Ref: EDC 5/1580/6

  • Search Cause Papers

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5 1580. 6. CHESTER (St Oswald) John Vaudrey impropriator c Richard Webbe, William Janson sen and William Janson jnr for tithes – libel.

Summary:

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

 

Year

1580

Type of Cause:

Tithes – pigs

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/6 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; before you, worshipful Master Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, lawfully deputed official principal of the Chester consistory court, or other judge whomsoever competent in this regard, the party of the distinguished John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey, gentlemen, farmers of all and singular tithes appertaining to the perpetual vicarage of the parish church of Saint Oswald of Chester against Richard Webb, William Janeon the elder and William Janeon the younger of the parish of Saint Oswald aforesaid and against any other person or persons whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same, by way of complaint and complaining to you in this behalf says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law in articles as follows:

1          Firstly, namely that the aforesaid John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey had and have lawfully acquired the farm of all and singular tithes appertaining to the perpetual vicarage aforesaid and having thus acquired it, possessed it peacefully and quietly for some space of time, just as (saving what is written below) they possess it at present, and the aforesaid John and Richard were and are commonly called, taken, deemed, named and openly, publicly and notoriously reputed as lawful farmers there; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2          Also, that as well by common law, statutes and injunctions of this realm of England, as by ancient laudable and lawful prescribed custom, hitherto inviolably and steadfastly observed from the time and throughout the time 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 appertaining to the perpetual vicarage aforesaid, appertains and belongs to the vicar there or any farmer of his whomsoever he may be at the time, just as it appertains and belongs at present to the current farmers there; and he propounds as before.

Transcript

[1580/6 image 1]

 In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis [venerabili] viro magistro [Roberto] leche legum
doctore Curie Consistorialis Cestrensis officiali principali legitime dep[utato]
seu alio Judice in hac parte competenti quocunque Pars discretorum virorum Johannes Vawdrey et Ricardi Vawdrey
generosorum firmariorum omnium et singulorum decimarum ad vicariam perpetuam Ecclesie parochialis Sancti Oswaldi Cestrie
pertinentium Contra et aduersus Ricardum Webb Willielmum Janeon seniorem et William Janeon Juniorem parochie Sancti
Oswaldi predicti ac contra quemcunque alium seu quoscunque alios Coram vobis <pro eisdem in Judicio legitime intervenientem per viam querele et> vobis in hac parte querelando
dicit allegat et in hijs scriptis in Jure proponit articulatim prout sequitur

[1]        Imprimis videlicet Quod Johannes Vawdrey et Ricardus Vawdrey fuerunt et sunt firmam omnium et singularum
decimarum ad vicariam perpetuam predictam pertinentium rite et legitime assecuti ipsam sic assectutam per nonnullum
temporis spacium pacifice et quiete possederunt prout (saluis infrascriptis) in presenti possident
fueruntque et sunt predici Johannes et Ricardus pro firmarijs ibidem legitimis communiter dicti tenti habiti
nominati et reputati palam publice et notorie Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim Et de quolibet

[2]        Item Quod tam de Jure communi Statutis et Iniunctionibus huius Regni Anglie quam de antiqua laudabili legitimeque
prescripta consuetudine a tempore et per tempus cuius Initij siue Contrarij memoria hominum non
existit hucusque inviolabiliter et inconcusse obseruata atque in Contradictorio Judicio sepius obtenta
Jus percipiendi et habendi omnes et singulas decimas tam maiores quam minores mixtas et minutas
ad vicariam perpetuam predictam pertinentem ad vicarium ibidem siue eius firmarium quemcunque pro tempore
existentem pertinuit et spectauit prout ad firmarios ibidem modernos in presenti pertinet et spectat Et
ponit vt supra.

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/6 image 2]

3          Also, that the aforesaid farmers and their precursors and predecessors each and every one of them in their successive times, for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years last past, and before and since and also from the time and throughout the time of the beginning or to the contrary of which there exists no memory of men, were, just as are at present, in peaceable possession, or virtually so, of the right of taking and having all and singular tithes, both greater and lesser, mixed and minute belonging to the vicarage aforesaid wherever, whenever and howsoever growing, proceeding or arising and they possessed them peacefully and quietly through themselves and their men, and freely disposed of them through the whole time aforesaid until the time of trouble described below; and he propounds as before.

