Ref: EDC 5/10/2

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/10/2 – Sentence in tithe cause: Roger Fulbek, Nicholas Jacson & Ellen Fulbeke, farmers of Irton co. L. v. John Sherween, Nicholas Sherween & Rowland Hartley of pa. Irton. 13 Apr. 1549.

Summary:

Roger and Ellen Fulbeke and Nicholas Jacson, farmers of the tithes of Irton, contra John and Nicholas Sherween and Roland Hartley.

Roger Fulbeke and his wife, Ellen, together with Nicholas Jacson had leased the tithes of the parish of Irton from John Fox, who had leased them from Sir Hugh Askew, the king’s cellerer,  who had a lease from Henry VIII following the dissolution of  Seton nunnery in 1536 (CALS EDC 2/4 p. 72a).

This cause is unusual in the Chester Consistory Court as the defendants resided in the archdeaconry of Richmond where the tithes in question arose; the vast majority of such causes were heard in Richmond. The parishes of residence of the plaintiffs are not given.

The sentence sets out the value of the tithes awarded to the plaintiffs and quantifies their costs, setting out the date for payment of the amount adjudged to be due.

Year

1549

Type of Cause:

Tithes – barley; tithes – oats; tithes – wheat

Cause Papers:

Sentence

Sentence (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/10/2 image 1]

[…] the merits and circumstances of a certain cause of subtraction of tithes […]  investigated by us, George Wilmesley, Bachelor of Laws, vicar general in spirituals of the right reverend father in Christ, John, by divine permission bishop of Chester upheld by the supreme authority of the most illustrious Prince in Christ and our master, Edward the sixth, by the grace of God King of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith and on earth supreme head of the English and Irish church under Christ, and sufficiently and lawfully deputed official principal of the consistory of the same reverend father which was for some time disputed and is as yet disputed and pending undecided before us between the honest men Roger Fulbeke, Nicholas Jacson and Ellen Fulbeke farmers of the lord King of the parish church of Irton of Chester diocese the party complainant on one part, and John Sherween, Nicholas Sherween and Roland Hartley of the parish of Irton aforesaid the defendant and party complained of on the other part rightly and lawfully proceeding; the parties aforesaid appearing before us in judgement sufficiently and lawfully, the party of the said Roger, Nicholas and Ellen fervently praying that sentence is passed and that justice may be done to their party, moreover the party of the said John, Nicholas and Roland also urgently praying that sentence may be passed […] for their party.

Transcript

[5/10/2 image 1] 

[…] discussis [per nos] Georgium Wilmysley in [legibus] Baccall[arium]
Reuerendi in Christo patris domini Johannis permissione diuina Cestrensis Episcopi suprema
auctoritate Illustrissimi in Christo principis et domini nostri domini Edwardi
Sexti dei gracia Anglie Francie et Hibernie Regis fidei defensoris
et in terra ecclesie Anglicane et Hibernice supremi capitis
fulciti vicarium in spiritualibus generalem, et Consistorij eiusdem Reuerendi
patris Officialem principalem sufficienter et legitime deputatum
meritis et circumstancijs cuiusdam cause subtraccionis decimarum
que coram nobis inter honestos viros Rogerum fulbeke Nicolaum
Jacson et Elenam Fulbeke firmarios domini Regis Ecclesie parochialis
de Irton Cestrensis diocesis partem querelantem ex parte una, et
Johannem Sherween Nicolaum Sherween et Rouland hartley
parochie de Irton predicte partem ream et querelatam ex parte
altera aliquamdiu vertebatur, et adhuc vertitur et pendet
indecisa rite et legitime procedentes partibus predictis coram nobis
sufficienter et legitime in Judicio comparentibus parteque dictorum Rogeri
Nicolai et Elene sententiam ferri et Justiciam fieri pro parte sua
parte vero dictorum Johannis [Nicolai] et Rolandi sententiam
eciam fieri et […] instanter postulantibus

Sentence (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/10/2 image 2]

[…] acts, enactments, deductions, […] allegations and proofs had and done by all sides in this cause, and having reviewed and considered them with promptness and diligence, with the advice of those learned in the law with whom we have communicated in this behalf, and matters which according to law should be observed in this respect having been observed by us, we have thus thought fit to proceed to making the pronouncement of our definitive sentence or our final decree in the said cause, and we do proceed in this manner which follows;

forasmuch as we know and clearly find by the acts enacted, set forth, exhibited, propounded and likewise proved had and done by all sides in the said cause that the party of the aforesaid Roger, Nicholas and Ellen …. their claim as to the right, title and possession of the right of receiving all and singular tithes proceeding and arising in the aforesaid parish of Irton and the bounds and limits and the tithable places of the same set forth in their libel previously judicially given and offered by their party before us in the cause mentioned (the tenor of which libel follows in these words […] In the name of God, Amen: before you, the venerable

Transcript

[5/10/2 image 2] 

[…] actis inactitatis ded[…]allegatis et probatis
[in] huiusmodi causa hincinde habitis et factis, eisque cum maturitate
et diligencia recensitis et ponderatis de consilio Jurisperitorum
cum quibus in hac parte communicauimus, seruatis per nos de Jure
in hac parte servandis, ad nostre sententie diffinitiue siue decreti
nostri finalis in dicta causa ferendum prolacionem sic duximus
procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum,

Quia
per acta inactita deducta exhibita proposita <pariter et> probata
in dicta causa hincinde habita et facta
comperimus et luculenter Invenimus partem prefatorum Rogeri
Nicolai et Elene intencionem suam quoad ius titulum
et possessionem Juris percipiendi omnes et singulas decimas
in prefata parochiam de Irton finesque et limites ac loca
decimabilia eiusdem provenientes et contingentes in libello suo
alias per partem suam coram nobis in causa memorata Judicaliter
dato et oblato deductam cuius quidem libelli tenor sequitur
in hec verba [… In dei] nomine Amen Coram vobis venerabili

Sentence (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/10/2 image 3]

[…] John, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester sufficiently and lawfully deputed by the authority of the most illustrious Prince in Christ and our master, Edward the sixth, by the grace of God King of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith and on earth supreme head of the English and Irish church or any other judge whomsoever competent in this regard, the party of the distinguished men Roger Fulbeke, Nicholas Jacson and Ellen Fulbeke farmers of our lord King of the parish church of Irton of Chester diocese against John Sherween, Nicholas Sherween and Roland Hartley of the parish of Irton aforesaid of the archdeaconry of Richmond of the said Chester diocese and against any other whomsoever et cetera, which certain libel as here read and inserted, we hold and wish to be held as sufficiently founded and proved, and nothing effectual on behalf of […] has been or is excepted, set forth, alleged or proved which could destroy or in any way weaken the claim of the aforesaid farmers. Therefore we, George Wilmesley, official principal abovesaid, having first called upon the name of Christ, and having God himself alone before our eyes, as by right, title and possession or quasi possession by the said Roger, Nicholas and Ellen, farmers aforesaid, of the parish church of Irton […] all and singular tithes abovesaid […] tithable places of the same, howsoever and […] arising, as well as the right

Transcript

[5/10/2 image 3]

