Ref: EDC 5/1575/15

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5 1575. 15 BANGOR ON DEE William Choulton rector c David Lloyd, Matthew and Reginald ap David for tithes – articles, responsions, sentence.

Summary:

William Charlton, rector of Bangor-on-Dee, contra David Lloyd Matthew and Reginald ap David.

William Charlton claimed that David Lloyd Matthew and Reginald ap David were illegally withholding tithes of hay from land which they farmed in the parish of Bangor. He claimed two or three times the value of the tithes withheld, claiming that he was so entitled. During the course of the cause Reginald ap David capitulated, but David Lloyd Matthew continued with his claim that the land in question, which he rented from Edward ap Ellis, was not titheable, and that Edward ap Ellis had told him not to pay tithes.

 

 

 

Year

1575

Type of Cause:

Tithes – hay

Cause Papers:

Libel
Personal answer
Sentence

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/15 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 distinguished William Chorlton, clerk, rector of the parish church of Bangor, of Chester diocese and your jurisdiction, against David Lloyd Matthew and Reginald ap David, and against any other whomsoever 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, namely that the said William Chorlton, clerk, had and has rightly and lawfully acquired the parish church of Bangor aforesaid, and having thus acquired it with its universal rights and appurtenances, has possessed it peacefully and quietly for some […] space of time now passed just as (saving what will be said below) he thus also possesses it at present and was and is commonly called, held, named and reputed openly, publicly and notoriously in the same parish and in other neighbouring places as true rector and occupier of the same church of Bangor, as will appear by lawful proofs in the outcome of this suit, and he propounds as above.

2          Also, that as well by the common law, statutes and injunctions of this realm of England, as by ancient laudable and lawful prescribed custom, hitherto inviolably and steadfastly used and observed from time immemorial of the beginning or to the contrary of which there exists no memory of men and often upheld in judgment in a contested cause, the right of  receiving and having all and singular tithes, as well greater as lesser, mixed and minute and other church rights and emoluments whatsoever within the said parish and the bounds and limits and tithable places of the same, howsoever and whenever proceeding and arising belongs and belonged and thus should have belonged and ought also to belong in future to the rector aforesaid whomsoever or to his deputy; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Transcript

[1575/15 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 Willielmi Chorlton Clerici
Rector ecclesie parochialis de Bangor Cestrensis diocesis et vestre Jurisdiccionis contra et aduersus Dauid lloyd
Mathew et Reginaldum ap Dauid ac contra quemcunque alium coram vobis pro eisdem in Judicio
legitime interuenientem per viam querele et vobis in hac parte querelando dicit allegat et [in hijs]
scriptis in iure proponit Coniunctim Diuisim atque articulatim provt Sequitur

1          Inprimis <videlicet> Quod dictus Willielmus Chorolton Clericus fuit et est ecclesiam parochialem de bangor pre[dicte rite]
et legitime assequutus ac ipsam sic assequutam cum suis Juribus et pertinentiis vniuersis per nonullum […]
temporis spacium iam elapsum pacifice et quiete possedit prout (saluis infradicendum) sic etiam
possidet in presenti necnon pro vero rectore et possessore eiusdem ecclesie de
bangor fuit et est communiter <dictus> tentus, nominatus et reputatus palam publice et notorie in ead[em]
parochia alijsque locis vicinis provt in eventu huius litis per probaciones legitimas a[pparebit]
et ponit vt sup[ra]

 2            Item Quod tam de iure [Communi stat]utis et Iniunctionibus huius regni anglie quam de antiqua
Laudabili legitimeque prescripta consuetudine a tempore immemorato cuius initii siue contrarij
memoria hominum non existit hucvsque inuiolabiliter et inconcusse vsitata et obseruata ac in
contradictorio Judicio sepius obtenta Jus percipiendi et habendi omnies et Singulas decimas tam
maiores quam minores mixtas et minutas ac cetera Jura et emolumenta ecclesiastica
quecunque
infra dictam parochiam ac fines et Limites locaque decimabilia euisdem qualitercunque
et quandocunque
provenientes et contingentes ad rectorem predictum quemcunque eiusve deputatum pertinuit
et pertinet ac sic
pertinere debuit et debet etiam in futurum Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim et dequolibet

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/15 image 2]

3          Also, that the current rector of the parish church aforesaid and of 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 and 60 years and before and since, and 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 greater, mixed and minute tithes, and especially tithes of hay proceeding, growing, renewing and arising within the said parish of Bangor and its bounds and limits and tithable places of the same, and they themselves and their men took and freely disposed of them and so the current rector there took, had and disposed for all his time there until the time of the grievance set out below and this should take them in future; and he propounds jointly, severally concerning any part thereof.

4          Also, that by lawful statutes of this realm of England it is decreed and provided that anyone who carries away or subtracts predial tithes comes to be condemned in triple or double according to that statute to which etc.

5          Also, that the practice and custom of tithing or paying tithes of hay proceeding, growing, renewing and arising within the said parish of Bangor has prevailed from the time and throughout the time of the beginning or to the contrary of which there exists no memory of men, that any parishioner there whosoever should pay tithe of hay proceeding, growing, arising and renewing within the bounds and limits and tithable places of the same parish of Bangor according to and in accordance with the laudable and lawful usage, practice and custom of the parish and places from where these tithes come, or should do so; and he propounds as before.

Transcript

[1575/15 image 2]

3            Item Quod Rector ecclesie parochialis predicte et locorum decimabilium in eadem modernus eiusque pre[cessores et]
predecessores omnies et singuli eorum temporibus successiue existentes a x, xx, xxx, xl, l et lxa annis
vltraque et citra necnon a tempore et per tempus Cuius inicij siue contrarij memoria hominum non
existit fuerunt pro vt [esse] debuerunt in pacifica possessione seu quasi iuris percipiendi et habendi omnies
et singulas decimas maiores mixtas [et minutas] et presertim decimas fæni provenientes crescentes renovantes et contingentes
infra dictam parochiam de bangor finesque et limites locaque decimabilia in eadem easque
per se et suos perceperunt et
libere disposuerunt sicque percepit habuit et disposuit rector ibidem modernus toto suo tempore vsque ad tempus
gravaminis infrascriptis ac sic percipere debuit etiam in futurum et ponit Coniunctim Diuisim et de quolibet

4          Item quod Statutis legitimis regni Anglie cautum et prouisum est quod qui decimas prediales asportauerit seu subtrax[erit]
in triplo vel duplo iuxta illud Statutum venit condempnandum ad quod et cetera

5          Item Quod mos et consuetudo decimandi siue solvendi decimas fæni provenientium crescentium renovantium et contingentium infra
dictam parochiam de bangor a tempore et per tempus cuius initij siue contrarij memoria hominum non existet
inoleuit quod quilibet parochianus ibidem redderet decimam fæni provenientium crescentium contingentium et renouantium infra
fines et limites locaque decimabilia eiusdem parochie de bangor iuxta et secundum laudabilem et legitimum vsum
morem et consuetudinem parochie et loci vbi huiusmodi decime proveniunt seu debentur et ponit vt supra

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/15 image 3]

6          Also, that the said David Lloyd Matthew and Reginald ap David who had or have in any way nothing of right of tithes in the said rectory of Bangor or in the tithes aforesaid, heedless of the welfare of their souls, 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, August, September, October namely in the present 1575th year of our Lord, they themselves or their men, took and converted and applied to their own use tithes of hay proceeding, growing and arising on their lands within the parish aforesaid, paying, rendering or tithing no tithes of the same to the current rector there or to any deputy of his, nor otherwise duly compounding for them or any part of the same; and he propounds as before.

7          Also, that the true value or valuation of the tithes or tenth part of the hay thus cut down, kept back and subtracted by the aforesaid David Lloyd Matthew in the year and months libellate notoriously amounted and amounts to the sum of four shillings of good and lawful money of England; and this party proponent propounds of whatever other intermediate or lesser sum or value and of such and so great a sum of such amount as will come to be declared and proved in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

8          Also, that the true value or valuation of the tithes or tenth part of the hay thus cut down, kept back and subtracted by the aforesaid Reginald ap David in the year and months libellate notoriously amounted and amounts to the sum of four shillings of good and lawful money of England; and this party proponent propounds of whatever other intermediate or lesser sum or value and of such and so great a sum of such amount as will come to be declared and proved in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

Transcript

[1575/15 image 3]

6          Item Quod dicti Dauid Lloyd Mathew et Reginaldus ap David qui nihil iuris in dicta Rect[oria]
decimarum de bangor vel in [decimis predictis] habuerunt aut habent aliqualiter animarum suarum salutis immemores spiritu vt cred[itur]
maligno ducti Statuta [regia] huiusmodi vilipendentes et in penam iuris cadere non formidantes <mensis> Martij Aprilis
Maij Junij Julij Augusti Sept[embris Oc]tobris videlicet in instanti anno domini 1575o decimas fæni provenien[tes]
crescentes et contingentes in terris suis infra parochiam predictam per se et suos perceperunt et in proprios vsus
conuertebant et applicuerunt nullas decimas de eisdem rectore ibidem moderno aut suo deputato
cuicunque soluendo reddendo aut decimando aliter debite componendo pro huiusmodi vel aliqua
parte earundum et ponit vt supra

7          Item Quod verus valor siue estimatio decimarum siue decime partis fæni sic per prefatum Dauid lloyd
mathew in anno <et mensis>  libellatis decisi repositi et subtracti ad summam siue valorem quatuor solidorum
bone et legalis monete anglie notorie se extendebat et extendit Et ponit pars ista proponens
de qualibet alia summa siue valore intermedia vel minori ac de tali et tanta summa de
quali in eventu huius litis veniet declarandum et Comprobandum et ponit vt supra

8          Item Quod verus valor siue estimatio decimarum siue decime partis fæni sic per prefatum Reginaldum ad Dauid
in anno et mensis libellatis decisi repositi et subtracti ad summam siue valorem quatuor solidorum b[one]
et legalis monete anglie notorie se extendebat et extendit Et ponit pars ista proponens
de
qualibet alia summa siue valore intermedia vel minori ac de tali et tanta summa de
qua in
eventu huius litis veniet declarandum et Comprobandum et ponit vt supra

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/15 image 4]

9          Also, that the aforesaid David Lloyd Matthew and Reginald ap David have often, or at least once, been asked and requested on behalf of the said rector to pay, transfer and deliver to the aforesaid William Chorlton, clerk, rector aforesaid, or to his deputy these tithes as thus aforesaid subtracted, taken, had and not paid by them and their men, or otherwise duly to compound for them; and he propounds as before.

10        Also, that although the aforesaid David Lloyd Matthew and Reginald ap David 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 and the pernicious example of other Christian faithful and to no small prejudice and grievance of the current rector; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

11        Also, that the said David Lloyd Matthew and Reginald ap David are of the parish of Bangor, 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 the part and behalf of the distinguished William Chorlton, current rector of Bangor aforesaid, that complaint is rightly and lawfully made to you, lord judge aforesaid, and to your Chester consistory court; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Transcript

[1575/15 image 4]

9          Item Quod prefati Dauid lloyd mathew et Reginaldus ap Dauid ad solvendum tradendum et liberandum
prefato Willielmo Chorlton Clerico Rectori antedicto aut eius deputato huiusmodi decimas sic vt prefertur p[er eos]
et suos subtractas perceptas habitas seu non solutas seu aliter debite componendum pro eijsdem
sepius seu saltem semel ex parte [dicti] Rectoris requisiti fuerunt et interpellati et ponit vt supra

10          Item Quod predicti Dauid lloyd mathew et Reginaldus ap Dauid licet sic requisiti et interpellati
premissa seu eorum aliquod facere non curauerunt sed expresse renuerunt et recusarunt seu saltem [plus]
debite distulerunt et differunt ac denegant in presenti in animarum suarum graue periculum aliorumque
christifidelium perniciosum exemplum dictique Rectoris moderni preiudicium non modicum et gravamen
Et ponit Coniunctim Diuisim et de quolibet

11        Item Quod dicti Dauid lloyd mathew et Reginaldus ap Dauid fuerunt et sunt parochie de
Bangor Cestrensis diocesis et eo pretextu vestre Jurisdiccionis notorie subditi et subiecti et ponit vt su[pra]

12        Item Quod fuit et est ex parte et pro partem discreti viri Willielmi Chorlton Rectoris
de Bangor predicte moderni ad vos dominum Judicem antedictum et ad Curiam vestram
Consistorialem Cestrensem rite et legitime querelatum et ponit Coniunctim Diuisim et de quolibet

Libel (image 5)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/15 image 5]

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

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said William Chorlton, rector aforesaid, prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him in all and singular the premises, and also that the aforesaid David Lloyd Matthew and Reginald ap David are condemned in the tithes aforesaid, subtracted by them and their men, and in triple the value of the same, in accordance with the statutes of the realm set forth in that behalf, and in the lawful costs incurred on the part of the said rector 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 rector 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 lord judge aforesaid.

