Ref: EDC 5/17/4

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Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/17/4 – Libel in defam. cause: Isabel wife of Ralph Holden of Duckworth v. Roger Rusheton. “Thow arte an arrant hore And Thow haddest a chylde before thow were maryed.” 10 – ? – 1556.

Summary:

Isabelle Holden, wife of Ralph Holden, esquire, of Duckworth contra Roger Rishton.

Isabelle claimed that Roger had called her an ‘Arrant hore’ and claimed that she had had a child before she was married. She also claimed that he said to her ‘ Thow hast lost all thy frendes Thow haddest wyth thyne Arse’.

Year

1556

Type of Cause:

Defamation – sexual slander

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/17/4 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; before you, worshipful Master John Hanson, Master of Arts, archdeacon of Richmond, and also guardian of the spiritualities and commissary lawfully deputed to exercise ecclesiastical jurisdiction within the diocese of Chester, the episcopal see now being vacant, by the authority of the right reverend father, Nicholas, by divine permission, lord archbishop of York, primate, metropolitan and chancellor of England and legate of the apostolic see or any other judge whomsoever competent in this regard; the party of the gentlewoman Isabelle Holden, wife of Ralph Holden, esquire, of Duckworth in the parish of Church of Chester diocese against Roger Rishton, gentleman, of the said parish and diocese and of your jurisdiction 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 states, alleges and propounds in these writings in law jointly, severally and in articles as follows:

1 Firstly, he propounds and articles that all and singular persons who speak, utter, assert, express or declare abuse, disparagements or calumnious, opprobrious, disparaging, contumelious, scandalous or defamatory words of any man or woman 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 other defamatory words in future; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2 Also, that the said Roger Rishton, not being ignorant of the premises but rather heedless of the salvation of his soul, being induced, as it is believed, by an evil spirit, seriously and grievously defamed the said Isabelle Holden, previously in no way defamed, of and upon the crimes of adultery and unchastity on Thursday next before the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary last, namely on the eighth day of the month of August in the one thousand five hundred and fifty fifth year of our Lord, in the place called Duckworth More in the parish of Church, uttering these following defamatory words to the same Isabelle in English and saying of her ‘ Thow arte an Arrant[1] hore And Thow haddest A chylde before thow were maryed’ and in addition he said to the same Isabelle ‘ Thow hast lost all thy frendes Thow haddest wyth thyne Arse’ or other disparaging and scandalous words similar to these and importing the same effect, as will become clear and appear by lawful proofs in the event of this suit, and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

3 Also, that by occasion and reason of this defamation, crimes and reproaches and the expressing, utterance, assertion and declaration of the aforesaid words the standing and good fame of the said Isabelle Holden, wife of Ralph Holden, are impaired, injured, blackened and
[1] Arrant – notorious or unmitgated.

Transcript

[5/17/4 image 1]

In dei Nomine amen Coram vobis venerabili viro magistro Johanne
Hanson artium magistro Archidiacono Richemundie necnon custode spiritualitatis
et ad exercendum Jurisdiccionem ecclesiasticam infra diocesem Cestrensem sede episcopali
ibidem vacante auctoritate Reverendi patris et domini domini Nicholai permissione divina
ebor’archiepiscopi Anglie primatis metropolitani et cancellarij Apostoliceque
Sedis Legatis Commissario legitime deputato seu alio iudice in hac parte competenti quocunque
pars generose mulieris Isabelle holden vxoris Radulphi holden
{Pars generose mulieris Isabelle holden vxoris Radulphi holden}
de Duckeworth parochie de Churche Armigeri cestrensis diocesis contra
et aduersus Rogerum Rusheton generosum dicte parochie et diocesis ac vestre
Jurisdicionis ac contra quemcunque alium coram vobis pro eodem in Judicio
legitime Interuenientem per viam querele et vobis in hac parte
querelando dicit allegat et in hijs scriptis in Jure proponit
Coniunctim et diuisim atque articulatim provt Sequitur

1 Inprimis ponit et articulatur Quod omnes et singuli qui
convicia vituperia verbave Calumpniosa obprobriosa vilipendiosa
contumeliosa scandalosa seu diffamatoria ad alicuis bone fame
lesionem seu denigracionem sonantia vel tendentia contra bonos mores de
aliquo seu aliqua dicunt emittunt asserunt proferunt seu predicant
fuerunt et sunt Canonice Corrigendi et puniendi ac vt ab huiusmodi
convicijs vituperijs et alijs verbis diffamatorijs desistant et se
penitus abstineant in futurum Cogendi et Compellendi Et
ponit Coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

