A Brief ACCOUNT Of some of the Late and Present SUFFERINGS Of the People called QUAKERS For Meeting together to Worship God in Spirit and Truth Being prosecuted by the Statute of the 22th Car. 2. Cap. 1. Entituled An Act to prevent suppress seditious Conventicles By the Prosecution of which Act many Families have had their Estates wholly Wasted and Ruined contrary to the Law of God the Antient Laws of the Kingdom and to Nature it self Together with a particular Account of such of the above said People who have dyed Prisoners from the Year 1660. to 1680. I. For Meeting together to Worship God c. II. For refusing for Conscience sake to Swear in any Case III. For not going to the Parish Church and not paying to the Repair of the same and not paying Offering Money small Tythes c. Humbly presented to the King Lords Commons in Parliament Assembled London Printed by Andrew Sowle and are sold at his Shop in Devonshire New-buildings without Bishops-Gate 1680. TO THE King Lords and Commons IN PARLIAMENT Assembled THe daily Accounts we receive of the great Oppressions of our Friends in several Counties upon the prosecution of the Statute 22th Car. 2. cap. 1. Entituled An Act to prevent and suppress Seditious Conventicles constraineth us yet further to make our Complaint to you hoping that upon your weighty Consideration thereof some way to relieve us may be found by you In the perusal of the following Accounts you may see what Destruction and Spoil hath been made upon our Estates within these two or three years last past many poor Families being wholly ruined and Tradesmen that helped to imploy and relieve others are now so impoverished that they are fain to shut up their Shops and be helped themselves and the industrious and laborious are become a prey to the rapine of dissolute idle Informers and oâ—hers who after they have devoured all they could find in one County have gone to the next hunting from Meeting to Meeting nothing satisfying them till they have devoured all our outward Substance all which Oppressions we have endured with much patience and long-suffering knowing that our assembling is in good conscience towards God and that we have always endeavoured to exercise a Conscience void of Offence towards men and in such case where we could not obey what the Law of men required we have yielded our selves patiently to suffer the Penalties inflicted on us and have never Plotted nor Contrived to disturb the Peace of the Kingdom or sought Revenge under our Sufferings though they have extended not only to the Spoil of our outward Estates but to Imprisonment Banishment and loss of Life it self and that of some Hundreds of us since the King's Restoration as in the Relations following will particularly appear and that chiefly for our peaceable Meeting together to Worship God a Duty so incombent upon us and so conscientiously performed by us that if the Law had been made to take away our Lives as it was to destroy our Estates we could not have forborn our assembling together except we should have been Treacherous to God and our own Consciences And further we desire you to consider the inequality of the aforesaid Act the mercinary Informers who Swear against us gain part of our Estates to themselves and we are convicted by the Arbitrary Determinatâ—on of one Justice of the Peace who in our absence is both Judge and Jury And what-ever wrong is inflicted on us our Appeal must not lie in any other Court but only before the Parties themselves complained of to do us the wrong who are many times sole Judges in their own cases the Juries being often over-awed by them so that they are afraâ—d to act or speak their own Reason and Sence but forced to bring in such a Virdict as pleaseth our Judges which Proceedings are conceived to be expresly against the Constitution of our English Government and the antient fundamental Laws of the Kingdom which did expresly forbid the seizure of mens Liberties and Estates without a lawful judgment of their Peers How repugnant these Severities inflicted upon us are to the Indulgence formerly promised to us by the KING you may judge when you call to remembrance the many Declarations he was pleased formerly to make for the Liberty of tender Consciences that should not disturb the Peace of the Kingdom And also we shall leave iâ— to your Impartial Judgment Whether we have done any act or thing whereby we have justly incurred the forfeiture of such Indulgence If the Lord shall put it in your Hearts to relieve us from these our great Oppressions we humby propose to you Consideration the repeal of the Statutes 22th Car. 2. cap. 1. made against Conventicles and the Statute 13th and 14th Car. 2. by which last Statute so many of our Friends suffered Imprisonment till Death for conscientiously refusing to Swear in any case and for their peaceable Meeting to Worship God Signed on the behalf of the Sufferers by us George Whitehead William Gibson Jasper Batt Alexander Parker William Penn Richard Mew John Etheridge James Claypoole William Mead Ezekiel Wooley Clement Plumsted James Braines George Watt Williâ—m Shewen John Dew Thomas Rudyard Eâ—lis Hookes London the 20th day of December 1680. A Particular Accompt of these Distresses following in each County upon the said Act of the 22 Car. 2. Cap. 1. were Printed and given to the late long Parliament and therefore are only herein summed up in short and there was at that time much more leavyed upon that Act of which an Accompt could never be procured  L. S. D. BErkshire 0190 00 00 Bedfordshire 0357 00 00 Bucks 0040 00 00 Cumberland 0344 13 00 Cheshire 0409 08 00 Cambridgshire 0608 16 00 Cornwall 0497 13 00 Devonshire 0222 10 06 Dorsetshire 0163 05 04 Derbyshire 0397 14 10 Durham 0865 19 00 Essex 0494 11 07 Gloucestershire 0799 08 00 Hampshire 0077 15 06 Hartfordshire 0770 10 00 Huntingtonshire 054â— 15 06 Herefordshire 0330 12 04 Kent 0191 13 00 Leicestershire 0569 18 â—8 Lincolnshire 0497 13 08 Lancashire 0428 15 11 Nottinghamshire 0707 01 06 Norfolk 1244 07 05 Oxfordshire 0223 12 06 Sumersetshire 1459 03 08 Surrey 0380 03 04 Sussex 0066 00 00 Suffolk 1294 01 07 Sallâ—p 0051 00 00 Staffordshire 0075 04 00 Westmorland 0270 17 00 Wiltshire 0434 09 00 Worcesâ—ershire 0081 03 00 Warwickshire 0069 06 10 Yorkshire 2384 18 00 A Breviate of the most Remarkable Iâ—stances of Injustice and Cruelty contained in the ensuing Treatise WHen an Appeal was made at the Sessions the Justice that prosecuted pressed the Oath of Allegiance might be tendred to the Appealants Page 2. Inâ—ormers Persons of no Estate but live upon the Spoil of others feeling Goods for what Price they please and taking what and as much as they please never accounting for any Overplus Page 8. The Justice bid the Officers break open the Doors to make Distress and he would stand by them Page 10. A
himself 8 l. 5 s. for which they took from him two Naggs and one Mare which after they had kept some time and could not sell them were returned Home again for which the Officers were sadly threatned by the Justice to be fined for neglecting their Duty as he said The chief Instrument in prosecuting the aforesaid Persons was the aforesaid John Davis Priest of Froâ—sham who when others refused to buy the Goods would take the Spoil into his own hands threatning He would break the Quakers or they should break him and that they should never meet quietly for he would persue them or cause them to be persued whilst he had Breath in his Body Arthur Wilcoxon of Manley fined 8 l. 10 s. but being not at Hâ—me when the Bailiffs went with a Warrant from Justice Egerton to distrain the Constables would have had them not to make distress and they would pay the Justice thinking thereby to save what they could of Arthur's Goods which the four Bailiffs would not consent to except the Constable would pay them 12 d. a piece and promise to pay the Fines to Rutter the Informer and not to the Justice which the Constable refused to do so they tooke one Nagg one Mare and three Beasts worth 11 l. and delivered them to the said Ralph Rutter the Informer who sold three Beasts viz. one Cow and two Heisers for 2 l. 10 s. Richard Sarrat for being at a peaceable Meeting at Newton the 17th of the 9â—h moneth 1678. fined 8 l. 15 s. for the House the Preacher and himself by the aforesaid Justice for which Fines Thomas Jones and George Bennet of Chester Bum Bailiffs took two Horses and a Mare from him worth 16 l. Thomas Stretch of Overton for being at a Meeting had two Pots taken from him valued at 1 l. Richard Orme of Frodsham Shoe-maker for being at a Meeting at Newton the 20th day of the 10th Moneth 1678. fined 20 s. by Philip Egerton called a Justice and had Goods taken from him worth 26 s. Richard Orme aforesaid for being at a Meeting the 22d day of the 11th Moneth 1678. at the same place was fined by the said Philip Egerton 9 l. for the Preacher notwithstanding the Person that spoke was able to pay the Fine if it had been laid on him and for this Fine of 9 l. Lawrence Billington and Richard Dobson two Bum-Bailiffs without any Officer forcibly broke open R. Ormes Shop-Door and took away in Shop Goods and other Goods to the value of 8 l. 15 s. Richard Greg of Barrow for being at a Meeting at Newton the 11th Moneth 1678. was fined 8 l. by the said Philip Egerton for which Ralph Rutter the Informer and Lawrence Billington took a Cow out of the said Richard Gregs Pen but said she was ten Pound too light and therefore went to the Pastâ—re Ground and took a Mare and six Reerlings all worth 13 l. This was done without making any demand or shewing any Warrant or any of the House having any Knowledge what was done till informed by Neighbours that heard and saw them and they were gone a Mile and a half with the Cattle before they were overtaken and then refused to shew their Warrant the next Morning the Informer sold the Cattle at Frâ—dsham boasting he had a quick Market and