to thresh out all his Corn though he had nothing but what he got by his Labour the Corn and Pease they thresht they sold for 10 l. so the whole they took was 11 l. William Allen of Whetstone in the same Year through the Information of the same Informer by the said William Cole fined 10 l. 5 s. which a Kinsman no Quaker paid Thomâ—s Shenton of Cosbey fined for himself and his Wife 5 l. 10 s. for being at the Meeting at Broughton and by Warrant from the aforesaid William Cole the Officers distrained and took from him two Cows and five Ewes and Lâ—mbs which the Constable Francis Saunt could not sell presently wherefore William Cole fined him 5 l. for a Neglect in the Execution of his Office which he was fain to pay and then William Cole grâ—nted a Warrant to other Officers who broke open T. Shenton's Doors and took all the Goods in his House and about his Ground but his Neighbours being grieved to see all his Goods like to be made Havock of paid the Fine and took part of the Goods for their satisfaction The 16th day of the 9th moneth 1679. John Evatt of Castle Dumington in the said County having a peaceable Meeting at his House was Informed against by John Smith and one Whittle to Thomas Lord Beamsunt Robert Lord Ferrers and Henry Kendall called Justices who issued forth Warrants for Distresses as followeth John Evatt for a Fine of 10 l. 5 s. was distrained by Michael Pim Constable and two other Officers and because the Goods were but of a mean value Thomas called Lord Beamount commanded the Officers to sell them if it were but for the thirtieth part of tâ—e worth of them so they sold all his Goods they distrained for 7 s. William Howett for being at the said Meeting fined 5 s. for himself and 10 l. for the Poverty of John Evatt and had his Goods distrained and part sold. And four Officers viz. John Bradshaw called Church-Warden Henry Pim Overseer John Gettly Thirdburrough and Michael Pim Constable were fined 5 l. a piece for neglect of their Offices but they proving the Informers had given false Information against them with much cost and trouble got their Fineâ— remitted Thomas Glover fined 5 s. which his Son paid William Marshall of Wimswould for having two peaceable Meetings at his House one being the 14th day of the 10th moneth 1679. and the other on the 15th day of the 12th moneth 1679. through the Information of John Smith was fined 20 l. by Justice Pochen and had a Cow taken from him worth 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. which was sold to the said John Smith Informer for 1 l. 6 s. 8 d. John Fox of Wimswould through the Information of the said John Smith was fined by the said Justice Pochen Twenty Pounds for being at the same Meetings for the Poverty of the above-named William Marshall and 15 s. for himself for which Fines he had taken from him Goods to the value of 23 l. 15 s. his House being broken open to take the said Goods and the said John Smith bought most of the said Goods for 7 l. so they said they must come again and distrain for more to make up the Sum and in the 7th moneth 1680. they did come again and distrained for more took from him two Brass Pans and one Brass Pot for the same Fines worth 30 s. Elizabeth Shepheard was fined 5 s. for being at one of the said Meetings and had a Hog taken from her worth 10 s. William Waite was fined 5 s. for the first and 10 s. for the second Meeting for his Wife 's being there Edward Belton was fined 5 s. for his Wife being at one of the said Meetings It is supposed the Money was paid they being no Quakers Note Some of the Officers being unwilling to make the Distresses the Informer got Warrants against them to two chief Constables who made Distress of the Officers Goods so that they were forced to pay above Twenty Pounds to have their Goods again and afterwards the said Smith the Informer caused them to be sent to Goal and to be bound over to the next Sessions to execute their Warrants The 28th day of the 1st moneth 1680. John Smith Informer came into the House of John Evans of Wigston when the Meeting was breaking up and several Persons were gone out of the house and neither any Preaching nor Teaching nevertheless William Cole fined him 20 l. and the Officers made a Distress of his Cows and sold three of them The same John Evans for being at a peaceable Meeting at Kinghton the 4th day of the 2d moneâ—h 1680. was fined by the said William Cole 30 s. And for having a Meeting at his own House the 11th day of the 2d moneth 1680. Henry Beamount Justice fined him 5 l. notwithstanding there was no Information of any Preaching or Teaching in any of the three Meetings And on the 1st day of the 3d moneth 1680. the Officers came and made distress of five Beasts and two Swine and at Leicester sold two of the Beasts and the two Swine and on the 5th day they took twenty five Sheep out of his Fold and the 6th day they sold them and on the 18th day of the 3d moneth 168â— the Officers came again and took away two of his best Horses and fetched Hay out of his Yard The same John Evans for being at a Meeting at Kinghton the 30th day of the 3d moneth 1680. was fined for himself 10 s. for his Wife and his Sons 20 s. and for being at a Meeting the 13th of the 4th moneth 1680. was fined 20 s. and for the Poverty of others he was find 3 l. 10 s. for which Fines they took away from him two Cows worth 3 l. Francis Broughton of Wigston and his Wife for being at some of the Meetings were fined and they took away from him a Pigg worth 8 s. Samuel Pauley for the same Offence so called was fined and they took from him a Pot and a Pan worth 20 s. they also seized of a Table Coffer for a Fine of 5 s. Anne Mould of Wigston was fined 25 s. for being at three of these Meetings her Husband not being a Quaker paid it John Vittall and Richard Chamberlaine of Killby for being at a peaceable Meeting at the House of John Evans of Wigston the 28th of the 1st moneth 1680. were fined 20 s. by the said William Cole through the Information of John Smith the Informer and also for being at a Meeting at Kinghton the 4th day of the 2d moneth 1680. at the House of Anne Wells they were fined by the same William Cole 4 l. John Smith the Informer And also for being at a Meeting at the house of Iohn Evans in Wigston the 11th day of the 2d moneth 1680. Iohn Smith the Informer had them the said Iohn Vittall and Richard Chamberlain before Henry Beamount aforesaid who fined them 17 l. 10 s. And
had remained some Moneths in Prison he fell sick of a Feavour and about the 6th moneth 1665. he finished his Course and was taken away from the many Tryals and Troubles that the Righteous suffer in this World Henry Day of the Parish of Magdalens Bermonsey in the County of Surrey Taylor Imprisoned in the County Goal upon a Writ of Excommunicato Capiendo prosecuted by George Nutkins William Browne John Arnold and Richard Burgin Wardens and Overseers of the said Parish for not paying towards the Repair of the Church so called after he had lain some time in Prison fell sick and dyed the 20th day of the 7th moneth 1677. a Prisoner for the Testimony of a good Conscience John Farmer of the same Parish Carpenter Imprisoned by the same Writ at the same time and for the same cause prosecuted at the same mens suit remained a Prisoner until he dyed which was the 12th day of November 1680. Suffolk THe 22d day of the 10th moneth 1678. Robert Tomson of Broadfeild and several of the People of God being assembled in a Yard being kept by the Officers out of the house they used to meet in at Woodbridge there came Thomas Bacon called Justice and Edmund Broome Priest and some Officers to break up the Meeting and the said Justice committed eleaven of them to Prison to Melton Goal where the said Robert Tomson soon after he was in Prison dyed a a Faithful Witness to the Lord's Truth and for assembling with his People to Worship the Righteous God Northton JOhn Samm of Howend in the Parish of Haughton Conquest in the County of Bedford a faithful Ministâ—r and Labourer in the Lords Work William Lovel of Hardingston and Joseph Gamage of Buggbrook being with several others assembled in the fear of God to worship him in Spirit and Truth at Nuskutt the 23d day of 6th moneth 1663. were apprehended by Warrant from John Willoughby called Justice who committed them to the common Goal where there were above 〈◊〉 thaâ— lay in the low Goal twelve steps below the Ground and in the night they had but little Air being lockt dâ—wn betimes and so kept close until the seventh hour the next Morning and John Snart the Wicked Goaler would not suffer their Friends to come at them with this hard Usage several of thâ— Prisoners fell sick and dyed the said John Samm dyed the 26th day of the 1st moneth 1664. William Lovel dyed the 11th day of the 2d moneth and Joseph Gamage dyed the 2d day of the 2d moneth William Carr of Kislingberry committed to Prison upon the false Oath of Richard Harris Priest of Kislingberry who Swore That William Carr gave a Treasonable Paper to one William Law but he being present before the Justice offered to take his Oath That it was given him by another nevertheless the Justice committed William Carr under a pretence