Ref: EDC 5/1580/6

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Translation

[1575/3 image 1]

In the name of God Amen: before you, William, by divine permission bishop of Chester, or your commissary general or any other judge whomsoever competent in this regard; the party of the worshipful John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey, gentlemen, farmers of the tithes of the church or chapel of Churton Heath of the parish of Saint Oswald of your Chester diocese and jurisdiction against Ralph Calveley, gentleman, of the chapel and parish aforesaid of your diocese and jurisdiction aforesaid, and against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same by way of complaint and complaining to you in this behalf says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law as follows:

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

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

 

 

 

 

Transcript

[1575/3 image 1]

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/3 image 2]

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

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

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

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

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

Transcript

[1575/3 image 2]

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

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

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

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

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/3 image 3]

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

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

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

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

Transcript

[1575/3 image 3]

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

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

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

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

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/3 image 4]

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said farmers, prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him with effect in all and singular the premises, and that the said Ralph Calveley is condemned in the tithes aforesaid, or their true value in accordance with the statute of the realm set forth in that behalf, and also in the lawful costs incurred on the part of the said farmers in this behalf and he protests those to be incurred, and, having been condemned, that he is obliged and compelled to the due and real payment of the same by you and your definitive sentence, lord judge aforesaid; which the party of the said farmer propounds and prays to be done jointly and severally by way of summary petition simply and plainly, not binding himself to prove all and singular the premises, nor to the burden of a superfluous proof, against which he protests, but so far as he shall prove in the premises so much may he obtain of the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office in all the premises, distinguished judge aforesaid; and this party asserts the right of adding to, amending  and correcting this libel at a suitable and opportune time and place etc.

Transcript

[1575/3 image 4]

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

Libel (image 5)

Original Document

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Translation

[1575/3 image 5]

[Endorsement]

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

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1575/3 image 5]

[Endorsement]

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

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Exceptions to the libel

Original Document

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

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Translation

[1575/3 image 9]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[1575/3 image 11]

[Endorsement]

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

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1575/3 image 9]

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[1575/3 image 11]

[Endorsement]

[…] xvijo die Novembris Anno Domini 1575

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Ralph Calveley – defendant

John Vawdrey – plaintiff

Richard Vawdrey – plaintiff

Robert Vawdrey – brother of plaintiffs

 

 

 

Officials

William Downham 

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.

 

 

Ref: EDC 5/1566/11

  • Search Cause Papers

Catalogue Entry:

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

Summary:

Edward Ogells [Ogle] contra Richard Carter.

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

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Tithes – hay

Cause Papers:

Exceptions against the libel

Exceptions against the libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/11 image 1]

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

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

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

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

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

 

Transcript

[1566/11 image 1]

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

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

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

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

Exceptions against the libel (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/11 image 2]

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

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

Transcript

[1566/11 image 2]

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

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

Exceptions against the libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/11 image 3]

[Endorsement]

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

[in pencil in a different hand]

Prescot

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1566/11 image 3]

[Endorsement]

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

[in pencil in a different hand]

Prescot

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

 

People

Edward Ogle (Ogells) – plaintiff

Richard Carter – defendant

John Layton – possible rightful farmer of the tithes in question

 

 

Officials

William Downham

 

 

 

Subjects

Farm

Places

Huyton

Prescot

 

Ref: EDC 5/1566/6

  • Search Cause Papers

Catalogue Entry:

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

Summary:

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

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Tithes- barley; tithes – oats; tithes – hay

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/6 image 1]

[…] and against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same by way of complaint and complaining to you in this behalf says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law in articles as follows:

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

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

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

Transcript

[1566/6 image 1]

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

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

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

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

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/6 image 2]

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

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

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

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

Transcript

[1566/6 image 2]

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

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

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

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

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/6 image 3]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said farmer aforesaid prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him with effect in all and singular the premises, and also that the aforesaid William Sutton and Ralph Gardner are condemned in the tithes aforesaid subtracted by them and their men and in double the value of the same according to the aforesaid statute of the realm issued in that behalf; and in the lawful costs incurred on the part of the said farmer in this behalf, and he protests those to be incurred; and, having been condemned, that they are canonically obliged and compelled to the due and real payment of the same tithes and expenses by you and passing your definitive sentence in this behalf, lord judge aforesaid: and otherwise, that what will have been of right and reason in the premises and anything whatsoever concerning them may be done, established and decreed. The party of the said farmer propounds the premises and prays that they are done jointly and severally, not binding himself to prove all and singular the premises, nor to the burden of a superfluous proof, against which he protests, but so far as he shall prove in the premises so much may he obtain of the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office in the premises, distinguished judge.