though they were worth above 13 l. and a Mare they had taken from Richard Sarrat worth 4 l. they sold all for 4 l. 5 s. as the Man that bought them related Arthur Willcoxon of Manley for being at the Meetings at Newton aforesaid was fined 27 l. 10 s. for himself and the House for which Fine Philip Egerton aforesaid granted a Warrant to the aforesaid Ralph Rutter and John Tue two Informers and Lawrence Billington Bailiff Persons of no Estate but live upon the Spoil of others ☞ who sell the Goods they take at what price they please and taking what and as much as they please never accounting for any over-plus and the said Justice Egerton telling them He would justifie them if they sold Cattle for Twelve Pence a piece And for the Fines aforesaid they distrained fifteen Cows and a Bull one Yoke of Oxen and a Nag and a Mare better worth than 70 l. but the Neighbours were greatly disgusted to see the Cattle drove away and a Woman and several Children stopt the Cattle and endeavoured to stop them at which the Informer being inraged cryed out Kill them and Billington the Bailiff with his Pike-Staff ript a young Girls Lip in a cruel manner that it bled extreamly and People cryed out Shame of them And the Informers seeing the Constable present informed the said Justice Egerton against him and the rest and the Justice bound him over to his good Behaviour and said He should not only pay the Fines but be fined himself at the Sessions for his neglect in not assisting the Informers to Strain The Constable being terrified at the Justices threats was forced to pay the Fines and take the Cattle in lieu thereof The said Arthur Wilcoxon had taken from him before for the said Fines a Nag a Mare and two Heifers worth 11 l. which were sold by the Informers for 4 l. 10 s. Thomas Peckoe of Stanthorne for having a Peaceable Meeting in his House the 12th day of the 12th moneth 1678. was informed against by William Torkington and John Hussey Informers to Peter Venables Justice who granâ—ed them a Warrant to distrain and the aforesaid Informers accompanied with William Kensey Constable came to Thomas Peckoes's House the 13th of the 1st Moneth 1679. but his Cattle was seized by his Landlord before however they distrained and would have taken away one Mare and three Calves had not the Landlord hapned to be there present and prevented them for carrying them away for that time but the Informers being not willing tâ— go away empty-handed searched the Cow-House and finding a Mare which the Wife of Alexander Laurence had â—id upon to the Meeting that Day he being a Prisâ—ner for Conscientiously refusing to Swear they took the Mare refusing upon demand to shâ—w any Wâ—rrant for their so doing but said they had her and would keep her About two dayes after the same Informers and Constâ—ble went again to Thomas Peckoe and toâ—k the Mare and two Calves away and searched every Room in the House for Cheese but took no more away at that time the Constable being moderate On the 13th day of the 1st Moneth afoâ—esaid the same Informers and Constable went to Thomas Vernons of Stanthorn and the Gate being Lockt the Informer heaved down the Gate and without making any demand for any Fine but hearing the Gate break down the Girle went forth and found them driving away three Cows worth 12 l. and two young Beasts worth 4 l. for a Fine of 10 s. But the Constable and Neighbours seeing their Unreasonableness passed their Words for the Fine and took the Cattle into their Custody James Cleaton fined for himself and his
Wife being at the Meeting 1 l. for which Fine the Informers aforesaid went to his House and broke down his Door took five Cows and three Heifers worth 26 l. but they restored the Cattle all but one upon the Constable passing his Word that the other should be forth coming The same Informers took from Roger Dickes of Occleston for a Fine of 15 s. one Mare of his and another of his Sons worth 6 l. which they sold for 1 l. Upon the Oath of the same Informers that there was a strange Preacher that preached at the Meeting at Thomas Peckoes the 12th day of the 12th Moneth And though indeed there was no Preacher nor Preaching yet the aforesaid Justice fined William Woodcock 5 l. Thomas Bookly 5 l. Samuel Burrouâ—hs 5 l. and Ralph Plumly 5 l. though he was not at the Meeting nor had not been for three Years before at any Quakers Meeting The Informers coming to Thomas Bookly to make Distress finding the Cow-House Door fast went away but meeting with Sr. Jessery Shackerly he asked them Whether they had Strained to the purpose and bid them to their Duty or he would Fine them they told him the Door was fast he bid them break it open and he would stand by them which they did But what distress they then made for the aforesaid Fines no Account is as yet returned up Cornwall AT Loveday Hamblyes House in the Parish of Austill there being a Meeting the 1st day of the 2d moneth 1677. for which she was fined 20 l. for the House by Joseph Saul Justice so called and on the 3d day of the 7th moneth 1677. John Hodge Francis Opie Tristram Carlian with John Arthur Matthew Bond and Henry Young took away from the said Loveday Hambly two Hâ—rses three Bullocks twenty three Sheep and one Lamb all worth 16 l. For part of a Fine of 20 l. laid upon a Preacher which the Warrant saith was fled and for 10 s. for Ambross Grosse of Luxillian Goods were taken from him well worth 10 l. For a Fine of 10 s. upon John Trefry and his Wife for the same Meeting and for part of the Preachers Fine were Goods taken from the said John Trefry worth 4 l. For a Fine of 5 s. upon Peter Godfrey for being at the said Meeting and for part of the Preachers Fine and for the Poverty of others was Goods taken from him worth 3 l. For a Fine of 5 s. upon Philip Ellot for being at the said Meeting and Part of the Preachers Fine and for the pretended Poverty of others had Goods taken from him to the value of 4 l. For a Fine of 10 s. imposed upon Joseph Growdon and his Wife for the said Meeting and for the pretended Offences and Poverty of others had Goods taken from him by Ralph Jenkin John Hodge and John Hicks worth 5 l. 11 s. 9 d. For a Fine of 5 s. upon Anne the Wife of Thomas Salthouse for being at the said Meeâ—ing was taken by Tristram Corlian Francis Opie and Edward Baker Goods worth 1 l. 3 s. For a Fine of 5 s. upon John Hayes of Fewy for being at the said Meeting he had Goods taken worth 1 l. For a Fine of 10 s. upon John Ellott and his Wife for being at the said Meeting and for the pretended Poverty of others Goods were taken from him worth 2 l. For a Fine of 5 s. upon Joseph Ellott for being at the said meeting and for the pretended Poverty of others Goods were taken from him worth 1 l. 10 s. Mary Samble of Enedor a poor Widdow for being at the said Meeting was fined 5 s. and for that and the pretended Poverty of others had Goods taken away to the value of 1 l. 10 s. The 8th day of the 2d Moneth 1677. being the First day of the Week Justice Saul come to the Meeting at Tregongeeves with Constables and several others where finding serveral Persons peaceably assembled took their Names and fined Loveday Hambly 20 l. Thomas Salthouse for speaking in the said Meeting was fined 20 l. and Anne his Wife 5 s. for part of which Fines of 20 l. and 5 s. on the 9th day of the 5th moneth 1678. John Hex Edward Baker and Samuel Julian seized on an Acre of Hay of the said Thomas Salthouse's when it was ready for carrying which was sold to Anne Came Widdow for 13 s. though the Hay was worth 2 l. Joseph Growden for being at the said Mâ—eting aâ—d for refusing to tell the Names of others he being then Overseer of the Poor was fined 5 l. and for himself and his Wife 10 s. and for the pretended Poverty of others had Goods taken from him for the same Meeting worth 9 l. The 12th of the 8th Moneth 1680. There being a peaceable Mâ—eting at Wynor the 12th day of the 7th monâ—th 1â—8â— there came two Informers viz. Thomâ—s Lander and Jâ—hn Treble of Wynor aforesaid and with them a Clerk tâ— one William Silâ—y called a Justâ—ce who took the Names of such as were assembled and had them bâ—fore the said Justice who fined several and grantâ—d a Warrant for to distrâ—in their Goods and the next Morning the Informer and Humphry Guy Constable took from John Peter a Cow which was all he had to give his Children Milk which Cow they sold for 3 l. though it was worth 4 l. Sampson Cosgrave had for the same Meeting a Mâ—re taken from him worth 10 l. which they sold for 5 l. Nicholas Emett had distrained for the same Meeting one Table one Creek one Kettle besides some Pewter also they took from under his Wife a Chair she sate in by the Fire having been in a weak condition for near half a year and not having another Chair to sit on Henry Williams had a Mow of Wheat seized which was sold for 20 s. though it was worth 5 l. Thomas Hicks Constable and one of the Informers came to the House of Anne Hendor a poor Widdow to leavy her Fine but finding the Door fast and no body at home they lay close and watched their opportunity when she opened the Door and thrust in upon her and took away two Beds with Boulsters Pillows and Coverlets Blankets Sheets and some Pewter taking all away leaving her no Bed to lie on but the Boards nor any thing to cover her from the Cold. This is but a hint of what hath been of late in this County their Sufferings formerly upon the Act against Coventicles having been very much to the loss of many Hundred of Pounds Darbyshire FOr a peaceable Meeting at Whittenton the 17th of the 12th Moneth 1677. at the House of Francis Davenport several Persons were fined by Francâ—s Burâ—on called Justice John Naylor and Richard Lindly Informers for which Fines these several Perâ—ons had Goods taken from them as followeth Godfrey Beard Goods to the value of 1 l. Francis Davenport Goods to the value of 8 l. 10 s. William Storr Goods to the value of 7 s. 6 d.