of spreading Treasonable Papers in which Paper there was indeed no Treason but was written by a faithful Servant of the Lord and though William Carr was had to the Sessions where instead of trying him about the Paper the Oath of Allegiance was tendred to him a Snare the Justice knew would hold him for that for Conscience sake he could not Swear and for refusing to take an Oath he was sent to the Goal again where after eleaven Weeks Imprisonment in the low Goal on the 25th day of the 1st moneth 1664. he dyed Richard Ashby on the 6th day of the 7th moneth 1662. was taken out of a Meeting where divers were assembled to Worship God at the House of Joseph Gamage at Buggbrooke and being carried before John Willoughby called Justice he tendred him the Oath of Allegiance and because for Conscience sake he refused to Swear he was committed to the common Goal where on the 26th day of the 1st moneth 1664. he dyed in the true Faith and bore a good Testimony to the Glory of God Thomas Arnold of Heyford Imprisoned at the suit of Priest Seller of Stow because for Conscience sake he could not pay him Tythes he patiently took up the Cross and followed the Lord and forsook his Wife Children Houses and Land freely and laid down his Life willingly for the precious Truth 's sake after a Year and a halfs Imprisonment he dyed on the 1st day of the 2d Moneth 1664. And note further the Cruelty of this Priest he was not satisfied with the Blood of Thomas Arnold but on the 30th day of the 5th Moneth following sent T. A's tender Wife to Goal because she could not pay Tythes William Ewins of Farthingstone Imprisoned in the County Goal at the Suit of Thomas Hogg Priest of the said Town for not paying him Tythes he was Prisoner for the same one Year and a half all which time he was kept in the patience of the Lamb until he dyed which was on the 1st day of the 2d Moneth 1664. and his Wife dyed at home soon after and his Son and Daughter were both Sick of the same Disease being infected in the nasty Hole where William dyed And after the Young man recovered because he refused to pay Tythes the Priest cast him into Goal also in the same Year Norfolk EDward Shooter being at a peaceable Meeting in the fear of God in Lyn on the 7th day of the 12th Moneth 1663. was with others taken by Souldiers and put into a nasty noisom stinking place call'd a Cage where they were kept for the vulgar Rabble to deride till towards Night and then were had before the Mayor who tendred them the Oath of Allegiance and because for Conscience sake they refused to Swear they were all sent to Bridewell where they were kept two or three Nights and Dayes and then sent them to the Goal where they were severely used and kept most of them to lâ—dge on the hard Boards for a long time the Goaler being so Cruel that he would suffer neither Fire nor Straw to be carried in to them but what a poor Woman privately brought in as if it had been Victuals in a Basket and in this condition they continued four or five Mâ—neths the Goaler also boarding up the Windows so close that he deprived them what he could both of Light and Air and often denyed their Friends to come at them In these deep Sufferings the aforesaid Edward Shooter fell sick and finished his Testimony to the Truth by Death Mary Mawley of Worâ—well in the County of Norfolk Widdow committed Prisoner to Norwich Castle for the Tythe of a Goose by Priest Mingly then Priest of the said Town who kept her a Prisoner in Norwich Castle till she dyed there John Norris Imprisoned in Norwich Castle upon the Writ De Excommunicato Capiendo and there detained a Prisoner until he dyed Francis Gardner late of Tivitshall in the Year 1675. was subpaened into the Exchequer by Chistopher Burrel Priest of Pulham for not paying Tythes and the said Priest caused him to be kept close Prisoner in the Castle at Norwich
Anthony Allen Goods worth 9 s. Thomas Burbeck Goods worth 11 s. 6 d. Susanna Frith Goods worth 10 s. For a Meeting at Tupton the 29th of the 7th Moneth 1678. several Persons were fined by Thomas Gladwin called a Justice John Stoppart and Gilbert Linker Informers and had Goods and Cattle taken to the value as followeth John Allon of Tibshelfe had taken Goods worth 5 l. 5 s. Thomas Fowke of Holmgate fined 10 s. for himself and his Wife and 5 l. for an unknown Preacher had for the said Fines the most pâ—rt of his Goods distrained a Sale of which Goods bâ—iâ—g proclaimed at two Markets and none being willing to buy them the Officers acquainted the Justice therewith and desired to know what they should do he told them If thâ—y did not raise the Fines he would Fine them fiâ—e Pound a piece Whereupon they had a Cow to Market the second time but could not sell her wherefore the Justice still threatned to Fine them so that John Marryot the Constable was constrained to sell the Goods at a low rate viz. for 3 l. to stop the said Justices Mouth which he did by paying the Money to him Matthew Hopkinson Junior fined 5 s. for being at the said Meeting and 5 l. for an unknown Preacher had two Cows taken from him which being had to the Market would not sell and therefore were returned to him but had some Money stopt that was owing to him for the said Fine Some others were fined for the same Meeting some of which being not yet levyed a further Account cannot be given Durham FOr peaceably Assembling to Worship God at Stâ—ckton and Norton in the Year 1678. these Pâ—rsons following were fined and distrained by Warrant from George Morland of Wineyard and â—ames Pennyman of Ornsby in Cleaveland in Yorkshire called Justices upon Certificate from the said Morland who first Convicted them The Informers William Wake and Richard Halliman both of Thorpe Fewlers The Goods taken by William Adamson Constable Overseer aâ—d Warden Thomas Hodgson Warden Ralph Tindal Overseer all of Stockton Thomâ—s Austin specâ—al Bailâ—ff John Manuel Thomaes Thompson Constables Robert Wâ—lson Constable and others in their several places by virtue of the Warrants from the Justices aforesaid and for the Fines imposed for the Meeting Houses and for Richard Watsons Preaching although Richard Watson so soon as he understood Warrants were granted against others in his Name did in the presence of many Witnesses offer unto the said George Morland That if he would call in such Warrants and give them out against him he would sufficiently make appear that he had Goods and Chattels within the Township of Norton liable to be taken by his Warrants to the value of one Hundred Pounds and upwards But the said Morland except he would pay the Money refused to call in the said Warrants The 9th of the 9th Moneth 1678. Taken as followeth in Goods and Cattle to the valâ—e of From L. S. D. Simon Townsend 00 10 00 Robert Pattison 13 00 00 John Blackeston 04 00 00 Thomas Chipchase 04 00 00 Christopher Crosby 5 Cows 22 00 00 James Peacock 05 10 00 William Harrison 06 10 00 Cuthbert Hunter 07 00 00 Christopher Crosby 04 00 00 James Peacock 05 00 00 William Foster 03 00 00 Money paid upon appeal by Edward Fleatham of Yarme in the County of York Merchant 20 l. 15 s. Twenty Pounds of which the said Edward Fleaetham was charged with for a Fine for the Meeting-House at Stockton he being Convicted in his absence and without summons to appear neither being fined for the Poverty of any other nor being the sole Owner of the said House himself but joynt-Tenant with others one of whom was also present at the said Meeting and although the Judge and several of the Justices of the Sessions unto whom he appealed did confess it was contrary to Law that any man should be Convict without hearing or summons to appear yet nevertheless Judgment was given against him From L. S. D Benjamin Lindly 00 10 00 John Langstaff of Howlish near Auckland 10 05 00 Ten Pounds whereof was part of a forty Pound Fine for Richard Watson's Preaching and Teaching although Richard Watson did make appear he did but only Pray From L. D. S. William Smith 12 00 00 James Peacok 04 10 00 Robert Herron 05 00 00 Zachary Herron 06 00 00 Cuthbert Hunter 06 10 00 William Harrison 09 00 00 Richard Watson 05 00 00 Thomas Chipchase 02 00 00 Richard Watson 10 00 00 William Smith 01 05 06 From L. S. D. Giles Calvert 00 05 00 Elinor Wheldon 00 17 00 Daniel Toes 00 06 00 William Jeckell 02 06 08 William Laurence 00 08 00 Robert Hartburn 01 09 00 John Ushaw 00 10 00 William Smith 02 00 00 James Peacock 04 10 00 Robert Corney 02 07 06 All the aforesaid Sufferers were convicted in their absence without any Summons to appear to make answer for themselves before the Face of their Accusers upon whose Information whether true or false they have suffered and for the most part are ignorant of what Sum or Sums they were charged with for whose Offence or Offences when committed or what the Offence or Offences were for which their Goods have been taken the Officers usually refusing to shew their Warrants the Justice forbidding them And the Justice himself confessed in the presence of many Witnesses That he commanded them not to shew their Warrants Distresses upon several belonging to Darlington-Meeting by Warrant from the said G. Morland Thomas Gathorn and Robert Fowel Informers From L. S. D. Edward Fisher 00 10 00 Joshuah Middleton 00 10 00 Margaret Crawforth 00 05 00 Michael Collin 00 05 00 Robert Truman 00 06 03 From L. S. D. Edward Fisher 05 10 00 Cuthbert Tompson 00 11 06 John Truman 00 05 00 John Shaw 00 09 00 Robert Truman 14 13 00 Thomas Nickson 00 07 00 Laurence Appleby 00 06 06 William Dobson 00 05 00 Michael Collins 02 10 00 Frances Confitt 00 08 00 These Ten prosecuted on the Information of William Wake of Thorpe Fewlers Farmer and Richard Halliman of the same Labourer Informers by the same Justices Warrant Frances Confitt from whom they took a Kettle worth eight Shillings is a poor Widdow of near Eighty Years of Age whom the Officers turned out of her House after the eight Hour at Night and kept her out of her Bed in violent Frosty Weather threatning her in such manner that she was out of hope of Enjoying her House though she had a Lease of it And said They had order for what they did from Justice Morland Cuthbert Goldsborrough Blacksmith Watchman with John Foster Constable of Darlington at the eleaventh or twelfth Hour in the Night called to the said Widdow to open her Door and let them in to look for Jesuits and she being a single Woman and none in the House but her self told them she durst not for she feared they were Drunk and would abuse
