, of and with the consent and assent of all and singular persons who had right or interest in that respect, rightly and lawfully annexed, appropriated and incorporated into one, and were donated and granted to the abbey and convent’s own use for their possession perpetually, saving for the time being reserving the portion of the vicars of those parish churches in their time and this was and is true, public, notorious and well-known; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points.

3 Also, that the abbey and convent of the said monastery of Whalley, by reason of this appropriation, unification and incorporation of the said rectories of Eccles and Deane and the chapels belonging to them, together with their tithes and other dues and emoluments […] belonging were lawfully attained for some space of time and possessed peacefully and quietly, and as true […] and commonly called, held, had, named and reputed openly, publicly and notoriously as proprietors of the same rectories and parish churches of Eccles and Deane with their chapels; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points.

Transcript

[5/2/1 image 2]

[2] […] erectione constructione huismodi Rectorie ecclesiarum parochialarum de
Eccles et dene nuper Couentrensis et lichfeldensis diocesis ac Cantuarensis provincie modo Cestriensis diocesis et Eboracensis provincie
et capelle eijsdem pertinentes vna cum suis Juribus et pertinentijs vniuersis eidem monasterio dum in rerum natura ac suis
Essentialibus extiterat de et cum consensu et assensu omnium et singulorum Jus aut interesse in ea parte habetum
Rite et legitime vniter annexe appropriate et incorporate ac in Abbatis <et> conuentis ibidem proprius vsus perpetuo
possidendum donate et concesse fuit salua dumtaxat et Reseruata porcione vicariarum ipsarum Ecclesiarum parochialium
pro tempore existentium hocque fuit et <est> verum publicum notorium et famosum et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et de quolibet

3 Item quod Abbas et conuentus dicti monasterij de Whalley <ratione> appropriationis vnionis et incorporationis huismodi dictas
Rectorias de Eccles et Dene ac capellas eijsdem pertinentes vna cum suis decimis et alijs Juribus et emolumentijs
[…] spectantijs per nonnulla tempora legitima assequti sunt et possidebant pacifice et quiete proque veris et
[…] et propriatarijs earundem Rectoriarum et Ecclesiarum parochialium de Eccles et Dene cum earum capellis
[…] communiter Tenti habiti nominati et Reputati palam publice et notorie Et ponit coniunctim
diuisim Et de quolibet

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/2/1 image 3]

4 Also, that the monastery, to which the said rectories of Eccles and Deane, with the chapels belonging to them, were then appropriated, united and, as aforesaid, annexed together with their all dues, emoluments and universal appurtenances both spiritual and ecclesiastical and temporal whatsoever, was attended, suppressed, brought down and dissolved some time ago by sufficient authority, and for that reason rightly and lawfully transferred, translated and devolved to the legal right and ownership of the said most serene prince, our lord, Henry the Eighth, by the grace of God king of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, and on earth supreme head under Christ of the English and Irish churches, and this was and is true, public, notorious, manifest and well-known; and he propounds as before.

5 Also, that by reason of this attention, suppression, destruction and dissolution and for other reasons the said most serene master, our King, lawfully acquired and for some time thereafter peacefully possessed openly, publicly and notoriously the aforesaid monastery of Whalley, while it was in existence, together with the rectories of Eccles and Deane aforesaid […] just as is aforesaid perpetually united, annexed and incorporated, and either of them respectively, with their rights and universal appurtenances; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points.

6 Also, that the same most powerful lord, our king, after and since the premises and being in full possession and seised of the aforesaid rectories of Eccles and Deane with their chapels belonging to them and the tithes, emoluments, rights and universal appurtenances rented and demised them to farm to the venerable Jon Penne, his servants and assigns, for certain years not yet passed by his letters thereupon drawn up and signed, or otherwise, and this was and is true, public, notorious, manifest and well-known; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points.

7 Also, that the said John Penne, farmer of the said lord, our king, after he obtained to farm the said rectories of the parish churches of Eccles and Deane with their chapels and with all tithes, dues and emoluments belonging to and flowing from them, and either of them, and held them with all their rights and appurtenances for some time and occupied this to his own use and was openly, publicly and notoriously reputed, called and known as farmer of the same churches with the chapels belonging to them; and the same John Penne, in peaceful possession of the said parishes

Transcript

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4 Item quod dictum monasterium de Whaley cui dicte Rectorie de Eccles et Dene cum capellis eijsdem spectantis tunc
Appropriate vnite et vt premittitur incorporate fuerant vna cum suis Juribus emolumentis ac pertinentis vniuersis
tam spiritualibus et ecclesiasticis quam temporalibus quibuscunque fuit Jamdudum auctoritate sufficiente attentum suppressum
extinctum et dissolutum ac ea de causa ad ius et propprietas dicti serenissimi principis domini nostri Henrici
octaui dei gracia Anglie francie et Hibernie regis fidei defensoris et in terris ecclesie anglicane et
Hiberniae sub christo capitis supremi Rite et legitime deuectum translatum et deuolutum fuit Hocque fuit et
est verum publicum notorium manifestum et famosum Et ponit vt Supra

5 Item quod Ratione attencionis suppressionis Extincionis et dissolutionis huiusmodi ac aliorum premissorum pretextu
dictus serenissimus dominus noster Rex prefatum monasterium de Whalley vna cum rectorijs de Eccles et deane predictis […]
sicut predicitur perpetue vnite annexe et incorporate eorumque respectiue Juribus et pertinentijs vniversis legitima assecutum fuit
per aliquid tempus et extunc pacifice possidet palam publice et notorie Et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et de quolibet

6 Item quod idem potessimus dominus noster Rex post et citra premissa atque in eorum plena possessione et sesina existens
prefatas rectorias de eccles et deane cum suis capellis eijsdem spectantiis et decimis Emolumentijs Juribus
et pertinentiis uniuersis venerabili viro John Penne eius seruenti et Assignatis suis per certis Annis nondum effluxis per suas
litteras superinde confectas et Sigillatas seu Alias ad firmam locauit et dimisit hocque fuit et est verum publicum
notorium manifestum et famosum Et ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

7 Item quod dictus Johannis Penne fermiens dicti domini nostri regis postque dictas Rectorias Ecclesiarum parochialium de
Eccles et Dene cum capellis et omnibus decimis iuribus et emolumentis eijsdem et eorum vtrique spectantijs et
effluxis ad firmam obtinerit et illas cum omnibus suis iuribus et pertinentijs habuerit et pro nonnulla tempore
huiusmodi ad vsum suum occupauerit ac pro firmario earandem Ecclesiarum cum capellis eisdem spectantijs palam publice
et notorie reputatus et nominatus et cognitus <fuerit> et idem Johannes Penne in pacifica possessione dictorum

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

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Translation

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and emoluments and all future years […] and not yet passed which he had and also […] his right title and interest which he had and at present has in this farm by rental made by the said most illustrious Prince to him and his assigns during his term, he has given up to the said venerable Master Richard Brereton, knight, and the said rectories of the parish churches of Eccles and Deane with their chapels and tithes and he has newly leased, demised and granted all other rights and emoluments belonging and appertaining to the same for the years and entire term to farm to him and his assigns; and by his letters drawn up upon the same and sealed with his seal or otherwise has named, assigned and deputed the same venerable Master Richard Brereton, knight, as his assign and farmer of the same as is aforesaid; and this was and is true, public, notorious, manifest and well-known; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any of these points.

8 Also, that by pretext and reason of the aforesaid, the said venerable Master Richard Brereton was and is commonly called, held, had, named and reputed openly, publicly and notoriously as farmer of the said rectories of Eccles and Deane and their chapels, together with these their tithes, emoluments and dues in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January and February in the one thousand five hundred and fortieth year of our Lord and also in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January and February in the one thousand five hundred and forty-first year of our Lord, now current, and in either of those years in either or the other, and in any of the months aforesaid, in one or another, and long before; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any of these points.

