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RECORDS OF 
THE COUNTY OF WILTS. 



^3;?ilDer m the tounty or Wiltug ^kea.'phai*cl vnro the 

%ti)i£&n oVs Sit-ch as ?HY 7teiVhXourS caw/iotr except *dL4M//ish And ^ 

11) L 

coull it~ctj?et a «y i'oo7;*e yor JiouU jgi y I ftfh,i£^fefa^V{^yotiy W 
iooi»^uj|^a^it-^a^ Forced to make lig|^o//mtan^ 

Lot 

Cy*owwottM b<2s|l^el4o t^e///to yoru* \VorJiuJ>£ Co?ifi4eraf/o/^ For 
f4ie cejrt$obnj$^m4etM^ tin? naore> 
"it?wi:Ce+Matu* hoove fufblydnt L « ^/t/niej 


-!(//e y/h cj.od -forar (food tPorjmp! Q-Wtf-'^ 

vu 

^l^^Zfa of t^e fit 

•Oh 
7^ Petition ofJohn Duke, 
(See page 297), Frontispiece, 


RKCORDS OF 


BEING EXTRACTS FROM 

THE COUNTY OF WILTS 


THE QUARTER SESSIONS GREAT ROLLS 
OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. 


EXTRACTED AND EDITED BY 

B. HOWARD CUNNINGTON, F.S.A. (SCOT). 
(Hon. Curator Wiltshire Archaeological Society), 

Editor of *' Annals of the Borough of Devizes, 1555 to 1835" 
" Grand fury Presentments at Marlborough Quarter Sessions, ijo6 to 175s" 
" Orders and Decrees of the Borough of Marlborough, /S7S-" 

WITH A "FOREWORD" BY THE MOST HONOURABLE THE MARQUIS 
OF JLANSDOWNE. 


PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GEORGE SIMPSON & Co., DEVIZES, LTD. 


Dotation. 

%G %\}t memorg of tlje dlerka of tbe Peace 
of tESgtiltabir* in tbe 17ib €mtuv% I oeoicate 
ibis hook. %ab it not been for tljeir rarefnl 
4 4 hratcb anb toarb " ober our fraluable doitttitj 
Hecorba baring the timea of foar. rebellion 
attb renolntion, aa taell as in tljc times of 
pear*, tbese (JMracta migljt neber bane been 
jmbliab*b. 

l.f.OL 

CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Petition of John Dicke .. .. .. Frontispiece 
Foreword . . .. .. ., ,, j x 
Introduction .. ,. ., ,. ,. xiii 
Extracts .. , .. .. .. .,

 x 

Appendix A.—A Wiltshire Will .. .. .. 287 
Appendix B.—Wages in Wiltshire in the Seventeenth 

Century .. .. ..s 
Appendix C. -Petition of John Dicke (Transcription) 297 
Appendix D.—Autograph Letters .. .. ,. 298 
Index, General .. .. ., .. ,, 365 
Index to Autograph Letters .. .. .. ^ \ 

2g 


FOREWORD. 

To those who only associate Quarter Sessions with long* hours 
spent in a crowded Court House, a volume of the * Proceedings ' 
of these tribunals may not make a first sight appeal. Let them 
not, however, be deterred, for these extracts from the Great Rolls 
of the 17th century can scarcely fail to commend themselves to any 
intelligent reader. 

Wiltshire, as Mr. Cunnington remarks in his Introduction, is 
specially rich in its County Records, and the desirability of making 
them more widely known has long been recognised. A few extracts 
from the Rolls between 1602 and 1609 were published some 
years ago in the Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine by Mr. R. W. 
Merriman when Clerk of the Peace, and a more numerous selection 
by the Rev. W. D. Macray in the Historical Manuscripts Commission 
Report for 1901. The great mass of these papers had, 
however, never been systematically explored or seen the light. It 
was in these circumstances that Mr. Cunnington, to whom Wiltshire 
already owes so much in the sphere of Archaeology, threw 
himself into the breach, and volunteered to undertake the task of 
going through the whole of the series. His services, it is needless 
to say, were readily accepted by the Standing Joint Committee, 
who, under the Lord Lieutenant, as Custos Rotulorum, are 
responsible for the archives in question, and he started immediately 
on his work. For three years (1929-1931) he has given 
up the six winter months (the summer being reserved for work in 
the field) to the decyphering, collating, and transcribing of some 
thousands of ill-written documents. The extracts contained in the 
present volume constitute the first fruits of that work, though the 
publication, as will be at once perceived, represents only a fraction 
of the papers actually dealt with. 

No Wiltshireman can read the pages which follow without 
coming upon something that will arrest his attention. Should he 
be engaged on any branch of historical research he will be sure to 
discover some grist for his particular mill. Should he be fond of 
topography, he will find side lights upon ancient place names, 
roads, and bridges, which have long since disappeared. Should he 
be merely inquisitive, he will see what, in those remote days, was 
going on in his own locality—there is scarcely a village of any 
size which does not appear once or more in the selected extracts. 
The wording of our ' rude forefathers ' is strange, and their 
spelling execrable, so much so indeed that a modern reader will 
sometimes have to guess at the meaning intended, but this may 
make a special appeal to the expert in crossword puzzles, while it 
serves to preserve the peculiar flavour of the 17th century. 


The prevailing impression left by a perusal of the extracts is 
one of the severity of the laws during the period with which they 
are concerned. It is startling to know that a man preferring to 
take his exercise by night could apparently without further ado 
be " presented " for trial as a " night walker " (pp. 26 and 107); 
that a woman with a sharp tongue—a type not altogether unknown 
to-day—could be convicted as a "common scold " (pp. 30, 199 
and 217) ; and that another who was known to be careless with her 
own lights in her own house, was similarly amenable to law (p. 97). 
As to the poor witches, it seems to have been enough that they 
were " vehemently suspected " as such by their neighbours (p. 70), 

and that any person or animal who had come near them had had 
the misfortune to fall sick; their condemnation to the cucking stool 
was certain to follow. Further, we find a man accused of nothing 
worse than "eavesdropping" (p. 247), and another of playing 
skittles (p. 259), though bull baiting, so long as no human being 
incurred any injury, seems to have been entirely in order (p. 259). 
We must surely congratulate ourselves that we live in a more 
enlightened age, if only that we are now at liberty to abuse the 
legislature, when it is not precisely to our own fancy, as much as 
we like. In 1646 poor Mary Long was, it would seem, sent to 
prison for a casual remark, while on her way to church at Amesbury, 
as to the House of Commons being in her opinion a " roguish 

Parliament " (p. 169). 

Many of the stories are delightfully quaint both in subject and 
relation. We have heard speak of an old woman who lived in a 
shoe, but here is an authenticated case of a couple, " two ancient 
people who, for lack of other residence, in 1647 lived for some 
weeks in a hollow tree near Malmesbury (p. 178). We may note 
also a pleasant contention in Imber church, where, in the midst of 
divine service, a quarrelsome female stuck a pin into her neighbour, 
who, " after some striving together ", succeeded upon " treading 
upon her in her seat " (p. 169). What, one may ask, was the 
parson doing the while? Another tale concerns an affair in a public 
house, where a man intending only, as he afterwards explained, 
to give another, seemingly in good part, '' a prick in the breetch '' 
inadvertently ran his friend right through with his sword, apparently 
with fatal results. I like, too, the description oi the cheat, 

who, at the game of " putt ", " kept cards in his bosom unlawfully 
"—evidently sleeves as then worn did not lend themselves to 
successful cardsharping. There is the agreeable tale of an attack 
upon Mr. Goddard, " a greate fatt gentleman", at whom a 
labourer " threw his pronge " as he rode by with his dog. The 
aim was bad, the fat gentleman and his horse eluded the missile, 
but the dog was killed. As he galloped away the owner was heard 
to shout back to his assailant that this would prove " a dear 
partridge" to him (p. 114), which no doubt it did. And lastly 
there is the Quemerford " Skimmington a form of entertainment 
well known by tradition, but of which it would seem this is 
the only first hand account in existence. But these are only a few 


of the ' good things ' which have caught my eye when reading 
through the proofs. Some of the words used rouse curiosity, and 
may afford matter for further research amongst those who specialise 
in Wiltshire Glossaries. 

Students of records which have never been ' weeded ' often 
find themselves overwhelmed by their accumulated mass. It is 
sometimes almost as necessary to destroy that which is useless as 
to arrange and classify that which is valuable. As regards the 
Wiltshire Records, a certain amount has been done in these directions, 
but much more remains to be carried out. Moreover, if 
papers are worth preserving they are worth indexing, in order that 
future enquirers may know not only what they contain but where 
to find it. It is greatly to be hoped that the Committee may see 
their way in the near future to have such an index made of all the 
County documents in their charge. 

It is increasingly recognised by historical writers that their 
craft requires something more than a narrative' of great events. 
The story of Kings and Parliaments, of treaties, and of battles lost 
and won, must, of course, be told, but, as in painting, the high 
lights need a background, and stand out all the better for it. This 
background is best afforded by the sayings and doings of the 
' man in the street \ W e can better appreciate the political 
movements of a period when we know something of village and 
family life, of the manners and customs of the people of the day. 
Annals of Parliament and State Papers tell comparatively little of 
such things. It is from local records such as these that they have 
to be extracted. The gratitude of historians, present and future, 
must surely go out to those who, like the compiler of this book, 
have helped to make them accessible. 

LANS DOWN E. 
Bowood. 
November, 1932. 


INTRODUCTION. 

" Men's works have faults, since Adam first offended, 
And much in this, may want to be amended ". 

With the possible exception of Devonshire, it is doubtful if any 
other county has such a continuous record as Wiltshire has of 
the Proceedings of its Quarter Sessions. Whilst those of the 
former begin at a somewhat earlier date, the Wiltshire Records, 
from 1603 onwards, form an almost complete account of the work 
carried on by the Justices for the benefit of the County and the 
preservation of order. 

It is almost a matter of surprise that these Records should have 
been preserved for so long a period and in such perfect condition, 
when one considers the perils they underwent. The continual 
changes of Clerks of the Peace and the removal of the Records 
from one office to another would tend to their destruction or loss, 
and in the 17th century, what was probably considered as so much 
waste paper—when the matters concerned had been dealt with— 
would in the ordinary course of events have been got rid of, especially 
when the Rolls accumulated to large numbers. This, fortunately, 
was not the case as regards those of Wiltshire; not only did the 
respective Clerks of the Peace take care of the Records, but at quite 
an early date, viz., in 1605, the Justices themselves passed an order 
that John Kent, of Devizes, the then Clerk of the Peace, should 
view the Bridewell in Devizes, in order that a place of safe-keeping 
of the Records of the County might be found. This apparently was 
done, but in 1642/3, at the January Sessions, they passed a resolution 
that " upon consideration how the sessions records may be 
preserved in this time of danger (i.e., during the Civil War), a 
strong chest with two locks and keys for that purpose be provided 
and kept in the vestry house of Warminster Church. At some later 
period the Records were transferred to Wilton, and afterwards to 
Fisherton Anger Prison, where they were kept in a separate 
chamber built for the purpose. When that prison was given up in 
1875, they were sent to Devizes Prison, and stored in eight unoccupied 
cells until the present Muniment Room was built adjoining 
the Assize Courts at Devizes in 1878. 

A re-arrangement and overhauling of the Records during the 
years 1929-1932 presented an opportunity of making copious detailed 
extracts from the Rolls of the 17th century, a period in the 
history of England that contributed so much to the development 
of our country from both civil and political points of view, producing 
changes in every city, town, or village throughout the 
Kingdom that had such great effect upon the civil life, either for 


good or evil, of all the inhabitants. They reflect matters concerning 
every side of life in our County, from affairs of State to the 
intimate details of the lives of even obscure persons. These original 
documents enable us to realise the lives and characters of the chief 
actors concerned in the events recorded more readily, and in a far 
more vivid and engrossing manner, than could possibly be obtained 
from any modern book, even though based upon them. 

For these reasons, and that the Records may be more readily 
accessible to the student and others interested in the subject, 
and that they shall be preserved in a readable as well as permanent 
form, this work of publication has been undertaken. 

The Records are tied up in separate packages, one for 
each year, and each package contains the Records of the four 
Quarter Sessions, held respectively at New Sarum, Devizes, Marlborough, 
and Warminster, in rotation as at present. In a very few 
instances single files are missing; in 1643 and 1644 only two 
Sessions were held; and in 1645 none at all, owing to the unsettled 
state of the country on account of the Civil War. 

The Records concern mainly the proceedings against offenders, 
but they also contain many interesting items of local interest, such 
as the names of the various juries (Grand and Petty) and their 
presentments to the Justices, the reports from the Tythingmen and 
Constables of the various hundreds in the county, reports from the 
" searchers of cloth ", etc-, besides numerous indictments, 
recognizances, etc., all of which throw an interesting light on 
the local conditions of the life of the people of Wiltshire of that 
period. 

The duties of the Tythingmen and Constables were many. 
They had to report upon the condition of the roads and bridges in 
their districts, whether any houses had been erected contrary to 
the Act of Queen Elizabeth, without the necessary four acres of 
land attached, and encroachments Upon the highways (these were 
many), streams and water courses that were not kept cleared, 
the names of all " Popish Recusants " or " Popishly inclined " 
persons, the holding of " Conventicles " , a list of all vagrants and 
rogues captured and punished, unlicensed alehouses, persons found 
intoxicated, or caught tippling on a Sunday or otherwise breaking 
the Sabbath day, persons intruding and settling down in the 
villages or towns who had no claim to live there, and many other 

misdemeanours;—in fact* they appear to have had to report on 
every conceivable matter occurring in their respective districts that 
was not absolutely according to the law. 

The Justices held enquiries at their respective homes into all 
manner of misdeeds and complaints, and forwarded their reports to 
the Clerk of the Sessions in time for the quarterly meetings. These 
reports comprise not only breaches of the laws; they deal with local 
quarrels, enquiries as to the reputed fathers of illegitimate children, 
the Justices' own views as" to the state of the roads and bridges and 
who was responsible for the necessary repairs, sometimes giving an 
estimate of the cost of such repairs. The Justices had also to sigh 


all passes for beggars to travel from one part of the country to 
another, warrants for the arrest of evil doers and orders for their 
conveyance to prison to await their trial. In fact, the Justices of 
that period were kept fairly busy with matters concerning their 
respective districts. 

One feature appears in nearly all the files of this century—that 
is, the appeals to the Court for pensions or relief by maimed and 
wounded soldiers. Apparently there was a tax of fourpence in 
the £ levied throughout the county as far back as 1578, in the 
reign of Queen Elizabeth, for this purpose, and Treasurers for the 
Northern and Southern parts of the county were elected at Quarter 
Sessions at such times as vacancies occurred. In the earlier 
Records the applications for relief are few, but after the Civil War 
their numbers increased considerably. And it is interesting to note 
that, during the Commonwealth, every applicant had fought for 
and got wounded in the service of the Parliament, but after the 
Restoration they all had given their services to " The late King 
of ever blessed memory By 1680 these appeals had dwindled 
to one or two each sessions; sometimes there was none. Many 
of the appeals for relief are supported by letters from the 
applicants' commanding officers, the justices of the district that 
they come from, or the ministers of the parishes and " the chief test 
inhabitants " of the villages. 

Another interesting fact becomes apparent when reading these 
Records, that whereas the number of Recusants in the Southern 
part of the county is large, in the Northern part they are very few. 
This is due no doubt to the " Wardour " influence in those days, 
especially in the neighbourhood of Fovant, Dinton, Tisbury, Don-
head, Ansty, etc. 

By the courtesy of the Chairman and members of the Wilts 
Standing Joint Committee, the following extracts have been 
transcribed and published, and though it has not been possible to 
copy all that is interesting on these Rolls, yet it is hoped those 
selected will assist, in a manner not before attempted, to show the 
social conditions under which the inhabitants of Wiltshire lived in 
the 17th century, and the steps taken by the Justices to maintain 
order, alleviate the sufferings of the poor, and carry out the laws 
of the land. 

It should be mentioned that besides the " Great Rolls ", dating 
from 1603, there are, in the Muniment Room, a series of " Minute 
Books " or " Registers " dating from the 16th year of Queen 
Elizabeth's reign. These "Registers" are brief summaries of 
what appears in the " Great Rolls " that in the earlier Elizabethan 
registers are termed "Sessions Bundles" (now, alas! lost) and 
are sub-divided into " Entries " and " Orders ", the former dealing 
with the criminal business transacted at the Sessions and the 
latter with the non-criminal matters. The " Registers " of Queen 
Elizabeth's reign are fully dealt with in Mr. Merriman's extracts 
published in the Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine (see page 2). 


In Appendix " D ", (p. 298) will be found copies of a number 
of Autograph Letters (with a separate index), written in the course 
of the 17th century, addressed to the Justices of the Peace, from 
Rulers, Ministers of State, Bishops, Commanders in the Armies, 
and other notable historical personages. These letters have been 
taken from the Rolls to ensure their preservation and security, and 
inserted in a volume together with transcriptions; this also enables 
them to be the more readily consulted. Typed copies have been 
substituted in the Rolls of their respective dates. 

In conclusion, I desire to put on record my grateful thanks to 
those kind friends who have so generously helped in this work, but 
more especially to Mr. J. J. Slade and Mr. J. E. Stone, of the 
" Wiltshire Gazette who so materially assisted me in the tedious 
labour of proof reading. 

It is my sincere hope that this volume will form one of those 

series of local histories which in recent years have become of 

increasing interest, and are of such value to the student of English 

History. 

" God save the King, and the Honourable Bench 

B.H.C. 
Devizes; November, 1932. 

THE "GREAT ROLLS" OR FILES OF 
PROCEEDINGS OF WILTS QUARTER 
SESSIONS IN THE 17th CENTURY. 


These Quarter Sessions Files begin with one roll, viz., that 
for January, 1602/3 (until the middle of the 18th century the official 
new year began April ist), and from thence onwards are almost 
complete. Each file consists—-when complete—of four rolls in each 
year, viz., one for each of the Quarter Sessions. They contain a 
vast amount of material throwing an interesting light on the conditions 
of village life as well as the procedure that governed the 
maintenance of order and suppression of crime in the county. The 
reports of the Tithingmen and Constables go to show the many 
duties these forerunners of our Police were expected to carry out. 

The presentments of the Juries of the Hundreds and of the 
Grand Juries give an excellent idea of the care taken that bridges 
and highways should be repaired by the persons responsible, that 
no cottages should be erected without 4 acres of land attached and 
the proper consent of the authorities obtained. That all persons 
who failed to go to Church were duly " presented " to the 
Justices, and that all " Popish Recusants " had paid their fine. 
They also reported on the conduct of the ale houses, the service 
of apprentices, the treatment of servants by their masters, persons 
taking in lodgers " contrary to the statute brawlers in church, 
and all other evil doers. 

The Justices received petitions for relief of maimed soldiers and 
mariners, losses by fire, and for many other commendable causes. 
They also granted licenses to " badgers " or hawkers, licenses to 
ale house keepers, and certificates or passes to wandering vagrants 
and beggars. These passes required very careful scrutiny, as 
so many were forged and illegal. Besides the foregoing, which 
refer rather to the social than the legal side of life, the rolls consist 
of writs, warrants, recognizances, indictments, and indentures 
of apprentices. It is interesting to note that during the Civil 
Wars in 1643, when the county was in such a disturbed and 
'' dangerous state owing to the souldiers ", it was not possible 
to " advertise the sessions " held at Marlborough in October that 
year or " safe for persons to travel 

Witnesses and others who did not attend were pardoned on 
condition that they were present at the next Sessions. 