4          Also, that Richard Webb who had no right or could have in any way in the said tithes or any parcel thereof, forgetful of the welfare of his soul, scorning the statutes of the realm set forth in that behalf and not fearing to fall under penalty of the law in the months of March, April, May, July, June, August, September, October, November, December in the year of our Lord 1580 now current or any of those months whatsoever, in one or another, had three sows grazing and sleeping within the parish aforesaid and the bounds and limits and the tithable places of the same and from the same he converted to his own use, reared and nourished  thirty piglets arising and renewing, born and bred; and this party propounds and articles of whatever other number of piglets greater, lesser or intermediate down to the number of seven piglets and of any other number of such and so great an amount as will be proved in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

5          Also, that the aforesaid William Janeon the elder in the months and year aforesaid  or any of those months whatsoever, in one or another, had three sows sleeping and grazing within the parish aforesaid and the bounds and limits and the tithable places of the same and from the same he reared and nourished  for his own use, thirty piglets arising and renewing, born and bred; and this party propounds and articles of whatever other number of piglets greater, lesser or intermediate down to the number of seven piglets and also of any other number of such amount as will be proved in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

Transcript

[1580/6 image 2]

[3]        Item Quod predicti firmarij eorumque predecessores et antecessores omnes et singuli eorum temporibus successiue
existentes a x xx xxx xl l et lx annis vltime elapsis vltraque et citra necnon a tempore et per tempus
cuius Initij siue contrarij memoria hominum non existit fuerunt prout in presenti sunt in pacifica possessione
seu quasi Juris percipiendi et habendi omnes et singulas decimas tam maiores quam minores mixtas et minutas
ad vicariam predictam pertinentes vbicunque quandocunque seu qualitercunque crescentes prouenientes seu contingentes easque
per se et suos pacifice et quiete possiderunt ac libere de eisdem disposuerunt per omne tempus predictum vsque
ad tempus gravaminis infrascriptum Et ponit vt supra

[4]        Item Quod Ricardus Webbe qui nihil Juris in dictis decimis aut aliqua inde parcella habuit {aut} aut aliqualiter
habere potuit anime sue salutis immemor Statuta regia in ea parte edita vilipendens et in penam Juris cadere non formidans mensis Martij Aprilis Maij Julij Junij Augusti Septembris Octobris Nouembris
Decembris et Januarij Anno domini 1580  iam currenti eorumve mensium quolibet vno siue aliquo habuit
infra parochiam predictam finesque et limites ac loca decimabilia eiusdem tres Sues pascentes et cubantes et ex
eisdem et in vsum suum proprium Conuertit Triginta porcellos contingentes et renouantes enatos et enixos eduxit
et nutruit Et ponit atque articulatur pars ista de quolibet alio numero porcellorum huiusmodi maiori minori seu
intermedio vsque ad numero septem porcellorum ac de tali et tanto numero quantus et qualis in eventu
huius litis probabitur Et ponit vt supra

[5]        Item Quod predictus Willielmus Janeon {Junior} senior mensis et Anno predictis eorumve mensium quolibet vno siue aliquo
habuit infra parochiam predictam finesque et limites ac loca decimabilia eiusdem tres Sues cubantes et pascentes
et ex eisdem Triginta porcellos contingentes et renouantes enatos et enixos in vsum suum proprium eduxit
et nutruit Et ponit atque articulatur pars ista de quolibet alio numero porcellorum huiusmodi maiori minori seu
intermedio vsque ad numero septem porcellorum necnon de tali et tanto numero qualis et quantus in
eventu huius litis probabitur Et ponit vt supra

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/6 image 3]

6          Also, that the aforesaid William Janeon the younger in the months and year aforesaid  or any of those months whatsoever, in one or another, had two sows sleeping and grazing within the said parish and the bounds and limits and the tithable places of the same and from the same he reared and nourished  for his own use, twenty piglets arising and renewing, born or bred; and this party propounds and articles of whatever other number of piglets greater, less or intermediate down to the number of seven piglets and also of any other number of such amount as will be proved in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

7          Also, that the true value or valuation of any piglet of the piglets aforesaid in the months and year aforesaid by common report of men notoriously amounted and amounts to the sum or value of 12d of lawful money of England, and this party propounds and articles of any other greater, lesser or intermediate sum whatever down to the sum of 6d for any piglet aforesaid and also of any other sum of such amount as will be proved in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

8          Also that the aforesaid Richard Webb, William Janeon the elder and William Janeon the younger have not paid the tithes in the premises to the aforesaid farmers, and duly asked in that respect, they have refused and refuse at present to pay the same tithes to the grave danger of their souls and the pernicious example of other Christian faithful and to no small prejudice and grievance of the said farmers; and he propounds as before.

9          Also, that the aforesaid Richard Webb, William Janeon the elder and William Janeon the younger were and are of the parish of Saint Oswald aforesaid and by reason thereof notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction; and he propounds as before.

10        Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, manifest and equally famous, and public voice and fame were circulating, just as they are circulating at present, regarding and concerning the same.