Transcript

[1566/6 image 3]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/5 image 4]

[Endorsement]

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

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1566/5 image 4]

[Endorsement]

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

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

John Leigh (or Legh) – plaintiff

William Sutton – defendant

Ralph Gardner – defendant

 

Officials

William Downham

 

 

Subjects

Farm of tithes

 

Places

Prestbury

Sutton

Wincle

Related Causes

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

 

Ref: EDC 5/1566/5

  • Search Cause Papers

Catalogue Entry:

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

Summary:

William Farington, esquire, farmer of the rectory of Blackburn contra John Harwood.

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Tithes- lambs

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/5 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; before you William, by divine permission bishop of Chester, or your commissary general or any other judge whomsoever competent in this regard, the party of the distinguished, William Farington, esquire, farmer of the parish of Blackburn of Chester diocese against John Harwood of the parish aforesaid of your diocese and 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 says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law in articles as follows:

1          Firstly, that the said William Farington, was and is commonly called, taken, held, named and openly, publicly and notoriously reputed as farmer of the parish church of Blackburn, and of the tithes and church rights proceeding, growing, renewing and arising within the bounds and limits and tithable places of the same parish of Blackburn aforesaid; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2          Also, that as well by common law as by ancient laudable and lawful prescribed custom, hitherto inviolably and steadfastly used and observed from time immemorial and often upheld in judgment in a contested cause, the right of receiving and having all and singular lesser, mixed and minute tithes and other ecclesiastical dues and emoluments whatsoever within the said parish of Blackburn and  the bounds and limits and the tithable places of the same, however and whenever proceeding or arising belonged and belongs and so ought also to have belonged and ought in future to the farmer of Blackburn aforesaid, whomsoever for the time being, or to his farmer or farmers; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

3          Also, that the current farmer of the parish church of Blackburn aforesaid and the tithable places of the same, and his  precursors and predecessors each and every one of them in their successive times, for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years, and before and since and also from the time and throughout the time of the beginning or to the contrary of which there exists no memory of men, were, just as they should have been, in peaceful possession, or virtually so, of the right of receiving and having all and singular lesser, mixed and minute tithes, and especially tithes of lambs proceeding and arising within the said parish of Blackburn, the bounds and limits and tithable places in the same, and they themselves and their men took, had and freely disposed of them and likewise the current farmer there took, had and disposed for his whole time until the time of this grievance set out below and he thus should have taken and ought also in future; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Transcript

[1566/5 image 1]

In dei Nomine Amen Coram vobis Willielmo permissione divina Cestrensi Episcopo vestroue commissario
generali seu alio Judice in hac parte Competenti quocunque Pars discreti viri Willielmi farrington armigeri firmarij parochie de Blackeburne Cestrensis diocesis contra et aduersus Johannem Harwod parochie predicte diocesis
et vestre Jurisdiccionis  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 Diuisim
atque articulatim pro vt Sequitur

1          Inprimis Quod dictus Willielmus farrington firmarius ecclesie parochialis de Blackburne ac decimarum et Jurium
ecclesiasticorum infra fines et limites locaque decimibilia eiusdem parochie de Blackeburne predicte provenientium crescentium
renouantium et contingentium fuit et est communiter dictus tentus habitus nominatus et Reputatus palam publice et notorie
[et ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet]

2          Item Quod tam de Jure communi quam de antiqua laudabili legitimeque prescripta Consuetudine a [tempore immemo]-
rato hucvsque inviolabiliter et inconcusse vsitata et observata ac in contradictorio Judicio sepius obtenta J[us]
percipiendi et habendi omnies et singulas decimas minores mixtas et minutas ac cetera Jura et emolu[menta]
ecclesiastica quemcunque infra dictam parochiam de Blackeburne ac fines et limites locaque decimabilia euisdem
qualitercunque et quandocunque provenientes et contingentes ad firmarium de Blackburne predictum quemcunque pro [tem]-
pore existente eiusve firmarium siue firmarios pertinuit et pertinet ac sic pertinere debuit et debet
etiam in futurum Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