that day we had a peaceable Meeting within the Hâ—use and it was the first day of the Mayralty of William Tomes but afterwards the said Mayor kept us out of the Meeting-house and we met in the open Street as before three times a Week enduring the Extremity of the Cold and Bitterness of the Storms all the Winter as well as the Heat of the Summer receiving much Abuse of the Rabble and Rude Multitude that gathered about us and sometimes the Officers and Souldiers of the Garrison throwing Squibs of Fire hot burning Coles from the Hearth out of a Window upon us and Glasses of Beer Wine and nasty filthy Excrements with Punshings and Railings which were too tedious to relate The 30th of the 10th Moneth being the first day of the Week we being met in the Street the aforesaid Richard Samble being at the said Meeting and being on his Knees at Prayer John Martyn called a Justice coming by the said Martyn came amongst us and haled the said Richard Samble from his Knees calling him Rogue and saying Are you come again and took him and committed him to a Guard and then in the Evening he and the Mayor convicted him and the next day laid a Fine upon four of us that was at the said Meeting for Forty Pounds for the said Richard Samble's Fine to each of us Ten Pounds a piece yet kept the said Richard Samble one whole night and part of a day in Prison and then released him At another time one declaring in the Street came a Souldier and beat him with great Violence And thus with great Disturbance we kept our Meetings in the Street from the 5â—h of the 2d moneth 1677. to the 1st of the 3d moneth 1678. being more than twelve Moneths Mâ—ny Warrants were given forth for Distresses upon some of us but the Constables being moderate little of Distress was taken only from Robert Cary there the Constables forced into his Shop and took from him in Goods in Sugar and Strong Waters by Computation to to the value of Twenty Four Pounds and carried it away and the said Officers sold it at a publick Survay in the Street and it was sold for four Pound thirteen Shillings but two moderate men his Neighbours bought it in kindness to the said Robert Cary without his knowledge and after they had taken out from the Sugar so much as they had paid out for the said Goods did return all the rest again to the said Robert Cary but in all this time we had very little of Distresses taken from us besides this This very briâ—fly is the substance of our Sufferings but the whole manner if it written would contain several Sheets The Truth of which is testified in the behalf of the rest of the Sufferers by Arthur Cotten 1678. Cullumpton-Meeting THe 25th of the 12th moneth 1676. came Anthony Salter Informer to our Meeting who went from the said Meeting and Informed the Justices of the said Meeting namely William Walrond and Samuel Sainthill who gave forth their Warrants for Distreâ—s upon such who were at the said Meeting as followeth The 11th day of the 2d moneth 1677. came Thomas Axe John Mudford William Fowler Robert Coleman William Richards Constables Anthony Salter Informer and Warden and Thomas Barron Warden to the House of Thomas Stampro who being not at hâ—me they unlocked the Door of his House the Key being in the door went into his House and took from him for a Fine of 15 s. 2 l. 10 s. The same Officers came to the House of Grinvell Yeo and for 5 s. took 14 s. The same Officers came to the House of Abel Downe and for 1 l. took 1 l. 10 s. The same Officers came to the House of Robert Ellicott and for 1 l. 10 s. took 3 l. The same Officers came to the House of Thomâ—s Fry and for 3 l. took 4 l. The same Offiâ—ers came to the House of Richard Old and for 5 s. took 10 s. The same Officâ—rs came to the House of Richard Seach and for 1 l. took 2 l. The 24th of â—he said moneth came George Rutson Constable William Hellmon and VVilliam Hill Wardens of Kentish Beere to the House of Anthony Henson and for 5 s. took 15 s. Alexander Richards Witnesses Thomas Fry Witnesses Robert Elicott Witnesses Grinvell Yeo Witnesses The 19th of the 6th Moneth 1677. For a Meeting at Cullumpton the 25th of the 12th Moneth 1676. Robert Gudridge of Helcomb Regis fined for the House 20 s. for two others 10 s. and for himself 5 s. for which he had taken from him seven Sheep worth 35 s. by Kerslake Constable and others by Warrant from William Walrond and Samuel Sainthill Justices Robert Guddridge for being at another Meeting at Cullumpton the 7th of the 1st Moneth 1676. was fined for the House or Preacher 10 l. and for himself 10 s. And by Warrant from Samuel Sainâ—hill aforesaid had distrained and taken froâ— him seven Bullocks three of them sold worth 13 l. 1â— s. and four returned again Joseph Paule of the same place for being at the same Meeting fined 20 s. for himself and others had distrained by the same Justices Warrant and by the same Officers executed Goods worth 18 s. 6 d. George Smith of the same fined 10 s. for being at the same Meeting had distrained by the same Officers by the same Justices Warrant one pair of Worsted Combs worth 5 s. John Richardson of Bradniuch and his Wife for being at two Meetings at Cullumpton and one at Bradniuch fined 1 l. 5 s. for which by Warrant from that aforesaid Justice he had distrained and taken from him Goods worth 33 s. 6 d. taken by Richard Coggan Michael Nex and William Bendel Constables and others Robert Pottle of the same for being at two Meetings at Cullumpton aforesaid and one at Bradniuch was fined for himself Wife and Son 4 l. 5 s. and by the same Justices Warrant and the same Officers had distrained and taken from him five Pewter Platters worth 10 s. the Officers not finding Goods sufficient to answer their Ends. Kingsbridge the 21st of the 8th Moneth 1677. Upon the Information of Paucars Cooke Sexton of Dodbrooke William Cooke his Son and James Matthews all of Dodbrooke to John Beare and one Kelland called Justices that there was a Meeting at Woodhouses in the said Parish several were fined by the said Justices who also granted Warrants to make Distress as followeth William Hingstone of Kingsbridge fined 20 l. John Brooking of the same 1 l. Michael Lee of Bridge-Town near Totnes 1 l. The 13th day of the 9th Moneth 1677. the Officers viz. Michael Martin John Bunker Robert Bull Anthony Putt John Dyning Constables Thomas Two Thomas Teede and Thomas Adams Overseers for the Poor distrained viz. of Michael Lee to the value of 1 l. 9 s. Samuel Jarvis had taken the 29th of the same Moneth by Jonas Holdish Goods to the value of 7 s. 6 d. Samuel Jarvis had taken to
l. From Richard Tiper the worth of 5 l. 11 s. For Meetings at Olveston several Persons were Fined and Distresses were made by Warrant from Francis Fane called Justice for the last Year and this Year being 1678. as followeth Walter Sommers had four Cows taken from him worth 20 l. Francis Puinell four Bullocks and six Cows worth 34 l. Thomas Wyther four Cows worth 16 l. Richard Adams one Horse worth 8 l. William Peasly two Cows worth 8 l. William Culliford one Mare and Colt worth 10 l. John Pocker two Cows worth 8 l. Samuel Thurston two Horses worth 8 l. Edward Hill one Horse four Yearlings two Calves and eight Sheep worth 14 l. John West two fat Cows worth 10 l. 10 s. Jonathan Russell five Beasts worth 20 l. John Hollister Goods sold for 3 l. John Orchards Goods sold for 2 l. Nathaniel Thurston had Corn distrained but the Officers not finding Sale at a reasonable value and seeing the Severity of the Justices in Fining others who had not sold the Distresses were constrained for fear to lay down the Fine viz. 10 l. John Edmunds had also Corn distrained and the Officers for the aforesaid Reason did the like and laid down 10 l. These several Officers following were fined under a pretence of neglecting their Duty when in reality the occasion was because they brought not to the Justices the Fines imposed though they did alledge and could prove that they had made Leavies and the Goods remained in their Custodies for want of Sale Officers Names that were Fined L. S. D. John Seager fined 05 00 00 Thomas Stephens fined 00 05 00 Robert Hancock fined 02 00 00 William Richards fined 02 00 00 William Hollister fined 02 00 00 John Hancock fined 05 00 00 An Account of further Distresses for Meeting in Olveston by VVarant from the same Justice 1678. From L. S. D. Joseph Comings 16 00 00 John Cooksey 01 16 00 William Pichard 07 00 00 From L. S. D. Edward Parker 03 00 00 Samuel Thâ—rston 02 04 00 Philip Mansell 02 00 00 Richard Adams 09 00 00 William VValkins 06 00 00 VVilliam Rogers 12 00 00 Maurice Smith 14 00 00 Christopher Young seven Cows taken worth 25 00 00 William Smith 15 00 00 Thomas Sturge taken from him in Cattle worth 18 00 00 Jonathan Russell 10 00 00 VValter Summers 09 00 00 Thomas Perryman 05 00 00 Edward VVyther 05 00 00 John Griming 10 00 00 Edward Budding 05 00 00 Joseph Sturge in Cattle 05 00 00 Herefordshire THere being a peaceable Meeting at Hereford the 19th of the 3d Moneth 1678. one VVilliam Russell went to Thomas Matthews the Mayor and informed against them who fined James Extâ—n of Burghill and John Barber of Hereford City twenty Pounds a piece as Owners of the Meeting-House for a second default for which Fine James Exton had taken from him out of the Market one Horse and Pad and other Furniture worth 5 l. 10 s. and John Barber had taken from him to the value of 5 l. by John Iones one of the Mayors Serjants Iohn Carver then fined and had taken from him Goods worth 4 s. Robert VVoodliff fined and had taken from him Goods worth 15 s. 6 d. Leicestershire UPon the 22d day of the 4th moneth 1679. there being a Meeting to wait upon and worship God at the House of Edward Erbye of Broughton John Smith of Remson in the County of Nottingham an old Informer who had been the Ruin of many Families in that County and finding his Prey began to fail there he comes into Leicestershire and in the Meeting aforesaid finding the Persons assembled being about sixteen in number sit silent he used some uncivil words to provoke them to speak that so he might Swear there was a Preacher but not prevailing he went out and fetcht in his Companion Thomas Simkin of Thornton a Person not long since in the Goal for Fellony John Heele Constable being present gave the Informers the Names of all he knew and the rest they took before one Justice Cole who shewed great Injustice in endeavouring to fine for a Speaker or Preacher when there was no Preacher there but that failing he fined Edward Erbye the man of the House 20 l. notwithstanding he was a Prisoner at that time for Conscience sake being committed to Prison several moneths before with John Swaun junior of little Peatling and one Thomas Pittsoe for refusing to Swear which Imprisonment of theirs was occasioned by the Instigation of William Cotton Priest of Broughton aforesaid The Informer came with the Officers and broke open the House of the said Edward Erbye and took away all his Houshold Goods that were worth taking to the value of much more than the Fine and sold them to Thomas Cotton the Priests eldest Son not leaving Edward Erbyes Wife who was an antient weakly Woman so much as a Bed to lie on At another Meeting the 29th day of the same moneth at the Widdow Townsends at Broughton there came John Smith Informer aforesaid who finding several Persons sitting Silent Informed the aforesaid Justice Cole thereof who immediately directed his Warrant to the Ofcers of the said Parish who for 8 l. Fine imposed upon the Widdow Townsend took away all her household Goods except one hanging Press and one Bedsteed which Goods were valued at 23 l. they also took away the Daughters Wearing Cloathes and Apparel for the Mothers Fine Sarah Hilton of Sapcott an antient poor Widdow and her two Daughters and Alice Griffin of the same Town were all fined 3 l. for being at the Meeting at Broughton aforesaid and the said Sarah Hilton had Goods taken from her to the value of between four and five Pounds by Warrant from the said Justice Cole Jâ—hn Smith Informer Richard Bayly of Broughton Fined for being at a Meeting by the said William Cole 7 l. 10 s. for which John Heele Constable took from him seven Heifers worth 12 l. William Brookes fined 10 s. for which they took Goods worth 19 s. James Parker of Dunton riding by when they were carrying out Edward Erbyes Goods for refusing to assist the Officers was fined 5 l. Nicholas Pawley of Whetstone for being at a Meeting at Broughton the 6th day of the 5th moneth 1679. was hâ—d before William Cole aforesaid with eleaven or twelve Pâ—rsons more by the said John Smith Informer who tâ—ld the Justice he had brought them from a Meeting at Broughton Nicholas Pawley said there was never a word spâ—ken the Informer said That was True Well said William Cole then you save 20 l. for a Preacher but you must pay 5 s. a piece for hearing and proceeded to Fine Nicholas Pawley 10 l. 5 s. The next Morning the Informer came to Whetstone and threatned the Officers to have them fined if they did not distrain and Nicholas Pawley having but one Cow the Constable took her and sold her to a Butcher for 20 s. and aftâ—rwards broke open his Barn door and set men