2 Item Quod dictus Rogerus Rusheton premissorum non ignarus
immo anime sue salutis immemor spritu vt creditur maligno ductus
dictam Isabellam holden proprius minime diffamatam die
Jouis proximo ante festum Assumptionis beate marie virginis vltimo
videlicet octauo die mensis Augusti Anno domini millesimo quingentisimo
quinquagesimo quinto de et super criminibus adulterij et Incontinentie
in loco vocato Duckworth more in parochie de church grauiter
et enormiter diffamauit proferendo hec verba diffamatoria
in Anglicis sequentia eidem Isabelle et de eadem dicendo Thow
arte an Arrant hore And Thow haddest A chylde before thow
were maryed Et insuper dixit eidem Isabelle Thow hast
lost all thy frendes Thow haddest wyth thyne Arse seu alia
verba vituperiosa et scandalosa hijs similia et eundem effectum
importantia provt per probationes legitimas in eventu huius litis
liquedabitur et apparebit Et ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

3 Item Quod occatione et pretextu huiusmodi diffamationis criminiumque
et conviciorum imposicionem prefatorumque verborum prolationem emissionem
Assertionem et predicationem status et bona fama dicte Isabelle
holden vxoris Radulphi holden Leduntur grauantur denigrantur

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/17/4 image 2]

diminished and the same Isabelle Holden 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 Isabelle Holden by reason of the premises; and he propounds, jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

4 Also, that the said Isabelle Holden, before this defamation and crimes and reproaches and the expressing, utterance, assertion and declaration of the defamatory words aforesaid and until then, was a woman of good name, unblemished reputation and honest conversation, and previously in no way defamed among and between good and substantial people; and he propounds, jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

5 Also, that the said Roger Rishton was and is of the parish of Church of Chester diocese and notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

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

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

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said Isabelle Holden prays that right and a complement of justice may be done and administered to her in all and singular the premises and that it is decreed that the aforesaid Roger Rishton should be corrected and punished for the imputation of the above-said crimes and for the pronouncing and declaration of these aforesaid words according to the due requirement of law, and that he will be punished with effect and is to be obliged and compelled to desist and to completely abstain from these disparagements, abuse and defamatory words in future; and also that he will be condemned in the lawful costs incurred on the part of the said Isabelle Holden in that behalf, and he protests those to be incurred, and having been condemned, that he will be duly obliged and compelled to the real payment of the same by you passing your definitive sentence in that behalf, lord judge aforesaid; and otherwise, that what will have been of right and reason in the premises and anything whatsoever concerning them may be done, established and decreed,

Transcript

[5/17/4 image 2]

et attenuantur Ipsaque Isabella Holden fuit et est in nonnullis
laboribus et expensis ac alias et aliunde mulipliciter fatigata
[…] { Ac apud et inter bonos et}
vexata grauata onerata et perturbata <Ac apud et inter bonos et>
graues minoris reputacionis et fauoris bonique et graves adhibuerunt
et dederunt adhibentque et dant in presenti eidem Isabelle holden
minorem fidem atque fauorem pretextu premissorum et ponit Coniunctim
diuisim et de quolibet

4 Item Quod dicta Isabelle Holden ante huiusmodi diffamationem
ac criminium et Conviciorum ac verborum diffamatororium predictorum
prolationem emissionem assertionem et predicationem et vsque ad ea fuit mulier
bone fame opinionis illese et Conversationis honeste Ac apud
et inter bonos et graues pro prius minime diffamata Et ponit
Coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

5 Item Quod dictus Rogerus Rysheton fuit et est parochie de Church Cestrensis
diocesis Et vestre Jurisdiccionis notorie subditus et subiectus Et
ponit Coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

6 Item Quod fuit et est ex parte at per partem dicte Isabelle holden
ad vos dominum Judicem antedictum et ad Curiam vestram
Consistorialem Cestrensem rite et legitime querelatum Et ponit vt supra

7 Item Quod premissa omnia et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica
notoria manifesta pariter et famosa Atque de et super huiusmodi in parochia
de Church et in alijs parochiis et locis publicis eidem Convicinis
et Circumvicinis Laborarunt et in presenti Laborant publica vox
et fama

Vnde facta fide de Jure in hac parte requisita petit
pars dicte Isabelle holden Jus et Justicie complementum sibi
in premissis omnibus et singulis fieri et ministrari Ac predictum
Rogerum Rusheton pro supradictorum criminium imposicione et huiusmodi
verborum prolacionem et predicacionem predictorum iuxta Juris debitam
exigentiam corrigendum et puniendum fore debere decerni et cum effectu
puniri Et vt ab huiusmodi convicijs vituperijs et verbis diffamatorijs
desistat et se penitus abstineat infuturum Cogi et Compelli