3            Item Quod firmarius ecclesie parochialis de Blackburne predicte ac locorum decimabilia in eijsdem modernus eiusque
precessores et predicessores omnies et singuli eorum temporibus successiue existentes A x.xx.xxx xl l et lx annis
vltraque et citra nec non a tempore et per tempus Cuius inicij siue contrarij memoria hominum non existet
fuerunt pro vt esse debuerunt in pacifica possessione seu quasi Juris percipiendi et habendi omnies et
singulas decimas minores mixtas et minutas et presertim decimas Agnorum provenientes et contingentes
infra dictam parochiam de Blackeburne finesque et limites locaque decimabilia in eadem easque
per se et suos perceperunt et libere disposuerunt sicque percepit habuit et disposuit firmarius ibidem
modernus toto suo tempore vsque ad tempus grauaminis infrascriptis ac sic percipere debuit et
debet Etiam in futurum Et ponit coniunctim diuisim et dequolibet

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/5 image 2]

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

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

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

Also, that the said John Harwood  who had and has no right in the said farm of the tithes of the parish of Blackburn, or in the tithes aforesaid in any way, heedless of the welfare of his soul, being induced, as it is believed, by an evil spirit, scorning these said statutes of the realm and not fearing to fall under penalty of the law in the months of March, April, May, June, July and August namely in this present year of our Lord one thousand five hundred and sixty six, himself or his men, took, had, disposed and converted and applied to his own use tithes of lambs coming, growing and arising on his lands in the parish of Blackburn paying, rendering or tithing no tithes of the same to the present farmer there, or to any deputy of his whatever, nor otherwise compounding for the same, or any part thereof; and he propounds as before.

Transcript

[1566/5 image 2]

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

5            Item Quod in parliamento Anglie apud Westminster Annis Regni Edwardi Sexti nuper  felicis m[em]orie
Regis Anglie Secundo et tertio tento habito et celebrato in Corroboracionem solucionis omnium generum decimarum
et oblationem de Jure debitarum inter alia statuta fuit et est ordinatum in hec verba And be hit
Enacted by the authority aforesaid etc. yf any person carrey awaie his prediall tethes before
the tethe be sett furth or willingly withdraw his tethe of the same or of suche other thinges wherof
prediall tethes ought to be payd the partie so with drawinge shall pay dowble valeu […]
pro vt in eodem statuto plenius continetur ad quod et contenta in eodem totaliter se refert pars [ista]
proponens quatenus sibi expedit et non aliter neque alio modo Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim et
dequolibet

Item Quod mos et consuetudo decimandi siue soluendi decimas Agnorum provenientium crescentium  et contingentium
infra dictam parochiam de Blackburne a tempore et per tempus cuius inicij siue contrarij memoria hominum
non existet inolevit quod quilibet parochianus ibidem redderet decimarum Agnorum  provenientium crescentium contingentium et renouantium
infra fines et limites locaque decimibilia eiusdem parochie de Blackburne iuxta et Secundum laudabilem et
legitimam vsum morem et consuetudinem parochie et loci vbi huiusmodi decime proveniunt seu debentur Et ponit vt
Supra

Item Quod dictus Johannes Harwod qui nihil Juris in dicta firma decimarum parochie de Blackburne vel in
decimis predictis habuit et habet aliqualiter anime sue salutis immemor spiritu vt creditur maligno ductus
dicta  statuta regia huiusmodi vilipendens et in penam Juris cadere non formidans mensis martij Aprilis
Maij Junij Julij et Augusti videlicet in instante Anno domini millesimo Quingentesimo Sexagesimo Sexto decimas Agnorum
provenientes et contingentes in terris suis parochie de Blackeburne per se et suos percepit habuit disposuit et
in proprios vsus conuertebat et applicuit nullas decimas de eijsdem firmario ibidem moderno aut suo deputato
cuicunque soluendum Reddendum aut decimandum nec aliter debite componendum pro huiusmodi vel aliqua parte
earundem  Et ponit vt Supra

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/5 image 3]

Also, that the true value or valuation of the tithes or tenth part of lambs thus withdrawn, stored away and subtracted by the aforesaid John Harwood in the year libellate notoriously amounted to the value or valuation of four shillings of good and lawful English money;  and this propounding party propounds of whatever other intermediate or lesser sum and also of such and so great an amount as shall come to be declared and proved in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

Also, that the true value or valuation of the tithes or tenth part of lambs thus withdrawn, stored away and subtracted by the aforesaid John Harwood in the year libellate notoriously amounted to the value or valuation of two shillings of good and lawful English money;  and this propounding party propounds of whatever other intermediate or lesser sum and also of such and so great an amount as shall come to be declared and proved in the event of this suit; and he propounds as before.