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
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
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
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
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
Meeting of the Lords people and brought beâ—ore VVilliam Ball called Justice he was scornfully entreated by him and his Hat and Cap violently struck off his Head by one White the Justices Clark in his Masters presence who disdainfully bid him give the man his Night-cap again and sent him to Ilchester Goal where at the Sessions he was brought out into the cold Air being sick and languishing before the Justices at a Tavern where he was badly entreated and his Hat and Cap again taken off his Head when he had been in a sweat just before The Justices after some scornful and reproachful Language without shewing any pity to his person or principle returned him to Prison again where his cold encreased and he daily grew weaker and on the â—th of the 9th moneth 1665. finished his Testimony by Death VVilliam Hodges after six years and ten weeks Imprisonment dyed in Prison the 23d of the 6th monâ—th 1667. committed by Francis Paulett and Thomas Curry for Meeting and refusing to Swear Henry Leverick taken out of a peaceable Meeting and committed to Prison to Ilchester where he had aâ—terwards the sentence of Praemunire past upon him by Judge Fâ—ster he dyed a Prisoner the 3d of the 1st moneth 1668. being well-nigh eighty years of Age. Richard Councell dyed in Prison for not paying Tythes to Priest Smith's Widdow of Badgworth the Goal-keepers for not feeding them with Money were hard to him Samuel Clothier of Alford an Honest Faithful and Upright man who suffered Imprisonment at several times at the Suit of Thomas Earle Priest of Alford for not pâ—ying Tythes Samuel looking upon it to be an Antichristian Imposition and contrary to the Testimony of Christ Jesus and the Word of God chose rather to suffer than to make Shiprack of Faith and a good Conscience and after about ten years and three mâ—neths Imprisonment in all upon the account aforesaid he finished his Testimony by Death being a Priâ—oner at Ilchester the 26th day of the 6th moneth 1670. and went to his Grave in Peace with God and hath left a good favour behind him William Kent of Purlock for Conscientiously refusiâ—g to go to Church so called and conform to hear Common Prayer was Excommunicated at the Bishops Court at Wells at the Suit and by the Promotion of Haumet Ward Priest of Purlock called Dr. in Divinity but in truth an Actor in Iniquity and upon Significavit was taken upon the first day of the Week by Edward Stout and Robert Holbourn Deputy Bailiffs and on the 26th day of the 1st moneth 1667. was had to Ilchester Goal and in Testimony for God against the false Worshippers of the World he finished his Testimony by Death at Ilchester the 1st of the 11th moneth 1670. Thomas Budd on the 22d day of the 4th moneth 1670. departed this Life after he had been Prisoner at Ilchester about eight Years and four Moneths for Meeting and not Swearing being under the Sentence of a Premuniâ—e Some hours before his Death he decâ—ared to this effâ—ct That he had renewed his Engagements and Covenants with God and was therein satisfiâ—d and dâ—d hope and believe the Lord would sustain him in Life and Death with the Riâ—ht Hand of his Righteousness and did greatly rejoyce and bless God that all his Children were Engaged in the Way of the Lord c. Thomas Parsons of Portishead dyed a Prisoner the 25th of the 1st moneth for meeting with the Lords Peâ—ple to worship him and refusing to Swear according â—o the command of Christ who saith Swear not at all câ—mmitted by Hugh Smith Edward Gorges and Hugh Tyute Justices so called â—ucy Travers an antient Widdow the 25th of the 1st moneth 1674. dyed being prosecuted to Death for two pence offering Money by Priest Kittley of Queen-Camell she being not an Inhabitant but came to visit her Daughter who lived in that Parish Surrey THomas Patchen of Binscomb an upright man although he was weak and ill in Bed in his own House in the Year 1660. was taken and had before a Justice who committed him to the White Lyon Prison in Southwark which is above twenty seven Miles from his Hâ—use because he refused to Sweâ—r and though he was a man of a considerable Estate they drove him twenty five Miles on foot and were very cruel to him and when he came to the Goal the Goaler set the Thieves to Rob him for their Garnish and they took from him in Clothes and Money which through the violence of his Distemper he was forced to câ—nseâ—t to let them have 5 l. 15 s. And being thus cruelly dealt with in a few dayes after he was committed he dyed in the Prison a faithful Witness to the Truth Thomas Birkly Henry Bromly John Whitlock and William Snooke were all four committed to the White Lyon Prison for Meeting to Worship God and falling sick for want of Air and Conveniencies of Lodging there being many more of their Friends Brethren at the same time in Prison with them fifteen of whom were sick at one time these four Persons finished their faithful Testimony for the blessed Truth in the 9th moneth 1662. John Dison John Wostenholm and Richard Page being committed to the White Lyon Prison for the cause aforesaid and about eighty more were kept in three little Rooms where by reason of the closeness of the place they fell sick and in a short time being on the 6th of 10th moneth 1662. they there finished their Testimony for the Truth by Death Samuel Fisher a faithful Minister and Labourer in the Work and Service of the Lord taken out of a Meeting of the Lords People in Charliwood in this County and committed to Priâ—on to the White Lyon where he remained a Prisoner until he dyed which was on the 31th of the 6th moneth 1665. Joseph Fuce taken at the same Meeting at Charliwood and for no other cause but declaring the Truth to edifie and build up the People of God in their most holy Faith he being also a faithful Servant of the Lord whose Mouth was opened by the Gift of God to declare and publish his Truth for which he was committed wiâ—h S. Fisher to the White Lyon Prison and after he had remained a Prisoner several Years he finished his Testimony by Death 1665. John Shield another of the Labourers in the Work and Service of God was taken out of a Meeting at Horse-lie-down and committed to Prison to the White Lyon where he remained a Prisoner till about the 6th or 7th moneth 1665. and then finished his Course as a faithful Witness for the Lord and his Truth John Fothergill was taken out of a peaceable Meeting of the People of God at Glinford and was had before one called a Justice who committed him to Prison to the White Lyon and being twenty five Miles from London he was unwilling to put the Constable to so much trouble to guard him to Prison but went himself the Constable giving him his Mittimus and after he
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
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