Necnon in expensis legitimis per partem dicte Isabelle Holden in hac parte
factis et protestatur de fiendis Condempnari Ac Condemnatum
ad Realem solucionem earundem debite Cogi et Compelli
per vos et vestram sententiam diffinitiuam in hac parte ferendam
domine Judex antedicte. Vlteriusque fieri statui et
decerni in premissis et ea concernentibus quibuscunque quod Juris
fuerit et Rationis Premissa proponit et fieri petit

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/17/4 image 3]

the party of the said Isabelle Holden propounds the premises and prays that they are done jointly and severally, not binding himself to prove all and singular the premises, nor to the burden of a superfluous proof, against which he protests, but so far as he shall prove in the premises so much may he obtain of the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office in the premises, distinguished judge aforesaid.

Transcript

[5/17/4 image 3]

pars dicte Isabelle Holden Coniunctim et Diuisim Non Arctans se ad
omnia et singula premissa probanda nec ad onus superflue probationis de quo
protestatur Sed quatenus probauerit in premissis eatenus obtineat
in petitis Juris beneficio in omnibus semper saluo Vestrum officium in
premissis Judex egregie Antedicte humiliter implorando

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/17/4 image 4]

[Endorsement]

Libel of Isabelle Holden against Roger Rishton in a cause of defamation, exhibited on the tenth of […] 1556

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

Transcript

[5/17/4 image 4]

[Endorsement]

[Libellus Isabelle] holden [contra] Rogerum Rysheton in causa diffamationis exhibitus x^o[…] 1556

[in later hand] /4

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

People

Isabelle Holden – plaintiff

Ralph Holden – husband of plaintiff

Roger Rishton – defendant

Notes

This cause arose in the course of a long-running dispute stemming from the alleged removal by Roger Rishton of turves belonging to Isabelle Holden.

A subsequent defamation cause was brought by Isabelle against Roger Rishton’s wife, Helen, and another by Helen against Isabelle. The decisions of the court seem to have gone in Isabelle’s favour in all these causes and both Roger and Helen appealed to the archbishop’s court at York. Further suits were brought directly at York.

The appeals are held at the Borthwick Institute in York under references TRANS.CP.1557/1 and TRANS.CP.1557/2. There are also some papers generated by these appeals available online at https://www.dhi.ac.uk/causepapers/index.jsp

The references are CP.H.3926, which is a complaint by Helen Rishton against the officials at Chester and Isabelle Holden’s reply. CP.G.693 is Helen Rishton’s libel in the defamation cause against Isabelle Holden; Isabelle’s personal answers to the points of the libel; interrogatories to be administered to Helen’s witnesses on Isabelle’s behalf; two sets of depositions on the libel and interrogatories. CP.G.648 is the libel and depositions in a cause brought by Isabelle Holden at York against Roger Rishton for a physical assault on her in church and for preventing the serving of a citation; Roger Rishton’s personal response; interrogatories to be administered to Isabelle’s witnesses on Roger’s behalf and depositions on the libel and interrogatories. CP.G.648A is Isabelle Holden’s exceptions against Helen Rishton’s witnesses in her defamation cause at CP.G.693 and depositions of Isabelle’s witnesses upon her exceptions.

This is an example of how bitter (and costly) a dispute between neighbours could become once the Consistory Courts were involved.

Ref: EDC 5/4/1

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Catalogue Entry:

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

Summary:

Pernell Danyell contra Joan Walton

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

Year

1543

Type of Cause:

Defamation – sexual slander

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/4/1 image 1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[1] This feast is observed on 24 June.

[2] carnal dole = sexual intercourse

Transcript

[5/4/1 image 1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/4/1 image 2]

[Endorsement]

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

[in pencil in a different hand]

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

Transcript

[5/4/1 image 2]

[Endorsement]

libellus Petronelle Danyell contra Johannam
alton in causa diffamacionis

[in pencil in a different hand]

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

People

Pernell Danyell – plaintiff

Joan Walton – defendant

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

Officials

George Wilmesley – chancellor of the diocese of Chester

Subjects

Defamatory words

Women

Places

Knutsford

Bexton

Ref: EDC 5/1/11

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Catalogue Entry:

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

Summary:

Francis Holford contra Philip Holford

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

Year

1541

Type of Cause:

Defamation – other

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/11 image 1]

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

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

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

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

Transcript

[5/1/11 image 1]

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

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

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

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

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/11 image 2]

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

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

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

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

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

Transcript

[5/1/11 image 2]

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

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

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

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

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

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/11 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Libel Holford against Holford in a cause of defamation.