In the years 1643 and 1644 the Sessions were held only twice 
in each yearj none at all was held in 1645, when the whole county 

B 


was over-run by Cromwell's troops, and only two Sessions were 
held in 1646. 
On the country becoming more settled in 1647 the four 
Quarterly Sessions were resumed. 

Another duty of the Justices at Quarter Sessions was that of 
fixing the maximum rate of wages to be paid to all classes of 
workers in the county, in accordance with the " Statute of 
Labourers " passed in the 5th year of Queen Elizabeth's reign. 

[The earlier files contain many of these Schedules. ] 

Any infringements of the rates of pay laid down by the 
Justices subjected the payer as well as the receiver to heavy 
punishment. 

In the " Wilts Archaeological Magazine " (Vols. XX. , XXL , 
and XXII. ) appear a series of articles by the late R. W. Merriman, 
the then Clerk of the Peace for the County, which contain many 
interesting extracts from these rolls. They deal more especially, 
however, with the legal side of the proceedings of the Quarter 
Sessions, whereas these extracts generally refer more to the social 
side. 

The first roll, or file, dated 1603, contains the presentments 
of the Cloth Searchers, Tythingmen and Constables at the Session 
held at Devizes in May, 1603, the first year of the reign of King 
James I. Some of the reports are dated " 45th year of Elizabeth ", 

e

who died in March, 1602/3 ( tn legal year began on April ist), so 
either these presentments were drawn up before the death of Elizabeth 
or the news of that event had not reached the compilers by 
the time they had to be sent to the Clerk of the Peace. In the 
following extracts, the date of the roll from which each comes is 
generally given at the beginning; where no year is mentioned it 
must be taken that the item belongs to the period of the previous 
date, and where blanks occur that the words are obliterated. 

1603. 

GENERAL QUARTER SESSIONS OF THE PEACE HELD 

AT THE DEVIZES, MAY 3rd. 

James I. came to the throne March, 1603, consequently some 
of the indictments that were tried at these Sessions belong to the 
last three months of Elizabeth's reign. 

PRESENTMENTS. 

Itm. Wee psent Roger fflower of the Devizes that Hee the 
xxxth daye of October made three clothes fine white brode Lysted 
wch being then & ther weell scored ffulled and ffully dryed dide 
contayn in Length xxxj yeards contrary to the statutt every one of 
them. 

Searchers, Richard Russell, George Watkins, and Edward 
Webbe. 


Shearchers ffor Castlee Coume, John of band and Thomas 
Parsons. 

W e do presentte John Younge of Castell Coume Clothear the 
viij day of Aprell for two narow lyste whytte Cloathars ded lacke 
iiij pound. 

We do presentte William Webbe of Slauter forde Clothear 
the xv day of Aprell for j broad lyste whytte clothe ded lacke ij 
pound. 

We do presentte George Neete of Nettelltoun Clothear the 
xxix day of Aprell j broad lyste whytte clothe ded lacke ij pound. 

CALNE. 

This is a lengthy presentment containing a^cases, of which 
the following are selections: 

ffrancis Twigden on cloth ffaulltye narow thorowout the 9 of 
October & 29 November. 

Do. on cloth ffaullty narow 4 playtes the 22 of January. 

Do. on cloth ffaullty narow hallffe waye 30 of Apryll. 

Do. on broad lyte cloth sentered thorowaut the 9 of October 
by William Coocke his Tucker and sent away unseched. 

ffrancis Twigden, Thomas Bullock and Rychard Elleington 
ryotusly and routeously and agaynst the Kynges Imperiall Crowne 
and dignity by fforce of Armes dyd resyst and tacke away on 
Broade narow lyste whyt cloth from John Horten gent and Thomas 
Ocfford at Chevers newe myll in Clarckes meade the 19 of Apryll 
John Tayller of Spertehill the 22 of November 4 cithers lacking 
on pownde a pece of theyr fful wayght: and on cloth lackes 2 
powndes of his ffull wayght. 

Richard Bayly of Echillhamton the 12 of March on cloth lacking 
a pound. 
John Pearce of Charlcott the 27 of ffebruary on cloth lackes 
3 powndes of his full wayght. 
Wi Elyzbeth Chener of Quemerford on cloth ffaullty narow 
thorowout the 22 of October. 
(There are three similar charges against Widow Janner on 
other .dates). 
Robart Padyce 3 clothers ffaullty narow 8—20 22 playtes a 
pece the 7 of January. 

Thomos Haullkyns 3 clothers mysscontented the 28 of Marche. 
William Salt on narow lysted Broad whyt tacken a way by 
force of arms by John Mather of Calston at his myll there the 24 
of September agaynst the Kynges Imperiall Crown and dignity. 
This is signed by John Hyrton gent Thomas Ocfford, John 

Tyller. 

The presentment of the Jury of the Devizes. 

We present John Paynes bezzy (a) for makinge a mucksune (b) 
in ye Markett piace to ye greate a noyence of the Kynges leige 
people. 

B2 


(a) (Bezzy, may be meant for Bezonian=a beggar). 
(b) (Mucksen=a dungheap). 
We present John Streete for keppinge unlafuli game in his 
house. 
(Farnando buttler, gylle endoll, george W'attkynes and 
James Willis are also presented for similar offences). 

CHIPPENHAM. 

Gabriell Goldeny, Henry Nashe & Robert Hawkins searchers 
of broad white clothe for the pishe of Chippenham aforesaid Ano. 
Eliz: 45 (1602). 

In primis. Wee psent on the fowerth daye of November laste 
we founde one narrowe listed clothe of Edward Stafford thelder 
of Chippenham'to be to narrowe & wthin sixe aboute xiiij yeards 
or there aboute. 

We psent on the same daye one other cloth of the same 

Edward to be to narrowe fyve yeards wth bands or ther aboute. 

We likewise psent on the same daye one other cloth of the 
same Edward being narrowe xiiij yeards & in length xxx yeards 
wch after was cutt to the length of xxviij yeards. 

(There are two simliar presentments against Edward on other 

dates). 

This is signed Gabriell Gouldney, Henry Nash, and Robert 

hawkyns. 

KINGSTON ST. MICHAEL. 

Robert Hewet and William Launde, searchers for Michaells 

Kingston. 

We psent on the xxiij of Aprill last wee founde at a mill called 

Perkengill myll one broad list Jwhite clothe being the cloth of 

John Robert of Chippenham to be in length xxix yeards. 

1602. 

SLAUGHTERFORD. 

Md. W e the searchers following dooe psent Richard Vinar 
of Marshfielde Clothier in the County of Gloucester for that he 
the said Richarde made or caused to be made a broade light whitte 
Cloth wch wanted six pounds of Standard weight uppon his ffull 
tucking wth in the pishe of Slaughterford. Serched and founde 
in default the xxviij daie of Januarie last past by us Robert Browne 
and Richard Hoare of Slaughterford a foresaid Serchers. 

1603. 

BROMHAM AND ROWDE. 

fore the layberties of bromhame and rowde wee say all thinges 
is good and fayre. 


BRADFORD. 

A presentments made by the Jurores of the hundred of brad-
ford the 3 of Maye 1603. 

Ite. Wee presente that the sceacondr Eyell of Mitforees 
bridge lyinge towarde the southest end of the same bridge called 
by the neame of Wilsheare eyell is greatlye in decaye to the annoyannce 
of the Kinges leadge peapull and by whom it ought to be 
repeared Wee know not. 

POTTERNE AND CANNINGS. 

The psentment for the hunderd of Poterne and Channings 
this 3 daye of Maye 1603. 

Wee doe psent Thomas Hitchman of Worton for that he hath 
kept an in mate in his house for the space of three yeres last past 
contrary to the statute and would not at aine time be Bownd for 
his disregarde. 

Wee doe psent Thomas Weekes of Potterne for receavinge one 
Hatheren wch came greate wth child from Bainton, late servannte 
wth one Mrs, Jones, desiring yor worshippes favors to direct us 
some good course for the discharge of or pishe. 

CALNE. 

for the hundred of Calne. 

W e psent a way decayed in the severall grond of widowe 
Chevers called hayll lanne wth in the pishe of Calne wch is the 
high way leading from hilmarton and from Compton unto the 
Devizes being a horse way and a wayne way, wch way is to be 
kept repayred and mayntayned from time to time by the said 
widowe Chevers wch way is a great hurt unto the Kings Magustie 
subiactes wch travell that way. 

CHIPPENHAM. 

The presentment of the hundred of Chippenham. 

Itm. We psent Anthony Jones of Mydlehill wthin the pishe 
of Boxe for the newe erecting and buildinge of one cottage house 
wthin the Comon of the aforesaid Mydehill contrary to the lawes 
and statuts of this realme. 

Itm. We psent Johane Keynes of the pishe of Boxe for the 
dwelling in the small cottage house in Hatt wth in the pishe 
of Boxe, newe erected by her late husbande John Keynes deceased 
contrary to the lawes &c. 

Itm. Wee psent Christopher Butler of Boxe weaver, John 
Humpryes of ndlowe in the same pishe Roughemason for 
that they both one the feaste daye of Easter last in the Church 
of Boxe before the morneinge prayer on that daye in a tumultor 
sorte denydd the booke of Comon prayer & the book of the Omiles 


sayeing that there could be no edificacon for the people by them 
and that the unpreaching mynister could not rightly nor had noe 
power to administer the Sacrament. 

Likewise psent the aforesaid and one Sylvester Butler of 
Castlecombe for that they three on Easter Twesdaye laste in the 
Churche yeard of Boxe in the after none of the same daye did in 
the like tumultuos sort beset John Coven Vicar of Boxe mayntayninge 
the former alagacons lykewise utterly denyinge the ministery 
for the most pte to have now lawfull callinge & wthall threateninge 
in generall termes that the said John Covine wth a thon 
said of like should somen them. He was a of be 
throwen out of their places by the heeles. 

In wytnes hereof. 
John Coven, Vicar of Boxe. 
and Willm Saye. Nycholas Coxe. 


MELKSHAM. 

The presentments for the hundred of Melksham. 

We dow psent Willim Coninge of Wodrewe parish of Milk-
sham have taken away a way that goeth from neybour to neigh-* 
bour in Wodrewe a path way And the way conteyneth to Calne 
and hath remayned away this C yeares and upparde. 

W e doe present Willim Gerish of Shaw for that hee had a 
mayde begott wth Child In his howse and the mayde was torned 
away by Willim Gerish and is bidinge now in John Wards howse 
at Wodrewe. 

We doe psent that Michaell Cuffe and Thomas Lester in the 
fforrest of Blakmore have taken in an inmate wch came from Send 
and abode at Send butt one quarter of a yeare wch the parish is 
Hcke to be charged of all. 

MALMESBURY. 

Hundred of Malmysberie. The presentments of the Jury att 
the Quarter Sessions holden at the Devizes this iij day of Maye, 
1603. 

Imprimis. W e psent that Staynes Bridge in the Tethinge of 
Brokenborow ys greatly in decaye very dangerous to all 
passengers and travelers that useth that waye and ought to be 
repayred bye the said tethinge of Brokenborough. 

Itm. We farther psent that Turne againe Lane neare unto 
Staynes Bridge is decayed and ought to be repayred and amended 
by the said tethinge of Brokenborough. 

Itm. farther we psent that the Bridge nere unto sondayes 
Elme adioyninge unto a ground of one John Speck of Brokenborough 
wth in the tethinge of Brokenborough is in decaye & 
ought to be repayred by the Tethinge of Brokenborough. 

Itm. W e farther psent that there is a watter course in the 
mydle of the Tything of Estott Kuninge alonge downe her ditch 
wch doth over flowe the casseway to the great decay of the said 


casway and ought to be amended by one Bennet wch useth the 
ground and dampneth up the watter to the hurt of the said way. 

A PETITION from Stanton St. Bernard for. relief on account of 
loss by fire. (This document is mutilated at edges and 
words missing.) 

To the Right Worshippfull The Queenes Maties Justices of 
this Countie of Wiltes. 

In most Humble wise Complayninge sheweth unto yor Worshippes 
yor poore and Oratrix Alice Haynes of Stanton 
Barnard in the said Countie of Wiltes, Widdowe. That whereas 
by mysfortune of fyer suddainely ariseinge in and uppon the fourth 
daie of November laste paste betwene tenne and eleven of the 
clocke at nyghte the psonage house of Stanton aforesaid wherein 
the said Widdowe and her poore child(ren) did their dwell was 
burned and all her goodes and household stufe in the same house 
to the value of Twentie poundes was then and there by the same 
fyer quite wasted and consumed to the utter impoverishinge and 
undoinge of the said poore Widdowe and her sixe small children 
if some spedie remedie for her be not pvided. And for that to 
travell and aske the Devotion of good disposed people, is a thinge 
contrarie unto her Maties Lawes. She hath no meanes lefte to 

releve her self but only seeke unto yor Worshippes for 
helpe and comforte. Maye it therefore please yor worshippes to 
have compassion uppon the poore distressed widdowe being nowe 
in a wofull case and to allowe some portion of that money wch is 
collected wth (in the) Countie for such Charitable uses, as in yor 
worshippfull consideracons shalbe (• ) good, towrades the 
relief of the afflicted widdowe and her poore children an ( ) 
such order wth the overseers appoynted for the relief of the poore 
of Stanton ( ) that she and her children maye have some 
place to inhabit and dwell in, as ( ) grave discretion shalbe 
meete and convenient. And yor poore Oratrix shall dailie praye 

unto Almightie for the prosperous estate of yor worshipps to continue. 
And for that it maye more playnlie unto yor worshipps 
that this is true the pties whose names are under written being 
Inhabitants of the said pishe have putt their handes geven the 
ixth daie of this instant Januarie and in the fyve and fortethe yere 
of her Maties Raigne Ano Dmi (1603). 

(Signed) WILLIAM CROMWELL. Vicar. 
Christopher Baylye, Palle Samon, Willim Godwyn, Richard Plooth 
(and one other name indecipherable). 

The following is not dated, but is in the great Roll of 1603. 

To the Worshippfull Mr. Edward Longe, Mr. Lysley, 
and Mr. John Kent, Officers of the manner of Bradford, to the 
Right honorable Countise of Clanricard. 

May it please you to understand That the bearer hereof whose 
name is John Tiladdams whoo was borne in Bradford and hath 


dwelt there all his tyme sythence and hath behaved hymselfe 
allwayes true and honest in all kind of respect for ought we knowe, 
and no we having Impedyment boath in his sight and in pte of his 
Lymms, by reason whereof is nott able to gett his Lyving and to 
pay great rents for howsing as he hathe done in tymes paste, 

these causes consydred Doth move us whose names are under 
written To crave yor Worshipps favor and furthermore in his 
behalfe, To bestowe a plott of ground upon hym wthin the 
borroughe or very neare therunto to build a howse one (on) to the 
better relyefe of hym, his wife and children, wch thing yf you will 
graunt we shall thincke or selves beholden unto you. And the 
poore man wilbe bound all wayes To pray unto God for yor most 
prosperous healthes and wealth, to god honor & glory. 

(Signed) Thomas Reede, Vicar of Bradford.

 w 

Henry Deverell and John Singer, Church Wardines, Thos. 
Lovell, Wallter Yorbury, Thomas Chepenham, of hoolt overseeres. 

Mr. Kent we have auchtorised Bartholomew Browne of 

Uphaven wth in or devision to kepe a Vitling house in Uphaven, 

wherfor upon good surties to be bounde according to the forme of 

the Statute in that behalfe we will that you shall graunt him a 

licence under the seale of the Sessions. Date iij May Anno Jacobi 

Regis & primus. Yor frendes 

John Dauntsey. 

Jo. Erneley. 

Alexandr Tutt. 

Suerties James Pyle of Uphaven house. 

Anthony Coop of Longstreet in the pishe of Enford. 

The Trinity Quarter Sessions for 1603 were held at Warminster 

on the 19th day of July. The roll of proceedings is very similar to 

the Easter Sessions in its composition and the Calendar quite as 

heavy. 

There are several presentments for faulty cloth, decayed ways 

and bridges. The examination of Agnes Jones of Great Bedwyn in 

a bastardy case is attested by " Henry Sarm Bishop of Salis


bury. There are several petitions to the Justices asking for 

assistance in relief of fires, robbery, &c., but the following account 

of " The Boy who did not get whipped " is of quite another kind. 

Whereas heretofore one Wm. Mathew the sonne of Thomas 

Mathew, a poore man of this towne of Warminster, wth wilful and 

ill intent did thrust his knyfe into the thighe of one Walter Rudman, 

nowe apprentice with one John Morgaine Sercher of the Towne, 

the hurte whereof besydes the chardges of healling and losse of his 

work unto his said Mr. And complainte thereof being made unto 

the Wor. Mr. James Ley esquire it was ordered and comanded by 

him unto the Constables of this Towne, that the said Wm. Mathew 

should be therefore whipped in the Towne Hall as a punishment 

due for such an offendor to the end yt might be an example of 

warninge to him and other such lewd mynded boyes in attempting 


the like deeds. The constables as yt seemeth hath not pformed the 
said order whereby the said boye is animated to doe further 
mischeeffs if he maye escape unpunished for one of the Constables 
being of kynne to the said boye saith that it is done, but thother 
knoews not of yt nor any bodye els. Wherefore yf yt please yor 
Wors. to call the said Constable John Townesend before you and 
to examyne him &c. and do further therein as seemeth fitt in yor 
Wors. discretions, you may doe a very charritable deed. 

Yor Wor. Comden 
Wm. Rudman 
father of Walter Rudman. 
(The result of this petition is not stated, but one cannot help 
hoping that young Mathews got his desserts.) 

JULY, WARMINSTER SESSIONS. 

Abstracts of most of these items have been transcribed in 
" The Historical Manuscripts Commission Report on Manuscripts 
", 1901 Report, and by R. W. Merriman in Wilts 
Archaeological Magazine Volumes. 

1604. 

HILLARY SESSIONS, JAN. 10th, AT SALISBURY, !6o3/4. 

This Roll is damaged by damp somewhat. It has the usual 
list of Jurymen, a large number of recognizances and indictments. 
Among the presentments of the searchers is the following, which 
is worth transcribing if only for the quaint spelling. 

The sevyntyne daye of November in the fyrste yeare of the 
Raygne of owre soferaygne Lord Kynge James the fyrste came 
Thomas Whetaker, Rychard Layson and Thomas Lavyngton to 
the myll house of John Ussher saying to John Ussher we are come 
to vew and to doe ower offys uppon your clothes, who anseryd us 
there be take yowr plesure butt looke yow do no more than 
yowr offys, we fyndynge the clothes uncontentyd, we requyred 
hym to sett on hys contents whych wold nott do ytt Sayenge to 
us he had not yett porposyd in hys mynd what he wold do wth 
them. 

Then we demanded of hym in fryndly sorte when he wold lode 
them, to the end we myght come and do owre offys, who ansered 
us he cold nott tell when ether by daye or by nyght or before 
Chrystmas or no. To home we sayd then ytt ys nesysarye yf you 
lode in the nyght that you geve us knowlege a daye before that we 
may come to do owre offys he anseryd us agayne when he had nyd 
(need) of us he wold send for us. He did not send for us att all nore 
geve us any knowlege of hys lodynge, thys beyinge the xxvij daye 
of November he lodyd verye shortlye after xxij clothes more and 
the weke after that he lodyd viij clothes more whyche xxx clothes 
were loden and g-on wth owte anye examsyon of owre offys whyche 


IO 

ys hys second contempe contrarye to the statute provyd in that 
behavfe And now come to the heryng of yowr good worshippes. 
Wee Thomas Whetacker, Richard Layson, Thomas Lavinton, 
over seeers for Wolling Clothe. 

