Ref: EDC 5/1566/15

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Catalogue Entry:

There is currently no catalogue entry for this cause, but the papers are filed in a paper folder labelled EDC 5 (1566) No 15 Bangor

Summary:

William Charlton, rector of Bangor, contra Edward ap Ellis and Reginald ap David, although the endorsement gives the plaintiffs as William ap Meredith and Reginald ap David.

Although the sentence does not specify what type of produce is claimed, the relevant depositions in EDC 2/8 concern tithes of hay.

 

 

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Tithes – hay

Cause Papers:

Sentence

Sentence (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/15 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: the merits and circumstances of a certain cause of subtraction of tithes which was disputed, is still disputed and is pending undecided before us having been heard, seen and understood and fully investigated by us, Robert Leche, Master of Arts and Bachelor of Laws, commissary general of the right reverend father in God, William, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester, and lawfully deputed official principal of his consistory court, rightly and lawfully proceeding, between the venerable William Charlton, rector of Bangor of Chester diocese, the party plaintiff and complainant on the one part, and Edward ap Ellis and Reginald ap David, of the same parish of Chester diocese and jurisdiction, the defendant and party complained of on the other part; and the aforesaid parties appearing sufficiently and lawfully before us, namely, the party of the said rector by William Man, Master of Arts, his lawfully appointed proctor according to the acts of the court, also the party of the said Edward ap Ellis and Reginald ap David appearing personally and by John Prichard, Bachelor of Laws, their lawfully appointed proctor according to the acts of the court; with the party of the said rector praying that sentence is passed for him and justice may be done to him, the party of the said Edward ap Ellis and Reginald ap David also earnestly praying that justice may be done to them.

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

Forasmuch as we know and clearly find by the acts enacted, set forth, alleged, confessed and proved had and done in the said cause that the party of the said rector of Bangor, has sufficiently and fully established and equally proved his claim in a certain libel of his judicially given and offered (the tenor of which certain libel follows and is thus; In the name of God, Amen: before you, William, by divine permission bishop of Chester, which libel we hold as here read and inserted) and that nothing effectual has been or is brought, excepted, alleged or proved on behalf of the said Edward ap Ellis and Reginald ap David which could destroy or in any way weaken the intention of the said rector.

Therefore we, Robert Leche, official aforesaid, having first called upon the name of Christ, and setting God alone before our eyes, and from and with the advice of the learned in the law with whom we have consulted in a timely manner in this cause, decree and declare that the same Edward ap Ellis and Reginald ap David will be condemned to pay to the plaintiff  the tithes aforesaid libellate as is thus aforesaid, and taken, had, subtracted and not paid by them or their men, if they are still in existence, otherwise in their true value, which we value in the sum of 2s 6d on the part of Edward ap Ellis and 16d on behalf of Reginald ap David of lawful money of England; and we condemn them, Edward ap Ellis and Reginald ap David or by their men, by this our definitive sentence or this our final decree which we pass and publish in these writings. Moreover, reserving taxation of these costs to us in all matters, and we do reserve it, and we do not see fit to condemn the said Edward and Reginald to pay the costs incurred by the said rector in this cause because they seem to have acted in this suit in good faith.

This sentence was read and issued by the judge aforesaid the chapter house of Chester cathedral church on the 25th day of the month of October in the year of our Lord 1566, being then present there

Transcript

[1566/15 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Auditis Visis et Intellectis ac plenarie discussis per nos Robertum
Leche artium Magistrum
et in Legibus baccallarium Reverendi in christo patris ac domini domini Willielmi permissione divina Cestrensis episcopi commissarium
generalem ac eius Curie Consistorialis officialem principalem legitime deputatum Meritis et circumstantijs cuiusdam
cause subtractionis decimarum que coram nobis inter venerabilem virum Willielmum Chorlton Rectorem de
Bangor Cestrensis diocesis partem actricem et querelantem ex vna et Edwardum ap Ellis et Regenold
ap David eiusdem parochie Cestrensis diocesis et Jurisdiccionis partem ream et querelatam partibus ex altera
vertebatur et adhuc vertitur et pendet indecisa rite et legitime procedentes partibus predictis Coram nobis
sufficienter et legitime videlicet parte dicti Rectoris per Willielmum Man Artium
Magistrum eius procuratorem legitime
apud acta constitutum  parte quoque dictorum Edwardi ap Ellis et Regenoldi ap David  per se personaliter
et per Jhonnem Prichard in Legibus baccallarium eorum procuratorem legitime apud acta constitutum
comparentibus parte quoque dicti Rectoris Sententiam ferri et Justiciam sibi fieri parte etiam dictorum E[dwardi]
ap Ellis et Regenoldi ap David Justiciam etiam illis fieri instanter postulantibus

[Visis primitus] per nos et diligenter inspectis omnibus et singulis actis inactitatis deductis propositis allega[tis confessatis]
et probatis in dicta causa hincinde habitis et factis easque cum Maturitate et diligentia recens[itis examinatis]
et ponderatis Servatisque per nos de Jure
in hac parte servandis Ad nostre sententie diffinitiue siue finalis decreti prolacionem in
huiusmodi causa
ferende sic duximus procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum

Quia per acta
inactita deducta allegata exhibita confessata et probata in dicta causa habita et facta comp[erimus]
et luculenter invenimus partem dicti Rectoris de Bangor intentionem suam in quodam suo libello
Judicaliter dato et oblato cuius quidem libelli tenor Sequitur et est Talis In dei nomine
Amen Coram vobis Willielmo permissione diuina Cestrensi episcopo Quem libellum pro hic lectum et inse[rtum]
habere volumus sufficienter et ad plenum fundasse pariter et probasse Nihilque effectuale ex
parte dictorum Edwardi ap Ellis et Reginoldi ap David fuisse et esse deductum exceptum
allegatum aut
probatum quod intentionem dicti Rectoris elideret seu quomodolibet eneruaret

Idcirco nos Robertus
Leche officialis antedictus christi nomine primitus Invocato ac ipsum Solum deum oculis
nostris preponentes
de et cum consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus Mature in hac parte communicauimus Eosdem Edwardum ap
Ellis et Reginold ap David <ad solvendum parti actrici decimas> predictas sic vt prefertur Libellatas et per eosdem <aut suos> perceptas habitas
subtractas et non solutas si extent alioquin in earum veram valorem quem ad summam ijs vjd ex parte
<Edwardi ap Ellis et xvjd ex parte Reginald ap David> legalis monete anglie estimamus condempnandum fore decernimus et declaramus ipsosque Edwar[dum]
ap Ellis et Reginold ap David <sic aut suos>
condempnamus per hanc nostram Sententiam diffinitiu[am siue hoc]
nostrum finale decretum Quam siue quod ferimus et promulgamus in his scriptis Taxac[ionem vero]
expensarum huiusmodi nobis omnino Reseruantem et Reseruamus
et <ad solvendum> expensis in hac causa <per dictum rectorem in hac causa factas> dictos Edwardum et Reginaldum
non condemnandum duximus neque condemnamus quia videbantur bona fide litigiasse

lecta et lata fuit huiusmodi sententia per iudicem antedictum
in domo capitulari <Ecclesie> cathedralis cestrensis xxvto die
Mensis Octobris Anno domini 1566 presentibus tunc
ibidem

Sentence (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/15 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Sentence of the venerable William Charlton, rector of Bangor, against William ap Meredith and Reginald ap David in a cause of tithes.

[in pencil in a different hand]

Bangor

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

 

Transcript

[1566/15 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Sententia venerabilis viri Willielmi
Chorlton Rectoris de Bangor
contra et aduersus Willielmum
ap Meredith et Reginold
ap David in causa decimarum

[in pencil in a different hand]

Bangor

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

William Charlton, rector of Bangor – plaintiff

Edward ap Ellis – defendant

Reginald ap David – defendant

Officials

William Downham

Robert Leche

Proctors

William Man – for the plaintiff

John Prichard – for the defendants

Places

Bangor

 

Related Causes

EDC 5/1566/14

EDC 5/1575/15 

 

Notes

Depositions in tithe causes from Bangor may be found in EDC 2/8 ff. 4-6, 8-9, 12.

Ref: EDC 5/1566/14

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Catalogue Entry:

There is currently no catalogue entry for this cause but the papers are filed in a paper folder labelled EDC 5 (1566) NO 14 BANGOR

Summary:

William Charlton, rector of Bangor-on-Dee, contra Richard Bate.

 

 

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Tithes – unknown

Cause Papers:

Sentence

Sentence (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/14 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: the merits and circumstances of a certain cause of subtraction of tithes which was recently disputed, is still disputed and is pending undecided before us having been heard, seen and understood and fully investigated by us, Robert Leche, Master of Arts and bachelor of laws, commissary general of the right reverend father in God, William, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester, and lawfully deputed official principal of his consistory court, rightly and lawfully proceeding, between the venerable William Charlton, rector of Bangor, the party plaintiff and complainant on the one part, and Richard Bate, of the same parish of Bangor of Chester diocese and of our jurisdiction, the defendant and party complained of on the other part; and the aforesaid parties appearing sufficiently and lawfully before us, namely, the party of the said rector by William Man, Master of Arts, his lawfully appointed proctor according to the acts of the court, while the party of the said Richard was appearing for himself and in person; with the party of the said rector praying that sentence is passed and justice may be done to him, the party of the said Richard Bate also earnestly praying that justice may be done to him.

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

Forasmuch as we know and clearly find by the acts enacted, brought, alleged, confessed and proved had and done in the said cause that the party of the said rector of Bangor, has sufficiently and fully established and equally proved his claim in a certain libel of his judicially given and offered in the said cause (the tenor of which certain libel follows and is thus; In the name of God, Amen: before you, William, by divine permission bishop of Chester etc., which libel we will have here read and inserted) and that nothing effectual has been or is brought, excepted, alleged or proved on behalf of the said Richard Bate which could destroy or in any way weaken the claim of the said rector.

Therefore we, Robert Leche, official aforesaid, having first called upon the name of Christ, and setting God alone before our eyes, and from and with the advice of the learned in the law with whom we have consulted in a timely manner in this cause, decree and declare that the same Richard Bate will be condemned in the tithes aforesaid, libellate as is thus aforesaid, and taken, had, subtracted and not paid by him, if they are still in existence, otherwise in their true value, which we calculate in the sum of twenty-seven shillings of lawful money of England; and we condemn him, Richard Bate, in the said tithes subtracted and in the lawful costs incurred and to be incurred on the part of the said rector in this behalf  by this our definitive sentence or this our final decree which we pass and publish in these writings. Moreover, reserving taxation of these costs to us in all matters, and we do reserve it.

This sentence was read and issued by the judge aforesaid the chapter house of Chester cathedral on the twenty-first day of the month of November in the year of our Lord 1566, being then present there, Master Robert Hebblethwaite, Hugh Dodd, clerk, Thomas Strete, literate man etc. witnesses etc..

Transcript

[1566/14 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Auditis Visis et Intellectis ac plenarie discussis per nos Robertum
Leche artium Magistrum et in legibus baccallarium Reverendi in christo patris ac domini domini Willielmi permissione divina
Cestrensis episcopi Commissarium generalem ac eius Curie Consistorialis officialem principalem legitime deputatum
Meritis et Circumstantijs cuiusdam cause subtractionis decimarum que coram nobis inter venerabilem
virum Willielmum Chorlton rectorem de Bangor partem actricem et querelantem ex vna et Ricardum Bate
eiusdem  parochie de Bangor Cestrensis diocesis et nostre Jurisdiccionis partem ream et querelatam partibus ex
altera nuper vertebatur et adhuc vertitur et pendet indecisa Rite et legitime procedentes partibus
predictis coram nobis sufficienter et legitime videlicet parte dicti Rectoris per Willielmum Man artium
Magistrum eius procuratorem legitime apud acta constitutum  parte quoque dicti Ricardi per se et personaliter
comparentibus parte quoque dicti Rectoris Sententiam ferri et Justiciam sibi fieri parte etiam dicti Ricardi
Bate Justiciam etiam sibi fieri instanter postulantibus

Visis primitus per nos et diligenter
inspectis omnibus et singulis actis inactitatis deductis propositis allegatis confessatis et probatis in dicta
causa hincinde habitis et factis easque cum Maturitate et diligentia recensitis examinatis et
ponderatis de et cum consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus in hac parte Communicavimus Servatisque per
nos de iure in hac parte servandis ad nostre Sententie diffinitive siue  finalis decreti prolacionem in
huiusmodi causa ferende sic duximus procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum

Quia
per acta inactita deducta allegata exhibita confessata et probata in dicta causa habita
et facta comperimus et luculenter invenimus partem dicti Rectoris de Bangor Intentionem suam
in quodam suo libello in dicta causa Judicaliter dato et oblato Cuius quidem libelli tenor
sequitur
et est talis In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis Willielmo permissione diuina Cestrensi episcopo etcetera
Quem libellum hic pro lectum et insertum habere volumus sufficienter et ad plenum fundasse pariter
et probasse Nihilque effectuale ex parte dicti Ricardi Bate fuisse aut esse deductum exceptum
allegatum aut probatum quod intentionem dicti rectoris elideret seu quomodolibet eneruaret

Idcirco nos Robertus Leche officialis antedictus christi nomine primitus invocato ac ipsum solum deum oculis
nostris preponentes de et cum consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus Mature in hac parte communicauimus
Evndem Ricardum Bate in decimis predictis sic vt prefertur libellatis et per eum perceptis habitis subtractis
et non solutis si extent alioquin in earum vero valore quem ad Summam viginti septem solidorum
legalis monete anglie estimamus condempnandum fore decernimus et declaramus  Ipsumque Ricardum
Bate in dictis decimis subtractis et in expensis legitimis per partem dicti Rectoris in hac parte
factis et fiendis condempnamus per hanc nostram Sententiam diffinitiuam siue hoc nostrum finale
decretum Quam siue quod ferimus et promulgamus in his scriptis Taxacionem vero expensarum
huiusmodi nobis omnino Reseruantem et Reseruamus

lecta et lata fuit huiusmodi Sententia per iudicem <antedictum> in
domo capitulari cathedralis cestrensis vicesimo primo die Mensis
Nouembris Anno domini 1566 presentibus tunc ibidem Magistro Roberto
heblethwaite hugone Dod clerico Thoma Strete literato
et cetera  testibus et cetera

Sentence (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1566/14 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Sentence of the venerable William Charlton, rector of Bangor, against Richard Bate in a cause of subtraction of tithes, exhibited in the year of our Lord 1566.

[in pencil in a different hand]

Bangor

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[5/1566/14 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Sententia Venerabilis Viri
Willielmi Chorlton Rectoris
de Bangor contra Ricardum
Bate in causa subtracionis
decimarum exhibita Anno domini
1566

[in pencil in a different hand]

Bangor

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

William Charlton, rector of Bangor – plaintiff

Richard Bate – defendant

Richard Hebblethwaite – witness to the sentence

Hugh Dodd, rector of Coddington – witness to the sentence

Thomas Strete – witness to the sentence

Officials

William Downham

Robert Leche

Proctors

William Man – for the plaintiff

 

Places

Bangor

 

Related Causes

EDC 5/1566/15

EDC 5/1575/15

 

Notes

Depositions in tithe causes from Bangor may be found in EDC 2/8 ff. 4-6, 8-9, 12.

Ref: EDC 5/1566/13

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Catalogue Entry:

There is currently no catalogue entry for this cause, but the papers are filed in a paper folder labelled EDC 5 (1566) No 13 Waverton

Summary:

Richard Clive, esquire, contra Joan Calkin, wife of Peter Calkin

Joan Calkin claimed that the right to sit in a certain pew belonged to the tenants of a property called ‘Manifoldes Howse’, the property of Ralph Dutton, esquire, and occupied at the time by Peter Calkin. The plaintiff had the right to occupy a different pew, belonging to ‘the hall of huxley’ where he lived.