her Whereupon they got Stones and as it was judged after an Hours knocking and bouncing they broke the Lock and burst open the Door and sorely affrighted the poor antient Woman and the Neighbours that heard their Threatnings their Children were sorely affrighted with the noise they made in breaking open the Door William Hodshon of Cockerton near Darlington Yeaman fined for being at two Meetings 15 s. and his Son fined for being at one Meeting 5 s. And notwithstanding it hath been made appear to the said Justice Morland by several Witnesses that the said William Hodshon was not at the first Meeting for which he was fined 5 s. and therefore was not liable to be fined 10 s. for the second Meeting because in strictness it could not be accounted more then the first time however there was taken from him a Heifer worth 3 l. 15 s. And when the Constable went to pay in the Money he treated with George Morland to abate the 15 s. Because said he our Neighbours know that William Hodshon was not at the first Meeting and for his Son Thomas we know he was then sick of an Ague and is still And I have driven a Heifer but cannot get her sold for no Body will buy her To which George Morland answered He may take his Remedy against the Informers and here is a Man that will buy the Heifer meaning William Wake one of the Informers saying to him Lay down the twenty Shillings and take thou the Heifer But the Constable answered He shall not have her So the Constable was forced to pay the twenty Shillings for the whole Fines 1680. By Information made by Richard Keenlyside Skinner George Thompson Blacksmith George Stubbs Cooper John Proud Shoemakâ—r and several Informations by Cuthbert Shadforth and George Joblin Shoemakers all of Durham Warrants were granted forth by John Moorland Ralph Davison John Sudbury Dean Dennis Greenvill Arch-Deacon Isaac Bassire Cuthbert Hutchison Mayor for a Meeting the 27th of the 12th moneth 1679. Robert Fisher of Durham Fuller had taken from him for a Fine for the Meeting being at his House and other single Fines two Mares six Oxen and three Kine worth 32 l. Martin Nicholson Grocer had taken from him at several times for several Fines Goods out of his Shop worth 76 l. Robert Hethrington Shoemaker had taken from him for Fines amounting to 3 l. 5 s. Goods viz. Shoes and Boots worth 4 l. William Heighington Shoemaker had taken from him for a Fine of 10 s. Goods worâ—h 10 s. 6 d. and Charges of an Appeal in the recovering of his Goods taken for his Fathers Fine and another 10 s. Fine for himself amounts to 4 l. 10 s. 6 d. Robert Wallas Shoemaker had taken from him several times all the Goods of any value in his Shop he being but lately set up for several Fines worth 7 l. 6 s. 6 d. William Hickson of Shinkley near Durham Farmer for a Fine of about 4 l. had taken from him two Oxen worth 7 l. Richard Hall of Rhamside fined 5 l. 5 s. and his Houshold Goods seized on to the value of 10 l. which his Father would not suffer to be taken away but paid the Fine of 5 l. 5 s. Richard Hopper of Wellsprings near Durham had taken from him at several times for several Fines two Cows Pewter Bedding and other Houshold Goods worth 16 l. James Hall of Monck Hasledon had taken from him for a Fine of 10 l. 5 s. for being at a Meeting in Durham five Kine worth 17 l. George Hall of Stockton for being at the same Meeting had taken from him three Cows and a Steer worth 12 l. By Information made unto Robert Eden of West Auckland and Cuthbert Caire of Eller Auckland by John Ande and James Dickson Constables of Market Auckland and Warrants granted by them unto the said Informers for several Meetings Goods were taken from Friends at Auckland as followeth Zachariah Murthwaite Shoemaker had taken from him for Fines of 15 s. six pair of Shoes worth 17 s. William Spencely Dyer had taken from him for several Fines Pewter and four Cows 15 l. 10 s. Anthony Hodgshon Farmer had taken from him for several Fines amounting to about 5 l. three Cows one of which came back into his Ground 9 l. Edward Tonstall had taken from him for the Meeting being at his House one Horse one Cow twelve Pewter dishes and other Pewter twelve Rushy Leather Chairs and one Chest of Drawers worth 18 l. 10 s. John Trotter Tanner had taken from him for several Fines amounting to about 5 l. one Hide and two Cows worth 7 l. 6 s. James Trotter Dyer had taken from him for several Fines amounting to about 5 l. two Cows worth 7 l. Note These with several Fines not yet leavyed and the Informers giving out to distrain again for some of the same Fines already leavyed with their selling of the Sufferers Goods in private much under their real worth not bringing them to the open Market within their Liberties with insulting Language which they suffer from them their threatning to break Locks their summoning some of them to appear before them at their Houses to give an Account of their Debts as if they were Justices of the Peace their several false Oathes in their Informations All which may be made appear if desired And some have been stript so bare they have not left them a Cow to give the Children Milk The value of the Loss of our Goods and Cattle for Meeting  L. S. From the Year 1670. to 1676. amounts to 730 19 In the Year 1677. the Loss amounts to 120 00 In 1678. 208 16 In this Year 239 15 Total 1299 11 Ralph Nicholson Martin Nicholson Emanuel Grice John Heighington William Heighington Robert Wallas Robert Hethrington Edward Tonstall Richard Hopper Devonshire Burrough of Plymouth the 5th of the 2d Moneth 1677. UPon Information given to the Mayor Andrew Horsman by a Souldier of the Garrison came the said Mayor and three Justices more and three Constables and they forcibly dispersed the Meeting and fined one Richard Samble who was then speaking twenty Pounds The next Meeting after being the 7th day of the Moneth and the first day of the Week we were gathering together in our Meeting-house upon further Information of two Souldiers of the Garrison to â—he Mayor he with two Justices more came to the Meeting and when they had taken our Names the said Mayor and Justices with violence haled us forth the Meeting-house into the Street and then set a Guard upon the Door to keep us out and the said Richard Samble being there again whom before as above they had fined 20 l. they took him away with a Guard and so kept him till Evening and convicted him and fined him again 40 l. for speaking So from the 7th of the 2d moneth to the 30th of the 7th moneth following we were kept out in the Street out of our Meeting-house three times a Week and then
for the said Fines the Officers took away from Richâ—rd Chamberlaine seven Beasts worth 12 l. And for the Fines aforesaid the Officers took away from Iohn Vittall five Beasts and a three year old Colt worth 14 l. Notwithstanding William Paybody the Constable and the other Officers took these Goods as Iohn Vittalls they cannot be proved to be his his Mother and he living together and what they have is joyntly together Samuel Wilson of Leicester for being at a Meeting at the House of Anne Wells in Kinghton on the 30th day of the 3d moneth 1680. was fined for himself 5 s. and for his Daughter 5 s. and for the Poverty of several other Persons he was fined 6 l. more For the Fines aforesaid Thâ—mâ—s Graunt the Constable of Braunston Gate took from him one Mare two Cows and one yearling Heifer worth about 11 l. by Warrant from the same William Cole by the Information of the same John Smith John Penford of Branston Gate near Leicester being in Kinâ—hton Town Street with some Friends the 13th day of the 4th moneth 1680. the same Informer Iâ—hn Smith with his man came who toâ—k him the said Iohn Penford with several others to Justice Beamounts he being not at home left them afterwards he went to the aforenamed William Cole who fined him for himâ—elf 5 s. and for the pretended Poverty of nine more fined him 4 l. 10 s. more and granted his Warrant to Thomas Graunt Constable of Branston Gate who distrained three of his Cows to the value of Ten Pounds but he putting in Appeal cast the Informer at the next Quâ—rter-Sessions Samuel Wilson of Leicester for being at the same Meâ—-was fined 20 s. for himself and his Wife and had taken from him a Horse loaden with Malt to the value of 5 l. but a Neighbour of his paid the Fine and Thomas Graunt Constable took 2 s. 6 d. for distraining This was done by Warrant from the same William Cole Godfry Smith of Burton for being at a peaceable Mâ—eting on the 11th day of the 5th moneth 1680. at the House of William Marshall junior was Sworn against by Iohn Smith the Informer and Edward Rickett his man for being at an Assembly under pretence of Exercise of Religion in other manner than according to the Liturâ—y of the Church of England before Christopher Pack called Justice who granted a Warrant against him to leavy the sum of 10 l. 5 s. by distress and sale of his Goods viz. 10 s. for himself and Wife and 9 l. 15 s. fâ—r an unknown Person whom the Informers Swore took upâ—n him to Preach or Teach Thomas Norris Constable of Burton took from him seven Beasts worth 20 l. Note Thâ—re was but three men at that Mâ—eting bâ—sides the Informers and Officers and nâ—nâ— of thâ—m tâ—â—k upâ—n him to Preach or Teach So because the Informers Swore falsly he appealed to the Sessions but the Jury did not agree of their Verdict although there was much striving and threatning to fine Two Hundred Pounds to make the Jury to bring in their Verdict for the Informers John Fox of Wimswould was fined for being at the same Meeting 10 l. 10 s. One pound for him and his Wife and 9 l. 10 s. for the unknown Preacher though there was no Preaching nor Teaching and but three men in the Meeting besides Informers and Officers William Marshall Senior for being at a Meeting Fined 21 l. One pound for himself and his Wife and 20 l. for the House though he neither owned it nor dwelt in it but because William Marshall Junior was not at Home they caused the Fine to be laid upon