Iohn Rallet for declaring the Truth at a Meeting at Woodbridge the 17th of the 9th moneth 1678. was by William Porter Duncon Burgin Iohn Parker and others Officers of Woodbridge by Warrant from William Batty a Priest and Justice a great Persecutor taken out of the said Meeting and carried before Thomas Bacon of Woodbridge Justice who had committed him to Prison but that two Neighbours being present offered of their own accords to be bound for his Appearance at the next Sessions but this the Justice thought not sufficient Punishment but fines him 20 l. for Preaching which Fine and a Fine of 20 l. on the House he imposed on several others that were at the said Meeting without having any of them before him legally to convict them and took Goods as followeth Joseph Fuller had seized a Haystack and a Horse worth 12 l. John Smith had Goods taken to the value of 3 l. 10 s. Robert Cullington had a Mare taken worth 5 l. and a Haystack and Woodstack taken from him worth 11 l. Peter Cross of Woodbridge had taken in Cloth worth 3 l. 13 s. Richard Woods Goods worth 3 l. John Laurence Goods seized to the value of 3 l. 10 s. John Bennet of Woodbridge had his Gate broken open by Bailiffs at the command of Parson Batty without the Constables order and had Goods taken from him to the value of 10 l. 12 s. At a Meeting the 5th of the 11th Moneth 1678. several Persons following were fined by the said Justice Bacon and had their Goods and Chattles seized as folâ—oweth Peter Cross of Woodbridge had taken Cloth to the value of 6 l. 1 s. William Bedford of the same had taken Cloth worth 2 l. 19 s. John Nathan of the same had Goods taken worth 4 l. Clement Carter of the same Goods worth 2 l. 10 s. Thomas Lynd of Melton had Hay seized to the value of 2 l. 10 s. William Skinner seized on to the value 3 l. Edmund Broome Priest was the chief Instrument in stirring up this Persecution who imployed one John Geston a poor Alms-man to be Informer who dared do no other but please the Priest who had power to put in or out Alms-folks into the Alms house at his pleasure Somersetshire THere being a peaceable Meeting at Glastonbury the 25th day of the 10th moneth 1678. several Persons were fined for the same by John Bayly Doctor of Laws and called a Justice and for the Fines he issued out Warrants to make Distress and Sale of their Goods as followeth Officers that Distrained Robert Plumton Constable Richard Aplin junior and Wardens John Provice junior Wardens Edward Bolton and Overseers of the Poor John Hodges Overseers of the Poor Nathaniel Bryan living in the liberty of Doulting fined for himself 5 s. and 4 l. towards the Preacher and Meeting-house had distrained and taken from him by the saâ—d Offiâ—ers four Heifers worth 9 l. 2 s. 10 d. seized the 6th day of the 11th moneth 1678. Jonâ—s Nicholls of the same place for being at the same Meeting fined also 4 l. 5 s. had taken from him by the aforesaid Officers Goods worth about 5 l. 15 s. Abraham Clothier for being at the same Meeting fined 4 l. 5 s. had distrained and taken from him fourscore Yards of Woolen Cloth Thomas Heath of Doulting fined 3 l. 5 s. for the same Meeting had taken from him one Cow worth about 4 l. Thomas Dickinson of Pilton fined 3 l. 5 s. for being at the same Meeting but could not come at any of his Goods to make Distress Several others were fined 5 s. a piece but were Poor and the Officers forbore distraining on them Peter Goole of Marke for being at the same Meeting at Glaston fined 5 s. for himself and 40 s. towards a Fine laid upon Jasper Batt for which Stephen Crocker Constable of Bemston Edward Duckett of Marke Tything-man and other Officers by the aforesaid Justice Bayly's Warrant took from the said Peter Goole one Heifer worth 3 l. Richard Goole for being at the same Meeting was fined for himself and the Preacher 2 l. 5 s. and had for the said Fine one Heifer taken from him by the aforesaid Officers William Harris of Marke aforesaid fined 5 s. had a Crock taken from him worth 14 s. John Clark of Grenton fined for the said Meeting 3 l. 5 s. Robert Clark of Grenton fined 3 l. 5 s. for being at the said Meeting But as yet no account is given of what Distresses are made upon them Remarkable Notes in the County of Sommerset aforesaid of the Cruelty and Injustice of several Magistrates and others SEveral Persons being at the Burial of one Samuel Clothier the 29th day of the 6th Moneth 1670. at Alford one Robert Hunt called a Justice made it a Conventicle and fined some of them though nothing was spoke at the Grave but all silent and quiet Thirty two Persons were fined for being at the Burial of Philip Tyler of Walton 1675. for which they had taken from them in Cows Corn and other Goods to the value of 82 l. and upwards by Warrant from Francis Paulet Justice who when none else would buy the distrained Cattle he sent men to buy them for himself One Margery Osmond who was not at the Burial yet was fined by F. Paulet went to him to know the Names of them that had Sworn against her and desired Justice of him he said It was a mistake by which it did afterwards appear he was willing to excuse the Informers howbeit he then read in a Book in the hearing of several Persons in which Bayner and Wythey were recorded Informers against the said Assembly at the Burial and said withal that she should Prosecute them for Perjury at the next Sessions and that the Record at the Sessions should be evidence against them or to that effect Buâ— he was not so good as his Word for at the Sessions Witnesses were present to testifie that she was not at the said Burial but Francis Paulet in favour to those Informers left Wythey's Name out of the Record and put in anothers Name who was not present and also left out her Name So there could be no proceedings against the Informers for their Perjury albeit he had issued out his Warrant to leavy the Fine imposed on her Further the said Justice Paulet fined several Persons 24 l. for an unknown Preacher yet sent a Certificate to the Mayor of Bridgwater to distrain 20 l. on the Goods of John Anderdon for Preaching at the Burial that day So he would have 44 l. in all Note That is 24 l. more then the Rigor of the Law allows of admitting it had been a Conventicle for the Preacher known and one unknown when in Truth there was none spoke but John Anderdon that Christianly exhorted the People to consider their later end And when Mary Tayler the Widdow of the deceased who was fined 4 l. for being at her Husbands Burial and had Goods taken for it
spoke mildly to him to shew him his Injustice he told her It did not become Women to go to their Hâ—bands Burials Witnesses John Cluff Henry Clothier George Taylor Worcestershire JOhn Watts of Draitwich in the said County having two of his Friends at Supper with him viz. John Cartwright and John Stanley Because John Cartwright gave Thanks before Meat was informed against to Bailiff Stainer and Bailiff Berrot who made it a Conventicle and for the same committed John Cartwright and John Stanley to Prison And further fined John Watts for the said Meeting 20 l. for which Fine the Officers seized upon his Team and three more they fined although they were not in the Room but in a Room by viz. John Tylar Richard Woodward Thomas Hayward and for their Fines they had Goods taken from them to the value of 20 s. by Warrant from the same Bailiffs Stainer and Berrot Stainer being not long after found dead with a fall from his Horse This was done soon after the Act against seditious Conventicles came forth in the Year 1670. In which Year for assembling peaceably to worship God in this County many Persons had great Spoil and Havock made upon their Goods and Chattels as well as in other Counties all which for Brevity sake is omitted only the aforesaid piece of notorious Injustice could not be passed by Bromsgrove the 29th of the 9th Moneth 1679. There being a Person buried in the Grave-Yard in Bromsgrove aforesaid and Robert Hill of the same place being present at the said Burial and speaking a few Words to the People by way of Exhortation to Repentance and Amendment of Life Thomas Willmot Parson of Bromsgrove and his Man Thomas and Matthew Cartwright a Baker informed the Justice thereof and it was judged to be a Conventicle and Robert Hill was fined 20 l. and a Warrant was issued forth from Leonard Simpson a Justice dated the 29th of the 9th Moneth 1679. to distrain foâ— the said Fine and Thomas Elkins of Bellbroughton in the said County Constable distrained and took from the said Robert Hill a Waggon worth 5 l. 10 s. which they sold for 3 l. 2 s. And Houshold-Goods they took which Goods with the Waggon were worth in all above 20 l. Westmerland FOr a peaceable Meeting to worship God at Bownasse in the Parish of Windermere the 15th day of the 7th Moneth 1678. several Persons were fined by Daniel Fleeming and Christopher Phillipson two called Justices and Warrants were issued out to distrain the Goods and Chattels of these Persons following which Warrants were executed by John Birket of Trontbeckbridge and John Birket of Limesit Constable and other Officers Thomas Williamson had taken from him two Cows one Steere twenty nine Sheep and on another day four Heifers and one Cow more all worth 28 l. sold for 21 l. 8 d. This was for preaching Truth and Righteousness which is against all Sedition Plotting and contriving Insurrection William Rawes fined 20 l. 5 s. had Cattle and Goods taken from him worth 23 l. sold for 15 l. 14 s. Isaac Dixon and George Dixon fined 10 s. had Goods taken worth 18 s. About a Week after the Officers went again to George Dixons and though he was not at home they demanded 10 l. for two Strangers being at the Meeting for which at that time they took twelve fat Sheep worth 4 l. 10 s. Christopher Dixon had taken to the value of 12 s. George Williamson Goods worth 10 s. Richard Braithwait fined for himself his Wife and two Strangers had taken to the value of 6 l. 19 s. William Wilcosoun had taken 4 l. 15 s. Martin Sewert had Goods taken to the value of 6 s. 8 d. Miles Sawrey had Goods taken to the value of 7 s. Thomas Grave of Hugill had taken the worth of 12 s. John Tompson of Creeke being at a Meeting at Bownasse aforesaid seeing Boys and People rude who threw a Dog into the Meeting he only exhorted the People in Love to Soberness and Moderation for which he was Fined 20 l. for Preaching One of the Justices thinking it too hard would have mittigated the Fine but the other said it was Preaching and it could not be passed by For which Fine the Officers took Cattle from him to the value of 22 l. which were sold for 19 l. 5 s. Peter Bateman and Miles his Son had taken to the value of 10 s. Taken from Richard Crudeson Goods worth 7 s. From George Tompson 12 s. Richard Birket 5 s. Robert Tomson Goods worth 18 s. Thomas Braithwait had taken Goods worth 1 l. 13 s. William Garnet