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Violation of church rights – pew dispute

 

Cause Papers:

Exceptions against the libel
Interrogatories

Exceptions against the libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/13 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; in a certain pretended cause of disturbance or claim to a form or seat, which was disputed and is disputed and depending undecided before you, the right reverend father in God, William, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester, or your vicar general in spirituals lawfully deputed to decide ecclesiastical causes in your Chester diocese, between Richard Clive, esquire, of the parish of Waverton of your Chester diocese, pretended party plaintiff and complainant, on the one part and Joan Calkin, wife of Peter Calkin, of the parish of Waverton of the aforesaid diocese and of your jurisdiction, pretended defendant and party complained of, on the other part. The party of the said Joan Calkin against the said Richard Clive aforesaid, and against any other person whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same, and also against a certain pretended libel, such as it is, although invalidly given and offered in the said cause, and the whole claim of the said Richard Clive, based on the same; says, alleges to all consequence of law following therefrom, in every best way, manner and form of law, by which he was or is ablein law in these writings propounds jointly, severally and in articles as follows:

1          Firstly, that this pretended libel is null and void and completely to be excluded and rejected in all points and not to be admitted in law in that it is exceedingly general, obscure, doubtful, vague, false by turns, not only in almost all parts but also chiefly in its parts where it acts against the propounding party in articles 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the libel concerning a certain form or seat called ‘a forme or a knilinge place’ situated and being in the parish church of Waverton aforesaid, which belonged by ancient custom to the house of the plaintiff and her predecessors where the wives of Peter Jenson and Richard Jenson otherwise Duncorn, tenants of the plaintiff and of the predecessors and household of the said plaintiff and of her predecessors for 10, 20 etc. poured forth their prayers at the time of divine worship, and it is recognised to belong to all and each one of them by law and not to any other person, in the way that he has less than truly asserted; whereas in truth this said form or seat, called in English ‘a knilinge place’ belonged to the tenants, inhabitants and lodgers in a certain house, messuage or tenement of the venerable, Ralph Dutton, esquire, and of his predecessors, commonly called ‘Manifoldes Howse’ within the parish of Waverton aforesaid, now in the tenure or occupation of Peter Calkin, husband of the party propounding, for 10, 20, 30,40, 50, 60 years and more and also from the time and throughout the time of the beginning or to the contrary of which there exists no memory of men belonged inviolably without interruption and fully authorised, or at least the use of the same church seat belonged to them, just as it should have and should belong and appertain in future in which certain form or seat the tenant, his wife, children and household of the house, messuage or tenement in which this party now lives for her space of time and years aforesaid peacefully sat, knelt and poured forth and rendered their prayers to God and heard other offices and divine worship according to and in accordance with the laudable use, custom and usage of Christian people, and not ever to the wives of the said Peter Jenson and Richard Jenson or to the household of the aforesaid Richard Clive […]

Transcript

[1566/13 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen In quadam pretensa causa perturbacionis siue vendicacionis
scamni siue sedilis que coram vobis reverendo in christo patre et domino
domino Willielmo
permissione divina cestrensi Episcopo vestroue vicario in spiritualibus generali ad causas ecclestiasticas decidendum in diocesi vestra cestrensi Legitime deputato
Inter richardum Clyffe armigerum parochie de Wauerton vestre cestrensis diocesis partem
pretensam actricem et querelantem ex vna et Johannam Calkyne vxorem petri calkene parochie
de Wauerton predicte diocesis et vestre Jurisdiccionis partem pretensam ream et querelatam
partibus ex altera vertebatur vertitur et pendet indecisa Pars dicte Johanne
Calkyne contra et aduersus richardum clyffe antedictum ac contra quemcunque alium coram
vobis pro eodem in Judicio Legitime Interuenientem necnon contra quendam pretensum libellum
taliter qualiter immo nulliter in dicta causa datum et oblatum totalemque intentionem dicti
richardi clyffe fundatam in eodem dicit allegat ad omnem Juris effectum
exinde sequi valentem omnibus melioribus via modo et Juris forma quibus potuit aut
potest in hijs scriptis in Jure proponit coniunctim diuisim atque articulatim provt
Sequitur

1          Inprimis quod huiusmodi pretensus libellus est nullus et invalidus ac penitus et omnino reprobandus
et reijciendus ac de iure non admittendus pro eo quod est admodum generalis obscurus
incertus vagus alternatiuus falsus cum in omnibus pene partibus tum in illis maxime
partibus vbi contra partem proponentem agit in 2, 3, 4, et 5 articulis libelli pro scamno quodam siue
sedili vocato a forme or a knilinge place in ecclesia parochialis de Wauerton predicta
situato et existenti quod de antiqua consuetudine ad domum partis actricem ac
predecessorum spectauit vbi vxores petri Jenson et richardi Jenson alias Duncorn
tenentes partis actricis et predecessorum ac familie dicti actoris et predecessorum a
x xx et cetera precaciones suas tempore diuinorum effuserunt ac ad eas omnes de iure
nec ad aliam personam quarumque vt falso ad modum et minus vere asseruit
dinoscitur pertinere quod re vera dictum huiusmodi scamnum siue sedile anglice vocatum
a knilinge place ad tenentes inhabitantes et comorantes in quodam domo
mesuagio siue tenemento venerabilis viri radulphi Dutton armigeri et predecessorium suorum
Communiter vocato Manifoldes Howse infra parochiam de Wauerton predictam nunc
in tenura siue occupacione petri calkin partis proponentis mariti a x xx xxx xl l
lx annis et vltra inviolabiliter et sine interruptione continuatim et plene prescripto
necnon a tempore et per tempus cuius inicii sive contrarii in memoria hominum non
existit pertinebat vel saltem eiusdem scamni ecclesiastici vsus pertinuit provt
pertinere et spectare debuit et debet imposterum in quo quidem scamno siue
sedile tenens vxor liberi et familie domus mesuagij siue tenementi in quo
pars ista nunc habitat temporibus suis spacijs et annis antedictis pacifice sede-
bant genua flectebant et oraciones suas deo effuserunt et reddiderunt
ac alias offitia et obsequia diuina audierunt iuxta et secundum laudabile
vsum morem et consuetudinem christianorum nec vnquam ad vxores dictorum petri
Jenson et richardi Jenson vel ad familias predicti richardi clyffe […]

Exceptions against the libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/13 image 2]

this form or seat should have or should belong at all to the house of the same Richard Clyffe called ‘the hall of huxley’ because the said Richard Cliffe or Clive esquire, holds, occupies and has the use of another place of prayer called ‘a pewe’ belonging to his house or hall where he, his wife, children and household kneel and pray, and it ought not otherwise to have belonged or to belong to the aforesaid wives of Peter Jenson and Richard Jenson or to the household of the aforesaid Richard Clive or to any other person whomsoever in the way in which the plaintiff states in the libel, unless by licence and permission of the said Ralph Dutton, esquire, holding and inhabiting the house aforesaid; seeing that it is not the holding of the said Peter Jenson and Richard Jenson, but a cottage ‘le cottage’, and not a holding granted at any time to a small house or cottage, but the cottage is always granted to the tenement, that is the place given etc. and he propounds jointly, severally and in articles.

2          Also, that the said Joan Calkin, parishioner of the church aforesaid of Waverton, her husband and predecessors, tenants of the aforesaid Ralph Dutton, esquire, in their times held, owned, and occupied for suitable use as specified that same form or seat for the space of time and years above-said without interruption, vexation, molestation and disturbance, just as this party should occupy it by right, interest, title and in the name of the messuage or tenement in which this defending party and her husband live at the present time, who are ready to make and pay for all repairs and rebuilding and to all other necessary obligations to the same church of Waverton and were always contributors in accordance with the form or seat aforesaid, like the other parishioners of the same church occupiers of their seats; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

 

3          Also, furthermore, he says that this seat from time immemorial belonged to the tenement aforesaid by right and interest of his house, and should still belong by right in the manner and form aforesaid nor did the tenant of the said tenement, his predecessors, wife, children or household used to have or have noted or prescribed any other place in the said parish church of Waverton for himself by right, title or in the name of his use or interest in his house or tenement aforesaid; and he propounds as before.

 

4          Also, in excepting the party aforesaid propounds and says that notwithstanding the premises and matters concerning them, in fact the successors of the tenants of Ralph Dutton, esquire, aforesaid had until now by right the use and interest in the said seat or form and should have in future by reason of the house or tenement, the plaintiff is attempting to expel them unjustly from their peaceful possession against the long-established custom aforesaid and the canons and statute issued in that behalf, just as he contends that they should be expelled in his pretended libel given and offered before you; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

All and singular of which matters were and are true, public, notorious, manifest and equally well-known.

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, for the making of which according to the requirement of law this propounding party offers himself, ready and willing, at a suitable and

Transcript

[1566/13 image 2]

domus eiusdem richardi clyffe vocata the hall of huxley pertinere omnia debuit
vel debet huiusmodi scamnum siue sedile eo quod dictus richardus cliffe <alias cliue> armiger
tenet occupat et vsu possedet alium orandi locum anglice nuncupatum a pewe
vbi ille vxor liberi familie genua flectunt et orant domo siue aule sue
spectantem neque alias ad vxores antedictas petri Jenson et richardi Jenson aut ad
familias predicti richardi clyffe vel ad aliam
quamcunque personam spectare debuit vel debet modo quo in libello narrat pars
Actrix nisi licentia et permissu dicti radulphi Dutton armigeri tenens et inhabitans in
domo predicta quandoquidem d[ictorum] petri Jenson et richardi Jenson non est
tenementum sed cottagium le cottage neque tenementum vnquam tugurio siue cottagio
Cedit sed semper tenemento cottagium redit hoc est locum datum et cetera et ponit coniunctim diuisim atque articulatim

2          Item quod dicta Johanna Calkin parochiana ecclesie predicte de Wauerton maritus et predecessores
tenentes predicti radulphi Dutton armigeri eorum temporibus illud idem scamnum siue sedile spacijs
et annis supradictis sine interuptione vexacione molestacione et perturbacione tenuerunt
possederunt et ad vsum parius spacificatur occupauerunt pro vt illud occupare debet
pars ista iure interesse titulo et nomine mesuagij siue tenementi in quo inpresentiarum
habitat pars ista defendens et maritus qui ad omnies reparaciones reedificaciones
ac ad omnia alia offitia necessaria eidem ecclesia de Wauerton faciendum et
soluendum parati semper contributores fuerunt Juxta scamnum siue sedile antedictum
ita vt alij parochiani eiusdem ecclesie scamna sua occupantes et ponit coniunctim diuisim
et de quolibet

3          Item insuper dicit quod illud scamnum tempore immemorato tenemento antedicto pertinet
iure et interesse domicilij sui et adhuc iure pertinere debet modo et forma predictis
nec alium quidem locum dicte tenemente in dicta ecclesia parochialis de Wauerton
tenens predecessores vxor liberi vel familie sibe notum seu prescriptum
habuerunt vel habent iure titulo nomine vsu vel interesse domus siue tenemento
sui antedicto et ponit vt supra

4          Item excipiendo proponit pars predicta et dicit quod premissis et ea concernentibus non
obstantibus et successores tenentium radulphi Dutton armigeri predicti a suis pacificis
possessionibus iure vsum et interesse que hactenus in dicto scamno siue sedile
habuerunt et in futurum habere debent racione domus siue tenementi
Iniuste contra consuetudinem Longenam antedictam canones et statuta in ea parte
edita expellere conatur pars actrix quemadmodum in suo pretenso libello coram
vobis dato et oblato expellere nititur et ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

Que omnia  et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta pariter et famosa

Vnde facte fide de Jure in hac parte requisita ad quam faciendum iuxta [Juris]
exigentiam pars ista proponens offert se promtam et paratam pro loco et tempore congruis et

Exceptions against the libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/13 image 3]

opportune place and time, for which reason the party of Joan Calkin prays that right and a complement of justice may be done and administered to her in all and singular the premises, and that he […] will be dismissed from further vexation, disturbance, annoyance […] by the aforesaid Richard Clive, esquire, relating to this form or seat […] and is pronounced to be acquitted, and that perpetual silence is imposed upon him and his successors […] in relation to this form or seat and that the said Richard Clive, on account of his rashly […] this suit is condemned in the lawful costs incurred on behalf of the said Joan Calkin, and he protests those to be incurred, by you and the passing of your definitive sentence in this behalf. And otherwise, that what will have been of right and reason in the premises and anything whatsoever concerning them may be done, established and decreed. The party of the said Joan Calkin propounds the premises and prays that they are 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 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, lord judge aforesaid.

Transcript

[1566/13 image 3]

Opportunis quare petit pars Johnne Calkin Jus [et Justicie] complementum
sibi in premissis omnibus et singulis [fieri] et ministrari Ipsamque [Jo]hannam ab vlteriore
vexacione perturbacione molestacione […] antedicti richardi clyffe armigeri circa
huiusmodi scamnum siue sedile […] et absoluta esse pronunciari ac silentiam
perpetuam ei et successoribus […] quoad scamnum huiusmodi impone dictumque richard
cliffe ob suam temere […] litem in expensis Legitimis per partem predicte
Johanne calkine factis et [protestatur] de fiendis condempna[ri] per vos et vestram
Sententiam diffinitiuam in hac [parte fer]endam vlteriusque fieri statui et decerni in
premissis et ea concernentibus [quibusc]unque quod Juris fuerit et racionis premissa proponit
et fieri petit pars dicte Johanne calkine coniunctim diuisim non arctans se ad omnia et
singula premissa probanda nec ad onus superflue probacionis de quo protestatur sed
quatenus probauerit in premissis eatenus obtineat in petitis Juris beneficio in
omnibus semper saluo vestrum offitium domine Judex antedicte humiliter Implorando

Exceptions against the libel (image 4)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/13 image 4]

[Endorsement]

Exceptive material of Joan Calkin, wife of Peter Calkin, against a certain pretended libel of Richard Clive, esquire, in a pretended cause of claim to a form or seat exhibited in the year 1566.

[in pencil in a different hand]

Waverton

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1566/13 image 4]

[Endorsement]

[Materia] exceptiua Johanne
[calk]ine vxoris perti
[cal]kine contra et aduersus
pretensum quendam libellum
ex parte richardi cliffe
armigeri in pretensa causa vendi-
cacionis scamni siue
sedilis exhibita
Anno 1566

[in pencil in a different hand]

Waverton

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Interrogatories (image 5)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/13 image 5]

Interrogatories to be administered on behalf of the venerable Richard Clive, esquire, against all and singular pretended witnesses produced and to be produced by Joan Calkin, wife of Peter Calkin, in a certain cause of disturbance of a form or seat in the parish church of Waverton are as follows:

1          Firstly, the penalty for perjury and false witness having been explained, let each pretended witness be asked whether he is related by blood or marriage, servant or tenant of the party producing him, or liable or indebted to the same party in any sum of money, and let him be asked jointly, severally and concerning every part thereof.

2          Also, let each pretended witness be asked with which party of the parties aforesaid he is associated more or which party of the parties he would favour more and would confer victory upon if he had power in that behalf, and let him be asked as before.

3          Also, let each said witness be asked whether he conferred with his fellow witnesses, or any of them, or his fellow witnesses, or any of them with him, what and how and in what way they may depose in this behalf; and let him be asked as before.

4          Also, let each pretended witness be asked whether he knew Peter Calkin and Joan, his wife, and how long he has known them; and let him be asked as before.

5          Also, let each witness be asked whether he knew the form or seat, in English ‘the knylinge place’ in the parish of Waverton which is now in controversy between the venerable Richard Clive, esquire, and Joan Calkin, wife of Peter Calkin, aforesaid; let him be asked as before.

6          Also, let each pretended witness be asked whether he knew the wife of Peter Calkin when she was a maid and before she was married and if he knew her, let him reveal where and in which parish she lived before the wedding, and if it was then in the parish of Waverton, as it now is, let him declare where and in which form or seat she used chiefly and commonly to sit and to offer her prayers, and by what right or title she possessed the said seat, also in which form or seat her mother used to sit during the time that she lived at Huxley in the tenement or messuage of a certain venerable man and by what title or right her mother had the use of the same form or seat; and let him be asked as before.

Transcript

[1566/13 image 5]

Interroga[toria mini]strata ex parte venrabilis viri
Richardi clive armigeri Contra omnies et singulos pretensos
testes per Jonam Calkyn vxoris petri Calkyn
productos et producendos  in quodam causa disturbationis
scamni siue sedilis in ecclesia parochialis de Waverton
Sequuntur

1          In Primis exposita periurij et testis falsidici pena interogetur
quilibet testis pretensus an sit consanguinius affinis domesticus
vel tenens partis eum producentis vel eidem parti
in aliqua pecuniarum summa obnoxius vel
indebitatus Et interogetur Coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

2          Item Interrogetur quilibet testium pretensorum predictorum cum qua parte partium
predictarum magis conversatur aut cui parti ipsarum partium magis faveat
et conferret victoriam si potestatem habuerit in hac parte ac interogetur
vt supra

3          Item Interrogetur quilibet testis dictus an ipse conferrebat cum contestibus
suis vel eorum aliquo aut contestes sui vel eorum aliquis cum eo
quid et quomodo et qualiter in hac parte deponeret Et interrogetur
vt supra

4          Item Interrogetur quilibet testis pretensus vtrum novit petrum calkyn
et Jonam eius vxorem et quam diu eosdem novit Et interrogetur
vt supra

5          Item Interrogetur quilibet testis vtrum novit scamnum siue sedile
anglice the knylinge place in parochia de Waverton de quo nunc
controvertitur inter venerabilem virum Richardum Clyve Armigerum
et Jonam Calkin vxorem petri Calkyn predictam interrogetur
vt supra

6          Item Interrogetur quilibet testis pretensus vtrum novit vxorem petri
Calkin cum esset virgo et ante quam nupsit et si novit ostendat
vbi et in qua parochia ipsa habitavit ante nuptias et si
fuit tunc parochiana de Waverton vt nunc est declaret vbi
et in quo scamno siue sedile precipue et communiter sedebat
et preces suas efferebat et quo Jure vel titulo dictum
scamnum poscidebat etiam in quo scamno siue sedile sedebat
Mater eius eo tempore quo habitavit apud Huxley in
tenemento siue Messuagio cuiusdam venerabilis viri
et quo titulo et Jure Mater eius vtebatur eodem scamno siue
Sedile et interrogetur vt supra

Interrogatories (image 6)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/13 image 6]

7          Also, let each pretended witness be asked whether he knew the house or tenement in which Peter Calkin and his wife now live and how long she has lived in that place, and let him be asked as before.