Transcript

[1575/15 image 5]

Item Quod  premissa omnia  et Singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manif[esta]
pariter et famosa atque de et super huiusmodi in parochia de bangor et in alijs parochijs eidem
convicinis et circumvicinis laborarunt et laborant publica vox et fama

Vnde fac[ta]
fide de iure in hac parte requisita petit pars dicti Willielmi Chorlton Rectoris
antedicti Jus et Justiciam sibi in premissis omnibus et Singulis fieri et ministrari Nec[non]
prefatos Dauid lloyd Mathew et Reginaldum ap Dauid  in decimis predictis [per] se et [suos]
subtractis et in Triplici valore earundem iuxta Statuta regia in ea parte edi[ta]
et in expensis legitimis per partem dicti Rectoris in hac parte factis et protestat[ur de]
fiendis condempnari ac condemnatos ad debitam et realem solucionem earundem decimas et
expensis Canonice cogi et compelli per vos et vestram Sentenciam diffinitiuam in hac
parte ferendam domine Judex antedicte Vlteriusque fieri statui et decerni in
premissis et ea concernentibus quibuscunque quod iuris fuerit et racionis Premissa proponit
et fieri petit pars dicti Rectoris Coniunctim et Diuisim non arctans se ad o[mnia]
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 domine Judex
egregie antedicte humiliter Implorando

Libel (image 6)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/8 image 6]

[Endorsement]

Libel of the distinguished William Chorlton, rector of the parish church of Bangor, against David Lloyd Matthew and Reginald ap David in a cause of subtraction of tithes exhibited on the 6th day of October in the year of our Lord 1575.

[in pencil in a different hand]

No 15

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1575/15 image 6]

[Endorsement]

[Libellus] discreti
viri Willielmi
Chorlton Rectoris
ecclesie parochialis de
Bangor contra et
aduersus Dauid
lloyd Mathew
et Reginaldum
ap David in
Causa subtractionis
decimarum  exhibitus
vjo die mensis
Octobris  Anno
domini 1575

[in pencil in a different hand]

No 15

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Personal answers (image 7)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/15 image 7]

The personal answers of David Lloyd Matthew made to the positions of the libel offered on behalf of the rector of Bangor taken at Chester on the 17th day of the month of November 1575.

1          To the first position of the libel, he admits that the same contains the truth in it.

2          To the second position, he admits that the same is true.

3          To the third position he answers and believes ‘that the nowe parson of Bangor douth and ought to receive all manner of accustomed tiethes in manner and forme as his predecessors haue had and receyved them but he beleueth there be certen places within the said parishe that tyme out of mynde haue not paid nor ought to paie any tythe haie in kinde parcell wherof this Respondent beleueth the ground wherevpon the tythe nowe in sute growed to be’.

4          To the fourth position he refers himself to the statute articulate, otherwise he knows nothing to depose.

5          To the fifth position he answers that he believes that the same is  true except for the places already excepted ‘which he beleueth to be free’ as above.

6          To the 6th position he answers ‘that he hathe taken a peece of ground for his money within the parishe of bangor of one Edward ap Elles wherein he had certeyne haie the yeare libellat whereof he paid no tythe for that Edward ap Ellis his said landlord commaunded hym to paie no tieth thereof saing that the said grounde was tyme out of mynde free from payment of any tiethe haie’.

7          To the 7th position he answers ‘that he beleveth the tieth of the said haie if it had bene due to be paid in kinde had beene worth xijd’.

8          To the 8th position he answers that he is not to be examined on the same.

9          To 9 he answers that the same is true as regards he himself To 9 he answers that the same is true as regards he himself ‘& the cause whie he denied to paie the same was for that he beleueth he ought not to paie any’.

Transcript

[1575/15 image 7]

[Respo]nsio[nes per]sonales D[av]id lloy[d Mathew]
facte positionibus libelli ex parte [rectoris de]
Bangor oblati Capta apud Ces[triam] xvijo
die mensis Novembris 1575

1          Ad primam positionem libelli fatetur eandem in se continere veritatem

2          Ad secundam positionem <fatetur> eandem esse veram  

3          Ad tertiam positionem respondet et credit that the nowe parson of
Bangor douth and ought <to> receive all manner of accustomed
tiethes in manner and forme as his predecessors haue had
and receyved them <but> he beleueth there be certen places
within the said parishe that tyme out of mynde haue not <paid>
nor ought to paie any tythe haie in kinde <parcell> wherof this
Respondent beleueth the <ground wherevpon> the tythe nowe in
sute growed to be

4          Ad quartam positionem refert se ad Statutum articulatum alias nescit
respondere

5          Ad quintam positionem respondet quod <credit eandem esse veram exceptes
preexceptes locis which he beleueth to be free vt supra>

6          Ad vjtam positionem respondet that he hathe taken
a peece of ground for his money <within the parishe of bangor> of one Edward ap
Elles wherein he had certeyne haie the yeare
libellat <whereof he paid no tythe for> that Edward ap Ellis his said
landlord commaunded hym to paie no tieth thereof
saing that the said grounde was tyme out of
mynde free from payment of any tiethe haie

7          Ad vijam positionem respondet that he beleveth the tieth <of the said haie> if
it had <bene due> to be paid <in kinde> had beene worth <xijd>

8          Ad viijam positionem respondet <quod non est examinandum super eadem>

9          Ad ixam <respondet eandem esse veram quoad seipsum> Ad [9] respondet eandem esse veram quoad seipsum & the cause whie he denied to paie the same was for that he beleueth he ought not to paie any

Personal answers (image 8)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 8]

[…]

To 12 he replies that the matter in dispute is a question of fact and not of law.

To the last he believes the things believed and denies the things denied etc.

Transcript

[1575/15 image 8]

[…]

Ad xij respondet quod est querelatum de facto sed non de
Jure

Ad vltimam credit credita et negat negata et cetera

Personal answers (image 9)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 9]

[Endorsement]

[The endorsement is illegible apart from the date, 1575.]

[in pencil in a different hand]

No 15

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1575/15 image 9]

 [Endorsement]

[The endorsement is illegible apart from the date, 1575.]

[in pencil in a different hand]

No 15

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Sentence (image 10)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 10]

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, Doctor 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, clerk, rector of Bangor, the party plaintiff and complainant on the one part, and David Lloyd Mathew, of the same parish, 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 William Charlton in person and by William Man, Master of Arts, his lawfully appointed proctor according to the acts of the court, while the party of the said David Lloyd Mathew was appearing in person and by John Prichard, Bachelor of Laws; with the party of the said William Charlton praying that sentence is passed and justice may be done to him, the party of the said David Lloyd Mathew 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 has sufficiently and fully established and equally proved his claim in a certain libel of his (the tenor of which follows and is thus; In the name of God,

Transcript

[1575/15 image 10]

[In] dei nomine amen Au[ditis vis]is et intellectis
ac plenarie discussis per nos Robertum lech legum doctorem Reverendi
in christo patris et domini domini Willielmi permissione divina Cestrensis episcopi
commissarium generalem ac eius curie consistorialis officialem principalem
legitime deputatum Meritis et circumstantijs cuiusdam
cause subtraccionis decimarum que coram nobis inter discretum
virum magistrum Willielmum Chorlton clericum Rectorem ecclesie
parochialis de bangor partem actricem et querelantem ex vna et Dauid
lloyd Mathewe eiusdem parochie diocesis et Jurisdiccionis 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 Willielmi
chorlton per se personaliter et per Willielmum mann artium magistrum
eius procuratorem legitime apud acta constitutum parte quoque
dicti Dauid lloyd mathewe per se personaliter et per discretum
virum Johannem prichard in legibus baccallarium eius procuratorem
legitime apud acta constitutum comparentibus parte vero dicti Willielmi
Chorlton sententiam ferri et iusticiam sibi fieri parte etiam
dicti Dauid lloyd mathewe iusticiam 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
eisque 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 seruandis ad nostre sententie dif[fini]tiue 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 causa predicta habita et facta comperimus et luculenter
invenimus partem dicti Rectoris intencionem suam in quodam
suo libello cuius tenor sequitur et est talis In dei nomine

Sentence (image 11)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 11]

Amen; before you, William, by divine permission bishop of Chester etc., which libel we will have here read and inserted) namely that the aforesaid David Lloyd Matthew has subtracted his tithes of hay growing, renewing and arising on his ground or fields lying within the parish of Bangor aforesaid in the years or year libellate, he had not and has not agreed at present the subtraction of these tithes or any part of them with the current rector or any deputy of his whomsoever; and nothing effectual has been or is brought, alleged, excepted or proved on the part and behalf of the said David Lloyd Matthew which could destroy or in any way weaken the claim of the said rector.

Therefore we, the official aforesaid, having first called upon the name of Christ, and setting 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, pronounce, decree and declare that the said David Lloyd Matthew is condemned in the tithes libellate, if they are still in existence, otherwise in triple the value of the same, which we calculate in the sum of 12 shillings of good and lawful money of England; and he is condemned in the costs incurred and to be incurred on the part of the said rector in this cause by this our definitive sentence or this our final decree which we pass and publish in these writings. Reserving taxation of these costs to us and to our office, which we thus we do reserve.

This sentence was read and issued by the judge aforesaid sitting publicly and judicially in the cathedral church of Chester in the consistorial place there on the 17th day of February in the year […] being then present there […].

Transcript

[1575/15 image 11]

[Ame]n Coram vobis […] Willielmo
permissione diuina Cestrensi episcopo etcetera Quem libellum pro
hic lectum et insertum habere volumus
sufficienter et ad plenum fundasse pariter et probasse videlicet
prefatum Dauid lloyd mathewe decimas suas feni crescentium
Renovantium et contingentium in terris siue agris suis Jacentis
infra parochiam de bangor predictam annis siue anno libellatis
subtraxisse minime
pro illis vel aliquo parte earundem cum Rectore moderno eiusve
deputato quocunque subtraccionem huiusmodi
decimarum Ratum et gratum habuisse et in presenti habere Nihilque
effectuale ex parte aut per partem dicti Dauid lloyd mathewe
fuisse aut esse deductum allegatum exceptum aut probatum quod
intencionem dicti Rectoris elideret seu quomodolibet eneruaret

Idcirco nos officialis antedictus christi nomine primitus invocato
ac ipsum solum deum oculis nostris preponentes de et cum consilio
Jurisperitorum quibuscum mature in hac parte communicavimus
dictum dauid lloyd mathewe in decimis libellatis
si extant alioquin in triplici earundem valore quem ad
summam xijs[1] bone et legalis monete Anglie estimamus
condempnandum et in expensis per partem dicti Rectoris in hac
causa factis et fiendis condempnandum pronu[niciam]us decernimus
et declaramus per hanc nostram sententiam d[iffinitiu]am siue hoc
nostrum finale decretum quam siue quod fer[imu]s et promulgamus
[in] hijs scriptis Taxacionem expen[sarum] huiusmodi nobis et
officio nostro reseruantem quam sic Reseruamus

Lecta et lata fuit huiusmodi Sententia per Judicem antedictum
[in Ecclesia cathedralis Cestrensis in] loco [Consistoriali ibidem publice pro]
[tribunali sedenti] xvijo die Februarij Anno
[…] [Presentibus tunc ibidem] […]

[1] Parts of the section quantifying the value of the tithes subtracted has been struck through and the value of ‘xijs’ may have been replaced by ‘xs’.

Sentence (image 12)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 12]

[Endorsement]

[…] of the rector of Bangor against David Lloyd Mathew in a tithe cause, exhibited 1575.

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1575/15 image 12]

[Endorsement]

[… R]ectoris de ban[gor ]
contra Dauid lloy[d]
mathewe in causa
decimarum exhibit’
1575

[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

David Lloyd Matthew – defendant

Reginald ap David – defendant

Edward ap Ellis – owner of the land on which the tithes were claimed

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 5/1566/15

 

Notes

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

Ref: EDC 5/1575/5

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/1575/5 Bill of Costs in tithe cause of Cowper c Radcliff.

Summary:

Margaret Harper contra Margery Radcliffe.

No other cause papers for this defamation cause have been located.