9 Also, that as well by common law and by the union, appropriation and incorporation aforesaid by reason of the premises as by ancient laudable and lawful prescribed custom, hitherto inviolably and steadfastly used and observed from time immemorial and often upheld in judgment in a contested cause, the right of receiving and having all and singular tithes both greater and lesser, mixed and minute tithes and other ecclesiastical emoluments and dues whatsoever (excepting the portion of the vicars aforementioned) and especially tithes of grain, namely corn, wheat, barley, oats and peas, or of any other grain whatsoever and also of hay in whatsoever lands, farmland, fields, meadows and pastures within the two parishes of Eccles and Deane and the bounds and limits and the tithable places of the same, whenever and in whatever way to the said monastery of Whalley, and to the abbot and convent there with their possessions

Transcript

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parochijs et emolumentiis ac omnes Annos <…> futuros et nondum effluxos quos habuit ac etiam […] Jus
suum titulum et interesse quod in huiusmodi firmam habuit et in presenti habet per locatione dicti illustrissimi
Principis sibi et Assignatis suis durante termino suo factam dicto venerabili viro magistro Ricardo Brerton
militi ac assignatis suis relaxauit ac dictas rectorias Ecclesiarum parochialium de Eccles et Dene
cum eorum capellis et decimis ac omnibus Alijs Juribus et emolumentis eijsdem spectantijs et pertinentijs pro annis
et toto termino suis sibi et Assignatis suis de nouo ad firmam locauit dimisit et concessit ipsumque
venerabile virum magistrum Ricardum brerton militem Assignatum suum et firmarium earandem vt prefertur per litteras suas
superinde confectas ac suo sigillio Sigillatas seu Alias nominauit Assignauit et deputauit hocque fuit
et <est> verum publicum notorium manifestum et famosum Et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et de quolibet

8 Item quod obtentu et Ratione premissorum dictus venerabilis vir magister Ricardus brerton dictas rectorias de Eccles et
Dene et eorum capellis vna cum suis decimis emolumentis et iuribus huiusmodi mensibus martij Aprilis
maij Junij Julij Augusti septembris octobris nouembris decembris Januarij et februarij Anno domini
millesimo quingentecimo quadragesimo necnon mensibus martij Aprilis maij Junij Julij Augusti septembris octobris nouembris
decembris ianuarij et februarij Anno domini millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo primo Jam instante ipsorumque Annorum vtraque
siue Altro ac mensium predictorum Aliquibus vno siue Aliquo et large Antea pro firmario dictarum
Rectoriarum fuit et est communiter dictus tentus habitus nominatus et reputatus palam publice et notorie
Et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et de quolibet

9 Item quod tam de iure communi ac vnione Appropriacione et incorporacione predictorum Aliorumque premissorum pretextu
quam de antiqua laudabili legitimeque prescripta consuetudine a tempore immemorato hucvsque inviolabiliter et
inconcusse vsitata et obseruata ac in contradictorio iudicio sepius obtenta ius
percipiendi et habendi
omnes et singulas decimas tam maioris quam minores mixtas minutas ac alia Jura et emolumenta
ecclesiastica quemcunque (salua portione vicariorum prememoratorum et presertim decimas granorum videlicet frumenti
siliginis ordij auenorum et pisorum seu Alterius cuiuscunque granorum ac etiam feni in quibuscunque
terris fundis pratis pascuis et pasturis infra dictas parochias de eccles et dene finesque
et limites ac loca decimabilia earandem quandocunque et quamodocunque Respectiue prouenientes et contingentes

Libel (image 5)

Original Document

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Translation

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while they existed as an entity, and after the dissolution, extinction and suppression of that place, as related before, notoriously belonged and belongs and so ought also to have belonged, to belong and ought in future to our lord king aforesaid and afterwards to the said John Penne, farmer of the said lord king and now to the said venerable Sir Richard Brereton, knight, depute and assign of the said John Penne, farmer respectively by right and in the name of the said rectories of Eccles and Deane with their chapels; and this was and is true, public, notorious, manifest and well-known; and he propounds as before.

10 Also, that the abbot and convent of the said monastery of Whalley, during the time it was in existence, while they existed as an entity, and before the dissolution, attention and suppression aforesaid in peaceful possession, or virtually so, of the right of receiving and having by right and in the name of the said rectories all and singular tithes, both greater and lesser, mixed and minute, and the dues and emoluments aforesaid, and especially tithes of corn, wheat, barley, oats and peas, or of any other grain whatsoever and also of hay, arising and growing in the manner aforesaid for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years, and before and since and also from the time and throughout the time of the beginning or to the contrary of which there exists no memory of men, and in succession after and since this dissolution and suppression, our aforesaid lord king and the said John Penne, farmer mentioned before, similarly were hitherto, and they and their men respectively took them during the same time and freely disposed of and with them as it suited them peacefully and quietly of their own free will and likewise the aforenamed venerable Sir Richard Brereton, knight, farmer aforesaid, took, had and disposed at present by right and in the name of

Transcript

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{provenientes et contingentes} ad dictum monasterium de Whalley <ac> abbatem et conuentem ibidem dum in rerum natura ac suis
essentialibus extiterunt atque post illius loci dissolutionem extinctionem et suppressionem prenarratos
ad prefatum dominum nostrum regem ac postea ad dictum Johannem Penne firmarium dicti domini regis et nunc
Ad dictum venerabilem virum dominum Ricardum brerton militem deputatum et Assignatum dicti Johannis Penne
Firmarij huiusmodi Respectiue Jure et nomine <dictorum> Rectoriarum de eccles et dene cum capellis notorie pertinuit
pertinetque ac sic pertinere debuit et debet et debebit etiam in futurum hocque fuit
et est verum
publicum notorium manifestum et famosum Et ponit vt Supra

10 Item quod Abbas et conuentus dicti monasterij de Whallae pro tempore existens dum in eorum essentialibus
ac rerum natura existebant ac ante dissolutionem Attencionem et suppressionem predictorum fuerit in
pacifica possessione seu quasi iuris percipiendi [et] habendi iure et nomine dictarum rectoriarum omnes
et singulas decimas tam maiores quam minores mixtas <et> minutas et iura et emolumenta predictas
et presertim decimas frumenti siliginis ordij Auenarum pisorum seu alterius cuiuscunque granorum
ac <etiam> feni modo premisso prouenientes et contingentes A x xx^ti xxx^tixl^ta l^ta et lx^taannis vltraque
et citra necnon A tempore et per tempus cuius initij siue contrarij memoria hominum non
existit ac successiue post et citra dissolucionem et suppressionem huiusmodi prefatus dominus noster
Rex et dictus Johannes Penne firmarius prelibatus memoratus hucusque similiter fuerit easque per se
et suos per idem tempus respectiue perceperit atque de et cum eijsdem per ipsorum libitis voluntatum
libere deposuerunt pacifice et quiete sicque percepient possident habent et disponent in presenti
prenominatus venerabilis vir dominus Ricardus brerton miles firmarius memoratus iure et nomine dictarum

Libel (image 6)

Original Document

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Translation

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[…] was and is true, public, notorious, manifest and well-known; and he propounds as before.

11 Also, that the said William Hilton in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January and February in the one thousand five hundred and fortieth and 41^st year of our Lord, in any of the same months and years whatsoever, in one or another, held, had and occupied ten acres of arable land of oats in the place or field commonly called ‘derlayglad hey’ and ‘Redford in his demayne’ sited and situated within the said parish of the parish church of Deane of Chester diocese, and this propounding party gives and libels of whatever lesser number of acres aforesaid, down to two acres of land; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

W Hilton
‘Darlay glad
haye’ and ‘Radford
in his demesne’ 10
acres

12 Also, that the said Thomas Lee in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January and February in the one thousand five hundred and fortieth and 41^st year of our Lord, in any of the same months and years whatsoever, in one or another, held, had and occupied four acres of oats in the field commonly called ‘mutchaw the new marled yerth in the hyll’ sited and situated within the said parish of the parish church of Deane, and this propounding party gives and libels of whatever lesser number of acres aforesaid, down to two acres of land; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

Thomas Lee
4 acres
in ‘notshawe
the newe
marled
yerth’

Transcript

[5/2/1 image 6]

[…] fuit et est verum publicum notorium manifestum et famosum
Et ponit vt Supra

11 Item quod dictus Willielmus Hilton mensibus martij Aprilis maij Junij Julij Augusti Septembris
octobris nouembris decembris Januarij et februarij Anno domini millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo et xlj^o
eorundemve mensium et Annorum quolibet vno siue Aliquo decem Acras terre Arabiles avenorum
in loco sie in campo vulgo vocato derlayglad hey et Redford in his demayne infra parochiam ecclesie parochialis
de dene Cestrensis diocesis siti et situati ac dat et libellat pars ista proponens de quolibet numero
minorem acrarum predictarum vsque ad duas acras terre tenuit habuit et occupauit et ponit vt supra

[marginal note]

W Hulton
Darlay glad
haye et Radford
in dominico x
acras

12 Item quod dictus Thomas le mensibus martij Aprilis maij Junij Julij Augusti septembris octobris
nouembris decembris Januarij et februarij Anno domini millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo et xli^oeorundemve
mensium et Annorum quolibet vno siue Aliquo quatuor Acras Avenorum <in campo> vulgo vocato mutchaw the new
marled yerth in the hyll infra parochiam dictam parochialis Ecclesiale de dene siti et situati ac dat et
libellat pars ista proponens de qualibet numero minorem Acrarum predictarum vsque ad duas acras terre tenuit
habuit et occupauit Et Ponit vt Supra

[marginal note]

Thomas lee
iiij^oacras
in notshawe
the newe
marled
yerth

Libel (image 7)

Original Document

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Translation

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13 Also, that the said Hugh Forster in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January and February in the one thousand five hundred and fortieth and 41^st year of our Lord, in any of the same months and years whatsoever, in one or another, held, had and occupied 4 acres of oats and barley in the field called ‘the newe close mosse Filde’ and ‘barli crofft’ sited and situated within the parish of the parish church of Deane aforesaid, and this propounding party gives [and] libels of whatever lesser number of acres aforesaid, down to two acres of land; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