8          Also, let each pretended witness be asked whether he knew the person or persons who used to live in the house or tenement (as tenants) in which Peter Calkin now lives before he, Peter, lived there and if he knows let him reveal the name of the tenant and his wife and in addition let him declare whichever form or seat the wife of that tenant had in the parish church of Waverton, and in which she chiefly and commonly used to sit and kneel and if she used to sit in the form or seat which is now in controversy, then let him answer and say, if he can, by what right or title she used to sit there, and let him be asked as before.

9          Also, let each pretended witness be asked whether he knew that a certain William Large has lived at one time in the same tenement or house where Peter Calkin now lives, and if he knew him let him also answer whether he knew the wife of the said William Large to have sat and offered up her prayers commonly and by her own right in the form or seat now in controversy, and let him be asked as before.

10        Also, let each pretended witness be asked whether he knew that the wife of a certain Manifouldes has ever sat in the form or seat aforesaid by reason and right of the house or tenement in which Peter Calkin now lives, and let him be asked as before.

11        Also, let each pretended witness be asked whether he knew and may be able to depose that Joan Calkin, wife of Peter Calkin, commonly sat in the form or seat about which there is controversy, and whether she sat in that place by proper right and just title or not and whether the form or seat aforesaid belongs to the house or tenement in which Peter Calkin, her husband, now lives and if it belonged then let him reveal and declare, whether he can take it upon himself to lay claim to the whole of that form or seat for himself and whether no other persons should share it, and if others can share it how many and who they are, and let him be asked as before.

Transcript

[1566/13 image 6]

7          Item Interrogetur quilibet testis pretensus vtrum novit domum siue
tenementum in quo nunc habitat petrus Calkyn et eius vxor
et quam diu ipsa habitavit illic et interrogetur vt supra

8          Item Interrogetur quilibet testis pretensus vtrum novit persona vel
personas que habitabant in domo siue tenemento
(tanquam tenentes) in quo petrus Calkin nunc habitat anteque
ipse petrus illic habitavit et si novit ostendat nomen tenentis
et vxoris et preterea declaret quodnam scamnum siue Sedile
vxor illius tenetis habebat in ecclesia parochialis de Waverton
et in quibus precipue et communiter sedebat et flectebat genua
et si sedebat in scamno siue Sedile de quo nunc controversia
est tunc respondeat et dicat si possit quo Jure et titulo
illic sedebat et interrogetur vt supra

9          Item Interrogetur quilibet testis pretensus vtrum novit quendum
Willielmum Large quondam habitasse in eodem tenemento siue
domo vbi nunc petrus Calkyn habitat et si novit
Respondeat preteria [vtrum] novit vxorem dicti Willielmi Large
sedisse et preces suas effucisse communiter et Jure proprio
in scamno siue Sedile de quo nunc controvertitur
et interrogetur vt supra

10        Item Interrogetur quilibet testis pretensus vtrum novit vxorem
cuiusdam Manifouldes vnquam sedisse in scamno siue sedile
predicto Ratione et Jure domus siue tenementi in quo
nunc petrus Calkin habitat et interrogetur vt supra

11        Item Interrogetur quilibet testis pretensus vtrum novit et
deponere possit quod Joanne Calkin vxor Petri
Calkyn sedit communiter in scamno siue Sedile
de quo controversia est et an sedit illic Jure bono et titulo
iusto an non et vtrum scamnum siue Sedile predictum pertinet
ad domum siue tenementum in quo nunc petrus Calkin
eius Maritus nunc habitat et si pertinet tunc ostendat
et declaret an possit suscipere vendicare totum illud scamnum
Siue Sedile sibi ipsi et an non alia personæ debent
participare et si aliæ debent participare quot et quæ sunt
et interrogetur vt supra

Interrogatories (image 7)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/13 image 7]

12        Also, let each pretended witness be asked whether he knew that any other woman or women in addition to Joan Calkin have sat in the same seat and by what right or title they sat in that place, and let him be asked as before.

13        Also, that they render true reasons etc..

Transcript

[1566/13 image 7]

12        Item Interrogetur [quilibet] testis pretensus vtrum nouit aliquam
vel aliquas sedent [in] eodem scamno preter Joane Calkin et
quo Jure vel titulo illic sedent et interrogetur vt supra

13        Item Quod reddant ve[ras] causas et cetera

Interrogatories (image 8)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/13 image 8]

[Endorsement]

Interrogatories on behalf of Richard Clive, esquire, against the witnesses produced by Joan Calkin.

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1566/13 image 8]

[Endorsement]

Interrogatoria ex parte
Richardi Clive armigeri
contra testes Joane
Calkin producendes

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Richard Clive (or Cliffe) – plaintiff

Joan Calkin – defendant

Peter Calkin – husband of defendant

 

 

Officials

William Downham

 

 

 

Subjects

Church seating

Places

Waverton

 

 

 

 

Notes

Depositions of witnesses on exceptions of Richard Clive and exceptions of Joan Calkin may be found at EDC 2/8 ff. 48-50, 57-57v but as the article numbers do not correspond to those in the above exceptions this may be in connection with other exceptions which have not survived, or a different cause.

Ref: EDC 5/1566/12

  • Search Cause Papers

Catalogue Entry:

There is no catalogue entry for this cause, but the papers are filed in a paper folder labelled EDC 5 (1566) No 12 . Coddington

Summary:

Hugh Dodd, rector of Coddington, contra Richard Allen of Farndon regarding the tithes of Bechin.

The libel is at EDC 5/1567/2 and is against both Richard Allen, lately farmer of John Barlow, rector of Malpas, and Richard  Barrow of Farndon.

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Tithes- calves; tithes – cows; tithes – gardens; tithes – lambs; tithes – sheep; tithes – wool

 

Cause Papers:

Exceptions against the libel
Sentence

Exceptions against the libel (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/12 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; in a certain pretended cause of subtraction of tithes and church dues, which was disputed and is still disputed and pending undecided before you, the right reverend father in God, William, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester, or your vicar general in spirituals lawfully deputed to decide ecclesiastical causes in your Chester diocese, between Hugh Dodd, clerk, rector of the parish church of Coddington of your Chester diocese, pretended party plaintiff and complainant, on the one part and Richard Allen of the parish of Farndon of the aforesaid diocese and of your jurisdiction, pretended defendant and party complained of, on the other part. The party of the said Richard Allen against the said Hugh Dodd, clerk, rector aforesaid, and against any other person or persons whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same, and also against a certain pretended libel, such as it is, although invalidly given and offered in the said cause, and the whole claim of the said rector, based on the same; says, alleges to all consequence of law following therefrom, in every best way, manner and form of law, by which he was or is able in law in these writings propounds jointly, severally and in articles as follows:

Firstly, in excepting this party says against the said pretended libel to which in law he is not bound at all to respond, at least as it originates from this suit, inasmuch as it was and is exceedingly general, obscure, vague, false, variable and not suitably devised, not only in many parts but also especially in the part where the plaintiff proceeds against the propounding party as if this party were the principal in this business, that is owner of the cows, calves, lambs, wool and sheep; equally he is impudently and unjustly seeking tithes as is contained in the third, fourth, sixth and seventh articles of the libel, while in fact the said Richard Allen has no rights in the said cows, calves, lambs, wool, garden or sheep, or in those lands, estates, fields, pastures, meadows or grazing in which these animals graze, are brought forth, produced or born; but tithes of these cows, calves, lambs, wool, garden and sheep of all and singular tenants, occupiers and dwellers in Bechin within the demesne and parish of Malpas, belonged and still belong and ought in future to belong peacefully, to whosoever the rectors of Malpas may be at the time, and to their farmers, substitutes and deputies as well by the common law as by ancient laudable and lawful prescribed custom, statutes and injunctions of this glorious realm of England, hitherto inviolably used, observed, continued and prescribed for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years, and before and since and also from the time of the beginning or to the contrary of which there exists no memory of men until the time of this grievance, in this manner which follows: namely tenants, inhabitants, occupiers and dwellers in the demesne of Bechin within the parish of Malpas aforesaid having tithable cows, calves, lambs, wool, gardens and sheep grazing, growing, originating and arising in his lands should divide and tithe these tithes of cows, calves, lambs, wool, gardens and sheep equally in three parts of which they have paid and each of them whosoever has paid and should have paid and should pay in future two parts in entirety to the rectors of Malpas, while the third part of the tithes aforesaid belongs and is accustomed to be paid to the rector of Coddington, whoever he may be at the time; and he propounds jointly, severally and in articles.

Transcript

[1566/12 image 1]

In dei nomine [A]men In quadam pretensa causa subtractionis
decimarum et Jurium ecclesiasticorum q[ue] coram vobis Reverendo in christo patre et domino
domino Willielmo permissione [divina] cestrensi Episcopo vestroue vicario in spiritualibus
generali ad causas eccles[tiasticas] decidendum in diocesi vestra cestrensi Legitime
deputato inter hugone[m D]od <clericum> rectorem ecclesie parochialis de codington
vestre cestrensis diocesis p[artem prete]nsam actricem et querelantem ex vna et richardum
Allen parochie de farento[n] predicte diocesis et vestre Jurisdiccionis partem pretensam ream
et querelatam partibus ex altera vertebatur et ad huc vertitur et pendet
Indecisa Pars dicti Richardi allen contra et aduersus dictum hugonem Dod
clericum rectorem antedictum ac contra quemcunque alium siue alios coram vobis
pro eodem in Judicio legitime interuenientem necnon contra quendam pretensum libellum
taliter qualiter immo nulliter in dicta causa datum et oblatum totalemque intentionem
dicti rectoris fundatam in eodem dicit allegat ad omnem Juris effectum
exinde sequi valentem omnibus melioribus via modo et Juris forma quibus
potuit aut potest in hijs scriptis in Jure proponit Coniunctim diuisim
atque articulatim provt Sequitur

In primis excipiendo dicit pars ista contra dictum pretensum libellum cui de Jure
respondere omnino non tenetur quo lis Saltem oriatur pro eo videlicet quod fuit
et est nimis generalis obscurus vagus falsus incertus et minus apte conceptus
Cum in multis partibus tum in ea presertim parte vbi agit pars actrix contra partem
proponens ac si pars ista in hoc negotio principalis esset hoc est dominus
vaccarum vitulorum agnorum lane et ovorum equibus impudenter et iniuste
petit decimas provt in tertio quarto sexto et septimo articulis libelli continetur
tum re vera dictus Richardus Allen nihil Juris in dictis vaccis
vitulis agnis lana gardino vel ovis aut in illis terris fundis agris
pascuibus pratis siue pasturis in quibus huiusmodi pascuntur oriuntur
gignuntur siue nascuntur sed decime huiusmodi vaccarum vitulorum agnorum lane
Gardina et ovorum omnium et singulorum tenentium degentium et comorantium in bechen
infra dominicum et parochiam de Malpas tam Jure communi quam de antiqua
Laudabili Legitime que prescripta consue<tu>dine statutis et iniunctionibus huius
incliti regni Anglie hucusque inuiolabiliter vsitata observata continuata
et prescripta a x xx xxx xl l lx annis vltraque et citra necnon
a tempore cuius inicij siue contrarij in memoria hominum non existit vsque ad
tempus huius grauaminis ad rectores de Malpas quoscunque pacifice
temporibus suis existens firmariosque subsitutos et deputatos pertinuerunt
et ad huc pertinent et pertinere debent imposterum in hunc qui
Sequitur modum videlicet tenentes inhabitantes degentes et commorantes in dominico
de bechen infra parochiam de Malpas antedictam vaccas vitulos agnos
lanas gardium et oua habentes decimabilia in terris suis pascentes crescentes
orientes et deuenientes huiusmodi decimas vaccarum vitulorum agnorum lanorum gardini et
ovorum in tres partes equaliter deuiderent <et decimarent> quarum due partes Integre
ad rectores de Malpas soluerunt et eorum quilibet soluit et soluere de-
buit et debet etiam in futurum tertia vero pars decimarum predictarum ad rectorem de
codington quecunque pro tempore suo pertinuit et solui consueuit
et ponit Coniunctim diuisim atque articulatim

Exceptions against the libel (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/12 image 2]

Also, in excepting the party aforesaid alleges that the false claim of the plaintiff that the cows, calves, gardens, wool and sheep aforesaid of which in the libel he unjustly seeks tithes […] from the party propounding, were and still are of a certain John Corser, tenant and inhabitant within the aforesaid demesne of Bechin who has paid his tithes and caused them to be paid according to and in accordance with the lawful and laudable use of the place and the ancient custom aforesaid; and he propounds as before.

Also, that this party is a parishioner of the parish church of Farndon, who has always paid and caused to be paid his tithes both predial and personal, mixed and minute, and other church dues due and accustomed to be paid by law to the parish church of Farndon aforesaid; and he propounds jointly, severally and of every part thereof.

All and singular of which matters were and are true, public, notorious, manifest and equally well-known.

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, for the making of which according to the requirement of law this party propounding offers himself, willing and ready, at a suitable and opportune place and time, whereby the party of the said Richard Allen prays that right and a complement of justice may be done and administered to him in all and singular the premises, and that he, Hugh Dodd, will be dismissed from further suit for these tithes and that perpetual silence is imposed upon him in relation to the premises and he, Richard Allen, will be pronounced to be dismissed and completely absolved, with the costs incurred in this behalf, and he protests those to be incurred, by you and passing your definitive sentence in this behalf. And otherwise, that what will have been of right and reason in the premises and anything whatsoever concerning them may be done, established and decreed. The party of the said Richard Allen propounds the premises and prays that they are 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 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, lord judge aforesaid.

Transcript

[1566/12 image 2]

Item excipiendo allegat pars pred[icta quod] intentionem frustratoriam partis actricis quod vacce
vituli agni gardini Lana et [ova] predicti quarum quorumque decimas iniuste in libello
petit […] parte proponenti fuerunt [et] ad huc sunt Cuiusdam Johannis Corswore
tenentis et habitantis infra pred[ictum do]minicum de bechen qui decimas suas soluit et
solui fecit Juxta et secundum legit[imam et] laudabilem vsum loci et consuetudinem
Longenam antedictam et ponit vt supra

Item quod pars ista est parochianus ecclesie parochialis de farnton qui decimas
suas tam prediales quam personales mixtas et minutas et cetera iura
Ecclesiastica ecclesie parochiali de farneton predicte debitas et de iure solui
Consuetas semper soluit et solui procurauerit et ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

Que omnia  et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta
pariter et famosa

Vnde facte fide de Jure in hac parte requisita ad quam
faciendum iuxta Juris exigentiam pars ista proponens offert se peremptam et paratam
pro loco et tempore congruis et oportunis Quare  petit pars dicti Richardi
Allen Jus et Justicie complementum sibi in premissis omnibus et singulis
fieri et ministrari Ipsumque hugonem Dod ab vlteriori peticione
decimarum huiusmodi ac ipsum richardum Allen dimmitendum fore pronunciari
et cum expensis in hac parte factis et protestatur de fiendis dimitti et
penitus absolui et et imposterum silentiam ei perpetuum quoad premissa
per vos et vestram sententiam diffinitiuam in hac parte ferendam vlteriusque
fieri statui et decerni in premissis et ea concernentibus quibuscunque quod
Juris fuerit et rationis premissa proponit et fieri petit pars dicti Richardi
Allen 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

Exceptions against the libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/12 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Exceptive material of Richard Allen against the libel of Hugh Dodd, clerk, rector of Coddington exhibited in the year 1566.