Year

1575

Type of Cause:

Defamation – unknown

Cause Papers:

Bill of costs

Bill of costs (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/5 image 1]
Firstly, for the issue of the citation7d
Also for costs for the return of the same3s 4d
3s 7d
                    on the first of December in the year of our Lord 1575
Also for introduction of material4d
Also for court process4d
Also for admitting the proctor4d
Also for the proctor2s 6d
Also for the proctor’s fee2s
[correctly totalled to]5s 6d
                    15th of December in the year aforesaid
Also for the proctor’s fee12d
Also for court process4d
                    19th of January in the year aforesaid [now 1576]
Also for drawing up the libel4s
Also for the proctor’s fee12d
Also for court process4d
Also for admission of the libel4d
                    on the third of February in the year aforesaid [now 1576]
Also for the proctor’s fee12d
Also for court process4d
                    17th of February in the year aforesaid [now 1576]
Also for the proctor’s fee12d
Also for court process4d
                     on the 1st day of March in the year aforesaid [now 1576]
Also for the proctor’s fee12d
Also for court process4d
Also for the examination of three witnesses2s 1d
Also for their expenses15s
18s 5d
                    15th of March in the year aforesaid [now 1576]
Also for the proctor’s fee12d
Also for court process4d
Also for a copy of the testimony2s
3s 4d
                    29th of March in the year of our Lord 1576
Also for the proctor’s fee12d
                    12th of April in the year aforesaid
Also for the proctor’s fee12d
Also for court process4d
                    fourth of May in the year aforesaid
Also for the proctor’s fee12d
Also for court process4d
Also for a decree to hear the sentence12d
                    18th of May in the year aforesaid
Also for the proctor’s fee12d
Also for court process4d
                     on the 5th of July in the year aforesaid
Also for the proctor’s fee12d
Also for drawing up the sentence2s
Also for court process4d
Also for publishing the same12s 4d
Also for the citation for the party  to attend the taxation etc12d
Also for travel expenses30s
Also for drawing up this schedule2s
Total£4 [15s 6d]

Transcript

[1575/5 image 1]
Inprimis pro prom[ulgatione] citac[ionis]vijd
Item pro expensis pro returnatione eiusdemiijs iiijd
3s 7d
                    primis decembris Anno domini 1575
Item pro introitu materieiiijd
Item pro actuiiijd
Item pro admissione procuratorisiiijd
Item pro procuratoreijs vjd
Item pro feodo procuratorisijs
5s 6d
                     xvto decembris Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratorisxijd
Item pro actuiiijd
                    xixo Januarij Anno predicto
Item pro concepcione libelliiiijs
Item pro feodo procuratorisxijd
Item pro actuiiijd
Item pro admissione libelliiiijd
                    tertio Februarij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratorisxijd
Item pro actuiiijd
                    xvijo Februarij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratorisxijd
Item pro actuiiijd
                    primo die marcij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratorisxijd
Item pro actuiiijd
Item pro examinacione trium testiumijs jd
Item pro eorum expensisxvs
18s 5d
                    xvto marcij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratorisxijd
Item pro actuiiijd
Item pro copia attestacionisijs
3s 4d
                    xxixo marcij Anno domini 1576
Item pro feodo procuratorisxijd
                    xijo Aprilis Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratorisxijd
Item pro actuiiijd
                    quarto Maij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratorisxijd
Item pro actuiiijd
Item pro decreto ad audiendum Sententiamxijd
                    xviijo Maij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratorisxijd
Item pro actuiiijd
                    quinto Julij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratorisxijd
Item pro concepcione Sententieijs
Item pro actuiiijd
Item pro promulgacione eiusdemxijs iiijd
Item pro citacione pro parte ad videndum taxacionem et ceteraxijd
Item pro viaticis expensisxxxs
Item pro concepcione istius scheduleijs
Summa4li [15s 6d]

Bill of costs (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/5 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Bill of costs on behalf of Harper against Radcliffe 1576

[the year 1575 also recorded]

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1575/5 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Schedula expensorum ex parte harper contra Radcliffe 1576

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Margaret Harper – plaintiff

Margery Radcliffe – defendant

 

 

 

 

Subjects

Taxation of costs

Women

 

Proctors

John Prichard – for defendant

Roland Wright – for plaintiff

Notes

The court act books give the forenames of the parties, and the names of the proctors and record that the plaintiff won. The defendant’s proctor immediately appealed to York, but no appeal papers have been traced (EDC 1/21 f. 23v). The costs claimed totalled 95s 6d and they were taxed at 26s 8d (EDC 1/21 f. 31v).

 

 

Ref: EDC 5/1575/4

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/1575/4 BOWDON Urian Bowdon c William Charlton and Ellen wife of Robert Lether saying that Urian had committed adultery with Katherine Leigh – libel.

Summary:

Urian Bowdon contra William Charlton and Ellen Lether.

Urian claimed that both defendants had wrongly accused him of committing adultery with Katherine Leighe, wife of John Leighe the younger, of Altrincham, with a rather specific allegation.

Year

1575

Type of Cause:

Defamation – sexual slander

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/4 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 honest man, Urian Bowdon, of the parish of Bowdon of Chester diocese and of your jurisdiction against William Chorlton and Ellen, wife of Robert Lether, of the parish aforesaid of your Chester diocese and jurisdiction, and against any other person 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 jointly, severally and in articles as follows:

1          Firstly, that all and singular subordinates and subjects of this realm of England who speak, utter, assert, express or declare abuse, disparagements or opprobrious, disparaging, scandalous or defamatory words of any person against public morals, sounding or tending to the injury or denigration of the good fame of any person, were and are to be canonically corrected and punished and are to be obliged and compelled to desist and to completely abstain from these abuses, disparagements and defamatory words in future; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2          Also, that the said William Chorlton and Ellen Lether not being ignorant of the premises but forgetful of the welfare of their souls, being induced, as it is believed, by an evil spirit, seriously and grievously defamed the said Urian Bowdon, previously in no way defamed, in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January and February, namely in the year of our Lord 15[..], or in any of those months whatsoever, in one or other of them, affirming openly and publicly ‘that the plaintiff Vrian bowdon had committed adulterie or fornicacion with Katherine leighe the wiffe of John leighe of Altrincham the younger’ namelyWilliam Chorlton one of the defendantes hath openlie reported that Vrian bowdon the plaintiff had carnall copulacion with the said Katherine leighe and Japed[1] her in a chaire in her husbandes howse’ and similarlyEllena lether the other defendant hath spoken and reported the said woordes by the plaintiff’ namely ‘Ellen lether hath reported that Vrian bowdon Japed Katherine leighe the wief of John leighe of Altrincham the younger in a chaire in her husbandes howse’ these defamatory words or other defamatory words similar to these and importing the same effect, the defendant said of the plaintiff, and either party said of the plaintiff, as will become clear and appear by lawful proofs in the event of this suit, and he propounds as above.

3          Also, that by occasion and reason of this defamation of crimes and reproaches and the utterance, assertion and declaration of the aforesaid defamatory words the standing and good fame of the said Urian Bowdon are injured, blackened and diminished and the said Urian Bowdon was and is

[1] Jape – to have sexual intercourse.

Transcript

[1575/4 image 1]

 In dei nomine amen coram vobis Willelmo permissione divina
Cestrensi Episcopo vestroue  Commissario generali seu alio Judice in hac parte
competenti quocunque Pars honesti viri Urian bowdon
parochie de bowdon Cestrensis diocesis et vestre Jurisdiccionis contra et aduersus Willelmum Chorlton et Ellenam vxorem Roberti lether parochie predicte vestre
Cestrensis diocesis et Jurisdiccionis ac contra quemcunque alium coram vobis
pro eisdem in iudicio legitime interuenientem per viam querele et
vobis in hac parte querelando dicit allegat et in hijs scriptis
in iure proponit coniunctim diuisim atque articulatim provt sequitur

1          Imprimis Quod omnies et singuli huius regni Anglie subditi et
subiecti qui convitia vituperia verbaue opprobriosa vili-
pendiosa scandalosa  [vel] diffamatoria ad alicuis bone fame
lesionem seu denigr[ationem] sonantia vel tendentia contra bonos
mores de aliquo [dicunt em]ittunt asserunt proferunt se[u]
predicant fuerunt [et sunt] Canonice Corrigendi et puni[endi]
Et vt ab huiusmodi [convitijs vitu]perijs et verbis diffam[atorijs]
desistant et [se penitus abst]ineant in futurum Cogendi [et]
compellandi E[t ponit coniunctim d]iuisim et de quolibet

 2          Item Quod d[icti Willelmus Chor]lton et Ellena lether p[remiss]-
orum non ignari immo [animarum suarum s]alutis immemores spritu vt Cred[itur]
maligno ducti dictum [Ur]ianum Bowdon prius minime diff[amatum]
mensibus Martij Apri[lis M]aij Junij Julij Augusti septembris oc[tobris]
Novembris decembris Januarij et Februarij videlicet in anno domini 15[..]
eorumve mensium quolibet vno siue aliquo graviter et
enormiter diffamauerunt affirmando palam et publice that the pla[intiff]
Vrian bowdon had committed adulterie or fornicacion with
Katherine leighe the wiffe of John leighe of Altrincham the
younger videlicet William Chorlton one of the defendantes hath openlie reported
that Vrian bowdon the plaintiff had carnall copulacion with the
said Katherine leighe and Japed her in a chaire in her
husbandes howse et similiter Ellena lether the other defendant
hath spoken and reported the said woordes by the plaintiff
videlicet Ellen lether hath reported that Vrian bowdon
Japed Katherine leighe the wief of John leighe of
Altrincham the younger in a chaire in her husbandes howse
hec verba diffamatoria seu alia verba diffamatoria
hijs similia et eundem effectum importantia pars rea dixit
de parte actrice et vtraque pars dixit de parte actrice provt in eventu
huius litis per probaciones legitimas liquebit et apparebit et ponit
vt supra

 3          Item Quod occatione et pretextu huiusmodi diffamacionis criminum et
conviciorum ac verborum diffamatoriorum predictorum emissionem assertionem et  predicacionem status et bona fama dicti Vria[ni] Bowdon leduntur
denigrantur et attenuantur dictusque Vri[anus] fuit et est in

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/4 image 2]

at no little trouble and expense and otherwise and elsewhere wearied, vexed, oppressed, burdened and perturbed in many different ways, and among and between good and substantial people he is of less reputation and favour and good and substantial people have ascribed and given, and at present ascribe and give, less trust and favour to the same Urian Bowdon by reason of the premises; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

4          Also, that the said Urian Bowdon, before this defamation and the utterance, assertion and declaration of the defamatory words and until then, was a man of good fame, unblemished reputation and honest conversation, and previously in no way defamed among and between good and substantial people; and he propounds as above.

5          Also, that the said William Chorlton and Ellen Lether were and are of the parish of [Bowdon] of your Chester diocese and for that reason subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction; and he propounds as above.

6          Also, that it was and is on the part and behalf of the said Urian Bowdon that complaint is rightly and lawfully made to you, lord judge, and to your Chester consistory court; and he propounds as above.

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 Bowdon and in other parishes neighbouring and surrounding the same.

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said Urian Bowdon prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him in all and singular the premises and that it should be decided that the said William Chorlton and Ellen Lether will be corrected and punished for the imputation of the above-said crimes and for the pronouncing and declaration of these aforesaid scandalous and defamatory words according to the due requirement of law, and that they will be punished with effect etc.; and also that they will be condemned in the lawful costs incurred on the part of the said Urian Bowdon in that behalf, and he protests those to be incurred, and having been condemned, that they will be canonically obliged and compelled to the due and real payment of the same by you and  your definitive sentence, lord judge aforesaid etc; humbly imploring your office in the premises, lord judge aforesaid.

Transcript

[1575/4 image 2]

nonnullis laboribus et expensis ac alias et aliunde mulipliciter fatigatus
vexatus grauatus oneratus et perturbatus ac apud et inter bonos
et graues minoris reputacionis et fauoris bonique et graves
adhibuerunt et dederunt adhibentque et dant in presenti eidem
Vriano Bowdon minorem fidem atque fauorem pretextu
premissorum Et ponit Coniunctim Diuisim et de quolibet

4          Item Quod dictus Vrianus <bowdon> ante huiusmodi diffamacionem et verborum diffamatoriorum emissionem assertionem et predicacionem et vsque ad ea
fuit vir bone fame opinionis illese et conuersacionis
honeste ac apud et inter bonos [et] graues prius minime
diffamatus et ponit [vt] supra

5          Item Quod dicti W[illelmus Chorl]ton et Ellena lether fue[runt]
et sunt parochie de [Bowdon] vestre Cestrensis diocesis et eo [pretextu]
vestre Jurisdiccionis subd[iti et subiecti] et ponit vt supra

6          Item Quod fu[it et est ex par]te et per partem dicti Vria[ni]
Bowdon ad vos [dominum Judic]em et ad Curiam vestram
Cestrensem  rite et l[egitime que]relatum et ponit vt supra

Item Quod premissa omnia  et singula fuerunt et sunt vera pu[blica]
notoria manifesta pariter et famosa atque de et super huiusmodi
in parochia de bowdon et in alijs parochijs eidem convicinis et circumvicinis
laborarunt et laborant publica vox et fama

Vnde facta
fide de iure in hac parte requisita petit pars dicti Vriani bowdon
Jus et iusticiam sibi in premissis omnibus et singulis fieri
et ministrari Ac dicti Willelmum Chorlton et Ellenam
lether pro supradictorum criminum imposicione et huiusmodi verborum
scandalosorum et diffamatoriorum prolacione et predicacione predictis iuxta
iuris debitam exigentiam corrigendos et puniendos fore
debere decerni et cum effectu puniri et cetera Necnon in
expensis legitimis per partem dicti Vriani bowdon in hac parte
factis et protestatur de fiendis condempnari et condemnatos ad
debitam et realem solucionem earundem Canonice Cogi et
compelli per vos et vestram Sententiam diffinitiuam domine
Judex antedicte et cetera vestrum officium in premissis domine Judex
antedicte humiliter Implorando

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/4 image 3]

[Endorsement]

[…] Bowdon against William Chorlton and Ellen Lether, wife of Robert Lether, in a cause of defamation exhibited in the year of our Lord 1575.

