there being none but two Maids in the House thus did they continue for the space of four Weeks with Guards of Soldiers to keep out the Meeting from their own House in the Street in the Winter Season Also the said Clark did upon one of the First Dayes afore mentioned demand another Fine of 5 s. of Mary Galloway for the which he took a new Settle and five Deal Boards worth 20 s. which were not the Goods of Mary Galloway Upon Information given on Oath by Thomas Levet Priest Michael Harmer Smith and George Shepherd Taylor Informers on the 5th day of the 7th Moneth 1676 to Sackvil Craves called Justice that several Persons whom these Informers named were at a Meeting at the House of William Yokehurst in the Parish of Westfurle near Lewes in Sussex upon the 23th day of the Moneth called July for which the said Justice fined Clement Picknell for preaching at the said Meeting 40 l. and William Yokehurst for suffering the Meeting in his House 20 l. and he fined thirty one Persons as being present hearers some 10 s. and some 5 s. apiece and to be levied as followeth by reason of the poverty of some has expressed in the Warrant upon Ambrose Galloway 10 l. 10 s. and upon Mary Akehurst 10 l. upon John Ellis 10 l. upon Thomas Weekes 9 l. 10 s. and on John Abrook 9 l. 10 s. and on John Longly 8 l. 10 s. and upon William Yokehurst 50 s. and upon Maskall Picknell 5 l. and on Samuel Baker 45 s. and upon Richard Hudson 5 s. and for the poverty of Ten other Persons 5 s. apiece all to be levied upon Richard Hudson the whole fine being 2 l. 15 s. for which fine the Constable and some other Officers took from Richard Hudson a Cow and Calfe worth 4 l. 5 s. Richard Hudson knowing that the aforesaid Informers had Sworn falsly and several persons that were laid upon him were not there brought his appeal and prosecuted it at the Sessions where and before the Court it did appear that these Informers had Sworn falsly four persons in the number of Ten for the which Richard Hudson had 20 s. returned him back again by the Sheriff for the four persons they had sworn falsly against One of the four they swore to be present at the Meeting was dead six Years before The aforesaid Appeal being tried before seven Justices of the Peace in open Court yet never a one did give any Reproof to these false Informers for these their false Oaths For a Meeting at Lewes the 12th day of the 7th moneth 76. several of the aforesaid People were fined by William Spence Justice upon the Information of Walter Jones and William Purser Informers for two Preachers 40 l. and for several Persons as Hearers 5 s. apiece to be levied as followeth Upon Ambrose Galloway 10 l. 5 s. upon John Ellis 10 l. 5 s. upon Thomas Mosely 10 l. 5 s. and upon Henry Scrase 10 l. 5 s. and upon some other Persons 5 s. apiece So that the total of the Fines that have been imposed upon the aforesaid People for their peaceable Meetings in the Worship of God from the 5th day of the 8th moneth 1675. to the 12th day of the 7th moneth 1676. doth amout to 252 l. 15 s. besides the Unreasonable Havock the aforesaid Clark hath made upon Goods as before related The 29th of the 9th Moneth 1676. Edward Howel of Willington Constable accompanied with Richard Whiting Samuel Munger John Bet and Robert Garet of Westfurll did take a Marc worth 8 l. out of the Stable of Maskal Picknel of Willington for a Fine of 5 l. 15 s. imposed on the said Maskal for being at a Meeting at Westfurl the 23d of the 5th Moneth 1676. by Sackvill Graves called Justice 20 s. of the said Fine being imposed on him for two others to wit Thomas Banks and Sibble Pain of Bishopston although the said Sibble Pain was not at the Meeting Upon the 26th Day of the 10th Moneth 1676. George Ty and Thomas Turle Constables of the Town of Lewes and James Clark Overseer for the poor and Edward Strudwick Steeple-house Warden came with a Warrant given forth by William Spence Justice upon an Information of George Jones and William Purser Informers that Ambrose Galloway was at a Meeting or Conventicle in Lewes where were two Preachers their Names unknown therefore the said Justice did impose upon Ambrose Galloway for the Preacher 10 l. and for himself 5 s. Upon the Day aforesaid the Officers aforesaid came into the Shop that had been the Shop of Ambrose Galloway but then in the Tenure and Occupation of Ambrose Galloway the Son of Ambrose Galloway who was not at the Meeting as charged for the which Fine the Officers broke open the Counter and a Press in the Shop of the said Ambrose and took away Mens Coats and Breeches and Childrens Coats and other Goods to the Value of 20 l. 5 s. 11 d. the said Ambrose being by Trade a Salesman The Witnesses Names that saw Thomas Mosely's first Parcel of Goods distrained which was done the 28th of the 8th Moneth 75. are George Shelton and Thomas Wallter The Names of those which saw the second Parcel distrained from Thomas Mosely which was done the 1 st of the 2d moneth 76. are Mary Ford Benjamin Mosely and Mary Galloway About the 9th Moneth 75. Ambrose Galloway of Lewes was cited to the Bishops Court held in Lewes to appear three days after citation Amb. Galloway did appear accordingly at the Time and Place and there was no Court held that day some time after this Court decreed Excommunication against the said Ambrose never sending him any other whereby he might certainly know when there was a Court kept that he might make his just Defence but forth-with denounceth him Excommunicated and about the 26th day of the 9th moneth 76. the aforesaid Bishop sendeth forth a Capiendo to carry the said Ambrose Galloway to Prison for a Contempt SUFFERINGS in and about the City of HEREFORD ON the 20th of the 6th moneth 1676. the People of God being met together at their Meeting house being in the Subburbs of the City of Hereford to worship the God of Heaven according to their usual manner in Spirit and in Truth one John Rea as they heard went and informed Henry Caldicott then Mayor of the City of the Meeting who with several other Officers came unto the Meeting and after some words warned them not to meet any more and said if they did let it be at their Peril and so went away Upon the 27th of the same moneth they being in like manner peaceably Assembled together again there came unto them many Boyes out of the City in a Riotors manner throwing Stones and Dirt into the Meeting On the 3d of the 7th Moneth next after being also the first day of the Week they were peaceably met again to worship God then came Boyes and Girles and Young People to a great
5th Moneth 1676. Taken from Edward Hallam about thirty Wheat-Sheaves by Thomas Marriot Thomas Hicling and George Manchester Taken from Iohn Dubleday by the same three men to the Value of one Quarter of Wheat and Rye The 24th of the 5th Moneth 1676. Taken again from Iohn Dubleday by the said men Four Load of Barley Taken from Edward Hallam by the said men and upon the aforesaid Day Three Loads of Barley The 26th of the 5th Moneth 1676. taken again from Edward Hallam by George Manchester the Elder Two more Loads of Barley The 2d of the 6th Moneth 1676. taken again from Edward Hallam by George Manchester the Elder Thomas Marriot John Manchester and others Three Loads of Beans and Pease Taken from John Dubbleday the same day by Tho. Hicling and the others aforesaid Three Loads of Pease and Beans The 30th of the 6th Moneth 1676. Taken from Valentine Gregory by the Priest his Wife and her Son and his Man and the Clark of the Town who came into his Orchard and did get up into the Trees and broke the Boughs and did the Trees much Hurt and carryed away Pears and Apples about Four Strykes William Willowes a poor Man was cast into Prison the 12th of the 1st moneth 1667. from Five of his Children by Edward Ward Priest for small Tythes and there remained a Prisoner Four Years and upwards and then by the said Priest and Robert Johnson and William Webster had taken from him the 11th day of the 7th moneth 1676. one brass Pan worth 10 s. and four Sheep worth 〈◊〉 l. 12 s. Sufferers in Derby-shire in the Year 1675. THomas Holland in the Parish of Heanor for having a Meeting at his House the 3d day of the 8th Moneth 1675. was sined by John Lowe called Justice 5 l. and 〈◊〉 ad Goods taken from him to the value of 8 l. by Roger Cheetam Constable and other Officers George Hawley Thomas Necdam Informers William Markeall of Ilson for being at the above-said Meeting was fined by the same Justice 5 l. 5 〈◊〉 and had Goods taken from him to the value of 9 l. 10 s. by John Gregory of the same Town Constable Iohn Hanks fined for being at the said Meeting 5 s. and had Goods taken from him to the value of seven shillings and six pence Richard Malthy fined for being at the said Meeting 5 s. and had Goods taken from him to the value of 6 s. 8 d. by Philip Swern of Shiploy Constable Samuel Roâ— fined 5 s. for his Wife 's being at the said Meeting and had Goods taken from him to the value of Eight Shillings Iohn Lynam and Edward Searson fined either of them 5 l. 5 s. for being at the said Meeting and Iohn Lynam fined 5 s. more for his Wife though she was not at the Meeting and had Goods taken from them to the value of 〈◊〉 l. by Iohn Rowland Constable and other Officer belonging to the Parish of Pentridge William Wooly and his Wife fined for being at the said Meeting 10 s. and had Goods taken from them to the value of 1 l. 2 s. Thomas Vallens fined 5 s. for being at the said Meeting and had his Wages deteined by one of the Officers he then working for him Daniel Bettridge fined 5 s. for his Wife being at the said Meeting and had Goods taken from him to the value of 8 s. All this was done by Warrants from Iohn Lowe called Justice By George Hawley Thomas Necdam Informâ—â—s Witnessed by Iohn Waâ—st â—ff William Day Luke Hanks Joseph Wats of Wadshelf in the Parish of Brampton and County of Derby who could not for Conscience â—ake pay Richard Mathyman Priest of Brampton that which he called his Dues as Tythe-Wool and Lamb and Easter Reckonings which in the whole did amount unto but about Two Shillings and Six Pence was served with a Suppoene to appear at London and after some time was arrested by Joseph Parker and William Kirk of Chesterfield Bailiffs who would accept of no Bail but he must either pay what the Priest demanded or go to Prison and because he had not Freedom to pay they took him to Prison to Chesterfield the 9th day of the 7th month 1675. the Priest gave order to the Goaler That he should not have Liberty to work he was there kept Prisoner above Twenty Two Weeks Witnessed by Robert Haslam Cornelius Arnold Henry Harvey An Accompt of the Sufferings of the People of God within the County of Derby in the Year 1676. Thomas Farnsworth within the Parish of Heanor in the said County for being at a Meeting at John Lynam's was fined 5 s. for himself and 3 l. â—5 s. for fifteen unknown Persons and had Goods taken from him to the value of 6 l. by Robert Towe Officer by a Warrant from John â—oc called Justice Iohn Bradley and Iohn Bruckshew Informers Iohn Wagstaff within the parish of Pentridge in the said County for the same Meeting was fined five shillings for himself and 15 s. for the poverty of three Persons by warrant from the said Justice and had Goods taken from him to the value of 1 l. 4 s. by Iohn Roland Constable and other Officers Iohn Bradly and Iohn Bruckshew informers Iohn Lynam for the same Meeting was fined 10 s. for his Wife and Edward Searson 5 s. for his Wife and had Goods taken from them to the value of 1 l. 15 〈◊〉 by the same Officers by Warrant from the said Justice and also the same Informers Thomas Valens fined for the same Meeting 10 s. for himself and Wise and had Goods taken from him to the value of 19 s. 6 d. by the same Officers Justice and Informers Samuel Roe for Friends coming to his House to accompany him to bury his Wife was fined 20 l. and had Goods taken from him to the value of 30 l. by Iohn Willon Constable of Ilson and other Officers by a warrant from Iohn Loe called Justice Iohn Wilson Priest of Ilson and Iohn Wagg Collier Informers Iohn Lynam for being at the same Burial was fined 5 l. 10 s. and had Goods taken from him to the value of 6 l. 10 s. by Iohn Roland and other Officers of the parish of Pentridge by Warrant from the said Justice Iohn Wilson Priest of Ilson and Iohn Wagg Collier Informers Iohn Blunston of Little-Hallam in the parish of Ilson for being at the said Burial was fined 5 s. for himself and 10 l. for the poverty of the Preacher and had four Cows taken from him to the value of 14 l. by Iohn Willot Constable and other Officers of the said parish by Warrant from Iohn Loe called Justice Iohn Wilson Priest and Iohn Wagg Collier Informers Iohn Hanks and Ann his Wife for being at the same Burial were fined by the said Justice 20 s for their second pretended Offences whereas his Wife was never convicted before and was distrained of by the abovesaid Officers and the same Informers Instruments Robert Towe and Iohn Willott can witness
Estemation as followeth two Bushels and an half of Wheat two Bushels and an half of Rye one Bushel and an half of Oats seven Bushels and an half of Barley one Bushel of Apples and ten pounds of Hops all valued at 1 l. 18 s. 4 d. witness Iohn Franks George Fenner and others Iohn Britewel took from Nathaniel Keeble of Tunstal in the 4th and 6th Moneth 1676 at several times viz. Certain Clover valued at 8 s. Rye judged by the Reapers to be seven Combs of it Barley judged to be five Combs of it witness Ioshua Poynts Robert Scotsmer and others Edmund Stubs Priest took from the said Nathaniel Keeble at several times in the fifth and sixth Moneths 1676. viz. VVheat judged to be eight Combs of it Pease judged to be six Bushels moreover he took for one Years Tythes of about 9 l. per annum eleven Cows and Heifers and one Bull which Cattle were valued to be worth 40 l. witness Ioshua Poynts Thomas Keeble and others This Account was sent up but there is a Report as if some of Nathaniel Keeble's Wife's Kindred who are no Quakers had compounded for the Cattle and that he hath them again The said E. Stubs Priest took from Robert Davie of Tunstal afore-said on the 8th Day of the 6th Mo. 76. for one Years Tythes of 21 l. per an 6 Cows one Bull 7 Calves but the Calves got away from the Bailiffs which said Cows and Bull were valued to be worth 22 l. witness Nathaniel Keeble and others Mary Pollard of Branson widow an aged woman was committed to Melton prison the nineth of the eighth Moneth 1676. at the suit of William Ribands of Crecingham being one that hired an Impropriation of Tythes and she remains a prisoner there upon the same Account the sixth Day of the eleventh Moneth 1676. The same William Ribands in the eleventh Moneth 1672. took from the said Mary Pollard without proceeding against her in due Course of Law two Cows which were valued to be worth 7 l. The sixth Day of the 5th Moneth 1676. George Pippen Priest of Ringshal by a Warrant out of the County-Court holden at Ipswich caused to be taken away from William Greenwood dwelling in Briset two Cows which were reasonably valued aâ— 8 l. for two Years Tythes at â—0 s. per annum and the Bailiffs were Ambrose Pulford and George Pooley of Needham and the Cows were prised one at 50 s. and the other at 55 s. by William Rosse and Richardâ—cotchmer bought by Thomas Love of Nedeham Market On the 25th Day of the 9th Moneth 1676. there was taken from William Greenwood of Briset within seven miles of Ipswich two Cows for Tythes which they pretended was 3 l. the Cows were prized at 5 l. they being reasonably worth 7 l. this was done by Warrant out of the County Court holden at Ipswich upon the Account of Christopher Sherman Impropriator of the said Town of Briset the Bailiffs Names are John Coal Richard Francis Samuel Parmiter of Otten Belchamp in the County of Essex was arrested for Tythes at the suit of Oliver Rayment Impropriator of Water Belcham and was sent to prison at Chelmsford in the County of Essex the 7th Day of the 9th Moneth 1676. Sufferers in Nottingham-shire FOr being at a Peaceable Meeting at Hucknall the 16th day of the 2d Moneth 1676. Francis Clay was fined 5 s. and ten Pound for the pretended Poverty of a Preacher And William Clay was fined 10 s. for himself and his Wife for which he had Goods taken from him worth 2 l. which the Officers sold for 10 s. Robert Thorocon the Justice so called bidding them Sell the Goods