had taken Goods worth 13 s. John Parson Goods worth 7 s. At a Meeting the 13th day of the 8th Moneth 1678. at the House of Edward Cragg of Attouthwait in Heversham Parish Edward Wilson called Justice sent several Informers upon whose Evidence he and another Justice Convicted several Persons without being brought before them and gave out Warrants to make Distress as followeth Joseph Gregg fined 10 s. for himself and his Wife had Pewter and Brass taken from him worth more then the Fine yet it did not satisfie the Officers nor Justice who bid them take all they could see and thereupon they took more from him a young Cow worth 3 l. 10 s. sold for 2 l. 12 s. 1 d. And returned no Overplus Officers that distrained for this Meeting were Richard Cornthwait Constable Richard Cook Warden and Gabriel Croft Overseer William Walker fined 5 s. for which the same Officers took from him a Mare worth 4 l. 5 s. sold for 3 l. 6 s. and returned no Overplus Edward Cragg had taken to the value of 2 l. 16 s. Simon Tompson had taken Goods worth 12 s. George Wharton had taken Goods worth 18 s. Dorothy Lorrimer had taken Goods worth 10 s. Thomas Hugginson had taken the worth of 9 s. 10 d. Richard Thompson of Preston had taken from him a young Heifer worth 1 l. 5 s. Arthur Borrough fined 5 s. for which the same Officers took from him a Horse worth 3 l. 6 s. 8 d. Hugh Cornthwait fined 5 s. had taken a Heifer worth 2 l. 16 s. and nothing returned Thomas Camm of Camsgill in Preston-Patrick for declaring the Truth at the aforesaid Meeting was fined 20 l. but Thomas Sell the Constable Richard Cragg Waâ—den being moderate Officers were unwilling to make distress until threatned and frightned thereto by Edward Wilson aforesaid whereupon they took two young Oxen one Steere and one Heifer worth 11 l. 10 s. And on the 28th day of the 10th Moneth 1678. took more one Cow one Steere and three young Heifers worth 11 l. In all 22 l. 10 s. sold for 15 l. 8 d. And when the Officers complained to the aforesaid Justice Wilson That they could not sell some of the Cattle he charged them to sell them whatever they got for them and fetch more until they had enough and bid them have them from Market to Market and
the rest of the Justices to joyn with him against them except Sr. Thomas Manwaring who openly refused to joyn in judgment against the Appealants for that he said the Record was not right nevertheless the Jury being Persons chosen for the purpose brought the Appealants in Guilty The said Peter Leicester having issued out his Warrants and for that one Meeting took away Goods and Cattle to the value of above two Hundred Pounds a particular Account of which may be produced if required There being a peaceable Meeting at the House of Deborah Bushell of Alvandly the 9th day of the 3d Moneth 1678. Ralph Rutter and Robert Harper two of the baser sort of Men and John Davis Priest of the Parish joyning with them informed Sr. Phillip Egerton called Justice thereof who fined several Persons upon their Information and issued out his Warrants to make Distress viz. Elizabeth Ashbrooke of Frodsham Widdow and one that hath six Fatherless Children fined for her self the Preacher and for two of her Children though one of them was not fifteen Years of Age the sum of seventeen Pound and seven Shillings for which Fine the said Justice directed his Warrants to the Constables of Frodsham but more especially to Ralph Rutter the Informer and to Richard Dobson and Lawreâ—ce Billington Bailiffs in Northwith which Bailiffs went to her House and with a Bar of Iron forcibly broke down her Cow-House Door and took from her five Cows worth seventeen Pounds one of which was returned John Cheshire of Overton for being at the same Meeting and at a Meeting at Newton the 17th day of the 9th Moneth 1678. was fined 4 l. for which they distrained his Corn Hay a Cart and Wheels in all to the value of 9 l. and upwards Mary Trafford for being at the same Meeting and also at a Meeting at Helsby the 12th of the 3d Moneth 1678. had a Cart and Wheeels taken from her worth 50 s. and upwards She asked the Officers who sent them to take away her Goods they answered Parson Davis sent them whose Mare they also brought to draw the Wheels away John Brown for being at the Meeting at Newton was fined 8 l. for the Preacher and 5 s. for himself had four Cows and two young Beasts taken from him worth 15 l. which Rutter the Informer sold to John Smith and John Tue two other Informers for 9 l. John Hodgskin for being at Helsby-Meeting in the 3d Moneth 1678. was fined 4 l. for the Preacher and 10 s. for himself and for being at another Meeting was fined 15 s. for himself and his Wife for which Fines he had taken from him by the aforesaid Bailiffs by Warrant from the same Justice four Cows worth 13 l. The said John Hodgskin having a Kinsman that had nine Cows taken away for being at a Meeting and being proffered to Sale because J. Hodgskin related to a Butcher that they were distrained Goods upon the Act against Meeting Rutter the Informer in a great Rage went to Sr. Phillip Egerton and got a Warrant and threw the said J. Hodgskin into the Common Goal where he remained a Prisoner untill the next Sessions Richard Orme for being at the Meeting at Deborah Bushells had Leather taken from him worth 12 s. for a Fine of 5 s. Jane Lownes for the same cause had taken Goods worth 12 s. for a Fine of 5 s. Richard Ashbrook and Peter Hatton of Frodsham for being at the Meeting at Newton the 17th of the 9th moneth 1678. fined 1 l. 15 s. and had taken from them Goods worth 6 l. Richard Sarrat for being at a Meeting at Helsby find 8 l. for the Preacher and 5 s. for himself and for being at the Meeting at Deborah Bushells fined 10 s. for which Fines the aforesaid Bailiffs took five Cows from him worth 16 l. the 7th of the 9th moneth 1678. Deborah Bushell at whose House the Meeting was the said Justice Egerton find her 20 l. 5 s. for her self and her Son for having the Meeting in her House Thomas Titley of Helsby for having the Meeting in his House fined 20 l. for which Rutter the Informer George Whitly a Souldier of the Trainbands and Arthur Broder Constable went into his Pasture Ground and drove up nine Cows worth 27 l. to the Gate which being lockt Rutter the Informer with a Hatchet forcibly broke the Chain and though he pretended he had an Order so to do yet would shew none but drove away the Beasts to the Market at Chester where the Constable was not willing to sell them under the value of 27 l. but because he did not sell them Rutter threatned him and made him leave them till next Market day and then the Constable not selling them returned them Home again but on the 12â—h of the 9th Moneth the Bailiffs R. Dobson and one L. Billington by Warrant from the said Justice Egerton took the same nine Cows worth 27 l. and sold five of them for 14 l. and one for 1 l. and the Informer had two himself and the Priest one And when these Cattel were put to Sale Rutter the Informer and Davis the Priest being present viewing the Cattle and promoting the Sale one Randol Malin spoke to the Priest to this effect viz. John Davis wilt thou take upon thee to be a Preacher of Righteousness and put men upon taking away and selling their honest Neighbours Goods Dost thou believe this will cause an adding to thy Church daily such as shall be saved At these words the Priest fell into a Passion calling him Pitiful Rogue threatning he would take a course with him and said he could find in his heart to break his Pate And because he spoke to the Butcher to whom the Cattel were offered to Sale he got a Warrant for him also who was then present with the aforesaid J. Hodgskings and committed him to the common Goal The said Randol Malin having some Liberty to go Home to his Family was on the 17th of the 9th moneth 1678. at a Meeting in Newton and for speaking a few words in Prayer to God was fined 20 l. 5 s. for which the said Justice Egreton granted a Warrant to make Distress upon him and Billington the Bum Bailiff went into his House and said In the Kings Name he would have the Furnace-Pan and all the rest of the Gâ—ods in the House and went out and distrained upon the Corn and the Hay also On the 3d day of the 10th moneth 1678. for the Fine of 20 l. charged on Thomas Titley as afâ—resaid the Bailiffs took from him Goods to the value of 7 l. and upwards the nine Cows they said being not sufficient to discharge the Fine imposed on him and in a few dayes after they came and strained one Cart and Wheels worth 50 s. to carry the Goods away with Arthur Wilcoxon of Manley for being at the Meeting at Helsby the 12th of the 3d Moneth 1678. was fined for part of the Preachers Fine and for
the value of 13 s. 10 d. William Hingstone had taken by the Officers of Kingsbridge in Timber and a whole Reek of Wood whiâ—h eight Men were from nine in the Morning till five at Night throwing out of his Court over a Neighbours Wall in all to the value of 35 l. 15 s. Cullumpton the 23d of the 4th Moneth 1679. William Leach of the same place fined for being at a Meeting there the 7th day of the 1st Moneth 1678. 3 l. for which the Officers having a Warrant to make distress viz. Hugh Hole Robert Westcombe John James Constables and others took from the said William Leach Brass and Pewter to the value of 4 l. 9 s. Dorsetshire FOr a Meeting in Bridport in the said County the 8th of the 8th Moneth 1680. several Persons called Quakers were fined Thomas Bagg of Bridport 9 l. 10 s. Daniel Taylor of the same 9 l. 15 s. Humphry Sprague of the same 8 l. upon the Oath of Thomas Nossiter a Lawyer and William Bond a Bum-Bailiff two Informers by Joseph Bishopp and Thomas Ellis two called Justices and are Bailiffs of Bridport who also granted Warrants to make Distress of their Goods and one Robert Ironside Constable of Bridport executed the said Warrants and took from Humâ—phry Sprague of Bridport two Brass Pots two Caldrons one Posnet Skillet one Warming-Pan one Pewter Dish to the value of about 3 l. James Jacobs had taken from him a piece of Sole Leather one Shoe and his Working Tools Thomas Bagg had taken from him eight pieces of White Linnen some of it Ossingbrigs some broad Dutch Dowlass and broad Hamborrough Cloth two pieces and a half of Woolen Cloth worth Sixteen or Seventeen Pounds Daniel Taylor had taken from him for the same Meeting five pieces of White Ossingbriggs and three pieces of Woolen Cloth worth about Eleavn or Twelve Pound the Constable threatning he had not enough but must come again and again William Smith of Kingcomb in the said County for being at the aforesaid Meeting was fined 9 l. 10 s. for his own and the pretended Poverty or Offences of others in order to leavy which Fine the Bailiffs of Bridport aforesaid sent a Certificate to two Justices living near the said William Smith who granted a Warrant to make distress but the Warrant being directed to a wrong Constable he would not execute it and the Justices that granted it being gone to London before the Warrant was Executed Thomas Nossiter the Lawyer and one of the Informers aforesaid knew not how to come by his Prey altered the Warrant himself directing it to the right Constable and when he had so done orders the Constable to meet him at William Smiths House where when he came and found the Door shut got a Smith's Sledge and broke it open though the Constable was against it took away a parcel of Bodice Tick Stockens Cloth and Searge to the value of about 9 l. Though the said William Smith is but a mean Man and hath a Wife and several small Children For a Meeting in Bridport the 13th of the 9th Moneth 1680. Daniel Taylor of Bridport for a Fine of 9 l. 10 s. for being at the said Meeting the 19th of the 9th Moneth had taken from him one piece of gray Cloth twenty two Yards and seventy eight Yards of Gray Searge in five pieces most of them being cut worth in all 11 l. 17 s. Thomas Bagg of Bridport the same time for a Fine of 7 l. 10 s. for being at the same Meeting had taken one piece of good brown