[…] dominum
Johannem permissione diuina Cestrensem Episcopum Auctoritate Illustrissimi in
Christo principis et domini nostri domini Edwardi Sexti dei gracia
Anglie Francie et Hibernie Regis fidei defensoris et in
terra ecclesie Anglicane et Hibernice supremi capitis sufficienter
et legitime deputatum aut alio Judice in hac parte competenti quocunque
Pars discretorum virorum Rogeri Filbeke Nicolai Jacson
et Elene Filbeke firmariorum domini nostri Regis ecclesie parochialis
de Irton Cestrensis diocesis contra et aduersus Johannem Sherween
Nicolaum Sherween et Rouland Hartley parochie de Irton
predicte Archidiaconatus Richmond dicte Cestrensis diocesis, ac contra quemcunque
alium et cetera quem quidem libellum pro hic lecto et inserto habemus
et haberi volumus sufficienter fundasse et probasse < nihilque effectuale ex parte […] exceptum deductum allegatum aut probatum fuisse
et esse quod intencionem prefatorum firmariorum elideret seu quomodolibet enervaret Idcirco nos Georgius Wilmysley Officialis principalis antedictus
Christi nomine primitus invocato ac ipsum solum deum pre
oculis nostris Habentes pro Jure titulo et possessione seu quasi
dictorum Rogeri Nicolai et Elen firmariorum antedictorum
ecclesie parochialis de Irton <[…] omnis [et sin]gulis decimis infradictis […]> loca decimabilia eiusdem
qualitercumque et [… con]tingentis Jus quoque

Sentence (image 4)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/10/2 image 4]

[…] belonged and appertained to Roger, Nicholas and Ellen, farmers of the parish church of Irton, during their […] term, by right and in the name of the parish church aforesaid and so ought to have belonged and to belong and appertain, likewise we pronounce, decree and declare that John Sherween, Nicholas Sherween and Roland Hartley have subtracted these tithes set out above from the said farmers and the parish church of Irton aforesaid or have not paid them in the months, years and places libelled in this respect arising and proceeding within the parish of Irton aforesaid and belonging and appertaining to the said farmers aforesaid in the manner and form expressed and declared in the said libel, or at least have ordered and caused that they should be thus subtracted or not paid and also had and have made and approved and similarly accepted this subtraction and non-payment; and that they, John, Nicholas and Roland, and any of them, according to the rate applicable to them respectively, to the payment, supply and satisfaction of the tithes aforesaid by them and [any] of them

Transcript

[5/10/2 image 4]

[…] Rogerum Nicolaum et [Elenam firm]arios de ecclesie
parochialis de Irton durante termino <…> suo Jure et nomine
ecclesie parochialis predicte spectasse et pertinasse et sic spectare
et pertinere debuisse et debere dictos quoque Johannem Sherween
Nicolaum Sherween et Rouland Hartley decimas
Huiusmodi infrascriptos mensibus annis et locis in hac parte
libellatas infra parochiam de Irton predictam contingentes et
provenientes atque ad dictos firmarios antedictos spectantes et
pertinentes modo et forma in dicto libello expressis et declaratis
dictis firmarijs <et ecclesie parochiali de Irton predicte> respectiue subtraxisse <aut> non soluisse,
seu saltem sic subtrahi aut non solui mandasse et
fecisse, Necnon subtracionem et non solucionem huiusmodi
sic factas, ratas et gratas habuisse et habere pariter et
acceptas pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus, Ipsosque
Johannem Nicolaum et Rouland et eorum quemlibet iuxta
ratam eos respectuie concernentem ad solucionem prestacionem
et satisfac[ionem] decimarum predictarum per eos et eorum

Sentence (image 5)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/10/2 image 5]

 

[…] John Sherween in the tenth part of fifteen bushels of wheat arising in the said parish of Irton in the one thousand five hundred and forty-eighth year of our Lord which tenth part we assess at the amount or value of 2s 3d and in the tenth part of fifteen bushels of barley at the amount or value of 2s and in the tenth part of forty bushels of oats at the amount or value of 2s of money of England according to what has been proved against him and Nicholas Sherween in the tenth part of thirty five bushels of wheat arising in the said parish of Irton in the one thousand five hundred and forty-seventh and forty-eighth years of our Lord which tenth part we assess at the amount or value of 5s 3d and in the tenth part of thirty five bushels of barley in the said years at the amount or value of 4s 8d and in the tenth part of one hundred bushels of oats in the said years at the amount or value of 5s of money of England according to what has been proved against him and Roland Hartley

Transcript

[5/10/2 image 5] 

[…] Johannem
Sherween in decima parte quindecim modiorum [s]iliginis anno
domini Millesimo quingentesimo xlviijo in dicta parochia de Irton provenientium
quam quidem decimam partem ad summam siue valorem ijs iijd
et in decima parte quindecim
modiorum ordij quam ad summam siue valorem ijs
et in decima parte quadraginta modiorum avenarum
quam ad summam siue valorem ijs monete Anglie estimamus
iuxta probata contra eum Et Nicolaum Sherween in decima parte
triginta quinque[1] modiorum [s]iliginis annis domini
Millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo septimo et quadragesimo
octauo in dicta parochia de Irton provenientium, quam quidem
decimam partem ad summam siue valorem vs iijd
< et in decima parte triginta quinque modiorum ordij dictis annis quam ad summam iiijs viijd>
et in decima parte Centum modiorum
Avenarum < dictis annis> quam <ad> summ[am siue va]lorem vs monete Anglie
estimamus iuxta probat[a contra eum Et] Rouland Hartley

[1] The number ‘triginta quinque’ has been crossed through and replaced by ‘septuaginta’. The insertion has then been deleted and the word ‘stet’ added next to the original words, meaning ‘let this stand’.

Sentence (image 6)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/10/2 image 6]

[…] arising [in the said parish] of Irton which tenth part we assess at the amount of 12d halfpenny and in the tenth part of twelve bushels of barley which […] at the amount of 20d and in the tenth part of forty bushels of oats at the amount or value of 2s of money of England according to what has been proved against him to be bound by law and we pronounce, decree and declare that John Sherween, Nicholas Sherween and Roland Hartley must pay, make good and satisfy to the farmers aforesaid the aforesaid tithes subtracted or not paid by them respectively as aforesaid, if they are still in existence, otherwise the true value of those tithes as duly requested to do, having refused and refusing or at least having unduly delayed and delay; and we condemn them respectively in the said tithes, if they are still in existence, otherwise in their values aforesaid, and in the lawful costs incurred and to be incurred on the part of the aforesaid farmers in this behalf (which expenses […] shillings of money of England

Transcript

[5/10/2 image 6]

 […] de Irton provenientium
quam quidem decimam partem ad summam siue valorem xxijd obulus
<et in decima parte duodecim modiorum ordij […] quam ad summam xxd et in decima parte quadraginta
modiorum Avenarum quam ad summam siue valorem ijs monete
Anglie estimamus iuxta probata contra eum de Jure teneri
dictos que Johannem Sherween Nicolaum Sherween et Rouland
Hartley ad soluendum prestandum et satisfaciendum firmarijs
antedictis prefatas decimas per eos ut premittitur respectiue
subtractas seu non solutas si extent, alioquin earundem
decimarum veros valores debite requisitos ad facere
recusasse et recusare seu plus iusto distulisse et differe
pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus. Et Ipsos in dictis
decimis si extent alioquin in earum valoribus antedictis, et
in expensis legitimos per partem prefatorum firmariorum in hac parte
factis et faciendis respectiue condempnamus (Quas quidem
expensas […] solidorum monete Anglie

Sentence (image 7)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/10/2 image 7]

[…] and they [are] to pay to the aforesaid farmers the expenses aforesaid taxed by us as is aforesaid before the feast of the Ascension of our Lord next coming upon pain of excommunication, forthwith and henceforward which we pass and promulgate if they and each of them do not appear upon our monition, warning them peremptorily in these writings we pronounce, decree and declare them to be by this our definitive sentence or this our final decree which we pass and publish in these writings.