Hugh Forster
4 acres in
a field called
‘the newclose mosse feld’
and ‘barly croft’

14 Also, that the said Peter Bradshaw in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January and February in the one thousand five hundred and fortieth and 41^st year of our Lord, in any of the same years and months whatsoever, in one or another, held, had and occupied three acres of oats and barley in the field called ‘the heythe’ sited and situated within the parish of the parish church of Eccles, and this propounding party gives and libels of whatever lesser number of acres aforesaid, down to two acres of land; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

Peter Bradshaw
three acres in
a field called
‘the heyth’

15 Also, that the said William Hilton in the years and months mentioned in a recent article and in one or other of the years and months aforesaid, in one or another, had, possessed or occupied ten acres of land, farm or meadow called ‘horhey medo’ and ‘steward medo’ and hay growing and coming on and from the same farms, lands or meadows respectively within the parish of Deane aforesaid, and the bounds and limits of the same by him and his men to the number of twenty vehicles loaded with hay in English ‘xx^ty lode of haye’; and he propounds of whatever other number of vehicles intermediate or lesser down to the number of two vehicles thus loaded totally and completely gathered, had and taken by him and his men and at his own freedom and will disposed, applied and converted to his own convenience and use and of such and so great a number of which in the event of this suit by lawful proofs will become more clear and this was and is true, public and notorious, manifest and famous; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

William Hilton
10 acres called
‘horhey medo’
and ‘steward
medo’

Transcript

[5/2/1 image 7]

13 Item quod dictus Hugo forstart mensibus martij Aprilis maij Junij Julij Augusti septembris octobris
nouembris decembris Januarij et februarij Anno domini millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo et xli^o
eorundemve mensium et Annorum quolibet vno siue Aliquo iiij^or Acras Avenorum et ordij In campo vocato
the newe close mosse Filde et barli crofft infra parochiam ecclesie parochialis de dene Antedictam siti et situati
ac dat libellat pars ista proponens de qualibet numero minorem Acrarum predictarum vsque ad duas acras terre
tenuit habuit et occupauit Et ponit vt Supra

[marginal note]

Hugo foster
iiij^oacras in
campo vocato
the newclose mosse feld
et barly croft

14 Item quod dictus Petrus Bradsha mensibus martij Aprilis maij Junij Julij Augusti septembris octobris
nouembris decembris Januarij et februarij Anno domini millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo et xlio
eorundem ve mensium et Annorum quolibet vno siue Aliquo tres Acras Avenarum et ordij In campo vocato
the heythe Infra parochiam ecclesie parochialis de Eccles siti et situati ac dat et libellat pars
ista proponens de qualibet numero minorem acrarum predictarum vsque ad duas acras terre tenuit
habuit et occupauit Et ponit vt supra

[marginal note]

Petrus bradsha
iij^esacras in
campo vocatas
the heyth

15 Item quod dictus Willielmus Hilton Annis et mensibus in proximo Articulo mencionatis dictorum que Annorum vtroque
siue altro ac mensium predictorum aliquibus vno siue Aliquo decem Acras terre fundi
et prati
vocati horhey medo et steward medo habuit possidebat et occupauit atque fenum in et ex
eijsdem fundis terris siue pratis respectiue crescens et proveniens per se et suos ad numerum
viginti vehiculorum feno onustatorum anglice xx^ty lode of haye infra parochiam de deane predictam
ac fines et limites eiusdem Et ponit de quolibet aliud numero Intermedio vel minori
vehiculorum huiusmodi vsque ad numerum duorum vehiculorum sic onustatorum de talique et tanto numero de quo in
eventu litis huiusmodi per probationis legitimas plenius liquebit per se et suos totaliter et integraliter
collegit habuit et percepit atque ad eius libituam et voluntatem propriumque comodum et vtilitatem
disposuit Applicuiut et convertebat hocque fuit et est verum publicum et notorium manifestum et
Famosum Et ponit vt supra

[marginal note]

Willielmus hulton
x Acras vocatas
horhey medo
et steward
medo

Libel (image 8)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/2/1 image 8]

16 Also, that the said Thomas Lee in the years and months mentioned in a recent article and in one or other of the years and months aforesaid, in one or another, had, possessed or occupied five acres of land, farm or meadow and hay growing and coming on and from the same farms, lands or meadows respectively within the parish of Deane aforesaid, and the bounds and limits of the same by him and his men to the number of ten vehicles loaded with hay in English ‘ten lode of hay’; and he propounds of whatever other number of vehicles intermediate or lesser down to the number of two vehicles thus loaded totally and completely gathered, had and taken by him and his men and at his own freedom and will disposed, applied and converted to his own convenience and use and of such and so great a number of which in the event of this suit by lawful proofs will become more clear and this was and is true, public and notorious, manifest and famous; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

Thomas Lee five
acres of farm and
meadow

17 Also, that the said Hugh Forster in the years and months mentioned in a recent article and in one or other of the years and months aforesaid, in one or another, had, possessed or occupied ten acres of land, farm or meadow called ‘chodlachmedo’ and hay growing and coming on and from the same farms, lands or meadows respectively within the parish of Deane aforesaid, and the bounds and limits of the same by him and his men to the number of ten vehicles loaded with hay in English ‘x lode of haye’; and he propounds of whatever other number of vehicles intermediate or lesser down to the number of two vehicles thus loaded totally and completely gathered, had and taken by him and his men and at his own freedom and will disposed, applied and converted to his own convenience and use and of such and so great a number of which in the event of this suit by lawful proofs will become more clear and this was and is true, public and notorious, manifest and famous; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

Hugh Forster 10
acres called
‘chodlachemedo’

Transcript

[5/2/1 image 8]

16 Item quod dictus Thomas le Annis et mensibus in proximo Articulo mencionatis dictorum que annorum
vtroque siue altero ac mensium predictorum aliquibus vno siue Aliquo quique acras terre fundi
et prati habuit possidebat et occupauit atque Fenum in et ex eijsdem fundis terris siue
pratis Respectiue crescens et proveniens per se et suos ad numerum decem vehiculorum
feno onustatorum anglice ten lode of hay infra parochiam de deane predicto ac fines et limites
eiusdem Et ponit de quolibet Aliud numero Intermedio vel minori vehiculorum huiusmodi vsque ad
numerum duorum vehiculorum sic onustatorum de talique et tanto numero de quo In eventu litis
huiusmodi per probationis legitimas plenius liquebit per se et suos totaliter et integraliter collegit
habuit et percepit atque ad eius libitum et voluntatem propriumque comodum et vtilitatem disposuit
applicuiut et convertebat hocque fuit et est verum publicum et notorium manifestum et famosum
Et ponit vt Supra

[marginal note]

Thomas lee quinque
acras fundi et
prati

17 Item quod dictus Hugo Forstart Annis et mensibus In proximo Articulo mencionatis dictorumque annorum vtroque siue
altro ac mensium predictorum aliquibus vno siue aliquo decem acras terre fundi et prati vocati
chodlachmedo habuit possidebat et occupauit atque fenum in et ex eijsdem fundis terris siue pratis
Respectiue crescens et inde proveniens per se et suos ad numerum decem vehiculorum feno onustatorum
anglice x lode of haye infra parochiam de deane predicto ac fines et limites eiusdem Et ponit
de quolibet aliud numero intermedio vel minori vehiculorum huiusmodi vsque ad numerum duorum vehiculorum
sic onustatorum de talique et tanto numero de quo in eventu litis huiusmodi per probationis legitimas plenius
liquebat per se et suos totaliter et integraliter collegit habuit et percepit atque ad eius libitate et
voluntate propriumque comodum et vtilitatem disposuit <applicuiut> et conuertebat hocque fuit et est verum publicum
et notorium manifestum et famosum et ponit vt Supra

[marginal note]

Hugo fostar x
acras vocatas
chodlachemedo

Libel (image 9)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/2/1 image 9]

18 Also, that the said Peter Bradshaw in the years and months mentioned in a recent article and in one or other of the years and months aforesaid, in one or another, had, possessed or occupied one acre of land, farm or meadow and hay growing and coming on and from the same farms, lands or meadows respectively within the parish of Eccles aforesaid, and the bounds and limits of the same by him and his men to the number of five vehicles loaded with hay in English ‘Fyue lode of haye’; and he propounds of whatever other number of vehicles intermediate or lesser down to the number of two vehicles thus loaded totally and completely gathered, had and taken by him and his men and at his own freedom and will disposed, applied and converted to his own convenience and use and of such and so great a number of which in the event of this suit by lawful proofs will become more clear and this was and is true, public and notorious, manifest and famous; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

Peter Bradshaw
one acre of farm and meadow land

19 Also, that the said William Hilton in the years and months abovesaid, or in any of them, in one or another, caused and employed the said ten acres and parcels of arable land and ten acres of farm and meadow, specified above, or any of them, to be sown and caused to be occupied and used for some seeds: corn, wheat, oats, barley and hay and other similar things as set out above and he had and converted and applied to his own use this grain and hay thus arising therefrom and proceeding from the same places or acres; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