Ossingbriggs fifteen Yards of broad White Callice one half piece Black Worsted Baratine and part of four pieces more of sad-coloured Worsted Baratine being about sixty six Yards of Baratine in all worth 8 l. 10 s. Taken by Robert Ironside Constable by Warrant from Thomas Ellis and Joseph Bishop Bailiff and Justices for the Town of Bridport Gloucestershire AT a Meeting of the People of God at Frenchay the 13th day of the 4th Moneth 1677. one John Merideth called a Justice fell upon William Bennet and beat him sorely and also beat William Wade And the 20th day of the same Moneth at the same place in the High Way near the Meeting-House he found John Silcock and he took him by the Hair of the Head and pluckt him into the Meeting-House Yard and then drew his naked Knife and said He would mâ—rk him but his own Clark and others stepped in and prevented him otherwise it was verily thought he would have done the said Silcock some great Mischief The 23d of the same Moneth coming to the same place he demanded of George Peace what his Name was and because he gave not his Name suddainly the said Justice drew his Kife upon him but one of his Servants restrained him from his wicked purpose The 27th day of the same Moneth at the same place the said John Merideth took John Bawn and pulled him by the Hair of the Head and after that finding him in the High-Way the same day he fell upon him and beat him after a very Cruel and Barbarous manner And the said Justice Merideth did beat John Fryer and Joseph Glover two Officers because they refused to pull and hale People as he would have them Several others were also sorely beaten by him and he broke five Glass Windows with his Staff not leaving so much as one whole Quarrel and caused the Benches and Fourms to be cut in pieces John Boy of Luckington for three several Fines for being at Meetings had Goods taken from him worth 11 l. by Warrant from Gabriel Low called Justice And the Officers when they seized upon the Sufferers Goods belonging to Bodmanton Meeting did say They were charged by the said Gabriel Low to take all they could find and that which was not worth a carrying away they should burn it or break it to pieces insomuch that Thomas Holbrow an old Blind man and his Wife and several other poor People had not a Bed left them but their Lodging was on Straw for several Weeks and the Blind man and his Wife had lain above eleaven Moneths on Straw when the Account was sent up and when Clothes were lent them by their Friends to keep them warm in the cold Season the Officers took part of them away And this Cruelty and Spoil did not suffice but the poor Blind man and one Henry Ashby of Hawksbury Upton were Indicted for not going to the publick Worship and by a Sessions process were apprehended and carryed to the Goal Goods and Cattle taken for Meeting to worship God at Frenchhay by Warrant from the said John Meredith under a pretence of Breach of the late Act against Conventicles 1. From Thomas Hill eight Cows worth 30 l. 2. One Yoke of Oxen from him worth 10 l. 3. Two Heifers of his Childrens his own Cattle being all taken to the value of 7 l. 4. One Waggon and one Wane worth 11 l. 5. Twelve load of Barley worth 25
through the Information of the same Iohn Smith and his man the Informers and upon the 30th day of the 7th Moneth 1680. the Constables and other Officers being threatned much by the Informer and the Justice both to be fined for not doing their Office they then broke open his Doors and took his Houshold-Goods Bedding and Loomes and other Goods to the value of 10 l. they took all insomuch that they left him neither Bedding nor a Chair to sit in so that he and his Family were forced to seek their Loding in the Town John Ward Junior of Kinghton for being at the same Meeting at Broughton was fined by the same William Cole called Justice 10 l. and upwards the Officers distrained his Goods bâ—ing his Câ—pper and working Tools to the value of 20 l. and upwards And John Ward Senior of Laire for being at the same Meeting was fined 10 l. 5 s. his Cattle were distrained but he being no Quaker a Neighbour paid his Fine and redeemed the Goods and he paid his Sons Fine John Smith and his man Edward Ricket Informers The 4th of the 2d Moneth 1680. Anne Wells Widdow for having a Meeting at her House was fined 20 l. by William Cole who had taken from her seven Cows seven Swine two Mares worth 26 l. 10 s. The 30th of the 3d Moneth 1680. The said Anne Wells Widdow was fined for a Meeting at her House the sum of 20 l. and had taken away two Mares three Heifers one Cow and Calf seven Quarter of Mault and six Strike of Wheat worth 23 l. their being no Preaching or Teaching at either of the Meetings Sâ—me Remarkable Notes of the great Cruelty in this County executed under pretence of Prosecuting the said Act against Conventicles IN the 4th Moneth in the Year 1675. there being a peaceable Assembly to worship God at Long â—laxton William Guy of the same Town Constable and about six Red Coat Souldiers with others their Assistants who kept the Persons assembled in the House aforesaid afterwards carryed them to Melton to R. Lister W. Hartopp G. Villers Justices for that County where not suffering them to make their just defence upon Information of the Constable and Red Coats were four of them sent to Prison after which the Priest Constable and Souldiers continued to attend the Meeting Weekly where they not only Convicted and made Distresses to the spoiling of many of all they had not leaving a Cow to give Children Milk taking their very Bed Clothes wearing Clothes But that which agravates their Severity and Cruelty several Women have been dragged in the Streets by the Necks till they have near stifled them some have had their Clothes rent and torn off their Heads and Backs one Woman that nursed her Child so beat and bruised on her Breast that it festered and broke and she endured many Weeks of sore misery and torture with it a poor Widdow Woman who had six Children dragged by the Neck till the Skin came off an Aged Women of seventy five Years of Age violently thrown down upon the Gound by the Constable The Men sorely beaten drawn and dragged out of the Meeting some by the Heels some by the Hair of the Head some so bruised that they have not been capable to follow their Harvest labour some Whipt over the Face till Blood followed some trod upon till Blood gusht out of their Mouth and Nose Several of the People of God called Quakers being met together at the House of John Penford at Kirby Mukloe to consider of the Necessities of some Poor aâ—ongst them and of a supply for them John Dixon Priest of the Parish informed against them by Letter to Wenlock Stanly of Branston who speedily sent three of his Servants to inspect into the Meeting and though they found they were only met to consider of the Necessities of the Poor and looked into the Book they had before them in which they did enter their Charitable distributions yet several were fined by one called Lord Beamount and one Justice Roberts John Penford fined 20 l. for his House and 10 l. for the Preacher when there was never a one there seeing these irregular doings John Penford and Richard Woodland were resolved to appeal but the Court possitively denyed their Appeal except they would first take the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy and they shewed further Injustice in that when they had denyed them a hearing of the matter they gave trebble damage against them Lincolnshire THe 30th day of the 1st moneth 1678. by force of a Warrant from Christopher Nevell of Harmstone to leavy 20 l. of the Goods of Thomas Robinson of Brant Broughton in the said County for being at a Meeting at Beckingham the 24th day of the 1st moneth 1677 8. Thomas Kelsey Constable of Brant Broughton and one Thomas Robinson Overseer for the Poor took from Thomas Robinson aforesaid four fat Bullocks worth L. S. 34 10 VVilliam Stillingfleet a Coroner and Brother to John Stillingfleet Priest of Beckingham and Thomas Burketts Parish-Clerk Informers The Fifth Day of the Second Moneth 1678. by Force of another Warrant from Sir Christopher Nevell aforesaid to leavy 40 l. of the Goods of the said Thomas Robinson for being at another Meeting at Beckingham the 31th day of the 1st moneth 1678. the aforesaid Thomas Kelsey Constable John Langworth Warden and Thomas Robinson Overseer took from him 18 of his best young Sheep one pair of Steers and four Drought Bullocks from the Plough all worth L. S. 44 11 The four fat Bullocks were sold by Thomas Kelsey the Constable to one John Capp a Butcher of Caterup for 27 l. 10 s. who hearing how they were taken was touched in Conscience and gave up his Bargain Then all the ten Bullocks were driven to Grantham but could not be sold thence to Sleaford where one Parker bought the four Fat ones for 27 l. but afterwards knowing they were Cattle taken away by the Act he threw up his Bargain also thence the whole ten were driven to Lincoln where no Body would buy them Then Kelsey the Constable drove them all to Sir Christopher Nevell by whose Warrants they had been taken who kept them about Fourteen dayes but not coveting his Neighbours Goods and having done his endeavour to execute the Law and being satisfied that the same Goods or the like value should be at any time upon the Land he restored the Bullocks to the right Owner But the eighteen Sheep worth about 14 l. were sold privately out of the Market to a poor man of Grantham for about 10 l. 7 s. Lancashire 1679. FOr a Meeting in Bickerstaff in the said County seveveral Persons were fined by John Entwisle Peter Andrews of Ormskirk and VVilliam Moss Bailiff of the same Informers and Goods were distrained as followeth The 3d Moneth 1679. Roger Horsnep of Aughton Husbandman for 5 s. Fine had Goods taken worth 8 s. Richard Beesly of Aughton Mason for 5 s. Fine Goods taken from him
worth 8 s. Richard Cubban at whose House the Meeting was fined 20 l. John Bispham of Bickerstaff fined as Preacher and Warrants are out to make Distress but as yet no account given of any Distress but is daily expected The 31th of the 1st Moneth 1679. There being a peaceable Meeting in the Burrough of Macklefield in the County of Chester Thomas Row Mayor Henry Barber and Thomas Rode Justices of the said Burrough came to the Meeting and took the Names of some of the Persons assembled and the Meeting continuing in a short time they came again and took what notice they pleased and went away and the 20th day of the 3d moneth following did Convict and Fine James Harrison of Bolton in the County of Lancaster Shoemaker 20 l. for the first Offence so called but pretending the said Iames Harrison was a stranger laid that Fine upon Henry Burges and one Hugh Butler and for the second Offence finding them still together at their second coming they fined Iames Harrison 40 l. which Conviction and Fâ—ne they certified to Iohn Hartley Justice near Manchester in the County of Lancaster who sent his Warrant to the Constables of Bolton to leavy for the said Fine upon the Warrant the Officers of Bolton took away from the said Iames Harrison Goods to the value of about 4 l. not leaving so much as a Skillet to boyl the Childrens Milk in but before they could take any more Goods some Persons appealed on his behalf to the Quarter-Sessions who judged the second Conviction unlawfull and that it was but one Meeting whereupon Request was made to the Justices that his Goods might be returned to him again but to this day they are not reâ—urned The 9th of the 9th Moneth 1679. There being then a peaceable Meeting at the House of Iames Hâ—rrison aforesaid Thomas Townley and Daniel Hemingway of Bolton Constables came to the said Meeting accompanied with several other Persons and finding Iames Harrison speaking pluckt him down and haled him away and took the Names of as many as they pleased For speaking at this Meeting Iames Harrison was fined 20 l. by Thomas Leaver of Bolton and VVilliam Holme of Kersley Justices and by their Warrant