Some of the presentments are complaints against inhabitants 
not going to Church " to the defin sarvis and not tacking the commonion 
". 

Another presentment, a very lengthy one, concerns a case of 
cattle stealing, to which is added the sworn testimony of Witnesses. 

PREVENTION OF PESTILENCE. 

The following order of the Justices for preventing the spreading 
of the pestilence is worth recording. 

After the usual preliminary " at the General Quarter Sessions 
&c. held at New Sarum Jan. 12th in the first year of James (ist) 
(1603/4) &c. " " ffor avoyclinge of further encrease of the infection 
of the pestilence wch by daily experience ys founde to growe by 
the wanderinge upp and downe the country of idle and loyteringe 
vagabonds and other loose psons wch nowe of late have taken more 
libtye to travaile then heretofore in regarde that the Constables 
Tithingmen and hedboroughes wth in this County have byn very 
remisse in thexecucon of the statute made in the xxxixth yere of 
the Raigne of our Late Sovaigne Ladye Queene Elizabeth for the 
punishment of Rogues vagabonds and idle beggars yt ys ordered 
by the Justices of the peace of this County at this psent Sessions 
assembled That all Constables, Tithingmen hedboroughes & other 
officers and Ministers Wth in this County to whome yt shall 
appteyne Doe from henceforthe their best endever to putt in 
execucon the foresaid statute touchinge the punishment of all suche 

Rogues, Vagabonds and idle beggars as shall travaile upp & downe 
by or throughe their pcincts & lymitts upon the paine and forfaicture 
in the said statute expressed and to be further delt wth 
& pceeded as their remissences & negligence in that behalf shall 
require. And yt is further ordered that the Churchwardens or 
sidenien of every pishe wth in the said County doe forthwth upon 
the receipt of a Copie of this order to be to them delived cause the 
same to be published openly in their pishe Churches ymediately 
after divine prayer in the psence of the pishioners that notice may 
thereof be taken to thintent that the foresaid officers may be wthout 
excuse yf hereafter they shall offende in neglect of their duetyes in 
this behalfe. 

(Signed) Henry Sarm 
Eded Penrucldoke 
Echo (?) Estcombe 
Lawrence Hyde 

G. Tooke 
W. Blacker 
(And one other unreadable). 

This is followed by a lengthy order of the Justices whereby 

they decree that any person or persons infected with the pestilence 

found wandering about and outside their houses they may be sent to 

the nearest house of correction for one month and shall every day 

of his or her imprisonment be punished by whipping, and before 

being released shall find securities for his or her good behaviour 

in the future and to appear at the next Quarter Sesisons to receive 

further orders as the Court shall think fit. 

A footnote states:—Upon credible informacon given unto the 
Court at this present General Quarter Sessions That the Citty of 
Sarum ye Boroughes of the Devizes & Marleboroughe & the pishe 
of Ffisherton Anger are infected wth the disease of the pestilence 
& that in the Citty, Boroughs & pishe there are great numbers of 
poore people who onely live and mayntayne them selves by weaving 
of wollen clothe & spynning to the Clothiers & mketts wthin the 
said County & other manuall trades & occupacons now are putt of 
from their saide worke by the clothiers & others their work masters 
by reason of the feare of the encrease & further dispse of the said 
infeccon so as nowe there ys noe meanes lefte unto them for poore 
people to get their lyvinge unles it shall please god very shortly to 
stay the contagion thereof. Y t is therefore ordered by the Justices 
assembled at this Sessions that for henceforth there shalbe paied 
by the Treausauers of the Colleccon of the relief of the poore 
persons of the Kings Bench & Marshalsey & of suche hospitalls 
& Almeshouses as are wth in this County or one of them towards 
the relief of the sd pooer people theise somes of mony hereafter 
menconed. 

The remainder of this document is so badly written, parts 
scored out, written over and amended that the true sense of 
it is difficult to make out, but apparently the Mayor of New Sarum 
was to have forty shillings weekly for the relief of the poor, and the 
same amount was to. be sent to Devizes, and Marlborough and 
Fisherton Anger thirty shillings. An amount was also allotted to 
Calne, but it is unreadable. 

This bears the same signatures as the previous document, with 
the addition of Henry Martyn, W. A. Vaughan, and two unreadable. 


The Michaelmas Sessions were held on October 18th, 1603, at 
Devizes: One of the most interesting documents in this file is that 
containing the '' Orders agreed upon for thoccupacon of 
Weavers ". It is published in detail in the Historical Manuscripts 
Commission Report on Manuscripts, 1901, pages 74 and 75. 

A TALE OF A SADDLER, A RAPIER AND A DAGGER. 

The examination of William Saverie, late of Norrington, 
husband, taken before Sir James Mervin, Knight, 21st day of 
September, 1603. 

The said examinat confesseth and sayeth that about three 
weekes sethence, being servant to one Richard Kennyll of Norring



ton aforesayd, he came into an oxe house of the sayd Richard 
Kennyll there, and dyd take awaye one rode saddle havinge gyvses 
and stirrops belonging^ to ytt, And caryed ytt unto one John Dwe 
undertennt of the sayd Richard Kennyll in pcell of the houses 
thereunto belonging, And prayed him to lend this examinatt two 
shillings uppon the sayd saddell. And that he should keepe the 
same untyll he brought him his money againe. And being further 
examined touchinge a rapier of one Mr. Curgeynide a Minister, he 
sayethe that uppon the restoringe of the possession from Mr. 
Gawen to the said Richard Kennyll of Norrington house this 
examinat came into the dwellinge house there and in a chamber he 
tooke awaye one Rapier but whether it was Mr. Curgeynids rapier 
or nott he knoweth nott, Butt sayethe he kept yt in his custodye 
by the space of seven dayes, untyll uppon examinaccon by his Mr. 
Kennyll taken of him he confessed that he had the said rapier. 
And being further examined howe he receyved a dagger wch was 
found in his chamber att the same time he sayethe that he tooke 
up the dagger in the utter Courte att Norrington wthout a scabbard. 
And so kept yt in his Chamber untyll by searche yt was found. 
And wthin a daye after he tooke out of the hawle in the sayd house 
a scabbard for the sayd dagger and more he confesseth nott. 

(Signed) JAMES MERVIN. 

ALE HOUSES IN LAVINGTON. 

I understand by this bearer my sarvant that you desier I sholde 
sett downe the names of suche as I shall thincke fitt to be allowed 
in Stippellavington to sell ale, wch I colde wishe to be very fewe yf 
it were not for the Markett bereson (by reason) whereof I thincke 
ther cannot be lesse then fower besides the Inde (Inn) whose names 
I have her under written, and yf herafter it maye apeare that les 
may suffice then they may be abriged and yf nowe you and the rest 
of the gent shall thincke them to many I leve it to yor cosederacon 
to apoynt what number you shall thincke will suffice. Thus 
desiringe to see you at yor returne from the sessions I comyt you 
to the benission of the hiest. Att my house this wensdaie 1603. 

Yor ffrende asured, 
JOHN DAUNTESEY. 
Mark Williams 


These to be lysensed to kepe alehouses in 
Lavington, fforsd, and the rest to be suppressed. 


Wth my very hartie commendacons. Yf Nicholas Evans 
appeare nowe at the Sessions I pray you to take order that he be 
not delivred (released) but uppon very good sewerties. ..... . 
men of good worth and to be bound in good fines for his psonall 
apparance at the next Quarter Sessions for that he is to be charged 
wth some other matter els wheare. And I byd you hartty 
ffarewell ffrom Lytlecott this 27th of October 1603. 

(Signed) J. POPHAM. 


AN APPEAL TO THE KING. 

To the Kings most excelent Maiesty Moste high & mighty 
prince. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords multiply his ffavors 
and mercy uppon you and yor Roy all stede (Anglo Saxon = a place 
or spot) and posteryty for ever. 

May it please yor highnes even for Christ Jesus sake to take 
pitty uppon me yor poore miserable distressed subiject, ffor I am cast 
into prison my wife and children throwen out of my howse & lefe 
to the mercy of the worlde by one Richard Grubham Esquire. My 
humble suite unto yor maiesty is that I may have som succour of 
the parishe for my self my wife and children and that I may have a 
place built by the parishe for us, this yf it may please yor highnes 
to graunt I and myne shall I hope for ever prayse God for you. 

The above, in the handwriting of the applicant, is not signed, 
but beneath it, in a different hand, is written " at the Court at 
Wilton 30 Aug. 1603 The Justices of peace upon complaint to them 
will charitablie consider of this peticon if ther be cause. (Signed) 
Roger Wilbraham ". 

A DEFAULTING PORTREVE. 

We present that Nicholas Tarrant of the burrough of Bedwin 
Magna in the sayd countie husbandman and portreeve of the said 
Burrough on the xiiij of September in the first yeare of the raigne 
of our Soveraigne Lord King James did suffer iij rouges to passe 
unpunished after that they weare taken and brought unto him by 
the watche there contrary to the forme of the Statute in that case 
made and provided. 

Also we present that Willm Batt of Crofton husbandman on 
the xiiij day of October &c. did receave into his howse and harbour 
by the space of three nights a wandering woman and a childe 
coming from London as it was supposed to the great danger of the 
inhabitants of Crofton by whom being required not to take into 
his howse the sayd woman & child did unrevently abuse them wth 
many slanderous speeches. 

1606. 

The Roll for this year contains many interesting presentments, 
some of which are too lengthy to be transcribed. The following are 
a few of the shorter ones. 

GRUNDWELL.—Imprimis, wee doe psent Thomas Kemble and 

Brydget his wife for not coming to Church. 

WIDHILL wthin the pysh of Cricklad St. Sampson. Item we 

psent the wife of Griffin Dancaster for not coming to 

Church. 

LATTON.—Item we psent thee widowe Dicwise for a papist. 

LYDDIARD MILLICENT.—Item we doe psent Gyles Weebb gent, 

for papist. 


HYGWOTH.—We psent William Elbron for a comon drunckard. 
WESTROP.—We psent Antroney Dewman kepr of ale. 
FFRYSEDEN.—We psent a bridge lying betwene Highworth & 

Towsewell. 
BLUNSDEN GAYE.—We psent the widdowe Hollowaye for keping 
a Comon Ale house. 
LATTON.—We psent Alice Stone the wife of Thomas Stone for 
a comon scould. 
KINWARDSTONE.—Mistress Bright Hungerford of Stok doth 

not com to Chirch. 
Her man Larence Drake cometh not to the Chirch. 
Mr. Moelence (?) of fosberie and his wife and childrene cometh 

not to the Chirch. 
Mr. Crpheare and his wife doth not receave the communion 
yeat they cometh to the Chirch. 
The man Briston of pewsie hath taken an under tenant in a 
cotage theare. 
Edmond Amore of Pewsie hath taken an under tenante in a 
cotege in Pewsey. 

We psent that the one thyrty day of August last past then 
there at Robt Sweper and Phyllyps disorder and drunkennes 
in his house at nyght wth dyvers psons wch have byn 
in question before my lord chyff Justyce. 

KINGSBRIDG.—We psent Richard Rogers of Wouten Baset for 
that he is a common Allehouse haunter and a drunckard. 
We doe psent the wyfe of Mr. Nyckcolas Stevenes of 
burdrupe in the parish of Chissilton for not coming to 
Churche. 

SICKLY (? Selkley).—Impmis we psent that Mr. Zegwich hath 
not worne the serplis sence the tym he hath ben Vicar of 
Ockborne Saint Andrew, nether doth hee sine wth the sine 
of the Crosse in Babtisme wch hath bene required of him. 
Also we psent that Mr. Waldron of Allborne doth refuse 
to com the Church. 

We the searchers of Woollen clothe wthin the hundred of 
Westbury for this psent year 1606 doe present Nash Whitaker of 
Tynnhead in the parish of Edington, for that we came upon the 
nineteenth day of September last past unto the reckeclose of the 
said Whitaker And ther wee found in one of his reckes one broade 
woollen white clothe being streched and streyned wth one lower 
barr pinned downe at bothe ends of the same barr contrary to the 
Statute &c. 

HUNDRED OF WANBOROWE. 

Imprimis the Jurie doe psent the Tythinge of Manningford 
Boundes for that they do not keep and mayntaine a sufficient Bridge 
uppe the river for people to pass over by the foorde that leadethe 
from thence to Woodborowe arid that they may be comanded to 
repaire the same by St. Thomas daie on paine to forfitt. 


Itm. We psent the Tythinge of Russall for that they doe not 
sufficient]ie keepe scoured the river betwixte Manningford and 
Newnton and desire that he maye be comanded to scour the same 
by the daie aforesaid on paine to forfitt. 

Itm. We psent the Tythinge of Russall for that they do not 
keepe repaired the East Bridge at the Cuckingmill and doe desire 
that they be comanded to amend both endes of the same &c. (as 
above). 

We psent the pishe of Bechingstoke for that they doe not 
keepe skowred the river betwixt Marden Mill and Puckshippon and 
do desire &c. (as above). 

PRESENTMENTS HILLARY TERM. 

Thomas Parsons of Castle Combe, tucker ( = a fuller) his 
presentment 1606. 

I present Richard Vynar of Marsh field for the packing of one 
broad tyst white clothe to the lower barres the viijth day of November 
last past. 

I present Robert fforeman of Cawne (? Calne) weaver for the 
keeping of an apprentice unlawfullie for the space of ten moneths 
past. 

(He also presents Thomas Swaddon of " Cawne " for a similar 
offence). 

ALDERBURY HUNDRED. 

Wee psent that Richard Griffin Vicar of Idmiston doth not 
come to his owne pishe Church according to the Statute. 

Wee psent that Mr. Henry White of Hurkett in the pish of 
Winterbourne Earles doth not come to the mending of the high 
way. 

Wee psent Mr. Willm ffawcon esquire for not coming to his 
pishe Church according to the Statute. 

Where as we have examined all thynges and matters betwene 
our selves and we fynde nothing to present, but bulford men psented 
that durrington Bridge is decayed, and a traviling bridge in bulford 
and a causeway at longe bridge on both sydes which is to be 
mended, the bridge of durington is to be mended by durington and 
the west end of the causeway, and the est end by Bulford. 

by me Richardune Frington. 

SARU M the viij day of January 1606. 

Wee psent that Edward Bennet hath hedged in a peace of 
ground being a highway and is a deniance to the Kinges Majsties 
subjects. 

In Barrike St. John summa bene. 

There are also several presentments " for not coming to 
Church 


A QUARRELSOME CALSTON MAN. 

WILSHER. 

We whose names are hereunder wrytten doe sygnyfye unto yor 
wshipps that Henry Gale of Calston in this County of Wilshire, 
fuller, ys a Comen barreter (baret, Anglo Saxon = Strife) a trowbler 
and a great defame and Sllanderer and a comen dysturber a lybell 
maker ageinst his neyghbors to the great dysturbans and unquyetnes 
of his said neghbors for wytnes wherof we have to thes psents 
sett or "handes the xxiijth of October in the ffowerth yer of the 
Raygne of or Souvaygne lord James by the grace of god of England 

ffranee and Yerland Kynge defendor of the ffayth iiij and of Scotland 
the xlth. 

The above is signed by Stephen Wrell, John hiscock, Robeart 
Tinker, whilst Willm Garvis and John Wheates " make their 
mark " and is addressed " To the right Woor, Sir Henry Baynton, 
Knight". 

These are to certefie yor wo. that I have byn Constable of 
ffisherton Anger wthin the hundred of Brenche and Dole by the 
space of theise two yeares laste paste desiringe yor wo : that nowe 
I may be released and to aucthorise Thomas Rendall and Thomas 
Ward pishoners of ffisherton to undertake my office wherefore I 
shall as in dutie bownden ever praye for yor wo: psperitie longe 
to contynewe. 

Yor mo : humble suppliannt 
William Webb constable. 
The Magistrates granted his request and appointed Rendall 
in his place. 

A NEST OF THIEVES AT STOURTON. 

The Quarter Sessions Roll for Michaelmas 1606 contains a 
report of the enquiry into the doings of a party of thieves who lived 
near Stourton. It comprises the examination of the principal culprits, 
and is especially interesting on account of the quaint spelling 
and words used that are now obsolete. The first enquiry is— 
" Thexaminacon of Roger Snowe taken before Sir Edward 
Hext Knight the xvijth of July 1606. Hee sayth that about 
Bartholmewe day was twelvemoneth hee met wth one Willm Tyrrill 
and his weife and one Robt Boorne John Smyth fower or fyve 
myles from Sturton Howse, and Tirril and his weife depted from 
this extt Smyth and Boorne, and the sayd Boorne and Smyth 
brought this extt to one Phillip Trivytts howse neere unto my Lord 
Sturtons howse at Sturton where the sayd Smyth solde a payre of 
Breeches and they lay there all that night and in the morninge this 
extt and the sayd Boorne depeted from thence levinge the sayd 
Smyth beehinde them att the saycl Tryvetts howse And after they 
had gone about six myles together The sayd Boorne depeted out of 
the company of this extt. And this extt ment to travel towards 
London to seeke Svice (Service) And travelinge hee was taken into 


svice by one John Noble wthin two myles of Oxford att a place 
called Hillnige wheer he remayned ever sythence untill about 
Candlemas last att what tyme hee came from thence from his sayd 
master wthout leave and about Wilton in Wiltes he mett wth one 
John Bacon, and about Castely in Wiltes the next day followinge 
about ij of the clocke in the afternoone they brake a howse and 
tooke from thence two Wasscotes a silke scarfe a gould ringe a 
sllke apron a holland sheete a Tynnyn Salte and they went that 
night to Tryvetts howse where they solde the two wastcotts and 
the sheete and as this extt thinketh they had about xviijd for ytt 
and had their meate drinke and Lodgings that night and should 
have had xvjd more for yt as hee thinketh. And the next day they 
came towards Castle Carye wthin a myle of Bruham where they 
were apphended upon suspicon of fellonie and brought before Mr 
Gylbert and comytted to Fuelchester gayle. And there was taken 
uppon them the sayd gould ringe the silke apron the silke scarfe 
and a kercheife. And being examyned whether he could tell any 
thinge of Welshes robborye sayth that as this extt and Bacon 
came from Sir Edward Hext about fortnighte scythens the sayd 
Bacon confessed unto this extt that he the sayd Bacon wth two or 
three others did robb the sayd Welsh and tolde howe they 
smuddered him and his weife before they could gett up into the 
Chamber to them, and they tooke from thence money, but howe 
much nowe this extt rememberd not. And this extt farther sayth 
that the sayd Bacon confessed to this exatt that hee and one 
George Allans were shortlye after apprehended att Shaston and 
comytted to Dorchester gayle, and sayd farther that the offycers 
att Shaston took from them soe much broken money as hee coulde 
hold in both his hands, a goulde ringe, a poynyard, a hatt faced 
with velvet, a Jerkyn and a handkercheefe and a knife, the money 
and goulde ringe they the sayd Bacon and Atkins tooke from a 
parsons howse in the nighte, but wher the Parson dwelleth this 
extt knoweth not. And Sayeth that wthin neer three myles of Cole 
in Som : this Extt and Bacon broke a Parsons howse att Coscley 
and tooke from thence about forty peeces of pewter vessels and a 
goblett and carryed the same to Cole to a Widdowe womans howse 
there that dwelleth over agaynst the mill who bought yt of them 
and gave for the goblet about iijs and for the Vessells they had 
about iiijs. He alsoe confesseth that Bacon tolde him that one 
Baker that dwelleth at Lotishams greene in Som : had receaved a 
cloke of him and gave him viijs for ytt. And Bacon alsoe confessed 
unto him hee had solcle wooll wch hee had stolen to a 
woman dwellinge in Lotishams Greene. 