This sentence was read and passed by the judge aforesaid on the 13th of April in the year 1549; being then present there John Hurmefroy and Peter Gillam, literate laymen etc.

Transcript

[5/10/2 image 7] 

[…] eosdemque ad soluendum prefatis [fir]marijs
expensas predictas per nos ut premittitur taxatas citra
festum ascensionis domini[1] proximum futurum sub pena excommunicacionis
quam in ipsos et eorum quemlibet monicionibus nostris non parentes
exnunc prout extunc et extunc prout exnunc ferimus et promulgamus
in hijs scriptis peremptorie monendos fore pronunciamus
decernimus et declaramus per hanc nostram sententiam diffinituam
siue hoc nostrum finale decretum quam siue quod ferimus
et promulgamus in hijs scriptis

 

Lecta and Lata fuit hec sententia per Judicem
predictum xiijo Aprilis Anno 1549 presentibus tunc ibidem
Johanne Hurmefroy et petro Gillam laicis literatis etc

[1] This is difficult to read and seems to have been inserted hurriedly after the main text was written and the transcription may not be correct. The Feast of the Ascension was traditionally celebrated on the sixth Thursday after Easter Sunday. In 1549 this would have been 30th May.

Sentence (image 8)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/10/2 image 8]

[Endorsement]

Sentence Filbeke against Sherween and others associated with this suit in a cause of tithes

[in pencil in a different hand]

1549 Apl 3

\2

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

Translation copyright ©2024 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[5/10/2 image 8]

[Endorsement]

Sententia Filbeke contra {contra} Sherween et
alios litis consortos in causa decimarum

[in pencil in a different hand]

1549 Apl 3

\2

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

Transcript copyright ©2024 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Roger Fulbeke – plaintiff

Ellen Fulbeke – plaintiff

Nicholas Jacson – plaintiff

John Sherween – defendant

Nicholas Sherween – defendant

Roland Hartley – defendant

Peter Gillam – witness to sentence

John Hurmefroy – witness to sentence

 

 

 

 

Officials

George Wilmesley – official principal

Notes

Sir Hugh Askew, the original lessor of the tithes of Irton, came from Lincolnshire. It is possible that Roger and Ellen Fulbeke also lived in Lincolnshire as theirs is not a name local to Irton and their parish is not given in the sentence.

Ref: EDC 5/15/1

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/15/1 – Sentence in defam. cause: George Whrenhalle of Eccleston v. Lawrence Finch of same. 6 Apr. 1554.

Summary:

George Wrenhalle contra Lawrence Fynch.

 

Year

1554

Type of Cause:

Defamation – unknown

Cause Papers:

Sentence

Sentence (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/15/1 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: the merits and circumstances of a certain cause of defamation which was disputed for some time and is still disputed and depending undecided having been heard, seen and understood and fully investigated by us, George Wilmesley, Bachelor of Laws, by the authority of the right reverend father in Christ, George, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester to decide ecclesiastical causes within the diocese of Chester vicar general in spirituals and lawfully deputed official principal of his episcopal consistory between George Wrenhalle of the parish of Eccleston in the county of Lancaster, the party plaintiff and complainant on the one part and Lawrence Fynch of the same parish of Chester diocese and of our jurisdiction, the defendant and party complained of on the other part; rightly and lawfully proceeding the party of the aforesaid George Wrenhalle appearing before personally and through his proctor and party of the said Lawrence Fynch appearing before us through his lawfully constituted proctor; and the party of the said George Wrenhalle seeking that sentence is passed for his party and the party of the said Lawrence Fynch urgently seeking justice for his party.

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

Forasmuch as we know and clearly find by the acts enacted, set forth, alleged, propounded, proved and confessed, that the party of the said George Wrenhalle his claim set forth in a certain libel of his given and offered before us in this cause (the tenor of which libel follows and is such; In the name of God, Amen; before you, the venerable Master George Wilmesley, Bachelor of Laws, etc. the party of the honest man, George Wrenhalle, of the parish of Eccleston, against Lawrence Fynch of the same parish of Chester diocese and of your jurisdiction etc. which certain libel we hold as here read and inserted and we wish to be held as sufficiently and fully founded and equally proved and that nothing effectual has been or is  set forth, alleged, proved nor confessed on the part or behalf of the said Lawrence Fynch which could destroy or in any way weaken the claim of the said George Wrenhalle in this respect.

Therefore we, George Wilmesley, official principal aforesaid, having first called upon the name of Christ, and having and setting God himself alone before our eyes from and with the advice of the learned in the law with whom we have conferred promptly in this respect pronounce, decree and declare that the aforesaid Lawrence Fynch for such great audacity in defaming the aforesaid George Wrenhalle as is alleged in the said libel and more fully appears, to which libel we refer ourselves in that respect, should be corrected and punished according to the requirement of law by reason of the premises; and we also condemn in the lawful expenses incurred and to be incurred on the part of the said George Wrenhalle in this respect, reserving taxation […] or any other judge whomsoever competent and we do reserve it by this our definitive sentence or our final decree which we pass and publish in these writings.

Transcript

[5/15/1 image 1]

 In dei Nomine amen auditis visis et intellectis ac plenarie discussis per nos Georgium Wylmysley in legibus baccallaureum auctoritate
Reuerendi in christo patris et domini nostri domini Georgij permissione diuina Cestrensis Episcopi ad causas ecclesiasticas infra diocesem Cestrensem de[cidendum]
vicarium in spiritualibus generalem ac officialem principalem sui consistorialis Episcopalis legitime deputatum meritis et [circumstan-]
tijs cuiusdam cause diffamationis que coram nobis Inter Georgium Whrenhalle parochie de Eccleston in comitatu lan[castrie]
partem actricem et querelantem ex vna et lawrentium fynch parochie eiusdem Cestrensis diocesis et nostre iurisdictionis partem [ream]
et querelatam partibus ex altera aliquandiu vertebatur et adhuc vertitur et pendet indecisa rite et l[egitime]
procedentes parte prefati Georgij Wrenhalle personaliter et per procuratorem suum parteque dicti lawrentij fynch [per]
procuratorem suum legitime constitutum coram nobis comparentibus parteque dicti Georgij Wrenhalle Sentenciam ferri pro p[arte]
sua petenti [pa]rteque dicti lawrentij fynch Justiciam fieri pro parte sua instanter postulantibus

Rimato p-
[rimit]us per nos atque diligenter inspecto toto et integro processu in huiusmodi causa habito et facto atque seruatis per nos
de Jure in hac parte seruandis ad nostre Sententie diffinitiue siue decreti nostri finalis in dicta causa ferendam <prolationem> sic du[xi]-
mus procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum

Quia per acta Inactita deducta allegata pro[posita]
probata et confe]ssata comperimus et luculenter Invenimus partem dicti Georgij Wrenhalle Intencionem suam in quodam s[uo]
[libello coram no]bis in huiusmodi causa dato et oblato deductam cuius quidem libelli Tenor
sequitur et est talis  In dei nomine
[Amen coram] vobis venerabili viro magistro Georgio Wyllmysley in legibus baccallaureo et cetera pars honesti
viri Georgij Wrenhalle parochie de Eccleston contra et aduersus lawrentium fynch parochie eiusdem Cestrensis diocesis
et vestre Jurisdictionis et cetera Quem quidem libellum pro hic lecto et inserto habemus et haberi volumus sufficienter et ad plen[um]
fundasse pariter et probasse nihilque effectuale ex parte aut per partem dicti laurentij fynch fuisse aut esse in hac parte
deductum allegatum probatum nec confessatum quod Intentionem dicti Georgij Wrenhalle in hac parte Elideret seu quomodo
libet Enaru[aret]