[This is a repetition of the previous article with the value given as two shillings.]

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

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

Also, that the said John Harwood was and is of the parish of Blackburn of Chester diocese, and for that reason notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction; and he propounds as before.

Also, that it was and is on behalf of the distinguished William Farington, esquire, current farmer of the tithes of Blackburn aforesaid that this action is rightly and lawfully brought to you, lord judge aforesaid, and to your Chester consistory court; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Also, that each and every one of the premises was and is true, public, notorious, manifest and equally well-known, and public voice and fame were and are circulating regarding and concerning this in the parish of Blackburn and in other neighbouring and surrounding places.

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said farmer aforesaid prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him with effect in all and singular the premises, and also that the aforesaid John Harwood is condemned in the tithes aforesaid subtracted by him and his men and in double the value of the same according to the aforesaid statute of the realm issued in that behalf; and in the lawful costs incurred on the part of the said farmer in this behalf, and he protests those to be incurred; and, having been condemned, that he is canonically obliged and compelled to the due and real payment of the same tithes and expenses by you and passing your definitive sentence in this behalf, lord judge aforesaid.  And otherwise, that what will have been of right and reason in the premises and anything whatsoever concerning them may be done, established and decreed. The party of the said farmer propounds the premises and prays that they are done jointly and severally, not binding himself to prove all and singular the premises, nor to the burden of a superfluous proof, against which he protests, but so far as he shall prove in the premises so much may he obtain of the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office in the premises, distinguished judge aforesaid.

Transcript

[1566/5 image 3]

Item Quod verus valor siue estimatio decimarum siue decime partis Agnorum sic per prefatum Johannem Harwod in
anno libellato decisorum repositorum et subtractorum ad valorem siue estimationem quatuor solidorum bone
et legalis monete anglie notorie se extendebat Et ponit pars ista proponens de qualibet alia summa siue
valore intermedia vel minori ac de tali et tanta Summa de qua in euentu huius litis
veniet declarandum et comprobandum Et ponit vt Supra

Item Quod verus valor siue estimatio decimarum siue decime partis Agnorum sic per prefatum Johannem
Harwod in anno libellato decisorum repositorum et subtractorum ad valorem siue estimationem duorum solidorum
bone et legalis monete anglie notorie se extendebat Et ponit pars ista proponens de qualibet alia summa siue
valore inter media vel minori ac de tali et tanta Summa de qua in euentu huius litis
veniet declarandum et comprobandum Et ponit vt Supra

[This is a repetition of the previous article with the value given as two shillings.]

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

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

Item Quod dictus Johannes Harwod fuit et est parochie de Blackburne Cestrensis diocesis et eo pretextu
vestre Jurisdiccionis notorie subditus et Subiectus  Et ponit vt supra

Item Quod fuit et est ex parte discreti viri Willielmi farrington  armigeri firmarij decimarum de Blackburne
predicte moderni  ad vos dominum Judicem antedictum et ad curiam vestram consistorialem Cestrensem Rite et legitime querelatum
Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

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

Vnde facta fide de Jure in hac parte requisita petit pars dicti
firmarij antedicti Jus et Justiciam sibi in premissis omnibus et singulis fieri et ministrari cum effectu Nec
non prefatus Johannem Harwod in decimis predictis per se et suos subtractis et in duplici valore earundem iuxta
predicta statuta regia  in ea parte edita et in expensis legitimis per partem dicti firmarij  in hac parte factis et
protestatur defiendis condempnari ac condempnatum ad debitam et realem solucionem earundem decimarum et
expensis canonice cogi et compelli per vos et vestram Sentenciam diffinitiuam in hac parte ferendam domine Judex
antedicte Vlteriusque fieri statui et decerni in premissis et ea concernentibus quibuscunque quod Juris fuerit et
Rationis Premissa proponit et fieri petit pars dicti firmarij Coniunctim et diuisim non arctans se ad omnia
et singula premissa probanda nec ad onus superflue 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

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/5 image 4]

[Endorsement]

Libel of the distinguished William Farington against John Harwood in a cause of tithes exhibited in the year 1566.