W. Hilton 10 acres etc.

20 Also, that the said Thomas Lee in the years and months abovesaid, or in any of them, in one or another, caused and employed the said four acres and parcels of arable land and five acres of farm and meadow, specified above, or any of them, to be sown and caused to be occupied and used for some seeds: corn, wheat, barley, oats and hay and other similar things as set out above and he had and converted and applied to his own use this grain and hay thus arising therefrom and proceeding from the same places or acres; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

Thomas Lee 4 acres
five acres
of farm and meadow

Transcript

[5/2/1 image 9]

18 Item quod dictus Petrus Bradsha annis et mensibus in proximo Articulo mencionatis dictorumque annorum vtroque
siue altro ac mensium predictorum aliquibus siue aliquo vnam acram terre <fundi> et prati habuit
possidebat et occupauit atque fenum in et ex eijsdem Fundis terris siue pratis Respectiue crescens
et proveniens per se et suos ad numerum quinque vehiculorum feno onustatorum anglice Fyue lode of haye
infra parochiam de Eccles predicto ac fines et limites eiusdem Et ponit de quolibet aliud numero
intermedio vel minori vehiculorum huiusmodi vsque ad numerum duorum vehiculorum sic onustatorum de talique
et tanto numero de quo in eventu litis huiusmodi per probationis legitimas plenius liquebat per se et suos
totaliter et integraliter collegit habuit et percepit atque ad eius libertate et voluntate propriumque comodum
et vtilitatem disposuit applicuiut et conuertebat hocque fuit et est verum publicum et notorium
manifestum et famosum Et ponit vt Supra

[marginal note]

Petrus bradsha
vnam acram terre
fundi et prati

19 Item quod dictus Willielmus Hilton mensibus et annis supradictis seu eorum Aliquibus vel aliquo dictas
x acras et parcellas terrarum Arabiles ac decem acras terre fundi et prati superius
specificatas
seu eorum aliquas nonnullis granis vti frumento siligine ordio auenis ac feno et
Alijs similibus
suprascriptis seminari et occupari fecit et obtinuit ac grana et feni huiusmodi sic
inde proueniens et
ab eisdem locis siue Acris contingens habuit et ad vsum proprium conuertit
et applicauit
Et ponit vt Supra

[marginal note]

W. Hulton x acras etcetera

20 Item quod dictus Thomas le mensibus et annis Supradictis seu eorum Aliquibus vel aliquo dictas
quatuor acras et parcellas terrarum Arabiles ac quinque acras terre fundi et prati superius
specificatas seu eorum Aliquas nonnullis granis vti frumenti siligine auenis ordio et feno ac
alijs similibus suprascriptis seminari et occupari fecit et obtinuit ac grana fenique huiusmodi sic
inde proueniens et ab eisdem locis siue acris contingens habuit et ad vsum proprium conuertit
et applicauit et ponit vt supra

[marginal note]

Thomas lee iiij^oracras
quinque acras
fundi et prati

Libel (image 10)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/2/1 image 10]

21 Also, that the said Hugh Forster in the years and months abovesaid, or in any of them, in one or another, caused and employed the said four acres and parcels of arable land and ten acres of farm, specified above, or any of them, to be sown and caused to be occupied and used for some seeds: corn, wheat, barley, oats and hay and other similar things as set out above and he had and converted and applied to his own use this grain and hay thus arising therefrom and proceeding from the same places or acres; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

Hugh Forster 4
acres and 10 acres
of farm and meadow

22 Also, that the said Peter Bradshaw in the years and months abovesaid, or in any of them, in one or another, caused and employed the said three acres and parcels of arable land and one acre of farm and meadow, specified above, or any of them, to be sown and caused to be occupied and used for some seeds: corn, wheat, barley, oats and hay and other similar things as set out above and he had and converted and applied to his own use this grain thus arising therefrom and proceeding from the same places or acres; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

Peter Bradshaw
three acres and
one acre

23 Also, that the same William Hilton, Thomas Lee, Hugh Forster, Peter Bradshaw and any of them whomsoever in the years and months aforesaid, or in any of those years, in one or another, and in any of those months whatsoever, in one or another, did not pay tithes of grain aforesaid and hay, as it thus aforesaid, proceeding and arising and belonging and appertaining to the said venerable Sir Richard Brereton knight, farmer of the rectories of the parish churches of Eccles and Deane together with the chapels annexed to the same by right and in name of the parish church of Eccles and Deane aforesaid by reason of his farm aforesaid, to the same venerable Master Richard Brereton, knight, the farmer, or to his assign or deputy, nor did they make satisfaction for the same tithes in fact and unjustly subtracted, taken and had by them and their men in the months and years aforesaid, or in any of them whatever, in one or another, or at least ordered and caused them to be thus subtracted and taken and never paid and had and have ordered and approved the subtraction, taking and keeping or non-payment of them in their name and equally accepted it; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

W. Hilton Thomas
Lee Hugh Forster
Peter Bradshaw

Transcript

[5/2/1 image 10]

21 Item quod dictus Hugo Forstart mensibus et annis supradictis seu eorum Aliquibus vel aliquo dictas quatuor
acras <et parcellas> terrarum arabiles ac decem acras terre fundi supius specificatas seu eorum aliquas
nonnullis granis vti frumento siligine ordio et Auenis ac feno et Alijs similibus suprascriptis seminari
et occupari Fecit et obtinuit ac grana et feni huiusmodi sic inde proueniens et ab eisdem locis
siue acras contingens habuit et ad vsum proprium conuertit et applicauit Et ponit vt supra

[marginal note]

Hugo Fostar iiij^or
acras et x acras
fundi et prati

22 Item quod dictus Petrus Bradshae mensibus et annis supradictis seu eorum aliquibus <vel aliquo> dictas tres acras et
parcellas terrarum arrabiles ac vnam acram terre fundi et prati superius specificatas seu eorum aliquas
nonnullis granis vti Frumento siligine ordio Auenis ac Feno et Alijs similibus suprascriptis seminari
et occupari Fecit et obtinuit ac grana huiusmodi sic inde proueniens et [ab] eisdem locis siue acras contingens
habuit et ad proprium vsum conuertit et applicauit et ponit vt supra

[marginal note]

Petrus Bradshae
tres acras et
vnam acram

23 Item quod ijdem Willielmus Hylton Thomas le Hugo forstar Petrus Bradshae et eorum
quilibet
annis et mensibus predictis eorumve annorum vno siue Altro ac ipsorum mensium aliquibus siue aliquo decimas
granorum supradictorum et feni sic vt profertur prouenientium et contingentium et ad dictum venerabilem virum dominum
Ricardum Brerton militem firmarium Rectoriarum Ecclesiarum parochialium de Eccles et dene vna cum
capelliis eisdem annexis Jure et nomine ecclesie parochiali de Eccles et deane predicte et Ratione
sue firme predicte spectantes et pertinentes eidem venerabili viro magistro Ricardo Brerton
Firmario seu eius assignato vel deputato non soluit neque pro eisdem satisfeat que eisdem decimas
mensibus et Annis predictis seu eorum Aliquibus vel aliquo per se et suos de facto et iniuste subtraxit
percepit et habuit seu saltem sic subtrahi percepi et haberi et nunc solui mandauit et fecit et
subtractione perceptione et habitione seu non solutionem huiusmodi suo nomine sic Factum ratum et gratum
habuit et habet pariter et acceptit Et ponit vt Supra

[marginal note]

W. Hilton Tho
lee hugo fostar
Petrus bradshae

Libel (image 11)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/2/1 image 11]

24 Also, that the true value and valuation of the said grain and hay as is thus aforesaid by him, William Hilton, and his men in the months and years aforesaid, or in any one or more of them (in the manner as is aforesaid) collected, kept and taken and disposed of and converted by him by common report of men notoriously amounts to the sum or value of eight shillings sterling, and this party propounding of any other intermediate or lesser sum or value to the sum of 12 pence and of any other sum or value of such and so great an amount as may come to be proved and declared more fully by lawful proofs in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

William Hilton of grain and hay 8 shillings etc.

25 Also, that the true value and valuation of the said grain and hay as is thus aforesaid by him, Thomas Lee, and his men in the months and years aforesaid, or in any one or more of them (in the manner as is aforesaid) collected, kept and taken and disposed of and converted by him by common report of men notoriously amounts to the sum or value of four shillings sterling, and this party propounding of any other intermediate or lesser sum or value to the sum of 12 pence and of any other sum or value of such and so great an amount as may come to be proved and declared more fully by lawful proofs in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

Thomas Lee of grain and hay 4 shillings etc.