All wch Bacon most impudently denyed notwthstanding Snowe 

very confydentlye avowed yt before him : 
SignedSOMRSET . 
EDW . HEXT . 
The examynacon of Walter Jacobb of Wincanton in the 

County aforesaid weaver taken before Maurice Gylbert Esquior 
the xxvjth day of September 1606. 


Who sayeth that a bout All hallontide last was Twellmoneth 
one Trivate of Stourton as he taketh yt brought unto him to 
Wincaulton one a Markett day iij yards of Broade Greene Clothe 
somewhat worne and spotted wch seamed to be parte of a carpett 
for that there was as he thinketh some thereof but a little before 
rent a way, desiring him to be a meanes to convert it to a sadder 
colour to make his wife a gowne, where uppon this examitt sent 
for one Henry Wyne of Browton a dyar who was then in the 
towne and theire Trivate delived him the iij yards of Greene clothe 
and bargayned for iiijd yard to have it dyed Blacke and soe depted 
and these Wyne a bout a fortnight after brought the said iij yards 
dyed blacke to this examitt howse where it lay untill a bout Easter 
last past and then the said Trivate came and delived this Examitt 

xij to pay the foresaid Wyne for dyinge of yt wch he did. And 
farther sayeth that in the meane tyme he sawe twice or thrice the 
said Trivate at Wincaulton and asked him for the money who 
annswered he had it not and sayeth that the last time he sawe 
Trivate and his wife was at ffisherton in the goale about a moneth 
last past as he passed a longe whom he only saluted by wch place 
he past as he went into the Cittie of Sarum to buy a paire of 
Spectables and had not that day come theather savinge the day 
was fowle that he coulde not imploye harvest worke for wch he 
travelled upp into Wilts. 

(Signed) MAURICE GYLBERT. 

WILTES. 

The xxijth of September 1606. 

Roger Snowe prisoner in Ilchester and this daye removed from 
thence towarde the Gayle at ffisherton Confesseth as followeth, 
Before Henry Willughby Esquier. 

ffirst this Ext doth confes and affirm all that he did before 
confes unto Sir Edward Hext Knight to be trewe. And uppon 
better remembrance doth farther confes: That Tryvatts wyfe had 
an ell of new lockeram (lockram = a cheap kind of linen) a handkercher 
wrought wth red silke of the goods that John Bakon and 
this ext stole out of a howse nere Corseley in Wiltshire more than 
he did confes before Sir Edward Hext. 

ffarther this ext doth confes that John Bakon and he solde 
unto one Mary Deanes Widdowe dwelling at Brewham in Somshr 
a peece of home made woollen cloth pcell of the goods that the 
said John Bakon an he did steale out of the howse that they did 
breake upp at Corseley for the wch they had ijs and did leave wth 
the said Widdowe Deanes an old silke purse pcell of the same 
goods. And doth thinke that the residewe of the goods that they 
stole at Corseley wch he hath not confessed howe the same was 
bestowed, he doth verily beleive the said John Bakon did at Phillip 
Tryvatts howse at Stowerton John Hollester of Corseley was the 
man that was robbed. 

ffarther he doth confes than he came unto Phillip Tryvatts 
howse at Stowerton on a Satterday night about fortnight before 


Shrovetyde laste, wch night one Anne Williams and one Sara 
Turpin came thither alsoe. They had that night at Supper a 
Shoulder of mutton rosted. And about xij or one of the clock that 
night the foresayd John Bakon and one John Burre came unto 
Tryvatts howse and were let into the said howse by Phillip Tryvatt 
him selfe, whoe did then bringe thither wth them, about ffyve 
yeards of newe woollen cloth in one pece of a sad medley colour, 
and a womans gowne of woollen cloth wch gowne was not fully 
made and two pettycoats for a woman whereof one was stammel 
(=a kind of fine worsted) as he remembreth and the other redd All 
wch goods they the sayd John Bakon and John Burre did leave 
there. But whether they did sell the same unto Tryvatt or his 
wyfe this ext doth not knowe. Neyther did the sayd John Bakon 
or John Burre ever tell this examt where they had the same goods. 
Neyther did this ext ever demande where they had the same goods. 
But this ext verely beleive that they did steale the same goods. And 
farther this ext confesseth that the next night after the sayd John 
Bakon & this ext had broken upp the howse at Corseley and stollen 
owt divers pcells of goods as before he hath confessed. The sayd 
John Bakon and this ext did in the night tyme breake open a 
persons howse about two or threr myles from Cole in the County 
Somersetshre owt of wch howse they did take about xl pewter 
dishes and a goblet but whether the goblet were sylver or Tynne 
he doth not knowe. And Allsoe a black rabbet dead and unskinned. 
Wch sayd pewter dyshes the goblet and Rabbatt John Bakon and 
this examt did carry unto the Widdowe Passes howse at Cole 
where they stayed in her Barne all that night "after they had 
comytted that same robbery untill yt was clay and then the sayd 
widdowe Russe came into her Barne unto them and did buy of them 
all the said pewter, goblet and Blacke Cony ffor the wch shee was to 
pay as this ext doth nowe remember viiijs whereof she payd viij 
and the other xijd shee left to paye wch xijd afterwarde one Anne 
Williams did fetche of the Widdowe Russe as the sayd Anne tolde 
this examinate. This ext did then pceave that they sayd John 
Bakon was well acquaynted with the Widdowe Russe. 

(Signed) HENRY WILLUGHBY. 

WILTES. 

The examinacon of Phillip Tryvatt of Stowrton husbandman 
& Dennys his wyfe taken before Henry Willoughby Esquier the 
xviij day of June 1606. 

ffirste the sayd Phillip confesseth that he doth knowe John 
Bakon, Robte Crocker of Home Blowton & Roger Snowe but John 
Smythe and John Burre he doth not knowe. John Bakon hath 
bine divers tymes at his howse. And he sayth that he doth well 
remember that Sara Turpyn, a mayden that doth nowe dwell wth 
him, came to him to dwell about three weekes before Shrove 
Sunday laste. At wch tyme one Anne Wyllyams came wth her. 
He doth not remember that the above named Roger Snowe or anv 
other stranngers were at his howse that night, ffarther he doth 

eg 


confes that he and Gyles Small went unto Wynecamton sythenne 
( = since) Easter laste the very tyme he doth not remember and did 
fetch, of one Walter Jacobbe a weaver, a peece of blacke Brode 
clothe of three Yeardes Wch his wyfe, or he, had before caryed 
unto him to be dyed unto some other colour. This ext did bringe 
the same clothe home agayne black, as yt was carryed unto the 
sayd Jacob for that yt would take noe other colour. Beinge the 
three yeards of blacke Brode clothe that was founde in his howse 
uppon his nowe apprehention by the Tithingman of Stowrton and 
other that made searche. 

Dennys Tryvatt wyfe of Phillip then also examined doth confess 
shee doth know one John Smythe, where he was borne shee 
doth not knowe, but sayth he did sometymes' keepe the Rother 
(= horned) Cattayle uppon Nortons Downe and did sometymes use 
unto her howse. 

Shee doth allso confes that shee knoweth John Bakon, Robt. 
Crocker, Roger Snowe, but John Burre she doth not knowe. 

She doth allso confes that ye three yeardes of blacke Brode 
cloth founde in her howse at the time of the searche Shee did buy 
at Sarum but the Merchannts name of whome shee bought yt shee 
doth not knowe, wch sayd three yerds of blacke cloth soe bought 
shee did carry unto one Jacob a weaver in Wynecannton to be 
dyed into a pewke colour, and for that the same cloth would take 
no such colour her husband Phillip Tryvatt did fetche the same 
clothe agayne from Jacobbe and brought yt home blacke as yt was 
carryed unto him. (Note.—A footnote says: "Rea d Walter 
Jacobbs examcon for this clothe ".) 

The carriage & fetchinge of wch clothe to and from Jacobbes 
of Wynecannton she woulde not confes untill shee was tolde that 
her husband and Gyles Smalle her sonne had before confessed the 
same. 

Shee beinge farther examined whether that night wch Sara 
Turpyn came firste to dwell wth her, having then in her company 
Anne Willyams, being about three weekes before Shrovetyde last 
Roger Snowe nowe a prisoner in Ilchester, did come that night 
unto her howse and brought wth him a blacke ffelte hatt lyned wth 
Sylke and a dooble cipers ( = Cipress: fine gauze or crepe) bande. 
And whether about eleven of the clocke that night did not John 
Bakon & John Burre come unto her howse, and were lett into her 
howse who brought wth them a peece of clothe wch made the 
Savegarde and Cloke that was ffounde in her howse upon the 
searche and allsoe the Redd peticoate wch shee did afterwarde cutte 
shorter and nowe heme agayne, wch cloke and savegarde one ffryer 
a taylor of Mere did make, All wch shee doth absolutely deny, 
refusinge to answere to that wch shee was demannded of then by 
me. (Note.—A footnote says: " Read Roger Snowes examon 
before ".) 

But beinge then told by me that both Sara Turpin and Anne 
Willyams had confessed the same before and the sayd Sara and 
Anne beinge then brought before her and affirming unto her fface 


thatt the same was moste trewe, The sayd Dennys Tryvatt then 
sayd—Seeinge they both have confessed yt I muste and will alsoe 
say, as they have sayd and confes the same to be trewe. 

(Signed) HENRY WILLUGHBY. 

WILTES. 

The confession of Sara Turpyne servant unto Phillip Tryvett of 
Stowerton and Anne Williams whoe hath longe wandred the 
Country taken before Henry Willughby xviijth day of June 1606. 

ffirste they both doe say and confes that about three weekes 
before Shrove Sonday laste when the sayd Sara came firste to dwell 
wth Phillip Tryvett, They both came unto the sayd Tryvetts howse 
the gropsing (= grisping: twilight) of the yevening being on a 
Satterday where they founde a shoulder of mutton at the fyer. And 
shortly after their cominge thither one Roger Snowe (nowe a 
prisoner in Ilchester Gayle) came allso unto Tryvetts howse being 
very familiar in the howse and (as seemed unto them) he was very 
well acquaynted there whoe brought wth him (as Gyles Smalle 
being sonne unto Tryvatts wyfe told them) a Blacke felte hatt lyned 
with Sylke and a cloble cipers (==fine gauze or crepe) bande besydes 
the hatt that he did weare. Wch hatt and Bande he did leave wth 
Tryvatts wyfe, and was the hatt and bande that was founde in 
Tryvatts howse upon the searche. And about eleven of the clocke 
that night one John Bakon and one John Burre came unto Tryvatts 
howse and were lett into the howse. John Burre (as theis Exts 
were tolde) was a Sussex man. John Bakons ffather doth dwell at 
Charleton Musgrove in Somst. The sayd Bakon and Burre brought 
wth them the cloth wch made the cloke and Savegarde that was 
founde at Tryvatts howse uppon the searche. But howe the white 
lynnen yearne that was found there came thither or by who me 
the same was brought thither shee doth not knowe But sayth that 
one of Mere did bringe unto Tryvatts wyfe the Thrumes (-• Thrum 
= the extremity of a weaver's warp) of lynnen and the harnys 
( = haenes = a coarse linen) of lynnen clothe that was found at 
Tryvatts howse in the searche. 

The sayd Sara doth farther confes that about three or fower 
dayes after her firste cominge unto Tryvatts to dwell the before 
named John Bakon came unto the howse and delived her a hand 
kercher wrought wth red sylke requesting her to keepe the same 
untill he him selfe or Anne Williams did come for the sayd hand 
kercher. 

The sayd Anne Williams doth farther confes that she did 
meete by fortune on Palme Sunday laste at the howse of Phillip 
Tryvatt one Dennys nowe a prisoner in Ilchester. Shee farther 
sayth shee hath bine often tymes in Tryvatts howse and hath layne 
there but never in any bedd but only by the fyer. Her first 
acquayntance with Sara Turpyn was at Corne harvest last sythenc 
wch tyme they did allwayes keepe company together traveylinge 
the Country untill Sara did come to dwell wth. Phillip Tryvatt 


dewring wch tyme they did lyve by knitting of hoses and by the 
almes of good people as they did traveyle. 
(Signed) HENRY WILLUGHBY. 

The examinacon of Alice Snooke daughter of Willm Snooke 
of Mere husbandman taken before Henry Willughby Esquier the 
xviijth day of June 1606. 

fhrste shee confesseth shee came to dwell wth Phillip Tryvatt 
of Stourton about St. James day laste in whose service she contynued 
untyll about Candellmas laste or some what after Candellmas. 
And on the Cristmas holy dayes laste shee did see both 
Sara Turpyn and Anne Williams at Tryvatts howse who contynued 
there three dayes & three nights. And farther shee doth confes 
that in the tyme that shee did dwell wth the sayd Tryvatt there did 
use to come unto the howse moste comonly by night one John 
Smythe, John Bakon, Robt. Cricker & Roger Snowe. But John 

Bakon did come hither more oftener than any of the reste. 
ffarther shee doth confes that in Corne harvest the sayd John 
Smythe did bringe unto Tryvatts howse a payer of Russett breeches 
two spoones and a Salte Seller all wch he delived unto Tryvatts 
wyfe wch (as she hath hearde) was stollen from a Butcher that doth 
dwell at Charleton Musgrove. The sayd Butcher suspectinge the 
sayd John Smythe (who did much use unto Tryvats howse) to 
have stolen the same came thither to enquire for him. But Tryvatts 
wyfe conveyed John Smythe into a lofte. The sayd stolen Breeches 
shee did hyde in a pooke (=a poke: a bag or sock or a pook: a haycock) 
and the two spoones and salte seller shee did put into her 
coper. 
ffarther shee doth confes that in the last harvest in a night 
about midnight the same sayd John Bakon did bringe unto Tryvatts 
Howse a Packe of Stuffe wherein there was a boyes longe coate of 
russet Cloth, divers shirtes, smockes & Aprons of Lynnen, wch 
packe of stuffe soe brought Tryvatts wyfe did hyde amongst the 
Busshes nere unto a Ponde in a grounde of the Lord Stowrtons 
called Oxen Leaze not far from Tryvatts Howse wch shee left there 
about ffortnight, and then the sayd Tryvatts wyfe did fetch the 
same packe home unto her howse wth the sayd chyldes longe coate 
she did make her daughter a savegarde. The Aprons shee did 
turne up and downe. What shee did with the shirtes and smockes 
this ext doth not knowe, neyther howe many there were eyther of 
the sayd Aprons, shirtes or smockes she doth not nowe certaynlie 
know. 
ffarther shee doth confess that there was one Thomas Trasey 
a lynnen weaver of Mere beinge but a youthe that did many tymes 
use unto Tryvatts howse whoe woulde sometymes bringe thither a 
skayne of lynnen yarne and some tymes two skaynes and woul 

delivr the same unto Tryyatts wyfe where wth all both Tryvatt him 
selfe and Gyles Smalle his sonne in lawe were privy & acquaynted. 
And ffarther sayth that Tryvatts Wyfe woulde appoynt him a 
tyme to fetch his money for the same every tyme that he did bring 


her any suche yarne, yf shee had noe money presently to paye 
him. 
(Signed) HENRY WILLUGHBY. 
WILTES. 
The confession of Thomas Trasy of Mere lynnen weaver taken 
before Henry Willughby Esquier the xixth day of June 1606. 

ffrst he doth confes that his first acquayntance wth Tryvatts 
wyfe of Stowerton was about two yeares last past by means of 
Xpofer (Christopher) Acrey when they did both dwell wth Thomas 
Alforde of Mere for whom this, ext did carry some Thrumes of 
Lynnen yearne unto her, and then the sayd Tryvatts wyfe did 
psuade this ext to bringe her some flexe or some lynnen yerne & 
shee woulde give him money for yt, whose answer was that he did 
not knowe howe he shoulde bring her any, ffor yf yt shoulde be 
espyed yt would turn unto both their shames, and he woulde not 
deceave his sayd Mr of his goods. Yet by her importuancy he did 
(about two yeares last) bring her some Thrumes as many as he had 
vd for betwixt the sayd Xpofer Acrey and him. And Afterwarde 
by her often allurements this ext at severall tymes did bring her of 
his sayd Mr Thomas Alfordes yearne and of his nowe Masters 
Thomas Balles als (alias) Rogers yearne, to the quantety of ffower 
or fyve poundes of lynnen yearne at severall tymes, as he thinketh 
for the wch he never had of her above ijs. Shee did from tyme 
to tyme entyse him to bring her more yearne or to bringe her some 
flaxe. Whereuppon he did once bring her about a quarter or halfe 
a pounde of fflaxe. He did never bringe her any yearne or Thrumes 
but she would still importune him to knowe when he woulde bringe 
her more. And what he did therein was only by her entysinge and 
pcuremt. And when he did come unto Tryvatts howse wth yearne 
as afore sayd (as he did many tymes )he did allwayes fynde some 
strang-e men or women there whome he did not knowe. But sayth 
that he did some tymes (see) the Lord Stourtons Shepperde at her 
howse. 

ffarther he doth confes that about this tyme twelvemoneth 
when he brought her yearne the sayd Tryvatts wyfe did showe 
this ext a greate Bundell of lynnen yearne some Browne and some 
white & some Blewe knottes of yearne wch Bundell (as this ext 
thinketh) did contayne at the least vj lb. And shee tolde this ext that 
yt cost her little or nothinge And that she had the same of a yewth 
that doth dwell about Gillingham who. did wth all teach her to 
white her yearne. This ext doth confes that he hath bine many 
tymes with her and some tymes he did bringe nothinge wth him 
And then would shee be very angry with this ext for that he had 
brought her nothinge. This ext sayth that the last tyme he was 
at Tryvatts howse was on newyeres daye last. But did never 
purpose to come thither agayne, ffor that he founde sutch naughtynes 
in his wyfe to entyse mens Servannts to deceave their Masters 
of their goods to bring the same unto her. 

(Signed) HENRY WILLUGHBY. 

Unfortunately the roll does not contain any further reference 


to this case, so it is not possible to say if Grand Jury returned a 
" Billa Vera " when they had the foregoing examinations before 
them or what punishment Phillip Tryvatts wife & her companions 
received if it happened that they were found guilty. 

1607/8. 

MAYOR OF WILTON PRESENTED. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Salisbury Jan 7th, the Jury 
'' present that Richard White of the Borough of Wilton innholder 
being then maior of the said Borough on the Second day of August 
last being a sabboth daie in the afternoon in the time of divine 
service did spend the same afternoone in entertaininge of Strangers 
& accompanying them him selfe & then & there usinge with 
them, immoderate drinking, to the greate distempature of himself, 
in so much that when his Bailif moved him to repaire towarde 
the Church he bad him goe himself 

John Daye and George Crase appointed searchers of Clothes 
in the towne of Castlecombe doe present that Richard Vyner of 
Marshfield to have conveyd awaye three broade lyste clothes 
wthout search or seale the xij daye of December laste. 

1607. 
A DUCKING STOOL FOR WARMINSTER. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Warmester July 7th the 
'* petie Juri of Warminster present that there wanteth a cooking 
stoole in the towne of Warmester which ought to be made and 
mayntayned by Simon Sloper being the Lorde wdleys (beginning 
of the name unreadable) baylyfl* ". 

We doe psent Xpofer Lydburie for keeping unlawfull play in 
his backside the third of July namly at Kayets (? quoits), being 
unlawfull persons and poore men that played at it, he keping an 
alehouse. 

SEPTEMBER 18th, 1607. 

TRAVELLERS FROM CANTERBURY. 