his Father Elizabeth Shepheard for being at a Meeting was fined 10 s. for her self and 5 s. for her Daughter Bridgets being there Elizabeth Freeman of Leicester Widdow that comes amongst us was prosecuted on the Statute of 20 l. a moneth and for Non-payment of it was committed to Prison by the Town-Session at Leicester on the 27th day of the 7th moneth 1680. Elizabeth Wale of Leicester Widdow for being in the Town Street at Kinghton the 8th day of the 6th moneth 1680. there being no Speaking was fined 10 s. by Thomâ—s Stavely called Justice through the Information of John Smith the Informer the Officers distrained of her Pewter and Brass to the value of 2 l. 5 s. A Neighbour paid the Fine and redeemed the Goods At the same time Samuel Hefferd was fined for the same Meeting 10 s. Not yet distrained John Evans of Wigston for being in the Street at Knighton the same day there being no Speaking was fined for himself and others 3 l. his Cart was distrained the value 3 l. 15 s. Justice Staveâ—y so called granted the Warrant the Informers were John Smith of Remson and his man Note The Informer at this Meeting in the Street did endeavour to Ride over some Friends made anothers Nose bleed bit another by the Arm pushed and haled about several who did not in the least oppose him Margaret Townsend of Broughton Widdow for having a peaceable Meeting at her house the 22d day of the 6th Moneth 1680. was fined 20 s. by William Cole called Justice and had Goods taken from her to the value of 40 s. and upwards Iohn Smith of Remson the Informer Richard Bailiffe for being at the same Meeting was fined 20 s. by the same William Cole and had Goods taken from him to the value of 30 s. and upwards Edward Erbye for his Wife fined 10 s. by the same William Cole and had a load of Hay taken out of his Barn by the Officers This same Edward Erbye of the Parish of Broughton was through the Instigation of William Cotton the Priâ—st of Broughton committed to Prison with Iohn Swaun Junior of Little Pealting and one Thomas Pittstow almost two Years since and still remain Prisoners only because they for Conscience sake could not Swear William Brookes of the same Parish for his Wife being at the same Meeting was fined 10 s. and had Goods tâ—ken from him to the value of 25 s. by Warrant from W. Cole Iohn Smith the Informer Note that these four above-named had their Goods spoiled some Moneths before only for peaceâ—bly meeting together to wait upon God William Tilley for the same Meeting fined 5 s. his Kinsman no Quaker paid it Thomas Pole for being at the same Meeting was fined by Warrant from William Cole the Officers Richard Winfield Ralph Winfield Robert Tyler and William Coye came the 4th of the 8th Moneth 1680. about the ninth or tenth Hour in the Night and took away his Beddings and his other Goods to the value of 7 l. They went so near as to take Childrens Cradles Dishes and Spoons even to old Hose and Shoes he being a poor Man also took a Child out of the Bed and laid it upon the bare Floor and took the Bed away Richâ—rd Read of Syleby for being at the same Meeting was fined 10 l. 10 s. by the same William Cole
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
Obadiah Autory and Edward Horner William Watson of Farnsfield for being at a peaceable Meeting in the House of Ralph Bateman in the same Town was fined and the Officers seized and sold what Goods he had Ralph Bateman for the same was fined 20 l. and the Officers seized of his Houshold-stuff Bâ—ef Cheese and Barrils of Beer to the value of 12 l. and one of the Officers bought the Victuals and Beer of the rest in pity to leave them for his Relief Edward Aslin and his Wife for the same was fined 6 l. and had all his Goods taken and sold by the Officers valued to be worth about 14 l. Distrained by Warrant from Penniston Whaley the Officers Names are Robert Brown William Stacy Edward Brown Thomas Swindin John Cooper John Hering John More c. The Informers John Smith and Thomas Sharp 1678. Robert Bradshaw of Oxton for being at a peaceable Meeting was fined 20 l. and the Officers seized of his Goods and locked up his Barn Doors and sold all for 40 l. but the Officers not giving the men that bought them security to their liking for the enjoyment of them the Money is yet unpaid and the Person that suffered is departed this Life Robert Thoroton who granted the Warrant being dead also The Officers Names Robert Smith Thomas Watson Thomas Bladerick Informers John Smith Obadiah Autory 1678. Samuel Marriot for being at a peaceable Meeting at the House of Edward Aslin in Edingley was fined 5 l. 10 s. and they took his Cart from him John Ouldham of Calverton for the same was fined 25 l. and the Officers sold all that ever he had for 8 l. and gave the Informer the Money Thomas Worth of Oxton for the same was fined 10 s. for himself and 5 l. for the Poverty of the Preacher for which Fine the Officers locked up his House Door and sold his Bees in the Garden and other things to the value of 30 s. But what they will do with his Houshold Goods is not yet known John Barr for the same was fined 10 l. 10 s. and the Officer not knowing his own Goods by reason of some Partnership took his Hat and did no more distrained by Warrant from George Nevill of Thorney the Officers Names John Cooper Simeon Carrington Thomas Gramer William Martin c. the Informers John Smith Obadiah Autory George Graves of Blith having several Warrants granted out against him by Doctor Thoroton for being at several peaceable Meetings the said George found himself grieved and entred his Appeals according to Law but Robert Thoroton would not try them although he promised the said George that they should be tryed and that he should have Justice when he entred them but drove him off from Session to Session until at last he told him they were out of date and so distributed the Money according to his own pleasure to the manifest wrong of the said George Graves who never had onâ— Penny of his Monies again although the Sum was very considerable that he deposited before he could be allowed to have his Appeal tryed Remarkâ—ble Instances of Injustice of some called Justices and Informers in this County UNder pretence of prosecuting the Act against Conventicles Penniston Whaley called a Justice Colgraeâ—e a Bum-Bailiff and one Walker both Informers have Ruined many poor Families in this County having taken or caused to be taken from several Persons about Seven Hundred Pounds never returning any Record of Conviction as is reported into the Sessions except forced by Persons appealing John Gooderick and VVilliam Hudson of Little Grengly appealing to the Sessions John Gooderick deposited 40 l. and VVilliam Hudson 30 l. into P. Whaley's hands until the Determination at the Sessions which said Appeal being Tryed at the Sessions at East Retford before the Earl of Ogle Sir William Peirpâ—int and Sir William Hickman Justices and others where a Virdict was brought in open Court for the Appealants and an Order of the Sessions was directed to the said P. VVhaley for the Re-payment of the Money viz. 40 l. to J. Gooderick which as yet he hath not done alâ—hough he was much importuned thereunto by J. Gooderick in his Life-time and by Margaret his Widdow since his Death which 40 l. the Widdow and Fatherless yet wants VVilliam Hudson received with much ado 10 l. of his 30 l. but the other 20 l. still remains Unpaid him although he hath often desirâ—d the said Penniston VVhaley to pay the same And this Penniston VVhaley in his Charge at the Sessiâ—ns at Nottingham the 11th of the 11th moneth 1670. speaking chiefly concerning the Quakers as he called them encouraged the People to prosecute them without pity and bid them harden their Hearts against them and speaking of the Laws made in Queen Elizabeth's time viz. that in the 35th year c. said It was not made against the Papists for said he the Church of Rome is a true Church as well as any other Church And these Quakers are Erroneous and Seditious Persons and therefore prest the People much to prosecute them without pity And when an Appeal was tendred to him upon the late Act and Justice desired he denyed the Appeal and said to the Perâ—on complaining You shall have Justice but no Mercy And indeed none he shewed where it lay in his Power Norfolk AT a peaceable Meeting the 1st day of the 7th Moneth 1678. in the City of Norwich Thomas Murford being in Prayer there came in Paul Hartley Constable and Informer with two young Lads Clarks to Attourney Brereton who swore before Francis Bacon Recorder of Norwich that Thomas Murford was Teaching and Preaching notwithstanding the said Informer found him on his Knees at Prayer whereupon a Warrant issued out to leavy 20 l. upon his Goods and Chattels and Thomas Elvin Constable Joseph Brookes Thomas Wortley and Henry Toller Parish Officers entred forciably his House Thomas himself not being at home and took away four pieces of Broad-Cloth containing eighty Yards to the value of above 20 l. and twelve pieces of Linnen Cloth containing 320 Ells which cost above 17 l. in all near the value of 40 l. When Thomas came home he made his Appeal to the Quarter-Sessions but the Recorder being Judge having a Prâ—judice against the Quakers so called and having a Jury for his purpose carryed the Case against the Appealant and from the Court committed Thomas to Prison and Thomas asking wherfore he was sent to Prison the Recorder answered He should know that afterwards and was kept a close Prisoner eighteen Weeks Anthony Allexander for the same Meeting fined for the House 10 l. And on the 13th day of the 11th Moneth 1678. Samuel Stennet and Anthony Baggish Constables Richard Brown and one Cardner Overseers by a Warrant signed by the aforesaid Recorder took from the said Anthony Allexander Goods to the value of 16 l. Sufferers at Fakenham upon the late Act. For a peaceable Meeting at the House of Joseph Harrison Butcher against which