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1575/4 image 3]

[Endorsement]

[…] Bowdon contra et aduersus Willelmum Chorlton et Ellenam lether vxorem Roberti lether in causa diffamationis exhibitus Anno domini 1575

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Urian Bowdon– plaintiff

William Chorlton – defendant

Katherine Leighe – named in the libel

Ellen Lether  – defendant

 

 

 

 

Officials

William Downham 

Subjects

Defamatory words

 

Places

Bowdon

 

Ref: EDC 5/1575/3

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/1575/3 CHESTER (St Oswald) John and Richard Vaudrey impropriators of tithes of Churton Heath (Bruera) c Ralph Calveley – libel, interrogations, decree.

Summary:

John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey contra Ralph Calveley.

John and Richard Vawdrey claimed in their libel that they were the lawful farmers of the tithes of the township of Churton Heath and that Ralph Calveley of Churton Heath had not paid the tithes of grain due from him for 1575. Calveley claimed that the lawful farmer was Robert Vawdrey, brother of John and Richard Vawdrey, so that they did not have right of action against him.

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/3 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 worshipful John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey, gentlemen, farmers of the tithes of the church or chapel of Churton Heath of the parish of Saint Oswald of your Chester diocese and jurisdiction against Ralph Calveley, gentleman, of the chapel and parish aforesaid of your diocese and jurisdiction aforesaid, 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 as follows:

1            Firstly, the party of the said farmers states that for some space of time now passed the same farmers were and yet are farmers of the tithes of the church or chapel of Churton Heath and of all of the perpetual vicarage of the aforesaid parish church of Saint Oswald aforesaid and during the same time were and yet are in lawful possession of the said farm of the tithes of the church or chapel aforesaid, lawfully and in fact appointed; and also commonly called, deemed, held and reputed openly, publicly and notoriously as farmers there in the said parish of Saint Oswald aforesaid and in other neighbouring and surrounding places; and the party propounds jointly, severally and in articles.

2            Also, that as well by the common law, statutes and injunctions of this realm of England, as by ancient laudable and lawfully prescribed custom, hitherto inviolably and steadfastly used and observed from time immemorial and often upheld in judgment in a contested cause, the right of  receiving and having all and singular tithes, as well greater as lesser, mixed and minute and other church rights and emoluments whatsoever within the said parish or chapelry and the bounds and limits and tithable places of the same, wherever, howsoever and whenever proceeding, growing, renewing and occurring belonged and should and ought also to belong in future to the farmers of the church or chapel of Churton Heath in the parish of St Oswald aforesaid, whosoever he may be at the time, by law and in the name of his aforesaid farm; and he propounds as above.

 

 

 

 

Transcript

[1575/3 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis Willelmo permissione divina Cestrensi Episcopo vestroue commissario
generali seu alio Judice in hac parte competenti quocunque Pars discretorum virorum  Johannis Vaudrey et
Ricardi Vaudrey generosorum fimariorum decimarum Ecclesie siue capelle de church heath parochie
sancti oswaldi vestre cestrensis diocesis et Jurisdiccionis contra et aduersus Radulphum Calueley generosum
capelle et parochie predicte vestre diocesis et Jurisdiccionis predicte ac contra quemcunque alium coram vobis pro eodem
in iudicio legitime interuenientem per viam querele et vobis in hac parte querelando dicit allega[t]
et in hijs scriptis in iure proponit prout sequitur

1            Imprimis pars dictorum firmariorum dicit quod Idem firmarii per nonullum temporis sp[acium]
Jam elapsis fuerunt et adhuc sunt firmarii decimarum Ecclesie siue capelle de churchehethe
ac totius vicarie perpetue Ecclesie parochialis sancti oswaldi predicte ac per idem tempus fuerunt et
adhuc sunt in possessione legitima dicte firme decimarum ecclesie siue capelle predicte legitime et
realiter constituti Necnon pro firmarijs ibidem communiter dicti tenti habiti et reputati palam pu[blice]
et notorie in dicta parochia sancti oswaldi antedicta alijsque locis vicinis et circumvicinis et ponit pars
coniunctim diuisim atque articulatim

2            Item quod tam de Jure communi statutis et iniunctionibus huis Regni Anglie quam de
antiqua laudabili legitimeque prescripta consuetudine a tempore immemorato hucusque inviolabiliter et inconcusse vsitata et obseruata ac in contradictorio Judicio sepius obtenta
ius percipiendi et habendi omnes et singulas decimas tam maiores quam minores mi[xtas]
et minutas ac cetera iura et emolumenta Ecclesiastica quemcunque infra dictam paroch[iam] siue capellariam finesque et limites ac loca decimabilia euisdem vbicunque qualitercunque et
quandocunque provenientes crescentes renovantes et contingentes ad firmarios Ecclesie siue capelle
de churcheheath parochie sancti oswaldi antedicti quoscunque pro tempore existentes iure et no[mine]
firme sue predicte pertinuit et pertinere debuit et debet etiam in futurum Et ponit vt supra

 

 

 

 

 

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/3 image 2]

 3          Also, that the said Ralph Calveley in the year of our Lord 1575 in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February or any of the months whatsoever, in one or another, had and possessed 18 acres of land notoriously sited and situated within the church or chapel of Churton Heath aforesaid and the bounds and limits and the tithable places of the same, sown with corn or wheat, from which he or his men have taken 6 score thraves[1] of grain. And this party propounds of any other lesser number of thraves whatsoever up to ten thraves and of any other number of such amount as will become more fully clear and appear by lawful proofs in the outcome of this suit; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

4            Also, that the aforesaid Ralph Calveley in the year and months aforesaid or in any of the months whatsoever, in one or another, subtracted paying the tenth part of wheat growing, renewing and arising, as is thus aforesaid, in the said chapelry of Churton Heath and the parish of St Oswald aforesaid and the titheable places of the same and approved this subtraction; and he propounds as above.

5            Also, that the true value of any thrave of wheat whatever in the year and months aforesaid by common report of men notoriously extends to the sum of 9s of good and lawful money of England; and this party propounds of whatever lesser sum up to two shillings and of any other sum of such amount as will come to be proved in the outcome of this suit; and he propounds as above.

6            Also, that the true value of the tithes or tenth part of wheat thus as is aforesaid subtracted, taken and not paid by the aforesaid Ralph Calveley in the year and months above-said notoriously extended and extends to the sum or value of ten pounds of good and lawful money of England; and this party propounds of whatever other lesser sum, up to the sum of two shillings, and of any other sum of such amount as will come to be proved in the outcome of this suit; and he propounds as above.

[1] Thrave  – a measure of sheaves of grain which varied regionally (see OED). In Cheshire this amounted to twelve sheaves of corn or twenty-four of straw.

Transcript

[1575/3 image 2]

3            Item quod dictus Radulphus Calueley anno domini 1575 mensibus martij Ap[rilis]
maij  Junij Julij Augusti septembris Octobris novembris decembris Januarij [et]
februarii eorumve mensium quolibet vno siue aliquo habuit et possidet infra Ecclesiam
siue capellam de churchheath predictam finesque et limites ac loca decimabilia ei[usdem]
xviij acras terre notorie sitas et situatas seminatas frumento siue tritico ex quibus [habuit]
et percepit per se et suos vjxx le thraves grani Et ponit pars ista de quolibet
alio minori numero le thraves vsque ad decem le thraves et de tali et tanto
numero qualis et quantus in eventu huius litis per probaciones legitimas plenius
liquebit et apparebit Et ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

4            Item Quod prefatus Radulphus Calueley anno et mensis predictis eorumve mensium quoli[bet]
vno siue aliquo decimam partem tritici sic vt prefertur in dicta capella de churchhethe
et parochie sancti oswaldi antedicte et locis decimabilibus eiusdem crescentes renovantes et contingentes
soluendum subtraxit ac subtraccionem huiusmodi Rationem et gratiam habuit Et ponit vt supra

5            Item quod verus valor cuiuislibet le thrave tritici anno et mensibus predictis communi ho[inum]
etimacione notorie se extendit ad summam ixs bene et legalis monete Anglie Et pon[it]
pars ista de qualibet alia summa minori vsque ad duos solidos ac de tali et tanta sum[ma] qualis et quanta in eventu huis litis veniet comprobandum Et ponit vt supra.

6            Item quod verus valor decimarum siue decime partis tritici sic vt prefertur per prefatum R[adulphum]
Calueley anno et mensibus supradictis subtractarum perceptarum et non solutarum ad summam siue val[orem]
decem libris bone et legalis monete Anglie notorie se extendebat et extendit Et ponit pars
ista de qualibet alia summa minori vsque ad summam duorum solidorum ac de tali et tanta sum[ma]
qualis et quanta in eventu huius litis veniet comprobanda Et ponit vt [supra]

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/3 image 3]

7            Also, that the aforesaid Ralph Calveley has not paid or set forth the tithes as in the premises, although having been requested and asked on the part and behalf of the said farmers or their deputies, he has completely refused to pay and set forth the same to the famers aforesaid, or, at least, he has delayed unduly, just as he unjustly delays at present, to no little prejudice of the said farmers and to the pernicious example of other Christian faithful; and he propounds as above.

 8            Also, that the aforesaid Ralph Calveley was and is of the parish of Saint Oswald and of the chapel of Churton Heath aforesaid of Chester diocese and by reason thereof subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction; and he propounds as above.

9            Also, that it was and is on the part and behalf of the said farmers that complaint is rightly and lawfully made to you, lord judge aforesaid, and to your Chester consistory court; and he propounds as above.

10          Also, that of and upon all and singular the premises there was and is public voice and fame in the said parish of Saint Oswald and the chapel of Churton Heath aforesaid and in other neighbouring places; and he propounds as above.

Transcript

[1575/3 image 3]

7            Item quod prefatus Radulphus Calueley decimas ex premissis non soluit vel exposu[it]
sed ex parte et per partem dictorum firmariorum seu eorum deputatorum Requisitus et interpellatus easd[em]
soluere et exponere predictis firmarijs penitus Recusauit seu saltem plus iusto distu[lit]
prout in presenti differet minus iuste in dictorum firmariorum preiudicium non modicum alio[rumque]
christifidelium perniciosum exemplum Et ponit vt supra

8            Item quod predictus Radulphus Calueley fuit et est parochie sancti oswaldi et capelle d[e]
churcheheath antedictis cestrensis diocesis et eo pretextu vestre Jurisdiccionis subditus e[t]  subiectus Et ponit vt supra

9            Item quod fuit et est ex parte et per partem dictorum firmariorum ad vos dominum
Judicem antedictum et ad curiam vestram consistorialem cestrensem rite et legitime querelatum Et
ponit vt supra.

10          Item Quod de et super premissis omnibus et singulis fuit et est publica vox
et fama in dicta parochia sancti oswaldi et capella de churcheheath predicta alijsque locis
vicinis Et ponit vt supra

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/3 image 4]

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said farmers, prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him with effect in all and singular the premises, and that the said Ralph Calveley is condemned in the tithes aforesaid, or their true value in accordance with the statute of the realm set forth in that behalf, and also in the lawful costs incurred on the part of the said farmers in this behalf and he protests those to be incurred, and, having been condemned, that he is obliged and compelled to the due and real payment of the same by you and your definitive sentence, lord judge aforesaid; which the party of the said farmer propounds and prays to be done jointly and severally by way of summary petition simply and plainly, 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 all the premises, distinguished judge aforesaid; and this party asserts the right of adding to, amending  and correcting this libel at a suitable and opportune time and place etc.