for what they could get if they could get for Ten Pounds worth but Thirty Shillings and because the Officers could not sell the Goods so soon as he would have had them he fined them 5 l. a man and distrained their Goods Richard Bateman was fined for the same Meeting 5 s. and 10 l. for the pretended Poverty of the Preacher and the said Richard being but a poor man they took most of the Goods in his House to the value of 2 l. and sold them for 3 s. 6 d. Elizabeth Clay and Anthony Tomlinson fined 5 s. apiece Christopher Brandreth fined 5 s. and 1 l. 5 s. for the pretended Poverty of five others for which they took a Mare from him to the value of 4 l. which they sold for 30 s. Thomas Cockram fined 5 s. for himself and 10 l. for the pretended Poverty of the House for which he had two Oxen taken from him worth 10 l. 10 s. George Cockram for the same fined 5 s. had taken from him Goods worth 11 s. John Bullivent the Elder fined 5 s. for himself and 10 l. for the pretended Poverty of the House for which he had a Mare and Goods taken from him worth 3 l. the said John Bullivent being a very poor Man and not keeping House but dwelling in his Shop being a Nailor the aforesaid Justice bid the Officers take all he had his Coat off his Back and his Hat if it were on his Head and his Hammer he workt with John Bullivent the Younger fined 5 s. for the same The aforesaid Goods were distrained by Warrant from Rob. Thoroton called Justice John Smith of Remson and Tho. Sharp of Newark Informers the said John Smith was very Rude in his Carriage in the Meeting using Threatning Words to the persons assembled saying to one with his Faucheon drawn in his Hand That he would thrust it down his Throat and to another He would cleave him down and run it into his Buttock At another Meeting the 23d day of the 2d Moneth 1676. at the House of Robert Grace in Sutton in Ashfield these several Persons following were taken by the afor said John Smith and Thomas Sharp Informers and had before Arthur Stannup called Justice who fined them as followeth Robert Crace for having the Meeting at his House fined 4 l. for which Samuel Brittain took away part of his Houshold Goods William Clay fined 10 s. for himself and 10 l. for the pretended poverty of the Owner of the House Thomas Cockram fined 10 s. for himself and 5 s. for his Wife and had two young Beasts taken from him worth 3 l. which the Officers sold for 1 l. 8 s. Elizabeth Clay fined 10 s. for her self and 10 s. for her Daughter Mary Leadbeater fined 10 s. for her self and 10 s. for her Son VVilliam Maulson M. L's Son aforesaid was fined 5 s. for himself and 1 l. for the Poverty of two others for which two last fines the Officers took away a Cow Houshold Goods to the value of 5 l. 4 s. which they sold 2 l. 10 s. Officers Names are Francis Scarcliff Constable Tho. Urdidge Thirdborrough The 28th day of the 3d Moneth 1676. the aforesaid people were by the Officers kept out of their Meeting at Sutton in the Street where the aforesaid Informers finding
took from the said Alexander Salsbury Four Cows worth 21 l. VVitnesses hereof William VValbanck Richard Birlow Iames Hamber Charles Lee of Clitheroe Labourer had taken from him for a Meeting at his House the 1st Day of the 8th Moneth 76. Four Horses with Load-Saddles Collars Wanties and Overlaies worth 14 l. One Cow and a Calf worth 5 l. 6 s. 8d One Yearling Heifer and Three Calves worth 7 l. 5 s. The Constables Names that took them were Iohn Dugdale and Edmund Rogerson Edmund Robinson Apothecary Church-warden Iohn Page Husbandman Overfeer of the poor An Account of such as are Imprisoned for the Truth 's sake in Huntington-Goal the 6th of the 12 Mo. 1676. THomas Ashton of Brampton in the County of Huntington was attached the first of the 2d Moneth 1675. for the Non-payment of Tythe that grand Oppression at the suit of William Swepson Impropriator and was had to Huntington Goal where he still remains Prisoner It is supposed the value of what he is charged with by the said Impropriator is about 50 s. or 3 l. for Lamb and Wool some years past VVilliam Newberry of the said Town of Brampton in the County of Huntington was attached at the fuit of the said William Swepson Impropriator and was had to Prison about the 27th Day of the 7th Moneth 1675. where he still remains Prisoner for the value of 4 s. 4 d. per aâ—n for some years past Note Both of them above-mentioned were imprisoned for Contempt for not answering the Bill exhibited against them and their Corn and Hay have been forcibly taken away in this the time of their Imprisonment Robert Spalton of Chatterice in the Isle of Ely was arrested at the suit of William Strong Priest of the said Town of Chatterice about the 1st of the 2d Moneth 1675. for small Tythes and being arrested in the County of Huntington was had to Huntington Goal where he remains Prisoner to this day Iohn Beadles within the Liberty of Ramsey and County of Huntington was arrested the 20th day of the 7th moneth 76. at the suit of Silvester Titus commonly called Colonel Titus Lord of the Mannor of Ramsey and Impropriator for Tythe supposed not to be above 25 s. according to the usual Rate and was had to Huntington Goal where he remains a Prisoner to this day George Clapham of Brampton in the said County of Huntington was had to Prison upon a Bishop's Writ for not appearing at the Court non payment of Tythes by Ol. Pocklington Priest Nathaniel Nicholl of Woolâ—y in the said County of Huntington was carried to Prison the same time for Contempt of the Court iâ— not appearing by the same Writ and for not going to the Steeple-house they were both had to Huntington Goal the 7th of the 12th moneth 76. where they continue And there are several other Bishop's Writs out against several more in this County but not as yet executed c. At a Meeting of the People of the Lord at the House of Amy Peacock of Erith in the County of Huntington upon the 23d of the 2d Moneth called April 1676. a Person being there that was moved by God's Eternal Poweâ— to preach the Everlasting Gospel with wholsome Exhortations to the Fear of the Lord there came into the same Meeting these Informers viz. Stephen Perry of Cambridge Thomas Gilbie of Bluntsham and John Pottâ— of Somersham who having been a long Season in an Ale-house came into the said Meeting like mad-men threatning and pulling People not regarding either Age or Sex to the Hurt of some Women there present and being demanded of a Friend Jasper Robins by Name what Authority they had for their so doing They replied They had a Commission from the King to break up the Meeting The aforesaid Jasper speaking to the Constables that came with the Informers to keep the Peace and if any of them had a Warrant from any Justice Friends would obey and the said Informers pretended they had one but it appeared they had not but came in their own Wills in that violent drunken Spirit So they going away in a Rage especially against the aforesaid Iasper because he desired the Constables to set them in the Stocks for their drunken Behaviour and some Weeks after went to one Iohn Tryce of Godmanchester a Justice and made a Complaint that the aforesaid Iasper had spoke certain Evil Words against the King Yet invented only in their own Evil Hearts and then also informed of the said Meeting so that the said Iasper Robins and others were fined and he the said Iasper bound to answer their Complaint at the next Quarter-Sessions and he knowing his own Innocency therein and that the Constables and others were present when they pretended he spake these Words offered his Traverse to the Court which upon the third Quarter-Sessions was obtained and the Matter being heard their Wickedness was manifested and the Jury gave in their Verdict that the said Iasper was not Guilty Tobias Hardmeat of Fenstanton for the same Meeting for himself and the pretended poverty of the Preacher was fined 10 l. Thomas Parnel of Ripton-Regis for the same Meeting for himself and the pretended poverty of the Preacher was fined 10 l. Benjamin Thornley of Erith for the same Meeting was fined 5 s. Goods taken away worth 5 s. Edward Christenwheat of the same fined 5 s. Goods taken worth 5 s. Thomas Cook of the same fined 5 s. Good taken worth 5 s. Richard Basse of Erith for the same fined 5 s. Goods taken worth 4 s. The Officers that distrained were Thomas Bull Richard Ferilis Constables Thomas Skeiles Overseer William Prior of Somersham being a young man and newly come out of his Apprentiship and very poor as to the outward insomuch that he had very little but his wearing Clothes was fined for the said Meeting 5 s. for which William Wingrave Edward Ratford Constables Iohn Goule senior Stephen Darwood Vardens Thomas Smith and VVilliam Bonnum Overseers Officers of the said Town manifested their Cruelty in taking away his Clothes and leaving him nothing of his mean Apparel but one Hose he being in Bed insomuch as he was necessitated to borrow Clothes to cover his Nakedness till he had wrought for more His Clothes taken were valued at 10 s. William Bavin of Bluntsham for the same Meeting fined 5 s three Swine taken from him to the value of 34 s. At a Meeting at Erith the 3d of the 10th Moneth called December 76. Friends were kept out of their Meeting house by the Constables and Officers of the said Town and by men they had appointed for that work that Day and Friends standing in the Street about the middle of the Meeting came Stephen Perrey of Cambridge and Thomas Gilbie of Blunisham two of the aforesaid Informers who although they stand guilty of Perjury in the Sight of God and Good Men yet upon Information upon Oath to Nicholas Iohnson a Justice so called that there was a Meeting in the
Constables of Auber and Harmston were put upon the Jury which two Towns at times Chr. Nevil doth dwell in who put one John Coddington who many years had been his Hired Servant and now his Tenant the Fore man of the Jury there was but one Informer at the Sessions which Nevill perceiving did not answer his Desire came off the Bench and took his Oath The Information which he there shewed upon the Bench was true upon which the Jury gave it against the Appellant But since that time the said Iohn Coddington Fore-man coming from Newark fell from his Horse and Dyed in a day or two after Witness Nicholas Mitchel and William Morrice Prisoners in Lincoln Goal James Dixon of Crowle imprisoned by a Writ de Excommunicatio Capiendo bearing date the 13th Day of the Moneth called Iuly 1674. for not appearing at the Bishop's Court at Lincoln Thomas Everat alias Everard and Robert Berryer of Crowl both imprisoned for the same cause by the same Writ bearing the same date William Edlington of Crosland imprisoned for the same Cause the 3d of the Moneth called April 1674. Katherine Cliffe imprisoned by an Attachment out of the Court of Exchequer bearing date the 21th day of the moneth called February 1675. Iohn Baldock of Wainfleet imprisoned by a Writ of Excom Capiend for not paying to the Repair of the Steeple-house the 20th day of December 1675. Henry Wilson committed to Prison for Non-payment of Tythes to Perrigry Moor Priest by a Warrant dated the 21th of the moneth called March 1672. Thomas Wresle imprisoned upon an Attachment out of the Exchequer for Non-payment of Tythes the Attachment dated the 3d of the 6th Moneth called August 1674. Robert Reeder imprisoned for Non payment of Tythes at the suit of Robert Bernard the Warrant dated the 15th day of the 2d moneth called April 1674. Thomas Brown imprisoned by an Attachment out of the Exchequer for not paying Tythes the Attachment dated the 29th of the 3d moneth called May 1676. Sufferers in Cumberland the 5th of the 12th Moneth 1676. THomas Rewly of Halicliff Hall of the Age of Seventy Eight Years and upwards imprisoned by an Attachment out of the Exchequer for Non-appearance at the suit of Arthur Savage of Caldbeck Priest for Tythe Wool Lamb White Book and some Prescription for his Ground payeth no Tythe in kind The said Thomas sustained Seven Years and Four Moneths Imprisonment at the suit of the said Priest for the same pretended Tythe above-mentioned and when the said Thomas was at Liberty the said Priest sued him for the Prescription-Money as healledgeth 3 l. and caused the Bailiff Robert Priestman to distrain his Feather-bed that he and his Wife lay on with all Clothes thereunto belonging and a Cupboard worth 5 l. and when the Bailiff could not get these things sold he sued the Bailiff and forced him to pay the Money and Costs The said Thomas was committed to prison this secind time the 21th of the 9th moneth 1674. and hath continued more then Two Years having had no Real nor Personal Estate in his Hand this Five Years George Bewly eldest Son of the said Thomas Bewly by vertue of an Attachment and Proclamation out of the Court of Exchequer at the suit of the said Priest for Tythes Wool Lamb White Book Presciption-Money only for the Tenement late his said Father's not being Tythe in kind of Corn nor Hay he hath been prisoner Two Years and yet remains John Striket of Branthwhait VVilliam Scot of Greenrigg and Isabel Peacock of Whelpoe Widow having Six Fatherless Chridren all Prisoners by Attachments out of the Exchequer for Non-payment of Tythes of Wool Lamb White-book and Prescription for none of them are liable to pay Tythe-Corn or Hay and were committed to Goal the 23d of the 9th Moneth 1676. and yet remain Thomas Bewly the younger Son of Thomas Bewly aforesaid Alice Nicholson of Woodhall having Six Fatherless Children her Husband being kept in Prison by the said Priest for Non-payment of Tythe till he Dyed in Goal by an Attachment out of the Exchequer for not putting their Answer in upon Oath being sued for Non-payment of Tythes of Wool Lamb White Book and Prescription the said Priest taking the Tythe Corn upon their Ground yearly were committed to Goal the 20th of the 11th Moneth 1676. and yet remain Grace Stalker of Whalpey in Caldbeck by an Attachment out of Chancery at the suit of Iohn Munkhouse of the same Town and Parish was apprehended the 30th of the 3d moneth 1676. for not putting in her Answer in the said Court upon Oath was committed to Goal the day and year above said and yet remains Sufferers in Cumberland in the year 1676. for Meeting together to worship God Iohn Howe 's of New-Town for having a Meeting at his House the 22th Day of the 1st Moneth was fined 20 l. and and had three Steers and two Cows taken from him worth 16 l. distrained by Richard Graham Constable and others Thomas Stordy of Moorehouse fined 9 l. 5 s. for being at the said Meeting for which they took from him two Oxen and one Cow worth 10 l. 10 s. distrained by Robert Watson of Thurstonfield Robert Hodgson of Dikesfield and Iohn Hutton of Brough Constables Robert Huntington of Bowstedhill fined 7 l. for the Speaker and 10 s. for himself and his VVife being present at the said Meeting for which he had three Heifers taken from him worth 6 l. 10 s. Christopher Whitlock for being at the same Meeting had taken from him a Cow worth 40 s. by the Constables of Orton Parish Iohn Iveson of Iarriston fined for being at the same Meeting 7 l. 5 s. and had a Mare and 2 Cows taken from him worth 8 l. All the aforesaid Distresses were by VVarrant from William Musgrave of Carlisle called a Justice Christopher Taylor of Hetherside for having a Meeting at his House was fined 20 l. by the said William Musgrave and the 22th day of the 3d moneth 1676. Gilbert Atkinson Informer Alexander Porter George Story Richard Hethrington and VValter Key took from the said Christopher five Beasts worth 14 l. Iohn Iackson of Angerton for himself and his Brother being at a Meeting fined 2 l for which the same Officers by the same Justice's VVarrant took one Mare from him worth 1 l. 6 s. Sufferers for Meeting at Pardsay-Cragg and at Cleater in the the year 1676. by VVarrant from Richard Patrickson of Calder-Abbey called a Iustice George Richardson of St. Bees and others Informers Iohn Steel of Graythwait had two Cows taken from him worth six pounds the 31th of the 3d moneth 1676. by Richard Allason of Bramby and Iohn Fletcher of Hill in Blinboshett Constables Luke Steele the same day had taken from him for the same Cause one Keâ—tle worth 12 s. The 11th day of the 5th moneth 1676. Richard Allason Constable and George Richardson Informer took from Iohn Steel aforesaid two more Cows worth 8 l. Iames Bragg and the said Geo.