[in pencil in a different hand]

Coddington

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1566/12 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Materia exceptiua [Richardi]
allen contra libellum [Hugonis]
Dod clerici recto[ris]
de codington
exhibita Anno 1566

[in pencil in a different hand]

Coddington

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Sentence (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/12 image 4]

In the name of God, Amen: the merits and circumstances of a certain cause of tithes which was disputed, is disputed and is still pending undecided before us having been heard, seen, understood and fully investigated by us, Robert Leche, bachelor of laws, commissary general of the right reverend father in God, William, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester, and lawfully appointed official principal of his consistory court, duly and lawfully proceeding; between the Hugh Dodd, rector of the parish church of Coddington, plaintiff and complaining party on the one part, and Richard Allen of the parish of Farndon of Chester diocese, the defendant and party complained of on the other part, with the parties aforesaid appearing sufficiently and lawfully before us, namely, the party of the said rector appearing personally and by William Man, Master of Arts, lawfully appointed proctor according to the acts of the court, with the party of Richard Allen appearing personally and by John Prichard, Bachelor of Laws, his proctor lawfully appointed according to the acts of the court; the party of the said Richard Allen praying that sentence is passed and justice is done to him, with the party of the said rector also praying that justice is done to him.

All and singular acts, enactments, deductions, propositions, allegations, confessions and proofs had and done by all sides in the said cause having first been examined and diligently inspected by us, and having reviewed, examined and considered them with promptness and the greatest diligence, with the advice of those learned in the law with whom we have communicated in this behalf, and having observed what according to law should be observed by us in this behalf, we have thus thought fit to proceed to the pronouncement of the passing of our definitive sentence or final decree in this cause, and we do proceed in this manner which follows:

Forasmuch as we know and clearly find by the acts enacted, set forth, alleged, exhibited, confessed and proved had and done in the said cause, that the party of the said rector has not in any way sufficiently and fully established and not at all proved his intention in his certain libel given and offered before us (the tenor of which follows and is thus; In the name of God, Amen: before you, William, by divine permission bishop of Chester etc., which libel we will have here read and inserted) and has by no means sufficiently and fully founded and in no way proved, but has altogether failed in proof of this cause.

Therefore we, the official aforesaid, having first called upon the name of Christ, and having God only before our eyes, of and with the advice of those learned in the law with whom we have communicated promptly in this behalf, have thought fit to completely dismiss the said Richard Allen, defendant, from further instance and unjust suit of the said Hugh Dodd, plaintiff, in and upon the same cause, just as we do fully absolve and dismiss him by this our definitive sentence. We decree that the said Hugh Dodd, plaintiff, is to be condemned to pay to the said Richard Allen his costs necessarily incurred and to be hereafter incurred in the said cause, on account of his suit rashly started and the unjust vexation inflicted on the said Richard Allen in this cause, just as we condemn him, Hugh Dodd, rector of Coddington aforesaid, in all and singular the same expenses payable to the said Richard Allen, as aforesaid, by this final decree or definitive sentence judicially issued, read and promulgated in writing; likewise reserving the taxation of these costs to us, and we do reserve it.

This sentence was read and issued by the judge aforesaid in the chapter house of Chester cathedral church on 10th day of October in the year of our Lord 1566, being then present there Edmund Winstanley, gentleman, and with witnesses as in the acts etc..

Transcript

[1566/12 image 4]

In Dei Nomine Amen auditis visis et intellectis plenarieque discussis per nos Robertum
lech in legibus
baccalaureum reverendi in christo patris et domini domini Willielmi permissione divina Cestrensis episcopi Commissarium generalem ac eius
Curie consistorialis officialem principalem Legitime deputatum Meritis et circumstancijs cuiusdam cause decimarum que coram
nobis inter Hugonem Dodde rectorem ecclesie parochialis de Coddington  partem actricem et querelantem ex una et et richardum
Allen  parochie de Farenton cestrensis diocesis partem ream querelatam partibus ex altera vertebatur vertitur et adhuc
pendet indecisa rite et Legitime procedentes partibus predictis coram nobis sufficienter et legitime comparentibus parte videlicet dicti
rectoris per se personaliter et per Willelmum Man Artium Magistrum <legitime apud acta procurator constitutum parte vero richardi Allen
per se personaliter et per Johannem Prichard in legibus baccallarium Legitime apud acta constitutum procuratorem >
parte dicti richardi Allen  Sententiam ferri et iusticiam sibi fieri parte etiam dicti rectoris Justiciam sibi
fieri instanter postulantibus

Visis primitus per nos diligenterque inspectis omnibus et singulis actis inactitatis deductis propositis
allegatis confessatis et probatis in dicta causa hincinde habitis et factis eijsque cum maturitate et summa cum diligen-
tia recensitis examinatis et ponderatis de consilio iurisperitorum quibuscum in hac parte Communicauimus seruatisque
per nos de iure in hac parte seruandis ad nostre sententie diffinitiue siue finalis decreti prolacionem in huiusmodi causa ferende
sic duximus procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum

Quia per acta inactitata deducta allegata exhibita
confessata et probata in dicta causa habita et facta comperimus et Luculenter invenimus partem dicti rectoris intencionem suam
in quodam suo libello coram [nobis] dato et oblato cuius quidem libelli tenor sequitur <et> talis est In dei nomine amen Coram vobis Willielmo
permissione divina cestrensis episcopo et cetera quem quidem libellum pro hic lecto et inserto habere volumus nequaquam sufficienter et ad plenum
fundasse nullatenusque probasse sed in huiusmodi cause probacione omnino defecisse

Idcirco nos officialis antedictus christi nomine primitus
invocato ac ipsum solum deum pre oculis nostris habentes de et cum consilio iurisperitorum quibuscum mature in hac
parte Communicauimus dictum Richardum Allen partem ream ab vlteriori instancia et impeticione iniusta dicti Hugonis
Dodde  partis actricis in et de predicta causa penitus dimmitendum duximus provt Ipsam per hanc nostram Sentenciam diffinitivam penitus
dimmittimus et absoluimus dictumque Hugonem Dodd partem actricem propter suam litem temere incohatam iniustamque vexacionem
in dicta causa dictum richardum allen illatam ad soluendum prefato richardo allen expensas suas in dicta causa necessa-
rio factis et imposterum fiendis condempnandum fore decreuimus provt ipsum Hugonem Dodde rectorem de Coddington
antedictum per hoc finale decretum siue diffinitivam sententiam in scriptis per nos Judicaliter latam Lectam et promulgatam in eijsdem
expensis omnibus et singulis dicto richardo allen vt premittitur soluendum condempnamus taxacionem huiusmodi expensarum
nobis reseruantam et reseruamus

lecta et lata fuit huiusmodi sentencia per iudicem antedictum in domo
capitulari Ecclesia cathedralis cestrensis xo die Octobris Anno domini
1566 presentibus tunc ibidem Edmund Winstanley generoso et alijs
testibus inactis et cetera

Sentence (image 5)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/12 image 5]

[Endorsement]

Absolutory sentence of Richard Allen against Hugh Dodd, rector of Coddington, exhibited in the year 1566.

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1566/12 image 5]

[Endorsement]

Sententia absolutoria
Richardi Alen
contra Hugonem
Dodd rectorem
de Coddington
exhibita Anno
1566

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Hugh Dodd, rector of Coddington – plaintiff

Richard Allen – defendant

Edmund Winstanley – witness to the sentence

 

 

Officials

William Downham

Robert Leche

 

 

Subjects

Absolutory sentence

Proctors

William Man – for the plaintiff

John Prichard – for the defendant

Places

Coddington

Bechin

Farndon

 

 

Notes

The libel in this cause is filed as EDC 5/1567/2

Ref: EDC 5/1566/11

  • Search Cause Papers

Catalogue Entry:

There is no catalogue entry for this cause, but the papers are filed in a paper folder labelled EDC 5 (1566) No 11 – Prescot

Summary:

Edward Ogells [Ogle] contra Richard Carter.

Richard claimed that John Layton rather than Edward Ogle was lawful farmer of the tithes in dispute.

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Tithes – hay

Cause Papers:

Exceptions against the libel

Exceptions against the libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/11 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: before you William, by divine permission bishop of Chester, or your commissary general or any other judge whomsoever competent in this regard, the party of the distinguished Richard Carter of the parish of Prescot of Chester diocese against Edward Ogells, gentleman, of the parish of Huyton of Chester diocese and of your jurisdiction, and against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same and also against the pretended libel or pretended material and his entire claim, such as it is, set forth judicially against the said Richard Carter, and also against the whole and entire process carried out by you thereupon, by every better and more effective way, methods and form of law by which, according to law, he was or is better and more effectively able and to every sound effect of law to follow therefrom says, alleges and responding in these writings, he propounds jointly, severally and in articles as follows:

Firstly, and above all, responding the party aforesaid says and alleges to the first article that Master Edward Ogells never was or is farmer of a certain parcel of land or hamlet called Widdes[1] lying and being within the parish of Prescot aforesaid, as falsely alleged in the same article, nor has he ever been or at present is called, taken, held, named or reputed as farmer of the tithes and church rights coming, growing and arising within the bounds and limits and tithable places of the said parcel of land or hamlet called Widdes; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Also, responding to the second article, this party says that neither were nor are the said Edward Ogells or his precursors or predecessors called, named or reputed as farmers of the said parcel of land nor were they in peaceful possession of the same; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning every part thereof.

Also, responding, this party says that John Layton, gentleman, was and is named, taken, held and reputed as farmer of all and singular tithes belonging and appertaining to the perpetual vicarage of the parish church of Prescot and the bounds and limits of the same,

[1] This may be the township of Widnes, which was in the parish of Prescot at this time.

 

Transcript

[1566/11 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis Willielmo permissione divina Cestrensi
episcopo vestroue Commissario generali seu alio Judice in hac parte competenti
quocunque Pars discreti viri Richardi Carter parochie de Prescot
Cestrensis diocesis contra et aduersus Edwardum Ogells generosum parochie de
Hyton Cestrensis diocesis et vestre Jurisdiccionis ac contra quemcunque alium Coram vobis
pro eodem in Judicio legitime Intervenientem ac etiam contra pretensum libellum
siue pretensam Materiam Totalemque eius intentionem taliter qualiter in
Judicio contra dictum Richardum Carter deductum necnon contra totum et
integrum processum inde per vos factum omnibus melioribus et efficatioribus
via modis et Juris forma quibus melius et efficatius de Jure
poterit aut potest et ad omnem Juris effectum inde sequi valendum
dicit allegat et in hijs scriptis Respondendo proponit coniunctim diuisim
et articulatim pro vt Sequitur

Imprimis et ante omnia Respondendo dicit et allegat pars predicta ad
p[rimum arti]culum  quod Magister Edwardus Ogells nunquam fuit vel est
firm[arius] cuiusdam parcelle terre siue hamlet’ vocat’ Widdes Jacentis
et ex[istentis] infra parochiam de Prescot predictam vt false in eodem articulo
alleg[atum] nec pro firmario decimarum et Jurium [ecc]lesiasticorum infra
fines [e]t limites locaque decimabilia dicte parcelle terre siue hamlet’
vocat’ Widdes provenientium crescentium et contingentium vnquam <fuit vel in presenti> est dictus tentus
habitus nominatus vel reputatus ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

Item Respondendo ad Secundum articulum pars ista dicit <neque> dictus Edwardus
Ogells eiusve precessores vel predecessores fuerunt vel sunt dicte parcelle
terre firmarij dicti nominati vel reputati neque in passifica eiusdem
possessione extitere et ponit ponit Coniunctim Diuisim et de quolibet

Item Respondendo dicit pars ista Quod Johannes Laton generosus fuit et est
pro firmario decimarum omnium et singularum ad vicariam perpetuam
ecclesie parochialis de Prescot finesque et limites eiusdem spectantium et pertinentium

Exceptions against the libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/11 image 2]

and has lawfully acquired and is possessed of the farm of the same; to which John, as true farmer as aforesaid, he paid his tithes of hay due in the present year […] on the aforesaid land lying and being, or at least lawfully compounded for his same tithes of hay with the same John Layton, as in the event of this suit will become clear and more fully and plainly appear; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning every part thereof. 

All and singular of which matters were and are public, true, manifest, notorious etc. Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard etc.             

Transcript

[1566/11 image 2]

nominatus tentus habitus et Reputatus firmamque eiusdem legitime est assequutus
cui quidem Johanni Laton tanquam vero firmario decimarum fæni vt
predicitur decimas suas fæni in prefate […] terre Jacenti et
existenti instantique anno debitas persolvit [seu] saltem pro eijsdem decimis
suis fæni cum dicto Johanne Laton legitime composuit vt in eventu
huius litis liquebit et plenius ac planius apparebit [et ponit] coniunctim
diuisim et de quolibet

Quæ omnia  et singula fuerunt et sunt publica vera
Manifesta notoria et cetera Vnde facta fide de Jure
in hac parte Requisita et cetera

Exceptions against the libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/11 image 3]

[Endorsement]

[The endorsement is illegible apart from the date, 1566.]

[in pencil in a different hand]

Prescot

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1566/11 image 3]

[Endorsement]

[The endorsement is illegible apart from the date, 1566.]

[in pencil in a different hand]

Prescot

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

 

People

Edward Ogle (Ogells) – plaintiff

Richard Carter – defendant

John Layton – possible rightful farmer of the tithes in question

 

 

Officials

William Downham

 

 

 

Subjects

Farm

Places

Huyton

Prescot

 

Ref: EDC 5/1566/10

  • Search Cause Papers

Catalogue Entry:

There is no catalogue entry for this cause but the papers are filed in a paper folder labelled EDC 5 (1566) NO 10 PRESCOT

Summary:

Ellen [Helen] Smith contra John Moseley [Mosteley], Katherine Moseley [Mosteley], Isabelle Croft and Margery Powell.

The last two names have been crossed out in some places but not in others.

 

 

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Defamation – sexual slander

Cause Papers:

Sentence

Sentence (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1566/10 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: the merits and circumstances of a certain cause of defamation or vulgar abuse which was disputed […] and is pending undecided before us having been heard, seen and understood and fully investigated by us, Robert Leche, bachelor of laws, vicar general in spirituals of the right reverend father in God, William, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester, and lawfully deputed official principal of his consistory court, between Helen Smith of the parish of Prescot, the plaintiff and complainant on the one part, and John Moseley and Katherine, his wife, the defendant and party complained of on the other part; with the parties aforesaid properly and lawfully proceeding before us […] by William Man, Master of Arts, her lawfully appointed proctor according to the acts of the court and the party of […] personally and Katherine Moseley, his wife, personally and by William Cowper, her proctor lawfully appointed this day according to the acts of the court; also, the party of the said plaintiff praying that sentence is passed and justice is administered to her, while the party of the aforesaid defendant also earnestly praying that justice is administered to them.

The whole and entire proceedings had and done in this cause having first been examined and diligently considered by us, and having observed what according to law should be observed by us in this behalf, we have thus thought fit to proceed to the pronouncement of the passing of our definitive sentence in the said cause, and we do proceed in this manner which follows:

Forasmuch as we know and clearly find by the acts enacted, brought, alleged, exhibited, confessed and proved done and had in the said cause that the aforesaid Helen Smith has sufficiently and fully founded and proved her claim in a certain libel of hers (the tenor of which follows and is thus; In the name of God, Amen: before you, William, by divine permission bishop of Chester etc., which libel we will have here read and inserted) and that nothing effectual has been and is brought on behalf of the said defendant and party complained of […] could destroy or in any way weaken […] of the said plaintiff and complaining party.

Therefore we, Robert Leche, Bachelor of Laws, official aforesaid, having first called upon the name of Christ, and having God himself alone before our eyes, from and with the advice of the learned in the law with whom we have consulted in a timely manner in this behalf, decree that they, John Moseley, Katherine Moseley, Isabelle Croft, Margery Powell, should be punished and corrected on account of their recklessness in the pronouncement of these defamatory words and we decree that they, John Moseley, Katherine Moseley, Isabelle Croft, Margery Powell, are to be condemned in the lawful costs incurred and to be incurred on the part of the said Helen Smith in this matter, and we do condemn them by this our definitive sentence or our final decree which we thus give and publish in these writings; reserving taxation of these expenses, and we do reserve it.

This sentence was read and issued by the judge aforesaid […] in the year of our Lord 1566, being then present there […] Thomas […], clerk, and John Barlow, rector of [Warmingham] witnesses and called to the premises etc..