[in pencil in a different hand]

1541

/11

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

Transcript

[5/1/11 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Libellus Holford contra Holford in causa diffamationis

[in pencil in a different hand]

1541

/11

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

People

Francis Holford – plaintiff

Philip Holford – defendant

John Holford – mentioned in the libel

Katherine Holford – mentioned in the libel

Margery Holford – mentioned in the libel

Robert Holford – mentioned in the libel

Officials

Richard Smyth

Subjects

Defamatory words

Places

Lower Peover

Notes

Ref: EDC 5/1/7

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Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/1/7 – Libel in defam. cause: Agnes Rosbothom v. Robert Haryson, both of Winwick pa. co. L. 12 Oct. 1535

Summary:

Agnes Rosbothom contra Robert Haryson

The plaintiff claimed that Haryson had told several people that she had spent the night with Richard Parr in Haryson’s house. Haryson’s defence was that he had never said so.

Year

1535

Type of Cause:

Defamation – sexual slander

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/7 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: before you, venerable Master Richard Smyth, Bachelor of Canon Law, official of the lord archdeacon of Chester, or any other commissary of yours lawfully deputed in that behalf; the party of the honest woman Agnes Rosbothom of the parish of Winwick against Robert Haryson of the same parish, of Coventry and Lichfield diocese and the archdeaconry of Chester and of your jurisdiction, and against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for […] says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law jointly, severally and in articles as follows:

m Firstly, the party of the said Agnes Rosbothom propounds and it is articled that there was and is a certain constitution of Canterbury province, concerning sentence of excommunication which begins ‘By authority of God, the Father almighty etc.’ rightly enacted and duly promulgated in which it is provided and established that all and singular subordinates and subjects of Canterbury province who for the sake of money, hatred or favour for any other cause whatsoever maliciously impute a crime to any person whereby he may be defamed among good and substantial persons whereby canonical purgation is awarded to him or he is harmed in some other manner were and are by culpability bound and tied ipso facto by the sentence […] of major excommunication promulgated in the said provincial constitution.

m Also, the said plaintiff propounds and it is articled that the aforesaid Robert Haryson was and is notoriously subordinate and subject to the said province of Canterbury and is taken and held as such, and openly, publicly and notoriously so known and reputed.

m Also, the same plaintiff propounds and it is articled that the aforesaid Robert Haryson, not ignorant of the premises, but heedless of the health of his soul, led by the counsel of a pernicious spirit, in the months of May, June, July, August or September, in one or another of the same months in the present and now current year of our Lord one thousand five hundred 35, within the said parish of Winwick, falsely, wickedly and maliciously and out of hatred defamed the aforesaid Agnes of and upon the crime of fornication and unchastity before serious and honest people and openly and publicly imputed the said crime to the same Agnes, namely by repeating and saying that a certain Richard Parr, in the absence of the said Robert Haryson, entered his house <…> on a certain night and slept in bed with the said Agnes through the night in the said house of the same Robert, asserting in addition that the said Richard Parr had indicated and reported to him, the same Robert, that he had entered his house in this way and slept with the same Agnes; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points.

m Also, the plaintiff aforesaid propounds and it is articled that before this said defamation and the imputation of the said crime, the aforesaid Agnes has been and was a woman […] from that said crime, of good fame and unblemished reputation and held, taken, known and reputed for such and as such among her neighbours.

m Also, the said plaintiff propounds and it is articled that by occasion and reason of this defamation and of the imputation of the said crimes the reputation and good fame of the said Agnes Rosbothom are injured, burdened and blackened among her neighbours and also among good and substantial persons to the grave danger of the soul of Robert Haryson and to no small prejudice and damage to the said Agnes and the pernicious example of other Christian faithful, and he propounds as before.