Idcirco nos Georgius Wylmysley Officialis principalis antedictus cristi nomine primitus
Invo[cato]
ac ipsum solum deum pre oculis nostris habentes et preponentes de et cum consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus mature in hac
[p]arte communicauimus prefatum lawrentium fynch pro tanta sua temeritate in diffamando predictum Geo[rgium]
Wrenhalle prout in dicto libello allegatur et plenius apparet ad quem quidem libellum <nos> in hac parte referimus Juxta Juris
[exigentium] corrigendum et pvniendum fore debere pretextu premissorum pronuntiamus decernimus et declaramus necnon
[in expensis] legitimis per partem dicti Georgij Wrenhalle in hac parte factis et fiendis condemnamus Taxationem
[…] aut alio Judici competenti cuicunque reseruando et reseruamus per hanc nostrum Sententiam diffinitiuam siue
[h]oc nostrum finale decretum quam vel quod ferimus et promulgamus in hijs scriptis

Sentence (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/15/1 image 2]

[Endorsement]

This sentence was read by the lord aforesaid on the 6th day of the month of April in the year 1554 with the witnesses as it is recorded in the acts.

Sentence Wrenhalle against Fynch in a cause of defamation.

[in pencil in a different hand]

/1

1554

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

Translation copyright ©2025 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[5/15/1 image 2]

[Endorsement]

[Lecta] fuit huiusmodi sententia per dominum antedictum vjto die mensis aprilis Anno
[15]54 testibus vt in actis inscribitur

Sententia Wrenhall contra fynch in causa diffamationis

[in pencil in a different hand]

/1

1554

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

Transcript copyright ©2025 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

George Wrenhalle – plaintiff

Lawrence Fynch – defendant

 

 

 

 

 

Officials

George Wilmesley – official principal

Proctors

 

 

Places

Eccleston, Lancashire

 

 

Notes

The Deposition Books and Act Books for the relevant period have not survived so it is not possible to discover the nature of the libel.

Ref: EDC 5/14/1

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/14/1 – Libel in matrim. cause: Elizabeth Smyth alias Rixton v. Giles Smyth & Margaret Barrington of Rostherne. Jun. 1553.

Summary:

Elizabeth Smyth, otherwise Rixton, contra Giles Smyth and Margaret Barington.

 

Year

1552

Type of Cause:

Matrimonial – restitution of conjugal rights

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/14/1 image 1]

[…] supreme, of the most illustrious Prince in Christ and our master, lord Edward the sixth, by the grace of God king of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith and on earth supreme head of the English and Irish church, appointed, sufficiently and lawfully deputed or any other judge whomsoever competent in this respect; the party of Elizabeth Smyth, otherwise Rixton, against Giles Smyth of the parish of [blank] and of Chester diocese, her husband, and Margaret Barington of the parish of Rostherne if and to the extent that she considers that she should appear and also against any other person or persons whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same or either of them by way of complaint and complaining to you in this behalf and by every better way, method and form of law by which, according to law, he was or is able to follow and to every effect of law which will be or is able to follow therefrom says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law in articles as follows:

1      Firstly, that the said Giles Smyth and Elizabeth Smyth, otherwise Rixton, free and equally at liberty from all matrimonial contract, well known to be in this freedom and liberty contracted together a true, unconditional and lawful marriage 16, 15 or 14 years ago by appropriate words of present consent or, at least, espousals lawfully expressing their mutual consent, and they confirmed this, thus contacted, by sexual intercourse; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any of these points.

2      Also, that the said Giles Smith, led, as it is believed, by an evil spirit, without the guidance or advice of his parents and friends and heedless of the health of his soul thereafter, namely about the feast of the holy apostles Phillip and James[1] 13 or 14 years now last past, notwithstanding the premises, contracted de facto illicitly and invalidly a certain pretended marriage, or in reality a semblance of a marriage, with the said Margaret Barington and he procured or rather prophaned that pretended marriage or semblance of a marriage to be solemnised in the face of the church, about the time aforesaid; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any of these points.

[1] This feast was celebrated on 1st May.

Transcript

[5/14/1 image 1]

[…] sup[rem]a Illustriss[imi in] christo principis et domini nostri [domini]
Edwardi sexti dei g[racia] Anglie Francie et hibernie Regis
fidei defensoris et in terris ecclesie anglicane et hibernice
supremi capitis fulcitum sufficienter et legitime deputato
aut alio iudice in hac parte competenti quocunque Pars
Elizabeth Smyth alias Rixton contra et aduersus Egidium
Smyth <parochie de  [blank] et Cestrensis diocesis > maritum suum et Margaretam Barington <parochie de Rostorne>
si et quatenus suum putauerit interesse ac contra
quemcunque alium seu alios quoscunque coram vobis in iudicio
Legitime interuenientem pro eijsdem siue eorum altero per viam
querele et vobis in hac parte querelando omnibusque meli-
oribus via modo et iuris forma quibus melius aut
efficacius de iure debuit aut debet atque ad omnem
iuris effectum qui exinde sequi poterit aut potest dicit
allegat et in hijs scriptis in iure proponit articulatim prout
sequitur

1. Inprimis quod dicti Egidius Smyth et Elizabeth Smyth alias
Rixton ab omni contractu matrimoniali liberi pariter
et immunis atque in huiusmodi libertate et immunitate notorie
existentes xvj xv aut xiiij Abhuic annis matrimo-
nium verum purum et legitimum per verba de presenti ad hoc
apta seu saltem sponsalia eorum mutuum consensum
exprimencia legitime adinvicem contraxherunt et illud
sic contractum per carnalem copulam confirmauerunt Et
ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

2. Item quod dictus Egidius Smyth spiritu ductus (vt creditur)
maligno, sine parentium et Amicorum suorum suasu et
consilio, ac sue anime salutis Imemor postea videlicet circiter
festum sanctorum Apostolorum Philippi et Jacobi adhuic xiijci aut
xiiijcum Annis iam elapsis premissis non obstantibus quoddam
pretensum matrimonium imo verius effigiem matrimonij de
facto illicite et invalide cum dicta Margareta Barington
contraxhit ac illud pretensum matrimonium seu potius effigiem
matrimonij in facie ecclesie solempnizari seu verius propha-
nari obtinuit circiter tempus predictum Et ponit coniunctim
diuisim et de quolibet

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/14/1 image 2]

3          Also, that it was and is on the part and behalf of Elizabeth Smyth, otherwise Rixton, that this action is rightly and lawfully brought to you, lord judge aforesaid; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any of these points.[1]

5          Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, manifest and equally famous, and public voice and fame were and are circulating regarding and concerning the same in the parish of Knutsford and Prestbury and in other places neighbouring and surrounding the same. Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, for the making of which according to the requirements law, the party of the said Elizabeth Smyth, otherwise Rixton, offers herself ready and prepared for justice to be administered to her with effect in the premises and matters concerning them and that the aforesaid pretended marriage between the said Giles Smyth and Margaret Barington de facto contracted and solemnised, or more accurately, profaned and all and singular following therefrom by reason of the premises was and is cancelled, made void and annulled and is pronounced and declared nullified, invalidated and annulled and should not survive in law and was and should be lacking all force in law and that they, Giles Smyth and Margaret Barington in so far as they are joined together de facto will be separated and divorced and a true and lawful marriage contracted and confirmed will be pronounced and declared between the said Giles and Elizabeth Smyth, otherwise Rixton, by you and your definitive sentence or your final decree 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; which the party of the oft-mentioned Elizabeth Smyth, otherwise Rixton, propounds and prays that they are done jointly and severally, not obliging himself to proving all and singular the premises, nor to the burden of superfluous proof, concerning which he protests, but so far as he will have proved in the premises thus far may he obtain in the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office lord judge aforesaid.