Transcript

[1575/3 image 4]

Vnde facta fide de iure in hac parte Requisita petit pars dictorum firmariorum ius
et iusticiam in premissis omnibus et singulis sibi fieri et ministrari cum effectu dictumque
Radulphum Calueley in decimis predictis seu eorum vero valore iuxta statutum inde editum Necnon
in expensis [legitimis] ex parte dictorum firmariorum in hac parte factis Et protestatur de faciendis
condempnari condempnatumque ad debitam et Realem solucionem earundem cogi et compel[li]
per vos et vestram sentenciam diffinitiuam domine Judex antedicte Que proponit et
fieri petit pars dictorum firmariorum coniunctim diuisim per viam summarie peticionis simpliciter et d[e]
plano  Non arctans se ad omnia et singula premissa probanda Nec ad onus
superflue probacionis de quo protestatur sed quatenus probauerit in premissis eate[nus] obtineat in petitis iuris beneficio in omnibus semper saluo vestrum officium Judex egreg[ie] in premissis omnibus humiliter Implorando
Et protestatur pars ista de addendo emendando et Corrigendo hunc libellum
pro loco et tempore congrius et opportunis et cetera

Libel (image 5)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/3 image 5]

[Endorsement]

 Libel of the distinguished John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey, farmers of the tithes of Churton Heath, against Ralph Calveley, gentleman, in a cause of subtraction of tithes, exhibited 1575.

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1575/3 image 5]

[Endorsement]

[Libellus discretorum] virorum Johannis Vaudrey et Ricardi Vaudrey firmariorum decimarum de churcheth contra Radulphum Calveley generosum in causa subtraccionis decimarum exhibitus 1575

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Exceptions to the libel

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/3 image 6]

[…] October in the year of our Lord 1575

[Marginal note] John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey against Ralph Calveley, esquire, in a cause of subtraction of tithes

On which day William Man, Master of Arts, proctor of Master Ralph Calveley, gentleman, appeared and for every consequence of law that can follow thereupon, alleged that the aforesaid John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey are not (as they less than truthfully assert in their pretended libel given and offered against the pre-libelled Ralph Calveley, gentleman) the true and lawful farmers of the tithes coming, growing, renewing and arising within the bounds and limits and the tithable places of Churchen Heath within the parish of Saint Oswald and they are not reputed, accepted, named and held as true and lawful farmers of the tithes within the chapel and parish aforesaid and they do not have title or right of action against the aforesaid Ralph Calveley, gentleman, But if anyone has title and right of action, Robert Vawdrey, clerk, natural and legitimate brother of the said John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey has right and title of action.

Wherefore the party of the said Ralph Calveley, gentleman, prays to be dismissed from the suit of the said John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey and from further vexation, petition and molestation, and to be absolved together with expenses

And otherwise that what will have been of right and reason in the premises and anything whatsoever concerning them will be done, established and decreed; which allegation the party of the said Ralph Calveley, gentleman, propounds jointly and severally etc., not binding etc., and he prays that this allegation will be admitted etc..

[1575/3 image 8]

[Endorsement]

[…] exhibited on the 15th day of October in the year of our Lord 1575 against John Vawdrey and  Richard Vawdrey in a cause of tithes

Transcript

[1575/3 image 6]

 […]Oct[ob’] Anno domini  1575

[Marginal note] Johannes Vawdrey et Richardus Vawdrey contra et aduersus Radulphum Calveley armigerum in causa subtraccionis decimarum

Quo die comparuit Willelmus Man Artium magister
procurator magistri Radulphi Calveley generosi et ad
omnem Juris effectum exinde sequi valentem
allegauit quod prefati Johannes Vawdrey et Richardus Vawdrey
non sunt (vt minus vere asserunt in pretenso
suo libello contra pre libellatum Radulphum Calveley generosum
dato et oblato) veri et legitimi firmarij decimarum
provenientium, Crescentium, Renovantium, et Contingentium infra
fines et limites locaque decimibilia de Churchheth
infra parochij Sancti Oswaldi neque sunt reputati
accepti, nominati, et habiti pro veris et legitimis
firmarijs decimarum infra Capellam et parochiam predictas
neque habent Titulum aut Jus agendi
contra prefatum Radulphum Calveley g[ener]osum Sed
si aliquis habet Titulum et Jus agendi
Robertus Vawdrey Clericus frater naturalis
et legitimus dictorum Johannis Vawdrey et Richardi Vawdrey
habet Jus et Titulum agendi Quare
petit pars dicti Radulphi Calveley generosi
dimitti ab instantia vlteriorique vexacione
impeticione et molestacione dictorum Johannis Vawdrey
et Richardi Vawdrey vnaquecum expensis absolui
Vlteriusque fieri statui et decerni
in premissis et ea concernentis quibuscunque
quod Juris fuerit et racionis Quam
Allegacionem proponit pars dicti Radulphi Calveley
generosi Coniunctim et diuisim et cetera non arctans et cetera
et petit huiusmodi allegacionem admitti et cetera

[1575/3 image 8]

[Endorsement]

[…] [e]hibit’ xvo die octobris Anno domini 1575 contra Johannem Vawdrey et Richardum Vawdrey in causa decimarum

Interrogatories

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/3 image 9]

[…] follow on behalf of Ralph Calveley, gentleman, against all and singular the witnesses produced on the part and behalf of John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey, pretended  farmers of the tithes of the vicarage of the parish church of Saint Oswald and of the chapel of Churton Heath.

1          Firstly, the danger of perjury and the penalty for bearing false witness having been explained, let each pretended witness be asked by virtue of his sworn oath, with which party of the parties litigant he is associated and which party he would favour more and would confer victory upon if it were in his power to confer it; and let him be asked jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2          Also, let each pretended witness be asked whether he is related by blood or marriage, a servant or of the household of the party producing him and let it be done as before.

3          Also, let each pretended witness be asked what advantages he might receive in the event that the party producing him has the victory in this cause and what damages he might suffer by reason of their defeat.

 4          Also, let each pretended witness be asked this; whose tenant he is and at whose expense he has come here, whether voluntarily or by compulsion, and whether he has conferred with any precontest or any other with him about how or in what way he might depose and let it be done as above.

5          Also, let each pretended witness be asked this; whether he did at the tyme of his production with an audible voice saie and pronounce theise woordes before the Judge sitting judicially in open court namely let vs haue Justice whereby he made hym self a partie and vsed suche other wordes of maintaynaunce grudginge and murmuringe speaches and let him be asked jointly severally and concerning any part thereof.

6          Also, let them render the true reasons for their knowledge of all and singular the premises etc.

[1575/3 image 11]

[Endorsement]

[…] 17th day of November in the year of our Lord 1575

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1575/3 image 9]

 

[…] parte Radulphi C[alveley generosi] contra et adversus
omnies et singulos testes [productos] ex parte et per
partem Johannis Vawdrey et Richardi Vawdrey
firmarios se pretendentes decimarum [vicarie] ecclesie parochialis
Sancti Oswaldi et Capelle de Churchethe
Sequuntur

 1          Inprimis periculo periurij et pena testis falsidici exposito Interrogetur
quilibet testis pretensus huiusmodi virtute Juramenti sui prestiti cum qua parte
partium litigantium conuersetur et cui parti magis faueat et conferret
victoriam si esset in illius potestate conferrendum et Interrogetur
coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

2      Item Interrogetur quilibet testis pretensus huiusmodi an sit consanguineus
affinis, famulus, domesticus partis eum producentis et fiat vt
supra

 3          Item Interrogetur quilibet testis pretensus huiusmodi quid commodi sit
recepturus casu quo pars eum producens victoriam habuerit
in hac causa et quid damni sit passurus modo succubuerit

4          Item Interrogetur quilibet testis pretensus huiusmodi cuius tenens est
et cuius sumptibus huc accessat num sponte vel coactus
et vtrum conferrebat cum aliquo precontesto vel aliquis cum
eo quid aut qualiter deponeret et fiat vt supra

5          Item interrogetur quilibet testis pretensus huiusmodi whether he did
at the tyme of his production with an audible voice saie
and pronounce theise woordes coram Judice pro tribunali
sedente in plena Curi[a] videlicet let vs haue Justice whereby
he made hym self a partie and vsed suche other wordes
of maintaynaunce grudginge and murmuringe speaches
et Interrogetur Coniunctim Diuisim et de quolibet

6          Item quod reddant veras causas scientarum suarum in premissis
omnibus et singulis et cetera

[1575/3 image 11]

[Endorsement]

[…] xvijo die Novembris Anno Domini 1575

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Ralph Calveley – defendant

John Vawdrey – plaintiff

Richard Vawdrey – plaintiff

Robert Vawdrey – brother of plaintiffs

 

 

 

Officials

William Downham 

Related Causes

EDC 5/1580/6 – John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey, gentlemen, farmers of the tithes of Saint Oswald contra Richard Webb, William Janeon the elder and William Janeon the younger

Notes

Cheshire Sheaf, 3rd series, xxi, p. 37 has extracts of a case in the Chester Exchequer dating from 1575 between Robert Vawdrey and John and Richard Vawdrey, with others, concerning the ownership of the farm of these tithes, among other property. Images of the records of some of these proceedings in the Exchequer can be seen online at http://aalt.law.uh.edu/Eliz.html under ‘Cheshire Orders and Decrees’ for 1575 and 1576.

 

 

Ref: EDC 5/1575/2

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/1575/2 CHESTER (Watergate Street) Rose Smith c Elena Bannicle calling her whore and unfit to speak to any woman – libel, depositions.

Summary:

Ellen Bamvile contra Rose Smith.

The libel, giving the words complained of has not survived, but witnesses deposed that Rose called Ellen ‘bawdrie whore’ ‘not mete to kepe companie with any honest women’ and said that she accused her of an illicit relationship with her husband.

Depositions on the libel (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/2 image 1]

 […] of Oliver Smith […] and offered in a cause of defamation, taken before the venerable Master Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, 22nd of June 1575.

Adam Johnson of the parish of Holy Trinity within the city of Chester, draper, his age about 33 years, has known the plaintiff for about 16 years and the defendant for a similar time, or longer.

 To the first article he says that he believes it to be consonant with law and equity.

 To the 2nd article This deponent saieth that he vppon sundaie ether fortnight or thre wekes before Sundaie last sitting in <a certen> Settell by the defendantes husbandes dore <in Chestre> together with Saolomon Smith sonne to the said defendantes husband, & the plaintiff & this deponentes weif  <sytting the same tyme> ouer against this deponentes owne dore <being next howse adioning to ye defendents husbands house>, the defendent came furth of her husbandes house & set her downe in another Settell nere <to> the <place where ye> plaintiff & this deponentes weif <were setting> And when she had <satte> there a litle while she called vnto her Prudence Smith one of her husbandes doughters & said <alowde> doest not thou see these bawdrie[1] whores howe they sitt here to countenaunce me & these naughtie[2] Jades[3] & other reprochfull wordes <she vsed meaning the same plaintiff and this deponentes wief for this deponent sayth there were none other women then & there nere them> that she cold meane saving William browne his maide wherevppon this deponent said to the said Salomon Smith, this is an evill hearing to heare your mother speake so farre out of order by her neighbors, for she spake that the plaintiff & this deponentes weif did <or might> heare her. And this deponent being therwith greved departed because he cold not abide to heare suche disorderly talke otherwise he says that he knows nothing to depose.

To article 3 he says that he doethe verely beleue that the good name of the plaintiff is muche impaired by reason of the <said wordes spoken as deposed as above> & the rather because this deponent hath certenly heard of his neighbors that the defendent hath sclaundred the said plaintiff diuers & sundrie tymes calling her whore & errand[4] whore

[1] Bawdry – immoral, sometimes implying connection to a brothel.

[2] Naughty or naught- here means immoral.

[3] Jade -a term of condemnation usually only applied to women.

[4] Probably for ‘errant’ meaning arrant = notorious or ‘common’.

Transcript

[1575/2 image 1]

[…] Oliueri Smith in causa
diff[amacionis] […] et oblato
capta coram venerabli
viro M[agistro] Roberto Leche legum doctore
xijo Junij 1575

Adamus Johnson parochie Sancte Trinitatis infra Civitatem Cestrie draper
etatis sue circiter xxxiij annos nouit partem agentem circiter
xvj annos et partem defendentem similiter vel vltra

 Ad primum articulum dicit quod credit eundem esse consonum Juri et
equitati

 Ad ijd articulum This deponent saieth that he vppon sundaie
ether fortnight or thre wekes before Sundaie last
sitting in <a certen> Settell by the defendantes husbandes dore <in Chestre> together
with Saolomon Smith sonne to the said
defendantes husband, & the plaintiff & this deponentes weif
<sytting the same tyme> ouer against this deponentes owne dore <being next howse adioning to ye defendents husbands house>, the defendent
came furth of her husbandes house & set her
downe in another Settell nere <to> the <place where ye> plaintiff & this
deponentes weif <were setting> And when she had <satte> there
a litle while she called vnto her Prudence Smith
one of her husbandes doughters & said <alowde> doest not
thou see these bawdrie[1] whores howe they sitt
here to countenaunce me & these naughtie[2] Jades[3]
& other reprochfull wordes <she vsed meaning the same plaintiff and this deponentes wief for
this deponent sayth there were none other women then & there nere them>
that she cold meane saving William browne his maide wherevppon this
deponent said to the said Salomon Smith, this
is an evill hearing to heare your mother speake
so farre out of order by her neighbors, for she
spake that the plaintiff & this
deponentes weif did <or might> heare her. And this deponent
being therwith greved departed because he cold
not abide to heare suche disorderly talke alias dicit
quod nescit deponere.]