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1566/5 image 4]

[Endorsement]

libellus discreti viri
Willielmi farington
contra et aduersus Johannem
Harwod in causa decimarum
exhibitus Anno 1566

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

William Farington – plaintiff

John Harwood – defendant

 

 

Officials

William Downham

 

 

Subjects

Farm

 

Places

Blackburn

Related Causes

Other tithe causes involving William Farington may be found at
EDC 5/1566/3
EDC 5/1566/4
EDC 5/1572/12 Croston
EDC 5/1576/39 Leyland

 

Ref: EDC 5/1566/4

  • Search Cause Papers

Catalogue Entry:

There is no catalogue entry for this cause. The papers are filed in a paper folder labelled EDC 5 (1567) NO 4 BLACKBURN with other cause papers labelled 1566 and there is another set of cause papers labelled EDC 5 (1567) NO 4 filed with those for 1567. It has thus been assumed that these papers relate to reference EDC 5/1566/4.

Summary:

William Farington, esquire, farmer of the rectory of Blackburn contra Robert Ratcliffe.

Robert claimed that there was a customary payment for the tithes of the lands he occupied in the parish of Blackburn, which William Farington was seeking to overturn

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Tithes – hay; tithes – oats

Cause Papers:

Exceptions to the libel

Exceptions to the libel (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/4 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; in a certain pretended cause of subtraction of tithes, which is disputed and pending undecided before you, the right reverend father in God, William, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester, or your vicar general in spirituals and official principal of your Chester consistory court, between William Farington, esquire, farmer of the rectory of Blackburn, of Chester diocese and of your jurisdiction, pretended party plaintiff and complainant, on the one part and Robert Ratcliffe of the said parish and diocese, pretended defending party and defendant, on the other part. The party of the said Robert Ratcliffe, to all consequence of law following therefrom against the said William Farington, esquire, farmer aforesaid, and against any other person whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same, and also against a certain pretended libel, such as it is, given and offered, although invalidly, on behalf of the said William, and his whole claim in the same says, alleges and in these writings propounds in law in articles as follows;

Firstly, the party of the said Robert Ratcliffe, in excepting, propounds against the said pretended libel given and offered as thus aforesaid on behalf of the said William Farington, esquire, farmer aforesaid, that, from matters set forth and narrated or the contained in this pretended libel he clearly cannot or should not help himself or obtain any advantage for himself following therefrom in any way inasmuch as the said farmer in his libel is acting against this proponent and defendant for tithes of oats, barley and hay as is contained in the second, third, fourth and the rest of the articles of the libel since these tithes should be paid neither by law nor by custom to the said farmer of Blackburn in the manner and form sought

Transcript

[1566/4 image 1]

In dei nomine [A]men: In quadam pretensa causa subtrac-
tionis decimarum quæ coram vobis Reverendo in christo patre et domino
Domino Willielmo permissione divina Cestrensi Episcopo vestroue
vicario in spiritualibus generali et officiali principali Curie vestre
Consistorialis Cestrensis inter Willielmum Farington armigerum
firmarium Rectorie de Blakebourne Cestrensis diocesis
et vestre Jurisdiccionis partem pretensam actricem et que-
relantem ex vna et Robertum Ratclyff dicte
parochie et diocesis partem pretensam ream et defen-
dentem partibus ex altera vertitur et pendet
indecisa Pars dicti Roberti Ratcliffe ad omnem
Juris effectum exinde sequi valentem contra et adversus
dictum Willielmum Farington armigerum firmarium predictum
ac contra quemcunque alium coram vobis pro eodem in Ju-
dicio Legitime intervenientem nec non contra quendam
pretensum libellum ex parte dicti Willielmi taliter immo
nulliter datum et oblatum totalemque intentionem
eius, in eodem dicit allegat et in hijs
scriptis in Jure proponit articulatim prout sequitur

In primis pars dicti Roberti Ratcliffe excipiendo propo-
nit contra dictum pretensum libellum sic vt prefertur ex parte
dicti Willielmi Farington armigerum firmarij predicti Datum
et oblatum, quod ex deductis scilicet, et narratis
siue contentis in huiusmodi suo libello, se iuvare
aut aliquid commodi sibi exinde reportare seu
consequi non potest neque debet quovismodo
Pro eo videlicet et ex eo quod dictus firmarius in
suo libello, agit contra istum proponentem et defen-
dentum pro decimis avenarum <hordei> ac feni provt
in secundo tercio, quarto et reliquis articulis
libelli continetur quum huiusmodi decimæ, nec de Jure, vel
consuetudine solvi debeant dicto firmario de
Blakeburne modo et forma, quibus petuntur