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

Transcript

[5/1/7 image 1]

[In dei nomine A]men Coram vobis venerabili viro Magistro Richardo Smyth in decretis baccallario Officiali domini Archidiaconi cestrie vestrove commissario
[in hac parte legitime dep]utato quocunque pars honeste mulieris Agnete Rosbothom parochie de Wynwhik contra et aduersus Robertum Haryson eiusdem parochie
[couentrensis et ]lichfeldensis diocesis ac Archidiaconatus cestrie et vestre Jurisdictionis ac contra quemcunque alium coram vobis in Judicio legitime intervenientem pro […]
[dicit] allegat et in hijs scriptis in Jure proponit coniunctim et diuisim atque articulatim pro ut sequitur

m In primis ponit et articulatur pars dicte Agnete Rosbothom Quod fuit et est quedam
constitucio provincie cantuarensis de sententia excommunicacionis que
incipit Auctoritate dei patris omnipotentis et cetera rite edita et debite promulgata In qua cavetur et habetur quod omnies et singuli cant’ provincie
subditi et subiecti qui gratia lucri odij vel fauoris seu alia quacunque de causa crimen alicui maliciose imponunt vnde infamatus sit [apud]
bonos et graues ut sic saltem purgacio canonica eidem indicatur vel alio modo grauetur fuerunt et sunt in maioris excommunicacionis sentencia […]
dicta constitucione provinciali lata ipso facto dampnabiliter involuti et innodati

m Item ponit et articulatur dicta pars actrix quod prefatus Robertus Haryson fuit et est dicte cant’ provincie et vestre Jurisdiccionis notorie s[ubditus]
[et] subiectus ac pro huiusmodi tentus habitus atque palam publice et notorie cognitus et reputatus

m Item ponit et articulatur eadem pars actrix quod prefatus Robertus Haryson premissorum non ignorus immo salutis anime sue immemor spiritu pern[icioso]
consilij ductus Mensibus Maij Junij Julij Augusti seu Septembris siue vno vel aliquo eorundem Mensium presenti et iam currenti anno domini
Millesimo quingentesimo xxxv^to infra dictam parochiam de Wynwike prefatam Agnetem falso nequiter et maliciose atque ex odij fomite
de et super crimine fornicacionis et incontinentie coram grauibus et honestis diffamauit et dictum criminem eidem Agneti palam et publice
imposuit videlicet recitando et dicendo quod quidam Ricardus Parr in absentia dicti Roberti Haryson a domo sua intrauit <…> in dictam
domum eiusdem Roberti quadam nocte et concubuit in lecto cum dicta Agnete per illam noctem asserens insuper quod dictus Ricardus Parr sibi
eidem Roberto se ita intrasse domum suam et cum eadem Agnete concubuisse indicauerat et narrauerat et ponit coniunctim diuisim ac de quolibet

m Item ponit et articulatur pars actrix predicta quod ante huiusmodi diffamacionem et dicti criminis imposicionem prefata Agnes fuit et erat mulier […]
a dicto crimine bone fame et opinionis illese atque pro tali et ut talis inter vicinos suos tenta habita cognita et reputata

m Item ponit et articulatur dicta pars actrix quod occasione et pretextu huiusmodi diffamacionem et dicti criminis imposicionis opinio et bona fama d[icte]
Agnetis Rosbothom leduntur grauantur et denigrantur ac inter vicinos suos etiam bonos et graues attenuantur in anime dicti Roberti
Haryson graue periculum dicteque Agnetis preiudicium non modicum et grauamen ac aliorum christifidelium exemplum perniciosum et ponit ut supra

m Item quod omnia et singula premissa fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta et famosa ac de et super eisdem in parochia de Wynwyke
predicta et locis alijs convicinis laborarunt et in presenti laborant publica vox et fama

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/7 image 2]

Whereupon, due proof being made, as required by law in this behalf, the party of the said Agnes Rosbothom prays that the aforesaid Robert Haryson, by occasion and reason of the premises, has ipso facto culpably sustained and incurred the said sentence of major excommunication in the manner as aforesaid as issued in the aforementioned constitution of the province, and that he is and was bound, enfolded and excommunicated by it, and should be publicly pronounced, decreed and declared for such and as such; and he, Robert, should be canonically corrected and punished for such excess of temerity, according to the due requirement of law: and will be condemned in the lawful costs incurred by the said Agnes reason of this suit and, having been condemned, will be canonically obliged and compelled to the real payment of the same by you passing your definitive sentence in that behalf, lord judge aforesaid; and furthermore that what may be of law and reason in the premises and matters concerning them may be done, established and decreed; the party of the said Agnes propounds the premises and prays that they are be done jointly and severally, not obliging himself to prove all and singular the premises, but so far as he has proved in the premises thus far may he obtain in the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office in the premises, lord judge. And the plaintiff aforesaid assets the right of amending, correcting and modifying this his libel at a suitable and appropriate time and place and for suitable and appropriate reason.

