Ref: EDC 5/1580/8

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5 1580. 8. ALDFORD Alice Hasewell c Ellen Barrowe saying she had a child before her marriage – libel, depositions.

Summary:

Alice Haselwall, wife of Christopher Haselwall, contra Ellen Barrowe

The exceptions by the defendant against the witnesses for the plaintiff include what amounts to a libel for defamation and claim for costs against the plaintiff, thus turning the exceptions into a form of counterclaim.

Year

1580

Type of Cause:

Defamation – sexual slander

Cause Papers:

Libel
Depositions
Exceptions against the witnesses

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/8 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; before you, venerable Master Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, lawfully deputed official of the Chester consistory court, or any other judge whomsoever competent in this regard, the party of the honest woman, Alice Haselwall, wife of Christopher Haselwall, of the parish of Aldford of Chester diocese against Ellen Barrowe of the parish and diocese aforesaid, and against any other person or any other 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 all and singular persons who speak, utter, assert, express or declare abuse, disparagements or abusive, disparaging, scandalous, defamatory words or any other matter of any person sounding or tending to the slander, injury, denigration or diminution of the good character of any person, were and are to be lawfully corrected and punished according to the requirement of law; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2 Also, that the said Ellen Barrowe maliciously and by reason of hatred in the months of March, April, May and June in the year of our Lord 1580, now current, or in any of them whatsoever, in one or other of them, defamed the aforesaid Alice, previously in no way defamed, within the said parish of Aldford and in a number of other parishes or in any of those places whatsoever, in one or another, and several abusive, disparaging, scandalous and defamatory words or others sounding and tending to the denigration and diminution of the standing and good fame of the said Alice, and especially she said, expressed, uttered, asserted and declared to her or of her the following words in English, or others similar in effect namely, ‘she’ meaning the said Alice Haselwell, ‘hath had a child before she was married’; and he propounds as before.

3 Also, that by reason of the premises the standing and good fame of the said Alice are severely injured and burdened among good and substantial people; and he propounds as before.

4 Also, that it was and is rightly and lawfully complained and represented to you, lord Judge, about and upon all and singular the premises for and on behalf of the said Alice; and he propounds as before.

Transcript

[1580/8 image 1]

In dei nomine amen Coram vobis vobis venerabili viro Magistro Roberto
Leche legum doctore Officiali Curie Consistorialis Cestrensis <legitime deputato> seu
alio Judice competenti quocunque Pars honeste mulieris
Alicie Haselwall vxor <Christoferi Haselwall> parochie de Awdford Cestrensis diocesis contra
et aduersus Ellenam Barrow parochie et diocesis predicte Necnon contra
et aduersus quemcunque alium seu quoscunque alios coram
vobis in Judicio pro eadem legitime intervenientem per viam
querele et vobis in hac parte querelando dicit allegat
et in hijs scriptis in Jure proponit articulatim provt sequitur

1 Imprimis videlicet quod omnes et singuli qui convitia vituperia verbave
convitiosa vituperiosa scandalosa diffamatoria seu alia
ad infamiam lesionem denigracionem siue diminutionem
status et bone fame alicuis sonantia et tendentia contra
bonos mores de aliquo dicunt emittunt asserunt
proferunt seu predicant fuerunt et sunt iuxta Juris
exigentia legitime corrigendi et puniendi ac ponit coniunctim
diuisim et de quolibet

2 Item quod dicta Ellena Barrowe mensibus martij Aprilis
Maij et Junij anno domini 1580 iam currenti eorundemve
mensium quolibet vno siue aliquo infra dictam parochiam
de Awdford aliasque nonullas parochias eorundemve
locis quolibet vno siue aliquo prefatam Aliciam de
et super criminibus infrascriptis pruis minime
diffamatam maliciose atque ex causa odij diffamavit
ac nonnulla verba convitiosa vituperiosa scandalosa
et diffamatoria seu alia ad infamiam lesionem
denigracionem et diminutionem status et bone
fame dicte Alicie sonantia et tendentia et presertim
verba anglicis sequentia seu alia eis in effectu
consimilia videlicet she Innuendo dictam Aliciam
haselwell hath had a child before she
was married eidem seu de eadem dixit emisit
protulit asseruit et predicavit ac ponit vt supra

3 Item quod pretextu premissorum status et bona fama dicte
Alicie apud bonos et graves enormiter leduntur
et gravantur ac ponit vt supra

4 Item quod de et super premissis fuit et est ex parte et
per partem dicte Alicie apud vos domine Judex rite
et legitime querelatum et demonstratum ac ponit vt
supra

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/8 image 2]

5 Also, that the aforesaid Ellen Barrowe was and is of the parish of Aldford of Chester diocese and thus notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction; and he propounds as before.

6 Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious, manifest and equally well known and public voice and fame were circulating regarding and concerning this, just as they are at present.

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, for the making of which according to the requirements of law, this party offers himself, willing and ready, at a suitable and opportune place and time, the same party prays that right and justice should effectively be done and administered to him in the premises and that the aforesaid Ellen Barrowe will be corrected and punished according to the requirements of law for so great an excess of rashness and that she will be effectively corrected and punished; and also that she will be condemned in the lawful costs incurred on the part of the said Alice in this, and he protests those to be incurred, and having been condemned, that she will be obliged and compelled to the due and real payment of the same by you and your definitive sentence or your final decree, lord judge aforesaid

and otherwise, that what will have been of right and reason in the premises may be done, established and decreed; which this party propounds and prays that they are done jointly and severally, not binding himself to prove all and singular the premises, nor to the burden of a superfluous proof, against which he protests, but so far as he shall prove in the premises so much may he obtain of the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office.

Transcript

[1580/8 image 2]

5 Item quod prefata Ellena Barrowe fuit et est parochie de
Awdford Cestrensis diocesis et sic vestre Jurisdiccionis notorie subdita
et subiecta ac ponit vt supra

6 Item quod premissa omnia et singula fuerunt et sunt vera
publica notoria manifesta pariter et famosa atque de et
super eisdem laborarunt provt in presenti laborant publica
vox et fama

Vnde facta fide de Jure in hac parte
requisita ad quam faciendam iuxta Juris exigentiam
offert se pars ista prompta et parata pro loco et tempore
congruis et oportunis petit eadem pars ius et
iusticiam sibi in premissis fieri et ministrari cum
effectu prefatamque Ellenam Barrowe pro tante sue
temeritatis excessu iuxta Juris exigentiam debite
corrigendam et puniendam et cum effectu corrigi et
puniri Necnon in expensis legitimis ex parte et per
partem dicte Alicie in huiusmodi factis et protestatur
de fiendis condempnari condempnatamque ad debitam
et realem solucionem earundem cogi et compelli per
vos et vestram Sententiam diffinitiuam siue vestrum finalem
decretum domine Judex antedicte

Vlteriusque fieri
statui et decerni in premissis quod Juris fuerit et
racionis Que proponit et fieri petit pars ista
coniunctim et diuisim non arctans se ad omnia et singula
premissa probanda nec ad onus superflue probacionis
de quo protestatur sed quatenus probauerit in premissis
eatenus obtineat in petitis Juris beneficio in
omnibus semper salvo vestrum officium humiliter Implorando

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/8 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Alice Hasewall, wife of Christopher Haselwall, of the parish of Aldford against Ellen Barrowe of the same in a cause of defamation.

[in pencil in a different hand]

Aldford

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

Transcript

[1580/8 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Alicia Haselwall
vxor Christoferi
Haselwall parochie
de Awdford
contra Ellenam
Barrowe de eadem
in causa diffamationis

[in pencil in a different hand]

Aldford

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

Depositions (image 4)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/8 image 4]

[…] Alice Haselwall against Ellen Barrowe taken before Master Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, on the 12^th day of September 1580

James Calveley of the parish of Aldford of the age of about […] years has known Alice Haselwall for 6 […] years and Ellen Barrowe for 12 years at least.

To the first article he believes that the same is consonant[1] with justice and equity.

To the second article ‘this deponent saieth That Christofer Haselwall husband to the saide Alice sent for this deponent to come […] with hym being in the streete and this deponent came with the messenger vnto the saide Christofer and founde with hym Raphe Churton his contest[2] and immediatlie appon his cominge the said Christofer willed this deponent and the saide Raphe Churton to goe vnto Ellen Barrowe the defendant and to demaunde of her what shee could saie against his wyfe And this deponent togeather with the saide Churton

[1] Consonant = in accordance with.

[2] Contest = fellow witness.

Transcript

[1580/8 image 4]

[…]

[Alicia] Haselwall contra Ell[enam Barrowe]
capt’ coram magistro Robert[o leche]
legum doctore xxijd die [Septembris]
1580

Jacobus Calveley parochie de Aldford etatis sue circiter […]
Annorum novit Aliciam Haselwall per sex […]
Annos et Ellenam Barrowe per xij A[nnis]
adminus

Ad Primum articulum credit eundem esse consonum
Juri et equitati

Ad secundum articulum this deponent saieth
That Christofer Haselwall husband to the saide
Alice sent for this deponent to come […]
with hym being in the streete and this deponent
came with the messenger vnto the saide
Christofer and founde with hym Raphe
Churton his contest and immediatlie
appon his cominge the said Christofer
willed this deponent and the saide
Raphe Churton to goe vnto Ellen Barrowe
the defendant and to demaunde of her
what shee could saie against
his wyfe And this deponent
togeather with the saide Churton

Depositions (image 5)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/8 image 5]

went to the house of the […] and according to the request of the Saide Christofer demaunded of her if shee could saie annie thinge against Alice Haselwall plaintiff And then the defendant Answered that that I haue saied I will nott denie And that that I haue saied I hard of Raphe Huxley that shee’ meaning the said Alice ‘hath had a chylde before shee was maried And I and Katheren Catherall haue hard of one other a stranger that dwelt with John Caterall of Churton the same speaches And tell the plaintiff I told her heareof v or sixe yeare agoe And then this deponent with the saide Raphe departed backe to the saide Christofer and told hym the speaches which the saide Ellen had vttered’ and these statements were ‘about six weekes after Easter last And saieth that the said plaintiff hath bene and yet is accompted to haue bene of good and honest Conversacion both maid and wife’.

Transcript

[1580/8 image 5]

[went to the house of the …]
and according to the request of the
Saide Christofer demaunded of her <if>
shee could saie annie thinge against
Alice Haselwall plaintiff And then the
defendant Answered that that I
haue saied I will nott denie
And that that I haue saied
I hard of Raphe Huxley that
shee innuendo dictam Aliciam hath
had a chylde before shee was maried
And I and Katheren
Catherall haue hard of one other
a stranger that dwelt with John Caterall
of Churton the same speaches And
tell the plaintiff I told her heareof v or
sixe yeare agoe And then this deponent
with the saide <Raphe> departed backe to
the <saide> Christofer and told hym the speaches
which the saide Ellen had vttered et hec dicta erant about six weekes after
Easter last <And saieth that the said plaintiff hath
bene and yet is accompted to haue bene of good and
honest Conversacion both maid and wief>

Depositions (image 6)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/8 image 6]

To the third article, he believes that the same is true.

To the fourth article, he believes that the same is true.

To the fifth article, he says that the same is true.

To the last he says that the depositions he has made before are true.

Ralph Churton of the parish of Aldford, his age about 30 years, has known Alice Haselwall for 8 years and Ellen Barrowe for 12 years at least.

To the first article he believes that the same is consonant with justice and equity.

To the second article ‘this deponent saieth that Christofer Haselwall husband to the said Alice sent for This deponent to come speeke with hym being in the streete and this deponent came with The messenger vnto the saide Christofer And then immediatlie hee sent for James Calveley his precontest[1] who alsoe came and appon his coming the said Christofer willed this deponent and the saide James Calveley to goe vnto Ellen Barrowe the defendant and to demaunde of her what shee coulde saie against his wyfe And the saide James.togeather with this deponent went to the house of the saide Ellen and according To the request of the saide Christofer demaunded of her yf shee could saie

[1] Precontest = previous witness.

Transcript

[1580/8 image 6]

Ad Ter[tium] articulum credit eundem esse [verum]

Ad Quartum articulum credit eundem esse [verum]

Ad Quintum articulum dicit eundem esse ve[rum]

Ad vltimum dicit predeposita per eum esse vera

Radulphus Churton parochie de Aldford etatis sue circiter
xxx Annorum novit Aliciam Haselwall per
viij Annos et Ellenam Barrowe per
xij Annos adminus

Ad primum articulum credit eundem esse consonum Juri
et equitati

Ad secundum articulum this deponent saieth that Christofer
Haselwall husband to the said Alice sent for
This deponent to come speeke with hym being
in the streete and this deponent came with
The messenger vnto the saide Christofer And
<then immediatlie hee sent for James Calveley> his precontest <who alsoe came> and
appon his coming the said Christofer
willed this deponent and the saide <James
Calveley> to goe vnto Ellen Barrowe the defendant
and to demaunde of her what shee coulde saie
against his wyfe And the saide <James>
togeather with this deponent went to the
house of the saide Ellen and according
To the request of the saide Christofer
demaunded of her yf shee could saie

Depositions (image 7)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/8 image 7]

anie thinge against Alice Haselwall plaintiff and Then the defendant Answered that that I haue saied I will nott denye and that that I haue saied I hard of Raphe Huxley that shee innuendo dictam Aliciam hathe had A chylde before shee was maried And I and Katherin Catherall haue hard of one other A stranger that dwelt with John Catterall of Churton the same speaches and that wee will depose of a booke wee hard the stranger soe saie & reporte And Tell the plaintiff I told her heareof v or vj yeares agoe and then this deponent with The saide James departed backe to the saide Christofer and told hym the speaches which the saide Ellen had vttered’ and these statements were ‘about sixe weekes after Easter last and saieth that the saide plaintiff hathe byn & yett ys accompted to haue bin of good and honest conversacion both mayde & wyfe.’

To the third article, he believes that the same is true.

To the fourth article, he believes that the same is true.

To the fifth article, he says that the same is true.

To the last he says that the depositions he has made before are true.

Transcript

[1580/8 image 7]

anie thinge against Alice Haselwall plaintiff and
Then the defendant Answered that that I haue
saied I will nott denye and that that I
haue saied I hard of Raphe Huxley that
shee innuendo dictam Aliciam hathe had
A chylde before shee was maried And
I and Katherin Catherall haue hard
of one other A stranger that dwelt with
John Catterall of Churton the same speaches
and that wee will depose of a booke wee
hard the stranger soe saie & reporte And
Tell the plaintiff I told her heareof v or vj
yeares agoe and then this deponent with
The saide <James> departed backe to the
saide Christofer and told hym the speaches
which the saide Ellen had vttered et
hec dicta erant about sixe weekes
after Easter last and saieth that the saide
plaintiff hathe byn & yett ys accompted
to haue bin of good and honest conversacion
both mayde & wyfe

Ad Tertium articulum credit eundem esse verum

Ad Quartum articulum credit eundem esse verum

Ad Quintum articulum dicit eundem esse verum

Ad vltimum dicit predeposita per eum esse vera

Depositions (image 8)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/8 image 8]

John Ha[rrison] of the parish of Aldford of the age of about […] years has known the plaintiff for 9 years and the defendant […] or thereabouts.]