carryed on Against them by VVilliam Snat Priest and Surrogat to the Court called Court Christian and James Clark Register to the same Court UP OR the 5th day of the 8th Moneth 1675 William Snaâ— priest accompanied with two other Priests and one Robert Smith a Taylor went to a peaceable Meeting of the aforesaid People the said William Snat and Robert Smith being the Informers they took the Names of several that assembled and went to Henry Shully called a Justice and swore against several persons for being at the said Meeting at the house of Thomas Mosely which was utterly false for it was not T. Mosely's house and also against a Preacher his Name unknown for which Thomas Mosely was fined 20 l. and the Preacher 20 l. which Fine for the Preacher the Justice laid upon Nicholas Beard of Rottenden 10 l. and for himself 5 s. and 3 l. more upon Thomas Mosely and upon Mary Akehurst Widdow 7 l. 5 s. and upon Ambrose Galloway for his Wife being there 5 s. and upon Elizabeth Shuter 5 s. and upon some other Persons five shillings apiece Upon the 10th day of the 8th moneth 1675. James Clark seeing he could make such Profit to himself by being an Informer he took up the Trade with his Brother William Snat the Priest who went to a Meeting of the aforesaid People and brought with them Ferdinando Bryant and John Delves Constables of Lewes who took several Persons Names and went to Richard Bridger Justice where the said James Clark William Snat and Walter Jones gave Information of a Meeting in the House of Mary Galloway mark it was in the same House which Priest Snat swore but five dayes before to be the House of Thomas Mosely and now swear it to be the House of Mary Galloway although there was no alteration concerning the said House for which Tho. Mosely was fined 9 l. 15 s. and Ambrose Galloway fined 9 l. 10 s. and for himself and Wife 15 s. and Mary Akehurst 25 s. and Samuel Baker 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. and Steven Eager 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. and several other Persons for being at the said Meeting were fined 5 s. apiece which said fines J. Clark Informer levied himself that he might the better feather his Nest for 10 l. 5 s. demanded of Amb. Galloway of Lewes he took Goods to the value of 14 l. 15 s. and from Thomas Mosely for 9 l. 15 s. demanded he took Goods to the value of 12 l. 6 s. 8 d. the 20 l. for the House imposed for the first Meeting being not then levied and from Mary Akehurst a Widdow that hath Five Children for two fines being both 8 l. 10 s. took Goods to the value of 1â— l 18 s. 10 d. and from Elizabeth Shuter Widdow he took two Looking-glasse for 5 s. demanded from Samuel Baker a Blacksmith at Newhaven for 6 l. 18 s. 4 d. fine was taken half a Tun of Iron which cost 7 l. odd money Upon the 17th day of the 8th Moneth 1675. some of the aforesaid People being met together at the same House as aforesaid in their usual manner in Lewes came James Clark William Snat and William Purser Informers with the afore-said Constables and a Lieutenant and an Ensigne and two Sarjeants belonging to the Militia and also a great number of rude People of the baser sort who with great Violence dragg'd them out of the Meeting-house abusing many drawing them in the Streets kicking bruising and beating many and from some there was Blood drawn and chiefly by the Hands of James Clark aforesaid whose Beast-like behaviour caused many of the Spectators to cry Shame of him this being done the aforesaid Informers went to Nisal Rivers Iustice gave Information against several that were there assembled and the said Justice imposed by his Warrant these Fines following upon John Songhurst for preaching 20 l. upon the House 20 l. to be levied as followeth upon Ambrose Galloway for the House 4 l. and for himself and other Persons 2 l. 5 s. all being 6 l. 5 s. for the which James Clark took Goods from the said Ambrose to the value of 18 l. 7 s. it being chiefly Linnen Cloth never measuring any the said Ambrose not being at home when he thus risted his Shop but afterwards got leave from the Man of the House where the Goods were lodged to measure so much as he shewed him the value of which is above expressed never returning any thing again Thomas Mosely being fined 2 l. which James Clark demanded with 3 l. more for a former Fine the whole being 5 l. he took Goods to the value of 12 l. 5 s. John Ellis being fined 4 l. the said Clark took Goods to the value of 7 l. 8 s. Thomas Bud a poor Shepherd being fined 25 s. the aforesaid Clark forced into his House he being not at home and took away nine pieces of Pewter ten Cheeses a Pottage-pot a Skillat a Frying-pan a Bucket with some other things his Bed very hardly escaping he wanting the Tick to carry away the Pillage in but espying a Sack took that and the Bed escaped his hands From Tho. Robason a Peltmaker being fined 20 s. the said Clark took eight Hats Mary Akehurst fined 10 s. Clark took Goods to the value of 18 s. Maskall Picknal being fined 5 s. mark the said Clark without any Officer with him that he might the better cover his Cruelty took four Roles of Linnen Cloth without measuring any and refused to let them see it measured Steven Manard and his Brother Nicholas Manard were fined 5 s. apiece for the which was Goods taken to the value of 24 s. Henry Geats for a fine of 5 s. had taken from him a great Brass Kettle Richard and John Scrase fined 50 s. apiece Edward Paine 20 s. Samuel Web 20 s. Thomas Banks 20 s. these last Fines being not yet levied and also several other Persons being fined of which we can give no Account because Clark doth refuse to let us have a Copy of the Warrant Upon the 24th day of the aforesaid 8th moneth some of the aforesaid People being peaceably met together came Ja. Clark Will. Snat and William Purser Informers accompanyed with the Constables and about twelve Soldiers in Arms with their Officer as aforesaid belonging to the Militia without any Regard to their sabbath-Sabbath-Day they drew Friends out of the Meeting-house abusing many with Blows and cruel Bunches and set a Guard at the House door to keep them out then the aforesaid Clark demanded of Mary Galloway a fine of 5 s. for the which he took seventeen new Deal Formes that cost near 3 l. which Forms were not the Goods of Mary Galloway and loaded away some of the Soldiers with these Forms to carry them along the Town whither he did direct and when many of the People and Constables were gone the said Clark commanded one of the Soldiers to break open the Door of the House that he might me his Will
number in the same Riotous manner and throng'd in and about the Meeting and became so abusive unto them beyond all Humanity so as to fling their Hats at their Faces using all the filthy deriding words towards them they could invent to utter and with their Staves some of them would strike off many of their Hats off their Heads of both Men and Women and sometimes striking some upon their Heads with their Staves and sometimes justling against them and throwing Stones amongst them and brake some of the Glass-windows and turned in Dogs into the Meeting oftentimes bidding them speak by the spirit and then making a Noise with Hooping and Hollowing and some of them fastened Burs to some of the Men's Hair and as they sought to force a Pig into the Meeting amongst them it happening to be a Pig of John Rea's who on that day two Weeks before was said to inform the Mayor of the Meeting and he seeking to drive his own Pig from them one of the untuly Young Men broke his Head with a Stone which was the new-elected Mayor's Son as 't was said On the next first Day being the 10th of the 7th Moneth the aforesaid People were again assembled together in their usual religious Manner and in a short Space the Street before the House became filled with People young old many young Men and Boyes came in upon them riotusly as before and threw their Hats at and amongst them and fired Squibs and threw amongst them and then throwing Stones against the Glass Windows stroke a Woman as she was sate within the Room on the side of her Head with a Stone But seeing them so outragious and desperately cruel some of the Meeting went to the Mayor to signifie their Doings unto him who became somewhat displeased at the Matter and also they went to Abraham Seward an Attorney at Law the New Elected Mayor whose Son was one of the Leaders of the turbulent Company in their Actings to acquaint him of his Son who seemed to be ignorant of his Son's Doings yet somewhat threatned the Persons that went to him with the Execution of the Law upon them because some of the Lads belonged to the Free-School in Hereford one of the Meeting went to the chief Master of the School about them who presently came and took Notice of as many as he could find for many of them dispersed at his coming they having by that time beaten the Glass-Windows to pieces with Stones and Staves but it was said by some he was forbidden to correct them and that the Colledge-Priests should set them on and say they would bear them out in what they did and some of the unruly Boyes were Quiresters On the 14th Day of the 7th Moneth they were peaceably met together again to serve the living God and assoon as they departed many rude Boyes came running to find them there and some of them said if they had met with them they would have done their work for them and sell again upon the glass-windows breaking them On the 16th Day following two Friends went to Robert Simonds and Thomas Simonds Justices for the City to let them know of the several riotous Assemblies and the Abuses done upon them who not at all regarded their Complaint but the said Robert Simonds did endeavour to force some Confession of a Meeting from one of them and then protested if he had confessed he would immediately have fined him then the Friend asked him what if it should please God to suffer another Religion to be set up with Authority in this Nation would he not think it an unreasonable thing to be forced from or punished for his Religion he now professeth He answering said he should not but would be subject to the Government and after said to some others as we were credibly informed that if the Friend had but confessed a Meeting he would presently have arrested his Horses he had then in the Town and also said the Quakers were well helpt up to come with Complaints to them On the 17th Day after it being the first Day of the Week the aforesaid People were peaceably assembled again to worship God after some time the rude Company of Boyes young People came unto them in the former riotous manner many of them having Sticks and Staves in their Hands and they threw their Hats and Dirt and Stones amongst them and Squibs and burned some of their Clothes and when Friends departed the Door of the House being locked they passing away saw the Master of the School coming hastily again to seek after his Schollars which many of them perceiving hid themselves from him and he said unto Friends that it was not fiâ—ting that Boyes should be suffered to abuse them as they did yet soon after the rude Company became more unruly then before for they totally brake down the Glass-Windows that remained and as many of the Pillars thereof as they could with some of the Walls of the House and entered in and broke the Benches and Seats they found therein and brake open an inner Door with other things they could meet with and some Boyes followed after some Friends of the Countrey with hooping and hollowing and throwing of Stones after them about a quarter of a Mile and it was commonly said that the Master of the School going about to correct some of his Schollars for their Abuses towards Friends they made such a Resistance against him as violently to throw him over a Bench and giving him threatning Words they being so emboldned in ill Practices and when several sober People of the City that saw or heard of the Doings of the rude Company crying out against them they would threaten them and one man because he reproved them was forced to take up Stones in his Hands to defend himself from them The 18th Day of the 7th Moneth 1676 there being a Meeting in Hereford of the aforesaid People to enquire into the Necessities of the poor the Widows and Fatherless Children that they that are able to work may be imployed and aâ—â—isted to get their own livelihood but if unable then to be relieved and the Fatherless and Helpless Children to be set out Apprentices which is acceptable Service to God and great Benefit to the whole Nation against which work there is no Law nor ought to be for it is the Command of God To do good unto all but especially to the Houshold of Faith And in Obedience to God and his Truth they came together to do this especial Good to the Houshold of Faith and being peaceably met together in their shattered Meeting House and after some time was spent in the Service of Truth there came a great Company of rude tumultuous Boyes many of them in a Riotous Manner with Staves Sticks and long Splints of Wood in their Hands and surrounding the House and one of them sounding a Horn there came a great Company of People of several Sorts then the Boyes began
them took several with them to a Justice's House but it being late at Night the Justice appointed them and the Officers to come the next Day the Officers came but the Informers went to Robert Thoroton another Justice who they thought might be readier to do their Work who fined these persons following and granted Warrants to make Distress on their Goods Robert Grace Anthony Tomlinson Joseph Roberts fined 10 s. apiece the Distresses made by Samuel Brittain Constable and other Officers George Cockram fined 10 s. for himself and 1 l. for the Poverty of two others and had a Cow taken from him worth l. 5 s. 4 d. John Fullwood fined 5 s. for himself and 10 l. for the Poverty of a Woman pretended to be the preacher although some of the Officers present all the Meeting time did testifie to the Justice before whom the Sufferers were first brought that they did hear no words tending to either Preaching or Teaching yet this Thoroton upon the Informers False Swearing did grant a Warrant to make Distress upon two Persons Goods for 20 l. for the Preacher that day and the aforesaid John Fullwood had Eleven Quarters of Mault taken from him worth 10 l. 9 s. And William Day for the pretended Preacher was fined 10 l. and had his Goods distrained George Hopkinson had Goods taken from him worth Twelve Shillings Robert Marriot fined 5 s. for himself and 3 l. for the poverty of six others and had a Mare taken from him Edward Richardson of Kilverton for being at a peaceable Meeting at Rowland Dabey's House was fined 10 l. and they took away his Working-Tools his Coals Hay and Corn Beds and Bedding and other Houshold Goods and his Childrens Cloaths to the value of 16 l. being almost all the poor man had he being a Black-smith by trade to the undoing of his Wife Children as much as lay in the Hands of wicked Men but great are the Mercies of the Lord. Distrained by Warrant from Robert Thoroton of Carcouson Tho. Girton Constable Christopher Dent of Bingham and Robert Wycam Informers William Maultly of Orston for the same had 7. Strike of Barley taken from him worth about 17 s. by Warrant from Robert Thoroton called Justice Christopher Dent and Robert Wycam Informers taken by VVilliam Dawson Constable and Hugh Lamb Officer Robert Bullivant of Over-Broughton was fined 10 s. and they took away his Houshold Goods by Warrant from Justice How 's of Langer John Hickling Constable Iohn Dably and VVilliam bilkinton Officers Iohn Camsells of Everton was fined 5 s. and had Goods taken from him worth about 10 s. Iohn Smith of Everton for the same was fined 5 s. and they took from him a pair of Boots worth above 8 s. distrained by Warrant from Justice Sands of Screwby Iohn Bâ—ily Thomas Reaâ—s Robert Flower and Robert Mew Officers the Informers not known Iohn Ouidam of Calverton for being at a peaceable Meeting at the House of Robert Bradshaw of Oxen waâ— fined 5 l. and they took away his Working Tools and a pair of â—oâ—ts worth about 3 l. 9 s. and seized upon the rest of his Working Gear he being by Trade a weaver since taken away distrained by Warrant from Robert Thoroton William Hernsly Constable Henry Marshall and William Martin and Thâ— Hutchinson Officers William Wilson of Girton for having a Meeting at his House peaceably to wait upon God was fined 5 l. and they took away from him two Cows that were none of his own but lent him by his Friends to give his Children milk when his Goods were taken before upon the same account and they sold the Cows which were worth about 6 l. Thomas Crane of North-Scarle for going to the same had Houshold-goods taken from him by Iohn Cheeswright Constable to the value of about 5 l. for a fine of 55 s. Stephen Swinsco and his Wife of South-Collingham for going to the same Meeting was fined 5 l. 10 s. and he being a Labouring man and not having to answer the fine the Constable took Goods from him worth about 2 l. 16 s. And the Constable was fined 5 l. for not taking a Cow that this poor Man had which the Persecutors heard of though she was gone out of the Lordship three dayes before the Constable came to distraine or had his Warrant so he was forced to give the Informers 20 s. to agree with them Another poor Woman in the same Town having almost all she had taken from her formerly upon this account she having since got some Bedding and other Necessaries they have now stript her of All and she forced to go seek lodging in the Town and her Land owner having a Bedsted which was left in the House as an Earlcome durst not let it stand though willing of himself their Threats were so Cruel being without Pitty or Mercy Robert Carnell of North-Collingham for going to the same Meeting was fined 10 l. and they took from him almost all his Houshold-goods he being several times before distrained upon for the same thing And although formerly one that had Plenty of such things yet now is ingaged to a Neighbour for a Bed to lye on Tho. Fox for going to the same Meeting was fined 5 l. 5 s. and they took from his Brother Thomas Leevesly as maâ—y Spokes and hewen Fellows as were worth about 6 l. 6 s. 8 d. which said Spokes and Fellows were made over unto the said Thomas Leevesly by Bill of Sale for some sum of Money the said Thomas had paid for his Brother and was made appear so to be before the Justice yet the said Justice refusing to do Right put the Constable to distraine Matthew Hartly a very poor man for going to the same Meeting was fined â—5 s. and being gone forth of the Town to get his livelyhood spinning Woell for 2 d. th day the Officers broke open his Door and took most of what he had there being very little John Trusswell for going to the same Meeting was fined 5 l. 5 s. and they took away his Houshold-goods not leaving Beding to cover them but as it is lent them by others and some of the Family lodge in the Town for want of Bedding This being a man also that has had Plenty of these things for his own Family and also hath helped to relieve others before this Act came forth since which he hath often suffered much and thus the Scripture is fulfilled They that depart from Iniquity are made a Prey All these Warrants granted by Robert Thoroton of Carcouson John Smith of Remston and Robert Wycam of Orston Informers The names of the Sufferers and the Towns where they live are as follow of Gerton Richard Carter Constable Roger Baradale Warden Tho. Wilson Overseer these three were fined 5 l. apiece for turning back two Cows when owned and forced to take them again and sell them North-Collingham Richard Longmate Constable John Roades Robert Trawly Wardens William Hall Richard Godsâ—â—â— Overseers South-Collingham John