26 Also, that the true value and valuation of the said grain and hay as is thus aforesaid by him, Hugh Forster, and his men in the months and years aforesaid, or in any one or more of them (in the manner as is aforesaid) collected, kept and taken and disposed of and converted by him by common report of men notoriously amounts to the sum or value of four shillings and 4 pence sterling, and this party propounding of any other intermediate or lesser sum or value to the sum of 12 pence and of any other sum or value of such and so great an amount as may come to be proved and declared more fully by lawful proofs in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

Hugh Forster of grain and hay 4 shillings 4 pence.

Transcript

[5/2/1 image 11]

24 Item quod verus valor siue estimatio dictorum granorum et feni sic vt premittitur per ipsum Willielmum Hilton et
suos mensibus et annis prelibatis seu eorum aliquibus vel aliquo (modo quo prefertur) collectorum habitorum
et perceptorum et per eum dispositum et conuersum ad summam siue valorem octo solidorum sterlingorum
ac dat et libellat pars ista proponens de qualibet alia Summa siue valore intermedia
vel minori vsque ad summam siue valorem xij^e denariorum de talique et tanta Summa siue valore qualis
et quanta per probationes legitimas In euentu huius litis plenius veniet comprobandum et declarandum
communi hominum estimatione notorie se extendit Et ponit vt Supra

[marginal note]

W. Hilton
granorum et feni
viijs etcetera

25 Item quod verus valor siue estimatio dictorum granorum et feni sic vt premittitur per ipsum Thomam lee et suos
mensibus et annis prelibatis seu eorum aliquibus vel aliquo modo quo prefertur Collectorum habitorum et perceptorum
et <per eum> dispositum et conuersum ad summam siue valorem quatuor solidorum sterlingorum ac dat et libellat pars
ista proponens de qualibet alia summa siue valore intermedia [vel] minori vsque ad summam siue valorem
xij^e denariorum de talique et tanta Summa siue valore qualis et quantus per probationes legitimas
in euentu huius litis plenius veniet comprobandum et declarandum communi hominum estimatione <notorie> se extendit
Et ponit vt Supra

[marginal note]

Thomas lee granorum
et feni iiijs etcetera

26 Item quod verus valor siue estimatio dictorum granorum et feni sic vt premittitur per ipsum hugonem Forstart et
suos mensibus et annis prelibatis seu eorum aliquibus vel aliquo (modo quo prefertur) Collectorum habitorum et
perceptorum et per eum dispositum et conuersum ad summam siue valorem quatuor solidorum et iiijd sterlingorum ac
dat et libellat pars ista proponens de qualibet alia Summa siue valore intermedia vel minori vsque ad
Summam siue valorem xij^e denariorum de talique et tanta Summa siue valore qualis et quantus per probationes
legitimas <in euentu> huius litis plenius veniet comprobandum et declarandum communi hominum estimatione notorie se extendit
Et ponit vt Supra

[marginal note]

Hugo fostar granorum
et feni iiij^s iiij^d

Libel (image 12)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/2/1 image 12]

27 Also, that the true value and valuation of the said grain and hay as is thus aforesaid by him, Peter Bradshaw, and his men in the months and years aforesaid, or in any one or more of them (in the manner as is aforesaid) collected, kept and taken and disposed of and converted by him by common report of men notoriously amounts to the sum or value of two shillings and 4d sterling, and this party propounding of any other intermediate or lesser sum or value to the sum of 12 pence and of any other sum or value of such and so great an amount as may come to be proved and declared more fully by lawful proofs in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

[marginal note]

Peter Bradshaw of grain and hay 2 shillings etc.

28 Also, that the abovementioned William Hilton, Thomas Lee, Hugh Forster, Peter Bradshaw and any of them whomsoever in the months and years aforesaid, or in any of them, have often been suitably, urgently and lawfully asked and requested to pay, make payment and deliver all the tithes of grain and hay aforesaid to the aforenamed Sir Richard Brereton, knight, farmer or to his deputy or [either] of them, according to the custom of the parishes aforesaid, by them, William Hilton, Thomas Lee, Hugh Forster, Peter Bradshaw or by their men, collected, taken, had and not paid and subtracted in the manner aforesaid or the true value or valuation of the same, as mentioned above, or otherwise duly to compound with the same Sir Richard Brereton, knight and farmer, and his assign, or either of them, for the same tithe on the part and behalf of him, Sir Richard Brereton, knight, or either of them; and he propounds as before.

29 Also that the same William Hilton, Thomas Lee, Hugh Forster, Peter Bradshaw and any of them whomsoever thus asked and requested by him, as in the premises or any of them, has not troubled to do so, and does not trouble in the months, year and places aforesaid, or any of them, without there being any reasonable or lawful cause whatever, expressly declined and refused, or at least unduly delayed and deferred and thus delays and defers at present; and he propounds as before.

Transcript

[5/2/1 image 12]

27 Item quod verus valor siue estimatio dictorum granorum et feni sic vt premittitur per ipsum Petrum Bradshae
et suos mensibus et Annis prelibatis seu eorum Aliquibus vel aliquo (modo que prefertur) Collectorum habitorum
et perceptorum et per eum disposit et conuersit ad Summam siue valorem duorum solidorum et iiij^d sterlingorum
ac dat et libellat pars ista proponens de qualibet alia Summa siue valore intermedia seu
minore vsque ad summam
siue valorem xij^e denariorum de talique et tanta Summa siue valore qualis et quantus per probationes
legitimas In eventu huius litis plenius veniet comprobandum et declarandum communi hominum estimacione notorie se
extendit Et ponit vt Supra

[marginal note]

Petus Bradshae
granorum et feni ijs etcetera

28 Item quod prememoratus Willielmus Hilton Thomas le Hugo Forstar Petrus Bradshae et eorum
quilibet mensibus et Annis predictis seu eorum Aliquibus ad soluendum tradendum et liberandum prenominato domino
Richardo Breton militi firmario aut eius deputato seu eorum iuxta consuetudine parochiarum predictarum decimas
omnias granorum et feni predictorum modo predicto per ipsos Willielmum Hilton Thomam le Hugonem Forstar Petrum
Bradshae seu per suos collectas perceptas habitas et non solutas ac subtractas seu verum valorem et estimationem
eiusdem supramencionatas vel ad aliter debite componendum Cum eodem domino Richardo brerton militi et fimario
et eius Assignato et eorum <altio> pro eadem decima ex parte et per partem ipsius domini Richardi Breton militis
et eius deputato aut alterius eorundem sepius congrue instanter et legitime Requisiti fuerunt et interpellati
Et ponit vt Supra

29 Item quod ijdem Willielmus Hilton Thomas le Hugo forstar Petrus Bradshae Et eorum
quilibet
per se sic Requisiti et interpellati premissa seu eorum aliquod facere non curauit necque curat
Annis mensibus et locis predictis seu eorum aliquibus absque causa rationabili seu legitima quacunque subsistens
Renuit expresse et recusauit seu saltem plus debite distulerit sic recusat et differt in presenti
Et ponit vt Supra

Libel (image 13)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/2/1 image 13]

30 Also, that the said William Hilton, Thomas Lee, Hugh Forster, Peter Bradshaw and any of them whomsoever, were and are of the parish of Eccles, of Chester diocese and of York province and notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction in this respect.

31 Also, that it was and is of and upon all and singular the premises that complaint is rightly and lawfully brought on the part and behalf of the aforesaid Sir Richard Brereton, knight, […] farmer of the parish churches aforesaid to you, the aforesaid lord judge and to the aforesaid Chester court, and he propounds as before.

32 Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, manifest and equally well-known and public voice and fame were circulating of and upon the premises, and they are circulating at present.

Whereupon, due proof being made as is required by law in this regard, the party of the said venerable Sir Richard Brereton, knight, farmer of our lord the King, of the said parish churches of Eccles and Deane with their chapels appertaining to them, prays for justice and a complement of justice to be administered to him with effect in the premises and anything whatsoever concerning them and also that the aforesaid William Hilton, Thomas Lee, Hugh Forster, Peter Bradshaw and any of them will be condemned in the tithes of grain and hay aforesaid as is thus aforesaid had, taken, subtracted and not paid by them, and any of them whosoever, if they are still in existence, otherwise in the true value or valuation aforesaid and additionally in the lawful expenses incurred on behalf of him, Sir Richard Brereton, knight, and farmer aforesaid in that respect and he protests those to be incurred, and, having been condemned, that they are obliged and compelled to the due payment of these tithes and expenses by you and your definitive sentence or your final decree, lord judge aforesaid; and otherwise, that what will have been of right and reason in the premises and anything concerning them may be done, established and decreed; which the party of the said venerable Sir Richard Brereton, knight, farmer of the lord king of the said rectories of Eccles and Deane with their chapels jointly and severally, propounds not obliging himself to prove all and singular the premises, nor to the burden of superfluous proof, concerning which he protests, but so far as he will have proved in the premises, thus far may he obtain in the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office, lord judge aforesaid.

The end.