Exceptions to the libel (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/4 image 2]

in the said libel nor did  the predecessors or precursors of the farmer aforesaid ever have or receive these tithes of oats or hay, thus unjustly sought, nor has the current farmer had or taken nor ought to have or should take them, as is sought in the articles of his libel, since for the space of 80 years and from the time and throughout the time of the beginning or to the contrary of which there exists no memory of men the reasonable custom, inviolably observed, uninterrupted, prescribed and approved has grown up  that every tenant whomsoever of the messuage or tenement which the said Robert Ratcliffe occupies at present  lying within the parish aforesaid during his time should pay or cause to be paid each year to the farmer aforesaid and to his predecessors for all tithes of grain and hay a certain sum of money which amounted to 2s 8d, which certain sum each and every one of the predecessors of the farmer aforesaid had, took and approved in their time, and also the farmer aforesaid had, took and approved from his farm aforesaid in whatever manner he acquired it, as in the event of this suit will become manifestly clear and appear by lawful proofs; and he propounds jointly, severally and of every part thereof etc..

Each and every part of which is true, public, notorious, manifest, famous etc..

Wherefore, the proof lawfully required in this behalf having been made, the party of the said Robert Ratcliffe prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him in all and singular the premises and anything whatsoever concerning them, and that he, Robert Ratcliffe, is absolved and dismissed from further petition and unjust vexation by the said William Farington, esquire, farmer aforesaid; and that he, William Farington, farmer aforesaid, is condemned in the lawful costs incurred and to be incurred on the part of the said Robert Ratcliffe in that behalf etc.;

Transcript

[1566/4 image 2]

in dicto libello neque huiusmodi decimas auenarum siue fœni
sic iniuste petitas, firmarij predicti precessores
vel predecessores vnquam habuerunt vel recepuerunt
firmariusve modernus habuit, percepit vel
percipere debuit aut debet iuxta eius in
articulis libelli peticionem, quandoquidem a lxxx
annorum spacio et a tempore et per tempus cuius
initii siue contrarii memoria hominum non existit
consuetudo rationabilis inviolabiliter, observata
continuata prescripta, appropata inolevit quod
quilibet tenens mesuagij siue tenementi quod
in presenti dictus Robertus Ratcliff occupat siue possidet infra
parochiam predictam Jacentis pro tempore suo existens solveret seu
solvi faceret firmario predicto et eius predicessoribus
pro omnibus decimis granij, ac fœni singulis annis, Summa qua-
dam pecuniarum quæ extendebat ad ijs viijd quam quidem
summa firmarij predicti predicessores omnes et singuli eorum temporibus
habuerunt perceperunt et ratum habuerunt necnon habuit per-
cepit et ratum habuit firmarius antedictus ex quo
firmam suam antedictam assecutus est quemadmodum per
probationes Legitimas in eventu huius litis manifeste liquebit
et apparebit et ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet et cetera

Quæ omnia  et singula, sunt vera publica notoria
manifesta et famosa et cetera

Vnde facta fide
de Jure in hac parte requisita petit pars
dicti Roberti Ratcliff Jus et Justiciam sibi
fieri et ministrari in premissis omnibus et singulis
et ea concernentibus quibuscunque ipsumque Robertum
Ratcliffe, ab impeticione et iniusta vexacione dicti
Willielmi Farington armigeri firmarij predicti ab-
solvi et dimitti Ipsumque Willielmum Farington
firmarium antedictum in expensis Legitimis per
partem dicti Roberti Ratcliffe in hac parte
factis et fiendis condempnari et cetera Juris

Exceptions to the libel (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/4 image 3]

always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office etc., and this party propounding asserts of adding and amending this material at an agreeable and suitable time and place etc..

Transcript

[1566/4 image 3]

beneficio in omnibus semper salvo vestrum officium humi-
liter Implorando et cetera et protestatur pars ista
proponens de addendo et emendando
hanc mateream pro loco et tempore
congruis et oportunis et cetera

Exceptions to the libel (image 4)

Original Document

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Translation

[1566/4 image 4]

[Endorsement]

Exceptive material on behalf of Robert Ratcliffe against the pretended libel of William Farington, esquire, in a cause of tithes exhibited in the year of our Lord 1566.