the Place aforesaid Here followeth a Copy of one of the Warrants Nott. To the Constables Church Wardens and Overseers for the Poor and Thirdboroughs of Sutton in Ashfield and Hurknal and every or any of them Forasmuch as Robert Grace and his Wife Eliz. Brandrith Jo. Blackburn Sam. VVhitworth Eliz. VVhitworth Eliz. Fello and Sarah Clay Richard Bateman Joseph Roberts Fran. Clay Margret VVhitworth of your said Towns are lawfully convicted before me â—â—r having been present at a Conventicle or Unlawful Assembly on pretence of Religion otherwise then by Law is established in Mansfield on Sunday the 9th of this instant July these are therefore in his Majesty's Name to require you to levy of the said Rob. Grace for his own Offence and his said Wife's Offence the sum of 1 l. being formerly convicted and the said Eliz. Brandrith the sum of 10 s. for her own Offence being formerly convicted the said John Blackburn Sam. Whitworth Eliz. Whitworth and Eliz. Fello of every or each of them the sum of 5 s. apiece and of the said Margret Whitworth the sum of 5 s. for her own Offence the sum of 2 l. by reason of the poverty of Rich. Bateman Joseph Roberts Sarah Clay Francis Clay formerly convicted by Distresses and Sale of Goods which said sums you are to deliver to me to be distributed according to Law hereof fail not as ye will answer the contrary at your Perils Given under my Hand and Seal the 25th day of July 28 Car. 2. Anno Dom. 1676. Robert Thoroton William Day of Newmenlâ—as Milner near Eastwood being at a Meeting at Sutton in Ashfield the 28th of the 3d Moneth 76. was fined 5 s. for his own Offence and 10 l. for the poverty of a Preacher or Teacher there being no preaching or teaching as the Informers pretended as the Officers which kept us out of the Meeting-house did testifie before Arthur Stanhope Justice in Mansfieldwoodhouse and several others affirmed the same nevertheless the Informers went to Robert Thoroton and he granted a Warrant against the said William Day and they took away from him a Mare and a Heiser besides Pewter and Brass and Bedding to the value of 14 l. 10 s. 4 d. Iohn Smith of Remson Thomas Sharp of Nework Ioseph Wilkinson of Nottingham Informers Thomas Gristed Constable Robert Howet and Henry Winfield Wardens Ellis England Thridborough and the said William Day went to Robert Thoroton called Justice to let him know that he was wrongfully fined and told him that there was neither preaching nor teaching and if he would give him leave he could produce several that would testifie to the Truth of it and the said Iohn Smith Informer standing by said Did not widow Leadbeater go on with a Narration of words And William Day answered that what words she spoke was in answer to him and the Justice said If it was but one word it was enough Witnesses to the Truth of this Bartholomew Mastin Luke Hanke Thomas Mee and Ioseph Potter Edward Wood of Ekrin in the County of Nottingham Wheelwright for Contempt of the Ecclesiastical-Court at York as is pretended to answer George Higgins in a certain Cause of Tythes was attached by a Warrant from Peniston Whalâ—y and Robert Thoroton Justices dated the 2d of March â—5 and by Cerificate from Henry Watkinson Official-principal of the afore-said Court and 37 s. was paid by Richard Thomson junior of Ekrin for about 12 s. in the principal demanded Michael Embly of Ekrin had two Lands of Pease worth about 13 s. being all he had taken by George Higgins of Ekrin Impropriator for the pretended Tythe of an Acre of Barley whereof four Cocks half he pretended due to him for Tythe Thomas Farnsworth of Scaftworth for being at a peaceable Meeting had taken from him five Cows worth about 14 l. Robert Spauld for the same had five Cows taken from him worth about 13 l. Robert Nicholson for the same had one Heifer worth about 1 l. 3 s. 4 d. taken from him Zacharias Bower for the same had one Cow taken from him worth about 2l 10 s. Witness Iohn Camsal Thomas Denton Iohn Birks Iohn Glover The Officers Names that distrained William Chapman Constable of Eaverton Edward Chapman and Iohn Batts Wardens Iohn Rayner and Francis VVilliamson Overseers George Gantley Constable and Warden for Scaftworth Iohn Seaton of Blythe for being at a peaceable Meeting was fined 20 l. and had four Oxen and one Horse takenfrom him worth 22 l. George Greaves for the same Meeting was fined 10 l. 5 s. and had four Cows taken from him worth 13 l. Iohn Wilson for the same was fined 3 l. and had a Mare taken from him worth 4 l. 10 s. Gervase Crease for the same was fined 10 s. and had fourteen pound of pewter taken from him worth 14 s. Distrained by Warrant from Robert Thoroton The Officers Names are Robert Williamson and Richard Malken Constables Gervase Pye and Richard Emerson Wardens Henry Noedin Overseer Iohn Brown and Thomas Moresin Thirdboroughs Witness Thomas Farnsworth Ioseph Hudson Iohn Couson Iohn Torr of Scrooby for being at a peaceable Meeting was fined 5 s. for his own Offence and 10 l. for the poverty of a certain Blind Man unknown for one Meeting and 1 l. fine for another Meeting both Warrants amounting to 11 l. 5 s. and they took from him 4 Oxen worth about 14 l. 10 s. and another Warrant from Justice Sands for the sum of 10 s. and 1 l. which the Officers run in Charges about selling the Oxen which they had taken away by Virtue of the other two Warrants more then they sold the Oxen for as is pretended so they took an Heifer from him worth about 2 l. 10 s. William Kirkby of Geatforth for being at a peaceable Meeting had taken from him seven Beasts worth about 12 l. 10 s. By Warrant from Robert Thoroton Adam Hutâ—hinson and Charles Tollet Constables William Brâ—fit and George Norman Wardens Witness Iohn Raganal Peter Ancliph Note There was formerly taken on this Account from several Innocent Persons in this County Goods and Cattle to the value of 695 l. and upwards and two Persons great Sufferers formerly appealing to the Sessions they ordered them their Money again but this great persecuting Justice Peniston Whaley fraudulently detains 60 l. in his Hands contrary to the Orders of Sessions John Seaton of Blythe for having peaceable Meetings at his House to worship the Lord was fined 20 l. and 10 s. for himself and 35 s. for his Wife 's being at four Meetings and 5 s. for his Servant in all fined 62 l. 10 s. and had his Goods distrained viz. All his Houshold Goods Horses Maâ—es Kine and Swine his Carts and other wooden ware with old Wood Stone and Brick to the Value of 100 l. and upwards The Officers Names that distrained Robert Williamson Richard Malkin Constables Richard Emerson Gervase Pye Wardens Henry Nodin Overseer for the Poor George Greaves of Blythe
Hay to the Value of about 8 l. Iohn Camsal fined 30 s. for being at peaceable Meetings and had taken from him some Corn in the Barn with two Beds and Bedding with other Goods to the value of about 10 l. The Officers Names William Chapman and George Gantley Constables Edward Chapman and Iohn Baytes Wardens Iohn Raines and Francis VVilliamson Overseers of the poor Witnesses I seph Camsel Thomas Saintpal George Flecher The 22d of the 10th Moneth 1676. an Account of Goods then taken from VVilliam Emley of Mansfield in the County of Nottingham Mercer for a Fine of 10 l. 5 s. for being at a Meeting the 17th Day of the same at Hucknal-Hoofet in the parish of Sutton in Ashfield and thereof convicted the 19th of the same by Iohn Smith one Sharp and Obadiah Anthony Informers before Robert Thoroton of Carcouson in the County asore-said Justice viz. 10 l. for the poverty of the Preacher and 5 s. for him elf and by Warrant from the said Robert Thoroton directed to Thomas Innocent and Francis VVatson Constables Richard Burbidge Apothecary John Garner Mercer Ralph Croshey Dyer Thomas Wheat Butcher Overseers of the poor George Cook Malt-maker and John Clay Tanner Church-Wardens John Plumtry and Thomas Clerk Thirdboroughs all of Mansfield in the County aforesaid he had Shop Goods taken from him to the value of 23 l. and upwards George Hopkinson for being at the same Meeting was fined 10 s. for which he was distrained by Thomas Innocent Constable Iohn Plumtry and Thomas Clerk Thirdboroughs as followeth one Coverlet worth 10 s. one pewter Candlestick worth 1 s. one Chair worth 4 s. A Relation of a Notorious Piece of Deceit acted by the Persecutors of these poor afflâ—cted People called Quakers in this County Upon the 26th Day of the 9th Mo. 76. some of the said People being peaceably assembled together in the parish of Blythe and waiting in Stilness and Silence upon the Lord there came in amongst them one Edward Butterworth who sate down a while amongst them till the Informers came in viz. Iohn Smith Obadiah Anthony and Thomas Sharpe then Edward Butterworth stood up and said Blessed be the Peace-makers with some other words that were not understood by Reason Tohmas Sharpe one of the Informers pulled him forth the Constable meeting them near the Door asked why they pulled him out the Informer said If another speak I will pull him out also so the Officers had this pretended Preacher before Justice Sands who upon Examination said He lived at Broughton within eight Miles of Lincoln but there being some Suspition that he was a Cheat ordered the Officers to secure him and to bring him before him again next Day where before the said Justice Sands and Sr. Ralph Knight being again examined he still said he lived at Broughton and Thomas Sharp one of the Informers being asked upon his Oath whet her he knew the said Butterworth did affirm He never saw him before in all his Life but a Certificate was produced before the Justices to prove they both lived in Newark a Copy of which is as follows This may certifie whom it may concern that we whose Names are under-written do testifie that Edward Butterworth and Thomas Sharpe of our Town of Newark are very well acquainted and very near Neighbours living together in our Town and both in a Street most of our Town well know it John Milnes Thomas Merryweather After Examination the Justices seeing their Deceit committed Butterworth to Nottingham Goal except he found Sureties to appear at Redford Sessions and as the Constable was conducting this pretended Quaker to the Goal Smith and Anthony two of the Informers being with him he rode away from the Constable but about three Dayes after he went to Justice Sands and Obadiah Anthony and Thomas Sharpe two of the Informers with him who were bound for his Appearance at Redford Sessions A short Relation of the Proceedings of the Justices of the Peace at Nottingham Quarter-Sessions the Eighth Day of the Eleventh Moneth 1676. Where many of the People of God in Scorn called Quakers came to appeal for Justice from the Illegal Proceedings of the Cruel Informers who acted by Virtue of several Warrants granted forth by Robert Thoroton Justice of the Peace there being about 20 Appeals which were promised to be tried at this Sessions and but three of them put in the manner of their Trials was as followeth as near as can be remembred Upon the 8th day of the 11th Mo. as afore-said the Court being sate the Council for the Informers spoke to the Justices and the rest of the Court that it would be a Dishonour to the King and to his Honourable Justices of Peace that the Appeals should be tried for if they were it was as much as if the Iustices had not done according to Law and if it should be brought in for the Appellant it would be a Dishonour to them or Words to that Effect The Council for the Appellant It is not any Dishonour to the King or his Justices but whether the Informers acted according to Law or no that is the Question and if any look upon themselves to be grieved contrary to Law they may be tried by a Iury of twelve men which the Law doth allow and further he desired the Tryals might be in the Informers Name and not in the Name of the King but it would not be granted So when the Justices had ordered the Appeals should go on to Tryal a Jury was impannelled and sworn and the Warrant of Robert Thoroton's Conviction of the Meeting at Blythe such a Day betwixt the King of the one Part and Iohn Sayton and the other Appellants on the other part by which Warrant the said Iohn Sayton was fined 20 l. for suffering a Conventicle at his House as they said in the Parish of Blythe So the Witnesses were called and sworn Witness I was there on that Day and there were several People met but were all silent and no Words spoken amongst them but did not see Iohn Sayton there Council for the Appellant Now in the first place forasmuch as there was neither Preaching Praying nor Reading as their own witness doth testifie therefore it was no Conventicle 2dly Being they cannot prove he was there therefore how can it be judged that he did either wittingly or willingly consent to that Meeting if they could make it a Conventicle with much more to that purpose Informers Council Now as to the first although there was neither Preaching praying nor Reading yet it was evident enough that they met under a pretence of a Religions Exercise seeing there was more then five not of Iohn Sayton's Family therefore it must needs be a Conventicle And as to the 2d seeing they cannot prove he was there we must leave it to the Consciences of the Jury whether he did willingly consent to that Meeting or no. So when the Council had spoke on both sides Peniston Whaley one of the Justices