Transcript

[5/2/1 image 13]

30 Item quod dictus Willielmus Hilton Thomas le Hugo Forstar Petrus Bradshae et quilibet eorum
fuit et est parochie de Eccles Cestrensis diocesis Eboracensis et prouincie ac uestre Jurisdiccionis in ea parte notorie subditi
et subiecti

31 Item quod de et super premissis omnibus et singulis fuit et est ex parte et parte antedicti domini Richardi Brerton militis
[…] firmarij Ecclesiarum parochialorum predictorum ad vos prefatum dominum Judicem dictamque curiam Cestrensem Rite et
legitime querelatum Et ponit vt Supra

32 Item quod premissa omnia et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manefesta pariter et famosa
atque de et super eijsdem laborarunt et in presenti laborant publica vox et fama

Vnde facta fide
de Jure In hac parte requisitur petit pars dicti venerabilis viri domini Richardi Brerton militis fimarij
domini nostri Regis dictarum Ecclesiarum parochialium de Eccles et Deane cum eorum capellis eisdem pertinentijs Justiciam
ac Justicie complementum sibi in premissis et in ea consernentibus quibuscunque cum effectu ministrari necnon
prefatos Willielmum Hilton Thomam le Hugonem Forstar Petrum Bradshae et eorum quilibet In decimis granorum
et feni predictis sic vt premittitur per eos et eorum quemlibet habitis preceptis subtractis et non solutis si
extent alioquin In eorum vero valore siue estimacione supradicte et in expensis legitimis per partem ipsius
domini Richardi Brerton militis et fimarij predicti in hac parte factis et protestatur de faciendis insuper
condemnari ac condemnatos ad debite solutionem decimarum et expensorum huiusmodi legitime cogi et compelli per
vos et vestram sentenciam diffinitiuam siue vestrum finale decretum domine Judex antedicte Vlteriusque
Fieri statui et decerni in premissis et ea consernentibus quibuscunque quod iuris fuerit et racionis Que
proponit et fieri petit pars dicti venerabilis viri magistri Richardi Brerton militis Fimarij domini Regis dictarum
Rectoriarum de Eccles et Deane cum capellis coniunctim et diuisim non arctans se ad omnia et singula
premissa probanda nec ad onus superflue probationis de quo protestatur sed quatenus probauerit in premissis
eatenus obtineat in petitis Juris beneficio in omnibus semper saluo vestrum officium domine Judex antedicte
humiliter Implorando

Finis

Libel (image 14)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/2/1 image 14]

[Endorsement]

Libel of Richard Brereton, knight, farmer of Eccles, against Peter Bradshaw, William Hulton and others in a cause of tithes.

1541

[This is followed by an illegible note]

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

Transcript

[5/2/1 image 14]

[Endorsement]

Libellus Richardi
Brereton militis
firmarius de Eccles
Contra Petrum
Bradshawe Willielmum
Hulton et alias
in Causa decimarum

1541

[This is followed by an illegible note]

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

People

Sir Richard Brereton – plaintiff

John Penne – holder of the head lease of the tithes in dispute

William Hilton – defendant

Thomas Lee – defendant

Hugh Forster – defendant

Peter Bradshaw – defendant

Officials

George Wilmesley

Places

Eccles

Deane

Field names in the parish of Deane:

derlayglad hey
Radford
mutchaw (or notshawe) the new marled yerth in the hyll
the newe close mosse Filde
barli crofft
horhey medo
steward medo
chodlachmedo

Field names in the parish of Eccles:

the heythe

Notes

Ref: EDC 5/1/11

Widget not in any sidebars

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/1/11 – Libel in defam. cause: Francis Holford v. Philip Holford of Lower Peover. 1541.

Summary:

Francis Holford contra Philip Holford

Francis Holford was the nephew of Philip Holford, and grandson of Margery Holford. It is possible that the insult which gave rise to this cause stemmed from a family feud about Margery’s property following her death. If Francis had been illegitimate, as alleged, it could have adversely affected his right to inherit property from his grandmother.

Year

1541

Type of Cause:

Defamation – other

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/11 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: before you, venerable Master Richard Smyth, Bachelor of Law, by the authority of the most illustrious Prince in Christ and our master, Henry the eighth, by the grace of God King of England and France, Defender of the Faith and Lord of Ireland and on earth under […] supreme head of the church, lawfully appointed official, or any other judge competent in that behalf; the party of the honest man Francis Holford against Philip Holford or the parish or chapelry of Lower Peover of the archdeaconry of Chester of Coventry and Lichfield diocese and of your jurisdiction, and against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law jointly, severally and in articles as follows:

Firstly, he propounds and it is articled that all and singular persons who speak, express, utter or […] abuse or disparagements or calumnious, injurious, disparaging, contumelious words of any man to the defamation […] sounding or tending to the injury or diminution of the good fame of any person, against good morals […] were and are to be canonically punished and from these abuses, disparagements, calumnies, injuries, outrages and […] are to be obliged and compelled to desist; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Also, that the aforesaid Philip Holford […] the said Francis Holford, previously in no way defamed among good and serious people, of and upon the crimes set out below in the months of April, May or June in the present and current one thousand five hundred and forty first year of our Lord, or in any of those months whatsoever or in one […] he expressed, spoke, uttered and declared the following scandalous, disparaging, calumnious, injurious, reproachful, insulting or abusive […] in places and houses within the said parish of Peover and other adjacent as follows in the common tongue thus saying and calling and […] ‘That my neviewe Francis is but a bastard and that my brother John and his mother Katerine wer neuer married’ as will become clear and more fully appear in the outcome of this suit through honest and trustworthy witnesses, or at least by other defamatory words […] and importing the same effect; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Also, that the aforesaid Francis Holford was born about 23 or 22 years ago in the house of a certain Robert Holford, gentleman, while he lived […] Margery Holford, the wife of the aforesaid Robert, and she has been and was his grandmother, his godmother, without ever exhibiting any impediment […] from the time of his youth without indicating anything except that the aforesaid Francis has been and was born and bred from a lawful union […] commonly called, held, known and reputed; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Transcript

[5/1/11 image 1]

[In dei nom]ine Amen Coram vobis venerabili viro Magistro Richardo Smyth in Jure baccallario Auctoritate Illustrissimi in Christo
[principis] et domini nostri Henrici octaui dei gracia Anglie et Francie Regis fidei defensoris ac domini Hibernie et in terris sub
[…] ecclesie capitis supremi Officio legitime fulcito seu alio Judice in hac parte competenti quocunque Pars honesti
[viri Franci]sci Holford contra et aduersus Philippum Holford parochie siue capelle de pevor Inferior Archidiaconatus cestrie Couentrensis et lichfeldensis [diocesis]
[et vestre Jur]isdiccionis ac contra quemcunque alium coram vobis in Judicio legitime intervenientem pro eodem dicit allegat et in hijs scriptis
[in Jure prop]onit coniunctim et diuisim atque articulatim prout sequitur

[Inprimis ponit et articulatur] quod omnes et singuli qui convicia vituperia verba ve calumpniosa Iniuriosa vilipendiosa contumeliosa ad infamiam
[…] lesionem seu diminucionem bone fame sonancia vel tendencia contra bonos mores de
aliquo dicunt proferunt emittunt seu
[… fu]erunt et sunt canonice puniendi et ut ab huiusmodi convicijs vituperijs calumpniosis Iniuriosis contumeliosis ac
[…] desistant cogendi et compellendi et ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

[Item quod] prefatus Philippus holford dictum Franciscum Holford de et super criminibus infrascriptis apud bonos et graues per prius minime
[diffamatum] mensibus Aprilis Maij seu Junij presenti et currenti anno domini
Millesimo quingentesi^mo xlj^o eorundem ve mensibus quolibet siue vno
[… sc]andalosa vilipendiosa calumpniosa Iniuriosa vituperiosa contumeliosa seu conviciosa sequentia protulit dixit emisit et predicant
[…] locis et domibus infra dictam parochiam de pevor locis que alijs adiacentis prout in vulgari sequitur sic dicendo vocitando et
[…] That my neviewe Francis is but a bastard and that my brother John and his mother Katerine wer neuer
[married pro]ut in eventu huius litis per probos et fidedignos testes liquidabitur et plene apparebit seu saltem per alia verba diffamatoria
[…] et eundem effectum importancia et ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

[Item quod] prefatus Franciscus Holford circiter xxiij seu xxij annos elapsis natus fuit in domo cuiusdam Roberti Holford dum vixit generosi
[…] Margeria holford vxor predicti Roberti ac eius Aua fuit et erat eius commater nullo semper et omnino impedimento
[…] temporis Iuvento adhibito siue ostenso nisi quod predictus Franciscus fuit et erat ex legitimo coitu procretus et genitus
[…] communiter dictus tentus cognitus et reputatus et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et de quolibet

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/11 image 2]

Also, that by occasion and reason of this defamation and the aforesaid imposition of crime, and the aforesaid utterance and declaration of the words, the standing and good fame of the said Francis are injured and also he and his reputation are burdened, blackened and diminished and he, Francis, was and is at no little trouble and expense and otherwise and elsewhere wearied, vexed, burdened, oppressed and perturbed in many different ways, and among and between good and substantial people he is of less reputation and favour and good and substantial people have ascribed and given, and ascribe and give, less trust and favour to the same Francis by reason of the premises; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Also, that before the utterance and assertion of these defamatory and abusive insulting, scandalous and calumnious words, and until them, the aforesaid Francis was a man of good fame, unblemished reputation and honest conversation, and previously in no way defamed among and between good and substantial people; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Also, that the aforesaid Philip Holford was and is of the parish or chapelry of Lower Peover of the archdeaconry of Chester of Coventry and Lichfield diocese and notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction, and he is had, held and openly, publicly and notoriously known and reputed; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, flagrant and well-known public voice and fame were circulating of and upon the same, just as they are circulating at present, in the parish of Peover and other neighbouring parishes and places.