To the first he believes that the same is consonant with justice and equity.

To the second article ‘This deponent saith that […] May Last or somwhat before this deponent Did go to drink to the house of the defendant’s husband beinge an Ale house at what tyme the
said defendant fell in talk with this deponent of the plaintiff and said I hard Rafe Huxley say that she the said plaintiff had a child before she was married and this Deponent said he neuer knewe or hard of hit before than the said defendant said further that the said Rafe did so report hit to her before diuers witnes and this she spake to this deponent in her buttry’ otherwise she knows nothing to depose ‘sauinge he saieth she the plaintiff is reported to be a woman of verie good bahavior and so to haue continued maid and wife’.

To the rest he agrees with his precontest.

Anne Harrison, wife of Hugh Harrison, of the parish of Aldford of the age of about 50 years has known the plaintiff for 8 years and more and the defendant for about 8 years.

To the first article she thinks that the same is consonant with justice and equity.

To the 2nd article ‘This deponent saieth that apon Mayedaie Last this Deponent and the defendant came from Church together and by the way the defendant said to this Deponent I marvaile what ailes Christopher Hasselwall his wife’ meaning ‘the now plaintiff that she will not

Transcript

[1580/8 image 8]

Johannis Ha[rrison] parochie de Aldford etatis circiter […]
annos novit partem Agentem ix annos et partem defendentem […]
aut circiter

Ad primum credit eundem esse consonum Juri et equitati

Ad ijd articulum This deponent saith that […]
May Last or somwhat before this deponent
Did go to drink to the house of the def[endant’s]
husband beinge an Ale house at what tyme the
said defendant fell in talk with this deponent of the
plaintiff and said I hard Rafe Huxley say that she
the said plaintiff had a child before she was married
and this Deponent said he neuer knewe or hard of hit
before than the said defendant said further that the
said Rafe did so report hit to her before diuers
witnes and this she spake to this deponent in her buttry
alias nescit deponere sauinge he saieth she <the plaintiff> is reported
to be a woman of verie good bahavior and so to haue
continued maid and wief

Ad reliquos concordat cum precontesto suo

Anna Harrison vxor Hugonis Harrison parochie de Aldford
etatis circiter l annos novit partem agentem viij annos et vltra et
partem ream circiter viij annos

Ad primum articulum putat eundem esse consonum Juri et equitati

Ad ijd articulum This deponent saieth that apon Mayedaie
Last this Deponent and the defendant came from Church together
and by the way the defendant said to this Deponent I
marvaile what ailes Christopher Hasselwall his
wief Innuendo the now plaintiff that she will not

Depositions (image 9)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/8 image 9]

Lett me alone […] she the said’ […] meaning ‘the said plaintiff reioysed to here of my evill Doinges when the lettre was cast into my wyndowe but I Did not reioyce for hers when she had a child afore she was maried as she hard say and this Deponent willed her hold her peace for if such wordes were knowne they wold breede her trouble’ meaning ‘her the Defendant who without more wordes left this Deponent and went her way homewardes And further saieth that she the said Plaintiff is commenly reputed and taken to haue bene an honest gentlewoman maide and wief hitherto amongest her neybores

To the rest she agrees with her precontest.

Transcript

[1580/8 image 9]

Lett me alone […] she the said […]
innuendo the said plaintiff reioysed to here of my
evill Doinges when the lettre was cast into my
wyndowe but I Did not reioyce for hers when
she had a child afore she was maried as she
hard say and this Deponent willed her hold
her peace for if such wordes were knowne they
wold breede her trouble innuendo her the Defendant who
without more wordes left this Deponent and went
her way homewardes And further saieth that
she the said Plaintiff is commenly reputed and
taken to haue bene an honest gentlewoman
maide and wief hitherto amongest her neybores

Ad reliquos concordat cum precontesto suo

Depositions (image 10)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/8 image 10]

[Endorsement]

Examination of witnesses upon the libel on behalf of Alice Haselwall against Ellen Barrowe taken on the 22nd of September in the year 1580

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

Transcript

[1580/8 image 10]

[Endorsement]

Examinacio testium
super libello ex parte
Alicie Hasewall
contra Elenam
Barrowe Capte
xxijdo Septembris
Anno 1580

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

Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff (image 11)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/8 image 11]

In the name of God, Amen; in a certain pretended cause of defamation or foul slander which was in dispute for a considerable time and is still in dispute and pending undecided before you, worshipful Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, in the Chester consistory court, between Alice Hasselwall, pretended plaintiff and complaining party on the one part and Ellen Barrowe, pretended defendant and party complained of, on the other part; the party of the said Ellen Barrowe for every consequence of law and fact that can follow thereon against the said Alice Hasselwall and against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same and also against James Calveley, Ralph Churton, John Harrison and Anne Harrison, pretended witnesses on behalf of the said Alice in whatever way, although invalidly, produced, admitted, sworn and examined before you upon a certain pretended libel given and offered before you on behalf of the said Alice in this behalf and the whole of their claim in the same, says, alleges and in these writings in law propounds jointly, severally and in articles as follows:

1 Firstly, this party, in excepting, propounds against the aforesaid James Calveley, Ralph Churton, John Harrison and Anne Harrison, that their testimony is null, void and not to be admitted in law but completely to be excluded and rejected inasmuch as they are conflicting, vacillating, singular, coached, suborned and in their depositions inconsistent between themselves as is more fully clear and appears in their testimony, and they are intimate friends of the party producing them and mortal enemies of this propounding party; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2 Also, this party, in excepting, propounds against James Calveley and Ralph Churton that their testimony is null and void and not to be admitted in law and completely to be excluded and rejected inasmuch as they were and are friends […] of the party producing them ‘and were sent by Christopher Haselwall husband to the plentif of purpos to intrap this proponent in her speache and taulke […] was not the […] of good men’ as may appear […] by their testimony’ and haue reported otherwyse than this proponent […]’ voluntary witnesses […] in this cause; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

3 Also, this party, in excepting, propounds against John Harrison and Anne Harrison that their testimony is null and void and not to be admitted in law but completely to be excluded and rejected inasmuch as they were and are accusers of this proponent and original sower and […] of discord between […] and this proponent and furthermore they are […] John Harrison is, or recently was, a servant and domestic of the said Alice Haselwall; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

4 Also, that this party, in excepting, propounds against Alice Haselwall that the said Alice, forgetful of the welfare of her soul, being induced (as it is believed) by an evil spirit, in the months of November, December, January, February and March in the year of our Lord 1579, according to the computation of the English church, or any of those months whatsoever, in one or another, seriously and grievously defamed within the parish of Aldford and other parishes neighbouring the same, saying of the said Ellen maliciously and by reason of hatred ‘that shee’ meaning the said Ellen Barrowe ‘might well goo tryme and fyne in hir apparell for that Cristofer Haselwall husband to hir the said Alice Haselwall did paie for the neu hatte and kyrtell that shee the said Ellen Barrowe did weare’

Transcript

[1580/8 image 11]

In dei nomine Amen In quadam pretensa Cause diffamacionis siue turpis conuitij
que coram vobis venerabili viro Roberto Leche legum doctore
in Curia Consistoriali Cestrensi inter Aliciam Haselwall partem pretensam
Actricem et querelantem ex vna et Ellenam Barrow partem
ream pretensam et querelatam partibus ex altera aliquandiu vertebatur
vertiturque adhuc et pendet indecisa Pars dicte Ellene Barrowe
ad omnem Juris et facti effectum exinde sequi valentem contra et aduersus
dictam Aliciam Hasselwall ac contra quemcunque alium pro eadem coram
vobis in Judicio Legitime interuenientem nec non contra Jacobum
Calueley Radulphum Churton Johannem Harrison et Annam Harrison
Testes pretensos ex parte dicte Alicie coram vobis taliter qualiter
immo nulliter productos admissos Juratos et examinatos super quodam pretenso
Libello ex parte dicte Alicie coram vobis in hac parte dato et oblato
totalemque Intencionem eorum in eodem dicit allegat et in hijs scriptis
in Jure proponit coniunctim diuisim atque Articulatim prout sequitur

1 In primis pars ista excipiendo proponit contra predictos Jacobum Calueley
Radulphum Churton Johannem harrison et Annam Harrison quod eorum testi-
monium est nullum Invalidum ac de Jure non admittendum sed
omnino reprobandum et reijciendum pro eo videlicet et ex eo quod sunt varij
vacillantes singulares Instructi subornati et in eorum depositi-
onibus inter se discrepantes vt in suis attestaccionibus plenius
liquet et apparet partisque eosdem producentis Intimi amici ac partis
istius proponentis capitales Inimici et ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

2 Item pars ista excipiendo proponit contra Jacobum Calueley et Radulphum
Churton quod eorum testimonium est nullum et invalidum ac de Jure
non Admittendum sed omnino reprobandum et reijciendum pro eo et ex eo
quod fuerunt et sunt familiares […]
partis eosdem producentis and were sent by Christofer Haselwall
husband to the plentyf of purpos to intrap this proponent in
hir speache and taulke […] was not the […] of good
men vt per eorum attestaciones[…] apparet and haue repor-
ted otherwyse than this proponent […]
voluntarij testes […]
in hac causa et ponit coniunctim diuisim ac de quolibet

3 Item pars ista excipiendo proponit contra Johannem Harison et Annam
Harison quod eorum testimonium est nullum et inualidum ac de
Jure non admittendum sed omnino reprobandum et reijciendum pro eo et ex
eo quod fuerunt et sunt accusatores istius proponentis et origi-
nales seminator et […] ac discordie inter […]
et istam proponentem suntque preterea […]
Johannes Harison est seu nuper fuit seruus atque domesticus
dicte Alicie Haselwall ponit coniunctim diuisim ac de quolibet

4 Item quod pars ista excipiendo proponit contra Aliciam Haselwall
quod dictam Aliciam Anime sue salutis Immemorem spiritu vt cre-
ditur maligno ductam mensibus nouembris decembris Januarij
februarij et Martij in Anno domini secundum compucationem Ecclesie Anglicane
1579 eorumue mensium quolibet vno siue aliquo Infra parochiam de
Auldford Cestrensis diocesis alijsque parochijs eidem convicinis grau-
iter et enormiter diffamauit dicendo malitiose et ex
causa odij de dicta Ellena that shee innuendo dictam Ellenam
Barrowe might well goo tryme and fyne in hir apparell
for that Cristofer Haselwall husband to hir the said Alice
Haselwall did paie for the neu hatte and kyrtell
that shee the said Ellen Barrowe did weare nonnullaque alia

Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff (image 12)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/8 image 12]

and some other scandalous, disparaging and defamatory words similar in effect to these and importing the same effect the said Alice Hasselwall maliciously expressed and uttered of the same Ellen Barrowe before trustworthy witnesses, as will be proved in the event of this suit; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

5 Also, this party, in excepting, propounds against the said Alice Haselwall that the said Alice seriously and grievously defamed the aforesaid Ellen Barrowe in the months of April, May, June, July and August in the year of our Lord 1579/80, now current, within the parishes aforesaid saying of the said Ellen maliciously and by reason of hatred ‘that shee’ meaning the said Ellen Barrowe ‘was naught and did kepe a naughti house and that shee had rather see hir house on a light fire than that euer she would com into the same and that she was the worsse the daye that she did see the said Ellin’ and the said Alice expressed and uttered several other defamatory words similar in effect to these of the aforesaid Ellen, as will be proved by trustworthy witnesses; and he propounds as before.

6 Also, this party propounds that by occasion and reason of this defamation and the aforesaid defamatory words the standing and good fame of the said Ellen Barrow are seriously injured, blackened and lessened and among good and substantial people she is of less reputation and favour by reason of the premises; and he propounds as before.

7 Also, this party propounds that before this defamation and the utterance of the defamatory words and until then, the said Ellen Barrowe was a woman of good fame honest conversation and unblemished reputation, and previously in no way defamed among good and substantial people; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

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

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said Ellen Barrowe prays that right and justice etc. and that the said Alice Hasselwall will be canonically punished for the assertion and declaration of the defamatory words aforesaid, and also that she will be condemned in the lawful costs incurred on the part of the said Ellen in this behalf (and he protests those to be incurred) by you, lord judge aforesaid, and making your definitive sentence in that behalf etc. not binding himself to proving all and singular the premises nor to all superfluous proofs, concerning which he protests, but so much 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; and he asserts the right of adding to, correcting and emending etc..

Transcript

[1580/8 image 12]

verba scandalosa vituperiosa et diffamatoria hijs in effectu quam similia
et eundem effectu Importantia dicta Alicia Haselwall malitiose
de eadem Ellenam Barrowe coram testibus fidedignis protulit
et emisit prout in euentu huius litis probabitur et ponit
coniunctim diuisim ac de quolibet

5 Item pars ista excipiendo proponit contra dictam Aliciam Haselwall
quod dicta Alicia predictam Ellenam Barrowe mensibus Apri-
lis Maij Junij Julij et augusti in anno domini 1580 Jam currenti
infra parochias predictas grauiter et enormiter diffamauit
dicendo malitiose et ex causa odij de dicta Ellena that
shee innuendo dictam Ellenam Barrowe was naught and did
kepe a navghti house and that shee had rather see hir
house on a light fire than that euer she would com
into the same and that she was the worsse the daye that
she did see the said Ellin, nonnullaque alia verba diffam-
atoria hijs in effectu quam similia dicta Alicia de predicta
Ellena protulit et emisit prout per testes fidedignos probabitur
et ponit vt supra

6 Item pars ista proponit quod occacione et pretextu huiusmodi diffamacionis et ver-
borum diffamatoriorum predictorum status et bona fama dicte Ellene
Barrowe grauiter leduntur denigrantur
et attenuantur et est inter bonos et graues minoris Repu-
tacionis et fauoris premissorum ratione et ponit vt supra

7 Item pars ista proponit quod dicta Ellena Barrowe ante huiusmodi
diffamationem et verborum diffamatoriorum predicacionem et vsque ad ea
fuit mulier bone fame conuersationis honeste et opini-
onis illese ac inter bonos graues prius minime
diffamata et ponit coniunctim diuisim ac de quolibet

8 Item quod premissa omnia et singula fuerunt et sunt vera publica
notoria manifesta pariter ac famosa ac de et super huiusmodi infra
dictam parochiam de Auldford et alijs parochijs eidem conuicinis
Laborarunt et Laborant publica vox et fama

Vnde facta
fide de Jure in hac parte requisita petit pars dicte Ellene
Barrowe Jus et Justiciam et cetera dictamque Aliciam Hasellwall
pro verborum diffamatoriorum predictorum assertione et predicacione canonice
puniri necnon in expencis legitimis ex parte dicte Ellene
in hac parte factis et protestatur de fiendis condemnari
per vos et vestram Sententiam diffinitivam in hac parte ferendam domine Judex
antedicte et cetera non arctans se ad omnia et singula premissa pro-
banda nec ad omnes superflue probaciones de quo protestatur
sed quatenus probauerit in premissis eatenus obtineat in
petitis Juris beneficio in omnibus semper saluo vestrum offi-
cium in premissis Judex egregie antedicte humiliter Imp-
lorando
et protestatur de addendo corrigendo et amendendo et cetera

Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff (image 13)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/8 image 13]

[Endorsement]

[…] against Alice Haselwall in a cause of defamation 1580

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

Transcript

[1580/8 image 13]

[Endorsement]

[…]
contra Aliciam
Haselwall in
causa diffamationis
1580

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

People

Alice Haselwall– plaintiff

Christopher Haselwall– husband of the plaintiff

Ellen Barrowe – defendant

James Calveley – witness for the plaintiff

Ralph Churton – witness for the plaintiff

John Harrison – witness for the plaintiff

Anne Harrison – witness for the plaintiff

Ralph Huxley – mentioned in the depositions

John Catherall – mentioned in the depositions

Katherine Catherall – mentioned in the depositions

Ref: EDC 5/1580/7

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5 1580. 7. CHESTER (St Bridget) Alice Bostock c Roger Chauntrell of St Oswald for breach of contract – sentence.