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
But Appeal was made to the Sessions and the said John Proud and other Persons cleared Notes of the Injustice of Informers and Magistrates in this County of York MAry Todd a poor Widdow for having a Meeting at her house one Francis Driffield called a Justice sent a Warrant to bring her before him but she being Aged was not able to ride nor go on foot so far then he gave order to distrain 20 l. 5 s. on her Goods The Informers told him Her Goods were not worth so much Well said he take all she hath which they performed as near as they could not leaving her a Bed to lie on taking her very Clothes though she was but a poor Widdow Aged and in Debt Wllliam Thornaby the Younger and John Allison both of Richmond grand Informers searching for a Meeting at a Widdows House where they found three Persons visiting the Widdows Daughter who lay very weak not likely to live and whilst they were searching there came in two other Persons accidentally one of which was a Kinswoman and no Quaker as was afterwards proved nevertheless Thornaby set down their Names and went to James Metcalfe called a Justice who fined the Persons and granted a Warrant to distrain but the Sufferers appealing the most moderate Justices judged this hard measure and illegal and ordered the Money to be returned This is only noted to shew the Wickedness of these Informers and Justice and what a Prey they would have made upon Innocent People if they had not been prevented A further Account from the County of Somerset For a Meeting at Glastonbury the 12th Moneth 1679. TAken from John Clothier of East Lidford on the 22th of the 7th moneth 1679. by Edward Chapman the elder and Edward Câ—apman the younger and Thomas Lynterne two fatting Oxen worth near 15 l. and since sold For a fine as it s said of 10 l. 10 s. upon a pretended Conviction made before Bishop Mew or John Baylie hiâ— Chancellor Taken from Henry Gundry of Streat by Warrant of Dâ—stress from John Baylie the Bishops Chancellor two young Oxen worth about 7 l. for a fine of 3 l. 5 s. laid upon his Wife for being at a Meeting at Glastonbury Henry Gundry himself being a Prisoner See the Injustice and Ignorance of the man how he acts contrary to Law and Justice to lay a Fine of 3 l. 5 s. upon a man's Wife for being at a Meeting and leavied upon her Husbands Goods and he not at the Meeting when the utmost for her being there could have been but 5 s. or 10 s. to be leavied upon her Husbands Goods Taken from William Hulett of Streat for a Meeting at Glastonbury two Pots worth near 1 l. 10 s. Thomas Dickerson of Pilton fined 5 l. for Jasper Batt and Elizabeth Olliffe for a Meeting in the House of Vincent Boldy in Glastonbury as charged and 10 s. for himself for the second Offence by Warrant granted from Peter Mew Bishop of Bath and Wells and John Baylie his Chancellor and Brother-in-Law and several other Fines laid and Warrants issued out but no certain Account thereof yet given BREWTEN Taken from John Martin of Brewten on the 9th day of the 12th moneth 1679. by Warrant from Maurice Berkly called Lord Fitz Harding and Francis Paulett of Wells for a Meeting at Thomas Whitheads in Brewten a Horse worth about 3 l. for a fine of 2 l. 5 s. laid on the said John Martin's Wife the Horse was taken by Edward Chicke and Henry Albin Wardens and Thomas Patter Constabâ—e and sold which since is rid about by Jane Berkly the said Justices Daughter For a Meeting at Gregory Stoak in the 5th moneth 1680. John Cuffe of Aishill fined 10 l. and odd Money and his Goods seized to a considerable value by Warrant from Henry Walrond a Justice of Peace so called who hath made much spoil upon Friends even to his own undoing as many think John Pinny fined 10 l. and odd Money and seizure made upon his Goods by Warrant from Henry Walrond Francis Scott of Hambridge fined 10 l. and odd Money and Warrant issued for leavying the same from the said Henry Walrond John Coate of Kingsbury fined 10 l. and odd Money and Warrant issued to leavy the same upon his Goods and Chattles from the said Henry Walrond and several other Fines laid and Warrants issued by the said Walrond but no certain account thereof yet given September 1680. Robert Abbott an Inn-keeper in the Town of Ivelchester fined 40 l. and by Warrant of Distress from the said Henry Walrond leavyed on his Goods and Chattles by Robert Morris and Giles Bale for two Meetings as the said Walrond alledgeth at one and the same hour and in one and the same house the one of men and the other of women they being several of them the said Robert Abbotts Guests and lodged in his House and did meet to confer about Provisioâ— for the Poor Fatherless and Widdows which they account a Christian Duty and a good Work and were never questioned for such Meetings before this time and now most sober People do judge That it s done only for Gain and Advantage by the said Captain Walrâ—nd and the Broomes his assistants and adherents who have made much spoil upon the Country and out of Envy to the said Robert Abbott because he would not vote for such Persons as he and many others thought not fit to be chosen to sit in Parliament and as it s reported part of the said 40 l. distributed to several Persons of Ivelchester who are not thâ— Poor but paid as a Gratuity or Reward for their Service in voting against the present Members of Parliament for that Town Mention being made before pag. 73. that the Widdow Tyler was fined 4 l. for being at her Husbands burial it may be noted she had two Cows taken from her for the said fine worth 9 l. AN ACCOUNT Of Such as Dyed in Prison AND PRISONERS FOR THE Testimony of Truth a Good CONSCIENCE From the Year 1660. to the Year 1680. Berkshire ANne Hatt of Reading Widdow taken out of a peaceable Meeting in Reading the 15th of the 2d moneth 1666 and committed to Prison by William Armorer called a Justice for six Moneths for being at the said Meeting and being kept close in Prison in the heat of Summer and the Prison being thronged with Prisoners she finished her Testimony to the Truth in Prison by Death the 19th of the 6th Moneth 1666. being found Faithful in her day in which she walked in Gravity Sobriety and the Fear of the Lord. William Tomson the 22d of the 11th moneth 1664. taken out of a Meeting of the People of God at Reading by the said William Aâ—morer and detained a Prisoner until he Dyed Walter Emmerton the 12th day of the 1st monâ—th 1665. taken out of a Meeting at Reading by William Armorer and remained a Prisoner till he dyed William Matthâ—ws and three more summoned to appear at the Quarter-Sessions
at Abingdon the 14th of the 5th moneth 1663. where Humphry Hide sate Judge who caused an Indictment to be read against them for not being at the Church so called four Moneths past The Court askt them If they would go to Church and conform Their Answer was They could not go thither for that they had never enjoyed the Presence of God in that place Whereupon the Court fined them 20 l. a piece by an old Statute made against Papists and for refusing to pay the Fines they were committed to Goal where William Matthews finished his Testimony by Death Dorothy Clarke taken out of a Meeting in Reading the 1st of the 3d moneth 1664. by William Armorer and sent to Prison finished her Testimony by Death the 3d of the 12th moneth 1670. Joseph Coale apprehended the 13th of the 5th moneth 1664. the manner of his taking was thus The aforesaid William Armorer coming according to his usual Practice to take such as were assembled in the fear of God at the House of Thomas Curtis of Reading he found only seven Women and Maids and caused his Clerk to make their Mittimus presently and to send them to Prison in the mean time his man John Venter opens a Door and goes into Thomas Curtis's House where meeting the Maid he askt her If there were any in the house more than the Family She answered No whereupon he went out and she lockt the Door but presently after W. Armâ—rer knockt again at the Door the Maid bâ—ing in a fear her Master Mistress and Man-Servant being all in the Goal did not open the Door whereupon VV. Armorer pluckt some kind of Instrument out of his Pocket and pickt the Lock and searcht from Room to Room till he found Joseph who being a weakly man had taken something that Morning after some Questions he took Joseph by the Arm and said He must come with him J. C. said Whither must I go