so called at York by Samuel Sugde Priest of the said Parish decreed excommunicate by Henry Watkinson Judge of the Court and a Capias sued out by Thomas Holms Procter attached by George Haxby of Hampsthwaite Apparitor and committed the 1st day of the 12th Moneth 74. William Hudson sued in the spiritual Court so called for nonpayment of Steeple-house Tax by Richard Bolton Warden and at his own Charge attached by Christopher Morley Apparitor by a Capias and committed the 8th day of the 11th Moneth 73. where he still remains at the City Goal Matthew VVildman of Celside in the parish of Horton in Craven and County of York Husbandman sued in the same Court by Thomas VVilson of Becrofthat in the parish afore-said Impropriator for Substraction of Tythe and for his Contumacy in not appearing to Citation was decreed excommunicate by H. VV. Chancellor and a Writ sued out by Thomas Holms Procter and attached by Robert Banks of Giglesweek Yeoman and Appariter and committed the 12th of the 3d Moneth 75. where he yet remains Thomas Appleton of Huttonrudsby Yeoman presented in the Bishop's Court for not going to the Steeple-house to hear Divine-Service so called and not receiving the Sacrament and for his Contumacy in not appearing to the Citation was decreed excommunicate by Henry VVatkinson Judge of the Consistory-Court and a Capias sued forth by Francis Parker Procter in that called the Spiritual-Court and attached by William Stockdel Appariter and committed to the Castle of York the 7th day of the 5th Moneth 75. where he still is a Prisoner Gervase Key of the parish of Kirkburton was sued in the afore-said Court by Ioseph Brigs Priest of Kirkburton afore-said in a Cause of Substraction of Tythes and because he could not give in his Answer to his Libel upon Oath was by the Judge pronounced contumacious and certified to Iohn Armitage and Iohn Key Knights and Francis White all Justices by Warrant committed him the 8th of the 5th Moneth 75. Edward Geor of Thornton near Pocklington Husbandman was presented in the afore said Court and for not appearing to Citation was excommunicated and by a Capias attached and committed though old and infirm the 15th day of the 5th Moneth 1675. Richard Carr of Scamston near New-Malton Husbandman was presented in the afore-said Court for not receiving the Sacrament and going to hear Divine Service so called for which he was cited and not appearing pronoūced contumacious and decreed excommunicate and a Capias sued out by Arthur Thornton Register to the Bishop by which he was attached and committed to prison the 21th day of the 6th Mon. 75. Edward Evans of Nunmoncton near York Yeeman was presented in the Bishop of Chester's Court by the Wardens and cited to appear at Richmond before Thomas Cradock Official and for not appearing decreed excommunicate and a Writ sued forth by Thomas Lee Procter and attched by Iames Hague and William Syres senior Bailiffs by Warrant dated the 9th of the 5th Moneth 75. and committed the 28th day of the 6th Mon. 75. Honora Skipwith of Skipwith Widow presented in the Bishop's Court at York for not receiving the Sacrament and going to hear Divine Service so called was thereupon decreed excommunicate and a Capias sued forth by Arthur Thornton the Bishop's Register and attached by William Saire and another Bailiffs and committed to prison the 23d of the 7th Mo. 75. John Leightfoot of the parish of Skipwith Husbandman presented upon the same Account and decreed excommunicate and a Capias sued out by the afore-said Thornton and taken by the same Persons and committed the 23d of the 7th Moneth 75. Iohn Green of Leversedge Yeoman in the parish of Birstal presented in the Bishop's Court at that time called Easter in the Year 1674. by Thomas Taylor Robert Walker Matthew Smith Iohn Mann and Isaac Brook for not going to the Steeple ho use and receiving the Sacrament so called and thereupon cited and appearing to the Citation was decreed excommunicate and a Writ sued forth by Arthur Thornton and attached by Christopher Morley and William Stockdale and committed to York Castle the 26th day of the 8th Moneth 1675. and dyed in prison Thomas Mitton of the Chapelrie of Ripandin in the parish of Ealand Husbandman was presented in the Court afore-said by Samuel White Richard Royd Iosiah Siddel Iohn Bothomley and Ioseph Hoyle for not going to the Steeple house and receiving Bread and Wine and thereupon cited and not appearing to the Citation was excommunicate and a Writ sued forth by Arthur Thornton he was committed to prison the 26th of the 8th Mon. 1675. William Keddy of Hutham Husbandman presented in the afore-said Court for not going to the Steeple house receiving the Sacrament so called was excommunicated by Henry Watkinson Judge and a Capias sued forth by Robert Squire Procter and committed to prison the 3d of the 11th Moneth 75. Christopher Wharlton presented in the Bishop's Court at York and for not appearing to Citation decreed excommunicate and a Capias sued out by Robert Squir Procter the 3d of the 11th Moneth 75. William Blossom of Patrington Cooper presented in the afore-said Court and for not appearing to Citation decreed excommunicate by Henry Watkinson Judge of the Court and a Capiar sued out by Robert Squire Procter and committed the 5th day of the 11th Moneth 75. Thomas Billany presented in the Bishop's Court afore-said and for his not appearing to Citation decreed excommunicate by the Judge afore said and a Capias sued out by Robert Squire Procter committed the 5th day of the 11th Mon. 75. Richard Hancock presented in the afore said Court and not appearing to Citation decreed excommunicate by the Judge of the afore-said Court and a Capias sued out by the aforesaid Procter and committed the 5th day of the 11th Moneth 75. Samuel Wright of Nedlington Gras-man in the parish of Holden sued in the Bishop of Chester's Court by Lanc. Clark and John Hewson parish Clarks of Holden for their Sallery which at the first was voluntary their Demand was 4d and not appearing to the Citation was decreed excommunicate by Ioseph Cradock Knight Official principal of that Court and a Capias sued forth and committed the 9th Day of the 10th Mo. 75. Samuel Pool of Knottingley Yeoman sued by one John Bingley on the Behalf of the King and himself for a Debt of 40 l. which the said Bingley saith he owes to the King and himself and by a Writ attached and committed to Pontefract Goal the 18th day of the 11th Moneth 1675. where he yet remains Thomas Parkin of Eloughton Husbandman presented in the Bishop's Court at York and for not appearing to Citation decreed excommunicate and a Capias sued forth by Thomas Holms Procter committed the 7th of the 12th Moneth 75. Mary Brockbanck of Farndale near Kirkby More-Side in the County of York Widow aged near fourscore was sued by Thomas Hardwick Priest of Kirkby-more-side for Substractior of Tythes and attached by an
Exchequer Writ and committed to York-Castle the 29th of the 8th Moneth â—4 where she yet is Henry Iarret presented for Non payment of Steeple-house Tax and not appearing to Citation decreed excommunicate and a Capias sued out by Robert Squire Procter and committed the 28th Day of the 12th Moneth 75. Francis Lund Thomas Salkel Thomas Wilkinson all of Dent in the County of York but of the Diâ—cess of Chester were sued in the Court at Richmond by Leonard Burton Priest of Sedbergh for Easter-Reckonings which according to their Costom is but 1 d. 1 ob per head and for their not appearing to citation were by the aforesaid Cradock Official decreed contumacious and a Capias sued out by Iohn Newton Procter and attached by Robert Banks Appariter and committed the 8th Day of the 2d Moneth 1676. where they yet remain William Redshaw committed to the Castle of York by Henry Goâ—drick Justice of Peace at the Request of Henry Watkinson Judge of the Spiritual Court for his pretended contumacy to the Decrees of the said Court as saith the Mittimus committed the 15th day of the 5th Moneth 76. Isabâ—l Milner Widow presented for her Non-conformity and for her not appearing to citation decreed excommunicate and a Capias sued out by Thomas Holms Procter attached by William Stockde Appariter and committed the 10th day of the 10th Moneth 76. Joseph Denton Batchellor near Leeds presented for his Non-conformity and for his not appearing to Citation decreed Excommunicate and a Capias sued out by Tho. Holms Procter attached by Will. Stockdel Apparitor committed the 17th of the 11th moneth 1676. David Nutbrown of Holden Linnen-Weaver presented in the Bishop of Chester's Court and a Capias sued out by Th. Lee Procter and attached by William Marshal Apparitor committed the 18th day of the 11th moneth 76. John Lukis of Easingwod-house Carpenter presented in the Bishop's Court for his Non conformity and for not appearing to Citation was decreed Excommunicate and a Capias sued out by Arthur Thornton the Bishop's Register and committed the 21th of the 10th moneth 75. All these still continue Prisoners in the County of York Dyed in York-Castle since the 4th Moneth 1675. John Brockbank Son to the before-named Mary Brockbank and as Servant to his Mother yet sued with her and cast into Prison he Dyed the 8th of the 8th Moneth 75. Richard Long sued for Tythes Dyed the 25th of the 3d moneth 76. William Brockbank Dyed about the middle of the 8th mon. 1675. John Green for Non-conformity Dyed the 11th of the 5th Moneth 76. William Doughty presented by an Informer one Anthony Atkinson a Butcher in Thorn sued out a Capias and another Writ for 20 l. a Moneth both at the Informers Suit he Dyed the 5th of the 10th Moneth 76. Devon-shire RObert Welch of Usculum sued for the Non-payment of Tythes to James Holloway Impropriator of the same Parish and in the 11th moneth last was by him cast into Prison by a Writ de Excommunicato Capiendo Note And in the Year 1674. this Holloway sued Robert Welch for Tythes and though he was kept close Prisoner for the same yet that did not satisfie this Persecutor's Cruelty but he caused as many Pease to be taken out of Robert's Field as were worth 2 l. and not long after removed him to London by a Habeas Corpus and at the Affizes following got an Execution out against him and took away from the said R. Welch six Oxen three Cows and one Horse worth 42 l. the value of Tythes claimed being but 7 l. and still detains him in Prison besides Note They returned two of the Oxen again so that what they kept was computed to be worth 34 l. On the 10th of the 9th Moneth 1676. for a Fine of 7 l. 15 s. to belevyed on James Taylor for being at a Silent Meeting in Burliscombe there was taken of Tenants Goods on his Ground twenty Sheep and two Cows worth 16 l. by Warrant from Justice Waldrond Justice Bere and Justice Sainthill Edward Hurley and Nicholas Dowdney Constables Robert Cross and Nich. Colman Church-wardens John Sealey and Tristram Dune Overseers Henry Rew a Constable and Jo. May Informers which Goods were fold for about 8 l. 10 s. to one Capron of Sampford-peverel Also by the same Officers there was taken from Clement Colman for being at the same Meeting the value of Ten Shillings Also from Gawen Taylor for being at the same Silent Meeting the value of 10 s. By the Officers of Burliscomb by Warrant from the same Justices there is taken from George Russel for being at the same Silent Meeting Houshold Goods to the value of 30 s. And many other Warrants are out from the aforesaid Justices to distrain the Goods of many other Persons for being at the aforesaid Silent Meeting Also their Meeting-House was by Consent of the said Justices seized upon and kept from them by Force Prisoners at Exon in Thomas's Parish James Taylor the same time they came for his Goods for being at the Silent Meeting as aforesaid he was taken up on a Common Process at the Suit of Justice Bluet and Richard Peacock on the Account of Tythes sent to the Sheriffs Wâ—â—d where he is now a Prisoner Joan Pollixphen of Kingsbridge who hath been a Prisoner three Years the 15th of the 11th Moneth last past for the value as is supposed of about 4 or 5 s. in Tythes by Samuel Norcott a Priest she being first served with a Subpoena by one Christopher Batten a Bailiff yet she not near him but was in another County and for not appearance came forth a Process against her and took her up and cast her into the Sheriffs Ward where she yet remaineth Elizabeth Phillips by the same Priest was sent to the same Prison on the Account of Tythes where she hath been a Prisoner three Years and now the last Week at the turning of the Ward she was freed William Wilcott and Thomas Burgin Dyed in the Sheriffs Ward this year both sent in on the Bishop's Account for not going to the Steeple-house Sufferers in Bedford-shire 1676. JOhn Barton of the Parish of Studham in the County of Hartford Taylor being rated to a Church levy as they call it 2 s. 2 d. it being demanded by Nathaniel Fisher Warden of the Parish and for refusing to pay the said Nath. Fisher did sue out a Writ of Excommunicate Capiendo and did him self with a Travailer which he imployed Arrest the said John Barton in Hartford-shire and haled him by Force into Bedford-shire Bridget Hall Mary Impiâ— and Ann Barton being Eye-witnesses of the same and carryed him to Bedford Goal where he hath remained prisoner one Year and fifteen Weeks notwithstanding he hath a Wife and Six Children Henry Newman of Seawell in the Parish of Hauton-Regiâ— in the County of Bedford Husbandman being rated to a Church-Levy as they call it 13 d. or thereabouts and for refusing to pay it the Wardens returned his Name to
from him by William Poole Constable goods worth 8s 6d Iohn Dilerance for the same Cause had Goods taken worth 10 s. for a Fine of 5 s. by Edward Trull Constable VVilliam Chessen Overseer and Tho. Leman Church warden Ditto Anthony Alexander for being at the same Meeting was fined for himself and the third part of 20 l. for the House and had as many Splightings or Hides taken out of his Fat 's as were worth 8 l. 17 s. Note Erasmus Cooper entring Anthony's House in a suddain surprizing manner said to the Man's Wife who was big with Child He came to seize all she had for the King She said That was hard to seize all for 7 l. fine He replyed He would not leave her a Bed to lie on And he went to the Shop Door and finding it locke he fetcht a Pickax and broke it open and he and the rest of his Companions were so Cruel and Unneighbourly that it caused Tears to trickle down the Cheeks of some of the Neighbours who be held them the Names of his Assistants are Nic. Becket Constable Rob. Clark Warden Edward Cullier Overseer Edw. Makins and Richard Pye In the 3d moneth last the same Officers accompanyed with two others viz. Isaac Wolfill and Nath. Poâ—der Overseers went into the Yard of the said Anth. Alexander privately by the Crick side in a Boat with a Warrant from I. Manser Mayor and Francis Bacon Steward for the third part of 20 l. being a Fine imposed on him for the Cause aforesaid for which they took 7 dozen of Calf-Skins worth 8 l. 8 s. and commanded his Man to assist them to pull the Ware out of the Fat 's which he refusing to do they gave him abusive words Anthony said It was unreasonable to require the Man to assist in taking his Master's Goods from him Rob. Clark answered They were their Goods Robert Hutchison on the 4th of the 5th moneth last for being at a Meeting had Houshold-Goods taken away to the value of about 7 s. by Warrant from Tho. Checkering Mayor by Rich. Lusbrook and Iohn Allen Constables and Iohn Freeman Warden and Christopher Hastead Overseer Samuel Duncon in the 5th moneth last had taken from him for meeting to worship God Houshold goods and Wares to the value of 42 l. 19 s. 5 d. by Warrants signed by Francis Bacon and Iohn Manser Mayor and John Crow and Gamaliel Sugden Wardens Tho. Southgate jun. Edw. Mayhew Overseers VVilliam Poole pretended Constable Charles Tennyson Informer Tho. Giddens Carter Tho. Woods John Brown and Robert Phebee Helpers together with the Hang man Note The aforesaid Officers took Possession of Samuel Duncon's House and there kept Night and Day from 7th day in the afternoon till 2d day in the afternoon loading away his Goods as if they had been their own breaking up Locks at their Pleasure keeping Samuel's Wife who was big with Child as a Prisoner in her own House the first Night not suffering her to speak with any so much as at the Door nor any to come to her till some of the Magistrates being spoken to to abate it for ' Shame and Cry of the People ordered it And the Reader may take notice of the Insolency and Vileness of one of the aforesaid Informers who boastingly said He would make the Mayor wait upon him as often as he would at his Pleasure Oh a sad Age that such ungodly vile idle prophane Men should be encouraged thus to vaunt themselves against or rather over the Magistrates of this Nation whose Sword in Justice ought to be a Terror unto them they being Evil-doers in the Sight of the just God who hates Oppression and in the Sight of just Men and it s to be lamented that under Officers are forced to proceed in making Havock of their peaceable Neighbours Goods against their Consciences to satisfie those greedy Informers as witness the aforesaid Pool Constable when he went with the Informer to the Meeting in Norwich the 16th of the 5th month hearing the Truth declar'd he cryed with Tears in his Eyes VVhat shall I do I know the Power of God is among you and told the Informer That if there were a Curse hung over any people upon Earth it was over the Informers and said to S. D. afterwards That he confest he had sinned against his Conscience in doing what he did And Note further That since the taking of the said Samuel Duncon's Goods John Tennyson one of the said Informers is laid up in Prison upon an Execution for Debt and he hath confest He never prosper'd since he took in hand that Work and said He knew not what to do and said If he were at Liberty he would never meddle more So people may see how badly his Ill-gotten Goods prosper with him Note John Crow would not suffer an Account to be taken of the Goods he the rest of them took away of Sam. Duncon's but when a Man was taking an Account he scatched it from him and put it in his Pocket and the said Crow finding Sam. Duncon's Shop set open the Second Day in the Morning shut it up again himself thus acting like Plunderers in Time of VVar which is a Shame Magistrates that they should suffer such things in Times of Peace Since the other Account Nich. Becket Constable Rob. Clark and Robert Sellers Wardens Nathanael Ponder Overseer by Warrant from Tho. Chickering Mayor for a Fine of 10 l. imposed upon Anthony Alexander for the Meeting house did with the Help of Andrew Cooper and William Drayton carry away from the said Anthony 15 Splitings worth 9 l. 15 s. four Horse-Hides 1 l. 10 s. and 11 couple of Wombs worth 14 s. 8 d. in all to the value of 11 l. 19 s. 8 d. Sufferers in Westmoreland DOrothy Middleton of Lupton within the Parish of Kirbylonsdale and County of VVestmoreland an ancient Widow of the Age of Sixty four Years was sued in the Bishop's Court of Chester by Henry Hoyle Priest of Kirbylonsdale afore said for Easter Reckonings demanded by him to the value of 3 s. by the year for three years and upon a Writ of Excommunicato Capiendo was for the same arrested and carryed to Prison at Appleby in the said County the 24th day of the 12th moneth called February in the year 1675. and hath there remained Prisoners ever since which is about eleven Moneths Thomas Moor of Newbiging in the afore-said Parish of Kirbylonsdale was also sued in the same Bishop's Court by the same Henry Hoyle Priest aforesaid for Easter Reckonings demanded by him to the value of 1 s. 6 d. and upon an Excommunicato Capiendo Writ was for the same arrested and carried to Prison to Appleby aforesaid upon the 29th day of the 12th moneth called February in the year 1675. and hath remained Prisoner there ever since which is about eleven Moneths Note Although the afore-said Henry Hoyle Priest is about four Moneths since Dead yet nevertheless the aforesaid Dorothy Middleton and