Whereupon, due proof being made, as is required […] upon all and singular of which matters the libelling party aforesaid prays for right and justice effectively in all and singular the premises […] that aforesaid Philip has culpably sustained and incurred the sentence of excommunication by reason of the premises and that he will be excommunicated […] denouncing him should be pronounced, decreed and declared as such and for such, and on account of his imposition and assertion should be punished in this respect according to the due requirement of law, and that he, Philip, will be obliged and compelled that he will desist from these disparagements, abuses, […] scandals, vilifications and dishonours and these injurious, defamatory words;
and will be condemned in the lawful costs incurred by the aforesaid Francis Holford in this matter, and he protests those to be incurred, reason of this suit and, having been condemned, will be canonically obliged and compelled to the real payment of the same by you and your passing your definitive sentence in that behalf, lord judge aforesaid; and furthermore that what may be of law and reason in the premises and matters concerning them may be done, established and decreed; the plaintiff […] propounds the premises and prays that they are done jointly and severally, not obliging himself to prove all and singular the premises, but so far as he has proved in the premises thus far may he obtain in the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office in the premises, lord judge.

Transcript

[5/1/11 image 2]

[Item quod] occasione et pretextu huiusmodi diffamacionis ac criminis predicti imposicionis prefatorum que verborum prolacionis et emissionis staus
[et bona] fama dicti Francisci leduntur Necnon ipse et eius opinio grauantur denigrantur et attenuantur Ipseque Franciscus fuit et est in
[nonnullis] laboribus et expensis ac alias et aliunde mulipliciter fatigatus vexatus oneratus grauatus et perturbatus ac apud et inter
[bonos et] graues minoris reputacionis bonique et graues adhibuerunt et dederunt adhibentque et dant eidem Franciscuo minorem
[fidem at]que fauorem pretextu premissorum et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et de quolibet

[Item quod pre]fatus Francsicus ante huiusmodi diffamacioniorum et conviciorum verborum contumeliosorum scandalosorum et calimpnosorium
[…] assercionem et predicacionem predictum et vsque ad eas fuit vir bone fame opinionis illese et conuersacionis honeste ac
[apud et in]ter bonos et graues pro prius minime diffamatus et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et de quolibet

[Item quod prefa]tus Philippus holford fuit et est parochie siue capelle de pevor inferior Archidiaconatus Cestrie Couentrensis et lichfeldensis diocesis et vestre
[Jurisdiccioni] notorie subditus et subiectus ac pro tali et ut talis habitus tentus ac palam publice et notorie cognitus et reputatus et ponit
[coniunctim] et diuisim et de quolibet

[Item q]uod premissa omnia et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta et famosa ac de et super omnibus et singulis in dicta
[parochia de] pevor alijs que parochiis et locis adiacentis laborarunt prout in presenti laborant publica vox et fama

Vnde facta fide que requisitur
[…] super quibus omnibus et singulis pars libellans predicta petit Jus et Justiciam sibi in premissis omnibus et singulis effectualiter
[…] predictum Philippum in excommunicacionis sententiam dampnabiliter incedisse et incurrisse premissorum pretextu atque excommunicatum fuisse
[…] pro tali et ut talem denunciandum fore debere pronunciari decerni et declarari ac pro imposicionem et assercionem suis
[iuxta] Juris debitam exigentiam in hac parte puniendum fore decerni et debite puniri ac ipsum Philippum ab huiusmodi vituperijs convicijs
[…] scandalosis vilipendosis et inhonestis Iniuriosisque verbis difamatorijs desistat cogi et compelli Necnon in expensis
[legitimis per par]tem predicti Francisci holford in hac parte factis et protestatur de faciendis insuper condempnari ac condempnatum ad
[realem] solucionem earundem canonice cogi et compelli per vos et vestram sententiam diffinitiuam in hac parte ferendam domine Judex antedicte
[Vlterius]que fieri statui et decerni in premissis et ea concernentibus quod Juris fuerit et racionis Premissa proponit et fieri petit pars actrix
[…] coniunctim et diuisim Non arctans se ad omnia et singula premissa probanda Sed quatenus probauerit <in premissis eatenus obtineat> in petitis Juris beneficio
[in omnibu]s semper saluo vestrum officium in premissis domine Judex humiliter implorando

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/11 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Libel Holford against Holford in a cause of defamation.

[in pencil in a different hand]

1541

/11

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

Transcript

[5/1/11 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Libellus Holford contra Holford in causa diffamationis

[in pencil in a different hand]

1541

/11

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

People

Francis Holford – plaintiff

Philip Holford – defendant

John Holford – mentioned in the libel

Katherine Holford – mentioned in the libel

Margery Holford – mentioned in the libel

Robert Holford – mentioned in the libel

Notes

Ref: EDC 5/1/10

Widget not in any sidebars

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/1/10 – Libel in tithe cause: George Cotton esq. farmer of tithes of Gt. Budworth v. Margery Holford 1540

Summary:

George Cotton, esquire, contra Margery Holford

This cause concerned the tithes of the chapelry of Lower Peover in the parish of Great Budworth. The parish had belonged to Norton Priory before its dissolution in 1536, as is mentioned in the libel, and it is possible that any failure to pay may have resulted from the change of ownership.

Year

1540

Type of Cause:

Tithes – foals; Tithes – lambs; Tithes – wool

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/10 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: before you, venerable Master Richard Smyth, Bachelor of Law, by the authority of the most illustrious Prince in Christ, Lord Henry the eighth, by the grace of God King of England and France, Defender of the Faith and Lord of Ireland and in […] through venerable Master William Knight, Doctor of Law, archdeacon of Chester […] to decide ecclesiastical causes, the party of the venerable George Cotton, esquire, farmer of the lord King of the parish church of Budworth, with its chapels, of the aforesaid archdeaconry against Margery, widow of Robert Holford, of the same parish or chapelry of Lower Peover of the aforesaid diocese and notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction, and also against any other whomsoever […] says, alleges and propounds in these writings

1 Firstly, that the aforesaid George Cotton, esquire, is the true, certain and indubitable farmer […] divisions and grants to the same venerable George Cotton, esquire, by the afore-libelled most puissant King […] by a clause to him and his assigns, and thus he and his assigns are commonly called, held, taken, known […] and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points.

2 Also, that although the right of receiving and having all and singular tithes as well greater as lesser, mixed and minute […] of foals and of other tithes of old to the Monastery of Norton and the chapter of the same […] of the parish church of Budworth, with the chapels annexed to the same; now, however, by reason of a certain Act of Suppression by the said […] issued by him belongs to the said most excellent Prince in Christ aforesaid and his successors and his lawfully constituted farmers and should have and should belong and appertain at present; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points.

3 Also, that the aforenamed Margery Holford, laywoman, who had or has no right in any way in the said parish church of Budworth or the chapels […] or to them themselves, despite which but after and in opposition to the fact, they did not pay nor satisfy any tithes, at least […] of lambs or wool within the limits of the said parish of Budworth, or to the chapels annexed, in the months of March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January or February in the one thousand fifteenth hundred 38th year of our Lord nor in the months of March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January or February in the one thousand fifteenth hundred 39th year of our Lord, in any one or other to him, George Cotton, farmer of the said parish of Budworth with its chapels annexed and assigned, by right in the name […] but subtracted, took and kept the same tithes; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points.