Transcript

[5/1/7 image 2]

Vnde facta fide in hac parte de Jure requisita petit pars dicte Agnetis Rosbothom prefatum Robertum Haryson premissorum occasione et pretextu
in dictam maiorem excommunicacionis setentiam in prelibatam constitucionem provincie modo quo prefertur latam ipso facto dampnabiliter incidisse et incurrisse
ac ea ligatum et involutum atque excommunicatum fuisse et esse atque pro tali et ut talis denunciandum publice debere pronunciari decerni et
declarari Ipsumque Robertum pro tanto sue temeritatis excessu iuxta Juris debitam exigentiam canonice corrigi et puniri A[tque]
in expensis legitimis per partem dicte Agnetis occasione huius litis factis et protestatur de faciendis condempnari condempnatumque ad
realem solucionem earundem canonice cogi et compelli per vos et vestram sententiam difinitiuam in hac parte ferendam domine
Judex antedicte Vlteriusque fieri statui et decerni in premissis et ea concernentibus quod Juris fuerit et racionis Premissa proponit et
fieri petit pars dicte Agnetis coniunctim et diuisim Non arctans se ad omnia et singula premissa probanda Sed quatenus probauerit in premissis
eatenus obtineat in petitis Juris beneficio in omnibus semper saluo vestrum officium in premissis domine Judex humiliter implorando
Et protestatur pars actrix predicta de emendando corrigendo et reformando hunc suum libellum pro loco tempore et causa congruis et oportunis

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/7 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Rosbothom against Haryson

[in pencil in a different hand]

1535

Transcript

[5/1/7 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Rosbothom contra Haryson

[in pencil in a different hand]

1535

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/7 image 4]

[Endorsement]

On the 7^th day of the month of October in the year of our Lord above-written Brian presented the libel

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

Transcript

[5/1/7 image 4]

[Endorsement]

vij^o die mensis octobris Anno domini superscripto Brian dedit libellum

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

People

Agnes Rosbothom– plaintiff

Robert Haryson – defendant

Richard Parr – mentioned in the libel

Officials

Richard Smyth – official of the archdeacon of Chester

Subjects

Defamatory words

Women

Proctors

Brian Garnett

Places

Winwick

Ref: EDC 5/1/6

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Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/1/6 – Libel in defam. cause: John Mynshull & Sir Gilbert Lightfote v. Alice Sceriot re. her words in Warmingham church April 1534

Summary:

John Minshull and Sir Gilbert Lightfoot, chaplain, contra Alice Scariot

The plaintiffs in this unusual defamation cause claimed that Alice had defamed them by saying that they had bribed her to defame Agnes, wife of Edmund Kinsey, by calling her ‘stronge hor’.

Year

1534

Type of Cause:

Defamation – other

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/6 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: before you, venerable Master Richard Smyth, Bachelor of Canon Law, official of the lord archdeacon of Chester, or any other commissary whomsoever lawfully deputed in that behalf; the party of the distinguished John Minshull and Sir Gilbert Lightfote,chaplain, jointly and severally, against Alice Scariot, formerly of the parish of Warmingham, of the diocese of Coventry and Lichfield and against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law jointly, severally and in articles as follows:

m Firstly, the party of the said John Mynshull and Sir Gilbert Lightfote propounds and it is articled jointly and severally, as aforesaid, that there is a certain constitution of the province of Canterbury promulgated, concerning sentence of excommunication which begins ‘By authority of God, the Father almighty’ in which it is provided and established that all and singular subordinates and subjects of the province of Canterbury who for the sake of hatred or for any other cause whatsoever maliciously impute a crime to any person whereby he is defamed among good and substantial persons whereby canonical purgation is awarded to him or he is harmed in some other manner were and are by culpability bound and tied ipso facto by the sentence […] of major excommunication promulgated in the said constitution.

Transcript

[5/1/6 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis venerabile viro Magistro Richardo Smyth in decretis baccallario Officiali domini [Archidiaconi cestrie seu]
commissario in hac parte legitime deputato quocunque pars discretorum virorum Johannis Mynshull [et domini Gilberti Lightfote]
capellani coniunctim et diuisim contra et aduersus Aliciam Scariot nuper parochie de W[armingham]
couentrensis et lichfeldensis diocesis ac contra quemcunque alium coram vobis in Judicio legitime pro eidem intervenientem [dicit allegat et in]
hijs scriptis in Jure proponit coniunctim et diuisim atque articulatim pro ut sequitur

m In primis ponit et articulatur pars dictorum Johannis Mynshull et domini Gilberti lightfote coniunctim ut prefertur et divisim [est quedam]
constitucio provincie cant’ de sententia excommunicacionis que incipit Auctoritate dei patris omnipotent[is]
promulgata in qua cavetur et habetur quod omnes et singuli cantuar’ provincie subditi et subiecti qui [gratia odij?]
seu alia quacunque de causa crimen alicui maliciose imponunt vnde infamatus sit apud bonos [et graves]
purgacio canonica eidem indicatur vel alio modo grauetur fuerunt et sunt in maioris excommunicacionis sentencia […]
lata ipso facto dampnabiliter involuti et innodati