Transcript

[5/1566/10 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Auditis visis et intellectis ac plenarie discussis per nos Robertum Leche in Legibus baccallarium Reverendi in christo patris ac domini domini Willielmi permissione [divina]
Cestrensis episcopi vicarium in spiritualibus generalem ac eius curie Consistorialis officialem principalem legitime deputatum M[eritis]
et Circumstantijs cuiusdam cause diffamationis seu turpis convicij que coram nobis inter [Helenam]
Smyth parochie de Prescot partem actricem et querelantem ex vna et Jhonnem Mosteley et Kate[rinam eius vxor][1]
partem ream et querelatam partibus ex altera ve[rtebatur …]
et pendet indecise Rite et legitime procedentes [partibus] predictis Coram nobis sufficienter et legitime […]
per Willielmum Man Artium magistrum eius procuratorum legitime apud acta constitutum parte vero […]
<per se et>  Katerina Mosley <eius vxor>[2] personaliter et  per[3] Willielmum Cowper eius procurator isto die ap[ud acta]
constitutum comparentibus parte quoque dicte actricis Sententiam ferri et Justiciam sibi [fieri parte vero]
antedicte <rea> Justiciam etiam illis fieri instanter postul[antibus]

Rimato per nos primitus toto et integro processu in huiusmodi causa habito et facto atque diligenter recen[sito]
Servatisque per nos in hac parte de Jure Servandis ad nostre Sententie diffinitiue prolationem in dicta caus[a]
ferendam sic duximus procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum

Quia per acta inactita deducta
allegata exhibita confessata et probata in dicta causa facta et habita comperimus et Luculanter invenimus prefatam
Helenam Smyth intentionem suam in quodam suo Libello cuius tenor Sequitur et est Talis In dei nomine
Amen Coram vobis Willielmo p[ermissione] diuina Cestrensi episcopo et cetera Quem Libellum hic prolectum et insertum
haberi volumus sufficienter et ad plenum f[un]dasse et [probasse] Nihilque effectuale ex parte dicte[4] rea et querelate
[fuisse et esse deductum …]
<partis agentis> Elideret aut quomodolibet eneruaret

Idcirco nos Robertus Leche in Legibus bacc[allarius]
officialis antedictus christi nomine primitus invocato ac ipsum solum deum pre oculis nostris habendum de et cum
consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus mature in hac parte comunicavimus eosdem Jhoannem Mostley Katerinam Mostley Isabelle croft [Margeriam Powell]
propter suam temeritatem in huiusmodi verborum diffamatorium prolationem puniendum et corrigendum fore decernimus ac
ipsos Jhoannem Mostley Katerinam Mostley Isabellam croft Margeriam powell in expensis legitimis per partem dicte Helene Smyth in
hac parte factis et fiendis condempnandum fore decernimus et condempnamus per hanc nostram Sententiam diffinitiuam
siue hoc nostrum finale decretum quam siue quod ferimus et promulgamus in hijs scriptis Taxacionem expensarum
huiusmodi reseruantem et reseruamus

lecta et lata fuit huiusmodi sentencia per iudicem anted[ictum]
[…]
Anno domini 1566 presentibus tunc ibidem ibidem […]
Thoma […]  clerico et Johanne barlow rectore de […]
testibus ac premissis vocatis et cetera

[1] The names Isabelle Croft, widow, and Margery Powell were originally included here as defendants but have been crossed out.

[2] The names Isabelle Croft and Margery Powell again crossed out at this point.

[3] The name of the proctor Robert Parkinson has been crossed out at this point.

[4] The names John Moseley, Katherine Moseley, Isabelle Croft and Margery Powell are crossed out at this point.

Sentence (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1566/10 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Sentence of Helen Smith against John Moseley and others in a cause of defamation.

[In a later hand]

Prescot

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[5/1566/10 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Sententia Helenæ Smyth co[ntra]
et aduersus Jhonnem Mostley et
alios in causa diffamationis

[In a later hand]

Prescot

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Ellen Smith – plaintiff

John Moseley – defendant

Isabelle Croft – defendant

Margery Powell – defendant

Katherine Moseley – defendant

John Barlow, rector of Warmingham – witness to the sentence

Thomas Haslingden – witness for the plaintiff (see transcript of EDC 2/8)

William Barnes – witness for the plaintiff (see transcript of EDC 2/8)

Officials

William Downham

Robert Leche

Subjects

Defamatory words

Women

 

Proctors

William Man – for the plaintiff

William Cowper– for the defendant

Places

Prescot

 

Related Causes

EDC 5/1566/9 Prescot

EDC/1566/26 Winwick

 

Notes

See also EDC 5/1566/9 which comprises an absolutory sentence, probably a draft, in favour of Katherine Moseley against Ellen [Helen] Smith in what was probably the same cause.

Depositions in a defamation cause between Ellen Smith and Jane Taylor (EDC/1566/26 Winwick) show that John Moseley had bribed Jane Taylor to slander Ellen Smith.

The defamation comprised a claim that Ellen Smith had given birth to an illegitimate child. (See Deposition Book EDC 2/8 ff. 1v-2, 11-11v, 19v-20 for depositions etc. in this and associated causes).

Ref: EDC 5/1566/9

  • Search Cause Papers

Catalogue Entry:

There is no catalogue entry for this cause but the papers are filed in a paper folder labelled EDC 5 (1566) NO 9 PRESCOT

Summary:

Ellen [Helen] Smith contra Katherine Moseley, wife of John Moseley.

The sentence is absolutory in favour of Katherine but does not record that it was ever read and issued, so it was probably a draft (see notes on sentences).

 

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Defamation – sexual slander

Cause Papers:

Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff
Sentence – probably draft

Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1566/9 image 1]

[…]  commissary general, sufficiently and lawfully deputed, of William, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester or other judge whomsoever competent in this behalf, between Ellen Smith of the parish of Prescot of Chester diocese and jurisdiction, pretended plaintiff and complaining party on the one part and Katherine Moseley of the parish of Warrington of Chester diocese and also of your jurisdiction, defendant and party complained of, on the other part, is disputed and is still pending undecided, in the term judicially assigned to her for speaking and excepting against the characters, statements and depositions of certain pretended witnesses upon the positions and articles of a certain pretended false and fictitious libel invalidly produced on behalf of the said Ellen Smith. The party of the said Katherine Moseley, excepting against the same pretended witnesses, the statements and depositions of the same, says, alleges and in these writings propounds in articles as follows:

Firstly, this party, in excepting, propounds against Thomas Haslingden, the first pretended witness introduced against her, that his testimony is null and invalid and for the whole and entire time of his production, admission, oath-swearing and examination he has been and was a useless, inept and unsuitable witness, and to be prohibited, excluded and rejected from giving evidence in this behalf, inasmuch as the said pretended witness is a near neighbour and the greatest and closest friend of the party producing him also a principal supporter and promotor of the said pretended cause, therefore he could not nor cannot, at least in law, depose against the said Katherine Moseley, and his testimony is not and cannot be of any value, as hereafter will plainly appear, to which this excepting party refers and will have here inserted, as far as it is expedient to him and not otherwise nor in any other manner.

Transcript

[5/1566/9 image 1]

[…] domini Willielmi permissione divina
Cestrensi Episcopi, commissario generali sufficienter et Legitime de-
putato seu alio Judice in hac parte competenti quocunque
Inter Elenam Smith parochie de prescot Cestrensis <diocesis> et Jurisdiccionis
partem pretensam actricem et querelantem, ex vna, et Katheren
Moseley parochie de Warington Cestrensis diocesis et vestre
quoque Jurisdiccionis  partem ream et querelantam partibus ex
a[ltera] vertitur et adhuc pendet indecise in termino
sibi Judicaliter assignato ad di[cendum] et excipiendum
contra personas dictos et depositiones quorundam pretensorum
testium, super positionibus et articulis cuisdam pretensi falsi
et ficti libelli, ex parte dicte Ellenæ Smith nulliter
productorum. Pars dicte Katherinæ Moseley, contra
eosdem pretensos testes, dictas et depositiones eorundem
dicit allegat et in hijs scriptis excipiendo proponit
articulatim provt sequitur

In primis pars ista excipiendo proponit contra Thomam
Haslingdane primum pretensum testem contra se inductum
quod ipsius testimonium est nullum et invalidum ac toto
et omni tempore sue productionis admissionis Juramenti presta-
tionis et examinacionis, fuit et erat testis invtilis
ineptus et inidoneus, ac a testimonio in hac parte
prohibendum repellendum ac reijiciendum Pro eo videlicet et
ex eo quod dictus pretensus testis est proximus vicinus
summus et intimus amicus partis eum producentis
etiam dicte pretensæ causa principalis fautor et promotor
quapropter nihil poterat siue potest deponere
saltem de Jure contra, dictam Katherinam Moseley
nec testimonium eius valet aut valere potest prout
imposterum dilucide apparebit ad quæ refert
se pars ista excipiens et hic pro insertis habere
vult, quatenus sibi expedit et non aliter nec
alio modo

Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/1566/9 image 2]

Also, this party, in excepting, propounds against [William Barnes], the second pretended witness, that his testimony […] false, null and invalid and for the whole and entire time of his production, admission, oath-swearing and examination he has been and was a useless, inept and unsuitable witness, and to be prohibited in law from giving evidence in this behalf and to be excluded and rejected, inasmuch as the said pretended witness is brother by marriage of the said Ellen Smith and for this said reason not admissible at all and to be prohibited from testimony against the said Katherine, at least in a criminal cause, for it is considered by Lanfranc in his chapter on the depositions of witnesses that affine[1] cannot be a witness for affine in a criminal cause “vt l. iij. q. j. C. j. et iij. q. ix.C. praesens”[2] and moreover this pretended witness produced is a prime mover and promoter of this cause, as will manifestly appear by lawful proofs in the event of this suit and therefore […] he cannot depose against the said Katherine Moseley, and his testimony is not and cannot, at least in law, be of any value, to which this excepting party refers and will have here inserted, as far as it is expedient to him and not otherwise nor in any other manner.

Also, all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, manifest and equally well-known and regarding and concerning this public voice and fame were and are circulating etc. the party of the said Katherine Moseley prays that right and justice may be administered to him in the premises and the said pretended false, perjured, useless and unsuitable witnesses and their null and void statements and depositions are decreed, pronounced and declared lacking […] by reason of the premises and that she, Katherine, is dismissed from further suit and unjust vexation by the said Ellen, together with the expenses by you and your definitive sentence, lord Judge aforesaid; not binding himself to prove all and singular the premises, nor to the burden of a superfluous proof, against which he protests, but so far as he shall prove in the premises so much etc.

[1] Affine – a relative by marriage.

[2] This is a rare type of reference in these Cause Papers and refers to a book on trial practice by Lanfranco de Oriano (d. 1488), who was a jurist and professor of law in Padua, specialising in procedural law.

Transcript

[5/1566/9 image 2]

Item excipiendo proponit [pars] ista contra [William Barnes]
secundum pretensum testem quod ipsius testim[onium] […]falsum
nullum et invalidum ac toto et omni tempore sue produc-
tionis admissionis Juramenti prestacionis et examinacionis
fuit et erat, testis invtilis ineptus ac inidoneus, ac a
testimonio in hac parte de Jure prohibendus repellendus
ac reijiciendus Pro eo videlicet et ex eo quod dictus pretensus
testis est frater affinitate dicte Ellenæ Smith et hac
Dicte causæ non admittendus omnino, ad prohibendum testimonium
contra <dictam Katherinam> saltem in causa criminali, habetur nam que
Lanfranco Capite de testium depositionibus, quod affinis pro affine
in causa criminali <testis> esse non potest vt l. iij. q. j. C. j. et iij. q. ix
C. præsens est preterea testis iste, pretensus, productus dictæ
causæ principalis fautor, et promotor vt per probationes
Legitimes in eventu huius Litis manifeste apparebit
[…] nihil potest saltem de Jure deponere
contra dictam Katherinam Moseley nec testimonium
euis valet aut de Jure valore potest ad quæ
refert pars ista excipiens et hic pro insertis
habere vult quatenus sibi expedit et non aliter
nec alio modo

Item premissa omnia et singula fuerunt et sunt vera
publica notoria manifesta pariter ac famosa ac de
et super huiusmodi Laborarunt et ad huc laborant publica
vox et fama et cetera petit pars dicte Katherine
Mosley Jus et Justiciam in premissis sibi ministrari
et dictos pretensos testes, falsos periuros, ineptos ac inidoneos
eorumque dicta et depostiones nulla et Invalida […]
carentia premissorum pretextu decernendum pronunciandum et
Declarandum ipsamque Katherenam ab vlteriori instancia
et inusta vexacione dicte Elenæ vna cum expensis
Dimmitti per vos et vestram sententiam diffinitivam domine Judex
antedicte non arctans se ad omnia et singula premissa pro[banda]
nec ad onus superflue probationis de quo protestatur
Sed quatenus probaverit in premissis eatenus et cetera

Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/1566/9 image 3]

[Endorsement]

 […] against  the witnesses of  Ellen Smith exhibited in the year of our Lord 1566.

[In a later hand] Prescot

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[5/1566/9 image 3]

[Endorsement]

[…] cont[ra] […] testes Elena Smith exhibit’ Anno Domini 1566

[In a later hand] Prescot

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Sentence

Original Document

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Translation

[5/1566/9 image 4]

[There is no note that this sentence has been read, so it is probably a draft which was never passed.]

In the name of God, Amen: the merits and circumstances of a certain pretended cause of defamation which was disputed for a long time and is still disputed and is pending undecided before us having been heard, viewed, understood and fully investigated by us, Robert Leche, Master of Arts and Bachelor of Laws, vicar general in spirituals of the right reverend father in Christ, William, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester, and lawfully appointed official principal of his Chester consistory court; between Ellen Smith of the parish of Prescot of Chester diocese, as plaintiff and complaining party on the one part, and Katherine Moseley, of the parish of Warrington, of Chester diocese and of your jurisdiction, the defending party or defendant on the other part, the parties aforesaid proceeding rightly and lawfully namely, the party of the said Ellen Smith appearing personally and by William Man, Master of Arts, her lawfully appointed proctor according to the acts of the court also the party of the said Katherine Moseley appearing personally and by Robert Parkinson, Bachelor of Arts, her lawfully appointed proctor according to the acts of the court; the party of the aforesaid Ellen Smith praying that sentence is passed and justice is administered to her, while the party of the said Katherine Moseley also praying that justice is administered to her.

The whole and entire proceedings had and done in this cause having first been examined and diligently considered by us and matters which according to law should be observed in this cause having been observed by us, we have thus thought fit to making the pronouncement of our definitive sentence in the said cause, and we do proceed in this manner which follows:

Because we know and clearly find by the acts enacted, brought, propounded and alleged, confessed and proved in the above-mentioned cause that the said Ellen Smith has not in any way sufficiently established and not at all proved her claim propounded by her party in a certain libel in the same cause (the tenor of which certain libel follows and is thus; In the name of God, Amen; before you etc., which libel we wish to have here read and inserted) but has altogether failed in proof of this cause, we also find by the acts etc. in the same cause that the said Katherine Moseley has sufficiently proved her exceptive material against certain pretended witnesses produced in the same cause.

Therefore we, the vicar aforesaid, having first called upon the name of Christ, with the advice of those learned in the law with whom we have communicated promptly in this behalf, have thought fit completely to dismiss the said Katherine Moseley from further suit and petition of the said Ellen Smith, plaintiff, in and upon the aforesaid cause, just as we do fully dismiss and absolve her by this our definitive and absolutory sentence. We decree that the said Ellen Smith, plaintiff, is to be condemned to pay to the said Katherine Moseley her necessary costs incurred and to be hereafter incurred in the said cause, on account of her cause rashly and unjustly started and begun, and on account of the unjust vexation inflicted on the said Katherine Moseley, just as we condemn her, Ellen Smith, in the aforesaid expenses by this final decree or our definitive sentence judicially issued, read and promulgated in writing; likewise reserving the taxation of these costs to us, which at present we do likewise reserve.

[5/1566/9 image 5]

[Endorsement]

Absolutory sentence of Katherine Mosley against Ellen Smith in a cause of defamation exhibited [space to insert the day and month] in the year of our Lord 1566.