Said he To Goal To Goal said J. C. What have I done W. Armorer said I will tell you what And being pulling him down Stairs said Will you take the Oath of Allegiance and so made a Mittimus and sent him to the House of Correction for refusing the Oath of Allegiance and afterwards he was from thence sent to the common Goal where the 26th day of the 2d moneth 1670. he laid down the Body and dyed a Faithful Witness to the Truth William Dobson of Brightwell was Arrestâ—d for Tythes at the suit of Ralph Whistler and carried to Readâ—ng Gâ—al the beginning of the 7th moneth 1675. and dyed a Prisoner the last day of the 3d moneth 1677. Bedfordshire John Rush of Kempston Hardwick Imprisoned at the Suit of Priest Wells of Wilkhamsted because for Conscience sake he could not put into the Priests Mouth and give him Tythes though he did no work for him After a Years Imprisonment he laid down the Body bearing a Faithful Testimony until Death the 1st day of the 11th moneth 1661. Bristol THe 7th day of the 6th moneth 1664. being the first day of the Week John Knight Mayor of Bristol and Alderman Creswick went to a Meeting of the People called Quakers and sent One Hundred Ninty Four of them to Prison upon the Act made for Banishment amongst whom these three Persons following were committed and finished their Testimony by Death Lydia Tovy one of them was committed to Newgate being a Young Woman big with Child and as she was put within the door of the Goal the Noisom Scent struck her very much She abode in the Prison till the 7th day of that Week in which time she grew very ill and on the Second day following she took her Bed her hearing and seeing being taken from her and her Child came dead from her that Night and the next Morning being the third day of the Week she dyed also and her Child and she were both laid in the Ground together yet the Mayor put her in the Warrant with the rest to be detained in Prison till the 6th day of the 7th Moneth following Alice Peachy the Wife of William Peachy a young Woman big with Child was taken out of the same Meeting the Officers that took her out of the Meeting haled her rudely along before the Mayor bidding her come along one being behind her putting her forwards which being beyond what she was able to do it hurt her and in her Face it was discovered presently so she went home ill and was delivered the next day and never was well aftewards but continued ill till the 14th day of the 6th Moneth on which she dyed her Husband being then a Prisoner in Bridewell Mary Knight was also committed on the same day to Bridewell and the next day being very ill was suffered to go home to her Masters House where she dyed about twelve days after of a violent Feavor her Body being brought to Bridewell from thence to be buried being a Prisoner there she bled afresh at the Nose for about an Hour together Cumberland LAncelott Wilson of Tallentrie in Bridkirk Parish in the 6th moneth 1662. being served with a Warrant to appear before John Lamplugh Francis Salkeld and Richard Tolson called Justices at Dovenby for being at a Meeting the Justices demanded Bond of him to appear at the next Quarter Sessions and for refusing to give Bond he with some other Friends were committed to Prison and at the Assizes they were all Indicted for Meeting c. and because they could not then give Bond to appear c. at the next Assizes they were still detained Prisoners but before the next Assizes Lancelott Wilson being a weakly man finished his Testimony by Death Cambridgshire 1661. MAry Prior of Over an antient Widdow and a Grave Honourable Woman in the Truth being summoned to the Sessions for not going to the Steeple-house Worship the Justices at the Sessions cast her into Prison where they kept her till she by Death finished her Testimony against the false Church Worship and Teachers she was buryed in Cambridge Castle-Yard the 5th of the 10th moneth 1661. it being her desire as a Witness against them 1663. Thomas Richardson the 16th of the 2d moneth 1663. was taken out of a peaceable Meeting in Ely at the house of George Thorowgood by Warrant from William Holder and Henry Bruncell two Priests and also called Justices who committed him to Wisbich Goal where though he was an antient man near Sixty Years of Age he was very hardly used in the Goal and went through great Hardships his Friends and Relations being not suffered sometimes to come at him to bring him necessaries but what they could put through a Hole in the Door and kept a whole Winter without suffering him to have so much Wood was would make one Fire and he lodged on Straw Whilst he was in Prison it pleased God to visit this his Faithful Servant with Sickness and on the 13th day of the 8th moneth 1665. he dyed in Prison for the Testimony of Jesus and
Word of God 1670. One called a Justice in the Isle of Ely perceiving after much Cruelty used they could not prevail to make the People called Quakers forsake their assembling themselves together he was much enraged and went and beat several of them very much and knockt down Steven Clarkson to the Ground in so much that the Standers by said So there is one knockt on the Head but he came to himself again and lived about five moneths after but complained of that blow to his dying day John Feast of Sutton Imprisoned by John Marshall Priest in the same Town for Tythes dyed a Prisoner on the 11th day of the 4th Moneth 1674. John Addams of Haddenham dyed a Prisoner for Tythes being buried the 27th day of the 2d Moneth 1674 John Beadles of Chatteris Imprisoned by Owen Fan of Ramsey dyed a Prisoner for Tythes Peter Hill of the same Town Imprisoned by William Strong Priest in the same Town dyed a Prisoner for Tythes Cornwall EDward Anger of Minster-Parish Imprisoned the 17th of the 3d Moneth 1675. by John Austis prosecuted being Register of the Arch-Deacons Court because for Conscience sake he could not pay towards the Repair of the Church so called and dyed a Prisoner the 9th day of the 4th Moneth 1676. Thomas Deeble Imprisoned for the same cause by a Writ De Excommunicatâ— Capiendo at the Suit of the said John Austis the 7th Moneth 1676. and dyed a Prisoner in the 11th Moneth 1677. Devonshire IOnathan Collier of the Parish of Culleton Rawleigh Imprisoned in Stoak Cannon the 30th day of the 5th Moneth 1669. being prosecuted by John Pope and William Tricky Wardens of Culleton for not going to the Steeple-house and for not paying to the Repair of the same for which he was Excommunicated by Edward Master called Doctor of Law and Vicar general to the Bishop of Exon in Spiritual things and upon that Excommunication the said Jonathan was apprehended by a Writ De Excommunicato Capiendo and imprisoned and remained a Prisoner until the 15th day of the 1st Moneth 1670. and then finished his Testimony by Death bearing a faithful Testimony to the Lord and his Truth Thomas Burgan of Artacton Taylor was Imprisoned by a Writ De Excommunicato Capiendo for not going to the Steeple-house and for a Contempt of the Bishops Court in not appearing prosecuted by Richard Crâ—ssen Priest and Andrew Slathen Warden of Artacton The said Thomas Burgan was brought to Prison to the Sheriffs Ward in Thomas Parish in Exon the 9th of the 2d Moneth 1676. and was continued a Prisoner until he dyed which was on the 19th day of the 4th Moneth following and all the time both in Health and Sickness whilst a Prisoner witnessed a good Confession and left a good Testimony behind him William Woolcott of Bridford Parish Weaver a labouring man having a Wife and two small Children and their dependancies was on the Labour of his Hands was presented to the Bishops Court through the Instigation of Bernard Gillard Priest of the said Parish stirring up his Parishoners and gathering Money to pay the charge of a Writ De Excommunicato Capiendo to Imprison him for having Meetings at his House and not conforming by which Writ he was apprehended and sent to Prison and after he had been there eighteen Moneths the Bailiffs said They must have 20 s. of him Being a very poor man the Keeper took pity on him and let him have Liberty to go forth to Work but the Bishops Officers hearing of it threatned the Keeper to have him fined and put out of his place whereupon this poor Man was kept from working and was forced to be relieved by his Friends his Wife being a sickly Woman and in a distressed condition And the said William Woolcott was continued Prisoner till the 27th of the 3d Moneth 1676. and then departed this Life a Prisoner being a good Savour to the Truth all the time of his Imprisonment Witnesses John Gannicliffe Robert Welch Durham RIchard Errington of Gretham near Stockton Farmer taken from a Meeting aâ— Thomas Yooles the 9th of the 7th Moneth 1665. and had before Ralph Davison and Joseph Naylor Justices and by them committed to Durham Goal upon the Act for Banishment at the Quarter-Sessions the 4th of the 8th Moneth following being brought to the Bar Samuel Davison Judge of the Court past Sentence on him viz. to be banished to Barbadoes and to be kept Prisoner in the House of Correction till he could be Shipt where he remained until he became weak in Body and being not likly to