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/6 image 2]

m Also, the plaintiff aforesaid propounds and it is articled that the aforesaid Alice Scariot was and is subordinate and subject to the said province of Canterbury […] and is taken and held as such, and openly, publicly and notoriously so known and reputed.

m Also, the said plaintiff propounds and it is articled that the aforesaid Alice Scariot, not ignorant of the premises, but heedless of the health of her soul, led by an evil spirit, in the month of April in the present and current year of our Lord one thousand five hundred 34, namely on […] day of Easter last past, in the parish church of Warmingham, of the diocese aforesaid, openly and publicly before a multitude of people then assembled there, falsely, wickedly and maliciously and out of hatred, imputed to the aforesaid John Minshull and Sir Gilbert, and either of them, the crime set out below; namely that while a certain Edmund Kinsey of the said parish at the time […] the said Alice Scariot who had caused her, Alice, to defame Agnes, wife of the same Edmund, the said Alice Scariot openly and publicly replied, ‘Mary that did John Mynshull for he promised to geve [a] kyrtyll[1] for to sclaunder hyr to be a stronge[2] hore’ and with other defamatory words similar to these and […].

m Also, the same plaintiff propounds and it is articled that the aforesaid Alice Scariot, at the time and place aforesaid, and then immediately […] by the same Edmund […] had caused or instigated her to defame Agnes, his wife, of having committed adultery with someone, replied openly and publicly ‘Syr gilbert lightfote counseled and caused me so to sclaunder hyr an hor’ or by other defamatory and scandalous words similar to these, and […] the same ill-fame and scandal [and] he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any of these points, as before.

m Also, the said plaintiff propounds and it is articled that before this said defamation and the imputation of the said crime, the aforesaid John Mynshull and Sir Gilbert Lightfoot have been and were, and either of them has been and was, men of good fame, […] opinions and taken, held, known and reputed as such between close friends and neighbours.

m Also, the said plaintiff propounds and it is articled that by occasion and reason of this said defamation and these crimes or […] and good fame of the said John Mynshull and Sir Gilbert and, and either of them, are grievously injured, burdened […] their relatives and neighbours and also among good and substantial persons to the grave danger of the soul of Alice Scariot and to no small prejudice and damage to the said John and Sir Gilbert and the pernicious example of Christian faithful, and he propounds as before.

m Also, the same plaintiff propounds and it is articled that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, flagrant and public voice and fame were circulating of and upon the same, just as they are circulating at present, in the parish of Warmingham and other places neighbouring the same.

[1] kirtle = a gown or skirt

[2] strong = (of a crime) gross or flagrant

Transcript

[5/1/6 image 2]

m Item ponit et articulatur pars actrix predicta quod prefata Alicia Scaryot fuit et est dicte cant’ provincie […]
subdita et subiecta ac pro huiusmodi tenta habita atque palam publice et notorie cognita et reputata

m Item ponit et articulatur dicta pars actrix quod prefata Alicia Scariot premissorum non ignora imo salutis anime sue immem[or spiritu]
maligno ducta mense Aprilis presenti et currenti anno domini millesimo quingentesimo xxxiiij^to videlicet die […]
pasche vltimo peracte in Ecclesia parochiali de Wermyncham diocesis antedicte palam et publice coram populi multitudine
tunc ibidem congregata falso nequiter et maliciose atque ex odij fomite prefatos Johannem Mynshull et dominum gil[bertum]
ac eorum vtrique crimina subscripta imposuit videlicet quod cum quidam Edmundus Kynse dicte parochie tem[pore] […]
[…] dictam Aliciam Scaryot quis causauerat ipsam Aliciam diffamare Agnetam vxorem eiusdem Edmundi
dicta Alicia Scaryot palam et publice respondebat Mary that did John Mynshull for he promised to geve [a]
kyrtyll for to sclaunder hyr to be a stronge hore et per alia verba diffamatoria hijs consimilia et p[…]