[In a later hand] Prescot

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[5/1566/9 image 4]

In Dei nomine Amen: auditis visis intellectis et plenarie discussis per nos Rob[ertum]
Lech artium magistrum et in legibus Baccalarium Reverendi in christo patris et domini domini Willelmi
permissione divina Cestrensis Episcopi vicarium in spiritualibus generalem, ac eius Curie Consistorialis
Cestrensis officialem principalem Legitime deputatum Meritis et circumstantijs, cuiusdam
pretensæ <causæ> diffamationis quæ coram nobis,  aliquando diu vertebatur et adhuc vertitur
pendetque indecisæ Inter Elenam Smith parochie de prescot Cestrensis diocesis partem
actricem et querelantem ex una et Katherenam Mosley parochie de Warington
Cestrensis diocesis ac vestre Jurisdiccionis partem ream seu defendentem partibus ex altera
rite et Legitime procedentes partibus predictis videlicet
parte dicte Ellenæ Smith per se personaliter et per Willelmum Man Artium Magistrum eius procu-
ratorem Legitime apud acta constitutum comparenti parte autem dicte Katherenæ
Mosley per se personaliter et per Robertum parkynson in artibus Baccalarium eius procurat[orem]
apud acta Legitime constitutum comparenti parte ante dicte Ellenæ
Smith  Sententiam ferri et Justiciam sibi fieri: parte vero dicte Katherenæ Mosley
Justiciam etiam sibi fieri postulantibus

Rimato per nos primitus toto et integro proc[essu]
in huiusmodi causa habito et facto ac diligenter recensito Servatisque per nos in huiusmodi
causa <de Jure> servandis ad nostre Sentencie diffinitiue prolacionem in dicta causa ferendam sic
duximus procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum

Quia per acta inacti-
tata deducta proposita ac allegata confessata et probata, in memorata causa comperi-
mus et Luculenter invenimus dictam Ellenam Smith intentionem suam in quodam libello per
eius partem in eadem causa proposito cuius quidem libelli tenor sequitur et est talis In
dei nomine Amen coram vobis et cetera quem quidem libellum pro hic lecto et inserto habere
volumus nequamque sufficienter fundasse nullatenumque probasse sed in causa probationis huiusmodi
omnino defecisse et luculentur etiam comperimus per acta et cetera in eadem causa dictam Katherenam
Mosley mateream suam exceptivam contra quosdam pretensos testes in dicta causa productos suffic-
ienter probasse

Idcirco nos vicarius antedictus christi nomine primitus invocato cum consilio
Jurisperitorum cum quibus  in hac parte mature communicavimus dictam Katherenam Mosle[y]
ab vlteriori instancia et Impeticione dicte Ellenæ Smith partis actricis in et de
predicta causa penitus dimmitendum duximus prout ipsam per hanc nostram sentenciam diffinitivam
et absolutoriam penitus dimmittimus et absoluimus. Dictam Ellenam Smith partem actricem
p[ropte]r suam litem temere et sine iusta causa incohatam ac inceptam ac propter iniustam vexacionem
dictæ Katherenæ Mosley illatam, ad solvendum dictæ Katherenæ expensas suas in dicta
causa necessarias factis et imposterum fiendis condempnandum fore decrevimus prout ipsam
Ellenam Smith per hoc finale decretum siue diffinitivam nostram Sententiam in scriptis
per nos iudicaliter Latam Lectam et promulgatam in eijsdem expensis condemp-
namus nobis nihilominus taxacionem huiusmodi expensarum reservatam quæ in presenti
etiam reservamus

[5/1566/9 image 5]

[Endorsement]

Sententia absolutoria Katherenæ Mosley contra et adversus Ellenam Smith in causa diffamationis exhibita [space] Anno Domini 1566

[In a later hand] Prescot

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Ellen Smith – plaintiff

Katherine Moseley – defendant

Thomas Haslingden – witness for the plaintiff (see transcript of EDC 2/8)

William Barnes – witness for the plaintiff (see transcript of EDC 2/8)

Officials

Robert Leche

Subjects

Canon law

Defamatory words

Women

 

Proctors

William Man – for the plaintiff

Robert Parkinson – for the defendant

Places

Prescot

Warrington

Related Causes

EDC 5/1566/10 Prescot

EDC/1566/26 Winwick

 

Notes

See also EDC 5/1566/10 Prescot for the sentence which was issued in the cause of Ellen [Helen] Smith against John Moseley and his wife, Katherine, probably the same cause.

Depositions in a defamation cause between Ellen Smith and Jane Taylor (EDC/1566/26 Winwick) show that John Moseley had bribed Jane Taylor to slander Ellen Smith.

The defamation comprised a claim that Ellen Smith had given birth to an illegitimate child. (See Deposition Book EDC 2/8 ff. 1v-2, 11-11v, 19v-20 for depositions etc. in this and associated cases).

Ref: EDC 5/1566/8

  • Search Cause Papers

Catalogue Entry:

There is no catalogue entry for this cause, but the papers are filed in a paper folder labelled EDC 5 (1566) No 8 Croston

Summary:

Edward, earl of Derby, farmer of the tithes of the hamlet of Much Hoole contra Thomas Hunt.

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Tithes- barley; tithes – hay

Cause Papers:

Libel
Sentence

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/8 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; before you William, by divine permission bishop of Chester, or your commissary general or other judge whomsoever competent in this regard, the party of the noble Edward, earl of Derby, farmer of a certain hamlet called Much Hoole within the parish of Croston of Chester diocese and your jurisdiction against Thomas Hunt […]  lawfully intervening in judgement for the same by way of complaint and complaining to you in this behalf says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law jointly, severally and in articles as follows:

1          Firstly, that the said noble Edward, earl of Derby, farmer of a certain hamlets called Much Hoole aforesaid, and the tithes and church rights proceeding, growing, renewing and arising within the bounds and limits and tithable places of the same hamlet aforesaid, was and is rightly and lawfully possessed of the farm of the same and he was and is commonly called, taken, deemed, named and openly, publicly and notoriously reputed as farmer there; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2          Also, that as well by law 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 lesser, mixed and minute tithes and other ecclesiastical dues and emoluments whatsoever within the said parish or hamlet aforesaid and the bounds and limits and the tithable places of the same, howsoever and whenever proceeding or arising belonged and belongs and so ought also to have belonged and ought in future to the farmer aforesaid, whomsoever he may be at the time, or to his farmer; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

3          Also, that the current farmer of the parish church or hamlet aforesaid and the tithable places of the same, and his  precursors and predecessors each and every one of them in their successive times, for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 years, 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, were, just as they should have been, in peaceful possession, or virtually so, of the right of receiving and having all and singular lesser, mixed and minute tithes, and especially tithes of hay and barley proceeding and arising within the said hamlet of Much Hoole, the bounds, limits and tithable places in the same, and they themselves or their men took, had and freely disposed of them and likewise the current farmer there took, had and disposed for his whole time until the time of this grievance set out below and he thus should have taken and ought also in future; and he propounds jointly, severally and of concerning any part thereof.

Transcript

[1566/8 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis Willielmo permissione divina Cestrensi episcopo vestroue commissario
generali seu alio Judice in hac parte competenti quocunque Pars nobilis viri Edwardi Comitis de
Darby firmarius cuiusdam hamlet’ vocati much holl infra p[arochiam] de Croston Cestrensis diocesis et vestre Jurisdiccionis
contra et aduersus Thomam Hunte […]
vobis pro eodem in Judicio legitime Interuenientem per viam q[uerele] et vobis in [hac] parte qu[erelando dicit allegat]
et in his scriptis in Jure proponit Coniunctim Diuisim atque articulatim pro vt Sequitur

1          In primis Quod dictus nobilis vir Edwardus Comes de Darby firmarius cuiusdam hamlet’ vocati
much holl predicti ac decimarum et Jurium ecclesiastcorum infra fines et limites locaque decimibilia eiusdem hamlet’ predicti
provenientium crescentium renouantium et contingentium fuit et est firmam earundem Rite et legitime consequtus ac pro firmario ibidem
fuit et est communiter dictus tentus habitus nominatus et Reputatus palam publice et notorie Et ponit coniunctim diuisim et de [quolibet]

 2            Item Quod tam de Jure quam de antiqua Laudabili legitimeque prescripta Consuetudine a tempore immemorato hu[cusque]
inuiolabiliter et in concusse vsitata et observata ac in contradictorio Judicio sepius obtenta Jus percipien[di]
et habendi omnies et singulas decimas minores mixtas et minutas ac cetera Jura et emolumenta ecclesiastica
quemcunque infra dictam parochiam siue hamlet’ predictam ac fines et Limites locaque decimabilia euisdem qualiter[cunque]
et quandocunque provenientes et contingentes ad firmarium predictum quemcunque pro tempore existente eiusve firmarium pertinuit
et pertinet ac sic pertinere debuit et debet Etiam in futurum Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim et dequolibet

3            Item Quod firmarius ecclesie parochialis siue hamlet’ predicte et locorum decimabilia in eijsdem modernus eiusque preces[so]-
res et predecessores omnies et singuli eorum temporibus successiue existentes A x.xx.xxx xl l et lx annis vltraque et citra
nec non a tempore et pertempus cuius inicij siue contrarij memoria hominum non existet
fuerunt [pro vt esse]
debuerunt [in paci]fica possessione [seu quasi Juris] percipiendi et habendi omnies [et
singulas decimas]
minores mixtas et minutas et [presertim decimas] feni et ho[rdei] provenientes et contingentes infra […]
muche holl finesque et limites locaque decimabilia in eadem easque per se et suos perceperunt et libere dis[posuerunt]
sicque percepit habuit et disposuit firmarius ibidem modernus toto suo tempore vsque ad tempus grauaminis [infrascriptis ac sic percipere debuit et debet Etiam in futurum Et ponit coniunctim diuisim et dequolibet]

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/8 image 2]

4          Also, that in a parliament of England held, had and solemnised at Westminster in the 32nd year of the reign of Henry VIII, late king of England, among other things a statute was and is ordained that all and singular persons, servants and subjects of this realm of England whatever his status, degree or condition might be, every year pays and should pay at present tithes and offerings to God and to his church due or accustomed to be paid in consequence of and in accordance with the laudable and legal use, practice and custom of the parish and places where these tithes and offerings grow and come or are owed or any of them whomsoever should pay thus at present; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

5          Also, that in a parliament of England held, had and solemnised at Westminster in the second and third years of the reign of Edward VI, of blessed memory, late king of England, in confirmation of the payment of all sorts of tithes and offerings due by law, among other statutes it was and is ordained in these words ‘And be it enactid by the auctority aforesaid etc. yf any person carry away his prediall tethes before the tethe be set furth or willingly withdraw his tethe of the same or of suche other thinges wherof prediall tethe ought to be payd the partie so withdrawinge shall paie double valeu’ etc. just as is more fully contained in the same statute, to which and the contents of the same in total the party propounding refers himself so far as is necessary for himself and not otherwise or in any other way; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

6          Also, that the practice and custom of tithing or paying tithes of hay and barley proceeding, growing and arising within the said hamlet called Much Hoole from the time and throughout the time of the beginning or to the contrary of which there exists no memory of men has grown up that any parishioner or hamlet-dweller there whomsoever should render tithes of hay and barley coming, growing, arising and renewing within the bounds and limits and the tithable places of the same hamlet of Much Hoole according to and in accordance with the laudable or lawful usage, practice and custom of the parish or hamlet and places where these tithes come, or should do so; and he propounds as before.

7          Also, that the said Thomas Hunt who had and has no right in the said farm of the tithes of the hamlet of Much Hoole, or in the tithes aforesaid in any way, heedless of the welfare of his soul, being induced, as it is believed, by an evil spirit, scorning these statutes of the realm and not fearing to fall under penalty of the law in the months of March, April, May, June, July and August last […] in the year of our Lord one thousand five hundred and sixty two, three, four and five, he himself, or his men, took, had and converted and applied to his own use  tithes of hay and barley coming and arising on his lands in the hamlet called Much Hoole paying, rendering or tithing no tithes of the same to the present farmer there, or to any deputy of his whatever, nor otherwise duly compounding for the same, or any part thereof; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Transcript

[1566/8 image 2]

4          Item Quod in parliamento anglie apud Westminster Anno Regni Henrici Octaui nuper regis anglie xxxijo
tento habito et celebrato inter alia statuta fuit et est ordinatum Quod omnies et singuli persone huius regni
anglie subditi et subiecti cuiuscunque status gradus siue condicionis fuerit decimas et oblationes de deo et [ecclesie]
sue debitas seu solui consuetas iuxta et secundum Laudabilem seu legitimum vsum morem et consuetudinem parochie et
loci vbi huiusmodi decime et oblaciones crescunt proveniunt seu debentur quotannis persoluant et persoluere debeant
aut sic eorum quilibet persoluere debeat in presenti Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim et dequolibet

5          Item Quod in parliamento anglie apud Westminster Annis Regni Edwardi sexti nuper  felicis memorie regis
anglie secundo et Tertio tento habito et celebrato in corroboracionem solucionis omnium generum decimarum et oblationem de
Jure debitarum inter alia statuta fuit et est ordinatum in hec verba And be it enactid by the auctority aforesaid
etc. yf any person carry away his prediall tethes before the tethe be set furth or willingly
withdraw his tethe of the same or of suche other thinges wherof prediall tethe ought to be payd the
partie so withdrawinge shall paie double valeu et cetera  pro vt in eodem statuto plenius [continetur ad quod et]
contenta in eodem totaliter se refert pars [ista proponens quatenus sibi expedit et non aliter neque alio modo]
Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim et dequolibet

6          Item Quod mos et consuetudo decimandi siue soluendi decimas feni et hordei provenientium crescentium  et contingentium infra dicte hamlet
vocate Muche holl a tempore et per tempus cuius inicij siue contrarij memoria hominum
non existet inoleuit quod quilibet parochianus
siue hamlet’ ibidem redderet decimarum feni et hordei  provenientium crescentium contingentium et Renouantium infra fines et limites
locaque decimibilia eiusdem hamlet’ de Muche holl iuxta et secundum Laudabilem seu
legitimam vsum morem et consuetudinem
parochie siue hamlet’ et loci vbi huiusmodi decime proveniunt seu debentur Et ponit vt supra

7          Item Quod dictus Thomas Hunte qui nihil Juris in dicta firma decimarum hamlet’ de Muche holl vel in decimis predictis
habuit et habet aliqualiter anime sue salutis immemor spiritu vt creditur maligno ductus
statuta regia […] vilipendens
et in penam Juris cadere non formidans mensis Martij Aprilis Maij Junij Julij et Augusti vltimis [elapsis]
Anno domini Millesimo Quingentesimo Sexagesimo Secundo tertio quarto et quinto decimas feni et hordei  prov[enientes et]
contingentes in terris suis hamlet’ vocat’ Much holl per se et suos percepit habuit et in proprios vsus conuer[tebat]
et applicuit nullas decimas de eijsdem firmario ibidem moderno aut suo deputato cuicunque soluendum Reddendum
aut decimandum nec aliter debite componendum pro huiusmodi vel aliqua parte earundem Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim et dequolibet 

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/8 image 3]

8          Also, that the true value or valuation of the tithes or tenth part of hay thus withdrawn, stored away and subtracted by the aforesaid Thomas Hunt in the years libellate, in any one of the said four years whatsoever, notoriously amounted and amounts to the sum of eight pence a year and thus in total to the sum of two shillings and eight pence of good and lawful English money as will become clear and appear by lawful proofs in the event of this suit; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

9          Also, that the true value or valuation of the tithes or tenth part of barley thus withdrawn, stored away and subtracted by the aforesaid Thomas Hunt in the year of our Lord 1564, notoriously amounted to the value or valuation of eight shillings of good and lawful English money and this party propounding propounds of whatever other intermediate or lesser sum or value and also of such and so great a sum as shall come to be declared and proved in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

10        Also, that the true value or valuation of the tithes or tenth part of barley thus withdrawn, stored away and subtracted by the aforesaid Thomas Hunt in the year of our Lord 1565, notoriously amounted to the value or valuation of five shillings of good and lawful English money and this party propounding propounds of whatever other intermediate or lesser sum or value and also of such and so great a sum as shall come to be declared and proved in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

11        Also, that the true value or valuation of the tithes or tenth part of hay thus withdrawn, stored away and subtracted by the aforesaid Thomas Hunt in the year of our Lord 1565, notoriously amounted to the value or valuation of eight pence of good and lawful English money and this party propounding propounds of whatever other intermediate or lesser sum or value and also of such and so great a sum as shall come to be declared and proved in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

12        Also, that the aforesaid Thomas Hunt has often, or at least once, been asked and requested on behalf of the said farmer to pay, give and deliver to the aforesaid farmer aforesaid, or to his deputy these tithes subtracted, taken, had and not paid as thus aforesaid by himself and his men, or otherwise duly to compound for the same; and he propounds as before.