Thomas Moor are upon the same Suit and by the same Writ yet detained Prisoners in the Goal of Appleby afore-said Thomas Gamm of Camsgil within the Parish of Burton and County aforesaid was sued in the Bishop's Court of Chester by John Ormred Priest of Burton for Easter Reckonings and Midsummer-Dues so called by him demanded to the value of about 6 s. by the year for two years upon an Excommuniâ—ato Capiendo Writ was arrested and carryed to Prison at Kendal in the said County the 27th day of the 11th moneth in the year 1674. where he remained about three moneths and being but about Four Miles from his own House his Wife and Children and Friends had the conveniency often to visit him but there with this Priest Ormrod was so Vexed and Troubled being filled with Envy and Cruelty that he prevailed with the under Sheriff one Allan Prickatt to remove him to the Common Goal at Appleby being about Sixteen Miles from his own House where he hath remained Prisoner these Two Years Sufferers in the County of Berks the 27th of the 11th Moneth 1676. RObert Pain of Sunning and John Pain of the same arrested for Tythe at the suit of Samuel Christopher Priest of Sunning above-said and carryed to Reading Goal the 13th of the 4th moneth 1674. where they remain still Prisoners William Dobson of Brightwell arrested for Tythe at the suit of Ralph VVhistler and carryed to Reading Goal the beginning of the seventh Moneth 1675. and remains still a Prisoner Thomas Davie George Ball Richard Nash Thomas Pretty Thomas Draper William Ward John VVyron all of New-VVindsore arrested by VValter Condry under Goaler the 13th day of the 11th moneth 1675. by a Writ of Excommunicate Capiendo for not going to the Steeple house and not paying to the Repair of it and not receiving the Sacrament being rated as followeth viz. Thomas Davie 3 s. Geroge Ball 2 s. 3 d. Richard Nash 4 d. Thomas Pretty 3 d. Thomas Draper 2 s. 7 d. VVilliam VVard 4 d. Iohn VVyson 3 s. 4 d. all carryed to Reading Goal and remain still Prisoners Taken from Samuel Burgis of Brimton for 4 l. 18 s. 4 d. demanded for Tythe by Thomas VVorral Priest a Mare worth Ten Pounds the 26th day of the 3d moneth 1676. by Richard Smith Bailiff Sufferers in Lanca-shire UPon the 14th of the 11th Moneth 1675. Iohn Backhouse Robert Hubbersty and Francis Fleeming all of them of Yâ—lland within the County of Lancaster Husbandmen and VVilliam Waithman and James Waithman both of Lyndeth within the said County Husbandmen and all five within the parish of Warton were served with a Writ out of the Exchequer at the suit of Hugh Phillips of London Farmer of the Tythes of the Rectory of Warton afore-said under the Deacon of Worcester by Gawen Hewtson Samuel Fisher Robert Watson and Hugh Read Bailiffs who required their Bond for Appearance but they being not free to give Bond were returned to the Common Goal at Lancaster where they remain Prisoners yet Witnesses to the Truth of this are John Smith John Hubbersty Edward Rawlinson and William Huginson Roger Hairsnep of Aughton Husbandman was sued in the Bishop of Chester's Court for Tythe by Alexander Bagerly Priest of Aughton and for not appearing according to the Order of the Court was apprehended upon Contempt by Order from John Entwistle of Ormskirk and William Holme of Keirsley Justices and carried to Lancaster Goal the 17th day of the 7th Moneth 1675. where he remains Prisoner this 10th of the 11th Mon. 1676. Upon the 15th day of the 7th Mon. Roger Haydock of Coppel within the parish of Standish Husbandman was sued by Ralph Briddock Bishop of Chichester for Tythes and by Warrant from Roger Bradshaw called Justice and Nicholas Penington Mayor of Wiggan committed to the Common Goal at Lancaster where he remains Prisoner the said Bishop having writ to the Goaler as also to the Judge of the Assizes called Francis North who strictly Charged the Goaler he should not let the said Roger Haddock nor any of the Quakers have Liberty so that not only the said Roger Haddock but several other Brethren were debarred of Liberty through the Instigation of the Bishop Upon the 6th Day of the 3d Mon. 1675. Heskin Fell of Coppel was at the suit of Ralph Briddock Bishop of Chichester for Easter Reckonings upon his Denyal to take an Oath called Juramentum Militia apprehended by Warrant under the Hands and Seals of Roger Bradshaw called Justice and Nicholas Penington Mayor of Wiggan and committed to the Common Goal at Lancaster where he remains Prisoner Upon the 13th of the 9th Mon. 1676. Robert Walker of Boulk Woolen Weaver was apprehended and imprisoned at the fuit of Edward Garthforth Priest of Lancaster by a Significavit from the Court of Richmond for small Tythes where he now remains a Prisoner for his Testimony against that Priesthood that takes Tythes Sufferers for Meeting to worship God Upon the 14th day of the last 12th Moneth Thomas Tomlinson of Crossmore had taken from him for a Fine of 5 s. for himself being at Freckleton and 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. for the pretended Poverty of another Three Beasts worth 11 l. 10 s. by Maâ— Kerkham Constable of Freckleton George Nickson Warden and some other Officers who after they had drove the Beasts about 2 Miles sold them one to the other for 8 l. 10 s. This was by Warrant from Edward Riggby of Preston called a Justice a great Persecutor who threatned He would root out the Quakers out of the Hundred wherein he dwelt and said All the Laws as yet made against the Quakers were too short he would have a Law that they should be tied and dragged either at a horse or cart tayl and that he would be one of the first that would move for it in Parliament Henry Tomlinson of Crossmore White-Smith by the same VVarrant for being at the same Meeting had distrained from him Goods worth above 5 l. 10 s. by the same Officers the Priest of Kirkham being Informer Iohn Townson of Racliffe by VVarrant from the afore said Edward Riggby and another Justice had two Cows taken from him worth 5 l. 10 s. for being at the same Meeting by Iohn Bernard Constable of Racliffe Henry Carter Overseer of the poer Thomas Hankinson and others Officers Alexander Salsbury of Leagram the 19th Day of the 9th Moneth 1676. for being at a peaceable Meeting of the Lord's people at Thomas Garner's Alexander Powel called a Justice granted a VVarrant to make Distress of his Goods for a Fine of 20 l. being informed against by Adam Knowel and Iohn Burton Informers and that he was teaching or preaching at the said Meeting whereupon the Officers viz. Nicholas Walbank Constable and Hugh Dobson Overseer of the poor took from him Four Oxen worth 17 l. 10 s. and another time the same Officers took from him Seven Beasts worth 21 l. 10 s. And the 20th of the 10th Moneth the same Officers
Gate-House of Amy Peacock of Erith aforesaid though in Truth no Persons were in the Gate-House but their own Family yet the said Nicholas Iohnson being one by whom they are and have been encouraged issued out his Warrants upon the Oaths of these insufficient Witnesses viz. these two Informers Whereby one Thomas Cooke of Erith that had but one Cow left him had her taken away by Warrant from the abovesaid Nicholas Iohnson And the said Thomas Cook knowing the said Witness had sworn falsly against him went with an Appeal to the said Justice Iohnson his Place of Residence at Somersham in the said County of Huntington but he having sold his Habitation is sometimes a Sojourner at Cambridge sometimes at a publick House at Somersham aforesaid so no Appeal could be had and the said Thomas Cook making his Appeal to the Bench at the next Quarter Sessions his Paper of Appeal was taken but no Answer was given to it but he lyeth under the said Suffering without Redress Samuel Nottingham of Ramsey for the said meeting for himself was fined 10 s. for the pretended Poverty of Amy Peacock Owner of the Gate-House wherein they falsly swore the Meeting was was fined 4 l. 10 s. For which Fines by Warrant from the said Nicholas Iohnson Lawrence Farmer alias Beard Henry Adray Constables William Boeth and Iohn Evans VVardens Robert Burrowes William Hanes and James Sharp Overseers of the poor for the said Town of Ramsey for the Fines of 5 l. took away Four Cows worth 10 l. or more notwithstanding he told them that it was a false thing by which he was prosecuted or to that Purpose and further that he was kept out of Amy Peacock's Gate-House expressed in their Warrant by Constables and Officers and that the Informers were forsworn and the Street was the Place in which the Meeting was kept that Day and on the 19th of the 10th Mon 76. being the next Day after they had distrained he went with one of the Constables to the said Nich. Johnson where he was at an Alehouse in Somersham upon that Occasion and one of the Informers viz. Thomas Gilbie with him waiting for their Prey and the said Samuel told the said Justice how foully and falsly they had proceeded against him and that the Informers were forsworn and the Informer being then present could hardly deny the Truth of what he said but the said Nicholas being forward and ready in the Execution of that Work the said Samuel telling him he was by a Rail in Erith Town Street betwixt which and the Gate House above mention'd there is a broad passage for people to go along then said the said Nicholas Johnson being as is said before willing to keep up the Informer for Unjust Gainto them both I said he dare swear you were in the Gate-House it is probable the said Nicholas was Seven or Eight Miles distant at that time and therefore very unable to swear any such thing And upon the Testimony of the aforesaid false Witnesses many other Warrants are issued forth from the said Nicholas Johnson for levying Fines for the said Meeting and the Constables and Officers pressed upon by him to make Service thereof but they at present forbear as being sensible of the false Witness given in by those wicked Informers abovesaid Sufferers in Surrey AMbrose Rigg was committed to Prison from the Sessions at Croyden by Stephen Harvy the Judge there the eleventh day of the eleventh moneth 1676. because for Conscience sake he could not pay 11 s. 6 d. for Fees William Bowman Henry Franklin Joan Stringer Widow and Rebecca Almond were taken from their Dwellings by Iohn Fisher Bailiff and committed to Prison and from thence carryed to the Sessions held at Croyden the day and year above said because for Conscience sake they could not pay 3 s. apiece imposed upon them there by Stephen Harvy Judge for three first dayes Absence from the Steeple-house and were committed close Prisoners in the Mâ—â—shalses where they remain to this day Richard Stubbs committed the same time for the same thing who remains a close Prisoner to this day Thomas Seaman Was committed to Prison upon a Writ of Capias about the middle of the 6th moneth 1676. being presented by the Wardens of the Parish of Sheer because he could not go to hear Thomas Duncomb Priest there where he still remains to this day Thomas Woods and John Woods were committed to Prison upon a Writ of Capias about the middle of the 7th moneth in the year afore-said being presented by John Chandler and John Tuersly Wardens of the Parish of Wittly in Surrey because for Conscience sake they could not pay to the Repair of the Steeple house Stephen Smith and Richard Baker were committed to Prison at the Suit of Gabriel Offley Priest of VVorplesdon because they could not pay him Tythes about the 20th of the 9th Moneth 1676. All these were committed to the Marshalses Prison in the Burrough of Southwark where they remain this day being the 25th of the 11th moneth 1676. Lincoln County UPon the 24th day of the 1st moneth 1675. Allice Bunby Widow of Potter-Hanworth for suffering a Meeting of the people of God called Quakers was by a Warrant under the Hand of Christopher Nevill of Harmston in the County aforesaid called Knight fined 20 l. and had four Oxen one Horse and one Mare taken from her with Yoaks and Teams as they were going to plow and she being but a Friendly Woman was forced to pay the 20 l. The Names of the Constables were Thomas Hutchinson and Will. Almond Thomas Breston and Thomas Sumpter called Church-Wardens John Makender and Will. Almond Informers who informed the Justices that they heard a Young man speak Lord and Christ or such like words Edward Bunbed for the same Meeting had a Mare taken from him by the Constables Church-Wardens and Overseers of the Poor of Hanworth aforesaid worth 5 l. sold at 4 l. and returned back again 30s for a 4 l. Fine Nicholas Johnson of Hanworth aforesaid had for a 4 l. fine four Cows taken from him worth 9 l. and were sold for 4 l. and had 30s returned both these were taken by the same Officers that took the Widow Bunby's Cattle Lincoln City Abraham Morrice of the City of Lincoln Mercer being at the said Meeting had a Fine imposed upon him by the said Justice of 10 l. for the Speaker unknown and 5s for himself which the said Christopher Nevill certified to Joseph Ledington then Mayor of Lincoln who forthwith issued his Warrant to Benjamin Harinson Constable VVilliam Hodghkinson Church-Warden and Robert Coppy Collector who upon the first day of the second moneth 1676 came into Abraham Morrice 's Shop and took as many pieces of Stuff as cost him 19 l 7s 8d upon which the said Abraham entred his Appeal which was tryed at Sleford Sessions the 4th day of the said Moneth but no Justice could be had for some of the Tenants and the
and because they could not with good Conscience swear at all they committed them to Prison till the next Assize and told them They should have but Straw to lie on and commanded the Goaler To put them apart one from the other The 12th of the 9th Moneth following being also the first day of the Week the shattered Meeting-house being then somewhat repaired and an Inhabitant dwelling therein Friends were there met again to wait upon the Lord there came many Boyes and Young Men again and beset the House and threw Stones against it and they were forbidden by the Inhabitant thereof who told them It was his Dwelling-house yet they violently brake open a Window being made very fast with Boards well nailed and there came the Mayor's Officers and one of them encouraged the rude Company to Untyle the House and one Holley a Servant to John Hipps a chief Constable in the City said That the Mayor's Officers the Serjeants told the Rude Company That they should knock out the Quakers Brains if they would not depart And the Officers came and forced Friends out of the House and in the Evening many Rude Boyes came again and told the said Inhabitant They would pull down the House upon his Head using many Abusive Words against them and stroke a Girle with a Stone Some of those that were Eye-Witnesses to the afore-mentioned Proceedings John Barber James Exten John Carver Elizabeth Barber Elizabeth Exton Mary Carver Diana Thomas On the 3d of the 10th moneth 1676. the aforesaid People were assembled together to worship the Lord in their usual peaceable manner at the City of Hereford then came the Mayor's Officers and turned them out of the House and brought one Iohn Barber before Abraham Seward Mayor Henry Caldicot and Thomas Payner Justices who tendred to him the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy and because he could not in good Conscience swear at all committed him to Prison till the next Assizes And on the 7th day following the said Iohn Barber had taken from him Goods worth 25 s. for 16 s. demanded for not going to the Steeple-house and then also the said Iohn Barber had Goods seized worth 26 l. for a fine of 10 l. demanded and imposed upon him for the House where the Meeting was by Warrant under the Hands of Robert Simonds and Edward King Justices And on the 10th of the 11th moneth following then was taken from the said Iohn Barber dwelling in the Parish of Nicholas Goods worth 14 s. for the demand of 12 s. for not going to the Steeple-house And then also was taken from Iohn Carver of the City and Parish aforesaid Goods worth 7 s. for 4 s. demanded for the same Cause Edward Price Warden Thomas Gwillim Warden Giles Cockes Overseer Evan Thomas Overseer Thomas Gough Petty-Constable Iohn Hipps Chief-Constable Richard Phillpoâ—ts Assistant Iames Exton Iohn Carver and Iohn Barber do remain Prisoners in Hereford-City Prison upon refusing to take the Oath being committed until the next Assizes Iohn Haines and Iames Robbins both of Bâ—ddenham are continued Prisoners by the Writ Excommunicato Capiendo for Contempt of the Bishops Court as is said being committed to the County Goal the 23d of the seventh Moneth 1676. On the 20th of the 11th moneth 1676. the aforesaid People were then met again in their usual manner to worship the Lord then came the Mayor's Officers and forced them away not suffering them to abide in the open Street thereabout and one of the Officers a Serjeant called Iohn Iones said unto them They would Fire tho House where they met and broyle them therein Dansey Gwillim and Henry â—uliaâ— with others can witness the same these Witnesses are no Quakers Thomas Holt of Wickton in the Parish of Leominster committed to Prison the 18th day of the 7th moneth 1674. and still remains a Prisoner for small Tythes and Easter-Reckonings to the value of Eight Groats demanded Nathaniel Smith of Leominster committed to Prison the 11th day of the 11th moneth 16â—6 from the Quarter-Sessions because for Conscience sake he could not Swear SUFFERERS in the County of Leicester THe 10th day of the 1st Moneth 1673. Samuel Harper of Harborough was arrested with a Bishops Writ for not going to the Steeple house and there still remaineth a Prisoner at the Suit of Matthew Bent Priest Thomas Dash of Hincly Labouring-man taken to Prison by a Bishop's Writ at the Suit of George Naylor Priest of the same for refusing to pay small Tythes Anthony Wells and Leonard Gasway Bailiffs took him to Prison from his aged Wife the 24th of the 11th Moneth 1674. where he still remaineth The 26th of the 7th Moneth 1674. John Marriot Joyner and William Parker Carpenter of Long-claxton alias Clanson were taken by a Warrant from Thomas Stavley and Thomas Beamont called Justices directed to Thomas Faux Constable and brought before them to give in sufficient Sureties to answer the Suit of John Reay Vicar of the same Town they refusing were sent to Prison by a Statute made the 27th of Henry the 8th The Priest demands of John Marriot 5 s. 6 d. per Annum and of William Parker 3â— they both remaining Prisoners from their Wives and small Children The last day of the 12th moneth 1674. Thomas Followes of Whetstone committed to Prison by the said Thomas Stavley and Thomas Beamont upon the same Statute for refusing to become bound to answer the Suit of Thomas Robeson Priest in a Cause of Tythes his Demand about five shillings and six pence per annum and yet remaineth a Prisoner from his Wife and Family The 18th of the 1 st moneth 1676. George Power of Swanington in the Parish of Whitweek was taken by Samuel Sterkey of Ashcrdelâ—zoâ—ch at the Suit of John Brintnal Priest in a Case of small Tythes part of which was demanded by a former Priest more then one half and since he was Prisoner this John Brintnall hath taken a Lamb out of his Fold and he still remaineth a Prisoner The 2d Moneth 1676. William Tuninges of Syleby Shepherd was subpoened into the Exchequer by Richard Sanders Impropriator and for not appearing was cast into Prison for small Tythes to the value of 3 s. 4 d. and there continues The 1 st of the 5th Moneth 1676. Samuel Brown of Leicester Apothecary was taken by a Bishop's Writ for not coming to the Steeple-House by Anthony Wells and Leonard Gasway of Leicester Bailiffs about the Tenth Hour at Night in his Bed and still remains a Prisoner The 13th of the 8th moneth 1676. John Johnson of Northkilworth Shepherd taken by a Bishop's Writ for not coming to the Steeple-house by Leonard Gasway and Anthony Wells of Leicester Bailiffs and Iohn Iackson of Humberston Bailiff where he remaineth a Prisoner being the chief Guide of his Mother's Business she be being aged about Eighty The 24th of the 8th Moneth 1676. John Wilsford late of Nether-Broughton Jersey-Comber taken by a Bishop's Writ for not going to the Steeple-House by Leonard Gasway and Anthony