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1566/4 image 4]

[Endorsement]

Materea exceptiua
ex parte Roberti Rat-
cliffe contra pretensum libellum
Willielmi Farington
armigeri in causa de-
cimarum exhibita
Anno domini 1566

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

William Farington – plaintiff

Robert Ratcliffe – defendant

 

 

Officials

William Downham

 

 

Subjects

Farm

Tithes – modus

Places

Blackburn

Related Causes

Other tithe causes involving William Farington may be found at
EDC 5/1566/3
EDC 5/1566/5
EDC 5/1572/12 Croston
EDC 5/1576/39 Leyland

 

Ref: EDC 5/1566/3

  • Search Cause Papers

Catalogue Entry:

There is no catalogue entry for this cause but the papers are filed in a paper folder labelled EDC 5 (1566) NO 3 BLACKBURN

Summary:

William Farington, esquire, farmer of the rectory of Blackburn contra Thomas Ireland, senior.

Thomas claimed that there was a customary payment for the tithes of a tenement called ‘Rodeiate’ and demesne land of Balderstone which William was seeking to overturn

 

Year

1566

Type of Cause:

Tithes – barley; tithes – hay; tithes – oats

Cause Papers:

Exceptions to the libel

Exceptions to the libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/3 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; in a certain pretended cause of subtraction of tithes, which is disputed and pending undecided before you, the right reverend father in God, William, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester, or your vicar general in spirituals and official principal of your Chester  consistory court, between William Farington, esquire, farmer of the rectory of Blackburn, of Chester diocese and jurisdiction, pretended party plaintiff and complainant, on the one part and Thomas Ireland, senior, pretended defending party and defendant, on the other part. The party of the said Thomas Ireland, senior, to all consequence of law following therefrom against the said William Farington, farmer aforesaid, and against any other person whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same, and also against a certain pretended libel, somehow, although invalidly, given and offered, on behalf of the said William Farington aforesaid, and his whole claim in the same says, alleges and in these writings propounds in law in articles as follows;

Firstly, the party of the said Thomas Ireland, senior, in excepting, propounds against the said pretended libel given and offered as is thus aforesaid on behalf of the said William Farington, farmer aforesaid, that from matters set forth and narrated or contained in this his libel cannot or should not help himself or obtain any advantage for himself following therefrom in any way inasmuch as the said farmer is acting against this proponent and defendant for tithes of oats, barley and hay as is contained in 2, 3, 4 and the rest of the articles of the libel since these tithes should be paid neither by law nor by custom to the said farmer in the manner and form sought in the said libel nor did the predecessors or precursors of the farmer aforesaid

Transcript

[1566/3 image 1]

 

In dei nomine [A]men In quadam pretensa causa sub-tractionis decimarum q[ue] coram vobis Reverendo in christo pat[re]
et domino domino Willielmo permissione divina Cestrensi
Episcopo vestroue vicario in spiritualibus generali et officiali
[pr]incipali Curie vestre consistorialis Cestrensis inter Willielmum
[Fa]rington armigerum firmarium Rectorie de Blake-
[b]urne, Cestrensis diocesis et Jurisdiccionis partem pretensam
[ac]tricem et querelantem ex vna, et Thomam Ireland
[se]niorem partem pretensam ream et defendentem parti-
[bus] ex altera vertitur et pendet indecisa pars
dicti Thomæ Ireland senioris, ad omnem Juris effec-
tum exinde sequi valentem contra et adversus dictum Willielmum
Farington firmarium predictum, ac contra quemcunque
alium coram vobis, pro eodem in Judicio Legitime interve-
nientem nec non contra quendam pretensum libellum ex parte
dicti Willielmi Farington predicti taliter, qualiter
imo nulliter datum et oblatum totalemque eius
intentionem in eodem dicit allegat et in hijs
scriptis in Jure proponit articulatim prout sequitur

In primis pars dicti Thomæ Ireland senioris
excipiendo proponit contra dictum pretensum libellum sic vt
prefertur ex parte dicti Willielmi Farington, firma-
rij predicti, datum et oblatum, quod ex deductis
et narratis siue contentis in huiusmodi suo libello, se
iuvare, aut aliquid commodi sibi exinde reporta-
re seu consequi non potest neque debet quovis-
modo pro eo videlicet et ex eo quod dictus firmarius
agit contra istum proponentem et defendentum
pro decimis auenarum hordei et fœni prout in
2 · 3 · 4 et reliquis articulis libelli continetur quum
huiusmodi decimæ nec de Jure, vel consuetudine
dicto firmario solvi debeant modo et forma
quibus petuntur in dicto libello,nec huiusmodi deci-
mas, auenarum hordei et fœni, sic iniuste
petitas, firmarij predicti precessores siue predecessores