Transcript

[1566/8 image 3]

8          Item Quod verus valor siue estimatio decimarum siue decime partis [feni sic per prefatum Thomam Hunte in annis]
libellatis decisi repositi et subtracti quolibet anno dicti Quatuor annorum ad summam octo denariorum per
annum et sic in toto ad summam duorum solidorum et octo denariorum bone et legalis Monete anglie notorie se extendebat
et Extendit pro vt per probaciones legitimas in euentu huius litis liqudabitur et apparebit Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim et dequolibet

9          Item Quod verus valor siue estimatio decimarum siue decime partis hordei sic per prefatum Thomam hunte in
anno domini 1564 decisi repositi et subtracti ad valorem siue estimationem octo solidorum bone et legalis monete anglie
notorie se extendebat Et ponit pars ista proponens de qualibet alia Summa siue
valore inter media vel
minori ac de tali et tanta summa de qua in euentu huius litis veniet declarandum et comprobandum Et ponit
vt supra

10        Item Quod verus valor siue estimatio decimarum siue decime partis hordei sic per prefatum Thomam hunte in anno domini
1565 decisi repositi et subtracti ad valorem siue estimationem quinque solidorum bone et legalis monete anglie notorie
se extendebat Et ponit pars ista proponens de qualibet alia summa siue valore inter media vel
minori ac de
tali et tanta summa de qua in euentu huius litis veniet declarandum et comprobandum Et ponit vt supra 

11        Item Quod verus valor siue estimatio decimarum siue decime partis feni sic per prefatum Thomam hunte in anno domini
1565 decisi repositi et subtracti ad valorem siue estimationem octo denariorum bone et legalis monete anglie
notorie se extendebat Et ponit pars ista proponens de qualibet alia summa siue valore inter media vel minori
ac de tali et tanta summa de qua in euentu huius litis veniet declarandum et comprobandum Et ponit vt supra 

12        Item Quod prefatus Thomas Hunte ad soluendum tradendum et liberandum prefato firmario
antedicto aut eius
deputato huiusmodi decimas sic vt prefertur per se et suos subtractas perceptas habitas
et non solutas seu aliter
debite componendum pro eijsdem sepius seu saltem semel ex parte dicti firmarij
requisitus et Interpellatus et
ponit vt supra

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/8 image 4]

13        Also, that although the said Thomas Hunt was thus asked and requested to do as in the premises or in any of them, he has not troubled but he has expressly declined and refused or at least unduly delayed and delays, and denies at present, to the grave danger of his soul, the pernicious example of other Christian faithful and to no small prejudice and grievance of the current farmer there; and he propounds as before.

14        Also, that the aforesaid Thomas Hunt was and is of the parish of Croston of Chester diocese, and for that reason notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction; and he propounds as before.

15        Also, that it was and is on behalf of the noble Edward, earl of Derby, current farmer of the tithes of Much Hoole aforesaid that this action is rightly and lawfully brought to you, lord judge aforesaid, and to your Chester consistory court; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

16        Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, manifest and equally well-known, and public voice and fame were and are circulating regarding and concerning it in the parish of Croston and in other neighbouring and surrounding places.

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said farmer aforesaid prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him with effect in all and singular the premises, and also that the aforesaid Thomas Hunt is condemned in the tithes aforesaid subtracted by him and his men and in double the value of the same according to the aforesaid statute of the realm issued in that behalf; and in the lawful costs incurred on the part of the said farmer in this behalf, and he protests those to be incurred; and, having been condemned, that he is canonically obliged and compelled to the due and real payment of the same tithes and expenses by you and passing your definitive sentence in this behalf, lord judge aforesaid.  And otherwise, that what will have been of right and reason in the premises and anything whatsoever concerning them may be done, established and decreed. The party of the said farmer propounds the premises and prays that they are 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 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 in the premises, distinguished judge aforesaid.

Transcript

[1566/8 image 4]

13        Item Quod dictus Thomas Hunte licet sic requisitus et interpellatus premissa seu eorum aliquod facere
non curauit sed expresse renuit et recusauit seu saltem plus debite distulit et differt ac denegat
in presenti in anime sue graue periculum aliorumque Christifidelium perniciosum exemplum dicti firmarij ibidem
modernum preiudicium non modicum et gravamen Et ponit vt Supra

14        Item Quod predictus Thomas hunt fuit et est parochie de Croston Cestrensis diocesis et eo pretextu
vestre Jurisdiccionis notorie subditus et Subiectus  Et ponit vt supra

15        Item Quod fuit et est ex parte nobilis viri Edwardi Comites de Darbij  firmarij decimarum de Much holl
predicte moderni  ad vos dominum Judicem antedictum et ad curiam vestram Consistorialem Cestrensem rite et legitime querelatum Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim et dequolibet

16 Item Quod  Premissa omnia  et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta pariter
et famosa atque de et super in parochia de Croston et in alijs locis vicinis et circumvicinis laborarunt et
Laborant publica vox et fama        

Vnde facta fide de Jure in hac parte requisita petit pars dicti
firmarij antedicti Jus et Justitiam sibi in premissis omnibus et singulis fieri et ministrari cum effectu nec non prefatum
Thomam hunt in decimis predictis per se et suos subtractis et in duplici valore earundem iuxta predicta statuta
regia  in ea parte edita et in expensis legitimis per partem dicti firmarij  in hac parte factis et
protestatur defiendis
condempnari ac condempnatum ad debitam et realem solucionem earundem decimarum et
expensis canonice cogi et
compelli per vos et vestram Sentenciam diffinitiuam in hac parte ferendam domine Judex
antedicte Vlterius que
fieri statui et decerni in premissis et ea concernentibus quibuscunque quod Juris fuerit et
Rationis
Premissa proponit et fieri petit pars dicti firmarij Coniunctim et Diuisim non arctans se ad omnia
et singula premissa probanda nec ad onus superflue probacionis de quo protestatur sed quatenus probauerit
in premissis eatenus obtineat in petitis Juris beneficio in omnibus semper salvo vestrum officium in premissis
Judex egregie antedicte humiliter Implorando

Libel (image 5)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/8 image 5]

[Endorsement]

Libel of the noble Edward, earl of Derby, against Thomas Hunt in a cause of tithes, exhibited in the year of our Lord 1566.

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1566/8 image 5]

[Endorsement] 

libellus nobilis viri
Edwardi Comitis
de Darbij contra et
aduersus Thomam
Hunte in causa decimarum
exhibitus Anno domini
1566 

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Sentence (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1566/8 image 6]

In the name of God, Amen: the merits and circumstances of a certain cause of subtraction of tithes which was disputed, is still disputed and pending undecided before us having been heard, seen and understood and fully investigated by us, Robert Leche, Master of Arts and Bachelor of Laws, commissary general of the right reverend father in God, William, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester, and lawfully deputed official principal of his consistory court, proceeding rightly and lawfully, between the right honourable, the earl of Derby, farmer of the tithes of Much […] of Chester diocese, the party plaintiff and complainant on the one part, and Thomas Hunt of Chester diocese and of your jurisdiction, the defendant and party complained of on the other part; and the aforesaid parties appearing before us sufficiently and lawfully, namely, the party of the said farmer by William Man, Master of Arts, his proctor lawfully appointed according to the acts of the court,  while the party of the said Thomas Hunt appearing personally and by John Prichard, Bachelor of Laws, his proctor lawfully appointed according to the acts of the court;  with the party of the aforesaid farmer praying that sentence is passed for him and justice may be done to him, also the party of the said Thomas Hunt earnestly praying that justice may be done to him.

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

forasmuch as we know and clearly find by the acts enacted, brought, alleged, exhibited, confessed and proved had and done in the said cause that the party of the said farmer of Much Hoole, has sufficiently established and fully proved his claim in a certain libel of his previously judicially given and offered on his behalf in the afore-mentioned cause (the tenor of which certain libel follows and is thus; In the name of God, Amen: before you, William, by divine permission bishop of Chester; which libel we will have here read and inserted) and that nothing effectual has been or is brought, excepted, alleged or proved on behalf of the said Thomas Hunt which could destroy or in any way weaken the claim of the said farmer.

Therefore we, Robert Leche, the official aforesaid, having first called upon the name of Christ, and setting God only before our eyes, from and with the advice of the learned in the law with whom we have consulted promptly in this matter, decree and declare that the same Thomas Hunt is condemned in the tithes aforesaid, libelled as thus aforesaid, and taken, had, subtracted and not paid by him, if they are still in existence, otherwise in their true value which we calculate in the sum of eight shillings of lawful money of England, and we condemn him, Thomas Hunt, in the said tithes subtracted and in the lawful costs incurred and to be incurred on the part of the said farmer in this behalf by this our definitive sentence or final decree which we pass and publish in these writings; while reserving taxation of these costs to us in all points, and we do reserve it.

This sentence was read and issued by the judge aforesaid in the chapter house etc. on the 24th day of the month of October in the year 1566, being then present there as is expressed in the acts.

Transcript

[5/1566/8 image 6]

In dei nomine Amen Auditis Visis et Intellectis ac plenarie discussis per nos Robertum
Leche Artium Magistrum et in Legibus baccallarium Reverendi in christo patris ac domini domini Willielmi
permissione divina Cestrensis episcopi Commissarium generalem ac eius curie Consistorialis officialem principalem
legitime deputatum Meritis et Circumstantijs cuiusdam causa subtractionis decimarum
que Coram nobis inter prenobilem virum Comites Darbie firmarium decimarum Much […]
Cestrensis Diocesis  partem actricem et querelantem ex vna et Thomam hunt Cestrensis diocesis [et]
vestre Jursidiccionis partem ream et querelatam partibus ex altera vertebatur et adhuc vertitur
et pendet indecise rite et legitime procedentes partibus predictis Coram nobis sufficienter
et legitime videlicet parte dicti firmarij  per Willielmum Man Artium Magistrum eius procurato[rem]
legitime apud acta constitutum  parte quoque dicti Thome hunt per se personaliter
et  per Johannem Prichard in Legibus Baccallarium eius procuratorem legitime [apud]
acta constitutum comparentibus parte quoque dicti firmarij  Sententiam ferri et Jus[ticiam]
sibi fieri parte etiam dicti Thome hunt Justiciam etiam sibi fieri instanter
postulantibus 

Visis primitus per nos et Diligenter inspectis omnibus et singulis actis inactitat[is]
deductis propositis allegatis confessatis et probatis in dicta causa hincinde habitis et factis
easque cum Maturitate et diligentia recensitis examinatis et ponderatis de consilio Jurisperitorum
cum quibus in hac parte comunicauimus Seruatis per nos de Jure in hac parte servandis
ad nostre sententie diffinitiue siue  finalis decreti prolationem in huiusmodi causa ferende Sic duximus
procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui Sequitur modum

Quia per acta inactita deducta
allegata exhibita confessata et probata in dicta causa habita et facta Comperimus et Luculenter
invenimus partem dicti firmarij decimarum de Micholme Intentionem suam in quodam suo
libello alias ex parte sua memorata causa Judicaliter dato et oblato Cuius quidem libelli tenor
sequitur et est Talis In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis Willielmo permissione
diuina Cestrensi episcopo Quem libellum pro hic Lectum et insertum habere volumus sufficienter
et ad plenum fundasse pariter ac probasse Nihilque effectuale ex parte dicti Thome hu[nt] fuisse aut esse deductum exceptum allegatum aut probatum quod Intentionem dicti firmarij elideret seu Quomodolibet eneruaret

Idcirco Nos Robertus Leche officialis antedictus
christi nomine primitus Invocato ac ipsum solum deum oculis nostris preponentes de et cum consilio Juris[peritorum]
cum quibus mature in hac parte communicauimus Eundem Thomam hunt in decimis predictis sic
vt prefertur Libellatis et per eum perceptis habitis subtractis et non solutis si extent alioquin in
earum vero valorem quam ad Summam octo Solidarum legalis monete anglie estimamus
Condempnandum fore decernimus et declaramus  Ipsumque Thomam hunt in dictis decimis
subtractis et in expensis legitimis per parte dicti firmarij in hac parte factis et fiendis condempnamus per hanc nostram sententiam diffinitiuam siue hoc nostrum finale decretum Quam siue
quod ferimus et promulgamus in his scriptis Taxacionem vero expensarum huiusmodi nobis
omnino Reseruantem et reseruamus

lecta et lata fuit huiusmodi sentencia per iudicem antedictum in domo
capitulari et cetera xxiiijto die mensis Octobris <Anno 1566> presentibus tunc ibidem provt in actis exprimitur

Sentence (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1566/8 image 7]

[Endorsement]

Sentence of the venerable earl of Derby against Thomas Hunt is a cause of tithes.

[in pencil in a different hand]

1566

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[5/1566/8 image 7]

[Endorsement]

Sententia Venerabili Viri
Comitis de Darbie
contra et aduersus Thomam
Hunt in causa decimarum

[in pencil in a different hand]

1566

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Edward, earl of Derby – plaintiff

Thomas Hunt – defendant

 

 

Officials

William Downham

Robert Leche

 

 

Proctors

William Man – for the plaintiff

John Prichard – for the defendant

Places

Croston

Much Hoole

 

Notes

One deposition and part of Thomas Hunt’s reply to the libel can be found at EDC 2/8 ff. 28-28v, but they have suffered damage and are not easy to read. However, it does appear from Hunt’s reply that he claimed to have paid tithe hay in each of the years, but not barley, although he had attempted to pay for some of the years. It seems that his story was believed because the amount claimed in the libel was 16s 4d, but he was only ordered to pay 8s in tithes.

Ref: EDC 5/1566/7

  • Search Cause Papers

Catalogue Entry:

There is no catalogue entry for this matter, but the papers are filed in a paper folder labelled EDC 5 (1566) No 7 –

Summary:

Ratification of the marriage of Roger Downes and Elizabeth Stanley otherwise Downes. They had been married when Roger was under the age of 12 and he was now 14. The sentence was read in Alderley parish church, probably because Elizabeth was the daughter of Thomas Stanley of Alderley.

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Office matter

Cause Papers:

Sentence

Sentence (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1566/7 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: the merits and circumstances of a certain cause of ratification of marriage which was pending before us having been heard, seen and understood and fully investigated by us, Robert Leche, bachelor of laws, vicar etc., recently sitting publicly and judicially, proceeding rightly and lawfully, between Roger Downes, esquire, and Elizabeth Stanley otherwise Downes; with the parties aforesaid appearing personally before us, and because the same Roger, appearing personally before us, acknowledged of his own free will that being under age, namely of the age of about twelve, contracted and solemnised a true, unconditional and lawful marriage with the said Elizabeth Downes, then being under age, which certain marriage he has ratified before us now that he has come to mature age and more, his age being fourteen, and he prayed that he and the said Elizabeth, present in person, are adjudged as lawful man and wife in the presence of the said Elizabeth, aged [blank], on her part consenting freely and voluntarily to this ratification, and praying the same, and in addition because it appears from the testimony of trustworthy witnesses produced in this cause, sworn and examined while under oath, that this marriage as aforesaid was and is solemnised between the parties aforesaid.

Therefore we, the vicar general in spirituals aforesaid, having first called on the name of Christ, and setting God himself alone before our eyes, pronounce, decree and declare by this our definitive sentence etc. this marriage as thus aforesaid contracted and solemnised between the parties aforesaid as true, unconditional and lawful, and the said Roger and Elizabeth should be and are […] lawfully joined as lawful man and wife

This sentence was read by the judge aforesaid in the parish church of Alderley on the 12th of September in the year 1566, being then present there Robert Hyde, Jasper Worth, esquire, John Masterson, Robert Davenport, William Crewe and other witnesses etc.

Transcript

[5/1566/7 image 1]

In dei nomine amen Auditis Visis et Intellectis ac plenarie discussis
per nos Robertum Leche in legibus baccallarium vicarius et cetera  Meritis et circumstantijs cuiusdam
Cause
Ratificacionis Matrimonij que coram nobis nuper Iudicaliter et pro tribunali sedenti inter Rogerum
Downes armigerum et Elizabeth Stanley alias Downes vertebatur rite et legitime procedentes
Partibus predictis coram nobis personaliter comparentibus Et quia
idem Rogerus coram nobis
personaliter comparens sua sponte confessus est se in eius Minoritatis etatis existens
videlicet circiter xij sue etatis annorum Matrimonium verum purum et legitimum cum Dictam Elizabeth Downes
adtunc in eius minoritatem Constituta contraxisse <et solempnizasse> quod quidem Matrimonium nunc ad eius
Maturam etatem <veniet et vltra> Decimum quartum <sue etatis> Annorum
coram nobis ratificavit ac petijt <se et> Dictam Elizabeth personaliter presentem pro viro et vxore
legitimis adiucari in presentiam Dicte Elizabeth <etatis> huius ratificationem <per sua parte sponte et voluntarie> consentientis et
<idem petentis> ac insuper <quia> apparet per testimonium testium fidedignorum in  huiusmodi Causa
productorum ac medijs eorum Iuramentis iuratorum et examinatorum Matrimonium huiusmodi sic vt prefertur inter
partes predictas <Solempnizatum> fuisse et esse

Idcirco nos vicarius in Spiritualibus generalis
antedictus christi nomine primitus invocato ac ipsum solum deum oculis nostris preponentes huiusmodi
Matrimonium sic vt prefertur inter predictos partes contractum et solempnizatum pro vero puro
et legitimo dictosque Rogerum et Elizabeth <legitime copulatos et> pro viro
et vxore legitimis […] fore et esse debere pronuntiamus decernimus et declaramus per hanc
nostram Sententiam diffinitiuam et cetera

Lecta fuit huiusmodi sententia per Iudicem antedictum in Ec[clesia]
parochialis de Alderley xijo Septembris Anno 1566
presentibus tunc ibidem Roberto Hide Jasparo Worth armigero
Johanne Maisterson Roberto Davemporte Willelmo Crue
et alijs testibus et cetera

Sentence (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1566/7 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Sentence for the ratification of the marriage between Downes and Stanley.