Ad iij articulum dicit that he doethe verely beleue that the
good name of the plaintiff is muche impaired by reason of the
<said wordes spoken as deposed vt supra > & the rather because this deponent
hath certenly heard of his neighbors that
the defendent hath sclaundred the said plaintiff diuers &
sundrie tymes calling her whore & errand[4] whore

[1] Bawdry – immoral, sometimes implying connection to a brothel.

[2] Naughty – here means immoral.

[3] Jade -a term of condemnation usually only applied to women.

[4] Probably for ‘errant’ meaning arrant = notorious or ‘common’.

Depositions on the libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/2 image 2]

[…]  & is a verie honest
gentleman […] <as above deposed>doeth th[ink] that she wold haue bene loth to haue complayned but that she <hath> bene so oft sclaundred by her <the said Rose smythe>, that if she shold suffer from tyme to tyme as she hath done <it myght happen to be thought> that there were some matter why she durst not shewe her greif

To 5 he says that the same is true.

To 6 he believes that the same is true.

To the last he says that the things deposed before by him are true and that fame is circulating about this.

by me Adam Johnson [signed]

Katherine Johnson, wife of Adam Johnson the previous witness, her age is about 23 years, has known the plaintiff about 3 years and the defendant 5 or 6 years.

To the first article she believes that the same is true.

To the 2nd article This deponent saieth that diuers & sundrie tymes she hath heard the defendant raile[5] against the plaintiff in calling her whore & saieng that she was not mete[6] to kepe companie with any honest women And further saieth that the defendant spake to this deponent vppon a tyme & said, katherine did not you see what countenaunce yonder whore (meaning the plaintiff) beared towardes my husband as they sat together And this deponent answered & said she sawe not And she the defendant said agayne yf you had marked it aswell as I you shold haue sene it.

[5] Rail – to utter abusive language.

[6] Meet – suitable or appropriate

Transcript

[1575/2 image 2]

[…]  & is a verie honest
gentleman […] <as above deposed>
doeth th[ink] that she wold haue bene loth to haue
complayned but that she <hath> bene so oft sclaundred
by her <the said Rose smythe>, that if she shold suffer from tyme to
tyme as she hath done <it myght happen to be thought> that
there were some matter why she durst not
shewe her greif

Ad v dicit eundem esse verum.

Ad vj credit eundem esse verum.

Ad vltimum dicit predeposita per eum esse vera et famam super huiusmodi laborare.]

by me Adam Johnson [signed]

Katherine Johnson vxor Adami Johnson precontestis sui etatis sue circiter
xxiij annos nouit partem agentem circiter iij annos et partem
defendentem v vel vj annos

Ad primum articulum credit eudem esse verum

Ad ijd articulum This deponent saieth that diuers & sundrie
tymes she hath heard the defendant raile[5] against the
plaintiff in calling her whore & saieng that she was
not mete[6] to kepe companie with any honest women
And further saieth that the defendant spake to this
deponent vppon a tyme & said, katherine did not you see
what countenaunce yonder whore (meaning the plaintiff)
beared towardes my husband as they sat together
And this deponent answered & said she sawe
not And she the defendant said agayne yf you had
marked it aswell as I you shold haue sene it.

[5] Rail – to utter abusive language.

[6] Meet – suitable or appropriate.

Depositions on the libel (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/2 image 3]

[…] And further […] depose concerning this article of her owne knoledge

To article 3 she says that this deponent hath heard the said Rose Smith diuers & sundrie tymes speake such reprochfull wordes by the said plaintiff that she beleueth the good name of the plaintiff is much impaired by occasion of the same evill wordes pronounced & spoken by the defendant amonges her neighbors

To 4 she says that the said plaintiff was taken & reputed for an honest gentlewoman for any thing this deponent heard but only by the defendant

To 5 she says that the same is true.

To 6 she says that she believes the same to contain the truth in it.

To the last she says that the things deposed before by her are true and that fame is circulating about this.

 Elizabeth Johnson, widow, her age about 60 years, of the parish of Holy Trinity, has known the plaintiff about 12 years and the defendant about 20 years.

To the first article she says that she believes the same to be true and consonant with law.

To the 2nd article she says that the said defendant hath reported diuers & sundrie tymes to this deponent that the said plaintiff was not an honest woman & hath called her whore & <hath said to this deponent> that she liked not the countenaunce betwene the defendantes husband & the plaintiff, & saieth further that she this deponent hath heard the defendant speake these wordes or the like within Trinitie parishe in Chester diuers & sundrie tymes in the presence of diuers persons whom she toke no hede to of late tyme & a good while agoe otherwise she knows nothing to depose.

Transcript

[1575/2 image 3]

[…] And further […] depose concerning
this article of her owne
knoledge

Ad iij articulum dicit that this deponent hath heard the
said Rose Smith diuers & sundrie tymes speake such
reprochfull wordes by the said plaintiff that she beleueth
the good name of the plaintiff is much impaired by occasion
of the same evill wordes pronounced & spoken by
the defendant amonges her neighbors

Ad iiij dicit that the said plaintiff was taken & reputed
for an honest gentlewoman for any thing this
deponent heard but only by the defendant

Ad v dicit eundem esse veru

Ad vj dicit quod credit eundem continere in se veritatem 

Ad vltimum dicit predeposita per eam esse vera et famam super huiusmodi laborare .

 Elizabeth Johnson vidua etatis sue circiter lx annos parochie Sancte Trinitatis
nouit partem agentem circiter xij annos et partem defendentem
xx annos

Ad primum articulum dicit quod credit eundem esse verum et Juri
consonum.

Ad ijd articulum dicit that the said defendant hath reported
diuers & sundrie tymes to this deponent that the
said plaintiff was not an honest woman & hath called
her whore & <hath said to this deponent> that she liked not the countenaunce
betwene the defendantes husband & the plaintiff, & saieth further that she
this deponent hath heard the defendant speake these
wordes or the like within Trinitie parishe in Chester
diuers & sundrie tymes in the presence of diuers
persons whom she toke no hede to of late tyme
& a good while agoe alias nescit deponere.

Depositions on the libel (image 4)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/2 image 4]

To article 3 she says […] knewe nor heard any thing by […] then honest & good Saving [that] the said Rose Smith hath reported as she has deposed above otherwise she refers herself to the matters deposed before.

To 5 and 6 she says that she believes the same to be true.

To the last she says that the things deposed before by her are true and that fame is circulating about this.

Alice Massey, wife of William Massey, of the parish of Holy Trinity, her age about 34 years, has known the plaintiff about 12 years and the defendant about 16 years.

To the first article she says that she believes it to be consonant with law and equity.

Ad ijd articulum [To the 2nd article] This deponent saieth that vppon a Sundaie or hollie daie within this moneth or vj wekes last past this deponent & the weif of Thomas Tetlowe merchaunt & the plaintiff were sitting together in the Roe[7] nere vnto the defendantes husbandes dore, as neighbors commonly vse to mete & sitt in the same Roe and the said Rose Smith came furth and sat downe vppon a Settell nere by & when she had sitt there a while she rose & goeng awaie said alowd, doe you not see howe they bring an errand whore to face me & so went into her husbandes house againe, meaning as this deponent verely beleueth in her conscience, the said plaintiff, because this deponent hath diuers & sundrie tymes heard the defendant report evill of the plaintiff & call her whore otherwise she knows nothing to depose.

To 3 and 4 she says that this deponent <neuer heard nor> knoweth but the said plaintiff is an honest gentlewoman saving by the report of the defendant

To 5 and 6 she says that she believes that the same are true.

To the last she says that the things deposed before by her are true and that fame is circulating about this.

[7] The Rows comprise multi-storey properties of a design unique to Chester and many of these properties can still be seen in the centre of the city. Most of the premises have an undercroft, often partly below ground level The ground floor is either a shop or other commercial premises, set back from the street and fronted by a gallery. These galleries form the base of a covered walkway above, giving access to the first floor.

Transcript

[1575/2 image 4]

Ad iij [articulum dicit] […]knewe nor heard any
thing by […] then honest & good
Saving [that] the said Rose Smith hath
reported vt supra deposuit aliter
refert se ad predeposita.

Ad v et vj dicit quod credit eosdem esse

Ad vltimum dicit predeposita per eam esse vera et famam super huiusmodi
laborare.

Alicia Massie vxor Willelmi Massie parochie Sancte Trinitatis etatis
sue circiter xxxiiijor annos nouit partem agentem circiter
xij annos et partem defendentem circiter xvj annos

Ad primum articulum dicit quod credit eundem esse consonum Juri
et equitati.

Ad ijd articulum This deponent saieth that vppon a
Sundaie or hollie daie within this moneth or
vj wekes last past this deponent & the weif
of Thomas Tetlowe merchaunt & the plaintiff
were sitting together in the Roe[7] nere vnto the
defendantes husbandes dore, as neighbors commonly
vse to mete & sitt in the same Roe and
the said Rose Smith came furth and sat downe
vppon a Settell nere by & when she had
sitt there a while she rose & goeng
awaie said alowd, doe you not see howe they
bring an errand whore to face me & so went
into her husbandes house againe, meaning
as this deponent verely beleueth in her
conscience, the said plaintiff, because this deponent
hath diuers & sundrie tymes heard the defendant
report evill of the plaintiff & call her whore  alias
nescit deponere .

Ad iijd et iiij dicit that this deponent <neuer heard nor> knoweth
but the said plaintiff is an honest
gentlewoman saving by the report of the defendant

Ad v et vj dicit quod credit eosdem esse veros.

Ad vltimum dicit predeposita per eam esse vera et famam super huiusmodi
laborare.

[7] The Rows comprise multi-storey properties of a design unique to Chester and many of these properties can still be seen in the centre of the city. Most of the premises have an undercroft, often partly below ground level The ground floor is either a shop or other commercial premises, set back from the street and fronted by a gallery. These galleries form the base of a covered walkway above, giving access to the first floor.

Depositions on the libel (image 5)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/2 image 5]

Elizabeth Bristowe wife of […], of the parish of Holy Trinity within the city of Chester, her age about 34 years, has known the plaintiff about 10 years and has known the defendant well for about 5 or 6 years.

To the first article she says that she believes it to be consonant with law and equity.

To the 2nd article she says That the defendant in communicacion betwene her & this deponent hath reported evill by the said plaintiff calling her whore & saieng that she was informed that her husband & the said plaintiff had bene nought together this deponent saieth that she wold be loth to haue vttered this but because of her othe sake And being examined vppon the rest of the articles saieth she cannot depose any thing materiall Saving she knoweth not nor hath heard but of the defendant, but the plaintiff is a verie honest woman & so reputed & taken amonges her neighbors otherwise she knows nothing to depose].

 

Transcript

[1575/2 image 5]

Elizabeth Bristowe vxor […] parochie Sancte Trinitatis
infra Civitate[m Cestrie etatis] sue circiter xxxiiijor
annos nouit partem [agentem ci]rciter x annos et partem
defendentem circiter v vel vj annos bene nouit

Ad primum articulum dicit quod credit eundem esse consonum Jurique
equitati

Ad ijd articulum dicit That the defendant in communicacion betwene
her & this deponent hath reported evill by the said
plaintiff calling her whore & saieng that she was
informed that her husband & the said plaintiff had bene
nought together this deponent saieth that
she wold be loth to haue vttered this but
because of her othe sake And
being examined vppon the rest of the articles saieth
she cannot depose any thing materiall Saving
she knoweth not nor hath heard but of the
defendant, but the plaintiff is a verie honest woman &
so reputed & taken amonges her neighbors alias
nescit deponere.]

Depositions on the libel (image 6)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/2 image 6]

[Endorsement]

Ellen Bamvile against Rose Smith, 1575.