Omnibus in Christo fidelius salutem. These are to certifie yt 
William ffrisser ye bearer here of and Martha his wyfe are 
inhabitants in ye parish of St. Paule without ye walls of ye cittie 
of Canterburie & so have binne by ye space of these five or sixe 
yeares. The whiche William being a chapman by his trade & in 
his travellinge called unto question for his place of abydinge, hath 
thereuppon required this my certificate which I have send' subscribed 
with my name therein alsoe certefying yt so farre as I 
knowe or have hearde, they are of honest life and conversation 

(signed) WILLM WALSALL 
Vicar of St. Paules. 


The roll for January Sessions of this year is missing-. 

CORN SELLERS FOR BRADFORD. 

The inhabitants of Bradford present the following petition to 
the Justices at the Quarter Sessions at Marlborough:— 

Right Worshipfull. That whereas it hath pleased his Majesties 
most Honorable Councell, in taking of good and godly order 
against such as doe buy corne and sell it againe To the great hurt 
& hindrance of poore people, May it please you to understand, 
That Thomas Kelson Robert Sopp & Samuel Crpine (Chrispine) 
wth the consent of the inhabitants of the borowgh of Bradford 
whose names are under written, That they the said persons do 
undertake to be dreavers & buyers of corne for the poore of the 
same Borowgh & for noe other place, but only to sell in the same 
Towne, to the use of the poore in the markett or in the weeke 
dayes as they have need, taking but ijd for a boshells carriage, 
Wherefore wee desyre yor worshipps favours To suffer the said 
persons to be authorised in yor generall Quarter Sessions according 
to the lawe in that case, for the avoyding of their further 
daynger in that behalfe. In witnes whereof &c &c July 12th 1608 
Signed by Walter Yerbury and John Browne, constables, and ten 
others. 

SCARCITY OF CORN. 

The inhabitants of Bath present a petition dated July 8th 
signed by Thomas Wiatt mayor of the City and others for a 
licence for signed by John More of Wraxall to buy four quarters 
of Wheat and one quarter of Barley in Warminster market weekly 
to sell to John Sayfield the Chief Baker of Bath to make bread for 
the inhabitants. The license was granted. (See Wilts Archaeological 
Magazine, No. XVIII., for further particulars.) 

The inhabitants of Melksham present a petition on July 10th 
signed by John Awdry, clerk, asking that John Hall of Melksham 
" may be licenced to buy weekly & carry away & to sell again to 
the poore of Melksham the quantity of fower quarters of wheate 
and barley in the markets of the Devizes, Market Lavington & 
Warminster viz. one quarter at the Devizes, two quarters at 
Lavington & one at Warminster ".—The licence was granted. 

Similar petitions are presented from Trowbridge, Corsham, 
and other places. 

AN ILLEGAL ALEHOUSE AT CORSHAM. 

The homage wthin the libertie of Cosham hath often tymes 
made presentments that Three tipplinge houses are inough & 


sufficient for the towne of Cosham—that its to say Thomas Rolfe 
vyntner, John Morrett, Inholder and Gyles Keynes, butcher. Notwithstanding 
Xpofer (Christopher) Nott hath aboute a yeare since 
sett up a newe alehouse in a remote place in the skirts of the towne, 
where is daylye used greate abuses by drunckards, comon haunters 
of alehouses & Idlers. 

That the said Nott being lately presented for setting a rayle 
& straightninge the highe waye, hath newlye in contempt of the 
said presentment sett upp the scyne of the Redd Lyon. 

The Court ordered the alehouse to be suppressed. 

ALE THREEPENCE PER GALLON. 

It was ordered at the Warminster Sessions July 1608 " That 
the best beare & ale to be sold at 3d a gallon, and 2d the gallon 
the smallest, the same price to continue until the next Sessions, 
and this to be published that all comon brewers, Inkeepers & alehouses 
do sell according to this rate ". 

REFUSING TO WORK. 

The Jury of the hundred of Selkley at the Quarter Sessions 
held at Marlborough Oct. 4 1608 Presented Richard Sutter of 
Abry for deniing to worke being warned by the petty constable the 
27th day of September. Also 

John Burges of Mallbrough for bying of wheat and barley 
upon the ground to the value of on c haccers (? one hundred acres) 
of Ely Sanders dismer of Ovverton abote Saynt James tide. 

EGYPTIANS. 

Among the prisoners for trial at the Marlborough Sessions 
were four women and one man, " committed by John Hungerford 
Eq for Egiptians ", but no record of what was done with them. 

1609. 

A TROUBLESOME MAN OF WILTON 
(abbreviated.) 

The Jury for the hundred of Wilton " Present Robart Sumption 
for absenting himself from Church for a year & a halfe, also for 
being a comon night walker and a contemner of all Government 
wthin the towne, also for cominge abrode at night the same night 
after he was served with the Justices warrant of the good behavour 
crieing out with a naked sword in his hand at his neighbors 
windowe saieing ' I am served, I am served ' contemsionsly and in 
disgrace of Mr Hydes warrant, being one of the Kings Majestys 
Justices of the Peace 

About Whitsuntide last two years Robert Somsion of 
Wilton was arested to appear at ye next Sessions holden at the 


Devises for divers misdemeanors which he did their annswere and 
was appoynted by the hole consent of the bench that he should 
submit himself unto ye maior of Wilton & satisfy ye maiors 
Servient for his travill unto ye Devises which he never did but has 
continued ever since Very stubberne towards the maior & his 
brethren wth many out ragious speeches sayeing, " If I am arested 
againe I will paye ye maiors baily wherupon a longe time after 
he used to walk with a greate bandinge knife seieing '' I carry this 
for ye maiors baily ". 

Secondly, about August next following the maiors baily 
arrested one in Somsions house. Somsion however refused to surrender 
the prisoners & locked the bailey up & said he should 
not go out until the mayor came & fetched him & kept him 
there for two hours. The mayor was compelled to goe him selfe 
for his officer. Gyles Tooker granted a second warrant against 
Somsion & he was arrested & said he would come before Mr 
Tooker but did not and has been very obstinate ever since. 

Thirdly, about December last when in an ale house in Wilton 
he began using filthy communicasions whereupon an honest man 
of Wilton corrected him for itt when he outragiously brake out 
against the maior saieing " I had rather be a tankerd bearer in 
London than a maior in Wilton & more creditt to be a tankerd 
bearer than a maior ". 

Fourthly. Somsion "and another returning from Salisbury one 
very dark night between 6 and 7 of the clock in a place called Quidhampton 
Marsh set a bridge—being a great plank—so dangerous 
that noe traveller could pass by but must of necessity fall very 
dangerous into the water. Two honest men of Wilton came 
omediately after & both were upset into the water and like to be 
drowned and one man lost a piece of lynnen cloth he had bought 
in Salisbury that cost 15/-. Somsion at the same time threw into 
the horseway in the same marsh a very great huge stone wch did 
stand upon the Causway there wch might be to the undoing of 
maney if itt had nott been removed the next morning. 

Fyfthly. He had not communicated at his church for five or 
six yeares but last Easter he went to the church and paid his 
offering of iiijd and then departed. 

Sixthly. Wee saye he kepes more disorder in his house as for 
dronkenness & ye like as nott any man comparrable unto him & 
always gives forth very unreverent speches against ye preacher 
saieing there were many honester papists than our preacher, 
whereby we find he is a contemner of the word. 

He was committed to prison until he finds sureties to appear at 
the next Quarter Sessions, and in the meantime to be of good 
behaviour. 

AN OLD SOLDIER. 

Mr Kent, I thought fitt hereby to Certify you that Anthony 
Carter of Odstock hath bin sundrie tymes impressed for the service 
of our late Queen of famous memory, queene Elizabeth, and hath 


served in soundrie places vizt ffrance, the lowe Countries and 
Ireland. Sarum the xijth of January 1609. Yor loving ffriend 
EDWARD PENRUDDOK. 

Then follows an appeal by Carter for a pension, showing that 
he had served 22 years in the Wars. He was granted a pension 
of £•$ 6s. 8d. per annum. 

THE PLAGUE AT BRADFORD. 

The Town of Bradford petition for relief, having been for 
twenty weeks infected with the plague, and the tax imposed upon 
places within five miles of the town proving insufficient for relief of 
the infection, the Justices ordered that Chippenham, Melksham, 
and Whorwelsdown hundreds should be assessed to contribute. 

A DEER COURSED AT ROWDE MARSH. 

John Bishopp servant to John Drew of the Vize Greene gent 
states that this morning (May 30th 1609) about five of the clock 
he found in one of the grounds near Rowde marsh, a prickett and 
went at once towards the Vize intending to go to William Powell 
for a dogg to course the pricket, but by,chance he mett att the 
Townes end a greyhound which he took & returned to the place 
where the deer was & coursed it out of the ground into a meadow 
called Rowdes Swillin Meade & there the dogg killed the deer 
& this examinate carried him on his back to ffoxhanger house (still 
known by this name) where he dwelt. He afterwards carried the 
deer on horseback to his masters house at the Vize Greene. 

Four " souldiers" who had been engaged in the Wars in 
Ireland and France and received divers hurtes and wounds were 
awarded pensions of four marks a year payable quarterly. These 
are supported by letter of recommendation signed by A. G. Waad 
and dated from the Tower of London where he was the Governor. 

SELLING BUTTER AND CHEESE WITHOUT LICENCE. 

Nine persons were indicted " for bying and selling Butter and 
Cheese without licence—as common jobbers ". 

PERMISSION TO BUILD A HOUSE. 

Right Worshipful, Whereas the bearer hereof Edye Crowch 
widowe being a very poore woman & having three little children 
are all destitute of a house to put there heads in, and she being 
very desirous to build a howse for the better succor and relief of 
her & her poore children and having a plot of ground within the 
Quarr at Calne gyven her by Henry Chever of Quemerford, clothier 
to build a howse upon & for the truth thereof hath hereunto sett 
his hand. These are therefore to entreat your Worpps good favor 
and assystance herein that she may have your hands for the per



formance hereof according to the Statute in that case provided 
and she will dailie pray for your worpps longe to contynewe in 
healthe & prosperitie. 

Signed by Henry Chever, and permission was granted. 

PUBLICLY WHIPPED. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes the 25th daie of April 
1609 five men and one woman were sentenced to be publicly 
whipped " till their backs doe bleed & then discharged ". They 
all were charged with " pety larceny ". 

1610. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at the Devizes April 17th Henry 
Clare and John Buckslon were convicted for pety larcenye and 
adjudged to be kept in prison until the next markett daye holden 
in the Devizes and then to be openly whipped through the markett 
place there until their backs doth bleede and then discharged. 

Johan Mason for a similar offence was privately whipped until 
" her backe doe bleed ". 

Thomas Elye for felony was ordered to be burnt in the hand 
(probably with the letter F). 

Mawdlyn Meadow was sentenced to "be layd (by the heles 
ruled out) in the Stockes openlye in the Streete of Warminster 
some one markett day before the first day of May next ". (She was 
the mother of an illegitimate child.) 

Another woman, Agnes Spender, for a similar offence was 
sentenced "to be whipped from the Waste upwards until her 
bodye shall bleed, which punishment we have thought good to 
impose upon her for that she hath moste unnaturally & unwomanly 
left her said childe ". 

The father, Wm. Stockes, was ordered to pay sixpence weekly 
towards the maintenance of the child until it was seven years old, 
and " some one Sundaye before the ffeaste of Penticoste next 
cominge, after the seconde leasone shall openly in the Church of 
Bishopstrowe acknowledge his offence and certifie the congregacon 
then present to pray unto God to forgive him 

GAME PLAYING AT LACOCK. 

At the Quarter Sessions at Warminster July 10th, was presented 
David Weste, of Laycoeke^ inholder, who for his owne 
gayne and advantage Did Keepe mainetayne and suffer to be used 
in his house unlawfull games That is to saye, tables, cards, & 


shoffleboard and also drunckenes & other misdemeanors to the 
great disturbance of his neighbors against the peace & in contempt 
&c &c. 

VERY DRUNK AT CODFORD. 

Richard Gibbens of Codford St. Peter was so drunk he could 
" not sett upon his horse nor speake playne words ". 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Newe Sarum January ioth 
Joan the wyfe of Nicholas Chead was presented by the Constables 
of Downton for being " a most notoryous scold, and Chrystian 
the wyfe of John Somp & Gyllian the wyfe of John Shellit & 
Margaret the wyfe of Thomas Cowp be notoryous hedgestelars ". 

The Constables of the Borough of Willton present " Omnua 
Benney " . 

Benjamin Salisbury was indicted and convicted for " an 
incorrigible rogue, and by the judgment of the Court ordered to be 
burned on the left shoulder with a letter R and to rem ay n in Gaole 
till he find good surety s for his good behaviour ". 

Several Vagrants were ordered "to be whipped until their 
backs doe bleed and then conveyed from tything to tything the 
most direct way to their respective homes 

In the records of the Michaelmas Sessions is a list of 54 popish 
recusants. It is said to be a complete return of all recusants in 

the county and includes members of the families of Bigge, 
Codrington, Mayo, Stourton and others. 
A FORGE D DOCUMENT . 

What is probably the cleverest forged pass to be found 
amongst the many forgeries in these rolls is that professing to be 
signed by '' Willm Browne Lyfetennt govnor to the right Honnerable 
the Lord Sydneye Barron of Penshurst Vyscount Lysle Lord 
Chamberlayne to the Queens Matie and Lord Governor of the 
Cautionary town of Vlyshing " and granted to John Metcalfe gent 
and George Atherstone, soldiers to go into England for two months 
dated Vlyshing Aug 28. This pass bears a certificate that they 
" landed at Margett in the Isle of Thannet in the Countie of Kent 
Aug 31st "• and signed Ric Gosbry deputy maior of Dover. To 
the passport is attached notes by Sir Alexander Tutt who says 

' Notes to fynde Medcalfe his pasport soe counterfeited that it is 
playnely to be pceaved all ye writing therein to be one man's 
hands ". He then points out the various points of similarity in the 
handwriting and spelling or words in the passport and certificates, 
and ends by saying " The pasport is apparantly (meaning evidently) 
counterfeited. It weare good to fynd out ye writer 


On being brought before the Justices at the Quarter Sessions 
held at Marlborough Oct ist 1610 Metcalf was indicted for " a 
Vagrant & Idle Vagabond & ordered to be openly whipped & 
afterwards sent from tything to tything until he reaches London 
where he said he last dwelt and there put to work ". 

HOUSES WANTED AT LACOCK. 

The Ladye Olive Stapilton, widdowe, late wiefe of Sir Robt 
Stapilton Knight, deceased, Ladye of the Lawe day & mannor of 
Lacocke to the Justices of Peace for Wilts. 

Whereas my mannor and Towneshippe of Lacocke is surcharged 
by the multitude of inmates & those of the porest sort 
to the number of sixtie persons like to lye in the Streete for want 
of houses I tendering their extreamities have given my consent for 
the obtaining licence to erect cottages for those distressed people 
whose names are here under written (15 in number) upon the wast 
of my said mannor. Lady Stapilton then goes on to say that they 
are all good and honest persons and requests that certain houses 
already erected without a licence from the Justices may be 
tollerated. 

(Signed) Oliff Stapilton, Richard Rocke Vicar Richard 
Hilman, bayliff and others. 
The Justices granted the good lady's request. 

1611. 

BUYING COAL IN EXCESS. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Warminster July 2nd, the Jury 
for the hundred of Westbury present " William More for engrosing 
and buyeing coales for the fyer and hearth coale more then for his 
burning at ijs vid the quarter in the summer tyme and setteth the 
same in winter to the Poore people at the prise of iiijs or vs the 
quarter ". 

The Jury of Dunworth present Edmund Weekes of Donhead 
St Mary for Keeping houndes contrary to the Statute and hunting 
at unreasonable times whereby men suffer harme in theire corns, 
and the Pound at Cheeklade is in default and to be repaired by the 
occupiers of the farme. 

IMPRISONED FOR ATTEMPTING TO MARRY A 
WIDOW. 


To the right Worll Sir John Dauncie. 

The humble peticon of Thomas Wells a poore prisoner committed 
by yor Worp. Humbly beggeth that sithence yor poore 
peticoner hath lyen in great miserye with Irons on his legges in the 
comon Gaole like a fellon only for that he attempted to marry a 
widdowe of honest name & fame for the aecomplyshing of wch 


marriage your peticconer could not procure sufficient securities to 
discharge the parish of suche charges as should arise or growe to 
the sayd parishe by meanes of the sayd widow & a daughter of 
hers twelve yeeres "old whoe is able to goe to service the pmisses 
considered. 

His humble peticion with tears made is that in reguarde that 
he hath layen this sixe wekes in a most lothsome prison, yor 
worship would be pleased to take comiseracon of his miserie and to 
release him & your peticioner will daylie pray &c. 

FIRE AT STOURTON. 

The humble peticon of George Hillgrove of Stourton, rough 
mason Lamentablie shewing that uppon the 28th daie of April last 
past his dwelling house, barne, oxe staule & howse holde stuffe 
was consumed wth fyre to the utter undoing of him, his wife 
children & familye. He humbly referreth himself to your good 
favours hoping to be relieved againe by such charitable meanes as 
shalbe thought fitt. And he with his said family shall be bounde 
to praie to God for your preservacon. 

This appeal is supported by a certificate signed by John 
King rector of Stourton and six of the inhabitants who " make 
their mark ". He was granted five marks by the bench. 

BEATING A CONSTABLE. 

At the Quarter Sessions at Marlborough Oct ist Agnes 
Hilman of Trowbridge was indicted for beating the constable there, 
illtreated her neighbours children and committed many other misdemeanors. 
She was ordered to be conveyed to Trowbridge " there 
to sitt the next markett daye in the Stocks for foure houres ". 

COTTAGE AND FOUR ACRES. 

Whereas by the Parlyament holden in the one and thirtieth 
yeare of our Late Soveigne Lady Queen Elizbth ye was enacted 
that no pson wthin this Realme of England should erect or build 
any Cottages &c unless the same doe assigne and laye unto the 
same Cottage fower acres of ground at the least &c. And by 
another Act of Parlyamnt holden in the 43 yeare of the reigne of 
the same Queene Elizbth yt was enacted for the Church Wardens 
& overseers of the poore of any pishe having the concent & leave of 
the Lord of the Manor to erect such cottages for the reliefe of the 
poore as by them shoulde be thought meete and conteinent. These 

are to certifie that Jeremie Chivers Gent being a freeholder and 
owner of the Manor howse and ffarme of the Lea with the leave 
and concent of Richard Mody of Garsdon Esquier being Lord of 
the Manor of Lea together with the concent and good likinge of 
the Church Wardens & overseers of the pore of the parish hath 
granted unto Thomas Glascadine of the Lea, tayler, a parcell of 
his sevall cloase calles Rushceast contayninge a ffarrundell 


(^Fardingale: the fourth part of an acre, an old Wiltshire word 

sometimes spelt farding-deal) of grownde or theare abouts to build 

him a howse on for the terme of his owne life. 

In Wittnes wheareof W e the said Modye & Chivers with the 

churchwardens and overseers, desiring your Woops favorable 

allowance thereof have set our hands & seales, dated at Garsdon 

the xxvij daie of March 1611. 

(Then follow the signatures and seals). 

The request was granted by the Justices. 

A YOUNG SHOPKEEPER. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Salisbury January 9th, the 
Jury of Wilton presented " Anthony Spering for Keping Shop contrary 
to the Statute in not being of adge nether maried ". 

BOWLS ON SUNDAY. 

Thomas Lacy & others of Sarum were presented for playing 
at bowels at Mylford in tyme of Divine service. 

A SOLDIER FROM BISHOP'S CANNINGS. 