Transcript

[5/1566/7 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Sententia pro
ratificacionis matrimonij
inter Downes et
Stanley

[in pencil in another hand]

1566 Sep 12

Sentence (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1566/7 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Gowther Mossock, clerk
Roger Whittle, clerk
Rogers Downes
Roberts Adished
Randolph Stanley
William Stanley
John Knutsford

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[5/1566/7 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Galtherus Mossock Clericus
Rogerus Whitle Clericus
Rogerus Downes
Robertus Adished
Randolphus Stanley
Willielmus Stanley
Johanne Knottisford

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Roger Downes – party to the marriage

Elizabeth Stanley – party to the marriage

Robert Hyde – witness to the sentence

Jasper Worth – witness to the sentence

John Maisterson – witness to the sentence

Robert Davenport – witness to the sentence

William Crue – witness to the sentence

 

 

Officials

Robert Leche

 

 

Subjects

Marriage formation

Places

Alderley

Related Causes

 

 

Ref: EDC 5/1566/6

  • Search Cause Papers

Catalogue Entry:

There is no catalogue entry for this cause but the papers are filed in a paper folder labelled EDC 5 (1566) NO 6. PRESTBURY

Summary:

John Legh, esquire, farmer of the tithes of the hamlets of Sutton and Wincle contra William Sutton and Ralph Gardner

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Tithes- barley; tithes – oats; tithes – hay

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/6 image 1]

[…] and against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same 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, that the said John Leigh, esquire, farmer of the hamlets of Sutton and Wincle, lying and being within the parish of Prestbury aforesaid, and as farmer of the tithes and church rights proceeding, growing, renewing and arising within the bounds and limits and tithable places of the said hamlets called Sutton and Wincle he was and rightly and lawfully possessed of the farm of the same and he was and is commonly called, taken, deemed, named, and openly, publicly and notoriously reputed as farmer there; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2          Also, that the practice and custom of tithing or paying tithes of oats, barley and hay proceeding, growing and arising within the said parish of Prestbury from the time and throughout the time of the beginning or to the contrary of which there exists no memory of men has grown up that any parishioner whomsoever or places there should render tithes of oats, barley and hay coming, growing, arising and renewing within the bounds and limits and the tithable places of the same hamlets of Sutton and Wincle according to and in accordance with the laudable and lawful usage, practice and custom of the parish and places where these tithes come, or should do so; and he propounds as before.

3          Also, that the said William Sutton and Ralph Gardner who had and have no right in the said farm of the tithes of Sutton and Wincle, or in the tithes aforesaid in any way, heedless of the welfare of their souls, being induced, as it is believed, by an evil spirit, scorning the statutes of this realm and not fearing to fall under penalty of the law in the months of March, April, May, June, July and August last, namely in this present year of our Lord one thousand five hundred and sixty six, […] had and converted and applied to their own use oats, barley and hay coming and arising on their lands or fields […] and Wincle paying, rendering or tithing no tithes of the same to the present farmer there, or to any deputy of his whatever, nor otherwise duly compounding for the same, or any part thereof; and he propounds as before.

Transcript

[1566/6 image 1]

[…] ac contra quemcunque alium coram vo[bis]
pro eodem in Judicio Legitime Interuenientem per viam querele et vobis in hac parte querelando dicit allegat [et in]
hijs scriptis in Jure proponit Coniunctim Diuisim atque articulatim pro vt Sequitur

1            Inprimis Quod dictus Johannes Leigh armiger firmarius hamletarum de Sutton et Winckle iacentium et existentium [infra]
parochiam de Presbury predicte ac pro firmario decimarum et Jurium ecclesiasticorum infra fines et limites locaque d[ecimibilia]
dictorum hamletarum vocatarum Sutton et Winckle provenientium crescentium renouantium et contingentium fuit et est firmam ear[undem]
rite et legitime consequtus ac pro firmario ibidem fuit et est communiter dictus tentus habitus nominatus et reputatus p[alam]
publice et notorie Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

2          Item Quod mos et consuetudo decimandi siue Soluendi decimas Auenæ hordei et fæni provenien[tium crescentium] et contingentium infra dictam parochiam de Presbury a tempore et per tempus cuius inicij siue contrarij memoria hominum
non existet inoleuit quod quilibet parochianus siue Loci ibidem redderet decimas Auenæ hordei et fæni  provenientium cres[centium]
contingentium et renouantium inæra fines et Limites Locaque decimabilia eiusdem hamletorum de Sutton et Winckle
iuxta et secundum Laudabilem et legitimam vsum morem et consuetudinem parochie et Loci vbi huiusmodi decime proveniu[nt seu]
debentur Et ponit vt supra

3          Item Quod dictus Willielmus Sutton et Radulphus Gardner qui nihil Juris in dicta firma decimarum de
[Sutton et] Winckle vel in decimis predictis habuerunt et habent aliqualiter animarum suarum salutis immemores spiritu
[vt creditur m]aligno duc[ti] statuta regia huiusmodi vilipendentes et in penam Juris cadere non formidantes men[sis]
[martij Aprilis] Maij J[unij] Julij et Augusti vltimo videlicet in instanti Anno domini Millesimo Quingentesimo Sex[agesimo]
[Sexto decimas Auenæ hordei et fæni pro]venientes et contingentes in terris siue agris suis <[…]> et Winckle […]
[…] habuerunt et in proprios vsus conuertebant et applicuer[unt nullas]
decimas de eijsdem firmario ibidem moderno aut suo deputato cuicunque soluendum reddendum aut decimandum n[ec]
aliter debite componendum pro huiusmodi vel aliqua parte earundem  Et ponit vt supra

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/6 image 2]

4          Also, that the true value or valuation of the tithes or tenth part of oats thus withdrawn, stored away and subtracted by the aforesaid William Sutton in the year libellate notoriously amounted and amounts to the sum or value of thirteen shillings and six pence of good and lawful English money; and this party propounding propounds of whatever other intermediate or lesser sum and also of such and so great a sum as in the event of this suit will become clear and appear by lawful proofs; and he propounds as before.

5          Also, that the true value or valuation of the tithes or tenth part of barley thus withdrawn, stored away and subtracted by the aforesaid William Sutton in the year libellate notoriously amounted and amounts to the sum or value of six pence of good and lawful English money;  and this party propounding propounds of whatever other intermediate or lesser sum and also of such and so great a sum as in the event of this suit will become clear and appear by lawful proofs; and he propounds as before.

6          Also, that the true value or valuation of the tithes or tenth part of hay thus withdrawn, stored away and subtracted by the aforesaid William Sutton in the year libellate notoriously amounted and amounts to the sum or value of five shillings of good and lawful English money;  and this party propounding propounds of whatever other intermediate or lesser sum and also of such and so great a sum as in the event of this suit will become clear and appear by lawful proofs; and he propounds as before.

7          Also, that the true value or valuation of the tithes or tenth part of oats thus withdrawn, stored away and subtracted by the aforesaid Ralph Gardner in the year libellate notoriously amounted and amounts to the value or valuation of thirteen shillings of good and lawful English money; and this party propounding propounds of whatever other intermediate or lesser sum and also of such and so great a sum as in the event of this suit will become clear and appear by lawful proofs; and he propounds as before.

Transcript

[1566/6 image 2]

4          Item Quod verus valor siue estimatio decimarum siue decime partis Auene sic per prefatum Willielmum Sutton
in anno Libellato decise reposite et subtracte ad summam siue valorem tresdecem solidorum et sex denariorum bone et
legalis monete anglie notorie se extendebat et extendit Et ponit pars ista proponens de qualibet alia su[mma]
siue valore inter media vel minori ac de tali et tanta summa de qua in eventu huius litis per
probaciones legitimas liquebit et apparebit Et ponit vt supra

5          Item Quod verus valor siue estimatio decimarum siue decime partis hordei sic sic per prefatum Willielmum Sutton in
anno Libellato decise reposite et subtracte ad summam siue valorem Sex denariorum bone et Legalis monete Anglie
notorie se extendebat et extendit Et ponit pars ista proponens de qualibet alia Summa siue valore
inter media vel minori ac de tali et tanta Summa de qua in eventu huius litis per
probaciones legitimas liqu[ebit]
et apparebit Et ponit vt Supra

6          Item Quod verus valor siue estimatio decimarum siue decime partis fæni sic sic per prefatum Willielmum Sutton in
anno Libellato decisi repositi et subtracti ad summam siue valorem Quinque solidorum bone et legalis monete anglie
notorie se extendebat et extendit Et ponit pars ista proponens de qualibet alia summa siue valore inter med[ia]
vel minori ac de tali et tanta Summa de qua in eventu huius litis per probationes legitimas liquebit [et]
apparebit Et ponit vt supra

7          Item Quod verus valor siue estimatio decimarum siue decime partis Auene sic per prefatum Radulphum
[Gardner in] anno libellato decise reposite et subtracte ad valorem siue estimationem tresdecem solidorum bone
[et legalis] monete anglie notorie se extendebat et extendit Et ponit pars ista proponens de qualibet alia
[summa siue valore inter media vel minori ac] de tali et tanta Summa de qua in eventu [huius]
litis per probationes legitimas liquebit et apparebit Et ponit vt Supra

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/6 image 3]

8          Also, that the true value or valuation of the tithes or tenth part of hay thus withdrawn, stored away and subtracted by the aforesaid Ralph Gardner in the year libellate notoriously amounted and amounts to the sum or value of five shillings of good and lawful English money;  and this party propounding propounds of whatever other intermediate or lesser sum and also of such and so great a sum as in the event of this suit will become clear and appear by lawful proofs; and he propounds as before.

9          Also, that the aforesaid William Sutton and Ralph Gardner have often, or at least once, been asked and requested on behalf of the said farmer to pay, give and deliver to the aforesaid John Leigh, esquire, farmer aforesaid, or to his deputy these tithes taken, had and not paid as is thus aforesaid by themselves and their men, or otherwise duly to compound for the same; and he propounds as before.

10        Also, that although the aforesaid William Sutton and Ralph Gardner were thus asked and requested to do as in the premises or in any of them, they have not troubled but they have expressly declined and refused or at least unduly delayed and delay, and deny at present, to the grave danger of their souls, the pernicious example of other Christian faithful and to no small prejudice and grievance of the farmer there; and he propounds jointly, severally and of every part thereof.

11        Also, that the aforesaid William Sutton and Ralph Gardner were and are of the parish of Prestbury of Chester diocese, and for that reason notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction; and he propounds as before.

12        Also, that it was and is on behalf of the venerable John Leigh, esquire, current farmer of the tithes of Sutton and Wincle aforesaid  that this action is rightly and lawfully brought both to you, lord judge aforesaid, and to your Chester consistory court; and he propounds jointly, severally and of every part thereof.

13        Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, manifest and equally well-known, and public voice and fame were and are circulating regarding and concerning this in the parish of Prestbury and in other neighbouring and surrounding places.

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said farmer aforesaid prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him with effect in all and singular the premises, and also that the aforesaid William Sutton and Ralph Gardner are condemned in the tithes aforesaid subtracted by them and their men and in double the value of the same according to the aforesaid statute of the realm issued in that behalf; and in the lawful costs incurred on the part of the said farmer in this behalf, and he protests those to be incurred; and, having been condemned, that they are canonically obliged and compelled to the due and real payment of the same tithes and expenses by you and passing your definitive sentence in this behalf, lord judge aforesaid: and otherwise, that what will have been of right and reason in the premises and anything whatsoever concerning them may be done, established and decreed. The party of the said farmer propounds the premises and prays that they are 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 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 in the premises, distinguished judge.

Transcript

[1566/6 image 3]

8          Item Quod verus valor siue estimatio decimarum siue decime partis fæni sic sic per prefatum Radulphum Gardner in anno
libellato decisi repositi et subtracti ad summam siu valorem quinque Solidorum bone et legalis monete anglie
notorie se extendebat et extendit Et ponit pars ista proponens de qualibet alia summa siue valore inter media
vel minori ac de tali et tanta summa de qua in eventu huius litis per probationes legitimas liquebit et apparebit
Et ponit vt supra

9          Item Quod prefati Willielmus Sutton et Radulphus Gardner ad soluendum tradendum et liberandum prefato Johanne
Leighe armigero firmario antedicto aut eius deputato huiusmodi decimas sic vt prefertur per se et suos perceptas habitas et
non solutas seu aliter debite componendum pro eijsdem sepius seu saltem semel ex parte dicti firmarij requisiti  sunt et
interpellati Et ponit vt Supra

10        Item Quod predictus Willielmus Sutton et Radulphus gardner licet sic requisiti et interpellati premissa seu eorum
aliquod facere non curauerunt sed expresse renuerunt et recusauerunt seu saltem plus debite distulerunt et
differunt ac denegant in presenti in animarum suarum grave periculum aliorumque Christifidelium perniciosum ex[emplum dictique firmarij ibidem]
[preiudicium non mo]dicum et grauamen Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

11        Item Quod predicti Willielmus Sutton et Radulphus gardner fuerunt et sunt parochie de Presbury Cestrensis [diocesis]
et eo pretextu vestre Jurisdiccionis notorie subditi  et subiecti Et ponit vt supra

12        Item Quod fuit et est ex parte venerabilis viri Johannis Leigh armigeri firmarij decimarum de Sutton et Winckle predictarum mod[erni]
et ad vos dominum Judicem antedictum et ad curiam vestram Consistorialem Cestrensem Rite et legitime querelatum Et ponit Coniunctim
diuisim et de quolibet

13        Item Quod Premissa omnia  et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta pariter et
[famosa atque] de et super huiusmodi in parochia de Presbury  et in alijs locis vicinis et circumvicinis Laborarunt [et]
laborant  publica vox et fama

Vnde facta fide de Jure in hac parte requisita petit pars dicti f[irmarij]
antedicti Jus et Justiciam sibi in premissis omnibus et singulis fieri et ministrari cum effectu Necnon pref[atos]
Willielmum Sutton et Radulphum Gardner in decimis predictis per se et suos subtractis et in duplici valore
earundem iuxta predicta statuta regia  in ea parte edita  et in expensis legitimis per partem dicti firmarij  in hac parte fa[ctis]
et protestatur defiendis Condempnari ac condempnatum ad debitam et realem solucionem earundem decimarum et exp[ensarum]
canonice cogi et compelli per vos et vestram Sententiam diffinitiuam in hac parte ferendam domine Judex antedicte
Vlteriusque fieri statui et decerni in premissis et ea concernentibus quibuscunque quod Juris fuerit et
Rationis Premissa proponit et fieri petit pars dicti firmarij Coniunctim et diuisim [non] arctans se ad [omnia]
et singula premissa probanda nec ad onus superflue probacionis de quo protestatur sed quatenus probauerit
in premissis eatenus obtineat in petitis Juris beneficio in omnibus semper saluo vestrum officium in premissis Jud[ex]
egregie antedicte humiliter Implorando

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/5 image 4]

[Endorsement]

Libel of the venerable John Leigh, esquire, against William Sutton and Ralph Gardner in a cause of subtraction of tithes, exhibited in the year of our Lord 1566.

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1566/5 image 4]

[Endorsement]

libellus venerabilis viri Johannis
Leigh armigeri contra et aduersus
willielmum Sutton et Radulphum
Gardner in causa subtract-
ionis decimarum exhibitus Anno
domini 1566

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

John Leigh (or Legh) – plaintiff

William Sutton – defendant

Ralph Gardner – defendant

 

Officials

William Downham

 

 

Subjects

Farm of tithes

 

Places

Prestbury

Sutton

Wincle

Related Causes

Other tithe causes involving John Legh were heard at York, and the papers are held at the Borthwick Institute there under the following references:
CP.G.1374
CP.G.1375
CP.G.1388
CP.G.1413
CP.G.1428
CP.G.1435
CP.G.1448A
CP.G.1450