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1575/2 image 6]

[Endorsement]

[Ellena Bam]vile contra Roseam Smith 1575

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

 

Exceptions to the witnesses on the libel (image 7)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/2 image 7]

At Chester on Thursday, namely the 6th day of October 1575

[Marginal note]

Rose Smith against Ellen Bamvile in a cause of defamation

On which day John Prichard, in the name of proctor, and as lawful proctor of the said Rose Smith, in every better and more effective way, manner and form of law by which, in law, he has been or should be or is best or most effectively able and for every consequence of law that can follow thereupon in any way, says, alleges and in these writings propounds in law in articles as follows:

1          Firstly, namely that no credit, at least sufficient in law, was or is to be attached in any way in law to the pretended statements or depositions of Adam Johnson, Katherine Johnson, his wife, Elizabeth Johnson, Alice Massie and Elizabeth Bristowe, pretended witnesses on behalf of the said Ellen Bamvile, of and upon a certain pretended libel given and propounded in this court in whatever way produced, sworn and examined, inasmuch as all and singular the same pretended witnesses for the whole and entire time and place or places of their pretended production, reception, admission,  oath-swearing and examination had and done in fact in this matter were and are in their aforesaid pretended statements and depositions conflicting, vacillating, singular and inconsistent among themselves and they contradict themselves and are incompatible, not provable, at least sufficiently, on account of whom or what they were produced to prove, just as will be proved both from their pretended statements and depositions and from other lawful proofs in the event of this suit; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2          Also that no credit, at least sufficient in law, was or is to be attached in law in any way to the pretended statements or depositions of the said pretended witnesses inasmuch as  all and singular the said pretended witnesses for the whole and entire time and place or places aforesaid and before and since were, just as they are at present, the greatest friends of the party producing them and her supporters and promoters of this cause and detractors of the said Ellen Bamville and of her good fame, malevolent and defamers, and such as regarded the said Ellen with the utmost hatred before the beginning of this suit, and voluntarily and without compulsion obtruded and offered themselves to testify in this matter; and he propounds as above.

 

 

 

Transcript

[1575/2 image 7]

Cestria die Jouis videlicet vjo die Octobris 1575

[Marginal note]

Rosa Smith contra Elenam Bamuile in causa diffamationis

Quo die Johannes Prichard nomine procuraturio ac vt procurator legitimus
dicte Rose Smith omnibus melioribus et efficatioribus via modo et
Juris forma quibus melius aut efficatius de Jure potuit aut
potest debuitue aut debet necnon ad omnem Juris effectum exinde
quouismodo sequi valentem dicit allegat et in hijs Scriptis in Jure
proponit articulatim prout sequitur

1          Inprimis videlicet quod nulla fides saltem de Jure sufficiens fuit aut
est dictis seu deposicionibus pretensis Adam Joneson, Katherine Joneson
eius vxoris Elizabeth Joneson, Alicie Massye et Elizabethe Bristowe
testium pretensorum ex parte dicte Elene Bamuile de et super quodam pretenso
libello in hac curia dato et proposito taliter qualiter productorum Juratorum et
examinatorum de Jure quouismodo adhibenda, pro eo videlicet et ex eo quod
ijdem pretensi testes omnes et singuli toto et omni tempore ac loco siue
locis eorum productionis recepcionis admissionis Juramenti prestacionis et examinacionis
suarum pretensarum in hac parte de facto habitarum et factarum fuerunt et sunt in
dictis <et> deposicionibus suis pretensis antedictis varii vacillantes singulares et
inter se discrepantes ac sibi ipsis contrarij et repugnantes non probandis
saltem sufficienter ea seu id propter que vel quod probandum fuerunt
productis prout tam ex eorum dictis et deposicionibus pretensis quam ex
alijs probacionibus legitimis in eventu huius litis comprobabitur, Et  ponit
coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

2          Item quod nulla fides saltem de Jure sufficiens fuit aut est dictis
siue deposicionibus pretensis dictorum pretensorum testium de Jure quouismodo
adhibenda pro eo videlicet et ex eo quod dicti pretensi testes omnes et singuli
toto et omni tempore ac loco siue locis predictis anteaque et citra
fuerunt prout in presenti sunt nimis familiares partis eos producentis
eiusque fautores et sustentatores huius causse et dicte
Elene Bamuile et eius bone fame detractatores maleuoli et
diffamatores et tales qui dictam Elenam capitali odio ante
huius litis exordium prosequebantur, et sese ad testificandum in hac
parte vltro et non coacti ingesserunt et obtulerunt Et ponit
vt supra.

 

 

 

 

Exceptions to the witnesses on the libel (image 8)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/2 image 8]

3          Also that no credit, at least sufficient in law, was or is to be attached in any way in law to the pretended statements or depositions of the aforesaid Adam Johnson, one of the pretended witnesses in this matter, in any way whatsoever rendered, had and done, inasmuch as the said pretended witness, Adam, the whole and entire time and place or places of his aforesaid pretended production, admission, oath-swearing and examination in this matter in the cause aforesaid was and is a supporter of the party producing him and a promoter of this cause of the said Ellen for whom he is being produced, and brought in for this reason namely because the aforesaid Adam Johnson and his wife aforesaid often and at various times before trustworthy witnesses have wickedly and maliciously defamed the same Ellen about several crimes and adulterous embraces to the damage and injury of the good name of the said Ellen Bamvile; and he propounds as above.

4          Also that there was and is no credit, at least sufficient in law, to be attached to the pretended statements or depositions of the aforesaid Katherine Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Alice Massie and Elizabeth Bristowe on account of their sex, and also inasmuch the aforesaid witnesses were defamers of the said Ellen Bamvile who spoke and uttered opprobrious words of the same, tending to the damage of her good fame, before the start of this suit; and he propounds as above.

Transcript

[1575/2 image 8]

3          Item quod nulla fides saltem de Jure sufficiens fuit aut est
dictis siue deposicionibus pretensis prefati Adami Joneson testium
pretensorum productorum vnius in hac parte vtcunque redditis habitis et
factis de Jure quouismodo adhibenda, pro eo videlicet et ex eo quod
dictus Adamus pretensus testis toto et omni tempore ac loco
siue locis eius in hac parte produccionis admissionis Juramenti
prestacionis et examinacionis suarum pretensarum predictarum, cause predicte ex parte
eum producentis  fuit et est fautor ac sustentator huiusmodi
cause dicte Elene pro qua producitur, et hac ratione ductus
videlicet quia prefatus Adamus Joneson et eius vxor predicta sepe
et diuersis temporibus eandem Elenam coram testibus
fidedignis nequiter et maliciose super nonnullis criminibus et
adulterinis amplexibus diffamauerunt in dicte Elene Bamuile
bone fame denigracionem et Lesionem Et ponit vt supra

4          Item quod nulla fides saltem de Jure sufficiens fuit aut est
dictis siue deposicionibus pretensis prefatarum Katherine Joneson
Elizabeth Joheson Alicie Massye et Elizabethe Bristowe
propter sexum adhibenda ac etiam  ex eo quod prefati testes fuerunt
dicte Elene Bamuile diffamatrices que verba opprobriosa
in eius bone fame lesionem tendentia ante huius Litis ingressum
de eadem dixerunt et protulerunt. Et ponit vt supra.

Item quod premissa omnia et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica
notoria manifesta pariter et famosa atque de et super ijsdem
laborarunt et laborant publica vox et fama

Vnde facta
fide de Jure in hac parte requisita non est fides aliqua
saltem de Jure sufficiens fuit aut est dictis siue deposicionibus
pretensis pretensorum prefatorum testium in hac parte vtcunque habitis
et factis de Jure inualidis censendo pronunciando et declarando
Vlteriusque faciendo statuendo et decernendo in premissis et ea
concernentis quibuscunque quod Juris fuerit et rationis

Exceptions to the witnesses on the libel (image 9)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/2 image 9]

Also, 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.

Having sworn the oath thereupon as required by law in this behalf, there is no credit, at least sufficient in law, in the pretended statements or depositions of the aforesaid pretended witnesses had and done in this matter in any way, assessing, pronouncing and declaring them invalid in law. And otherwise, doing, establishing and decreeing what will have been of right and reason in the premises and anything whatsoever concerning them,  which this propounding party propounds 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, and he asserts the right of adding to and correcting these exceptions, humbly imploring your office in the premises, lord judge aforesaid.

Transcript

[1575/2 image 9]

que proponit et fieri petit pars ista proponens 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 iuris beneficio in
omnibus semper saluo, ac protestatur de addendo et corrigendo has
excepciones  vestrum officium domine Judex ante dicte humiliter
implorando

Exceptions to the witnesses on the libel (image 10)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/2 image 10]

[Endorsement]

Exceptions on behalf of Rose Smith against the pretended witnesses produced on behalf of Ellen Bamville, exhibited 1575.

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1575/2 image 10]

[Endorsement]

Excepciones ex parte Rose Smith contra pretensos testes ex parte Elene Bamuile productos exhibitas 1575.

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Depositions on the exceptions (image 11)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/2 image 11]

Answers [ …] taken before the venerable Master Robert Leche, doctor of laws etc. on the 13 day of December in the year of our Lord 1575.

Margaret Maynwaring of the parish of St Peter within the city of Chester, widow, her age 60 years, says that she has known the plaintiff for the whole time of the dwelling of the same party in this city and the defendant from the time of the solemnisation of the marriage between her and her husband.

To the first article she says that she well knows Adam Johnson, Katherine, his wife, Elizabeth Johnson, Alice Massie and Elizabeth Bristowe articulate and as for the rest of the contents of the said article she refers herself to their depositions and otherwise she knows nothing to depose Saving she saieth she beleueth they are honest persons.

To the 2nd article she says that the said witnesses & the said Ellen bamvile are neighbors & frendes in the waie of honestie and otherwise she knows nothing to depose.

To article 3 she says that she knows nothing to depose Saving she saieth she neuer heard the said Adam Johnson nor his weif slaunder the said Ellen

To article 4 she says that althoughe the said katherine Johnson Elizabeth Johnson Alice Massie & Elizabeth bristowe be women, yet she beleueth they are so honest as they are to be credited

To the last she says that the things deposed before by her are true and that fame is circulating about this.

Peter Maynwaring of the parish of St Peter within the city of Chester, merchant, his age about 34 years, has known the plaintiff for the space of 12 years and the defendant for 12 years similarly.

 

 

 

Transcript

[1575/2 image 11]

Re[sponsiones] […]  Capte coram venerabli viro [Magistro] Roberto leche
legum doctore et cetera xiij [die d]ecembris
Anno domini 1575

Margareta Maynwaring parochie Sancti Petri infra Civitatem Cestrie vidua etatis sue lx
annorum dicit se nouisse partem agentem per totum tempore
eiusdem partis in hac Civitate habitacionis et partem ream
bene nouit a tempore matrimonij inter eam et
euis maritum solempnizationis

Ad primum articulum dicit quod bene nouit Adamum Johnson Katerinam
euis vxorem Elizabeth Johnson Aliciam Massie et Elizabeth bristowe
articulatos et quoad cetera dicti articulati contenta refert se ad eorum
deposiciones et aliter nescit deponere Saving she saieth she beleueth they are honest persons

Ad ijd articulum dicit that the said witnesses & the said Ellen bamvile are neighbors & frendes in the waie
of honestie Et aliter nescit deponere.

Ad iij articulum dicit quod nescit deponere Saving she saieth
she neuer heard the said Adam Johnson nor his
weif slaunder the said Ellen

Ad iiij articulum dicit that althoughe the said katherine
Johnson Elizabeth Johnson Alice Massie &
Elizabeth bristowe be women, yet she beleueth
they are so honest as they are to be credited

Ad vltimum dicit predeposita per eam esse vera et famam super
huiusmodi laborare

Petrus Maynwaring parochie Sancti Petri infra Civitatem Cestrie mercator
etatis sue circiter xxxiiijor annos nouit partem
agentem per spacium xij annorum et partem ream per xij
annos similiter

 

 

Depositions on the exceptions (image 12)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/2 image 12]

He knows […] Alice Massie and Elizabeth Bristowe articulate well] & taketh them to be verie honest persons <& to be credited vppon their othes> otherwise he refers himself to their depositions.

To the 2nd article he says that he thinketh there is no suche familiaritie as is articulate betwene the said witnesses & Ellen bamvile articulate and otherwise he knows nothing to depose.

To article 3 he says that he knows nothing to depose except as he has previously deposed & saieth further that he neuer heard Adam Johnson sclaunder the said Ellen Bamvile

To 4 he knows nothing to depose], but saieth he neuer heard the said katherine Johnson Elizabeth Johnson Alice Massie nor Elizabeth bristowe <or any of them> slaunder the said Ellen bamvile as is articulated.

To the last he says that the things deposed before by him are true and that fame is circulating about this.

[Signed] Peter Maynwaryng

Margaret Leche, wife of Robert Leche, of the parish of St Michael within the city of Chester, her age about 36 years, has known the plaintiff sithence she married fraunces bamvile her nowe husband and the defendant sithence she was maried to oliuer Smith her nowe husband.

To the first article she says that she knoweth Adam Johnson katherine his weif Elizabeth Johnson Alice Massie & Elizabeth bristowe verie well & taketh them to be suche persons as are to be credited vppon their othes for she knoweth no cause to the contrarie And being further examined vppon this article she referreth herself to their deposicions

Transcript

[1575/2 image 12]

[…] Aliciam Massi[e e]t Elizabeth bristowe articulatas
bene nouit  & taketh them to be verie honest
persons <& to be credited vppon their othes>  alias refert se ad eorum deposiciones

Ad ijd articulum dicit that he thinketh there
is no suche familiaritie as is articulate betwene the said
witnesses & Ellen bamvile articulate Et aliter nescit deponere

Ad iij articulum dicit quod nescit deponere nisi vt prius deposuit
& saieth further that he neuer heard Adam
Johnson sclaunder the said Ellen
Bamvile

Ad iiij nescit deponere, but saieth he neuer heard
the said katherine Johnson Elizabeth Johnson Alice Massie
nor Elizabeth bristowe <or any of them> slaunder the said Ellen bamvile
prout articulatur.