Sentences and Decrees see the Statute Iohn Parsons of Middlezoy imprisoned in 1675. upon a Writ de Excommunicato Capiendo to the suit of William Powel Impropriator in a Case of with-holding Tythes upon which he was removed to London remanded to the Cost and Charge of the Sheriff by the promotion of one Hartrye the said Impropriator's Agent who is since cast into Prison himself by his Master for his Unjust Dealing Iohn Chapple of Worle imprisoned in the 11th Moneth 1675. upon a Writ de Excommunicato Capiendo to the Suit of Samuel Willan Priest of Weston and Kewstâ—ek for not paying Tythes to the value of about 14 Groats after the Priest's rate Edward Silcocks of â—eston super Mart a poor Man and a Labourer brought to Goal in the 2d moneth 1675. upon a Writ of Excommunicato Capiendo foâ—â—omâ— small Tythes of Fish c. which came to about 10 s. for five years to the Suit of the said Priest Willan who is an Envious Persecuting Proud-spirited Man Note This was for not answering upon Oath to the Priest's Articles in the Bishop's Court at Wells which to impose is contrary to the Statute 13 Car. 2d 12. Robert Wills of Chisselborrough imprisoned the 25th of the first moneth 1676. upon an Attachment out of the Exchequer for not paying Tythes to old Priest â—aular who is Dead Thomas Powell of Greniton imprisoned in the fifth moneth 1696 upon a Writ de Excommunicato Capiendo for not answering upon Oath to the Articles of William Powell Impropriator in a Case of Tythes the value at utmost for six years stints of Meadow six shillings nine pence for nine Cocks of Barley worth about three shillings four pence though the Schâ—dule mentioned in the Libel which begins In Dâ—i nomine awen chargeth 12 Acres of Wheat 15 Acres of Barley 1â—0 Acres of Meadow Elianor Powel Wife of the said Tho Powel by the name of Elianor Watts the Suit being begun before they were married imprisoned the 15th of the 6th moneth 1676. upon an Execution out of the Kings Bench to the Suit of Priest Collier for not paying Tythes though He by Violence took them away and got bad Fellows to swear for him at the Assizes one of his Witnesses called Philip Samm swore in the Priest's presence in the Court That the VVheat was worth 15 l. an Acre to make up the matter VVilliam Goodridge and Samuel Sayor of Banwell imprisoned the fifth day of the 7th moneth 1676. by an Attachment out of the Exchequer for not paying Tythes to the Suit of Iacob Crosman priest Edmund Chapple of VVorle rendred himself Prisoner the 20th of the 11th moneth 1676. upon the Statute 5 Eliz. 23. within six dayes after Proclamation or else had incurred the penalty of 10 l. he being formerly Excommunicated for not answering upon Oath to priest VVillan's Artcles and Libel in the Bishop's Court at VVells and the Sheriff having returned that he was not to be found upon the Writ de Excommunicato Capiendo though he did not abscond but followed his Occasions And this also in the ground was for not answering upon Oath the Tender whereof is contrary to the Statute 13 Car. 2d 12. Iohn Anderdon of Bridgewater imprisoned upon the False Swearing of wicked Informers and hath been Prisoner since the 3d of the 6th moneth 1675. and for refusing to swear was lest upon Kalender as Premunired by Judge Rainsford at the Assizes at Taunton the 21th day of the 1st moneth 1675 the wicked Accusation of the Informers coming to nothing the chiefest of them having stood in the Pillory for Wilful Perjury Note No Iury past upon him nor Sentence given in Court according to Law though the Prisoner had pleaded as to matter of fact for refusing to take the Oath Sufferers in Cheshire SAmuel Rayle meeting with Ieffery Shackerly Governour of the Castle of Chester and not putting off his Hat he the said Governour threatned him and soon after sent a Warrant to fetch him before the Monethly Meeting and there tendred him the Oath of Allegiance that insallible Snare and because for Conscience Sake he could not swear committed him prisoner to the Castle where he hath remained since the 28th Day of the 8th Moneth 1676. Ioan Edge Widdow aged sixty Years for not paying Tythe-Hay and Easter-Dues was sued in the Bishop's Court and committed to prison where she hath remained since the 15th Day of the 10th Moneth 1676. Sufferers for the Truth 's Sake in Suffolk the 9th of the 11th Mo. 1676. WIlliam Seaman of Melton was cast into Prison upon the 28th of the 2d Moneth 1668. at the suit of Priest Beestâ—n of the same Town for not paying Tythes upon which suit he still continues a Prisonerin the said Melton-Goal Robert Britwel of Ufferd because for Conscience Sake he could not pay Tythes was cast into Melton-Goal upon the 14th Day of the 7th Moneth 1670. at the suit of Richard Lufkin Priest of the same Town where he still continues upon the Account afore-said Iohn Downam was cast into Bury-Prison upon the 28th of the 3d Moneth 74. by a Significavit at the suit of Iohn Garrad Priest of Assen where he still continues Edward Higns by the same Writ for not paying to the Steeple House Rate the sum of 5 s. was committed to Bury Goal the 7th day of the 6th Moneth 1675. at the VVardens suit of Gregory Parish in Sudbury William Scarce by a Significavit for not marrying according to the National way and yet he was married before he came amongst the People called Quakers committed the 2â—th Day of the 6th Moneth 1675 to Bury Prison at the suit of the Priest or Parishoner of Wortham William Fackner and Iohn Manning of Aldeborough were taken Prisoners the 28th of the 11th Moneth 1675. upon a Significavit for not going to hear Common Prayer so called and committed to the County Goal in Ipswich being 18 miles from their own Habitations having Wive and Children Note their Emnity for Aldeborough is a Corporation Town and a Goal in it yet notwithstanding Ipswich being 18 miles as above said they were sent thither where they remained Prisoners this 6th Day of the 11th Moneth 1676. Iohn Burch of Snape upon the same Account and in the same Goal was committed Prisoner the 3d Day of the 12th moneth 1675. being 14 miles from his own Habitation from his Wife Children notwithstanding Bliborrough Goal belongs to t'at Town and is not above five or six miles from him and doth also remain Prisoner in Ipswich Goal afore-said this 6th Day of the 11th Moneth 1676. George Glamdfield of Chelmondiston was taken Prisoner the 17th Day of the 4th Moneth 1675. upon a Significavit for Tythes at the suit of Daniel Smart of Chelmondiston a Priest and was Prisoner there the 3d Day of the 11th Moneth 1676. upon the same Account Iohn Beardmore Priest of Arrington took from George Deen in the 4th and 6th Moneths 76 at several times viz. One Pig and by
whom they pay Common Fine which 10 l. 10 s. was paid into the Quarter Sessions at Newark the 12th of the 5th Mo. 1676. by the Officers of Ekrin who took his Timber and almost all his Houshold goods to the value of the same the Officers that distrained were Iohn Hollin Constable Rich. Townsend senior William Moor senior Thomas Peck and The. Machen Thirdboroughs Martin Cam Overseer and William Moor junior and Thomas Salmon Wardens Thomas Oakland of Knapthorp in the Parish of Conton fined 10 s. for himself and his Wife and 10 l. for the Poverty of the Place aforesaid and had almost all his Goods taken and sold for 5 l. by Richard Taylor of Conton Constable Ruhard Greaves and Rowland Wilson Wardens Iohn Cam of Kirsal in the Parish of Kneesal Wheelwright fined 20 s. for himself and his Wife and 40 s. for the Poverty of Michael Embly Isabel Roberts Esther Scrimshaw Roger Noble and Ionathan Humphrey and 3 l. was paid by VVillam Hall of Maplebeck his Wife's Faâ—hâ—r who took away Goods for the same and seized of that little he had left Iohn Kent of Norlaythâ—s in the Parish of Rufard Husbandman for being at a peaceable Meeting at Kneâ—sal the 25th of the 4th Mo. 76. was fin d 10 l. 10 s. and had eight 〈◊〉 Beasts taken from him to the value of 17 l. by Iohn Gray Constable of Rufard Iames Hind of VVellow Tailor for being at the same Meeting was sined 10 s. and had the Bed-clothes taken from off their Beds insomuch as the Boy about four Years old the 2d of the 11th Mon. 75. said Now I must be fain to lie in my Clothes for we have nothing left to hap us to the value of about 1 l. 13 s. by Cuthbert Walker of VVellow Constable Iohn Challerton VVilliam VVhittham VVardens and Edward Gilbert Overseer Richard Hind junior of VVellow for being at the same Meeting was fined 10 s. and they took from his Father Richard Hind a Swine worth about 18 s. by the aforesaid Officers Edward Wood of Ekrin was fined 10 l. 10 s. for the same account as they pretended though he was not there at that time John Warin of Westhorp in the parish of Suthwell and one Johnson of Bingham Informers who came to the Town and informed the Constable Thomas Hay of the Meeting and weâ—t their way and the Constable was fined 5 l. and a Warrant granted out to distrain by Robert Thoroton for the same although he had set watch-men to keep Friends out of the House where the Meeting was to have been and himself came into the yard where Friends were peaceable together and the Meeting was dispersed soon after so he went to the Justice with the Officers that had the Warrant to distrain of him that he might take in the Warrant and another Townsman William Trulove with him and they gave in the Names or consented to the Names of Friends that the Justice read to them The Fines above-mentioned and the Goods distrained was by Warrant from Robert Thoroton of Carcouson a Copy of one of the Warrants follows To the Constables Church-Wardens and Overseers for the Poor of Wellow and every or any of them Forasmuch as James Hind and Rich. Hind of the said Town are lawfully convicted before me for having been present at a Conventicle or Unlawful Assembly on prètence of Religion otherwise then by Law is established in Kneesal on Sunday the 25th of June last past these are therefore in his Majesty's Name to require you to levy of each of the Offenders 10 s. apiece being formerly convicted by Distress and Sale of Goods which Sams you are to deliver to me to be distributed according to Law hereof fail not as you wil answer the contrary at your Peril Given under my Hand and Seal the 27th day of July 28 Car. 2. Anno Dom. 1676. Robert Thoroton The 9th of the 5th Mo. 1676. the aforesaid People being met together to wait upon the Lord at Mansfield they being kept without the Gates to the Street-ward which some call Lordswaste others the King's high-way and there came three Informers to the Meeting viz. John Smith of Remson Edward Simson of Lenton the third not known by us and they hearing no Declaration when they came they sent for the Constable and took the Names of them they knew and those they knew not they drew out of the Assembly and put them to the Constable to have them before a Justice and one Woman when she was put to the Constable did speak some Words to one of the Informers which he said he would make preaching so having sent some to one called Justice Stanhope of Linby they went to Robert Thoroton of Carcouson a fit Instrument for their purpose who granted Warrants and fined them as followeth George Hopkins of Mansfield for being at the said Meeting was sined 5 s. for his own Offence and 10 l. for the poverty of the Preacher or Teacher as they pretended which was but the Woman that spoke to one of the Informers as aforesaid for which Fines the Officers took 7 Quarter 7 Strike of Mault he being a Maultster and they came into his House and looked into all his Rooms and said they would have all his Houshold Goods they would not leave him a Spoon Robert Moor for his Wife being at the said Meeting was fined 10 s. for which the Officers took two pair of Shoes and one Pair of Boots the said Robert being a Shoemaker John Fulwood Maultster for being at the said Meeting was fined 10 s. for his own Offence and 50 s. for the Poverty of Iohn Bullevant sen and Iohn Bullevant jun. Mary Leadbeater Thomas Leadbeater and VVilliam Malson these five lived at Sâ—â—gby the Officers Names Iames Hardy and Francis VVatson Constables Thomas Clark and Iohn Pumtree Thirdboroughs George Cockram of Scegby for his VVife being at the same Meeting was fined 10 s. for which the Officers took an Heifer worth 1 l. and they sold her as George did hear for 18 s. not offering to return any overplus again to him The Officers Names were Francis Searcliph Constable and Thomas Urdidge Thirdborough Robert Grace of Sutton for him self and Wife being at the same Meeting was fined 20 s. Elizabeth Brandrith for being at the same Meeting was fined 10 s. John Blackburn Samuel Whitworth Elizabeth Whitworth and Elixabeth Fell for being at the same Meeting were fined every and each of them 5 s. Margaret Whitworth for being at the same Meeting was fined 5 s. for her own Offence and 40 s. for the Poverty of Richard Bateman Joseph-Roberts Sarah Clay and Francis Clay Richard Cooper of Mansfield-woodhouse for being at the same Meeting was fined 5 s. for his own Offence and 10 l. for the Poverty of the Place where the Meeting was kept it being without the Gates to the Street-ward as is before mentioned Thomas Scoaley of Warsop for being at the same Meeting was fined 10 l. for the Poverty of