m Item ponit et articulatur eadem pars actrix quod prefata Alicia Scaryot tempore et loco predictis ac tunc statim ab eodem Edmundo […]
causauerat seu instigauerat ipsam Aliciam diffamare dictam Agnetam vxorem suam super adulterio cum q[uodam]
commisso Respondebat palam et publice Syr gilbert lightfote counseled and caused me so to sklaunder
hyr an hor vel per alia verba diffamatoria et scandalosa hijs consimilia et eandem infameam et <idem> scandalum […]
ponit coniunctim et diuisim ac de quolibet ut supra

m Item ponit et articulatur dicta pars actrix quod ante huiusmodi dictam diffamacionem et dictum criminum imposicionem prefati Johannes [Mynshull et dominus]
Gilbertus lightfote fuerunt et erant viri et eorum vterque fuit et erat vir bone fame opinionis […]
et vt tales inter proximos et vicinos habiti tenti cogniti et reputati

m Item ponit et articulatur dicta pars actrix quod occasione et pretextu dicte diffamacionis huiusmodi et dictorum criminum seu cu[…]
et bona fama dictorum Johannis Mynshull et dominum gillbertum ac eorum vtriusque enormiter leduntur grauantur […]
vicinos et proximos suos etiam bonos et graues in anime Alicie Scaryot graue periculum dictorum [Johannis et domini Gilberti]
ac vtriusque eorundem preiudicium non modicum et grauamen ac aliorum christifidelium exemplum perniciosum et p[onit ut supra]

m Item ponit et articulatur eadem pars actrix quod omnia et singula premissa fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta [atque de]
et super eisdem in parochia de Wermyncham predicta ac locis alijs eidem convicinis laborarunt et in presenti l[aborant publica vox et fama]

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/6 image 3]

Whereupon, due proof being made, as required by law in the premises, the party of the said John Mynshull and Sir Gilbert Lightfoot, and either of them severally, prays that the aforesaid Alice Scariot, by occasion and reason of the premises, has culpably sustained and incurred major excommunication issued ipso facto in the manner as is aforesaid in the said constitution of the province, and is and was bound and […] by that, and is pronounced, decreed such and as such should be publicly denounced and the said Alice Scariot should be canonically punished for such excess of temerity, according to the due requirement of law: and will be condemned in the lawful costs of this suit incurred and […] on behalf of the said John and Sir Gilbert and either of them, and, having been condemned, will be canonically obliged and compelled to the real payment of the same by you passing your definitive sentence in that behalf, lord judge aforesaid; and furthermore that what is of law and reason in the premises may be done, established and decreed; the plaintiff aforesaid propounds the premises and prays that they are be done jointly and severally, not obliging himself to prove all and singular the premises, but so far as he has proved in the premises thus far may he obtain in the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office in the premises, lord judge.

Transcript

[5/1/6 image 3]

Vnde facta fide in premisis de Jure requisita petit pars dictorum Johannis Mynshull et domini Gilberti light[fote]
vtriusque per se diuisim prefatam Aliciam Scariot premissorum occasione et pretextu in dictam maiorem excommu[nicacionis]
constitucionem provincie modo quo prefertur latam ipso facto dampnabiliter incidisse et incurrisse ac ea ligatam et […]
[…] fuisse et esse atque pro tali et ut tales denunciandam publice debere pronunciari decerni et [dictam]
Aliciam Scaryot pro tanto sue temeritatis excessu iuxta Juris debitam exigentiam canonice [puniri]
Atque in expensis legitimis huius <litis> per partem dictorum Johannis et domini gilberti ac eorum vtriusque factis et […]
condempnari condempnatamque ad realem solucionem earundem canonice cogi et compelli per vos et v[estram sententiam]
difinitiuam in hac parte ferendam domine Judex antedicte Uleriusque fieri statui et decerni in [premissis]
quod Juris fuerit et racionis Premissa proponit et fieri petit pars actrix antedicta coniunctim et diuisim Non [arctans se ad omnia]
et singula premissa probanda Sed quatenus probauerit in premissis eatenus obtineat in petitis Juris [beneficio in omnibus]
semper saluo vestrum officium domine Judex in premissis humiliter implorando

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/1/6 image 4]

[Endorsement]

Mynshull

against Scariot

Lightfoot

[in pencil in a different hand]

1534

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

Transcript

[5/1/6 image 4]

[Endorsement]

Mynshull

contra Scariot

Lightfoot

[in pencil in a different hand]

1534

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

People

John Minshull – plaintiff

Sir Gilbert Lightfoot – plaintiff

Alice Scariot – defendant

Agnes Kinsey – mentioned in the libel

Edmund Kinsey – mentioned in the libel

Officials

Richard Smyth – official of the archdeacon of Chester

Subjects

Defamatory words

Places

Warmingham

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