Exceptions to the libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/3 image 2]

ever have or receive these tithes of oats, barley and hay, thus unjustly sought, nor has the current farmer there had or taken nor ought to have or should take them, as is sought in the articles of his libel, since for the space of 80 years and from the time and throughout the time of the beginning or to the contrary of which there exists no memory of men the reasonable custom, inviolably observed, uninterrupted, prescribed and approved has grown up  that every tenant whomsoever of the messuage or tenement called ‘Rodeiate’ lying within the parish during his time should pay or cause to be paid each year to the farmer aforesaid and to his predecessors for all tithes of grain and hay a certain sum of money which amounted to 2s 4d, and also to pay for all accustomed tithes, as is aforesaid, when he mows and sows namely ‘in the demayne landes of bauderston[1] for everye aker of ground viijd’ which certain sum each and every one of the predecessors of the farmer aforesaid had, took and approved in their time, and also the current farmer there had, took and approved from his farm aforesaid in whatever manner he acquired it, as in the event of this suit will appear by lawful proofs; and he propounds jointly, severally and of every part thereof.         

Each and every part of which is true, public, notorious, manifest, famous etc..

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said Thomas Ireland, senior, prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him etc., and that he, Thomas, is absolved and dismissed from further petition and unjust vexation by the said William Farington, farmer aforesaid; and that he, William Farington, is condemned in the lawful costs incurred and to be incurred on the part of the said Thomas Ireland; always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office etc., and this party asserts the right of adding and amending this material at an agreeable and suitable time and place etc..

[1] Balderstone or Balderston, a township in the parish of Blackburn.

Transcript

[1566/3 image 2]

vnquam habu[erunt siue] recepueru[nt] firmarius ib[idem]
modernus ha[bui]t percepit vel percipere debuit
aut debet, iuxta eius <in> articulis libelli peticionem
Quandoquidem a lxxx annorum spacio, et
a tempore et per tempus, cuius initii siue contrarii
memoria hominum non essi[stit] consuetudo, ra-
tionabilis, inviolabiliter obse[rv]ata, continuata
prescripta et appropata inolev[it] quod quilibet
tenens, mesuagij siue tenem[en]ti vocati Rodeiate
infra parochiam Jacentis pro tempore suo existe[ns] solveret seu solvi fec-
eret firmario predicto et eius predi[cess]oribus pro omnibus decimis
granij <ac feni> singulis annis Summa quadam pecuniarum quæ exten-
debat ad ijs iiijd, ac etiam solvere, pro omnibus decimis consuet[is]
vt predicitur quando metat et seminat scilicet in the de-
mayne landes of bauderston for everye aker of ground
viijd quam quidem summam firmarij predicti predicessores
omnes et singuli eorum temporibus habuerunt perceperunt et ratum ha-
buerunt, nec non habuit percepit et ratum habuit firmar-
ius ibidem modernus ex quo firmam suam antedictam
assecutus quemadmodum in eventu huius litis per probatio[nes]
Legitimas apparebit Et ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

Quæ omnia  et singula, sunt vera publica
notoria manifesta et famosa et cetera 

Vnde
facta fide de Jure in hac parte requisita petit pars
dicti Thomæ Ireland senioris Jus et Justiciam
sibi fieri et ministrari et cetera ipsumque Thomam ab
impeticione et iniusta vexacione dicti Willielmi Fa-
rington, firmarij predicti absolui et dimitti
ipsumque Willielmum Farington in expensis Legitimis
per partem dicti Thomæ Ireland factis et
fiendis condempnari et cetera Juris beneficio in
omnibus semper salvo vestrum officium humiliter im-
plorando et cetera Et protestatur pars ista de adden-
do et emendando hanc mateream pro loco
et tempore congruis et oportunis et cetera

Exceptions to the libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/3 image 3]

[Endorsement]

[…] Ireland, senior, against the pretended libel of William Farington, esquire, in a cause of tithes; exhibited in the year of our Lord 1566.

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

Translation copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[1566/3 image 3]

 [Endorsement]

[…] Ireland senioris
contra pretensum libellum Willielmi
Farington armigeri
in causa decimarum ex-
hibit’ Anno domini
1566

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

Transcript copyright ©2022 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

William Farington – plaintiff

Thomas Ireland, senior – defendant

 

 

Officials

William Downham

 

 

Subjects

Farm

Tithes – modus

Places

Balderstone

Blackburn

‘Rodeiate’ – tenement, unidentified

 

Related Causes

Other tithe causes involving William Farington may be found at
EDC 5/1566/4
EDC 5/1566/5
EDC 5/1572/12 Croston
EDC 5/1576/39 Leyland