Transcript

[5/1/10 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis venerabili viro Magistro Richardo Smyth in Jure baccallario [Auctoritate Illustrissimi in Christo principis]
domini Henrici octaui dei [gracia Anglie et] Francie Regis fidei defensoris <ac> domini Hibernie et in […]
per venerabilem virum Magistrum Will[ielmum K]nyght legum doctorem Archidiaconum Cestrie ad causas ecclesiastic[as decidendum pars]
Venerabilis viri Georgij Cotton Armigeri firmarij domini Regis ecclesie parochialis de Budworth cum capellis [suis predicte]
Archidiaconatus contra et aduersus Margeriam relictam Roberti Holford euisdem parochie siue cappelle de pevor inferior [predicte]
diocesis ac vestre Jurisdiccionis notorie subdita et subiecta Necnon contra quemcunque allium coram vobis in Judicio [intervenientem]
dicit allegat et in hijs scriptis [proponit]

1 In primis quod predictus Georgius Cotton Armiger est verus certus et indubitatus fi[rmarius …]
diuissionis et concessionis eidem venerabili viro georgio Cotton armigero per prelibatum potentissimum Regem […]
clausula sibi et assignatis suis ac sic pro firmario et assignatis suis est communiter dictus tentus cogn[ominatus …]
et ponit coniunctim et diuisim ac de quolibet

2 Item quod licet Jus percipiendi et habendi omnes et singulas decimas tam
maiores quam minores mixtas et [minutas …]
pullorum ac aliarum decimarum ab antiquo Monasterio de Norton et conventi eiusdem suis te[…]
ecclesie parochialis de Budworth cum capellis eidem Annexis Nunc vero racione cuiusdam Statuti subpressionis dicti […]
suo editi ad ipsum excellentissimum in Christo princepem antedictum et successores ac fimarios suos legitime constitutos spect[antis …]
spectare et pertinere debuerunt et debent in presenti et ponit coniunctim et diuisim ac de quolibet

3 Item quod prenominata Margeria Holford laica qui nihil Juris in dicta ecclesia parochiali de Budworth siue capellis […]
habuit aut habet aliqualiter vel ad eas ipsis quoque non obstantibus sed post et contra ea nonnullas decimas saltem […]
limites
dicte parochie de Budworth seu capellis Annexis mensibus Marcij Aprilis Maij Junij Julij Augusti Septem[bris Octobris Novembris Decem-]
bris Januarij seu februarij Anno domini Millessimo quingentesimo xxxviijo Necnon mensibus Marcij Aprilis Maij Junij [Julij Augusti Septembris Octobris]
Novembris Decembris Januarij siue februarij Anno domini Millessimo quingentesimo xxxixo siue vno ve aliq[uo …]
ad ipsum Georgium Cotton firmarium dicti parochie de Budworth cum capellis Annexis et assignatis suos Jure nomine […]
non solvuit aut satisfecit sed easdem decimas subtraxit percepit et habuit et ponit coniunctim et diuisim ac de quolibet

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/10 image 2]

4 Also, that the true value and valuation of the tithes aforesaid as is thus aforesaid not paid and subtracted, kept and taken by her by common report of men notoriously amounts to the sum or value of twenty shillings, and this party sets out and propounds of any other lesser sum down to the sum of twelve […] and of any other sum of such and so great an amount as may come to be declared by lawful proofs in the event of this suit; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points.

5 Also that the aforesaid Margery Holford has thus been asked on behalf of George, the farmer […], to pay and satisfy to the said George Cotton, present farmer, at a suitable time and place the tithes aforesaid or otherwise […] with him for these tithes […]

6 Also, that the aforesaid Margery Holford was thus asked and requested in the manner as is aforesaid as in the premises or any of them, she has not troubled to do so in the months and years aforesaid, of in any of the months or years whatever or in one of them, but without there being any reasonable or lawful cause whatever, she expressly declined and refused, or at least unjustly delays and defers at present; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points.

7 Also, that the aforenamed Margery Holford was and is a parishioner of the parish church of Budworth or of the chapel of Lower Peover, of Coventry and Lichfield diocese and for that reason notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points.

8 Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, manifest and flagrant and public voice and fame were circulating of and upon the same in the parish of Budworth and the chapels annexed to the same and other surrounding places, towns and parishes, just as they are circulating at present.

Transcript

[5/1/10 image 2]

4 Item quod verus valor et estimacio decimarum predictarum sic ut premittitur non solutarum et per ipsam subtracta[rum ad summam]
siue valorem viginti solidorum ac dat et libellat pars ista de qualibet summa minore vsque ad summam duo dec[imi … ac de tali et]
tanta summa qualis et quanta per probaciones legitimas in eventu litis huiusmodi veniet
declarandum communi hominum est[imacione notorie extendit et]
ponit coniunctim et diuisim ac de quolibet

5 Item quod prefata Margeria Holford ad soluendum et satisfaciendum dicto Georgio Cottom firmario moderno [decimas predictas]
seu ad aliter cum eodem pro huiusmodi decimis ex parte georgij fimarij congruis loco et tempore requisita […]

6 Item quod antedicta Margeria Holford modo quo prefertur requisita et interpellata premissa seu eorum aliquod facere [non curavit mensibus et]
annis predictis eorum ve annorum vel mensium quolibet siue vno absque causa racionabili seu legitima quacunque sub[sistens renuit expresse et]
recusauit seu saltem plus Juste distulerit et differt in presenti et ponit coniunctim et diuisim ac de quolibet

7 Item quod prenominata Margeria Holford fuit et est parochiana ecclesie parochialis de budworth siue capelle de p[oever inferior Couentrensis et]
lichfeldensis diocesis ac eius pretextu uestre Jurisdiccionis notorie subdita et subiecta et ponit coniunctim et diuisim ac de quolibet

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/10 image 3]

Whereupon, due proof being made as is required in this regard, the same plaintiff prays that right and justice should be done and administered to him in all and singular the premises, and that his possession, or virtual possession, of the right of having and receiving and the said tithes of calves and foals and other his customary tithes aforesaid […] proceeding and arising within the bounds and limits of the said parish of Budworth and it annexed chapels to be adjudged in future successive times. And also that the aforesaid Margery Holford is rightly and canonically obliged and compelled to pay, tithe and deliver her respective tithes aforesaid subtracted by her without any diminution or the true value of the same at the convenience of the said farmer and his assigns in the name of his farm in the said parish chapels annexed and that she will be condemned in the lawful costs incurred and to be incurred by reason of this suit, and, having been condemned, that she will be rightly and canonically obliged and compelled to the real payment of the same by you passing your definitive sentence in that behalf, lord judge aforesaid; and otherwise, that what will have been of right and reason in the premises and anything concerning them may be done, established and decreed. The party of the said George Cotton propounds the premises and prays that they are done jointly and severally, not obliging himself to prove all and singular the premises, but so far as he will have proved in the premises, he prays that thus far may he obtain in the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things; in addition the party of the said farmer prays that the aforesaid […], according to the requirement of law, humbly imploring your office, distinguished judge aforesaid.

Transcript

[5/1/10 image 3]

8 Item quod omnia et singula premissa fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta et famosa ac de et super eis[dem in parochia de Budworth]
ac capellis eidem Annexis et locis alijs villis et parochiis circumvicinis laborarunt et in presenti laborant publica [vox et fama]

[Vnde facta fide]
que requiritur in hac parte petit eadem pars actrix Jus et Justiciam sibi in premissis omnibus et singulis fieri et [ministrari et]
possessione sua seu quasi Juris habendi et percipiendi dictas decimas vitulorum et pullorum ac aliarum d[ecimarum …]
sue predictarum consuetarum infra fines et limites dicte parochie de Budworth cum capellis annexis provenientes et [contingentes]
futuris temporibus successiuis adiudicari [Necnon prefatam]
Margeriam holford ad soluendum decimandum et liberandum decimas suas respectiue antedicatas per ipsam subtra[ctas sine aliqua]
diminucione vel verum valorem earundem ad comodum dicti firmarij et assignati sui nomine firme sue in [dicta parochia et]
capellis annexis rite et canonice cogi et compelli atque in expensis legitimis occasione huius litis factis et [fiendis condempnari]
condempnatamque ad realem solucionem earundem rite et canonice cogi et compelli per vos et vestram sententiam diffi[nitiuam ferendam domine]
Judex antedicte Vlteriusque fieri statui et decerni in premissis et ea concernentibus quod Juris fuerit et racionis [Premissa proponit et fieri petit]
pars dicti Georgij Cotton coniunctim et diuisim Non arctans se ad omnia et singula premissa [probanda] Sed quatenus probauerit in [premissis eatenus]
petit que obtineat in petitis Juris beneficio in omnibus semper saluo petit insuper pars dicti firmarij quod predict[…]
iuxta Juris exigentia vestrum officium humiliter implorando Judex egregie antedicte

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/10 image 4]

[Endorsement]

Libel of the venerable Mister George Cotton, farmer of the lord King of the church of Budworth, against Margery Holford in a cause of subtraction of tithes.

[in pencil in a different hand]

c. 1540

/10

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

Transcript

[5/1/10 image 4]

[Endorsement]

Libellus venerabilis viri Magistri georgij Cotton firmarij domini Regis ecclesie
de budworth contra Margeriam Holford in causa subtraccionis decimarum

[in pencil in a different hand]

c. 1540

/10

[Produced with the permission of the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance.]

People

George Cotton– plaintiff

Margery Holford – defendant

Officials

Richard Smyth

William Knight

Places

Great Budworth

Lower Peover

Notes

Ref: EDC 5/1/9

Widget not in any sidebars

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/1/9 – Order by king’s commissioners appointing ‘reeves’ etc. of Macclesfield church. At Ludlow, 26 Sep. 1538 (amended to 1548) Transferred to /7/2

Summary:

This has been renumbered EDC 5/7/2

Year

1538

Type of Cause:

Cause Papers:

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