Summary:

Alice Bostocke contra Roger Chauntrell

There is no note on the sentence that it has been read and issued, so it may be draft only. However, it does carry notes in the handwriting of Robert Leche, indicating that he had read it.

Year

1580

Type of Cause:

Matrimonial – enforcement of marriage contract

Cause Papers:

Sentence

Sentence (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/7 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: the merits and circumstances of a certain pretended cause of matrimonial contract which was disputed for some time and is as yet disputed and pending undecided before us having been heard, seen, understood and fully investigated by us, Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, lawfully deputed official principal of the Chester consistory court, rightly and lawfully proceeding, between Alice Bostocke of the parish of Saint Bridget in the city of Chester, the party plaintiff and complainant on the one part, and Roger Chauntrell of the parish of Saint Oswald of the city aforesaid, […] party on the other part; and the parties aforesaid appearing rightly and lawfully before us namely the party of the said Alice Bostocke through Henry Pennant, notary public, her proctor according to the acts of the court, likewise the party of Roger Chauntrell appearing in person and through James Banester, his proctor previously lawfully appointed according to the acts of the court and not […] revoked; with the party of the said Roger Chauntrell praying that sentence is passed for him and that justice may be done to him, while the party of the said Alice also praying with no little urgency that justice may be done to her.

The whole and entire proceedings had and done in this cause having first been examined and diligently considered by us, 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 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 and likewise proved in the cause aforesaid that the claim of the said Alice Bostocke in a certain pretended libel of hers or a certain pretended allegation of hers previously given and offered before us (the tenor of which libel or allegation, indeed, follows and is thus; In the name of God, Amen; before you, worshipful master Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, lawfully deputed official principal of the Chester consistory court etc., which libel we hold and we wish to be held as here read and inserted) was wrongly and invalidly founded and has not been sufficiently proved at all but has completely failed in its proof of this.

Therefore we, Robert Leche, official aforesaid, having first called on the name of Christ, and setting and having God only before our eyes, and from and with the advice of the learned in the law with whom we have maturely

[In a different hand on a separate paper pinned to the sentence]

Matrimonial Cont Alice Bostocke
(Bostock) of the Parish of St Bridget Chester
v. Roger Chauntrell of the Parish of St
Oswald Chester

1580

Transcript

[1580/7 image 1]

In dei nomine amen Auditis Visis intellectis plenarieque discussis
per nos Robertum Leche Legum doctorem Curie Consistorialis
Cestrensis officialem principalem Legitime deputatum meritis
et circumstancijs cuiusdam pretense Cause Contractis matri-
monialis que coram nobis inter Aliciam Bostocke
parochie sancte Brigitte <in> Ciuitatis Cestrie partem Actricem et
querelantem ex vna et Rogerum Chavntrell parochie Sancti
oswaldi Ciuitatis predicte <[…]> partibus ex altera aliquandiu
vertebatur vertiturque adhuc et pendet indecise
rite et legitime procedentes partibus predictis coram nobis
rite et legitime videlicet parte dicte Alicie Bostocke
per Henricum Pennant notarium publicum eius apud
acta procuratorem parte vero Rogeri Chavntrell
personaliter et per Jacobum
Banister eius apud acta procuratorem <alias constitutum necnon […] revocatum> legitime com-
perentibus parte dicti Rogeri Chavntrell Sententiam pro se
ferri et Justiciam fieri parte vero dicte Alicie
Bostocke <sententiam etiam ferri> cum Instancia non
modica postulantibus

Rimato primitus per nos
toto et Integro processu in
huiusmodi Causa habita et facta ac diligenter recensito
seruatisque per nos in hac parte de Jure Servandis ad
nostre Sententie diffinitiue siue finalis decreti prolacionem in
dicta Causa <ferendam> sic duximus procedendum et procedimus
in hunc qui sequitur modum

Quia per acta
Inactita deducta allegata pariter et probata in Causa
predicta comperimus et luculenter Inuenimus
dictam Aliciam Bostocke Intencionem suam in quodam suo
pretenso Libello <seu quadam sua pretensa allegacione alias> coram nobis dato et oblato cuius qui-
dem libelli <seu allegacionis> tenor sequitur et est talis, In dei
nomine Amen coram vobis venerabili viro magistro
Roberto Leche Legum doctore Curie Consistorialis Cestrensis
officiali principali legitime deputato et cetera quem libellum
pro hic lectum et insertum habemus et habere volumus
nulliter et Inutiliter fundasse nullatenusque pro-
basse sed in probacione sua huiusmodi omnino defecisse

Idcirco nos Robertus Leche officialis antedictus
christi nomine primitus invocato ac illum solum deum
oculis nostris preponentes et prehabentes de et cum Con-
silio Jurisperitorum quibuscum in hac parte mature

[In a different hand on a separate paper pinned to the sentence]

Matrimonial Cont Alice Bostocke
(Bostock) of the Parish of St Bridget Chester
v. Roger Chauntrell of the Parish of St
Oswald Chester

1580

Sentence (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/7 image 2]

consulted in this behalf, dismiss, absolve and release the aforesaid Roger Chauntrell from the suit and instance, vexation and controversy in law by the said Alice Bostocke touching the matters set forth in the said libel or allegation and we pronounce and decree […] that the same is free, quit and discharged in that behalf by this our definitive sentence or this our final decree which we pass and publish in these writings.

Transcript

[1580/7 image 2]

communicauimus prefatum Rogerum Chavntrell ab
Instancia et impeticione vexacione et in Jure
controuersia dicte Alicie Bostocke <quoad deducta in dicto libello seu allegacione> dimittimus
absoluimus et relaxamus ac <eundem in ea parte> liberum quietum et
solutum esse <[…]> pronunciamus <et decernimus>
per hanc
nostram Sententiam diffinitivam siue hoc nostrum finale decretum
quam siue quod ferimus et promulgamus in hijs
scriptis

Sentence (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/7 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Sentence of Roger Chauntrell against Alice Bostock, 1580.

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

Transcript

[1580/7 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Sententia Rogeri
Chavntrell contra
Aliciam bostocke

1580

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

People

Roger Chauntrell – plaintiff

Alice Bostocke – defendant

Officials

Robert Leche

Proctors

Henry Pennant

James Banester

Places

Chester, St Bridget

Chester, St Oswald

Ref: EDC 5/1580/6

Catalogue Entry:

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

Summary:

John Vawdrey and Richard Vawdrey, gentlemen, farmers of the tithes of Saint Oswald contra Richard Webb, William Janeon the elder and William Janeon the younger

Year

1580

Type of Cause:

Tithes – pigs

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/6 image 1]

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

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

2 Also, that as well by common law, statutes and injunctions of this realm of England, as by ancient laudable and lawful prescribed custom, hitherto inviolably and steadfastly observed from the time and throughout the time of the beginning or to the contrary of which there exists no memory of men and often upheld in judgment in a contested cause, the right of receiving and having all and singular tithes, as well greater as lesser, mixed and minute appertaining to the perpetual vicarage aforesaid, appertains and belongs to the vicar there or any farmer of his whomsoever he may be at the time, just as it appertains and belongs at present to the current farmers there; and he propounds as before.

Transcript

[1580/6 image 1]

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

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

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

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/6 image 2]

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

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

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

Transcript

[1580/6 image 2]

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

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

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

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/6 image 3]

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

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

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

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

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

Transcript

[1580/6 image 3]

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

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

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

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

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

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/6 image 4]

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said farmers prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him with effect in all and singular the premises and anything whatsoever concerning them, and that the said Richard Webb, William Janeon the elder and William Janeon the younger are condemned in the tithes aforesaid or in their true value and also in the lawful costs incurred on his part in this cause and he protests those to be incurred; and, having been condemned, that they are obliged and compelled by ecclesiastical censures to make real payment of the same by you and your definitive sentence, lord judge aforesaid; this party propounds the premises and prays that they are done jointly and severally, not binding himself to prove them all and singular, nor to the burden of a superfluous proof, against which he protests, but so far as he shall prove in the premises so much may he obtain of the petitions, always reserving the benefit of law in all things, humbly imploring your office in the premises; and this party asserts the right of adding to, correcting and amending etc.

Transcript

[1580/6 image 4]

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

Libel (image 5)

Original Document

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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.]

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.]

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 5/1580/5

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5 1580. 5. CHESTER James Bannister c Ellen Bannister alias Urmston for adultery and bastardy – libel, responsions, decree from York.

Summary:

James Banester contra Ellen Urmeston

Ellen Urmeston contra James Banester

James Banester tried to prevent Ellen Urmeston from bring an action against him, naming him as the father of her illegitimate child, by naming the man whom he thought to be the father and naming witnesses who had been told by Ellen that James was not the father. He also claimed that he should have been given the opportunity of clearing his name by compurgation. However, sentence was given in favour of Ellen and James was ordered to support the child. He appealed to York and an order was made to inhibit implementation of the sentence.

Year

1580

Type of Cause:

Immorality – acknowledgement of illegitimate child

Cause Papers:

Banester c. Urmeston
Libel
Additional positions

Urmeston c. Banester
Sentence
Miscellaneous (inhibition)

Banester c. Urmeston - Libel (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/5 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; before you, venerable Master Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, lawfully deputed official principal of the Chester consistory court, or any other judge whomsoever competent in this regard, the party of the distinguished James Banester of the city of Chester against Ellen Urmeston of the same city 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 and alleges and propounds in these writings in law in articles as follows:

1 Firstly, namely that the aforesaid James Banester, for twenty years, ten years or at least five years last past was, just as he is at present, a man of good name, honest conversation and unblemished reputation and accused or defamed or detected of no crime, leastways of adultery, fornication or sexual incontinence and commonly called, held, deemed and reputed for such and as such among good and substantial people and others having sufficient knowledge of his life and conversation for the whole and entire time aforesaid; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2 Also, that if and in so far as the aforesaid Ellen Urmeston has seriously defamed the same James Banester and has accused him of having recently begotten a female child from her body, the same Ellen should not and cannot burden the aforesaid James in that respect forasmuch as he, the aforesaid James, never had carnal knowledge of the said Ellen; and he propounds as before.

3 Also that the aforesaid James should not be adjudged as the natural father of the same child in as much ‘That the said Ellen when she <went> with the said childe in her wombe being charged by honest & credible persons to declare whoe war father of the same childe confessed that the said James was not the father thereof, and asked the same James then present forgiuenes for that she had wrongfullie & vntrulie accused him thereof and vtterred vnto him then the person that was the father of the same, requestinge the said James neuer to disclose the same person, for that if it were knowen the same person had begott her with childe she sholde be vtterlie shamed for euer for that she <stode> soe nere in affinitie vnto him’ And he propounds as before.

Transcript

[1580/5 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis [venerabili] viro magistro [Roberto] leche legum
doctore Curie Consistorialis Cestrensis officiali principali legitime deputato
aut alio Judice in hac parte competenti quocunque Pars discreti
viri Jacobi Banester Ciuitatis Cestrie contra et aduersus
Ellenam Urmeston eiusdem Ciuitatis ac contra quemcunque
alium seu quoscunque alios Coram vobis in Judicio pro eadem
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 predictus Jacobus Banester per viginti annos
decem annos seu saltem per Quinque annos vltimo elapsos
fuit prout in presenti est vir bone fame conuersacionis honeste
ac opinionis illese, et nullius Criminis saltem adulterij
fornicacionis vel incontinentie accusatus seu diffamatus vel
detectus proque tali et vt talis inter bonos et graues
et alios euis vite et Conuersacione sufficientem noticiam habentes
communiter dictus tentus habitus et reputatus pro toto et omni
tempore predicto Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim Et de quolibet

2 Item Quod si et quatenus predicta Ellena Urmeston eundem
Jacobum Banester grauiter diffamauit, ac prolem feminiam
ex corpore suo nuper procreasse accusauit, eadem Ellena
predictum Jacobum in ea parte onerare non debet neque potest, pro
eo videlicet et ex eo quod ipse prefatus Jacobus dictam Ellenam nunquam
carnaliter cognouit Et ponit vt supra

3 Item Quod predictus Jacobus pater naturalis eiusdem prolis adiudicari
non debet pro eo videlicet et ex eo That the said Ellen when
she <went> with the said childe in her wombe beinge charged
by honest & credible persons to declare whoe war father
of the same childe confessed that the said James was not
the father thereof, and asked the same James then present
forgiuenes for that she had wrongfullie & vntrulie
accused him thereof and vtterred vnto him then the
person that was the father of the same, requestinge
the said James neuer to disclose the same person, for that
if it were knowen the same person had begott her
with childe she sholde be vtterlie shamed for euer for
that she <stode> soe nere in affinitie vnto him Et ponit
vt supra

Banester c. Urmeston - Libel (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/5 image 2]

[4] […] ‘the spe[ce of] Eight [seven six] fyve foure three two or at least one whole weke about the same tyme that by possibilitie of nature and Computacion of tyme the said childe was begotten did nightlie lye in bed with one Thomas Wilson of the Citie of Chester Sheareman whoe hath & then had maried the suster of the said Ellen to the great offence of the neighbors of the said Thomas’ And he propounds as before.