distress was mâ—de upon Iames Harrison as followeth Officers that distrained were Daniel Hâ—mingway Iohn Cronke and Alexander Bradshaw who broke down his Chamber door and took away several Hides and pieces of Leather to the value of 9 l. one Fustian End 13 s. a Weigh-Beam 1 l. 6 s. In all taken Goods worth Eleaven Pounds ☞ Note At the Meeting for Conviction of the Persons assembled at Bolâ—on as aforesaid the Justices their Men the Informers and Witnesses and the Train they had about them eat and drunk in one Afternoon above 2 l. 10 s. which the Constables engaged to pay James Holland Inn-keeper for There was one Thomas Russell senior a Sub-Bailiff so Drunk at that time that he was found in the Street wallowing in his Vomit about three a Clock in the Morning and since is suddainly Dead Phineas Pemberton for a Fine of 10 s. for himself and his Wife being at the said Meeting had taken from him one Cow one Saddle and Bridle and forty pound of Candles worth 4 l. 15 s. 4 d. ☞ Note The Cow pined and would neither ear nor drink and dryed up her Milk in one Weeks time so that they turned her out and she went home again Remarkable Instances of Injustice and Cruelty acted by Informers and others in their prosecution of divers Persons in this County by the Act made against seditious Conventicles THe 30th day of the 6th Moneth 1671. a peaceable Meeting being at the House of James Smithson of Beercliff and there in Silence waiting upon the the Lord John Parker of Extwisle called Esquire and others took the Names of the Persons assembled among whom was one John Moore a Man that had been then Blind eight or nine Years having lost his sight in Service under this Captain Parker the Informer Parker askt him What he did there but Moore was silent â—ill he asked the third time and then he said I am here to worship the Living God and said no more Then Captain Parker bid them set down John Moore for a Speaker and accordingly gave Information to Laurence Rawsthorn called Justice who imposed Fines and issued out Warrants thereupon which were executed Alâ—xander Nowell called a Justice who fined several for meeting c. after Distress was made and the Goods sold when the Officers paid him the Money they asked him for the Third part for the Poor but he answered That he was poor enough himself as some of the Officers said nor is it unlikely that he said so for when the Officers brought him some wearing Apparel which they had taken from a poor Day-Labourer the said Nowell took the poor man's Breeches and searching the Pockets found therein one Shilling four Pence which he took to himself but gave the Officers the Clothes again to sell. In the 5th Moneth 1670. there having been a quiet Meeting at the House of Henry Birtwisle in Rossendale and being peaceably departed thence were met upon the Way above a quarter of a Mile from the House by James Heapgrave of Rossendale Edmund Mills Bailiff Henry Nuttill and Thomas Bridge Souldiers who took their Names and went to Henry Birtwisles House where they found but two Women besides the Family Notwithstanding Edmund Mills informed that there was a Meeting and three Persons Swore to it although two of the Witnesses saw no Meeting there and the third was not within two Miles of the place all that Day Yet upon this Information and Evidence Laurence Rowsthorne Joshua Ratcliffe and Thomas Bradnell gave out Warrants to distrain for 20 l. Fine for the House hereupon the Sufferers went to the Justices and complaining desired a Copy of the Information but it was denyed them as was also their Appeal for some time viz. till the third Quarter-Sessions after at which time they had a hearing at Preston before Edward Rigby of Preston and others the Justices where the said Edward Rigby in open Sessions declared That though the Witnesses could not prove it a Meeting yet the Quakers had Meetings and if they saw them coming from a House which was suspected to have Meetings it should be a Meeting Whereupon the Officers went on to make their Spoil and took as much Goods away as were worth 36 l. 10 s. 4 d. for that Meeting Nottinghamshire The 9th of the 3d Moneth 1679. WIlliam Hudson of Little Gringley for having a peaceable Meeting at his House 1677. was fined 20 l. and had Goods taken to the value of 22 l. Jarvis Harrison of Rampton for the same was fined 10 l. 5 s. and they took away Cattle to the value of the Fine or upwards distrained by Warrant from John Millington Justice the Officers Names are Robert Baxter Edward Southworth Thomas Hill Thomas Redmall Matthew Richardson Gilbert Sampson Informers John Smith
William Watt the old Informer Swore that it was on Sunday the 14th day of July 1678. by Warrant from John Hillyard a Priest and Justice several Persons were fined viz. Joseph Harrison 20 l. for the House for which Fine they made distrâ—ss upon his Beef Tallow and Hides which they sold Beef worth two Pence a pound and good Tallow worth thrâ—e Pence a pound for little more than a half Penny a pound They took in all to the value of above 20 l. and counted that would not suffice to pay the Fine Edmund Peckover for being at the same Meeting fined 5 s. for himself and 5 s. fâ—r his Wife and the Officers said they must have 5 s. more of him for their Son Walter though he was not mentioned in the Warrant nevertheless for 15 s. Fines they took from him five pieces of Demity and for a Fine of 33 s. they took Goods worth 7 l. And for a Fine of 10 s. for a former Meeting by the said Justice Hylliards Warrant they took from the said Edmund Peckover a piece Holland worth 3 l. 8 s. 3 d. Note Edmund Peckover was this Year chosen Overseer for the Poor and though he being Antient and could not see well Yet the Poors Book being left in his Shop he told them he was willing to do any Good he could and to be helpful amongst his Neighbours but not long after he was in this Office he was required to sell the Beef taken from Joseph Harrison which he was not at all willing to be concerneâ— in and when he was askt to go help sell it he told them He was Lame and could not sell his own Goods Though this was all he said yet two bold Women to wit Wat the Informers Wife and one Howmans Wife one of which Persons was a bold Strumpet and had been twice Whipt for Theft Yet upon these two Persons Swearing before the said Justice Hylliard That when Edmund Peckover was required to go help sell the Beef he refused saying He would not sell Stolen Goods he granted a Warrant to bring him before him and when he came before him threatned him to bind him over to answer it at the Assizes and to Fine him 5 l. besides But said he being you are an Old man I will not bind you to appear at the Assizes And I will remit this your neglect in executing your Office as an Overseer provided you will promise to leavy the next Warrant To which Edmund Peckover replyed I cannot do my Neighbour that Injury Then said the Justice I must Fine you five Pound And so he did and gave out a Warrant to make distress on hia Goods and since Thomas Bretland and Robert Sheldrake Wardens Francis Page Constable for the said five Pound Fine took from the said Edmund Peckover Shop Goods worth 24 l. 3 s. 6 d. Remarkable Notes in this County of the Cruelty and Injustice of Magistrates and Informers in the Prosecution of the aforesaid Act. WIlliam Watt grand Informer Swore before Christopher Beddingfeild Justice that there was a Meeting at Joseph Harrisons on Sunday the 26th of November in 1674. Upon which a Warrant was granted for to distrain when as it may be observed this Warrant was grounded upon a false Oath for there was no Sunday the 26th of November in that Year as was made appear by some of the Persons fined however right or wrong the said Justice encouraged the Informers and Officers to proceed in the Prosecution and to make Distresses and to execute the Warrants to the utmost and he would justifie them in it And Joseph Harrison being fined 20 l. upon the said false Warrant and having lost most of what he had before some of the Officers in pity to him and his Family were loath to meddle but one Hill a Constable said Right or wrong he would make distress and at two several tâ—mes took as much Beef off Joseph's Stall as was worth 27 s. And further the said Joseph Harrison being greatly Impoverished through the Losses sustained on the said Act the Officers seeing the Justice still encourage the Informers some of them complained and said What would you have us do We have taken what we can We have been at Joseph Harrisoâ—s House and there is little in the House but the Bed that he and his Wife and six Children lies on The Justice repâ—yâ—d I care not if he has but a Bed take it taâ—e all he hath in his Possession and watch at his Gate when his Horse goes to Water and take it and if any Man lays any Meat on his Stall take it let it be whoâ—e it will The Officâ—rs also told him They had been at Francis Landers to dâ—strain for his Wives Fine and there was little left in the House but the Bed she lay Sâ—ck on being more like to Dye then Live And indeed she did Dye that Night towards the Morning He said He cared not Take the Bed from under her The Officers being thus forced on by this Justice took Joseph Harrisons Bed and all that belonged to it his Horse and Hay in all to the value of 8 l. And afterwards he and his Wife and Children were fain to lie on Straw though in the Winter time And now Mary the Wife of Francis Lander being dead and buried and Wickedness and Cruelty being thus encouraged one Thomas Bretland and Elizabeth his Wife caused their Servant and one Robert Bloome to take up her Body again which they did in a very Inhumane manner breaking the Coffen if not the Body insomuch that they borrowed a Line to tye it together and brought it upon a Pole and so set the Corps in the Market-place near Edmund Peckovers Shop Door to the great amazement and trouble of many People who beheld it she having lain some time in the Ground before So that it appears these People were neither willing to let the poor Woman lie quiet in her sick Bed nor in her Grave she being threatned to have her Bed taken from under her while living and thus torn out of her Grave when dead O Horrible Impiety In the same Year some of the People of God being assembled at the House of Robert Last of Great Ellingham some Informers being at a distance from the House where the Meeting was saw some going to the House and coming from the House whereupon several Weeks if not some Moneths after divers of the said People were Convicted of being at an unlawful Assembly by Justice Fisher and Justice Pots Fisher asserting That it was sufficient proof to Convict them if they were but seen to go to the place where they used to meet and Robert Last was fined 20 l. for the House and several others fined 20 l. for one Robert Smith Preaching there though he did not speak above five Words for which Words speaking Francis Dix had his Barn of Corn seized Robert Tillet of Old Buckenham a very weak Consumtive Man being not like long to continue was desirous