A certificate signed by some of the inhabitants of Bishops 
Cannings testifies to the fact that Thomas Jones of that parish was 
pressed for a soldier and served at Cadiz and Ireland. There are two 
letters from Sir W. Waad dated from the Tower of London April 
17 and Nov 8 1611 strongly supporting a petition for relief of Jones 
asking the Justices " will be pleased to allow him such a competent 
pension towards his maynteynance as is fitt for a person of his rank 
& quality." Sir Oliver Lambert cousin of Sir W. Waad also 
supports the appeal, but the records do not say what relief was 
given to Jones. 

SOME CONVICTIONS. 

John Pile of Overton is presented " for that he liveth at libertie 
and worketh by the daye, being a singell man being out of covenant 
(service) one yeare and a quarter ". 

John Miles was committed to Gaol for " lybelling and afterwards 
to be conveyed to Keevill there to sitt in the Stocks for the 
space of an hour and to be bound over to appear at the next 
Sessions there to confess his falts ". 

John Alexander was committed for " assaulting and beating 
Xpofer Gire, gent, his master ". He was adjudged " to 
remain in gaol for a fortnight & then to be conveyed to Codford 
St. Marye there to sitt in the Stocks for fower houres, then to 
acknowledge his faltes and ask forgiveness of his master and yf 
he shall refuse soe to doe then to remaine in the Stocks untill he 
shall willingly doe it and then be delivered ". 

D 


BUTTER & POULTRY FOR KING JAMES. 

This roll contains some lengthy correspondence concerning the 
supply of goods to the King's storehouse in London. It is too long 
to reproduce in full, but briefly the facts are that in January the 
Justices wrote a strong remonstrance against a commission directed 
to the King's purveyor general for taking up a large quantity of 
Butter at 2%d. per lb. for which warrants had been issued throughout 
the County on the ground that Wiltshire had compounded for 
all manner of purveyances by a composition made in the time of 
Queen Elizabeth. 

Edward Dickinson yeoman purveyor of poultry writes from 
the King's storehouse in Bishopsgate, London, that whereas a 
warning letter had been sent that the Justices might take order for 
the delivery of such poultry as by composition is due from the-
County of Wilts he has not heard of any poultry nor of any order 
taken. Lord Hertford the Lord Lieut, of Wilts writing from 
Letby May 9th says the plea of composition had been the answer 
from many Counties and that the King would suspend any further 
proceedings until after Michaelmas, but his Lordship wished the 
Justices would prepare themselves to give a direct answer regarding 
the composition to be delivered to the King at his coming into 
Wiltshire in progress in the summer. 

1612. 

SOME PRESENTMENTS. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Warminster July 14th the 
Constables of Westbury present " that there be too many Alehouses 
in Westbury, and that William Edmonds of leigh did breake 
the Kings Peace and did brawle and fighte wth one Slade upon 
Sunday July ist ". 

The Jury for " the hundred of Warmester present Dorothy 
Gyfford gentlewoman of Borham that shee doth refuse to doe her 
service with her plowe in Bishopstowne for the Kings High 
wayes ", and " Geoge Fesen of Bishopstowne hath not don ani 
serves to the Kings high waye and hath fifye acres of land to his 
house ". 

At the Quarter Sessions held at " Newe Sarm 14th January 
the constables of Underdiche present that the pounde is in decaye 
by the defaulte of the whole inhabitants there and the pound is in 
decaye by the defaulte of the Baylie 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes April 21st five women 


and one man were sentenced for petty larceny to be whipped " until 
their backs doe bleed 

CHURCH ALE. 

The Jury of " the hundred of Dunworth present that one 
S'Peters day last in the Saboth day next following after yevening 
prayer their was an All (ale) kept for the benifit of the Church at 
Donhead Mary 

The Constables of Calne present a long list of " disorders 
comitted in the Boroughe of Calne of which the following are the 
most interesting. 

We present Ewarde Masie for batytinge of his Bull uppon 
Holie daies contrarie to the Kings Maties injunctions & he will also 
be drunke. 

John Scotte because he will be tipmirrie himself, and Lucretia 
his wife because she is a woman of corrupt communication and 
unfit to kepe an ale house in regard where of we desyre to have 
then discharded & because they have not sufficient bedding to 
lodge poore travellers. 

William Bushe, tipler because he intertayneth men servants 
at his house when they should be in theyre masters howse, and his 
wife is a woman that skorneth relligkm for when she is requested 
to goe to Church she answereth that she must tarrie at home to 
Keele the potte least padventure her porridge should rune over 
& they have no bedd to lodge passengers. We therefore desyre 
that they may be forbidden to sell ale any more. 

We desyre to have the number of alehouses to be diminished 
in Calne for they doe all brewe a vie who may brewe the strongest 
ale, and thither do resorte all the great drinkers both of the Towne 
& Countrie to spend theyre tyme in idleness and theyer monie in 
excissive drinkinge, and being partly drunke and halfe mad, 
no officer can well judge whether they be drunk yea or no & therefore 
cannot punish them according to the law, and all men for the 
most part love these Cupp companions so well that no man will take 
uppon him to be a sworne witness against any drunkard. It were 
greatly to be wished that all Ale sellers might be compelled to 
make theyer ale a greate deale smaller and to sell a full quart for a 
pennie, otherwise this sum of drunkennes will never be avoyded, 
men are so bewitched with the sweetness of stronge lycoure. 

This scathing report on the state of intemperence in Calne is 
signed by John Noyes and John Killinge, Constables, and dated 
April 21 1612, 

TURNING A WATER COURSE IN CAEN HILL. 

The Jury of Bromham and Rowde present William Erwood 
gent, William Bennett cutler, James Willys, Inholder, & Jasper 
Newton all of Devizes for that for the space of xij monethes now 
last past, hath turned the water out of his anncyent course att a 

D2 


way called Canehill wthin the pish of Rowde by takings the stones 
out of the same way, to the greate annoyance of his Matys subjects 
that way travelling. 

ALL WELL AT MALMESBURY. 

The Constables present that noe misdemeanors nor offences 
have beene committed within the hundred of Malmesbury since the 
last assizes but that all things have beene well. 

WHIPPED IN THE CHURCHYARD AT BROADCHALKE. 

John Streete and Alice Wyatt the parents of an illegitimate 
child were ordered by Walter Vaughan one of the Justices to 
'' receive1 open correction of whypping in the Church yard of Broad-
chalk to be donne by the tythingmen there on Tuesday in Easter 
Week after evening prayer ". 

1613. 

A WARMINSTER WITCH. 

In the roll of proceedings at the Quarter Sessions held at 
Marlborough October ist is the following information laid by Avis 
Glasier against Margaret Pilton of Warminster for apparently 
dealing in witchcraft. 

The confession of Avyes Glasier the daughter of William 
Glassier of the parish of ffray* the xxvith daye of July 1613 taken 
by Grigery Molton, clerke Imprimis shee sayeth that, the first 
weeke in Lent last past or nere there aboute, one Margrett Pyllton, 
the wyffe of Willm Pyllton of Warmester came to Borom to the 
house of one William Matthew whether the sayd Avyes was gone 
wth her betroothed husband's breakfast. And the sayd Margrett 
entreated the foresayd Avyes to bringe her goinge towards 
Warmester where the sayd Margrett did dwell And drewe her 
alonge by flattering talk. And at the last, as they walked together 
the sayd Margrett Pyllton did desire the sayd Avyes to gyve her 
her soule or spirit, and dyd promise her that yf she would gyve yt 
her, that then she should lyve twentye yeares the longer and recover 
her health. But the sayd Avyes sayeth yt by noe meanes shee 
would graunt her request. But asked her what shee would doe with 
her spirit or soule yt would doe her noe good, and shee Margrett 

replyed and sayd to the sayd Avyes again yt yf she would graunt 
yt her, yt then she should lyve twentye years the longer and 
recover her health, soe yt shee would gyve yt to her. And when 
she sawe yt the sayd Avyes by noe meanes would consent to her 
request and demaride, the sayd Margrett fell in other talke and 
drewe her home to her house and made her drinck some of her 
drinck, charging the sayd Avyes yt by noe meanes shee should tell 

* feasibly this is WMtham IMary, which is about two miles over the 
Wiltshire boundary at Hormngsham, 


her freynds of yt, and yt yff she dyd that then shee should lyve the 

longer in her paynes. And dyd make the sayd Avyes promise to 

send for her before shee departed out of the world and yt should 

be the better for her. 

She further confesseth that shee being now longe sycke arid 
much greaved dyd call to mynde the former promise wch the sayd 
Margrett make her. And wthall the matter of her soule yt the 
sayd Margrett dyd ask of her yt shee should gyve yt her, caused 
the sayd Margrett to be sent for, who came unto her uppon the 
ffryday last past being the 23rd of July. And when shee came into 
the sayd Avyes shee commanded all the company yt were there, 
out of the house, and would not suffer not soe much as Avyes owne 
syster to be there within. And when all the company was gone 
out the sayd Avyes asker her what was the cause yf shee did 
begge her soule of her, yt would doe her noe good. To the wch 
Margrett answered, noe more yt would not. And then the sayd 
Margrett dyd ask the sayd Avyes where yf shee had told yt to any 
of her friends. And shee sayd noe. And then the sayd Margrett 
dyd tell her yt yff shee had yt should be the worse for her and shee 
should lye the longer in her paynes, but yf shee dyd not dysclose yt 
wch shee had asked and demanded of her shee should depart 
eyther that nyght or the morrow being Saterdaye in a [unreadable] 
or slumber. And then the sayd Margrett departed from the sayd 
Avyes and after her departure the sayd Avyes fell into mervellouse 
Trannces as thoughe yt shee should have departed strayght. This 
is followed by 

Grigory Malton, his accusation. 

This said Margarett did at the tyme of her dwelling at 
Warmister at the house of one Jeffery Coomes, delude the Country 
and speake openly yt shee had apparytions, and visions appeared 
and spoke unto her, And brought the peopell in great admiration 
to admire at her and to looke for strange things at her hands, being 
suspected to have bin stirred upp there unto by papists. 

The poor suspected witch was examined before Edward 
Ludlowe, one of the Justices, on July 27th at Warminster and the 
following is her account of what happened;— 

She saith that she hath byn acquaynted wth Avis Glasyer near 
the space of one yeare, being servant unto Xpofer Warren of 
Warmister. And then about last Easter yt was her fortune to 
meet the sayd Avis in Boreham att one Matthews howse, from 
hence she saw Avis, and this examinat went together to this 
examinats howse in Warmister. As they were goeing the said Avis 
asked her the cause of her sickness, wch so as this Ext did remember 
was an imposthume (abscess) and that it was impossible she 
should eyer recover yt. And att their being togeather att this Exts 
howse she gave her drincke such as shee did drincke of her selfe 
and nothing but her usuall drincke. At her departing from thence 
the said Avis intreated this Ext that she would come unto her when 
she should send for her. And uppon ffrydaie last the said Avis 
being extreame sicke sent for her and she accordingly went unto 


ffrary unto her. Wheare when she came the said Avis said unto 
her that she was gladd she was come unto her saying " Would to 
God some body would be a means to helpe me out of the world ". 
Whereunto this Ext replyed and said "Go d forbidd and told her 
ttiat she should put her trust in God and whenher glasse was runn 
she should depart this world and not before ". And that the companie 
being- in the howse were willed to depart home by the said 
Avis meanes and not by this Ext. But as for asking the said Avis 
soule or spiritt she never made any suche demande of her eyther att 

their beinge together at Boreham walking towards Warmister or 
of her when being with her att ffrarey. 
(Signed) E. LUDLOW. 

" Gregorius Molton de ffrary clericus & Willm Glasyer de 
eadem " were bound over in the sum of £20 to appear at the next 
Sessions, but nothing further concerning the case appears on the 
rolls. 

FRAUDULENT LICENSE TO COLLECT ALMS 
(slightly abreviated). 

The examination of Richard Greene taken the 21st day of 
Aprill 1613. Whoe saythe that upon our La : Daye last at what time 
he dwelt in Reading he was hyred wth the privytie of one Mr Hyde 
then & nowe Mayor of Reading to accompany Richard Beavans 
being a Dumbman who had licence from the Kinge to collect the 
charitable devotions of his heighnes subjects in certeyne Counties 
expressed in the licence & that during the time he was so employed 
he was to have two shillings weeklie for his paines. He further 
saythe that his brother Thomas was likewise hyred for the like 
wages with the privytie of the Mayor of Reading to assist Thomas 
Beavans brother to Richard who was also dumb who travelled the 
counties of Bucks & Glos to begg. Apparently Green & Beaven 
had been arrested, for 

On being re-examined he confessed that the licence to beg 
was false, that he never saw Beaven until the previous Saturday 
when he met him in " a harbours howse in Marleborowe to 
whom Green had gone " to sell certaine Cunnyskynnes and since 
then he had spent his time with Beavans at Uphaven and as far as 
he knew Richard Beavan was dumb. He then confessed that his 
name was Notte was born in Marlborough & for the last seven 
years was a servant in Cheshire, leaving that service at Candlemas 
last. He met Beavan at Marlborough and it was agreed between 
them' that they should^ travel together, he " under the culler of 

assisting Beavan in his collection and should have halfe of that 
wch they collected ffor his paynes, and that Beavan did discover 
to him that he could speake ". 

(Signed) JOHN F. HUNGERFORD. 

Richard Beavan on being examined said that for the past two 
years he had lived near London and worked at brick making for a 
Mr Willet of ffullham, he lodged at the signe of the White Horse 


in Kent Street for which he pad 10 pence per week- About 
Michaelmas last he met one John Lightfoote a scrivener at the 
signe of the Bucke Horn in Turnagers Lane near Tower Street 
where Lightfoot persuaded him to a course of begging releife upon 
such pretence as appeared on the lycence which Lightfoot contrived 
& wrote signing it with the names of three Masters of the Requests 
viz Sir Roger Willbraham, Sir Christopher Parkins & Sir 
Danniell Dunn & putting a seale to it which Lightfoot said was a 
counterfeite of the Seale of the Courte of Requests for which Lightfoot 
charged him iijs- since wch lycence soe gotten he this 
examinate hath counterfeited himselfe to be dumb & by culler of his 
lycence hath collected money in Wilts, Glos & Barks. He said he 
first met Richard Greene at Marlborough the previous Satterday & 
together they went to Netheravon wheare they laye in a barne that 
night in which barne was likewise the wiefe of one Griffine a 
pedlar being an acquaintance of his. They then went to Upavon 
& then to Great Bedwin when they were stayed by an officer. His 
purpose was to have settled himself to begging by culler of his 
licence for another month, being the unexpired time of the licence 
& that it was agreed between Greene & himself that they should 
share what they collected equally betwen them. (Signed as above). 

LICENSING OF PUBLIC HOUSES. 
(Abbreviated.) 

There are several recognizances of innholders with the names 
of their guarantors in this roll. They are all on much the same 
lines, and the following is an example:— 

Edward Waynfford of Trowbridge was bound over in the sum 
of £10 and Henry Baker & ffrancas of the same place in each. 
That whereas Edward Waynfford is" allowed by Willm Kyne and 
Henry Vyner, Knight, Wm Powlett and John Hall Esquires four 
of the Kings Maty Justices of the Peace to keep a comon alehouse 
or tipling house & to sell ale & beere only within his now dwelling-
house in Trubridge, and not ells where, during such time as he 
shall keepe such alehouse there shall not suffer any unlawfull playe 
viz. Tables, Cards, dice bowles or any other unlawful games to be 
used in his house, garden, orchard, ground or other place, or dresse 
or cause or suffer to be dressed any ffieshe or suffer it to be eaten 
uppon any daie forbidden by law. Nor wittingly or willingly admitt 
or receive into his house or any part thereof any person notoriouslie 
defamed of or for Thefte, incontinency or'drunckness or one that 
shall have been notified to him by the Constables or Tythingman of 
Trubridge to be an unmeete person to be received into any comon 
alehouse, nor keepe nor lodge any stranger above the space of one 
daie or one night without notice being first given to the Constable 
or Tythingman, and that he suffer none to eate drink or Victuale 
in his house but such as are allowed by the Lawes of this Realme 
or such as are appoynted to lodge & take dyett in his house by 
the Constable or Tythingman. And also he shall deliver out of his 


house such quantity of drincke as the neyhbours of the porer sorte • 
shall have need of according to the quantity of beere or ale he shall 

have in his house to be druncken in the houses of them that shall 

x

fetch the same and no elsewhere. Nor shall take more than according 
to the rate of a penney for every quart of Strong Beere or 
ale and a halfe penny for every quarte of small beere or ale accord


1

ing to the Standard of the Exchequer. So long as he carried outthese commands " & kept good order and Rule then this recognizance 
to be Void and of noe effect or els to remayne in full force 
& virtue. 

(Signed by the Justices named above). 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes April 13th John Suter 
was indited for keeping and using of a Cras bowe, Thomas Hindge 
for shuting in a Gunne, William Adams for shutinge in a Gunne 
with powder and haile shote. 

TOBACCO IN WILTSHIRE IN 1613. 

An information is sworn against John Amor of Charlton who 
" The next morning came againe very early and requested this 
examinate to arise & helpe him to some fier to light tobacco whereuppon 
she tould him he might drincke his tobacco at home ". 

MORE TROUBLE OVER THE KING'S POULTRY. 

In a letter dated from Whitehall Jan. 12th signed by W. 
Knollys, E. Wootton, Rd. Vernon, Rich. Coxe, complaints are 
made that in spite of former warning the delivery of the poultry 
that by composition is due to the King for his household is unperformed, 
and requiring the Justices to take some speedy course 
whereby it may be forthwith delivered " otherwise wee shalbe 
forced to take some such course as will tend little to the ease of 
your Countrie ". 


1614. 

The psentment of the Libertie of Broomeham & Rowde at the 

Sessions holden at the Devizes the third daie of Maie in Anno 

1614. 

Wm. Stevens & Wm. Hawkins Constables of the Libertie 

afforesaide who have joyned theire psentment wth the Jurie of the 

foresaid Libtie but we have nothing to psent but all things good 

& f aire. 

Ffor the Genall Sessions of the peace &c holden at the Devizes 

the Third daye of Maye in the Twelfe yere (1614) of the raigne of 

Our Sovaigne Lord King James of England &c & of Scotland the 

seven and ffortieth— 

At this psent Sessions of the peace are appointed and chosen 

to be Treasaurers of the reliefe of maymed soldiers & marriners 


within this Countye for this yere following. For the South Mr. 
Gold of Alveston, for the North Mr. Olivier at (? John St) Marleborowe. 
And it is ordered by the Justices of this Countye at this 
psent Sessions assembled that the rates shall remayne and continue 
for the said reliefe as they were the last yere viz Soe as for every 
pishe throughout this Countie there maybelevied & payd threepenc 
weekely and not above the severall rates of every pishe to be 
pporconed & sett downe by the Justices of everye division respectively 
according to there good discrecons & by them to be dilivered 
over to the Newe Ters before the next genall quarter Sessions &c. 
And for the reliefe of the prisoners of the Kings Benche and 
Marshalsey & of such Hospitalles and almeshouses as are wthin 
this are appointed & chosen to be Trers—for the South Thomas 

Hunt of Enford, for the North John Weston (?) of . And it 
is likewise ordered that the rates for the same reliefe shall continue 
as be as they were the last yere viz Soe as for every pishe throughout 
this Countye there maye be levied and payde one penny weekely 
and not above, the severall rates of every pishe to be pporconed 
& sett downe as in the former order and that the late Treasaurers 
of bothe the said colleccons shall give up there accompte to the 
newe Trers before the next Genall Quarter Sessions &c in the 
psence and by thoversight of Mr. Blacker (?) and Mr. Howe for 
the South and Mr. John Hungerford for the North of this Countie. 