5 Also That incase the said Ellen hath at any tyme fathered the said childe sithence it was borne vppon the said James Banester <in fact> the same fatheringe cannot in any wise profitt or availe her nor <be> hurtfull or preiudiciall to the said James, for that it was done in a place called Thelwall distaunt from the dwellinge house or abidinge place of the said James about xvj miles, without any Canonicall monicion giuen to the said James by the <Curat of the> same place, and in which place nether Sacramentes are ministred, matrimonies solemnized or the dead buried, where in verie dede by the laudable Custome of this dioces the same childe sholde haue bene fathered in the parishe churche of the said James and he sholde haue had <publique> monicion thereof <from his own Curat> by the space of one whole weke next before the doenge thereof to thintent he might haue vsed the benefite of Reclamacion[1] otherwise evill disposed women might & wolde father their children borne & begotten out of wedlock vppon suche persons as were giltles of the fact And he propounds as before.

6 Also, that the aforesaid James Banester was and is of the parish of Saint Oswald of the city of Chester and not of the chapelry of Thelwall, and he propounds as before.

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 this.

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the same James prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him in all and singular the premises

[1] Establishing innocence by claiming compurgation.

Transcript

[1580/5 image 2]

[4] […] the spa[ce of] Eight [seven six] fyve
foure three two or at least one whole weke about
the same tyme that by possibilitie of nature and
Computacion of tyme the said childe was begotten
did nightlie lye in bed with one Thomas Wilson
of the Citie of Chester Sheareman whoe hath &
then had maried the suster of the said Ellen to
the great offence of the neighbors of the said
Thomas Et ponit vt supra

5 Item That incase the said Ellen hath at any tyme
fathered the said childe sithence it was borne
vppon the said James Banester <de facto> the same fatheringe
cannot in any wise profitt or availe her nor <be> hurtfull
or preiudiciall to the said James, for that it was
done in a place called Thelwall distaunt from the
dwellinge house or abidinge place of the said
James about xvj miles, without any Canonicall monicion
giuen to the said James by the <Curat of the> same place, and
in which place nether Sacramentes are ministred,
matrimonies solemnized or the dead buried, where
in verie dede by the laudable Custome of this
dioces the same childe sholde haue bene fathered
in the parishe churche of the said James and he
sholde haue had <publique> monicion thereof <from his own Curat> by the space of
one whole weke next before the doenge thereof
to thintent he might haue vsed the benefite of
Reclamacion otherwise evill
disposed women might & wolde father their children
borne & begotten out of wedlock vppon suche persons
as were giltles of the fact Et ponit vt supra

6 Item Quod predictus Jacobus Banester fuit et est parochie Sancti
Oswaldi Ciuitatis Cestrie et non Capellarie de Thelwall
Et ponit vt supra.

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

Unde facta fide de Jure
in hac parte requisita petit pars eiusdem Jacobi
Jus et Justiciam sibi in premissis omnibus et singulis

Banester c. Urmeston - Libel (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/5 image 3]

and that he will be dismissed and absolved from the […] petition and […] unjust vexation by the same Ellen by you and your definitive sentence or final decree, together with his costs incurred and to be incurred in this cause, etc. this party 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; and this party asserts the right of adding to, taking from and correcting at an agreeable and suitable place and time; And that he does not propound the premises to defame the same Ellen nor the aforesaid Thomas Wilson at all, but to use for his defence by remedy of law and not otherwise, in which sense and by no other premise he desires and wishes to be judged etc.

Transcript

[1580/5 image 3]

fieri et ministrari Seque ab […] impe[ticione ac] iniusta
vexacione eiusdem Ellene dimitti et abolui vnacum Expensis
suis in hac Causa factis et fiendis per vos et vestram Sententiam
diffinitivam siue finale decretum et cetera Premissa proponit et fieri
petit pars ista Coniunctim et diuisim non arctans se ad omnia et
singula premissa probanda nec ad onus superflue probacionis
de quo protestatur sed quatenus probauerit in premissis eatenus
obtineat in petitis Juris beneficio in omnibus semper saluo
Vestrum officium in premissis humiliter implorando Et
protestatur de addendo diminuendo et corrigendo pro
loco et tempore congruis et oportunis Et quod
premissa non proponit omnino eandem Ellenam nec predictum
Thomam Wilson diffamandi sed remedio Juris pro
sua defensione vtendi et non aliter in quo Sensu
et nullo alio premisso censeri cupit et vult et cetera

Banester c. Urmeston - Libel (image 4)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/5 image 4]

[Endorsement]

[…] Banester against Ellen Urmeston offered in the year 1580.

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

Transcript

[1580/5 image 4]

[Endorsement]
[…]
Banester contra
Ellenam Vrmeston
oblat’ Anno 1580

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

Banester c. Urmeston - Additional Positions (image 5)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/5 image 5]

Additional positions on behalf of James Banester against Ellen Urmeston in a cause of upkeep of a child, exhibited on the 15th day of April in the year 1580.

1 Item the party of the said James Banester propounds and articles ‘that’ Katherine Wright, wife of Roland Wright, met the said James Banester within 3 days after the examination of the said Ellen Urmeston held in that respect before the aforesaid Katherine Wright and Katherine Momforde, wife of David Momforde, and said these words which follow in English to the same James, namely ‘James’ meaning the said James Banester ‘we haue now found a nue father to the child’ meaning ‘the child now in question’ and the said James Banester, replying, asked ‘who is that ‘and the said Katherine Wright said ‘A knave that came from London with hir I thought it was not hir Chance[1] to haue so honest a man to to the father of the Child as you be’ or other words conveying the same effect; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2 Also he propounds and articles ‘that the Comon speche in Chester is […] Thomas Wilson Brother in law to the said Ellen Vrmeston hath confessed that She the said Ellen came from London where She had dweled for the space of v years

[1] Chance = luck, fortune

Transcript

[1580/5 image 5]

Posi[tiones addi]cional[es] [ex parte Jacobi Banester]
contra Elen[am] Vrmeston in causa sustentacionis prolis

Exhibite xv^o die mensis Aprilis Anno 1580

1 Item ponit et articulatur pars dicti Jacobi Banester that
Katherin Wright vxor Rouland Wright dedit obviam
dicto Jacobo Banester infra iij^s dies post examinacionem
dicte Elene Vrmeston coram prefata Katherina Wright et
Katherina Momfurthe vxor David Momforde in hac parte
habitam et hec verba vt in anglicis sequntur eidem Jacobo
dixit videlicet James innuendo dictum Jacobum Banester
we haue now found a nue father to the child
innuendo the child now in question Et dictus
Jacobus Banester respondendo interrogabat who is
that et dictam Katherinam Wright dixit A knave
that came from London with hir I thought it
was not hir Chance to haue so honest a man to
{to} the father of the Child as you be seu alia
verba eundem effectum et importantia Et ponit coniunctim
diuisim et de quolibet

2 Item ponit et articulatur that the Comon speche in Chester
is […] Thomas Wilson Brother in law to
the said Ellen Vrmeston hath confessed that
She the said Ellen came from London where
She had dweled for the space of v years

Banester c. Urmeston - Additional Positions (image 6)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/5 image 6]

[…] Credible […] vnto his the said Thomas his house on trenetye Sonday laste which was the xiiij daie of June laste[1] And the same Child was borne the fyfte day of february then next followeng So that by that accompte the Childe was not in the mothers wombe eight monthes’ and he propounds as before.

Also he propounds and articles ‘that if the said Ellen may be hir self examined she will confesse the said James Banester was not acquainted with hir the said Ellen of a good tyme after hir Retorne from london’ and that he never knew her carnally as previously alleged; and he propounds as before.

Whereupon, due proof being made etc. he prays right and justice in the premises etc.

[1] Trinity Sunday 1579 was 14th June

Transcript

[1580/5 image 6]

[…] the Credible […] vnto his the said
Thomas his house on trenetye Sonday laste
which was the xiiij daie of June laste[1]
And the said Child was borne the fyfte
day of february then next followeng So that
by that accompte the Childe was not in the
mothers wombe eight monthes et ponit
vt supra

Item ponit et Articulatur that if the said Ellen
may be hir self examined she will confesse
the said James Banester was not
acquainted with hir the said Ellen of
a good tyme after hir Retorne from london
Et quod nunquam cognovit ea carnaliter vt
preallegauit et ponit vt supra

Vnde facte
fide et cetera petit ius et iusticiam in premissis et cetera

[1] Trinity Sunday 1579 was 14th June

Banester c. Urmeston - Additional Positions (image 7)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/5 image 7]

[Endorsement]

Additional positions on behalf of James Banester against Ellen Urmeston etc. 1580

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

Transcript

[1580/5 image 7]

[Endorsement]

Positiones ad[ditionales]
ex parte Jacobi
Banester contra
Elenam Vrmeston
et cetera 1580

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

Urmeston c. Banester - Sentence (image 8)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/5 image 8]

In the name of God, Amen: the merits and circumstances of a certain cause of affiliation or support of a child which was disputed for some time and is still disputed and pending undecided before us having been heard, seen and understood and fully investigated by us, Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, lawfully deputed official principal of the Chester consistory court by the authority of the right reverend father in God, William, by divine mercy lord bishop of Chester, rightly and lawfully proceeding, between Ellen Urmeston, the party plaintiff and complainant on the one part, and James Banester of the city of Chester ‘Swerdberer’ of the parish of Saint Oswald of the city of Chester and of Chester diocese and jurisdiction, the defendant and party complained of on the other part; appearing sufficiently and lawfully before us in court; the party of the said Ellen Urmeston by the distinguished William Withens, her proctor previously appointed according to the acts of the court, likewise the party of the said James Banester appearing in person and by James Banester, notary public, his previously-appointed proctor; the party of the said Ellen praying that sentence is passed and justice may be done to her party, while respectively the party of the said James Banester also praying with no little urgency that justice may be done to him.

The whole and entire proceedings had and done in this cause having first been examined and diligently considered by us, 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 the pronouncement of our definitive sentence in the afore-mentioned cause and between the parties aforesaid, and we do proceed in this manner which follows:

Forasmuch as we find by the acts enacted, set forth, propounded, alleged and likewise proved that the aforesaid Ellen Urmeston has attributed to and fathered upon the said James Banester, the defendant, a certain illegitimate child recently illicitly begotten and produced from the body of Ellen, by virtue of her corporal oath and has sworn with a sufficient number of women who have believed that the said Ellen has sworn a true oath in that behalf that the same James Banester is father of this child and the said James Banester has failed in proof of his material […] introduced in this cause and has failed […] with this court and that nothing effectual has been or is alleged, propounded or proved on the part or behalf of the said James which could destroy or in any way weaken the claim of the previously-libelled Ellen Urmeston.

Transcript

[1580/5 image 8]

In dei nomine Amen Auditis Visis Intellectis plenarie[que]
discussis per nos Robertum Leche Legum doctorem Curie Consistorialis
Cestrensis auctoritate Reuerendi in christo patris et domini domini Willielmi
miseratione diuina Cestrensis Episcopi officialem princi-
palem Legitime deputatum meritis et Circumstantijs cuiusdam
Cause filiationis siue Alimentacionis prolis que coram
nobis inter Ellenam Urmeston partem Actricem et
querelantem ex vna et Jacobum Banister <de Ciuitate Cestrie>
Swerdberer parochie Sancti Oswaldi Ciuitatis
Cestrie <Cestrensis diocesis> ac Jurisdiccionis partem ream et querelatam partibus
ex altera Aliquandiu vertebatur vertiturque adhuc
et pendet Indecise <rite et legitime procedentes> parte dicte Ellene Urmeston per
discretum virum Willielmum Withens eius apud acta
procuratorem <alias constitutum > parte vero dicti Jacobi Banister per se
et Jacobum Banister notarium publicum eius procura-
torem <alias constitutum> coram nobis In Judicio rite et legitime
comparentibus parte dicte Ellene Sententiam ferri et Justiciam
pro parte sue fieri parte vero dicti Jacobi Banister
Justiciam etiam <sibi> fieri cum Instantia non modicum <respectiue> postu-
lantibus

Rimato primitus per nos diligenterque recen-
sito toto et Integro processu in huiusmodi Causa habita
et facto Servatisque per nos de Jure in hac parte seruandis
ad nostre Sententie diffinitiue prolacionem in memorata Causa
et inter partes predictas sic duximus procedendum et proce-
dimus in hunc qui sequitur modum

Quia per acta
Inactita deducta proposita allegata pariter ac probata
Invenimus predictam Ellenam Vrmeston
<prolem> quandam Spuriam <nuper> ex corpore
<ipsius Ellene illicite> procreatam <et genitam> medio cor-
porali suo juramento
<in dictum Jacobum Banester partem defendentem> filiasse et paternasse <eundemque Jacobum Banester patrem esse huiusmodi
prolis Jurasse cum sufficienti numero mulierum se dictam Ellenam verum in
hac parte Jurasse credere dictum iuramentum dictumque Jacobum in probacione materie sue defecisse
in hac causa interposite […] huius Curie […] defecisse nihilque effectuale ex parte et per
partem dicti Jacobi fuisse aut esse allegatum propositum et probatum quod intencionem prelibate>
Ellene Urmeston elideret seu quomodolibet

Urmeston c. Banester - Sentence (image 9)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/5 image 9]

Therefore we, Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, the official aforesaid, having first called upon the name of Christ, and setting God himself alone before our eyes, from and with the advice of the learned in the law with whom we have consulted in a timely manner in this behalf pronounce, decree and declare that the said James Banester is compelled to support and educate the same child for […] and we condemn the aforesaid James Banester in the lawful costs incurred and to be incurred on the part and behalf of the said Ellen Urmeston in this cause, to be taxed by us with the greatest moderation, and to the real payment of the same to the party of the said Ellen by this our definitive sentence or this our final decree which we pass and publish in these writings; but reserving taxation of these expenses to us or another judge competent in this behalf and we do reserve it.

This sentence was read and issued by the aforesaid judge in the presence of Randle Cotgrave, the principal registrar etc., sitting publicly and judicially in Chester cathedral church in the place of the consistory there on the second day of December 1580, then present there John Morgell, notary public, David Mountford of the city of Chester, John Yardley and Hugh Gillam, literate men, particularly called and summoned to the premises.