recover his Friends moved for a removal of him to a Friends House for better Conveniencies but it was denyed so that about the beginning of the 6th Moneth 1667. he laid down the Body for the Testimony of the Truth after he had suffered Imprisonment near three Years Gloucestershire UPon the 10th day of the 5th Moneth 1670. there being a Meeting of the People of God called Quakers in Cirencester there came one Thomas Masters called a Justice with others to break up the Meeting he asked them what their end in Meeting was one replyed We meet in the fear of the Lord and for no Evil end the Lord knows but to wait upon him And to worship him too Do you not said he To which Answer was made Yes That 's enough said he we need no further Evidence But proceeded to Fine them and in a Rage laid Hands on them calling his Company to help him pull them down Stairs the Meeting being in an upper Room John Cooke one of the Officers a wicked man cryed Clear the Stairs And thereupon Robert Jenkins one reported to be a Hang-man threw several down Stairs and amongst the rest the Widdow Hewlings an Antient honourable Woman who by the Violence of the fall was lamentably bruised and her Shoulder seperated so that she could not be recovered but dyed within a Moneth after a Woman greatly beloved in those parts and much missed being a skilful Midwife and ready to do good unto all John Webly of Brockworth a Man about fourscore and seven Years of Age for the value of about 20 s. Tythes was by Christopher Guy Impropriator in the Year 1660. cast into Gloucester Goal among Thieves where he lay a full Year and there dyed the same day was a twelve Moneth that he was committed Henry Guy Brother to the said Christopher asked his Wife when he was sick in Prison Whether she would pay or not she denying the payment he told her If her Husband dyed he should not be buried but carried up to the top of the House and the Walls should be beset and the Fowles of the Air should eat him This he spoke in the hearing of their Son and Daughter John and Hester Webly Richard Wetmore for not Conforming Imprisoned by an Excommunicato Capiendo Writ sued by the Chancellor of the Bishops Court at Gloucester soon after he was put into the Goal dyed Hampshire 1661. WIlliam Rutter of Portsmouth
Street and he lay sick ten dayes and then dyed and his Body was carried to the Bull where he received his Bruises and Blows and the Coroner and Jury viewed his dead Body who judged him to be Murthered his Body being black with Bruises and even Rotten like a Jelly It cannot well be expressed what griveous Blows he received one of the Officers having a Club in one hand about a yard long which seemed to be as much as he could well handle for bigness and weight with which he laid on about him without mercy as did the most of his party regarding neither Age nor Sex One was knockt down five times and the Blood lay in the Streets and ran down mens Faces and Shoulders Humphry Bache and â—umphry Brewster were both committed to Newgate for Meeting and by the Closeness of the Prison their Bodies were corrupted so that in a short time after they were released they dyed Humphry Leaver Richard Davis Robert Cross Thomas Wingreen and John Ratcliff were all Imprisoned in the common Goal in Newgate by Richard Browne for Meeting to worship God and as it was judged through the Smoke and Noisom Smells their Bodies were corruptâ—d so that soon after they were released they dyed Edward Burroughs a Faithful Labourer and Minister of the Lord being Imprisoned in Newgate for declaring the Truth to the People at the Bull and Mouth he remained a Prisoner near three Quarters of a Year and notwithstanding the King sent an Order under his Secretary's Hand and Seal to Release him yet Richard Browne would not Release him The beginning of the 12th moneth the said Edward Burroughs fell sick and the 14th day of tâ—e same moneth he finished his Testimony by Death An Account of such as Dyed by reason of their Imprisonment Prosecuted upon the Act for Banishment 1664. John Clark John Lewis Hannah Trigg Hannah Drewry John Wilkinson John Hales William Tomkins Robert Twinn Henry Haslam John Palmer John Cooke Edward Baker Joseph Stonehouse Mary Draper Andrew Andrews John Willbore Richard Twinn Mary Davis George Hide Hannah Cooke Mary Mile Henry Woodward Richard Audley Mary Travers Roger Evans Benjamin Greenwell Since the prosecution of the Act for Banishment all these Persons sealed their Testimony with the loss of their Innocent Lives which was occasioned by reason of their being crowded by great Numbers into one Prison viz. Newgate where for want of Prison-Room and convenient Lodging having not room to lie down one by another so that many were constrained to walk upon the Leads in Newgate in the Night-season which was very high and open both to Wind and Weather and with the Infections and Noisom smells that were in the Prison they fell sick and dyed some in the Prison and others in a few dayes after they were let out many of them being sentenced to be Transported Elizabeth Pike Jane Powell Peter Penington John Fox John Horsâ—y Dorothy Hall Vincent Gerrard William Newman Richard Tâ—mpâ—on Thomas Clarke William Matthews John Gabb Bartholomew Hall Matthew Jackson Christop Dickenson Jâ—hn Noble Jâ—hn â—haplin Henry Taylor Arthur Baker Deborah Harding Anne Royley Nathaniel Harding Edmund Berkly Rachell Jackson Laurence Aplyn Edward Walker Edward Lee. The Sickness being in Newgate there was One Hundred Forty Five of the People of God called Quakers then Prisoners being sentenced to be Banished Fifty Five of which were forced on Board a Ship to be Transported after their long Imprisonment and the Sickness being in the Ship into which they were put they were thronged all the men together in one place between Decks where they could not stand Upright so that the Distemper being once amongst them it occasioned most of them to be infected so that all these Persons above-named dyed on Board some at Bugbyes hole and the rest beyond Gravesend Robert Hayes being sentenced to be Banished was taken out of Newgate with two more of his Friends and put in a Boat to be carried to Gravesend and the said Robert being taken fasting out of Newgate and having been in a course of Purging Physick was in that case upon scarce any warning given early one Morning hurried from Newgate and having no outward Refreshment till he came to Gravesend took cold and fell Sick and in a short time after he was put on Board he dyed 1665. About the same time that thâ— aforesaid Persons dyed on Board the Ship there dyed these Fifty Two Persons in Newgate who lay Prisoners most of them being sentenced to be Banished and the rest upon the third Conviction Edmund Ward John West Edward Bull Thomas Wicks John Frith Thomas Davis John Somerfeild John Sammon George Pryor John Smith John Tesdell Mathias Gardner Richard Lambert Joshua Clare George Taylor George Evans John Crane Nicholas Blye Thomas Kemsey Hugh Carter Margaret Welsby Bethiah Marloe Edward Harvy Daniel Read James Sweet James Portsmouth Ambross Cock Mark Beecroft John Wiggins Hugh West John Rotten Cuthbert Harle Benj. Laurence Geo. Hellingsworth Jâ—hn Cowdry Henry Wilkinson Malachy Dudly Aug. Thâ—rrowgood Christopher Nicholls John Howard Richard Spackman James Williams Daniell Hawkins John Bates Francis White John Francis Robert Thomas Joseph Haugh Mary Powell Martin Croshâ—e John Fitz Gerrard Sarah Leigh About this time there were eight Persons taken out of a Meeting in the Liberty of VVestminster and committed to the Gate house by the D. of Albemarle where four of them dyed viz. Stephen VVhite William Avelin Robert Towerland and Samuel Sâ—onhâ—use Somersetshire RIchard Adams dyed in Prison the 17th day of the 8th Moneth 1660. for not paying Tythes to Priest Bryan of Limington which Priest was afterwards almost Distracted before he dyed John Combe of Brent dyed in Prison the 22d day of the 10th moneth 1660. for not paying Tythes to James Blacklock and Thomâ—s Gold Farmers of Tythes since Blacklock dyed and Gold decayed Thomâ—s Lockier dyed in Prison for not paying Tythes to Priest Horsey â—f East Lydford who would not suffer him to be buryed but forcibly took him from the Bearers 1661. Hugh Willmington of Barwick dyed a Prisoner the 4th of the 10th moneth 1661. after he had been several moneths a Prisoner for not paying Tythes to Thomas Compton Impropriator Thomas Deane of Kingsbury dyed the 24th of the 2d moneth 1661. for not paying Tythes to VVilliam Strode Impropriator George Adams dyed in Prison the 26th of 6th moneth 1663. being committed to Prison for Meeting to wait upon the Lord by Francis Paulet and Thomas Carry and fined 3 l. 6 s. 8 d. by Judge Terrill without hearing him at Charde twelve Miles from Ilchester where he then lay Sick John Evans the younger having been a Prisoner for some years being taken at a Meeting of the Lords People and commited by one called Sir John Warr and afterwards had the Sentence of a Pâ—aemunire past upon hiâ— by Judge Foster to be Imprisoned during Life the 14th day of the 1st Moneth 1664. was set at Liberty by Death John VVall of Eddington being taken at a peaceable