Ad vltimum dicit predeposita per eum esse vera et famam super
huiusmodi laborare

[Signed] Peter Maynwaryng

Margareta leche vxor Roberti leche parochie Sancti Michaelis infra Civitatem
Cestrie etatis sue circiter xxxvj  annos nouit partem agentem
sithence she married fraunces bamvile her nowe
husband et partem defendentem sithence she was
maried to oliuer Smith her nowe husband

Ad primum articulum dicit that she knoweth Adam Johnson katherine his weif Elizabeth Johnson Alice Massie &
Elizabeth bristowe verie well & taketh them
to be suche persons as are to be credited vppon
their othes for she knoweth no cause to the
contrarie And being further examined vppon this
article she referreth herself to their deposicions

Depositions on the exceptions (image 13)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/2 image 13]

[…] [w]as married out of her house <in the watergate str[eet]> into another strea[t] And during the tyme of her seruice with the said […] she neuer knewe nor heard of any dishonestie by the said Ellen bamvile nor any falling out amongest any of the parties articulate And by reason this deponent hath dwelled out of that streate for these vj yeres  <farre of from them &> she hathe had litle to doe there she cannot further depose of her owne certen knoledge concerning thecontentes of this article or any other thing matteriall in the said Excepcions but that she neuer heard that any haue sclaundred the said Ellen before the begining of this sute otherwise she knows nothing to depose.

John Dickenson of the parish of St Mary within the city of Chester, labourer, his age about 60 years, has known the plaintiff for about 10 years and the defendant sithence she was married to Oliuer Smith

Ad primum articulum dicit that he knoweth Adam Johnson &his weif Elizabeth Johnson Alice Massie & Elizabeth bristowe articulate & thinketh they are to be credited as honest  and otherwise he knows nothing to depose.

To the 2nd saieth he dwelleth in St Maries parishe farre from them & sometyme worketh with the defendantes husband & for the rest of the contentes of this article he cannot depose except as he has previously deposed.

To 3 and 4 he says that he is a poore laboring man & tendeth his labor in the feildes abroade for his lyving & marveileth why he shold be called about this matter <being not able to depose anything therein matteriall >And being asked whether he knoweth any dishonestie by the said Ellen bamvile saieth he knoweth non et aliter nescit deponere [and otherwise he knows nothing to depose.]

To the last he says that the things deposed before by him are true and that fame is circulating about this.

Transcript

[1575/2 image 13]

[…] [w]as married
out of her house <in the watergate str[eet]> into another strea[t] And during
the tyme of her seruice with the said […]
she neuer knewe nor heard
of any dishonestie by the said Ellen
bamvile nor any falling out amongest any of
the parties articulate And by reason this deponent hath
dwelled out of that streate for these vj yeres
<farre of from them &> she hathe had litle to doe there she cannot further
depose of her owne certen knoledge concerning the
contentes of this article or any other thing matteriall
in the said Excepcions but that she neuer heard that
any haue sclaundred the said Ellen before
the begining of this sute alias nescit deponere.

Johannes dicconson parochie Sancte Marie infra Civitatem Cestrie laborer
etatis sue circiter lx annos nouit partem agentem circiter
x annos et partem defendentem

Ad primum articulum dicit that he knoweth Adam Johnson &
his weif Elizabeth Johnson Alice Massie & Elizabeth bristowe articulate
& thinketh they are to be credited as honest Et aliter nescit deponere

Ad ijd saieth he dwelleth in St Maries parishe farre
from them & sometyme worketh with the defendantes husband
& for the rest of the contentes of this article he cannot depose nisi vt prius deposuit

Ad iij et iiij dicit that he is a poore laboring man
& tendeth his labor in the feildes abroade for his
lyving & marveileth why he shold be called about this
matter <being not able to depose anything therein matteriall >And being asked whether he knoweth
any dishonestie by the said Ellen bamvile saieth
he knoweth non et aliter nescit deponere.

Ad vltimum dicit predeposita per eum esse vera et famam super
huiusmodi laborare

Depositions on the exceptions (image 14)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/2 image 14]

[Endorsement]

[…] Bamvile 1575

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1575/2 image 14]

[Endorsement]

[…] Bamvile 1575

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Ellen Bamville – plaintiff

Francis Bamvile – husband of the plaintiff

Elizabeth Bristowe – witness on the libel

William Browne – referred to in the depositions

John Dicconson – witness on the exceptions

Adam Johnson – witness on the libel

Elizabeth Johnson – witness on the libel

Katherine Johnson – witness on the libel

Margaret Leche – witness on the exceptions

Alice Massie – witness on the libel

Margaret Maynwaring – witness on the exceptions

Peter Maynwaring – witness on the exceptions

Oliver Smith – husband of the defendant

Rose Smith – defendant

Thomas Tetlowe – referred to in the depositions

Officials

Robert Leche

Related Causes

EDC 5/1576/2 – sentence

Notes

This is an example of the defendant’s name appearing before that of the plaintiff in the pleadings as the defendant objected to material introduced by the plaintiff.

Ref: EDC 5/1575/1

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/1575/1 CHESTER (St Werbergh) Joan Shepherd wife of Robert c Francis and Margaret Sefton for saying she was a whore and a carted whore – libel.

Summary:

Jane Shepherd contra Francis Sefton and Margaret Sefton.

Jane, wife of Robert Shepherd, of the parish of St Werburgh also known as St Oswald in Chester, claimed that Francis Sefton and his wife, Margaret, of the same parish had called her a whore and a carted whore. The plaintiff’s forename is given in Latin as both Jane and Joan.

Year

1575

Type of Cause:

Defamation – sexual slander

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/1 image 1]

 […] of the honest woman, Jane Shepherd, wife of Robert Shepherd, of the parish of St Werburgh of Chester diocese against Francis Sefton and Margaret, his wife, of the parish aforesaid 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 propounds and articles in these writings in law as follows:

1          Firstly, that all and singular subordinates and subjects of this realm of England who speak, utter, assert, express or declare abuse, disparagements or opprobrious, disparaging and scandalous or defamatory words of any person against public morals, sounding or tending to the injury or denigration of the good fame of any person, were and are to be canonically corrected and punished and are to be obliged and compelled to desist and to completely abstain from these abuses, disparagements and defamatory words in future; and he propounds and articles as above.

2          Also, that the said Francis Sefton and Margaret, his wife, not being ignorant of the premises but heedless of the welfare of their souls, being induced, as it is believed, by an evil spirit, seriously and grievously defamed the said Jane Shepherd, previously in no way defamed, in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February in the year of our Lord 1575, or in any of those months whatsoever, in one or other of them, namely he said ‘that the said plantiffe was a whore and A Carted whore[1]’ he said and uttered these defamatory words of the same Jane, the plaintiff,  or other words similar to these and importing the same effect; his wife, Margaret, asserting and affirming the same words, as will become clear and appear by lawful proofs in the event of this suit, and he propounds as above.

[1] At the time ‘whore’ usually implied promiscuity rather than prostitution. Women found guilty of promiscuity by a secular court could be punished by being paraded through the streets in an open cart. Hence ‘carted whore’ was more seriously defamatory than ‘whore’.

Transcript

[1575/1 image 1]

 […] honeste [mulieris Jane S]hepherd vxo[ris Roberti Shepherd]
parochie Sancte Warb[ridg]ij Cestrensis diocesis contra et aduersus
Franciscum Sefton et Margaretam vxorem eius parochie
predicte ac contra quemcunque alium Coram vobis pro eisdem
in iudicio legitime interuenientem per viam querele et vobis
in hac parte querelando dicit allegat et in his scriptis
in iure proponit Articulatur pro vt sequitur

1          Inprimis Quod omnies et singuli huius regni Anglie
subditi et subiecti qui convicia vituperia verbaue
opprobriosa vilipendiosa et scandalosa vel diffamatoria
ad alicuis bone fame lesionem seu denigracionem
sonantia vel tendentia contra bonos mores de aliquo dicunt
emittunt asserunt proferunt seu predicant fuerunt
et sunt Canonice corrigendi et puniendi et vt ab huiusmodi
Convicijs vituperijs [et verbis] diffamatorijs desistant et se pe-
nitus abstineant in futurum cogendi et compellendi
et ponit et Articulatur pro vt supra

 2            Item Quod dictus Franciscus Sefton et Margareta
vxor eius premissorum non ignari imo animarum suarum salutis
immemores spritu vt creditur maligno ducti dicunt [for dictam]
Jannam Shepherd prius minime diffamatam Mensis
Martij Aprilis Maij Junij Julij Augusti Septembris
Octobris Novembris decembris Januarij Februarij
Anno domini 1575 eorumue mensium quolibet vno siue aliquo
grauiter et enormiter diffamauerunt videlicet dixit
that the said plantiffe was a whore and A
Carted whore hec verba diffamatoria seu alia verba
his similia et eundem effectum importantia de eadem
Janna parte actrice dixit et protulit  vxor sua Margareta
eadem verba asserens et affirmans pro vt in euentu
huius litis per probaciones legitimas liquebit et appa-
rebit Et ponit vt supra

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/1 image 2]

[3]       […] Jane is burdened and […] she was and is at no little trouble and expense and otherwise and elsewhere wearied, vexed, oppressed, burdened and perturbed in many different ways, and among and between good and substantial people she is of less reputation and favour and good and substantial people have ascribed and given, and at present ascribe and give, less trust and favour to the same Jane by reason of the premises; and he propounds and articles as above.

4          Also, that the said Francis Sefton and Margaret, his wife, were and are of the parish of St Werburgh of Chester diocese and for that reason subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction; and he propounds as above.

5          Also, that it was and is on behalf of the said Jane Shepherd, wife of Robert Shepherd, that complaint is rightly and lawfully made to you, lord judge aforesaid, and to your Chester consistory court; and he propounds as above.

6          Also, 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.

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said Joan Shepherd prays that right and justice may be done and administered to her in all and singular the premises and that it is decreed that the said Francis Sefton and Margaret, his wife, should be corrected and punished for the imputation of the above-said crimes and for the pronouncing and declaration of these aforesaid scandalous and defamatory words according to the due requirement of law, and that they will be punished with effect etc.; and also in the lawful costs incurred on the part of the said Jane Shepherd in that behalf, and he protests those to be incurred, by you and  your definitive sentence, lord judge aforesaid; always reserving in all things; humbly imploring your office in the premises, lord judge aforesaid.

 

Transcript

[1575/1 image 2]

[3]       […] Janne […] grauantur et […]
fuit et est in nonnullis laboribus et expensis ac
alias et aliunde mulipliciter fatigata vexita gravata onerata
et perturbata ac apud et inter bonos et graues minorum
reputacionis et favoris bonique et graues adhibuerunt et
dederunt adhibentque et dant in presenti eidem Janne
minorem fidem atque favorem pretextu premissorum Et
ponit et Articulatur prout supra.

4          Item Quod dictus Franciscus Sefton et Margareta
eius vxor fuerunt et sunt parochie SancteWarbridgij Cestrensis
diocesis et eo pretextu vestre iurisdiccionis subditi et subiecti Et ponit
vt supra

5          Item Quod fuit et est per partem dicte Joanne Shepherd
vxoris Roberti Shepherd ad vos dominum Judicem antedictum
et ad Curiam vestram Consistorialem Cestrensem rite et legitime
querelatum et ponit vt supra

6          Item Quod premissa omnia  et singula fuerunt et sunt
vera publica notoria manifesta pariter et famosa atque de et
super huiusmodi laborarunt et laborant publica vox et fama

Vnde facta fide de iure in hac parte requisita petit
pars dicte Janne Shepherd  ius et iusticiam sibi
in premissis omnibus et singulis fieri et ministrari Ac
dictum Franciscum Sefton et Margaretam vxorem eius pro
vt supradictorum criminium impositione et huiusmodi verborum
scandalosorum et diffamatoriorum prolacionem et predicacionem predictorum
iuxta iuris debitam exigentiam Corrigendos et puniendos fore
debere decerni et Cum effectu puniri et cetera Necnon in
expensis legitimis per partem dicte Janne Shepherd
in hac parte factis et protestatur de fiendis per vos et
vestram Sententiam diffinitivam domine iudex Antedicte
in omnibus semper salvo vestrum officium in premissis
humiliter Implorando

 

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/1 image 3]

[The endorsement is illegible]

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1575/1 image 3]

[The endorsement is illegible]

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Sefton, Francis – defendant

Sefton, Margaret – defendant

Shepherd, Jane (Joan) – plaintiff

Shepherd, Richard – husband of plaintiff