Transcript

[1580/5 image 9]

enervaret

Idcirco nos Robertus Leche legum
doctor <officialis antedictus> christi nomine primitus Invocato ac ipsum solum deum
oculis nostris preponentes de et cum Consilio
Jurisperitorum quibuscum in hac parte <mature> communicauimus
<dictum Jacobum Banester> ad alimentandum et educandum eandem <prolem pro […] <compellendum fore […]>

predictumque Jacobum
Banister in Expensis Legitimis ex parte et per partem
dicte Ellene Vrmeston in hac <causa> factis et fiendis
<cum magna tamen moderacione per nos taxandis> ac ad realem Solucionem earu-
ndem parti dicte Ellene Condempnamus per hanc
nostram Sententiam diffinitivam siue hoc nostrum finale de-
cretum quam siue quod ferimus et promulgamus in
hijs Scriptis taxacionem vero huiusmodi Expensarum
nobis aut alio Judici in hac parte <competenti> reseruantes
et reseruamus

Lecta et lata fuit huiusmodi Sententia <per>
iudicem
antedictum in presentia magistri Ranulphi Cotgreaue
Registrarij principalis et cetera publice pro tribunali in Ecclesie
cathedrali Cestrensi loco consistorio ibidem secundo die
decembris 1580 sedenti presentibus tunc
ibidem Johanne Morgell notorio publico David
Mountford Civitatis Cestrie Johanne Yardley
et Hugone Gillam literatis Testibus ad
premisis specialiter vocatis et requisitis

Urmeston c. Banester - Sentence (image 10)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/5 image 10]

[Endorsement]

[…] Vrmeston […] James Banester in a cause of affiliation of a child exhibited 1580.

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

Transcript

[1580/5 image 10]

[Endorsement]

[…]
Vrmeston […]
Jacobum Banaster
in causa filiationis
Prolis exhibit’
1580

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

Urmeston c. Banester - Inhibition (image 11)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/5 image 11]

Copy of the inhibition in respect of Banester

The official of the revered consistory court of York, lawfully appointed, to all and singular clerks and literate men whomsoever throughout the diocese and province of York in any place appointed, greeting.

Since a certain James Banester of the city of Chester, of Chester diocese and the province of York, sword-bearer, thinking and perceiving himself and his party, invalidly, wrongly and unjustly decreed and adjudged by promulgation of a certain pretended definitive sentence (if it deserves to be so called), both wrongful in law and completely contemptuous and neglectful of judgements, invalidly and unjustly issued and published against his party by the venerable Master Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, pretended official principal of the right reverend father in God, William, by divine mercy lord bishop of Chester in a certain pretended cause of affiliation or support of a child on the part and behalf of a certain Ellen Urmston, the party plaintiff and pretended complainant on the one part and the aforesaid James Banester, the defendant and party complained of on the other part, in some way directed and instituted, through the which pretended sentence the said James Banester is to be compelled to feed and educate a certain illegitimate child unlawfully born of the body of her, Ellen, at the false petitions and persuasions of the said Ellen Urmeston, while through other matters and proofs he is able to show or declare some other man to be deemed and reputed as the father of the same child;

and also from the costs incurred and to be incurred on the part and behalf of the said Ellen in the said pretended cause, although to be taxed with the greatest moderation, and the real payment of the same to the party of the same Ellen, to which he also wrongly, invalidly and unjustly condemned the aforesaid James unduly and unjustly to be burdened, to the manifest abuse of law and to the no small prejudice, loss and damage of the said James and also fearing and dreading that he could be annoyed and burdened in future and he has appealed to us and our revered consistory court of York aforesaid from the same sentence as unfairly and unjustly issued, and he has complained chiefly of the invalidity of the said sentence and the process had and done in the said pretended cause

Transcript

[1580/5 image 11]

Copia Inhibicionis pro Banester

Officialis alme curie consistorialis Ebor’ legitime deputatus
Vniversis et singulis clericis et literatis quibuscunque per diocesem
et provinciam Eboracensem ubilibet constitutis Salutem

Cum quidam Jacobus
Bannester de Ciuitate Cestrie Cestrensis diocesis Eboracensisque
provincie Ensiferus sentiens et percipiens se et partem suam
ex prolacione cuiusdam pretence sentencie diffinitive
(si ita dici mereatur) contra partem suam per venerabilem
virum magistrum Robertum Leech legum doctorem officialem
pretensum principalem Reverendi in christo patris et domini domini
Willielmi miseracione divina Cestrensis Episcopi nulliter et
inique late et promulgate in quadam pretensa causa
filiacionis siue alementacionis prolis coram eo ex parte
et per partem cuiusdam Elene Urmeston partis actricis
et querelantis pretense ex vna contra prefatum Jacobum
Bannester partem ream et querelatam ex altera taliter
qualiter intentata et instituta per quam quidam pretensam
sententiam dictum Jacobum Bannester ad alimentandum et educandum
quandam prolem spuriam ex corpore ipsius Ellene illicite
natam compellendum fore donec per alia et probalia documenta
ostendere seu declarare poterit aliquem alium virum habendum
fore et reputandum debere pro patre eiusdem prolis ad subdolas
peticiones et perswasiones dicte Elene Urmeston nulliter
perperam et inique Juris et iudiciorum ordine spreto penitus
et neclecto decreuit et adiudicauit

Predictumque Jacobum
ne ex expensis ex parte aut per partem dicte Elene in dicta
pretensa causa factis et fiendis magna tamen moderacione
taxandis et ad realem eorundem solucionem parti euisdem Elene
etiam perperam nulliter inique condempnauit in iuris Iniuriam
manifestam dictique Jacobi preiudicium dampnumque non modicum
et gravamen indebite et iniuste pregravari ac plus
timens et metuens se ledi posse et gravari in futurum

Ac nos et Almam curiam consistorialem Ebor’ predictam ab eadem sentencia
tanquam inique et iniuste lata appelauit Et eaque prin-
cipaliter de nullitate dicte sentencie et processus
in dicta pretensa causa habito et facto querelatus fuerit

Urmeston c. Banester - Inhibition (image 12)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/5 image 12]

We therefore command you to inhibit the aforesaid Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, official aforesaid, and the scribe or scribes of his acts and in particular the said Ellen and also in general all others whom the law requires to be inhibited in this respect, whom we also inhibit by the tenor of these presents, nor in any way while this suit is pending should they or any of them attempt or cause to be attempted anything to the prejudice of the said party appellant so that he, the party appellant, may have the freedom to pursue this appeal and business of complaint, as is just. In addition that you cite or cause to be cited peremptorily Ellen Urmeston, that she should appear before us or any deputy of ours whomsoever in the cathedral and metropolitan church of York in the place of the consistory there on Thursday, in the third week of Lent next to come after the date of these presents between the ninth and eleventh hours before noon of the same day, to answer according to justice to the aforesaid party appellant in this, his appeal and business of complaint, and in all things to submit to law; and what you do in the premises you should duly certify together with these presents to us or any deputy of ours whomsoever on the said day, time and place. This our mandate was executed given at York under our seal which we use in this behalf on the 23rd day of January in the one thousand five hundred and eightieth year of our Lord[1], according to the system and computation of the English church.

[1] This is 1581, according to the Gregorian calendar in use today. Thursday in the third week of Lent in 1581 would have been 2^nd March.

Transcript

[1580/5 image 12]

Vobis igitur mandamus quatenus prefato Roberto Lech legum
doctori officiali antedicto eiusque actorum scribe seu scribis
ac dicte Elene in specie necnon omnibus alijs quibus ius
exigit in hac parte inhiberi in genere inhibeatis quibus
nos etiam tenore presentium inhibemus ne quicquam in preiudicium
dicte partis appellantis pendente lite huiusmodi attemptent seu
attemptet eorum aliquis faciantue aut faciat quomodolibet
attemptari quo minus ipsam pars appellans liberam habeat
huiusmodi appellacionem et querele negotium prosequendi
facultatem prout iustum fuerit Citetis insuper seu
citari faciatis peremptorie prefatam Elenam Urmeston
quod compareat coram nobis seu deputato nostro quocunque
in Ecclesia cathedrali et metropolitana Ebor’ loco consistorio ibidem
die Jouis in tertia septimana quadragesime proximo
futuro post datum presentium inter horas nonam et vndecimam
ante meridiem eiusdem diei Prefate parti appellanti
in huiusmodi suo appellacionis et querele negotio de
iusticia Responsurum ac Juri per omnia pariturum Et quid
in premissis feceritis nos seu deputatum nostrum quemcunque
dictis die horis et loco debite certificetis ille vestrum
qui presens hoc nostrum mandatum fuerit exequutus Datum
Eborac’ sub sigillo nostro quo in hac parte vtimur xxiij^o
die Januarij Anno domini Millesimo quingentesimo
octogesimo secundum cursum et computacionem ecclesie
Anglicane

Urmeston c. Banester - Inhibition (image 13)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/5 image 13]

[Endorsement]

Executed on the third day of February 1580.

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

Transcript

[1580/5 image 13]

[Endorsement]

execut’ Tercio die
Februarij 1580

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

People

Banester c. Urmeston
James Banester – plaintiff
Ellen Urmeston – defendant
Hugh Gillam – witness to the sentence
Katherine Momforde – mentioned in the additional positions
John Morgell – witness to the sentence
David Mountford – witness to the sentence
Thomas Wilson – brother-in-law of Ellen Urmeston
Katherine Wright– mentioned in the additional positions
John Yardley – witness to the sentence

Urmeston c. Banester
Ellen Urmeston – plaintiff
James Banester – defendant

Officials

Robert Leche

Subjects

Appeals to York

Compurgation

London

Occupations and professions

Payment for support of child

Taxation of costs

Proctors

James Banester

William Withens

Places

City of Chester

Chester (St Oswald)

Thelwall

Ref: EDC 5/1580/4

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5 1580. 4. CHESTER (St John) Elizabeth Meacocke c Thomas Darcye of St Mary’s for annulment of marriage she being only ten years of age – decree.

Summary:

Elizabeth Meycock contra Thomas Davie.

Elizabeth claimed that she was less than ten years old at the time of her marriage to Thomas at the instigation of her parents, which she sought to have annulled.

Year

1580

Type of Cause:

Matrimonial – annulment (minor)

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/4 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; before you, venerable Master Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, lawfully deputed official principal of the Chester consistory court, or any other judge whomsoever competent in this regard, the party of the honest woman, Elizabeth Meycock of the parish of Saint John of the city of Chester against Thomas Davie of the parish of Saint Mary of the same city and of your jurisdiction 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 and alleges and propounds in these writings in law in articles as follows:

1 Firstly, namely that a certain pretended marriage was and is solemnised or, more correctly profaned, in fact but not in law between the aforesaid Thomas Davie and Elizabeth Meycock, then respectively being in their minority, at the mediation, order and instigation of their parents and friends, she, the aforesaid Elizabeth Meycock, was less than ten years of age at the time of the solemnisation of this pretended marriage; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2 Also, that as soon as the aforesaid Elizabeth Meycock attained the age of twelve years as well as before and since, she dissented and objected to this pretended marriage before trustworthy witnesses, just at present she dissents and objects, and she did not ever corroborate, ratify, confirm or approve it by sexual intercourse, mutual cohabitation or by any other means or signs, at least lawful ones; and he propounds as before.

3 Also, that the aforesaid Thomas Davie was and is of the parish of Saint Mary in Chester and by reason thereof notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction, and he propounds as before.

4 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 this.

Transcript

[1580/4 image 1]

[Some words at the top of the page are now illegible.]

In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis venerabili viro magistro Roberto
leche legum doctore Curie Consistorialis Cestrensis officiali
principali legitime deputato aut alio Judice in hac parte
competenti quocunque Pars honeste mulieris
Elizabeth Meycock parochie Sancti Johannis Ciuitatis Cestrie
contra et aduersus Thomam Davie parochie Sancte Marie
eiusdem Ciuitatis et vestre Jurisdiccionis ac contra quemcunque
alium seu quoscunque alios Coram vobis in Judicio
pro eodem legitime intervenientem per viam querele
et vobis in hac parte querelando dicit allegat
et in hiis scriptis in Jure proponit articulatim
prout sequitur

1 Inprimis videlicet Quod matrimonium quoddam pretensum fuit et est
inter predictos Thomam Davie et Elizabeth Meycock
adtunc in eorum minoritate respectiue existentes medijs
Jussu et instigacione parentum et amicorum suorum de
facto sed non de Jure solemnizatum imo verius
prophanatum, ipsa predicta Elizabeth Meycock tempore
solemnizacionis huiusmodi pretensi matrimonij citra decimum
etatis annum constituta Et ponit Coniunctim diuisim
Et de quolibet

2 Item Quod predicta Elizabeth Meycock tam simulac duodecimum
sue etatis annum attigerit quam ante et citra huiusmodi pretenso
matrimonio coram Testibus fidedignis dissentiebat
et reclamabat prout eidem in presenti dissentit et
reclamat, nec unquam idem carnali copula,
mutua Cohabitacione alijsve modis aut Signis
saltem legitimis corroborauit ratificauit confirmauit
aut approbauit Et ponit vt supra

3 Item Quod predictus Thomas Davie fuit et est parochie
Sancte Marie Cestrie et eo pretextu vestre Jurisdiccioni
notorie subditus et subiectus Et ponit vt supra.

4 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

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/4 image 2]

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said Elizabeth prays that right and justice may be done and administered to her with effect in all and singular the premises and that the pretended marriage thus, as set out above, solemnised in fact but not in law and everything following therefrom is quashed, invalidated and nullified and is pronounced, decreed and declared to have been and to be quashed, invalid and nullified by 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 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; and this party asserts the right of adding and correcting.

Transcript

[1580/4 image 2]

laborant publica vox et fama

Vnde facta fide
de Jure in hac parte requisita petit pars dicte Elizabeth
Jus et Justiciam sibi in premissis omnibus et singulis
fieri et ministrari cum effectu matrimoniumque
pretensum sic vt predicitur de facto sed non de
Jure solemnizatum ac omnia exinde secuta cassari
irritari et annullari ac cassum cassa irritum irrita
nullumque et nulla fuisse et esse pronuntiari
decerni et declarari per vestram Sententiam diffinitivam
domine Judex antedicte Premissa proponit et
fieri petit pars ista Coniunctim et diuisim non arctans
se ad omnia et singula premissa probanda nec ad
onus superflue probacionis de quo 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 et corrigendo

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/4 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Libel on behalf of Elizabeth Meycock against Thomas Davie in a cause of divorce, 1580.

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

Transcript

[1580/4 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Libellus ex parte
Elizabeth Meycock
contra Thomam
Davie in Causa
diuortij 1580

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

People

Elizabeth Meycock – plaintiff

Thomas Davie – defendant

Officials

Robert Leche

Subjects

Child marriage

Women

Places

Chester, St John

Chester, St Mary

Ref: EDC 5/1580/3

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5 1580. 3. CHESTER (St Peter) Alderman Thomas Darcye c Cecily Darcye for adultery with Francis Ederman – sentence.

Summary:

Thomas Darcie, gentleman, contra Cecily Darcie – libel.

The sentence in this cause is filed at EDC 5/1580/2.