[1] There is a part of the manuscript missing at this point and it may be that there is another paragraph as the number of this paragraph has not survived and the next is numbered 5.

Transcript

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[ 3]       [Item quod fuit et est ex parte]
et per partem [Elizabethe Smyth alias Ryxton ad vos]
dominum iudicem anted[ictum rite et legi]time qu[erel]atum Et poni[t coniunctim]
diuisim et de quolibet

5          Item quod premissa omnia et singula fuerunt et sunt vera
publica notoria manifesta pariter et famosa atque de et super
eijsdem laborarunt et in presenti laborant publica vox et
fama in parochia de Knottesforth <et Presburye> alijsque locis eisdem
vicinis et circumvicinis

Vnde facta fide de iure
in hac parte requisita ad quam faciendam iuxta iuris exigenciam
offert se promptam et paratum pars dicte Elizabethe Smythe alias
Ryxton Justiciam sibi in premissis et ea concernentibus
quibuscunque ministrari cum effectu Atque predictum pretensum matri-
monium inter dictos Egidium Smythe et Margaretam Barington
fuisse et esse de facto contractum et solempnizatum seu verius
prophanatum ac omnia alia et singula inde sequita premissis
pretextu cassari irritari et Annullaru cassumque irritum et
nullum fuisse et esse ac de iure subsistere non debere
viribusque iuris omnino caruisse et carere debere pronunciari
decerni et declarari Ipsosque Egidium Smythe et Margaretam
Barington quatenus de facto sunt coniuncti adinvicem
seperari et diuorciari ac pro vero et legitimo matrimonio inter
dictos Egidium et Elizabeth Smyth alias Ryxton legitime
contracto ac confirmato pronunciari et declarari per vos et
vestram Sententiam diffinitiuam siue vestrum finale decretum
Vlteriusque fieri
statui et decerni que in premissis et ea concernentibus quibuscunque
quod iuris fuerit et racionis Que proponit et fieri petit
pars sepefate Elizabeth Smyth alias Ryxton coniunctim et divisim non arctans
se ad omnia et singula premissa probanda nec ad onus superflue
probacionis de quo protestatur sed quatenus probauerit in
premissis eatenus obtineat in petitis iuris beneficio in omnibus semper
saluo vestrum officium domine iudex antedicte humiliter Implorando

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

[5/14/1 image 3]

[Endorsement]

1553, first of June

[in pencil in a different hand]

/1

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

Translation copyright ©2025 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[5/14/1 image 3]

[Endorsement]

[1]553
[pri]mo Junij

[in pencil in a different hand]

/1

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

Transcript copyright ©2025 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

People

Elizabeth Smyth, otherwise Rixton – plaintiff

Giles Smyth – defendant

Margaret Barington – defendant

 

 

 

 

Notes

In this cause the plaintiff alleged that her lawful husband had married in church for a second time while she was still his lawful wife. As this second marriage was contracted some thirteen or fourteen years earlier the reason for the delay in bringing this suit is not clear, perhaps his first wife had only just learned of the second marriage.

Ref: EDC 5/13/7

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/13/7 – Libel in matrim. cause: Joan Carter of Middlewich v. Randle Carter of same. 1552.

Summary:

Joan Carter contra Randle Carter.

 

Year

1552

Type of Cause:

Matrimonial – separation from bed and board (adultery and/or cruelty)

Cause Papers:

Libel or petition

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/13/7 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: before you, the venerable George Wilmesley, Bachelor of Laws, of the most illustrious Prince in Christ and our master, lord Edward the sixth, by the grace of God king of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith and on earth supreme head under Christ of the English and Irish church, for deciding ecclesiastical causes within Chester diocese appointed by the right reverend father in Christ, John, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester, by the same authority lawfully deputed vicar general in spirituals and official principal of his Consistory Court or your commissary or any other judge whomsoever competent in this respect; the party of the worthy woman, Joan Carter, of the parish of Middlewich, against Randle Carter, her pretended husband, of the same parish of Chester diocese and of your jurisdiction and also against any other person whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law jointly and severally in the manner which follows […] Randle and Joan contracted matrimony together and caused it to be solemnised in the face of the church, and have lived together as man and wife in conjugal duty for some months and years, mutually providing conjugal rights, however, Joan is not required by law to live with the aforesaid Randle or to provide conjugal rights to the same in that and because the aforesaid Randle Carter in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January or February in the years of our Lord 1551 and 1552 or in any of those months and years in any one of them or another, sinning against conjugal law and violating the marriage bed within the said parish of Middlewich carnally knew and knows and had and has at present an adulterous relationship with a certain Joyce Grastie and that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, flagrant and well known and public voice and fame were and are at present circulating regarding and concerning this in the said parish of Middlewich and in other parishes neighbouring the same. Whereupon due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said Joan Carter prays that right and justice may effectively be done and administered to her upon all and singular the premises and that by occasion and reason of the premises she, Joan, will be divorced, separated and absolved from bed and board and also from cohabitation and mutual rights and conjugal duties with the said Randle Carter, and they, will be decreed, pronounced and declared as thus separated and absolved by you and passing your definitive sentence or your final decree in that respect, distinguished judge aforesaid. And otherwise, that what will have been of right and reason in the premises and anything concerning them may be done, established and decreed. The party of the said Joan Carter propounds the premises and prays that they will be done jointly and severally, not binding herself to prove all and singular the premises, nor to the burden of a superfluous proof, against which she protests but so far as she shall prove in the premises so much may she obtain of the petitions always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office in the premises, distinguished judge aforesaid.

Transcript

[5/13/7 image 1]

In dei Nomine Amen coram vobis venerabili viro Magistro Georgio Wylmysley in legibus baccallaureo Illustrissimi
[in] christo principis et domini nostri domini Edwardi sexti dei gracia Anglie Francie et hibernie Regis Fidei defe[nsoris]
[et in] terris ecclesie Anglicane et  hibernice sub christo supremi capitis ad causas ecclesiasticas decidendum infra dio[cesem]
[cestrens]em per reuerendum in christo patrem et dominum dominum Johannem permissione diuina Cestrensem Episcopum eodem auctoritate fulcito vicario
[in] spiritualibus generali ac eius Curie Consistorialis officiali principali legitime deputato vestrove Commissario seu alio Judice
[in] hac parte competenti quocunque Pars honeste mvlieris Johanne carter parochie de medio vico contra et aduersus
[Ron]dulphum carter virum suum pretensum eodem parochie Cestrensis diocesis et vestre Jurisdictionis necnon contra quemcunque alium cor[am]
[vobi]s in Judicio legitime Interuenientem pro eodem dicit allegat et in hijs scriptis in Jure proponit coniunctim et diuisim modo prout sequit[ur]
[… Ron]dulphus et Johanna matrimonium adinvicem contraxerunt illudque in facie ecclesie solempnisa[ri]
[fec]erunt atque ut vir et vxor per aliquot menses et annos cohabitauerunt obsequia coniugalia mvtuo Impendens
tamen Johanna cum prefato Rondolpho cohabitere aut obsequia coniugalia eidem impendere vlterius de
[iure] non tenetur pro eo videlicet et ex eo quod prefatus Rondulphus carter mensis martij aprilis maij Junij Julij augusti
[se]ptembris octobris novembris decembris Januarij siue februarij annis domini Mo Do lio et Mo Do lijo eorundemve mensium
et annorum vno quolibet siue aliquo in legem coniugij peccans et Thorum coniugalem violens  infra dictam parochiam de
medio vico quadam Jocaeam graiste carnaliter cognouit et cognoscit et in adulterinis amplexibus
habuit et habet in presenti Que omnia et singula premissa fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta et famosa
ac de et super eisdem in dicta parochia medij vici ac alijs parochijs eidem vicinis laborarunt et in presenti labo-
ant publica vox et fama Vnde facta fide in hac parte de Jure requisita petit pars dicte Johanne
carter Jus et Justiciam sibi in premissis omnibus et singulis fieri et ministrari  ac ipsam Johannam premissorum
rationem et pretextu a mensa et thoro necnon a cohabitacione et mvtuus obequiis et seruitute coniugali dicti Rondulphi
[Car]ter diuortiari separari et absolui ac ipsos sic separandos et absoluerindos fore decerni pronuntiari et
[d]eclarari per vos et vestram sententiam diffinitiuam siue vestrum finale decretum in hac parte ferendum Judex egre-
gie antedicte Vlteriusque fieri statui et decerni in premissis et ea concernentibus quod Juris fuerit et rationis
Premissa proponit et fieri petit pars dicte Johanne carter 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 eate-
nus obtineat in petitis Juris beneficio in omnibus semper saluo vestrum officium in premissis humiliter implo[rando]
Judex egregie antedicte