This is signed by Jo. Dauntsey, John Ayliffe, John Lowe, B. 
Hungerford, — Hyde, — Best, Henry Martyn, — Large, Jhon 
Hungerford. 

SOME CONVICTIONS.* 

The Calendar of the Genall Sessions of the Peace holden at 
the Devizes the third day of Maye in the twelf yere of the raigne 
of King James &c. (1614). 

Thomes Butcher endicted and convicted on his own confession 
for stealing of ten sheep and adjudged to be burnt in the hand and 
after to be delivred (i.e., released). 

Robert Oates, John Edmunds, Robert Goodenow. Endicted 
& convicted by their own confession for severall petty larcences and 
adjudged to be openly whipped in the Devizes the next Markett 
daie in the open markett and after to be delivred. 

Robert Elye, endicted & convicted for being drunk in Calne 
and adjudged to paie forthwith 5s to the use of the pore of the 
same pishe or els to be putt in the open stocks there in seven 
Markett dayes there, and in the stocks to remayne in prison untill 
he find sufficient surety to appeare at the next Genall Quarter 
Sessions & in the mean time to be of good behaviour. 

Olyver Waynsford, endicted & convicted for a battery & 
adjudged to paie for his fine to the Kings Matie five shillings & to 
be imprisoned the space of one month & after till he finde surety of 
the peace towards all his Maties subjects & especially towards 
Richard Gibbons. 


William Jeffereys endicted & convicted for shooting in a 
. .. . at pigeons with powder and ... . shot, adjudged to have 
three months imprisonment and to .. . . io£ fine to the King 
according to the Statute &c. (This is torn in places.) 

Re NON-OBSERVANCE OF LENT. 

After our very harty commendacons Although it is true that 
the many lawes and orders heretofore ordeyned and published for 
the strict and due observance of Lent (wherof you are not ignorant) 
are or ought to be sufficient Motives to worck in you that care wch 
is fitting to be had of the putting in execucon so necessary a point 
of Government especially considering the apparent good that 
redounds therby to the Comonwealth and also to move in every 
well affected subject yt due obe.dyence wch is requisite. Such 

(notwithstanding) hath been observed to be the neglect & generall 
contempt of those holesome ordinances, as his Maty out of his 
accustomed providence & most gracious care of the comon good 
of this Realme, hath been pleased to comand that from henceforth 
a more stryct accompt be taken of your and others whome it may 
concerne, touching yor duties in this pticular. And for that it 
hath been ever observed that people are wth nothing so much 
moved as by the Example of those yt Governe them. It is required 
and expected that in yor owne Families and psons you make such 
demonstracyon of conformity herein as may serve for Examples 
unto inferior psons. And to the end that all those who are Masters 
of Howsholds and Families may wth the more conveniency provide 
themselves of such necessary Provicons for ye Lent as shall be 
fytting and may seeme most convenient. His Highnes hath been 
pleased to comand the ymediate publishing of this his pleasure. 
And that no man might be ignorant therof hath also caused such 
Rules and Orders to be printed and dispersed in all parts of his 
Kingdome as have been thought most meete especially for your 
dyreccons and cariadg herein (a copy whereoft wee send you here 
inclosed). And doe hereby require you and every of you to cause 
notice thereof to be taken wthin yt County and the severall Cities 
and Burroughes thereof. And so to apply yor selves unto ye stryct 
observance of the sayd orders as may gyve assurance unto his 

Maty of yor dutifull care and diligence in the due pformance and 
executyon of his comaundments. And so we bidd you hartely farewell, 
ffrom Whitehall the 10th of December 1613. 

Your very loving freinds, 

C, CANT. J. ELLESMERE-CANE, 

NORTHAMPTON. 
T., SUFFOLK. J. F., WORCESTER. 
E., LONDEN, E. WOTTON. Jul Ceasar. 

The above is addressed To our very loving ffreinds, The Sherifs 
and Justices of Peace of the Countye of Wiltes. 


PRESENTMENTS. 
The presentment of Robert Seager & Wm. Seager Constables 
of the Borrow of Calne, presented att Chippenham att the petty 
Sessions there the XXVII of Aprill Anno 1614. 
ffirst wee punnished one Eliz: Woell and sent her by passe to 
London the xiiiith of March 1613. 
Also xxxth of March 1614 wee punnished one Thomas Stetever 
&, sent him to London by passe. 
Also the xiiith of Aprill 1614 wee punnished one Thomas 
Davyes and sent him to ffarrington by passe. 
The xxvth dat of Januarie 1613 Daniell Porter was drunck in 
our Towne. 
Also the viijth day of ffebruarie 1613 John Burges and William 
Snowfell were drunck in or Towne. 
The viijth day of March 1613 John Goroway was drunck in 
our Towne. 
The xxvjth of April 1614 Robert Okeford was drunck in our 
Towne. 
Also the said xxvth of Aprill John Webbe was drunck in our 
Towne. 
Also wee presented Robert Dash, Wm. White and Henry 
Shakspeare for playing att unlawful games in our Towne in the 
house of one Tobias Robbins alehouse keeper. 
Also wee presented Tobias Robbins for suffering unlawfull 
games to be played in his house. 
Also wee presented Richard Tylly of or Towne for selling less 
than an ale quart of his best drinck for a penny the xxijth day of 
March 1613. 

CORSHAM CLAIM FREEDOM FROM SERVICE. 
Wiltes. Willm Powlett Knight Sheriff of the County aforesaid 
to ye bayliffe of the towne and village of Corsham, greeting 
by vertue of the Kings Matyes writt to mee directed I doe require 
you that you omit not for any libertye wth in this Countie but that 
you make open and publique pclamacon through out yor bayliweek 
that the Genall Sessions of the Peace for the Countie aforesaid is 
to be holden at the Devizes upon Tuesday the third day of May next 
cominge. And that you somon and warne as well these gentlemen 
whose names are under written to bee then there before His 
Highnes Justices of the Peace for this Countie to serve the Kings 
Matie upon the great inquest for the body of the said Countie as 
also xxiiij other good and lawfull men of yor bayliweeke to doe and 
execute all those things wch on his Matys behalfe they shalbee 
injoyned unto and that you somon and warne to the day and place 
aforesaid all and singler the Constables and bayliffs wthin your 
bayliweeke that they bee there haveing wth them the names of all 
such laborers, artificers and servants of husbandry as take excessive 
wages contrary to the forme of the'statute in that case pvided and 
that all those wch as well for Or Soveigne Lord the Kings Matie 
as themselves will psente any billes or pleynts against those 


artificers laborers and servants of husbandry or any other offenders 
that they bee then there to psecute according to the lawes of this 
Kingdome. And lastly that you yor selfe be then there wth a true 
retarne of this rny pcept and to do and execute all those things wch 
to yor office doe—to be doon whereof I require you not to fayle, 
dated under the seale of my office this xxvjth daye of March Anno 
Dmi 1614. 

The paper is damaged on one edge, and the names referred 

to above are torn but appear to be 
Jacobus Hulbert gent. 
Mathew Smyth gent. 

Hulbert de Eston gt. 

On the other side of the paper is the following: — 

The Answeare of Thomas Gibbons the Queenes Matie Baylief 
of her Mannor of Corsham. He sayethe in Answeare of this 
precepte that the said mannor ys pt of the ancient demaesne landes 
of his Matie and of his pdecessors and hath always byn eve tyme out 
of mynde. And that all the landes wthin the said mannor (the 
Venesnes only excepted) are coppie hold lands of inheritance and 
demisable and demised by coppie of Court roll according to the 
custome of the saide mannor and allways have been by the tyme 
aforesaid anncient demesne of base tenure. And that the 
inhabitants coppieholders of the saide Mannor and others therein 
residente by all the tyme aforesaide have had and enjoyed all the 
priviledges and Jibtyes belonginge or incident to anncient demesne 
land or to thinhabitants thereof. And by vertue of these priviledges 

and libertyes that they have ben by the tyme aforesaid freed of all 
service at the Sessions of the peace holden wthin this County of 
Wilts of all appearance thereat for any the service by this Warrant 
required. And further sayeth that the partyes wthin named are 
coppieholders of inheritance wthin the saide mannor and have no 
other freehold wthin the saide mannor and that there are not xxiiij 
freeholders of any fred land wthin the saide mannor and that the 
Kings Matie hath ... . saide mannor to the Queene to hold it 
as free . . . priviledges and libtyes as the same mannor hath 
been heretofore held or enjoyed ffor wch causes he .. . . behalf 
that he may not be farther inforced to ... . the pmesses then 
other his pdecessors Bayliffe . . . . have heretofore byn. 

(Note.—The right-hand side of this paper has 2$ inches missing 
for a depth of two inches, consequently it is not possible to 
fill in the missing words.) 

KING JAMES'S TOUR IN WILTS HINDERED. 

After or hartie commendacons Under standinge of some abuseis 
comitted in the Kinge & Queenes pgress into those west parts by 
the Cartakers and their deputies and others followinge the Coorte 
in taldnge money of the Countrie, underhande for release of Cartes 
wherby his Matie service was greatly hindred and the Country 


much abused, for remedie therof and for thavoidinge of the like 
abuses hereafter, Wee have thought good hereby to desire you, that 
in yor severall devisions where the King or Queene hath ben wthin 
that Countie of Wilts this last sommer, to call before you all such 
constables and other psons as you thinck doe best understande 
such abuses and them strickly to examine what money they or aine 
others of the Countrie to their knowledge have given to aine 
Cartaker or other person followinge or belonginge to the Courte 
for releasinge of Cartes at aine time this last pgresse and what 
you shall finde amisse thereon to certefie hither. Wheruppon some 
such examplarie punishment may be inflicted uppon them as for 
such offenders shalbe thought requisite. And soe not doubting of 
yor cares herein Wee bid you farewell, ffrom the Courte at Whitehaule, 
the iiij of November 1613. 

Yor lovinge freindes 

W. Knollys, E. Wotton, R. O. Vernon, 
Mar. Darell, Rich. Coxe, Jo. Leigh. 
Above is addressed To or very loving freinds the Justices of 
peace in the County of Wilts and to evry of them. 1613 4th 
Novembers from ye Courte. 

POULTRY FOR KING JAMES. 

After or hartie comendaeons. Wheras wee have given you 
warning by or formr Ltres (our former letters) for the deliverie of 
all such poultrie as by composicon is due to his Matie out of the 
Countie of Wilts for the service of his Highness most noble howsholde 
in the Eleaventh yeare of his Mats raigne, nevrtheles yt 
seemeth you regard not or warninge but leave the service unpformed 
Wch pceedeth—as wee conceave—eather by you the Justice 
who have not given warninge to the Constables or they in not 
givinge warninge to the Countrie. Theis are therefor once againe 
to require you to take some speedie course wherby the saide service 
may be fourthwith deliverd accordinge to the tenor of your 
Composicon. Otherwise wee shalbe forced to take some such 
course as will tend little to the ease of yor Countrie. And soe not 
doubtinge of yor better cares hereafter wee bid you farewell. 
Whitehall the xij of Januarie 1613. Yor lovinge freindes, 

W. Knollys, E. Wotton. 
Ro. Vernon, Rich. Coxe. 
The above is addressed to or verie lovinge freindes Sr. 
Edmunde Ludloe, Sr. Hen. Bainton, Sr. Antho. Hungerforde, Sr. 
William Eayre and Sr. Allex Tutt, Knights, Lawrence Hide, Esqre, 
and to the rest of his Mats J ustices of peace and compounders in 
the Countie of Wilts or aine twoe of them. 

ROBBING A HEN ROOST IN MARLBOROUGH, 
JAMES ist REIGN. 


Wiltesh. The Informacon of John Leasham als (alias) Luke 
of Marlebrough in the County of Wiltesh—chirurgion against 


Thomas Lawnder of the same place—tyler, taken the xxiiij day 
of December in the Eleaventh yeare of the Reigne of Or Soveigne 
Lord King James of England &c and of Scotland the XLVI J (1612) 
before William ffrancklyn Maior of the burroughe of Marlebroughe, 
Richard Digge Esquire and Philipp ffrancklyn gent 
Justices of peace of the said borroughe. 

He sayeth that this last night of the xxiij of this December 
there was stolen from his henrust in a pent howse of his at Marlebrough 
twoo of his hens, wch twoo hens (uppon search made this 
morninge in the howse of Henry Leache of Marlebroughe—Tyler) 
were found in an owt howse of the said Henry Leache in the 
Bedstrawe of the foresaid Thomas Lawnder (apprentice of the said 
Henry Leache) whose lodginge was in the same owt howse. 

Thexaminacon of the before named Thomas Lawnder (taken 

as above). 

He confesseth that this last night about three of the clock 

after midnight he did steale twoo hens from the Henrust of Mr. 

John Leash am (als Luke) in a pent howse in his back side and 

carryed the same twoo hens to the howse of his M (Master) Henry 

Leache and hid them in the Bedstrawe where he lodged in an owt 

howse there. (signed) WILLIAM FFRANCKLIN. 

RICH DIGGE. 

PHILIPP FFRANCKLYNE. 

A SAILOR UNDER RALEIGH. 

A Ire to Sr John Payton Knight Governor of the Isle of Jersey. 

The bearer herof John Duckett (informeth) that having served 

in his (? her) late Mets navves for the space of thirtie yeares and 

received many maymes and hurtes uppon his boddy was uppon 

some occasion of service commanded by Sr Walter Rawley to goe 

over to Jersey where he had a place wth entertainment of £12 

p ann. and that of late he is discharged of his said place and 

thereby deprived of that small comfort wch he enjoyed as the only 

reward of all his former services and left destitute of any meanes to 

releeve himself in his old age. fforasmuch as his case deserveth 

some commiseracon we have been moved to signifie this much unto 

you on his behalf that wee thinke it meete he be continued in his 

said place wth such allowance as was formerly made unto him, or 

otherwise that you doe order such a course for his releefe as may 

give him some contentment wthout further trouble unto us, And 

so leavinge him to your good favour. 

23rd December 1609. 

Signed by the Lo. Arch of Cant E. of Worcester 

Lo. Chancellor 

Lo. Zouche 
Lo. Treasurer 

Lo. Knollis 

D. of Lennox 
Sr John Herbert 
Lo. Adrnyrall 

Sr Julius Caesar 
Lo. Chamberlyne. 
Note.—Apparently the above is a copy of a letter. 


PRISONERS' PETITION FOR AN APOTHECARY. 

There is no date to the following. 
It is written on a large double sheet of good hand-made paper 
in a fine delicate writing, and is as follows;— 

WILTS. To the Worshipfull the Justices of the Peace for the 
County aforesaid. 

The humble Petition of the Debtrs & Criminals now detained 
in his Majesties Prison at ffisherton Anger in and for the said 
County. 

Humbly sheweth unto your Worships THAT We your 
unhappy Petitioners, not only labour under the Comon Jail 
distemper but many others equally mortal. 

We have hitherto had the Charitable assistance of an 
Apothecary gratis—but our numbers and distempers are so 
increased that we cannot expect any further relief from Him without 
manifest prejudice to his own circumstances. We therefore 
humbly beseech your Worships to take our most wreched case into 
consideration and appoint some Person to visit us or we must all 
(at least the greater part of us) be in danger of perishing 

for want of such timely and necessary Relief. 

And your Petitioners shall ever pray &c. 

The above is signed by fifty-seven persons. They are in two 
columns, one headed " Debtors ", who number 26, the other 
" ffelons " , numbering 31 . In the debtors' column only four sign 
by " his mark whilst in the felons' column there are thirteen 
who could not sign their name. 

It is unfortunate no date appears, but it is to be hoped that 
the Justices of the Peace at that time appreciated the sufferings 
of these people and granted them their much-needed apothecary. 

A ROGUE AND HIS FALSE PASS, 

(abbreviated.) 

This is a lengthy examination taken before Thomas Sadler at 
Salisbury, July 5th, 1614. A rogue James Dunn having wandered 
up and down the country showing a false pass " reported many 
faerie tales at the first, of his coming out of Ireland, of his 
landing at Swansey & of his being at Cardiff in the County of 
Cardigan, the wch being known to myself to be in Glamorgan." 

Pie was strictly examined and then confessed that his pass was 
a false one and forged by a companion of his in the City of Salisbury 
who at first he said was named Christopher Parker but a woman 
he took about the country with him said it was Thomas. " Having 
sent to the Mayor and Constables of the Citie and to all the Tything 
men about Salisbury, who could not meet with him, but the Tything 
man of Harnham (having apprehended the said Dunns Coneubyne) 
gave her a pass to send her to the place where she was borne. 


Neverthe less she resorted to Dunn in the Gaole at ffisherton ". 
Here Dunn having- been examined '' fled from me, whereupon 
rousing my man to sadle a horse & to ride after him, was by my 
servant brought back againe 

(Signed) THO. SADLER. 
The Counterfeit pass begins : " Know ye that I ffoulk Conway 
Kings Governor of the Town and Garrison of Weckbrough Lande 
of bogs have lycinct these bearers '' &c. to travel to England & 
asks for all concerned to releive them & find them lodgings " to 
the better avoyding the lawe, geven under my hand & seale at the 
Garrison aforesaid ioth day of June 1614 ". 
(signed) Foulke Conwaye. 

Cardigan. The bearers landed here at the towne of Swansey 
wth in the County of Cardigan 18th June and they are alowed 
according to the tenner aforesaid to pass, whereunto I the said 
Henry Evans Baylyfe of Swansey have sett my hand. 

Signed. HENRY EVANS. Bayliffe. 

Sumrset 1614 . Sene and alowed accordinge to the tenner 
aforesayde the xxiijth day of June. 
Signed John Freuillian. 
James Dunn was committed for an incorrigible rogue & sent 
to the House of Correction there to remain until the next Sessions. 

A CURIOUS WILL OF THE 17th CENTURY. 

Amongst the papers in the file of the Wilts Quarter Sessions 

Rolls for 161 4 is the following curious will:— 
Brine had a mare whosoever knew hir, 
Som times he rod hir and somtimes he drove her, 
She will cary hir Mr through haile winde and raine 
So merily to the market, so merily backe againe. 


When Brine he perceived yt hir good dayes ware dun, 
He turned up hir heeles & pulld of her shun, 
Then Brine went trudging & trudging downe the hill 
And with his pen and inck home did write his mares will. 

First he bequethed hir eies—that ware so clere and gray 
Even to hir Mr Brine to lead him on the way 
Next I bequeth my teeth that stand all in a rew 
To little John Brunker because he hath so few. 

I bequeth my skin, the skin all of my backe 
Even to John Chapman to make a woing jack 
I bequeth the skin, the skin all of my leggs 
To Thomas Tauman to make him bowlting baggs. 


I bequeth the tayle that is so faire and rownde 
Even to Mary Moore to make a wedding gownd 
I bequeth the liver, the liver and the longs 
Unto Wm Brunker to maintaine his flatring tounge. 


I bequeth the maw, the maw for and the gutts 

Unto Mr Shipman to make strings for his bookes 

I bequeth the ears that are so faire and right 

Unto John Fenill to make feathers for his flight. 

I bequeth the hoofs, the hoofs so faire and rownd 

Unto John Self and then to Ma Browne 

I bequeth the head for and the robernowke 

Unto good wife Brine to make a skimming bowk. 

I bequeth the ehapps, the chapps that went soe fast 

Unto John Spender to eate his neighbors grasse 

I bequeth the gutt, the gutt that is soe fat 

Unto old John Branker to grease his squeaking throat. 

And I bequeth all other gutts that are soe fat and longe 

Even to John Hulber for making of the song. 