Also

John Nutter contra Ralph Janion – exceptions against witnesses for the plaintiff in a defamation cause. This cause dates from 1582.

The depositions of the witnesses for the plaintiff, sentence and bill of costs in this cause are filed at EDC 5/1582/3.

Year

1580

Type of Cause:

Darcie – Matrimonial – separation from bed and board (adultery)

Nutter – Defamation – sexual slander

Cause Papers:

Libel (Darcie)

Exceptions against witnesses for the plaintiff (Nutter)

Libel (Darcie) image 1

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/3 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; before you venerable Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, lawfully deputed official principal of the Chester consistory court, the party of the distinguished Thomas Darcie, gentleman, of the parish of Saint Peter of the city of Chester, against Cecily Darcie, his pretended wife, and against any other person or persons whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law in articles as follows:

Firstly, that although the same Thomas Darcie and Cecily lawfully contracted matrimony together and caused or obtained it to be solemnised between them in the face of the church, and afterwards cohabited together as man and wife in conjugal duty for some space of time, however, the said Thomas Darcie is not to be bound and compelled by law further to cohabit with the said Cecily, his wife, or to provide conjugal rights to the same inasmuch as the said Cecily, from the time of the aforesaid marriage contracted and solemnised between him and the same Cecily, as is previously set forth, regarded, just as she now regards, the said Thomas, her husband, with the greatest hatred and cruelty (ignoring God’s commandment) and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Also, that the said Cecily, having neither the fear of God nor dread of the censure of the church before her eyes, after the said marriage contracted and solemnised, as aforesaid, with the aforesaid Thomas Darcie, her husband, shamelessly and basely had intercourse with a certain Francis Ederman, born in Germany, and was and has been carnally known by the same and lived impurely with the same in adulterous embraces for some space of time wickedly committing adultery with the same (as is said); and he propounds as before.

Also, that the aforesaid Francis Ederman fathered a male child by the name of Francis, upon the body of the said Cecily Darcie, after the said marriage contracted and solemnised (as aforesaid) with the aforesaid Thomas Darcie, her husband; so notoriously that the afore-mentioned Francis was forced to leave this city to live in distant parts, greatly fearing ecclesiastical censure and penances to be imposed upon him by the ordinary; and he propounds as before.

Transcript

[1580/3 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis venerabili viro Roberto
Leche legum doctori Curie Consistorialis Cestrensis officiali principali
legitime deputato Pars discreti viri Thomæ Darcie gene-
rosi parochie sancti Petri Ciuitatis Cestrie contra et aduersus
Ciciliam Darcye eius pretensam vxorem ac contra quemcunque siue quoscunque
coram vobis pro eadem in Juditio Legitime interuenientem seu Intervenientes
dicit allegat et in his scriptis in Jure proponit articulatim pro vt sequi[tur]

Inprimis Quod licet Idem Thomas Darcye et Cicilia matrimonium
adinvicem legitime contraxere ac illud in facie ecclesiæ inter se solemp-
nizari fecerunt seu obtinuerunt ac postea vt vir et vxor in obsequijs
coniugalibus aliquod temporis spatium insimul cohabitauerunt dictus tamen
Thomas Darcye cum dicta Cicilia vxore sua vlterius cohabitare
aut obsequia coniugalia eidem prestare non est de Jure arctandum et
compellendum pro eo videlicet et ex eo quod dicta Cicilia a tempore prefati
matrimonij inter ipsum et eandem Ciciliam (vt premittitur) contractum et
solempnizatum maximo odio et seueritate dictum Thomam maritum suum
(neglectis dei mandato) prosequebatur quemadmodum et nunc prosequitur
et ponit Coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

Item Quod dicta Cicilia nec dei timorem pre occulis habens
nec ecclesie censuram veritam post dictum matrimonium sic vt premittitur
cum prefato Thoma Darcye marito suo contractum et solempnizatum
turpiter et flagitiose corpus suum cum quodam francisco Ederman in
germania nato communicavit et ab eodem carnaliter cognita est et
fuit et impure cum eodem in adulterinis complexibus per nonnullum
temporis spatium vixit addulterium cum eodem (vt dictitur) nequitur
perpetrando et ponit vt supra

Item Quod prefatus Franciscus Ederman ex corpore dictæ Cicilia
Darcye post dictum matrimonium cum prefato Thoma Darcye marito
suo (vt prefertur) contractum et solempnizatum <prolem masculam Franciscum nomine> suscitauit adeo notorie
vt etiam prelibatus Franciscus Ederman cogebatur ex hac vrbe
discedere et in remotis partibus viuere valde timens censuram
ecclesiasticam et penetentias sibi ab ordinario infligendis et ponit vt
supra

Libel (Darcie) image 2

Original Document

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Translation

[1580/3 image 2]

Also, that the said Cecily Darcie took in the aforesaid Francis Ederman as a lodger in the house of her husband, Thomas Darcie, in the absence of her husband dwelling and spending time in parts beyond the sea, the which Francis (as aforesaid) not only had carnal knowledge of the same Cicely but also despoiled the goods of the same Thomas Darcie, he even (as aforesaid) carried out the carnal act in the accustomed dwelling house of the said Thomas; and he propounds as before.

Also, that the said Francis Ederman paid, or caused to be paid, to the said Thomas Darcie for this despoiling of goods 20 ‘markes’ of good and lawful money of England by the hand of William Stiles, ‘alderman’ of the city of Chester; and he propounds as before.

Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, public, notorious and well known, and public voice and fame were and are circulating regarding and concerning this; whereupon the party of the said Thomas Darcie prays that right and justice may be done to him in the premises etc.

Humbly imploring your office etc. distinguished judge aforesaid.

Transcript

[1580/3 image 2]

Item Quod dicta Cicilia Darcye accepit in hospitium et domum
mariti sui Thomæ Darcye prefatum Franciscum Ederman
in absentia mariti sui in transmarinis partibus commorantis et
degentis qui quidem Franciscus (vt predicitur) non solum carna-
liter eandem Ciciliam cognouit sed etiam spoliauit eundem Thomam
Darcye bonis suis sed (vt prefertur) cum eadem actum carnis
exercebat in domo solitæ habitationis dicti Thomæ et ponit
vt supra.

Item Quod dictus Franciscus Ederman pro spoliatione bonorum
huiusmodi soluit seu solui fecit dicto Thomæ Darcye xxo
markes bone et legalis monete anglie per manus Willelmi
Stiles Ciuitatis Cestriæ Alderman et ponit vt supra.

Item Quod premissa omnia singula fuerunt et sunt <vera> publica
notoria et famosa atque de et super <huiusmodi> laborarunt et
laborant publica vox et fama Vnde petit pars dicti
Thomæ Darcye Jus et Justiciam in premissis sibi fieri et cetera

Vestrum officium humiliter implorando et cetera
Egregie Judex antedicte

Libel (Darcie) image 3

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/3 image 3]

[Endorsement]

Libel of Thomas Darcie against Cecily Darcie exhibited 1580.

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

Transcript

[1580/3 image 3]

[Endorsement]

libellus Thomæ
Darcye contra
Ciciliam Darcye
exhibitus 1580

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

Exceptions against witnesses for the plaintiff (Nutter) (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/3 image 4]

In the name of God, Amen; in a certain pretended cause of defamation or foul slander which was in dispute for a considerable time and is still in dispute and pending undecided before you, worshipful Master Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, in the Chester consistory court, between worshipful John Nutter, clerk, preacher of God’s word, plaintiff and complaining party on the one part and Ralph Janion, pretended defendant and party complained of, on the other part; the party of the said Ralph Janion to every consequence of law and fact that can follow thereon against the said John Nutter and against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening before you in judgement for the same and also against Richard Wright, Nicholas Massie and Hugh Rogerson, pretended witnesses on behalf of the said John Nutter in whatever way, although invalidly, produced, admitted, sworn and examined before you upon a certain pretended libel given and offered before you on behalf of the said John in this behalf and the whole of their claim in the same, says, alleges and in these writings in law propounds jointly, severally and in articles as follows:

1 Firstly, this party, in excepting, propounds against the aforesaid Richard Wright, Nicholas Massie and Hugh Rogerson, that their testimony is null and void and not to be admitted in law and completely to be excluded and rejected inasmuch as they are conflicting, vacillating, singular, coached, suborned and their depositions are inconsistent as is more fully clear and appears in their evidence; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

2 Also, this party, in excepting, propounds against Richard Wright, first pretended witness abovesaid, that his testimony is null and void and not to be admitted in law and completely to be excluded and rejected inasmuch as for the whole time of his production, admission, oath-swearing and examination, and before and since, he was and is notoriously defamed of the detestable crime of adultery; and to have committed adultery with several, or at least with one woman, the which sin he admitted before Richard Bavand, mayor of the city of Chester, and he is an intimate friend of the party producing him and hostile to this proponent; for he who has confessed or been convicted of a crime cannot be a witness in the ecclesiastical court as Lanfranc observes in the chapter Quoniam contra falsam[1] about the depositions of witnesses; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

[Part of this paragraph relating to the appearance of Richard Wright before the mayor of Chester charged with adultery has been deleted and is not included above, a marginal note has been added in writing resembling that of Robert Leche.] Required

[A translation of the marginal note ] This has been deleted because it does not seem that the said mayor is or was judicially competent.

[1] This was a requirement laid down by canon 38 of Lateran IV (1215) which necessitated the recording in writing of all judicial acts in case of future doubt.

Transcript

[1580/3 image 4]

In dei nomine amen in quadam pretensa Causa diffamacionis siue turpis [con-]
uitij que coram vobis venerabili viro magistro Roberto Leche [legum]
doctore in Curia Consistoriali Cestrensi Inter Venerabilem virum
Johannem Nutter Clericum verbi dei predicatorem partem Actricem
et querelantem ex vna et Radulphum Janion partem Ream
pretensam et querelatam partibus ex altera aliquandiu vertebat[ur]
vertiturque adhuc et pendet Indecisa Pars dicti Radulphi Janion
ad omnem Juris et facti effectum exinde sequi valentem contra et
aduersus dictum Johannem Nvtter ac contra quemcunque alium pro eodem
coram vobis in Judicio Legitime interuenientem necnon contra
Richardum Wright Nicholaum Massie et Hugonem Rogerson
Testes pretensos ex parte dicti Johannis Nutter coram vobis taliter
qualiter Immo nulliter productos admissos Juratos et examinati
super quodam pretenso Libello ex parte dicti Johannis in hac parte dato
et oblato totalemque Intencionem eorum in eodem dicit allegat et in hijs
scriptis in Jure proponit coniunctim diuisim atque Articulatim prout sequitur

1 In primis pars ista excipiendo proponit contra predictos Richardum
Wright Nicholaum Massie et Hugonem Rogerson quod eorum
testimonium est nullum et Invalidum ac de Jure non admitte-
ndum ac omnino reprobandum et reijciendum pro eo videlicet et ex eo quod sunt
varij vacillantes singulares Instruci subornati et in
eorum depositionibus discrepantes vt in suis attestaccionibus
plenius liquet et apparet et ponit coniunctim diuisim et de quolibet

2 Item pars ista excipiendo proponit contra Richardum Wright primum
pretensum Testem supradictum quod illius testimonium est nullum et
Inualidum ac de Jure non admittendum sed omnino reprobandum
et reijciendum pro eo videlicet et ex eo quod omni tempore eius pro-
duxcionis admissionis Juramenti prestacionis et examinacionis
anteaque et citra fvit et est de detestando adulterij crimine
notorie Infamatum
perpetrasse adulte-
rium cum diuersis seu saltem cum vna muliere quod quidem
dilictum suum fatebatur coram <Ricardo Bavand> maiore <Civitatis Cestrie>
est que Intimus amicus partis eum producentis
et Inimicus <istius> proponentis Infamis enim confessus vel
convictus de crimine non potest esse Testis in foro
Ecclesiastico vt notat Lanfrancus In Capite quoniam contra
falsam de testium depositionibus Et ponit coniunctim diuisim ac [de]
quolibet

[The marginal note appears to say]

obliteratur
quia non
apparet
dictus maiore
esse vel
fuisse Judicaliter
compatentus

Exceptions against witnesses for the plaintiff (Nutter) (image 5)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/3 image 5]

3 Also, this party, in excepting, propounds against Nicholas Massie, the second pretended witness abovesaid, that his testimony is null and void and not to be admitted in law but completely to be excluded and rejected inasmuch as he is an intimate friend and of the household of the party producing him and liable to the said producent on account of many favours and is a bitter enemy to this proponent, and the said Nicholas Massie was and is the first and original speaker of the pretended and fictitious defamatory words specified in the libel of the said Master Nutter as is more fully clear and appears by his testimony, for the person who reports a crime cannot be a witness in the ecclesiastical court, as Lanfranc states in the above chapter; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

4 Also, this party, in excepting, propounds against Hugh Rogerson, the third pretended witness abovesaid, that his testimony is null and void and not to be admitted in law but completely to be excluded and rejected inasmuch as he has deposed nothing of his own knowledge or hearing, but only from the accounts of others, as is plainly made clear and appears from his testimony, and he propounds as before.

Also, that all and singular the premises were and are true, notorious, public, manifest and equally well-known and regarding and concerning this public voice and fame were and are circulating within the city of Chester aforesaid.

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said Ralph Janion prays that right and justice may be done and administered to him with effect in all and singular the premises, and by reason of the premises he will be dismissed and absolved from the claim, petition and further vexation and disturbance by the said Master John Nutter, together with his costs incurred in this behalf and he protests those to be incurred, by you, lord judge aforesaid, and passing your definitive sentence in that behalf; which the party of the aforesaid Ralph Janion propounds and seeks to be done jointly and severally, not binding himself to proving all and singular the premises, nor to all superfluous proof and the premises, or any of them, have not been propounded in order that he might defame the parties aforesaid but only to defend his cause, concerning which he protests and so much 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; and he asserts the right of adding to, correcting and amending etc..