to see as many of his Friends as he could before his departure whereupon several in Christian Love went to visit him and there being about fourteen Persons at most there came in two Informers into the House upon whose Information it was by the Justice reputed to be a seditious Conventicle and Robert Tillet the poor sick man was thereupon fined 20 l. for having the said Meeting in his House for which the Officers distrained and carryed away six Cows and because Robert Smith spake five or six Words he was reputed the Preacher For which several others then present were fined 20 l. more and had their Goods and Cattle distrained to answer the said Fine Further the great Spoil upon some and Ruin that hath been brought upon others upon the Prosecution of this Act in divers other places in this County as at Tivitshal Thetford Cockly Clay Norwich c would be a great Book of it self if all were inserted And therefore for Brevity sake shall only insert one more Instance and then conclude this County William Barber of Gissing for having a peaceable Meeting at his House was informed against by John Gibbs Priest of the Parish who turned Informer and procured a Warrant from Peter Glean called a Justice to make seizure and went with the Officers himself to leavy the 20 l. Fine upon William Barbers Goods and for the 20 l. the Priest and Officers took four Cows two Swine a Cart Plough and Harrows and Twenty Pounds worth of Hay in all to the value of 50 l. And though the Priest had got all this it did not satisfie him till he had got William into the Goal and within a few dayes after the said Priest sent him to Norwich Castle upon a Significavit for 9 s. which he said was due to him for Tythes where he was kept close Prisoner near three Years Sussex THere being a peaceable Meeting at Shoreham at the house of Joan Apse the 10th of the 5th moneth 1677. upon the Information of Samuel Turner and William Harris Bailiffs Informers to Henry Goreing senior and Henry Goreing junior John Alford and Edward Blaker Justices That there was a Meeting at John Jefferyes in Shâ—reham which was a Mistake for it was at Joan Apses aforesaid However several Persons were fined and Distressâ—s taken as followeth Iohn Martin fined 10 l. 5 s. for himself and the Preacher for which he had Shop-Goods taken by Richard Taylor Constable to the value of 13 l. 16 s. 4 d. as they cost but this did not satisfie this unreasonable Constable but about a Week after he came again to Iohn Martin's Shop and rifled and took some pieces of Silk to the value of 4 l. 2 s. as they cost which makes the Sum before 17 l. 18 s. 4 d. Richard Newman of Wiston fined for being at the same Meeting and for the Preacher 2 l. 15 s. for which Fine the said Constable took a Heifer worth 3 l. W. Parker of Stening fined for the same Meeting and for the Preacher 2 l. 15 s. for which Fine the said Constable took away as many Sheep Lambs as were worth 2 l. 15 s. Henry Vaggar for being at the said Meeting fined for himself and the Preachers 2 l. 15 s. for which Fine the said Constable with other Assistance took from him a Cow worth 3 l. Iacob Knowles fined 5 s. and Goods were taken from him to the same value or more Suffolk FOr meeting peaceably to worship God several Persons have been fined and their Goods and Chattles distrained in and about Bayton about the 5th moneth 1677. by Warrent from Justice Burwell of Rougham and Justice Bright of Pakenham Thomas Bally of Bayton a Cripple and William Sladman a Bailiff Informers Iohn Hayward Wheelright of Bayton had taken from him to the worth of in Cart boot 11 l. More taken from him in House Goods 4 l. More taken from him in Timber 14 l. Edmund Bally of Bayton had taken from him 12 l. More taken from him for a Fine of 5 l. all the Goods in his House viz. Chairs Stools Brewing Tubs and Furnace and they pluckt down a little House built up to work in and carried away the Timber of it to the Cripples the Informer who burnt it The said Edmund Bally had also a Mare taken from him which he had sold and the Person that owned her was advised by Counsellor Clark of Bury to take Witness with him and demand his Mare and if they refused to deliver her he might take her where he found her and finding her in Pasture where the Constable and Informer had put her took her Home but Justice Burwell sent out his Warrant to apprehend the Owner of the Mare who being brought before him threatned him with the Goal for Fellony or Stealing the Mare and so affrighted the poor man that he got him and another with him to be bound to himself to pay him 5 l. and 20 s. into his hand and for this the said Justice Arrested the Surety and made it cost them both 9 l. And within this eight Moneths the said Edmund Bally hath been distrained five times his Goods been all taken both within doors and without being left to lie on Straw and yet the Cripple is not quiet but came not long since in the Night being armed with Pistols and broke open Edmund's door threatning to destroy him and though he for his Cruelty and Wickedness hath been checkt by the Neighbours and some Magistrates yet receiving encouragment from the said Justice Burwell he still persists in his Rage and Folly More Goods taken by Warrant from the same Justice in the same Year John Bally of Bayton had taken from him Goods worth 2 l. 8 s. Thomas Lucas a poor man having four small Children had a Cart taken from him worth 2 l. Several Persons visiting a poor sick Widdow that had lain on her sick Bed and Blind divers years it was made a Conventicle and they were fined and Warrants issued out by the aforesaid Justice to make Distress on their Goods as followeth viz. On Iohn Bally taken Barley for 5 l. Fine worth 8 l. Iohn Haywood had taken from him for visiting the said Widdow for a Fine of 5 l. all the Good he had Thomas Lucas for the same cause had Goods taken from him worth 1 l. For a Meeting at Bayton the 2d of the 12th Moneth in same Year these Persons following were fined and distrained by the same Justices Warrant Iohn Ransum of Felsum for a Fine of 40 s. had taken from him two Todds of Hay Widdow Adkin had taken from her a Hog and a Cupbord for 15 s. Fine worth 1 l. 15 s. Thomas Judy had two Cows taken worth 7 l. Thomas Woods had two Cows taken 7 l. 10 s. Thomas Judy fined 35 s. for a Meeting at Bayton had a Feather-Bed and Rug taken worth 4 l. George Gibson had a Mare taken worth 4 l. 10 s. Sufferings for a Meeting at Woodbridge
be sure to offer them cheap enough and some or other would buy them and threatned them if they did not sell them and make up the sum he would make them make it up themselves On the 18th day of the 2d Moneth 1679. the aforesaid Thomas Sill Constable and Richard Cragg Warden and Geoâ—ge Hatton Overseer came again to Thomas Camm for 5 l. 4 s. 4 d. more which they pretended was wanting of his Fine of 20 l. 5 s. and went into his Ground and took twenty five Ewes snd twenty five Lambs some of which were none of his own however they drove them away taking no notice of that Plea and sold them with much ado People being shie in medling with them when they understood upon what account they were taken away for 4 l. 5 s. although they were really worth 7 l. 10 s. The 26th day of the same Moneth the same Officers came again to Thomas Camms and took five of his best Weathers worth 1 l. 10 s. which they sold for 19 s. 6 d. The 23d of the 2d Moneth 1679. John Waller Constable Martin Moore Warden and John Hatton Overseer took from John Hudson for a Fine of 10 s. for himself and his Wife being at the said Meeting one Cow worth 3 l. 5 s. which they sold for 3 l. Robert Waller fined for the same Meeting 5 s. had a Cow taken from him by the same Officers worth 3 l. 12 s. which they sold for 3 l. About the middle of the 2d Moneth Thâ—mas Preston Constable William Parke Warden John Moore Overseer for a Fine of 5 s. imposed on Richard Atkinson for being at the said Meeting took from him three Cows worth 10 l. 10 s. and sold them for 7 l. 6 s. 8 d. to a Neighbour of Richards who sent the best home and sold the other two for 7 l. 5 s. John Preston for a Fine of 5 s. for being at the same Meeting had aoken from him by the same Officers one young Steere worth 2 l. 10 s. which they sold for 1 l. and returned no Overplus Yorkshire An Account of the Sufferings of the People called Quakers for Meetings in Cleaveland North Riding since the 3d Moneth 1677. until the 11th of the 2d Moneth 1678. BY a Warrant issued forth from the said Edward Trotter of Skelton called Justice the 6th of the 3d moneth 1677. against Tobias Hoope of the same for 20 l. 10 s. for suffering a Meeting at his House and himself and Wife being there the said Tobias Hoope had Goods taken from him worth 23 l. and more and sold by the Constable and Overseers in Kirbymoreside and Stocksley for 16 l. 9 s. Likewise Joshua Hoope for himself and Wife being at the said Meeting was fined 10 s. being no Quaker the Monies paid Philip Scurth of Hinderwill for declaring at the said Meeting was fined 20 l. and the Moneys leavyed and paid Cuthbert Broderick of Rowsby for another Friend called Robert Robinson declaring at the said Meeting and himself being there was fined 10 l. 5 s. the Penalty paid and leavyed John Pennit of Guisbrougle fined for the said Declaration 5 l. William Jowâ—y of Scugdaile near Guisbrougle aforesaid for the like 5 l. and for himself and Wife being present 10 s. All which were leavied for John Proud of Moresone for John Robinson fined 5 l. and for himself 5 s. and had two Oxen distrained worth 8 l. George Robinson of Lazinby for the Preacher fined 5 l. and his self and Son being there 10 s. and had Goods taken from him and sold worth 8 l. George Wright of the same Town for the like fined 5 l. 5 s. and two Oxen sold worth 8 l. and more John Jackson of Lazinby aforesaid for the Preacher fined 5 l. and his self being there 5 s. The Penalty paid and leavyed VVilliam Atkinson of Moresone was fined and had leavyed on him 5 s. John Chapman of Stangab the like 5 s. John Pennet aforesaid VVilliam Stamper Edward Hunter James Burkilt William Radcliff John Reedhead of Guisbrougle were in like manner fined 5 s. a piece by Edward Trotter and all these abovesaid for one Meeting the 6th of the 3d moneth 1677. The Reader may take notice That the Minister so called of Skelton whose Name is Thornton is reported and indeed may be well supposed to have been urgent with the Church-Warden as they term him of the same about the said Information who with other three poor Labouring-men of that Town were Informers their Names James Linas Richard Westland George Smith and James Hawman For a Meeting at Skugdaile the 19th of the 6th moneth last past Goods were taken as followeth by Warrant from James Bennyman called Justice of Ormsby in the the said Riding upon the Information of Samuel Crosthwaite of Lofthouse and William Nelson of Skelton William Jowey of Skugdaile senior for sâ—ffering as they recorded it a Meeting at his House though he was absent was fined 20 l. and had his Goods distrained on William Stamper Edward Hunter Ralph Hunter John Reedhead and his Wife and Elizabeth Jackson all of Guisbrougle for being at the said Mating fined 5 s. a piece Tobi is Hoope of Skelton aforesaid for himself and for William Flunders of Ormsby fined 10 s. Robert Cooke of Upleatham for himself and Christopher Flunders of Ormsby aforesaid fined 10 s. William Barker of Wilton for himself and Mark Lisle of Kukleatham fined 10 s. George Robinson of Lazinby aforesaid for himself and Robert Corney Master of a Vessel then riding in Tease fined 10 s. Likewise by Warrants from Constable Bradshaw called Justice living at Nunthrorpe upon the Information of Samuel Crosthwait and William Nelson aforesaid for a Meeting at Skugdaile the 22d of the said 6th moneth Gilbert Natson of Broughton Thomas Masterman of Nunthorp Elizabeth Robinson of Lazinby George Wright of the same and John Robinson of the same although he was not there were all fined 5 s. a piece and William Stamper of Guisbrougâ—e and Edward Hunter of the same were fined 10 s. a piece for the second Conviction there being others at the said Meeting whose Names they knew not as appears by their false Swearing against Iohn Robinson being labouring with his Work-folks in the Field all that day as he made appear before them and the Justice by four Witnesses before the Fine could be taken oâ—f The said Informers did inform upon Oath the said Justice Bradshaw that John Proud of Moresone the 25th of the 9th moneth last past had a Meeting at his House though they found none but some Neighbours met to consider of providing a House for a poor Widdow and some Maintenance whose Husband was lately dead and left her two Children and the Landlord had seized of all her Estate and they likewise Swore That Thomas Porvit's Wife of Liverton and Robert Tuplady's Wife and Daughter of the same were there assembled which said three Persons were not there and those they found there were eating and drinking