Transcript

[1580/6 image 3]

6          Item Quod predictus Willielmus Janeon Junior mensis et Anno predictis eorumve mensium quolibet vno siue aliquo habuit infra dictam
parochiam finesque et limites ac loca decimabilia eiusdem duas Sues cubantes et pascentes et ex eisdem Viginti porcellos
contingentes et renouantes enatos seu enixos in vsum suum proprium eduxit et nutruit Et ponit atque articulatur pars ista
de quolibet alio numero porcellorum huiusmodi maiori minori seu intermedio vsque ad numero Septem porcellorum
necnon de tali et tanto numero qualis et quantus in eventu huius litis probabitur Et ponit vt supra

7          Item Quod verus valor siue Estimacio cuiuslibet porcelli porcellorum predictorum mensis et Anno predictis ad Summam
sive valorem xijd legalis monete Anglie communi hominum estimacione se extendebat et extendit
et ponit tamen et articulatur pars ista de qualibet alio Summa maiori minori seu intermedio vsque ad Summam
vjd pro quolibet porcello predicto necnon de tali et tanto Summa qualis et quantus in eventu huius
litis probabitur Et ponit vt supra 

8          Item Quod predicti Ricardus Webbe Willielmus Janeon senior et Willielmus Janeon Junior decimas ex premissis
non soluerunt predictis firmarijs Et que in ea parte debite requisiti easdem decimas soluere recusauerunt
et in presenti recusant in animarum suarum grave periculum et aliorum christifidelium perniciosum Exemplum dictorumque
fimariorum preiudiciam non modicum Et grauamen Et ponit vt supra

9          Item Quod predicti Ricardus Webbe Willielmus Janeon senior et Willielmus Janeon Junior fuerunt et sunt parochie Sancti
Oswaldi predicti in eo pretextu vestre Jurisdiccioni notorie subditi et subiecti  et ponit vt supra

10        Item Quod premissa omnia  et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta pariter et famosa
Et quod de et super eisdem laborarunt prout in presenti laborant  publica vox et fama

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/6 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 anything whatsoever concerning them, and that the said Richard Webb, William Janeon the elder and William Janeon the younger are condemned in the tithes aforesaid or in their true value and also in the lawful costs incurred on his part in this cause and he protests those to be incurred; and, having been condemned, that they are obliged and compelled by ecclesiastical censures to make real payment of the same by you and your definitive sentence, lord judge aforesaid; this party propounds the premises and prays that they are done jointly and severally, not binding himself to prove them all and singular, 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; and this party asserts the right of adding to, correcting and amending etc.

Transcript

[1580/6 image 4]

Vnde facta
fide de Jure in hac parte requisita petit pars dictorum firmariorum Jus et Justiciam sibi in premissis
omnibus et singulis ac ea concernentibus quibuscunque fieri et ministrari cum effectu, dictosque Ricardum
Webbe Willielmum Janeon seniorem et Willielmum Janeon Juniorem in decimis predictis seu eorum vero valore
necnon in Expensis legitimis ex parte sua in huiusmodi causa factis et protestatur de fiendis condemnari condemnatos
que ad realem solucionem earundem per sensuras Ecclesiasticas cogi et Compelli per vos et vestram Sententiam
deffinitiuam domine Judex antedicte Premissa proponit et fieri petit pars ista Coniunctim et diuisim [non]
arctans se ad omnia et singula eadem 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 humiliter implorando Et protestatur pars ista de addendo corrigendo et emendando et cetera

Libel (image 5)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/6 image 5]

[Endorsement]

[…] farmers of the vicarage of Saint Oswald against Richard Webb and others, 1580.

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1580/6 image 5]

[Endorsement]

[…] firmarij vicarie
Sancti oswaldi
contra Richard
Webbe et alias
1580

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

John Vawdrey – plaintiff

Richard Vawdrey – plaintiff

Richard Webb – defendant

William Janeon the elder – defendant

William Janeon the younger – defendant

Officials

Robert Leche

Subjects

Agricultural produce and its value

Farm of tithes

 

 

Places

Chester, St Oswald

 

Related Causes

EDC 5/1575/3 – John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey contra Ralph Calveley

Ref: EDC 5/1575/3

  • Search Cause Papers

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.

Year

1575

Type of Cause:

Tithes – corn; tithes – wheat

Cause Papers:

Libel
Exceptions to the libel
Interrogatories

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

Click to view fullscreen

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

Click to view fullscreen

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

Click to view fullscreen

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

Click to view fullscreen

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

Click to view fullscreen

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

Click to view fullscreen

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 

Subjects

Agricultural and other produce and its value 

Farm

Occupations and professions 

Right of action

Proctors

William Man – for the defendant

Places

Chester, St Oswald

Churton Heath

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.