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/13/7 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Libel of Joan Carter against Randle Carter in a cause of divorce.

[Written the other way up.]

Answer of Randle Carter […] he says that they were married in Middlewich church […] years ago and lived together for 7 years and had 5 children and […] 13 years et cetera and about […] Joyce Grastie for the space […] and had carnal knowledge of her and as it is […]

[in pencil in a different hand]

/7

1552

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

Translation copyright ©2025 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[5/13/7 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Libellus Johanne Carter contra Rondulphum carter in causa deuortij

Res[ponsio?] Rondolphi carter […]
dicit quod maritati fuerunt in ecclesie de Vici [Medij? …]
annis elapsis et cohabitarunt vijto annis et habuerunt vto [proles?]
et […] xiijtum annis etc et super […] Joys grastie per spacium
[…] et eam carnaliter cognouit et vt est […]
[…]

[in pencil in a different hand]

/7

1552

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

Transcript copyright ©2025 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

 

 

People

Joan Carter – plaintiff

Randle Carter – defendant

Joyce Grastie – named in the libel

 

 

 

 

Officials

George Wilmesley – official principal

Notes

On the date which had been set for hearing the sentence in this cause (20th July 1552) the parties failed to appear in court (EDC 1/13, f. 80).

Ref: EDC 5/8/1

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5/8/1 – Libel in tithe cause: Richard Smyth LL. B. rector of Bury co. L. v. Arthur Caye of Bury 1547.

Summary:

Richard Smyth, rector of Bury, contra Arthur Cay

Although the libel specifies that Richard Smyth, as rector of Bury, was entitled to all the tithes of the parish, this cause seems to concern both personal tithes and offerings allegedly due from a man who had built a new dwelling house in the parish, although he attended a church in a different parish. The unpaid taxes comprised ‘offryng dayes, house peny, plough peny, hay’ 1d ‘wax’ halfpenny and ‘hene’ halfpenny’. Several of these items comprised fixed amounts and were, in effect modus payments in lieu of tithes. For example, the ‘hen halfpenny’ was presumably a tithe on eggs and chickens.

Year

1547

Type of Cause:

Tithes – other

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/8/1 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: before you, venerable Master George Wilmesley, Bachelor of Laws, by the authority of the most illustrious Prince in Christ and our master, Edward the sixth, by the grace of God King of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith and on earth supreme head of the English and Irish church; by the same immutable authority vicar general in spirituals and lawfully appointed by the right reverend father in Christ, John, by divine permission bishop of Chester, official principal of his consistory to determine spiritual and ecclesiastical causes in the diocese of Chester or any other lawfully deputed competent judge; the party of the venerable Master Richard Smyth, Bachelor of Law, rector of the parish church of Bury against Arthur Caye of the parish of Bury, of the archdeaconry of Chester and of Chester diocese and of your jurisdiction, and also against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law jointly and severally and in articles as follows:

Firstly, that the said Master Richard Smyth, present rector of the parish church of Bury, is canonically instituted to the same rectory and, the same having been thus attained, with its universal and singular rights and appurtenances, he has possessed peacefully and quietly for some time just as (saving what will be written below) he thus also possesses it at present and also was and is commonly called, held, had, named and reputed openly, publicly and notoriously as perpetual rector and canonical possessor of the same rectory; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any of these points.

Also, that as well by law, foundation, ordinance and endowment of the same rectory of Bury  as by ancient, laudable and lawful prescribed custom, hitherto from the time and throughout 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 all types of tithes, both greater and lesser, personal, mixed and minute and especially tithes of offerings and the Easter roll within the bounds and limits of the parish of Bury however proceeding and arising, belonged and belongs to the said Master Richard Smyth, present rector there, and to all and singular his precursors and predecessors, and should have belonged and should also belong in future; and he propounds as before.

Also, that the said Master Richard Smyth, present rector aforesaid, and all and singular his precursors and predecessors for the time being were and are in peaceful possession, or quasi-possession, of the right of taking and having all and singular tithes proceeding and arising within the parish aforesaid and the bounds and limits and tithable places of the same rectory in the manner and form specified and recited above 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 does not exist in the memory of man, and for the same time also peacefully and quietly took and had them and freely disposed of and with them at his own will and pleasure until the time of the trouble set out above; and he propounds as before.

Also, that the said Arthur Cay recently caused to be built, erected and constructed newly a certain new dwelling house on his tenement called ‘Cobholes’ in a certain field or close called ‘Creye’ otherwise ‘Cragh’, which house, as thus aforesaid, newly built, erected and constructed in the aforesaid field or close called ‘Cray’ otherwise ‘Cragh’ is situated and lies within the limits, neighbourhood, precinct and surrounds of the said parish of Bury and the tithable places of the same; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any of these points.

Transcript

[5/8/1 image 1] 

In dei nomine amen Coram vobis venerabili viro Magistro Georgio Wilmysley in legibus baccallario auctoritate
Illustrissimi in Christo principis et domini nostri Edwardi sexti dei gracia Anglie Fransie et Hibernie
Regis fidei defensoris et in terra ecclesie Anglicane et Hibernice supremi capitis ad causas spirituales et ecclesiasticas
decidendum diocesi Cestrensi per Reuerendum in Christo patrem et dominum dominum Johannem permissione diuina Cestrensis Episcopi eadem auctoritate
immutabile vicario in spritualibus generali ac eius Consistorij Officiali principali
legitime fulcito seu alio Judice in hac parte
competenti legitime deputato Pars venerabilis viri Magistri Ricardi Smyth in Jure Baccallarij Rectoris ecclesie parochialis
de Bury contra et aduersus Arthurum Caye parochie de Bury Archidiaconatus Cestrie Cestrensis diocesis et vestre Jurisdictionis Necnon contra
quemcunque alium coram vobis in Judicio legitime intervenientem pro eodem dicit allegat et in hijs scriptis in Jure
proponit coniunctim et diuisim Atque Articulatim prout sequitur