Transcript

[1580/3 image 5]

[3] Item pars ista excipiendo proponit contra Nicolaum Massie
secundum pretensum Testem supradictum quod eius testimonium est
nullum et Invalidum ac de Jure non admittendum sed omnino
Reprobandum et reijciendum pro eo videlicet et et [for ex] eo quod est
Intimus amicus et familiaris partis eum producentis dictoque
producenti ob multis beneficijs obnoxius istoque proponenti
Capitalis Inimicus, fuitque et est dictus Nicolaus Massie
primus et originalis denunciator verborum diffamatororium
pretensorum et fictorum in Libello <dicti Magistri Nutter> specificatorum vt per eius testimo-
nium plenius liquet et apparet, denunciator enim Crimi-
nis non potest esse Testis in foro Ecclesiastico vt dicit
Lanfrancus Capite supra Et ponit coniunctim diuisim ac de quolibet

4 Item pars ista excipiendo proponit contra Hugonem Rogerson
tercium Testem pretensum supradictum quod eius testimonium est
nullum et invalidum ac de Jure non admittendum sed
penitus reprobandum et reijciendum pro eo videlicet et ex eo quod
nihil deposuit ex propria Sciencia vel auditu sed tantum
ex relacione alterius vt per eius testimonium planie
Liquet et apparet Et ponit vt supra

5 Item quod premissa omnia et singula fuerunt et sunt vera
notoria publica manifesta pariter ac famosa ac de et super
huiusmodi infra Ciuitatem Cestrie predictam Laborarunt
et Laborant publica vox et fama,

Vnde facte fide
de Jure in hac parte requisita petit pars dicti Radulphi Janion
Jus et Justiciam sibi in premissis omnibus et singulis fieri et mi-
nistrari cum effectu Ac premissorum pretextu se ab Instantia
impeticione ac vlteriori vexacione et perturbacione dicti magistri
Johannis Nutter dimitti et absolui vna cum expensis suis
in hac parte factis et protestatur de fiendis per vos dominum
Judicem antedictum vestramque Sententiam diffinitivam in hac parte ferendam
Que proponit et fieri petit pars antedicti <Radulphi Janion> coniunctim et diuisim non Arct-
ans se ad omnia et singula premissa probanda nec ad omnes
superflue probacionis neque premissa aut eorum aliqua propo-
suisse vt partes supradicti diffamiaret sed tantum ad
defendendum Causam <suam> de quo protestatur quantumque probaue-
rit in premissis eatenus obtineat in petitis Juris
beneficio in omnibus semper saluo, vestrum officium in pre-
missis egregie Judex predicte humiliter Implorando
et protestatur de addendo corrigendo et emendendo et cetera

Exceptions against witnesses for the plaintiff (Nutter) (image 6)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/3 image 6]

[Endorsement]

Exceptive material of Ralph Janion against the witnesses of Master Nutter, exhibited on the 21^st day of May in the year 1582.

[in pencil in a different hand]

No 3

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

Transcript

[1580/3 image 6]

[Endorsement]

materia except[iva]
Radulphi Janion contra
testes Magistri Nutter
exhibita xxjo die
Maij Anno 1582

[in pencil in a different hand]

No 3

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

People

Darcie –

Thomas Darcie – plaintiff

Cecily Darcie – defendant

Francis Ederman – accused of adultery with defendant

William Stiles – acted as intermediary

Nutter –

John Nutter – plaintiff

Ralph Janion – defendant

Richard Wright – witness for the plaintiff

Nicholas Massie – witness for the plaintiff

Hugh Rogerson – witness for the plaintiff

Officials

Robert Leche

Subjects

Darcie-

Adultery

Divorce

People from overseas

Separation from bed and board

Nutter –

Canon law

Occupations and professions

Places

Chester (St Peter)

City of Chester

Ref: EDC 5/1580/2

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5 1580. 2. CHESTER (St Oswald) Thomas Dareil c Ciceley Dariel – sentence for divorce.

Summary:

Thomas Darcie, gentleman, contra Cecily Darcie.

The libel in this cause is filed at EDC 5/1580/3.

Year

1580

Type of Cause:

Matrimonial – separation from bed and board (adultery)

Cause Papers:

Sentence

Sentence (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/2 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen: the merits and circumstances of a certain cause of divorce or separation of marriage from bed and board which was disputed and is still disputed and pending undecided before us having been heard, seen and understood and fully investigated by us, Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, vicar general in spirituals of the right reverend father in God, William, by divine mercy lord bishop of Chester and lawfully deputed official principal of his Chester court, duly and lawfully proceeding, between Thomas Darcie, gentleman, the party plaintiff and complainant on the one part, and Cecily Darcie, his wife, of the parish of Saint Oswald of the same city, the defendant and party complained of on the other part; the parties aforesaid appearing before us in person, without revocation of proctors, and by proctors duly, lawfully and respectively previously constituted, namely, the party of the said Thomas Darcie appearing by William Man, Master of Arts, his lawfully appointed proctor according to the acts of the court moreover the party of the said Cecily appearing by the distinguished William Withens, her proctor lawfully appointed according to the acts of the court; and the party of Thomas Darcie urgently praying that sentence is passed for his party and that justice may be done to him, but the party of the aforesaid Cecily Darcie also praying that justice may be done to her.

The whole and entire proceedings had and done in the said cause having first been examined and diligently considered by us, and all and singular 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 in the afore-mentioned cause and between the parties aforesaid, and we do proceed in this manner which follows:

Forasmuch as we know and clearly find by the acts enacted, set forth, propounded and likewise alleged in the cause aforesaid that the party of the aforesaid Thomas Darcie has sufficiently and fully established and equally proved his claim in a certain libel of his given and offered before us (the tenor of which libel follows and is thus; In the name of God, Amen; before you etc., which libel we wish to be held as here read and inserted), and that nothing effectual has been or is alleged, propounded or proved on the part or behalf of the said Cecily which could destroy or in any way weaken the claim of the aforesaid Thomas Darcie

Therefore, we the official

[In a different hand on a separate paper pinned to the sentence]

Divorce Thomas Darcie Gentleman
and Ciceley his wife of the parish of
of St Oswald’s Chester

Transcript

[1580/2 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Auditis Visis et Intellectis
plenarieque discussis per nos Robertum Leche Legum
doctorem reuerendi in christo patris et domini domini Willielmi
miseracione diuina Cestrensis Episcopi vicarium in spiritualibus
generalem et eius curie <cestrensis> officialem principalem
legitime deputatum Meritis et circumstantijs cuiusdam cause
diuortij siue separacionis matrimonij a mensa et thoro
que coram nobis inter Thomam Darcie
<generosum> partem Actricem et querelantem
ex vna et Ciciliam <Darcie> eius vxorem parochie
Sancti Oswaldi eiudem ciuitatis partem ream et quere-
latam partibus ex altera vertebatur et adhuc vertitur et
pendit indecisis rite et legitime procedentem partibus predictis
coram nobis <personaliter absque revocacione procuratorum et per> procuratores rite et legitime
ac respectiue alias constitutos <videlicet parte dicti Thome Darcie> per Willielmum Man Artium
magistrum eius procuratorem apud acta legitime constitutum
parte vero dicte Cicilie per <discretum virum> Willielmum Wythines
eius procuratorem legitime
apud acta constitutum comparentibus <parte vero Thome Darcie> sentenciam <pro parte sua>
ferri et iusticiam <sibi> fieri instanter postulanti parte quoque
prefate Cicilie Darcie iusticiam etiam <sibi fieri> postulanti

Rimato
primitis per nos diligenterque recensito toto <et> integro
processu in dicta causa habito et facto ac seruatis
per nos omnibus et singulis de iure in hac parte
servandis ad nostre sententie diffinitiue prolacionem in
memorata causa et inter partes predictas ferendam sic
duximus procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur
modum

Quia per acta inactita deducta proposita
pariter et allegata in causa predicta comperimus et
luculenter invenimus <partem> prefate Thomam Darcie
intentionem suam in quodam suo Libello coram nobis
dato et oblato cuius quidem libelli tenor sequitur
et talis est In dei nomine <amen> Coram vobis
et cetera quem libellum <pro> hic lectum et insertum haberi volumus
sufficienter <et ad plenam> fundasse pariter et probasse nihillque
effectuale ex parte aut per partem dicte
Cicilie fuisse aut esse allegatum propositum seu probatum
quod intentionem prefati Thome Darcie elideret seu
quomodolibet enarvaret

Idcirco nos officialis

[In a different hand on a separate paper pinned to the sentence]

Divorce Thomas Darcie Gentleman
and Ciceley his wife of the parish of
of St Oswald’s Chester

1580

Sentence (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/2 image 2]

aforesaid, having first called upon the name of Christ, and setting God himself alone before our eyes, from and with the advice of the learned in the law with whom we have consulted in a timely manner in this behalf pronounce, decree and declare that the said Thomas Darcie will be and is dismissed, absolved and released from bed and board and also from cohabitation with the said Cecily and from conjugal duties to the same Cecily on account of the crime of adultery committed and perpetrated in the marital bed from the time of the marriage contracted and solemnised between the same Thomas and Cecily to the serious desecration and defilement of him, Thomas Darcie, and seriously and grievously violating the said marital bed to the offence of almighty God, and the pernicious example of all Christian faithful and we separate and divorce him, not, however, from the bond of matrimony, and that he will be free, quit and discharged from […] providing conjugal duties […] to the said Cecily by this our definitive sentence or this our final decree which we pass and publish in these writings.

This sentence was read by the aforesaid judge in the place of the consistory there, sitting publicly and judicially on ‘Saturnby’ the 17th of December 1580, in the presence of Randle Cotgreave, the principal registrar.

Transcript

[1580/2 image 2]

antedictus christi nomine primitus Invocato ac ipsum
solum deum oculis nostris preponentes de et cum consilio
Jurisperitorum cum quibus mature <in hac parte> communicauimus dictum
Thomam Darcie a mensa et Thoro ac
cohabitacione <dicte Cicilie necnon ab> obsequijs coniugalibus eidem Cicilie
impendendo <ob criminem>
adulterij <per dictam Ciciliam a tempore matimonij inter eosdem [Thomam et Ciciliam contracti et solepnizati comissi et perpetrati in Thori coniugalis ipsius Thome Darcie grauem violacionem et pollucionem ac in dictum]
thorum coniugalem grauiter et enormiter
violandum, in dei optimi maximi offensam omniumque
christi fidelium perniciosum exemplum seperamus <non vero a vinculo matrimonij> et
diuortiamus eumque <ab […] obsequijs coniugalibus […] dicte Cicelie impendendum esse> liberum quietum et solutum fore
decernimus, pronunciamus et declaramus per hanc
nostram Sententiam diffinitiuam siue hoc nostrum finale
decretum quam siue quod ferimus et promulgamus in
his scriptis

Lecta fuit huiusmodi Sententia per Judicem
antedictum loco consistorio ibidem die
Saturnby xvij decembris 1580
publice pro Tribunali in presentia Ranulphi
Cotgraue regestraij principalis sedenti

Sentence (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/2 image 3]

[Section inserted in text of sentence as included above]

Transcript

[1580/2 image 3]

[Section inserted in text of sentence as included above]

Thomam et Ciciliam contracti et solempnizati comissi et perpetrati in Thori coniugalis ipsius Thome Darcie grauem violacionem et pollucionem ac in dictum

Sentence (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/2 image 4]

[Endorsement]

[…] Darcy against Darcy in a cause of divorce; it has been entered in the register. 1580

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

Transcript

[1580/2 image 4]

[Endorsement]

[…]
Darcie contra
Darcie in
causa divorcij
Regestratur
1580

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

People

Thomas Darcie – plaintiff

Cecily Darcie – defendant

Officials

William Chaderton

Randle Cotgreave – witness to the sentence

Robert Leche

Subjects

Adultery

Divorce

Separation from bed and board

Proctors

William Man – for the plaintiff

William Withens – for the defendant

Places

Chester (St Oswald)

Chester (St Peter)

Ref: EDC 5/1580/1

Catalogue Entry:

EDC 5 1580. 1. CHESTER (St Oswald) Elizabeth Cowley alias Johnson wife of Richard Cowley in a divorce cause.

Summary:

Elizabeth Cowley alias Johnson, wife of Richard Cowley alias Johnson, contra Richard Cowley alias Johnson.

Year

1580

Type of Cause:

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

Cause Papers:

Libel

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/1 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; before you, the worshipful Master Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, lawfully deputed official principal of the Chester consistory court, or any other judge whomsoever competent in this regard, the party of the honest woman, Elizabeth Cowley otherwise Johnson, wife of Richard Cowley otherwise Johnson, of the parish of Saint Oswald of the city of Chester against the same Richard, 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 and alleges that:

although a true, unconditional and lawful marriage was contracted in the face of the church between the aforesaid Richard and Elizabeth, and confirmed and ratified by sexual intercourse and mutual cohabitation, however the same Elizabeth is not by law to be compelled to cohabit with the same Richard or to perform or provide marital duties to the same, inasmuch as after and since the solemnisation of the same marriage he has raged beyond measure at his wife aforesaid and many times has treated her cruelly by beatings and has committed abominable adultery with a certain Elizabeth Davies, to the grave displeasure of God, most good, most great;

Whereupon, due proof being made as required by law in this regard, the party of the said Elizabeth prays that right and justice may be done and administered to her with effect in all and singular the premises and anything whatever concerning them and that she will be pronounced and declared to be divorced from bed, board and cohabitation with the aforesaid Richard and free and exempt from performing and providing other marital duties to the same by you and your definitive sentence, lord judge aforesaid etc. this party propounds the premises and prays that they are done jointly and severally, not binding himself etc. but so far as etc. and he asserts the right of adding etc.