William Foster Commisary was Arrested with a Writ of Excommunication and the 7th day of the 4th moneth 1676. by Edw. Grâ—â—m an Apparritor and was carried to Bedford Goal where he hath remained a Prisoner ever since Thomas Ballard of Elstow in the County of Bedford Husbandman being Arrested by Robert Hawkins Bailiff at the Suit of Thomas Hilersdon of Elstow in the said County for not paying Tythes was had to Prison where he hath been a Prisoner seventeen Weeks Sufferers in Cambridge-shire TAken from Iohn Prime of Willbrom quond upon the Account of Tythes the 18th day of the 8th moneth 1675. by Thomas Whithand Priest of the same Town Wheat Rye and Barley to the value of 18 l. 7 s. 4 d. Taken from Philip Taylor of Cottenham by Warrant from Thomas Buck Magistrate of Westwick for being at a Meeting at the House of Robert Mittins at Swaâ—sey the 2d day of the 2d moneth and for being at another Meeting at Oakington at the House of Matthew Beezley the 14th day of the 3d Moneth by Warrant from the above-said Thomas Buck for a Fine of 5 l. 10 s. Three Cows to the value of 10 l 10 s. the Informers were Stephen Perry of Cambridge and Thomas Gilby of Blunsom in Huntington-shire the Constables Will. Meadle Thomas Smith and Stephen Fulston These Goods above-mentioned were distrained upon the 29th of the 7th Moneth 1676. Taken from Matthew Beezley of Oakington for a Meeting at his House upon the 2d day of the 2d moneth 1676. by Warrant from Thomas Buck of Westwick Magistrate for a fine of 9 l. three Cows and one Horse to the value of 11 l. 10 s. the Goods were strained upon the 24th of the 5 th mon. by William Crosbee and Stephen Linton Constables Stephen Perry Informer of Camb. Thomas Gilby of Blunsom in Huntington-shire Upon the 20th day of the 1st Moneth 1676. George Taylor of Chesterton was carryed to Prison to Cambridge Castle by Christopher Wilson Bailiff by a Writ de Excommunicate Capiendo sued out by William Linnet Priest of the same Town and remains Prisoner to this day for Tythes Upon the 13th Day of the 11th Moneth 1676. Iohn Wash Tayler of Castle-Camp was carryed to Prison by Iohn Bargin Bailiff upon an Attachment by Priest Holles of the same Town where he remains a Prisoner to this day for Tythes Upon the 19th of the 5th Moneth 1676. John Prime of Willbrome quond was carryed to Prison by Iohn Curbey Bailiff by an attachment at the suit of Thomas Whithand of the same Town Priest where he remains a Prisoner to this day for Tythes Upon the 2d day of the 6th moneth 1676. Gabriel Walker of Swofham Bulback was carryed to Prison by Abraham Akerson Bailiff by a Capias Capiendo at the suit of Iohn Sowersby Priest of the same Town for Tythes Robert Rull of Rampton a Prisoner for small Tythes Sufferers in Norfolk the 22d Day of the 10th Moneth 1676. WIlliam Barber of Gissing in the County of Norfolk Prisoner upon a Writ de Excommunicato Capiendo at the suit of Iohn Gibbs Priest of Gissing who was arrested the 17th day of the 7th moneth 1674. for a small matter of Tythes who remains a close Prisoner Iohn Norris and Henry Peed of Northwalsham Prisoners upon a Writ of Common-pleas at the suit of him called Esquire Beacher Impropriator were committed to the Castle of Nâ—rwich the 15th day of the 3d moneth called May 1675. for Tythes Also they had a Writ of Excommunicate Capiendo laid upon them the 19th day of the 4th moneth called Iune 1675. at the suit of Thomas Clendon Curate in the Name of Henry Gooch Vicar of Northwalsham for small Tythes and Offerings where they now remain Prisoners Iohn Hart and Matthew Bacon of Northwalsham Prisoners upon a Writ of Excommunicato Capiendo arrested the 24th day of the 5th moneth called Iuly 1675. at the suit of Tho mas Clendâ—n Curate in the Name of Henry Gooch Vicar of Northwalsham for small Tythes and Offerings and are there kept Prisoners Francis Gardiner of Tivitshall in the County of Norfolk a Prisoner by an Attachment out of the Exchequer was arrested the 24th day of the 6th moneth called August 1675. at the suit of Christopher Burrel Priest of Tivitshall for Tythes and brought to the Castle of Norwich where he now remains a Prisoner Bartholomew Howling of Shipdam in the County of Norfolk committed to the Castle of Norwich upon an Assize Process in the 6th Moneth called August 1676. and three dayes after he was in custody there was brought iâ— upon him a Writ of Excommunicato Capiendo where he now remains Nich. Phillips hath been a Prisoner about Nine Years for Tythes at the suit of Edward Barnard Priest of Diss and also a Sessions Process Matthew King William King and Stephen Wicks are Prisoners for Tythes and have so continued Fourteen or Fifteen Years or more Francis Dix of Great-Ellingham in the County of Norfolk was arrested about the 11th moneth 1669. by a Common pleas Writ for Tythes at the suit of Henry Harman Farmer to the Impropriator who lives at London and brought to the Castle at Norwich who notwithstanding his Imprisonment was sued to an Out lawry by the said Harman and being stopt he brought a Tryal down to Thetford Assizes in the year 1676. and had trebble Damages given him which was 28 l. 16 s. for which there was taken from him by the Bailiffs of the Hundred Cattel and Goods to the value of 40 l. Mary Satterthwait of Pullam Market in the County of Norfolk Widdow was sent to Norwich Castle the 20th day of the 3d moneth 1676. at the Suit of Doctor Starkey so called Priest of the same Town upon a Writ of Excommunicato Capiendo who is since released Thomas Mathewman of East Deerham in Norfolk was arrested the 28th day of the 5th moneth 1676. for Tythes at the suit of Richard King the Impropriator and brought to the Castle at Norwich a Prisoner in which Imprisonment he was brought to his Death the 7th of the 9th moneth following whose Wife through tending of him and watching with him it being a Noisom Place and Cold Season shortly fell Sick and Dyed the 17th of the 10th moneth following whose Blood cryes against the said Rich. King Impropriator Taken from Samuel Pyke of Hingham in the County of Norfolk in the Year 76. for Tythe for the said Year by the Servants of Robert Sippins Priest there of Winter Corn and Summer Corn to the value of 3 l. 10 s. Sufferers in Norwich On the first of the moneth called March last John Shapen jun. for being at a peaceable Meeting to wait upon God in Norwich the 27th of the 12th moneth last had taken from him by one Beak and Iohn Stone Constables by a Warrant from Iohn Manser then Mayor John Tennyson and Charles Tennyson Informers 5 pair of Shoes called Flyers and a Cake of Tallow Ditto John Fedman for being at the same Meeting had taken
Richardson Informer took from Iohn Nelson of Hightrees one Cow worth 3 l. 10 s. for meeting The same day and year the same persons for the same Cause took from Iohn Dickenson of Hightrees one Cow worth 3 l. 10 s. John Jackson of Felldyke for the same Cause the same time had taken from him two Kettles worth 14 s. Michael Williamson of Gillgaran had taken from him by William Peile and Joseph Dixon Constables of Distington for the same Cause one Cow worth 1 l. 10 s. William Carter of Crissfield the 13th of the 5th moneth 1676. for the same Cause had taken from him one Mare worth 1 l. 5 s. Middlesex RIchard Ashfield and Abraham Bonefield both of Staines are Prisoners in Newgate upon a Writ of Excommunicato Capiendo for not paying a Parish Rate Sufferers in Hamp-shire NIcholas Ede of Froyle sued by Richard Farrer Priest of the said place for petty Tythes in the Exchequer and carryed to Winchester Goal the 19th day of the 11th moneth 1674 where he yet remains a Prisoner Iohn Bishop of Gatcomb in the Isle of Weight arrested at the suit of Iohn Woodnutt Priest because for Conscience sake he could not pay him Tythes he was committed to the Serjeants Ward in Newport the seventeenth day of the seventh moneth 1675. where he still remains a Prisoner kept in very close Worcester-shire ALice Booker of Wickamford imprisoned in the County-Goal by a Writ of Excommunicato Capiendo at the suit of William White and Richard Clark Wardens for not paying to the Repair of the Steeple-house 1676. Newcastle THe 26th and 27th of the 11th moneth 1676. the Wardens and Officers of Gateside by Warrant from Sr. Francis Anderson so called Justice of the Peace in the County of Durham made Distress of the Goods of Richard Stockton and took away to the value of Six Pounds Ten Shillings for being at a Meeting in Gateside the 27th of the 11th moneth aforesaid By Warrant from the same Justice the same Officers took away from Christopher Bickers Goods to the value of 13 l. the Warrant was grounded upon the Act made in the year 1670. Wilt-shire WIlliam Moxham cited to the Bishop's Court at Sarum for not paying small Tythes and Offerings to Priest Gunn who when he appeared because he did not put off his Hat they called him Coxcomb and told him He was Bewitched and bid him come again next Court-day and when he came again because for Conscience sake he could not Swear to his Answer to their Libel they proceeded to Excommunication and thereupon he is since committed to the County Goal in Fisherton where he still remains a Prisoner this 15th day of the 12th moneth 1676. Oxford-shire A Relation of the Unchristian-like Dealing of Justice Gregory of Cooksome with his Poor Neighbour Tenant Rich. Holliman of the same Place Miller THe said Richard Holliman and his Wife being lately convinced of the Truth Robert Cripps the Priest and the Justice their Landlord were greatly in Rage against them and the Priest meeting with them accidentally in a Neighbour's House after some words past told them He would provide a Task for them The poor Woman said I pray thee let it not be Pharaoh's Task But shortly after Ju. Gregory sent his Warrant for R. Holliman to come before him and when he came the Justice was very VVrathful against him that he was turned a Quaker and said It was the Confoundedst Religion of all and threatned to turn him out of his Mill and askt him Whether he was at Church last Sunday He reply'd No Then the Justice said He must pay 1 s. and soon after sent the Officers with a Warrant to distrain who took away a Pewter-Platter worth 3 s. and so proceeded several times till he took away Goods to the value of 24 s. a small sum in value yet it was more then the poor Man was worth if his Debts were all paid he having a Wise and Six Children most of them small And this Cruel Justice was not satisfied to cause this poor Man's Goods to be so taken away but He Turned him out of the Mill which he and his Friends had lived in many years and this was done near the Winter a hard time for a Man to be put to shift with such a Family when he knew not what course to take to subsist nor hardly where to put their Heads for shelter and for no other Cause but for being a Quaker North-Wales The late Severe and Illegal Proceedings against the People called Quakers for Conscience sake in MERIONIDD-SHIRE CAdwallader Thomas Rowland Ellis Lewys Robert Hugh Robert Evan Rees Edward Rees Griffith John Gainor David Elizabeth Williams these Nine being taken Prisoners upon an Indictment for not resorting to their Parish Churches so called were all at the Assizes held for the said County in the Town of Bala upon the 11th day of the 6th moneth last past brought to the Bar to answer their Indictments Kemick Eyton and Thomas Wallcott Judges and upon their refusal of the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy then tendred unto them and as we conceive unjustifiable the Prisoners being but private Persons and the Jâ—dges declaring no special Commission they had to Warrant and Authorize the same The said Judges delivered in open Court That in case the Prisoners would refuse the Oaths the second time they should be proceeded against as Traytors the Men to be HANGED and QUARTERED and the Women to be BURNED And upon the 1st day of the 7th moneth their Circuit then returning they offered to them the Oaths again and upon their not taking of the same in Form though they solemnly acknowledged All gâ—ance to the King as 〈◊〉 Magistrate were remanded to close Imprisonment and were strictly kept as Fellons or Traytors though without Rule of Court or Commitment upon them for Eleven Weeks time from the Sessions and in the last great Frost were kept from the Benefit of a Fire-place or Fire which the Goaler had granted them had not one Maurice Jones who is the Priest of the Parish of Dolgelle where the County-Prison is and generally known to be a very sottish Parson threatned to Complain of him to the Judges Edward Rees one of the Prisoners being above Sixty Years of Age and as was generally concluded being not of Strength to bear so great a Cold patiently resigned up his Life to the Hands of our Righteous Judge Dying about the height of the Frost the 17th day of the 10th moneth commonly called December One of the Women being a Wife and big with Child was very Weak and Sick lately and the rest not likely to be otherwise if the Prisoners be so continued unless some speedy Course be taken for their Relief Further Sufferings Griffith Robert and Hugh Rees were by the vexatious Prosecution of the before named Priest Maurice Jones of Dolgelle imprisoned upon a Writ de Excom Capiend the 30th day of the 3d mon. 1676. where they continue Prisoners the last of them for
not paying a Mortuary where he was no further concerned then by his Tenderness and Compassion in supervising and taking Care of the Orphans of the deceased Parent Robert Richard a poor Labourer of the Parish of Bettus in the said County upon the Instigation of Owen Edwards the Priest of the Place and Complaint was committed lately to the County Goal for twelve dayes Absence from the Steeple-house by William Salisbury one of the Justices of the Peace for the said County The same Priest vexatiously troubled the Master of the said Labourer a little while before Mountgomery-shire An Account of the Sufferings of the People called Quakers upon the late Act against Conventicles by the Prosecution of one David Maurice of Pen-y-bont who was principal Informer and sole Justice of the Peace therein concerned his Clerk and Servants the Drivers UPon the 7th day of the 1st moneth in the latter-end of the year 1674. the said David Maurice of Pen-y-bont in Denbigh shire but in the Commission of Peace for this County came with some 14 or 15 Persons most if not all of them armed to a House called Cleddian Cechion within the Corporation of Pool which hath proper Justices of its own where a small Number of our Friends were peaceably met with the Doors open and all silent he requiring us to depart Thomas Lloyd requested of the before named Justice a quarter of an Hours time before our being dispersed which he readily granting and with his Followers sate amongst us the before-mentioned Thomas Lloyd uttered a few Words by Way of defining the true Religion and what the true Worship was all which the said David Maurice approved of as sound and according to the Doctrine of the Church of England yet notwithstanding he fined him the said Thomas Lloyd in â—0 l. for preaching though he was no Magistrate of the Corporation neither certified he the Conviction at the next Quarter-Sessions of the Peace for the Borough according to the Statute where the supposed Offence was committed but at the Quarter-Sessions for the County to whom the Cognizance did not properly belong and upon this Conviction caused to be driven upon the 16th of the 4th Moneth 1675. from the said Thomas Lloyd 4 Cows and a Mare all worth about 16 l. by two of his Servants one of them being his Clark and a third his Tenant and no Officer of the Corporation nor of the Parish nor of that Allotment of the Hundred in place with them which Drivers were lurking near the Ground some two Hours before day and drive the Cattle before Sun-rise and were brought out of the County into his own Demense one of the Cows he returned till required The same day about the dawning thereof the said Drivers by a Varrant from the beforenamed David Maurice of Pen-y-bont brake rudely through Neighbours Fields to the Ground of Thomas Lewys of Cloddian Cochion within the said Borough of Pool with no Officer neither of the Corporation Parish nor of that Division of the Hundred and drive from him six Cows two Oxen and two Heifers alledging for his Offence that the before mentioned Thomas Lewys suffered a Meeting to be at his House that very Day the before-named David Maurice was there himself who not only allowed of the Time but approved what was spoken there though the Right of the House and the Use thereof lay properly in the Mother who was a Widow and this Meeting chanced to be in her Quarenteni viz. Her forty Dayes And further the said David Maurice took by his Clerk without a Warrant two Horses one of them being Charles Lloyd's and the other Thomas Lewys's though they were at that time out of the County where the supposed Offence was committed Charles Lloyd of Dolobran had Ten young Beasts taken from him the 18th of the 3d Mon. 1675. by John Jones of Keel Over cer of the poor of the Parish of Myvod John Morgans Petty Constable William Samuel Servant to the Church-Warden upon a Warrant from the said David Maurice the only Informer busie Justice upon this Mercenary Act in our Borders for preaching at Cloddiau Cochion within the Liberties of Pool the 14th day of the 1st moneth last past though the said Charles Lloyd was not at the Place that day nor of many dayes before or after at a Meeting as many can testifie David Jones of Branyarth for being a Hearer at the two aforesaid Meetings at Cloddiau Cochion and though distrained of a Brass-Pan for his proper Fines had four Cows and two Oxen drive from him by a Warrant from the said David Maurice of Pen-y-bont for the pretended Inability of others convicted the two Oxen and one of the Cows were since returned Thomas Hamond of the Parish of Mountgomery was committed to the County-Goal about seven Moneths ago by a Warrant from Matthew Morgans and one Stedman two Justices of the Peace for the County of Mountgomery upon the Statute of the 27th Hen. 8. c. 20. in a suit of Tythes in the Bishop's Court of Hereford upon the Proseâ—â—â—ion of Edward Herbert Baron of Cherbury and Roger Jones Priest of the Parishes of Berrine and Mountgomery which Prisoner notwithstanding several Applications to them and their Agents made without any Redress deceased the 28th Day of the last â—â—th Moneth called January leaving his Widow and four Daughters destitute of a Tender Husband and a Careful Father by this hard Usage the was denyed Liberty of once visiting his Family since his Confinement The sum upon which he was molested was inconsiderable Prisoners in Shrop-shire OWen Roberts of Sallop Baker and Ann his Wife and Thomas Oliver of Condover Black-Smith committed to prison the 11th day of the moneth called January 1675. by a Writ of Excommunicato Capiendo for not appearing at the Bishop's Court. ☞ Note There have Dyed Prisoners in several Goals in England and VVales since the King came into England who suffered for Good Câ—â—science sake above Two Hundred Persons of the aforesaid People by reason of their Close Confinement And they cryed with a loud Voice saying How long O Lord Holy and True dost not thou Judge and Avenge our Blood on them that dwell on the Earth Revelat. 6. 10. THE END Note also contrary to the Statute 13 Car. 2. 12. Note 2 or 3 of these Cows taken from R. D were returned again Note Most of the Justices at Nottingham Sessions carryed things moderately except P. Whaley but at Newark Robert Thoroton and Penistone Whaley and the rest that sats on the Bench were bent against the Innocent as with one accord John Blatt and John Hatcher were brought to Sessions by Richard Bonnick Bailiff