In primis quod dictus Magister Ricardus Smyth rector ecclesie parochialis de Bury modernus eandem Rectoriam canonice est assecutus
ipsamque sic assecutam cum suis Juribus et pertinentiis vniuersis et singulis per nonnulla tempora possedit pacifice et quiete
prout eciam saluus infrascriptis sic possidet in presenti Necnon pro perpetuo Rectore et canonico possessore eiusdem Rectorie fuit
et est communiter dictus tentus habitus nominatus et reputatus palam publice et notorie Et ponit coniunctim et diuisim ac de quolibet

Item quod tam de Jure fundacione <ordinacione> et dotacione eiusdem Rectorie de Bury quam de antiqua laudabili legitimaque prescripta consue-
tudine hactenus a tempore et per tempus cuius Inicij siue contrarij memoria hominum non existit ac in contradictorio Judicio
sepius obtenta Jus percipiendi et habendi omnes et omnimodas decimas tam maiores
quam minores <personales> mixtas et minutas et precipue decimas
oblacionium et Rotule pascalis infra fines et limites parochie de Bury qualitercunque provenientes et contingentes ad dictum
Magistrum Ricardum Smyth Rectorem ibidem modernum suosque precessores et predecessores omnes et singulos pertinuit et pertinet ac pertinere
debuit et debet eciam in futurum Et ponit ut supra

Item quod dictus Magister Ricardus Smyth Rector modernus supradictus suisque precessores et predecessores omnes et singuli per eorum temporibus
successiuis fuerunt et sunt in pacifica possessione seu quasi Juris percipiendi et habendi omnes et singulas decimas modo et forma
superius specificata et recitata infra parochiam predictam ac fines et limites locaque decimabilia eiusdem Rectorie provenientas
et contingentas a x ‧ xx ‧ xxx ‧ xl ‧ l et lx  annis anteaque et citra necnon a tempore et per tempus cuius inicij siue contrarij
in memoria hominum non existit easque per se et suos per idem tempus perceperunt et habuerunt ac de <et> cum eisdem pro ipsorum
libitis et voluntatis libere disposuerunt pacifice et quiete vsque ad tempus grauaminis infrascriptum Et ponit vt supra

Item quod dictus Arthurus Cay quadam <nouam> domum habitacionis tenamento suo vocato Cobholes in quodam
campo siue clausura vocato Creye alias Cragh nuper de nouo fabracari fecit erexit et
construxit que quidem domus sic ut prefertur de nouo fabricatam erectam et constructam in prefato Campo siue
clausura vocata Cray alias Cragh infra limites ambitam precinctam et circuitam dicto parochie de Bury
ac loca decimabilia eiusdem cituatur et Jacet Et ponit coniunctim et diuisim ac de quolibet

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/8/1 image 2]

Also, that in the said parish of Bury, concerning the custom of paying tithes, both greater and lesser, mixed, personal and minute within the bounds and limits and tithable places of the same a method and custom have grown up 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 the memory of man does not reach such that all and singular inhabitants (called ‘householders’) within the bounds and limits of the aforesaid parish of Bury pay, or cause to be paid, to the rector or his deputy year by year, according to the most excellent royal statutes, either at the feast of Easter or at Easter time for his offerings  3d and at the same feast or time for lesser, mixed, personal or minute tithes namely ‘for offyng dayes’ 3d, ‘a house’ 1d, ‘a plough peny’, ‘a hay’ 1d, ‘a wax’ a halfpenny, and ‘a hene’ a halfpenny according to the laudable use and custom and lawful usage of the said parish used and observed from time immemorial, as will become clear and plainly appear in the outcome of this suit; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any of these points.

Also, that the aforesaid Arthur Cay, layman, who had or has nothing of right in the said parish church of Bury or the tithes aforesaid in any way or, indeed, to them, but in contravention of that did nor tithe, pay or satisfy any tithes belonging or appertaining and which ought to belong and appertain to the rector of the said parish by right and in the name of his rectory, either greater or lesser, personal, mixed or minute coming or arising within the bounds and limits and tithable places of the said parish in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January or February in the one thousand five hundred and forty fifth year of our Lord, nor in the months aforesaid in the 1546th year of our Lord, or not even in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January or February in the present and current one thousand five hundred and forty seventh year of our Lord, nor in any one of those months and years whatsoever, in one or another or any other, against the will of the said venerable present rector, although bound by right he did not tithe, pay or satisfy namely ‘for offryng dayes’ 3d ‘a house peny a plough’ 1d ‘a haye’ 1d ‘a waxe’ halfpenny, and a hene’ halfpenny in the months and years aforesaid or in any of those months and years whatever, in one or another, subtracted, took and had them against the authority of the law to the grave danger of his soul, to no small prejudice and damage to the said rector and to the pernicious example of other Christian faithful; and also in addition because the said Arthur Cray takes and receives his Eucharist and other sacraments and rites in another church or parish; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any of these points.

Transcript

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Item quod in dicta parochia de Bury circa modum et consuetudinem soluendi decimas tam maiores quam minores mixtas personales
et minutas infra fines et limites ac loca decimabilia eiusdem talis inoleuit mos and consuetudo a x ‧ xx ‧ xxx
xl ‧ l ‧  lx  annis anteaque et citra necnon a tempore et per tempus cuius Inicij siue contrarij memoria hominum
non tenet quod omnes et singuli habitantes <vocati householders> infra fines et limites parochie predicte de Bury soluant seu solui faciant
Rectori vel eius vicem gerentem singulis annis iuxta Regia excellentissima statuta seu saltem in festo paschali seu
tempore pashatis pro oblacionibus suis  iijd et in eodem festo seu tempore pro decimis minoribus mixtis personalibus
siue minutis videlicet <for offyng dayes iijd> a house jd, a plough peny, a hay jd, a wax obolus, et a hene obolus, iuxta moremque et consuetu-
dinem laudabilemque et legitimum vsum dicte parochie a tempore Immemorato vsitata et obseruata prout per probaciones
legitimas in eventu huius litis liquidabitur et plene apparebit Et ponit coniunctim et diuisim ac de quolibet

Item quod prefatus Arthurus <Cay> laicus qui nihil Juris in dicta ecclesia parochialis de Bury decimis ve predictis habuit aut habet
aliqualiter ve ad eas ipsis quoque non obstantibus sed post et contra ea nonnullas decimas tam maiores quam
minores personales mixtas et minutas infra fines et limites ac loca decimabilia dicte parochie provenientes et
contingentes Mensibus Marcij Aprilis Maij Junij Julij Augusti Septembris octobris Novembris  Decembris
Januarij seu Februarij Anno domini Millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo quinto Necnon mensibus predictis anno domini
1546o seu saltem mensibus Marcij Aprilis Maij Junij Julij Augusti Septembris octobris Novembris
Decembris Januarij seu Februarij presenti et currenti anno domini Millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo septimo eorundem
ve mensium et annorum quolibet vno aliquo siue altero ad Rectorem dicte parochie Jure et nomine sue rectorie spectantes
et pertinentes ac spectare et pertinere debentes preter et contra voluntatem dicti venerabilis viri rectoris moderni
prout de Jure tenetur non decimauit soluit aut satisfecit videlicet for offryng dayes iijd/ a house peny, a plough
jd, a haye jd, a waxe obolus, and a hene obolus, mensibus et annis predictis eorundemve mensium et annorum quolibet
vno aliquo siue altero contra Jurem disposicionem subtraxit percepit et habuit in anime sue graue periculum dictique rectoris
preiudicium nonmodicum et grauamen aliorumque Christifidelium perniciosum exemplum Necnon tam dictus Arthurus Cay quia
sui Eucharistam et alia sacramenta et sacramentalia in alia ecclesia siue parochia perceperunt et receperunt Et
ponit coniunctim et diuisim ac de quolibet

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

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Also, that the true value or valuation of these tithes subtracted, taken and had by the aforesaid Arthur Cay and his men in his name in the months and years recited above, or in any of those months and years whatever, in one or another (as aforesaid), notoriously amounted to the sum or value of ten shillings; and the party of the above-mentioned venerable Richard Smyth, rector aforesaid, asserts a claim to any other intermediate sum or lesser value to the sum or value of 4d, and of such and so great a sum of what kind and amount in the common estimation of men notoriously extends by lawful proofs in the outcome of this suit will come to be declared or proved; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any of these points.