[In a different hand on a separate paper pinned to the libel]

Divorce Elizabeth Cowley alias Johnson wife of Richard Cowley alias Johnson of the parish of St Oswald’s Chester v. the said Richard Cowley alias Johnson

1580

Transcript

[1580/1 image 1]

[In dei] nomine Ame[n Coram v]obis venerabili viro [magistro Roberto Leche legum] doctore Curie Consistorialis Cestrensis officiali principali legitime deputato aut alio
Judice in hac parte competenti quocunque Pars honeste mulieris
Elizabeth Cowley alias Johnson vxoris Ricardi Cowley alias
Johnson parochie Sancti Oswaldi Ciuitatis Cestrie contra et aduersus
eundem Ricardum ac contra quemcunque alium seu quoscunque alios
Coram vobis pro eodem in Judicio legitime intervenientem per viam
querele et vobis in hac parte querelando dicit et allegat quod
licet matrimonium verum purum et legitimum fuit inter predictos
Ricardum et Elizabeth in facie Ecclesie solemizatum et carnali
copula ac mutua Cohabitacione confirmatum et ratificatum
eadem tamen Elizabeth cum eodem Ricardo cohabitare aut
obsequia Coniugali eidem prestare vel impendere non est
de Jure compellendam pro eo videlicet et ex eo Quod predictus Ricardus
post et citra eiusdem matrimonij Solemnizacionem in vxorem suam
predictam preter modum seuijt eamque verberibus ad modum inhumaniter
multoties tractauit et Adulterium nefandum cum quadam
Elizabeth Davies in dei optimi maximi offensum gravem commisit

Vnde facta fide de Jure in hac parte requisita petit
pars dicte Elizabeth Jus et Justiciam sibi in premissis omnibus
et singulis et ea concernentibus quibuscunque fieri et ministrari
cum effectu Seque a mensa thoro cohabitacione predicti
Ricardi ceterisque obsequijs coniugalibus eidem impendendis
et prestandis diuortiari ac liberam et immunem esse
pronuntiari et declarari per vos et vestram Sententiam
diffinitivam domine Judex antedicte et cetera Premissa proponit
et fieri petit pars ista Coniunctim et diuisim non arctans et cetera
sed quatenus et cetera Et protestatur de addendo et cetera

[In a different hand on a separate paper pinned to the libel]

Divorce Elizabeth Cowley alias
Johnson wife of Richard Cowley alias
Johnson of the parish of St Oswald’s Chester
versus the said Richard Cowley alias Johnson

1580

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1580/1 image 2]

Endorsement

[…] Elizabeth Cowley otherwise Johnson against Richard Cowley otherwise Johnson in a cause of divorce from bed and board 1580

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

Transcript

[1580/1 image 2]

[Endorsement]

[…]
[Elizabeth Cowley]
alias Johnson contra
Ricardum Cowley alias
Johnson in Causa
diuortij a mensa
et thoro 1580

[in pencil in a different hand]

Chester

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

People

Elizabeth Cowley alias Johnson – plaintiff

Richard Cowley alias Johnson – defendant

Elizabeth Davies – accused of adultery with defendant

Officials

Robert Leche

Subjects

Adultery

Divorce

Separation from bed and board

Women

Places

Chester (St Oswald)

Ref: EDC 5/1575/15

Catalogue Entry:

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

Summary:

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

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

Year

1575

Type of Cause:

Tithes – hay

Cause Papers:

Libel
Personal answer
Sentence

Libel (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 1]

In the name of God, Amen; before you William, by divine permission bishop of Chester, or your commissary general or other judge whomsoever competent in this regard, the party of the distinguished William Chorlton, clerk, rector of the parish church of Bangor, of Chester diocese and your jurisdiction, against David Lloyd Matthew and Reginald ap David, and against any other whomsoever lawfully intervening in judgement for the same by way of complaint and complaining to you in this behalf says, alleges and propounds in these writings in law jointly, severally and in articles as follows:

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

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

Transcript

[1575/15 image 1]

In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis Willielmo permissione divina Cestrensi Episcopo vestroue commissario
generali seu alio Judice in hac parte competenti quocunque Pars discreti viri Willielmi Chorlton Clerici
Rector ecclesie parochialis de Bangor Cestrensis diocesis et vestre Jurisdiccionis contra et aduersus Dauid lloyd
Mathew et Reginaldum ap Dauid ac contra quemcunque alium coram vobis pro eisdem in Judicio
legitime interuenientem per viam querele et vobis in hac parte querelando dicit allegat et [in hijs]
scriptis in iure proponit Coniunctim Diuisim atque articulatim provt Sequitur

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

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

Libel (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 2]

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

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

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

Transcript

[1575/15 image 2]

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

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

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

Libel (image 3)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 3]

6 Also, that the said David Lloyd Matthew and Reginald ap David who had or have in any way nothing of right of tithes in the said rectory of Bangor or in the tithes aforesaid, heedless of the welfare of their souls, being induced, as it is believed, by an evil spirit, scorning these statutes of the realm and not fearing to fall under penalty of the law; in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October namely in the present 1575^th year of our Lord, they themselves or their men, took and converted and applied to their own use tithes of hay proceeding, growing and arising on their lands within the parish aforesaid, paying, rendering or tithing no tithes of the same to the current rector there or to any deputy of his, nor otherwise duly compounding for them or any part of the same; and he propounds as before.

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

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

Transcript

[1575/15 image 3]

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

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

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

Libel (image 4)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 4]

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

10 Also, that although the aforesaid David Lloyd Matthew and Reginald ap David were thus asked and requested to do as in the premises or in any of them, they have not troubled but they have expressly declined and refused or at least unduly delayed and delay, and deny at present, to the grave danger of their souls and the pernicious example of other Christian faithful and to no small prejudice and grievance of the current rector; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

11 Also, that the said David Lloyd Matthew and Reginald ap David are of the parish of Bangor, of Chester diocese, and for that reason notoriously subordinate and subject to your jurisdiction; and he propounds as before.

12 Also, that it was and is on the part and behalf of the distinguished William Chorlton, current rector of Bangor aforesaid, that complaint is rightly and lawfully made to you, lord judge aforesaid, and to your Chester consistory court; and he propounds jointly, severally and concerning any part thereof.

Transcript

[1575/15 image 4]

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

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

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

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

Libel (image 5)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 5]

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

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

Transcript

[1575/15 image 5]

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

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

Libel (image 6)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1566/8 image 6]

[Endorsement]

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

[in pencil in a different hand]

No 15

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

Transcript

[1575/15 image 6]

[Endorsement]

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

[in pencil in a different hand]

No 15

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

Personal answers (image 7)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 7]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transcript

[1575/15 image 7]

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

1 Ad primam positionem libelli fatetur eandem in se continere veritatem

2 Ad secundam positionem <fatetur> eandem esse veram

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

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

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

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

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

8 Ad viij^am positionem respondet <quod non est examinandum super eadem>

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

Personal answers (image 8)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 8]

[…]

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

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

Transcript

[1575/15 image 8]

[…]

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

Ad vltimam credit credita et negat negata et cetera

Personal answers (image 9)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 9]

[Endorsement]

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

[in pencil in a different hand]

No 15

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

Transcript

[1575/15 image 9]

[Endorsement]

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

[in pencil in a different hand]

No 15

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

Sentence (image 10)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 10]

In the name of God, Amen: the merits and circumstances of a certain cause of subtraction of tithes which was disputed, is still disputed and is pending undecided before us having been heard, seen and understood and fully investigated by us, Robert Leche, Doctor of Laws, commissary general of the right reverend father in God, William, by divine permission lord bishop of Chester, and lawfully deputed official principal of his consistory court, rightly and lawfully proceeding, between the venerable William Charlton, clerk, rector of Bangor, the party plaintiff and complainant on the one part, and David Lloyd Mathew, of the same parish, diocese and jurisdiction, the defendant and party complained of on the other part; and the aforesaid parties appearing sufficiently and lawfully before us, namely, the party of the said William Charlton in person and by William Man, Master of Arts, his lawfully appointed proctor according to the acts of the court, while the party of the said David Lloyd Mathew was appearing in person and by John Prichard, Bachelor of Laws; with the party of the said William Charlton praying that sentence is passed and justice may be done to him, the party of the said David Lloyd Mathew also earnestly praying that justice may be done to him.

All and singular acts, enactments, deductions, propositions, allegations, confessions and proofs had and done by all sides in the said cause having first been examined and diligently inspected by us, and having reviewed, examined and considered them with promptness and diligence, from and with the advice of those learned in the law with whom we have communicated in this behalf, and having observed what according to law should be observed by us in this behalf, we have thus thought fit to proceed to the pronouncement of the passing of our definitive sentence or final decree in this cause, and we do proceed in this manner which follows;

Forasmuch as we know and clearly find by the acts enacted, brought, alleged, confessed and proved had and done in the said cause that the party of the said rector has sufficiently and fully established and equally proved his claim in a certain libel of his (the tenor of which follows and is thus; In the name of God,

Transcript

[1575/15 image 10]

[In] dei nomine amen Au[ditis vis]is et intellectis
ac plenarie discussis per nos Robertum lech legum doctorem Reverendi
in christo patris et domini domini Willielmi permissione divina Cestrensis episcopi
commissarium generalem ac eius curie consistorialis officialem principalem
legitime deputatum Meritis et circumstantijs cuiusdam
cause subtraccionis decimarum que coram nobis inter discretum
virum magistrum Willielmum Chorlton clericum Rectorem ecclesie
parochialis de bangor partem actricem et querelantem ex vna et Dauid
lloyd Mathewe eiusdem parochie diocesis et Jurisdiccionis partem
ream et querelatam partibus ex altera vertebatur et adhuc
vertitur et pendet indecise rite et legitime procedentes partibus
predictis coram nobis sufficienter et legitime videlicet parte dicti Willielmi
chorlton per se personaliter et per Willielmum mann artium magistrum
eius procuratorem legitime apud acta constitutum parte quoque
dicti Dauid lloyd mathewe per se personaliter et per discretum
virum Johannem prichard in legibus baccallarium eius procuratorem
legitime apud acta constitutum comparentibus parte vero dicti Willielmi
Chorlton sententiam ferri et iusticiam sibi fieri parte etiam
dicti Dauid lloyd mathewe iusticiam etiam sibi fieri instanter
postulantibus

Visis primitus per nos et diligenter inspectis
omnibus et singulis actis inactitatis deductis propositis allegatis
confessatis et probatis in dicta causa hincinde habitis et factis
eisque cum maturitate et diligentia Recensitis examinatis et
ponderatis de et cum consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus
in hac parte communicavimus servatisque per nos de iure
in hac parte seruandis ad nostre sententie dif[fini]tiue siue finalis
decreti prolacionem in huiusmodi causa ferende [sic] duximus procedendum
et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum

Quia per
acta inactita deducta allegata exhibita confessata et
probata in causa predicta habita et facta comperimus et luculenter
invenimus partem dicti Rectoris intencionem suam in quodam
suo libello cuius tenor sequitur et est talis In dei nomine

Sentence (image 11)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 11]

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

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

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

Transcript

[1575/15 image 11]

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

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

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

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

Sentence (image 12)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/15 image 12]

[Endorsement]

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

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

Transcript

[1575/15 image 12]

[Endorsement]

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

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

People

William Charlton, rector of Bangor – plaintiff

David Lloyd Matthew – defendant

Reginald ap David – defendant

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

Officials

William Downham

Robert Leche

Proctors

William Man – for the plaintiff

John Prichard – for the defendants

Places

Bangor

Related Causes

EDC 5/1566/14

EDC 5/1566/15

Notes

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

Ref: EDC 5/1575/5

Catalogue Entry:

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

Summary:

Margaret Harper contra Margery Radcliffe.

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

Year

1575

Type of Cause:

Defamation – unknown

Cause Papers:

Bill of costs

Bill of costs (image 1)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/5 image 1]

Firstly, for the issue of the citation	7d
Also for costs for the return of the same	3s 4d
	3s 7d
on the first of December in the year of our Lord 1575
Also for introduction of material	4d
Also for court process	4d
Also for admitting the proctor	4d
Also for the proctor	2s 6d
Also for the proctor’s fee	2s
[correctly totalled to]	5s 6d
15th of December in the year aforesaid
Also for the proctor’s fee	12d
Also for court process	4d
19th of January in the year aforesaid [now 1576]
Also for drawing up the libel	4s
Also for the proctor’s fee	12d
Also for court process	4d
Also for admission of the libel	4d
on the third of February in the year aforesaid [now 1576]
Also for the proctor’s fee	12d
Also for court process	4d
17th of February in the year aforesaid [now 1576]
Also for the proctor’s fee	12d
Also for court process	4d
on the 1st day of March in the year aforesaid [now 1576]
Also for the proctor’s fee	12d
Also for court process	4d
Also for the examination of three witnesses	2s 1d
Also for their expenses	15s
	18s 5d
15th of March in the year aforesaid [now 1576]
Also for the proctor’s fee	12d
Also for court process	4d
Also for a copy of the testimony	2s
	3s 4d
29th of March in the year of our Lord 1576
Also for the proctor’s fee	12d
12th of April in the year aforesaid
Also for the proctor’s fee	12d
Also for court process	4d
fourth of May in the year aforesaid
Also for the proctor’s fee	12d
Also for court process	4d
Also for a decree to hear the sentence	12d
18th of May in the year aforesaid
Also for the proctor’s fee	12d
Also for court process	4d
on the 5th of July in the year aforesaid
Also for the proctor’s fee	12d
Also for drawing up the sentence	2s
Also for court process	4d
Also for publishing the same	12s 4d
Also for the citation for the party to attend the taxation etc	12d
Also for travel expenses	30s
Also for drawing up this schedule	2s

Total	£4 [15s 6d]

Transcript

[1575/5 image 1]
Inprimis pro prom[ulgatione] citac[ionis]	vijd
Item pro expensis pro returnatione eiusdem	iijs iiijd
	3s 7d
primis decembris Anno domini 1575
Item pro introitu materie	iiijd
Item pro actu	iiijd
Item pro admissione procuratoris	iiijd
Item pro procuratore	ijs vjd
Item pro feodo procuratoris	ijs
	5s 6d
xv^to decembris Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratoris	xijd
Item pro actu	iiijd
xix^o Januarij Anno predicto
Item pro concepcione libelli	iiijs
Item pro feodo procuratoris	xijd
Item pro actu	iiijd
Item pro admissione libelli	iiijd
tertio Februarij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratoris	xijd
Item pro actu	iiijd
xvij^o Februarij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratoris	xijd
Item pro actu	iiijd
primo die marcij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratoris	xijd
Item pro actu	iiijd
Item pro examinacione trium testium	ijs jd
Item pro eorum expensis	xvs
	18s 5d
xv^tomarcij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratoris	xijd
Item pro actu	iiijd
Item pro copia attestacionis	ijs
	3s 4d
xxix^omarcij Anno domini 1576
Item pro feodo procuratoris	xijd
xij^oAprilis Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratoris	xijd
Item pro actu	iiijd
quarto Maij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratoris	xijd
Item pro actu	iiijd
Item pro decreto ad audiendum Sententiam	xijd
xviij^o Maij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratoris	xijd
Item pro actu	iiijd
quinto Julij Anno predicto
Item pro feodo procuratoris	xijd
Item pro concepcione Sententie	ijs
Item pro actu	iiijd
Item pro promulgacione eiusdem	xijs iiijd
Item pro citacione pro parte ad videndum taxacionem et cetera	xijd
Item pro viaticis expensis	xxxs
Item pro concepcione istius schedule	ijs

Summa	4li [15s 6d]

Bill of costs (image 2)

Original Document

Click to view fullscreen

Translation

[1575/5 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Bill of costs on behalf of Harper against Radcliffe 1576

[the year 1575 also recorded]

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

Transcript

[1575/5 image 2]

[Endorsement]

Schedula expensorum ex parte harper contra Radcliffe 1576

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

People

Margaret Harper – plaintiff

Margery Radcliffe – defendant

Subjects

Taxation of costs

Women

Proctors

John Prichard – for defendant

Roland Wright – for plaintiff

Notes

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

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Ref: EDC 5/1580/8

Search Cause Papers

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Libel (image 1)

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Libel (image 2)

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Libel (image 3)

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Depositions (image 4)

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Depositions (image 9)

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Depositions (image 10)

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Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff (image 11)

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Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff (image 12)

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Exceptions against the witnesses for the plaintiff (image 13)

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People

Officials

Subjects

Places

Ref: EDC 5/1580/7

Search Cause Papers

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Sentence (image 1)

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Sentence (image 2)

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Sentence (image 3)

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