Also, that the said Arthur Cay, layman has been requested and asked to tithe, pay, give and deliver the tithes aforesaid by the aforesaid Master Richard Smith, present rector, or his deputy subtracted, taken and had in the manner aforesaid with the precincts of the said parish or tithable places of the same or otherwise to compound with the same in the months and years recited above, or in any one of those months and years whatsoever on the part and behalf of the aforenamed Master Richard Smith; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any of these points.

Also, that the said Arthur Cay, thus aforesaid asked and requested to do as in the premises or in any of them, he has not troubled but in the months and years specified above, or in any one of those months and years whatsoever, in one or another or any other (as aforesaid) he has expressly declined and refused or at least unduly delayed and delays at present, to no small prejudice and grievance of the aforesaid Master Richard Smyth, present rector; and he propounds jointly and severally and concerning any of these points.

Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, manifest and well-known, and public voice and fame were circulating regarding and concerning it, just as they are at present, in the said parish of Bury and in other surrounding parishes, townships and places.

Transcript

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Item quod verus valor siue estimacio huiusmodi decimarum per prefatum Arthurus Cay et suos eius nomine mensibus et annis superius
recitatis eorundem ve mensis et annorum quolibet vno aliquo siue Altero (ut prefertur) subtractarum perceptarum et
habitarum ad summam siue valorem <decem> solidorum notorie se extenduit Et protestatur pars prelibati venerabilis viri
Richardi Smyth rectoris antedicti de qualibet summa inter media siue valore minori vsque ad summam siue valorem
iiijd deque tali et tanta summa et qualis et quanta per probaciones legitimas in eventu litis huiusmodi veniet declarandum
siue comprobandum Communi hominium estimacio notorie se extendunt Et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et dequolibet

Item quod dictus Arthurus Cay laicus ad decimandum soluendum tradendum et liberandum antefato Magistro Ricardo Smyth rectori
moderno siue eius <vicem> vigerentem decimas supradictas modo quo prefertur per ipsum et suos subtractas perceptas et habitas seu ad
aliter componendum cum eodem mensibus et annis superius recitatis eorundem ve mensis et annorum
quolibet vno aliquo siue altero ex parte et partem prelibati Magistri Ricardi Smyth infra precinctium dicte parochie vel loca
decimabilia eiusdem requisitas sunt et interpellatas Et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et dequolibet

Item quod dictus Arthurus Cay sic ut premittitur requitus et interpellatus premissa seu eorum aliquod facere non curauit
sed mensibus et annis superius specificatis eorundem ve mensis et annorum quolibet vno aliquo siue altero (ut prefertur)
renuit expresse et recusauit seu saltem plus debite distulit et differt in presenti in prenominati Magistri Ricardi Smyth
rectoris modernum preiudicium non modicum et grauamen Et ponit coniunctim et diuisim et dequolibet

Item quod  premissa omnia  et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica notoria manifesta et famosa ac de et super premissis omnibus
et singulis in dicta parochia de Bury alijs que parochijs villis et locis circumvicinis laborarunt prout in
presenti laborant publica vox et fama

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

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Translation

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Whereupon, due proof as is required, for the making of which according to the due requirement of law the party of the said venerable man offers himself to prove at a suitable and appropriate place and time, and in addition the same party prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him in the premises and in respect of his right, title and possession of quasi right of having and receiving the said tithes, namely ‘offryng dayes, house peny, plough peny, hay’ 1d ‘wax’ halfpenny and ‘hene’ halfpenny, and other greater, lesser, personal, mixed and minute tithes and that all other tithes coming and arising within the bounds and limits of the said parish of Bury will be adjudged, decreed and declared as his and of his rectory aforesaid in future successive times in perpetuity; and also that the aforesaid Arthur Cay and his men are rightly and canonically obliged and compelled to tithe, pay and deliver his tithes respectively aforesaid thus subtracted by him and his men without any, or any kind of, diminution, or the true value of the same, to the use of the said rector in the name of his rectory in the said parish; and also that he is condemned in the lawful expenses incurred by reason of this cause, and he protests those to be incurred, and, having been condemned, that he is rightly and canonically obliged and compelled to the real payment of the same by you passing your definitive sentence or your final decree in this respect, lord judge aforesaid; and otherwise, that what will have been of right and reason in the premises may be done, established and decreed; the plaintiff aforesaid propounds the premisses 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; in addition he prays that regarding the process in this cause it will be summarily and in a summary way, according to the requirement of law;  humbly imploring your office, distinguished judge aforesaid.

 

Transcript

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Vnde facta fide que requiritur ad quam faciendam iuxta Juris
debitam exigentiam offert pars dicti venerabilis viri se probaturi pro loco et tempore congruis et oportunis Petit insuper eadem
pars Jus et Justiciam sibi in premissis omnibus et singulis fieri et ministrari ac pro Jure titulo et possessione sua
seu quasi Juris habendi et percipiendi dictas decimas videlicet offryng dayes, house peny, plough peny, hay jd
wax obolus et hene obolus ac alias decimas maiores minores personales mixtas et minutas ac omnes alias decimas
infra fines et limites dicte parochie de Bury provenientes et contingentes sibi et rectorie sue predicte futuris temporibus
successiuis imperpetuum adiudicari decerni et declarari Necnon prefatum Arthurum Cay et suos ad decimandum
soluendum et liberandum decimas suas respectiue antedictas sic per ipsum et suos subtractas sine aliqua seu aliquali
diminucione vel verum valorem earundem ad commodum dicti Rectoris nomine rectorie sue in dicta parochia rite et cononice
cogi et compelli Atque in expensis legitimis occasione huius litis factis et protestatur de faciendis insuper condemnari
condempnatumque ad realem solucionem earundem rite et canonice cogi et compelli per
vos et vestram sentenciam diffinitiuam siue
finale decretum in hac parte ferendam domine Judex antedicte Vlteriusque fieri statui et decerni in premissis et
ea consernentibus quibuscunque quod Juris fuerit et racionis Premissa proponit et fieri petit pars actrix predicta 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 Petit
insuper quatenus procedatur in hac causa summarie et de plano iuxta Juris debitam exigentiam vestrum officium implorando
Judex egregie antedicte

Libel (image 5)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[5/8/1 image 5] 

[Endorsement] 

Libel of the venerable Master Richard Smyth, rector of Bury, against Arthur Cay in a cause of subtraction of tithes.

1547

[in pencil in a different hand]

/1

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

Translation copyright ©2023 P J Cox All Rights Reserved

Transcript

[5/8/1 image 5]

[Endorsement] 

libellus venerabilis viri Magistri Ricardi Smyth Rectoris de Bury
contra Arthurum Cay in causa subtraccionis decimarum

1547

[in pencil in a different hand]

/1

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

Transcript copyright ©2023 P J Cox All Rights Reserved