A footnote in another handwriting, apparently that of the clerk 
of the peace, says :— 
" This was confessed by John Hulberd the xxvith day of September 
last before me, that he did helpe make it and publyshe it 
There is nothing to show the place or origin, or any reason 
why it should be amongst these papers. 

ROAST VEAL AND WHITE POT. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Warminster July 19th, 1614. 
The Jury do psent upon theyre othes that upon the last day of 
Aprill 161 4 last past Walter Davis smythe of Codford St. Peter 
did receave into his house divers hines (servants) and mayd 
servants of his neighbours and there feasted them with rosted 
vale, whitpott and monstrellseyall at the charges of the neighbours 
servants thereabouts, some of Codford & some of Stockton, and at 
many other tymes he hath done the like. The Minstrell that was 
there at this tyme was one Nicholas Bennett of Knooke. 

(Note.—Whitepott was a dish composed of milk with Eggs, 
fine Bread, sugar, and spice baked in a pot). 

They also present " that upon the 5th of June being Sonday 
George Dyer servant unto George Imber of Sherington & Mathew 
Begger of Codford played at kittles for xxd a throw & a typp wch 
they call xxd agakie, insomuche that one in the Company won xxs 
at that play at that tyme 

The Constables of the hundred of Heytesbury " present 
Nicholas Bennett of Knooke as a comon Minstrell or Crowder (=a 
fiddler) & useth to play about in the County uppon the Sabbaoth 
daie to the great dishonor of God 

THE CARE OF AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD, 

(abbreviated.) 

ffor asmuch as it appeareth aswell by the Confession of Joane 
Harvest of Whitpishe in the Countie of Wiltes taken before me 
Sir Caro Rauleigh Knight and William Stockman Esquier Justices 

E 


So 

m 


of the Peace as also by divs ppabilities & cercumstances that 
Richard Whitter of Whitpish is the reputed ffather of a Bastard 
Child borne by Joane Harveste. Wee the said Justices doe according^ 
to the forme of the Statute in. that case made and pvided, 
Order & decree that Joane shall nurse & bringe upe the said childe 
untill it shall accomplishe the full age of three yeares. And that 
duringe all that tyme the said reputed ffather shall weeklie paie to 
Joane towards the reliefe of the childe Tenn pence evry weeke to be 
accompted from andafter the birth of the childe. And after the 
expiration of the three yeares the,said reputed ffather shall keepe 
and maintaine the childe untill he be fitt yeares to be bound as an 
apprentice in some Trade or mistrie. And that duringe all that 
time the said mother shall weeklie paie to the said reputed ffather 
the some of ffower pence for evry weeke he shall soe keepe the 
said childe. And also that the said reputed ffather and mother 
forever herafler discharge the pish of the said childe. And wee 
doe further order that both the reputed ffather and mother of the 
said childe for their lewde ffack shalbe whipped in Whitpish by the 
Tythingman there upon Sondaie nexte. It witness whereof wee 
have subscribed our names and sett our hands & seales &c. 

January nth 1614. 

Signed. Caro Ralegh. William Stockman. 

The above order was confirmed by the Court of Quarter 

Sessions " & the father and mother were bound to the Church


wardens & overseers of the poor of Whitpishe for the due perform


ance of the order ". 

(Note.—Sir Caro Raielgh (brother of Sir Walter Raleigh) 

lived at Corsely, 1615 , and was a J.P. for Wilts). 

1615. 

At the Quarter Sessions at Marlborough Oct. 3rd 1615. John 
Martyn was indicted " for an incorrigible Rogue and Convicted to 
be burned in the left Shoulder with the letter R and to be whipped 
in the Towne of Maryborough upon his bare shoulders until they 
bleede and then to be sent to the place, of his birth or dwelling 
paying his fees ". Three other rogues were similarly treated at 
these Sessions. 

In the Calendar of prisoners at Fisherton Prison on January 
nth, 1615 , eleven men" are indicted and committed for larceny and 
sentenced '' to be whipped upon their naked backs from Fisherton 
Bridge to the Market Place in New Sarum and back again and then 
to be released after paying their fines ". 

A PETITION TO THE KING (JAMES ist). 

After my very harty comendacons. Whereas John Wilkins 
gent hath often troubled his Matie wth complaints to such effect 
as in his peticion hearinelosed is expressed. 


His Highness (in respect of Wilkins his hurts and services in 
the Warres taking Comiseracon of his Distresse) Hath Comannded 
me to write unto you, his Maties justices of the Peace for the 
County of Wilts, that you take order wth the Treasurer of the said 
County that the said Wilkins may have his pencon or at least thone 
halfe therof continued unto him untill his debts shalbe satisfied, 
Otherwise he feareth he shalbe abridged of his libertie, and so be 
deprived of that small meanes he hath in the Charterhouse (wch is 
his sole maintenance) And if this cannot be effected, as his Matie 
doth expecte, then his pleasure is, that you certifie the reasons of 
the impediment therof whereby his Matie may be truelie informed 
of the Cause. And so I committ you to God. 

Your verie loving frind 

REG. WILBRAHAM. 

From the Court at Theobalds 

23rd December 1615. 

The petition of John Wilkins is as follows (abbreviated):— 

To the Kings Most Excellent Majesite. 

Most gratious Soveraigne, Whereas your poore petitioner 

served the late Queenes Matie in a place of Leiftennant in her 
highnes service for ye space of 30 yeares by Sea as also in Ireland 
& ye Lowe Countries and received manie hurtes & maymes. The 
Justices of the Peace for Wilts granted him a pension of £8 a year 
which he received regularly for many years but at the last Quarter 
Sessions the Justices dismissed your petitioner of the same, 
alleadging yt he had obtained a place in ye Charterhouse sufficient 
for his maintenance, wch is not so greate as was expected. Your 
poore petitioner being constrained to sell away his liveing worth 
^3 0 a year towards his reliefe and the recovery of his hurts and 
is infirmed, aged and in debted to divers of his freinds. 

May it therefore please Yor Royall Matie out of your good & 
Charitable disposition, after the spending of his youth and patrimony 
wth the hazard of his life & losse of his bloode in his prince 
and Cuntries service, to graunt yor Maties Ires of Warrant to yor 
poore petitioner to Ye Justices of the said Countie that they may 
continue & restore unto him his foresaid stipend. And according 
to his bounden duty he will pray to God for your Maties most 
prosperous Raigne and everlasting faelicitie. 

MAKERS OF COUNTERFEIT PASSES. 

On August 25th 1615 , Henry Taverner was examined by Gyles 
Mompesson Esquire he having been taken with counterfeit passes 
on him. 

He said he came from Grampitt in Cornwall where he lived 
untill he was 50 years old & worked as a Mason, then he went to 
Morely in Devonshire where he lived for seven years then he went 
to Cowbrldge in Wales where he married and lived one year. He 
confessed that he had " rogued about the Country " both before 
and after he was married & that one pass he had was made by a 
William Jones a Wealshman also a dandering rogue and the other 


unused pass was made by Jackson a schoolmaster at Lye near 
Bristol. He confessed that when at Rettinford he begged a peticon 
of a souldier that had been at the Court & had his peticion answered 
by which he got another written inserting his own name at Puckshipton 
in Somerset, but he did not know the mans name thatwrit 
it. He also said that he carried his wax and seals so that if he 
had a passport made by any one that he met on the way, his wax & 
seals may be in readiness. He also said that he carried a note of 
the names of the Knights & Justices of Peace of Sundry Counties 
'' to knowe whose names might fitly be used of the same Counties 
in his Counterfeit passes ". He then goes on to say that " Thomas 
Hall that carryes a foote packe of Linn Cloth & other small wares 
is a notable counterfiter of Passeports. The said Hall is about fifty 
years ould of a taule stature a long black bearde and ridd favoured 
and hath very fine whit haires, he goeth comonly in a horsemans 
coate & hath a pension in Sussex. Mr. Tavener also said that he 
knew one Anthony Robbines who is also excellent in that profession 
but he maketh them none but for himself, he is neere three score 
yeares ould & hath a long flaxen bearde, a tall man & riddish 

favoured and only traveleth rouging up and downe the Country. 
He finally said " that Hall made a passe for one Hollidaye a 
young man that looked asquinte. 
At the following Sessions Henry Taverner was indicted as a 
Rogue, but the records do not say what reward he'got. 

THE PILLORY IN DEVIZES. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes April 28th 161 5 
" Nicholas Powell was indicted & convicted for deceiveinge John 
Smithe of xxxs with false letters. He was adjudged to be whipped 
in the open Markett in the Devizes upon the next Market daye 
untill his backe doth bleede, and afterwards to be sett on the pillory 
by the space of twoe houres wth a pap (paper) on his head on wch 
shall be written in great letters " for cosonage (cheating) and 
obteyning money by counterfeyt letters in other mens names '' and 
afterwards to be sent to Sherston where his dwelling is. 

APPOINTMENT OF A MUSTER MASTER FOR WILTS. 

To our very loving ffreinds the Deputie Lieutenants and 
Justices of the Peace in the Countie of Wilts. 

After or hartie Comendacons. Whereas we are given to under 
stand that or verie good Lo : the Earle of Hertford his Maties 
Lieutenant of the Countie of Sommerset and Wilts hath appointed 
the Gentleman the bearer hereof Mr. George Gryme to be Muster 
Mr for the Countie of Wilts of whose sufficiencie & fittnes for that 
place as wee have received very good testimonie, so forasmuch as 
his attendance upon the same wilbe of verie much advantage to his 
Mats service by Care and peines hee shall take in trayning and 
disciplining the forces of that Countie, wch hee cannot so well 
performe unles he be assisted therein by the favour of you that are 


Dep. Lieutents & in the comission of the Peace wth in the said 
Countie. Wee doe therefore heereby pray you according- to the 
elecon that hath bene made of the said Mr. George Gryme for the 
place of Muster Mr wth in that Countie to assist him wth your 
favor not onelie in the excucon of his place but alsoe in seeing him 
satisfied the entertainment due for the same. By wch as hee shall 
haive occasion given him to employe himself the more wiliinglie 
in the service of the Countie, so wee shall likewise take occasion 
from thence to be beholding to you and to thanke you for the kindnes 
you shall showe him. And so recomending him to your good 
favors, Wee bidd you heartilee farewell from Whitehall this 26 of 
March 1615. 

Yor very loving ffreinds, 

T. Suffolke. Lennox. Pembroke. R. Somerset. W. Knollys. 
ffulke Grevyll. 
(The above were Lords of the Council). 
The above is forwarded in a letter from Fr. Seymour dated 

from Letly April 16, 161 5 and addressed to the Deputy Lieutenants 
and Justices of the Peace asking for their favourable consideration 
especially in the matter of the pay of the Muster Master. 

A CASE OF BONE-SETTING. 

The Informacon of Edward Shaile of Cuckerton in the Countie 
of Glouc taken by Sr Henry Poole the ixth day of Aprill Anno Dmi 
1615 on his Oath. 

Whoe saieth that on a Satterdaie aboutt vj weekes last paste 
one Suzan Hedges was brought to this Informer (being a bon-
setter) by her father and others havinge a greeffe in her necke, they 
supposinge thereby that some of her necke joincts weare outt, to 
have them sett againe. And saieth, that at her cominge the said 
Suzan Hedges did hold her necke on thone side. Whereuppon this 
Examint wth bothe his hands did turne her necke upright and in 
doing thereof hee harde some of the veines or sinewes of her necke 
goe cracke. But hee saieth that by reason that the necke was 
swolne this Examint doth nott certeinlie knowe whether anie bone 
weare outt of joinct or nott. Hee further saieth that at the cominge 
of the said Suzan to this Examints house shee had the use of her 
speeche. Hee further saieth that hee hath sett maney necke joincts 
and that the psons whose neckes he hath sett weare never speechless 
or impaired in their witts thereby. And thinketh yt unpossible 
yt shold soe bee unlesse the greate bone of there neckes had bin 
outt and in that case yt were psente deathe unto them wthoutt 
psente remedie. 

And beinge further examined whether the crack wch hee hard 
(heard) of her necke might have bin hard by him unlesse her necke 
had bin out of joincte hee saieth that her necke being holden hard 
by her on the one side maie bee harde to cracke by the turninge 
thereof & nott out of joinct. 

The above operation of bone setting apparently arose out of 
a case where the master of Suzan, viz Anthony ffrie of Brinkworth 


having- beaten her caused her the injury, for Henrie Pennell of 
Brinkworth in his oath swore before Henrie Poole " That the said 
Suzan Hedges necke was swolne and one side of her shoulder red, 
having Kernells (swellings) on her necke and that he heard the said 
Suzan say that her Master was the cause of it 

Another witness, a fellow servant to Suzan, said she heard 
her Master give but one blow to Suzan and she did not hear that 
Suzan did crie or complaine of any hurte she did receive thereby 
and that she did eat her supper & slept that night without making 
any showe of greiffe. 

Nevertheless, at the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes on the 18th 
day of Aprill the poor Suzan was comitted to the house of correccon, 
there to remaine till she be retayned into some honest mans service. 

1616. 

There is little of interest in the rolls for this year. The constable 
of Mere present 1 2 bridges to be repaired by the inhabitants 
of the tithings, and another constable prays to be relieved of his 
office " forasmuch as I am unlearned & by reason thereof am contrayned 
to goe two miles from my howse to have the helpe of a 
scrivener to reade such warrants as are sent me and am a poore 
man 

1617. 

KING JAMES TAKES INTEREST IN A MAN OF SEEND. 

To the Kings most Excellent Matie. 
The humble peticon of Henry Curtise of Seene in the Countie 
of Wiltes. 

Humblie shewing That whereas yor peticoner hath lived in 
the said place for the space of fortie yeares and upwards, and for 
the space of twelve yeares or there abouts, hath used the trade of 

clothing where in he hath set many of yor poore Subjects on worke 
as may appeare by a Certificate under the hands of many of his 
neighbors that hav.e knowen all his estate and former Conversation. 

But so it is (if it may please yor Matie) that by suertiship and 
other bad Market, with divers losses wch he hath susteyned, having 
lent forth money to others and never repayd him againe, he is 
driven to that extreame povertie, as that he hath neither howse to 
hide his head, nor meanes left to sustayne him selfe his wife and 
many poore children, but are ready to pish wth want. 

In tender comiseracon whereof he most humblie beseacheth 
yor Matie of yor gratious goodnes, in respect his Creditors are so 
obstinate as that they will not agree to any Composicon, to referre 
the hearing of the cause betweene his adversaryes and him to Sr 
William Eyre, Sr John Davensey, Sr Edmund Ludlow, and Sr 
Henry Umar Knights or any three or two of them, and to authorise 


thern to call his creditors before them and to take such order wth 
his said creditors that the peticoner may have some tyme given him 
for to pay the same, having his whole intent to that purpose. 
Otherwise to certifie their oppinions, that further order may be 
taken towards the petrs releef. And as in duty bound &c . 

At the Courte at Cranborne 8 Augii 1615 . 

His Matie is pleased, that the Comittees desired or any two 
of them, wth one or two more of like quallitie to be chosen by the 
peticoners creditors (if they will name any) shall call the said 
creditors before them and use their endeavors to treate and pswade 
some charitable composicon betwixt them and the peticoner as the 
said comittees shall think meete in equitie and conscience for the 
peticoners relief. And if they find any obstinate then to certify their 
pceeding*s and opinions herein. 

(Sgd) ROGER WILBRAHAM. 

Beneath this is written: 

Let the tresurer of the Mshally of the North pte give hym ffive 
poundes. 
(Sgd) E. LUDLOW. 

Uppon psonall understanding of the case of this poore man, 
by suretyshipp and other wayes hath byn heretofore able to live & 
did sett the poore in worke & having disposed his estate & not left 
anything to releive himself : wee for this tyme, not intending to 
make any example to doe the like, doe allowe them for these and 
other speciall reasons ffive pounds. 

(Sgd) E . Ludlow, Jo. Dauntesey (and five other 

Justices). 

UNLAWFUL GAMES. 

The presentment of the Constables of Amesbury Magna Jan. 
8th 161 7 is as follows:— 

We present that George Ackerman doth keepe a Comon Alehowse 
in Amesburye and doth keepe gamelyinge and unlawful 
games and playing at the Tables dyvers dayes and tymes. 

CATCHING FISH WITH FIRE AT NIGHT. 

We present that William Woolfe of Milston and William 
Woolfe the younger for that they and either of them doe from time 
to time take and catche fishe in the ryver Betwene Durington and 
Milston and between Durington and Bulford wth unlawful! netts 
and gynnes and alsoe that they did fishe wth fyer by nighte in the 
Ryvers to the greate annoyance of the inhabitants of Bulford 
Milston and Durington aboute the twelveth day of September last. 

The Constables of Stapleford present Lewis Gardiner for a 
recusant and for a rescue made by him from the Constables being 
to be brought by warrant before the bishopp. 


AN APPEAL FOR ARREARS OF PAY. 

To the Right Worshypl the Justices of Peace and whole bodie 
of the Bench &c. 

The humble peticon of John Wilkins Lieftennant In all humble 
wise, Whereas it has pleased his Matie most graciously to 
comiserate your poore suplte reserved service for his countrie by 
comanding his Highness Mr of Requests to write effecually for ye 
continuinge of his pencon in especiall respect that he sold 30 ^ per 
ann to cure his maymes or els he had lost a legg by a hurt receaved 
with a Chaine bullet besides other hurtes receaved in service with 
losse ofhis blood in the face of the ennemyes and rebels. Humblie 
beseacheth that he may have confirmed and performed his pay for 
one yeare allredie past and one yeare yett to come. That he be not 
constrained in respect of his Great povertie by reason of his debtes 
to his Maiestie and troublesome to your worships the whole Magistrates 
of this Countrie. 

This is whole suite in short which I right humblie pray and 
God perswade. 
This is followed by recommendations of the Justices in these 
words:— 

This peticoner is indebted xv]£ and in danger of arest and yf 

he should be arrested and imprisoned then he should be sequestred 

from Suttons Hospitall and therefore I thinke it very convenient 

and conscionable that his request should be satisfied by the 

Countrie. (Signed) JAMES LEY. ist July 1617. 

If for the payment of his debts. (Sgd) Fr: Seymour. 

I am of the same mynde. (Sgd) F. Hyde. 

Soe he truble the countrye noe more. (Sgd) G. Tooke. 

I am of the same mynd with Mr. Tooke. (Sgd) Rich : Digge. 

The order of the Court was that the petitioner was to be paid 

£15, and is signed by Robt. Hyde, E. Ludlowe and others. 

INHABITANTS OF CALNE PROTEST AGAINST SERVING 
ON JURIES. 

After my heartye commendocans. Upon motion and Informacon 
unto me on the behatfe of Robert fforman Philip Swadden for 
themselves & others the inhabitants of Calne in Wiltshire Tenannts 
of the Honor of Ewelme That you call them to the Sessions of the 
peace wth you to serve in the Grand Jury & other the Juries there 
wich is contrary to the pryveledge & immunitie grannted by 
anncient Charters of the Kings of this Realme and confirmed by 
Moderne, ffor that the Tenants & men of that Honor by due (?) 
expresse provision in the Charters of those liberties, are not to be 
summoned, or put into any Assizes or Juryes although the same 
concerne his Maiestye, as by the words of the Charters may 
appeare wch they have ready to shewe. Wherefore my desire is 
(to whom the peticcon of thos Tenants under his highnea doth 
appurtaine as his Maiestys officer of the Honor) That you would 


take into your consideracon, that immunity & pryveledge and cease 
any more to summon them in such cases. That I may not for them 
be dryven to complayne farther, or you your selves put to farther 
occasion therein. Tyme haveing in the usage also concurred wth 
the graunts And soe expecting your care & respecte herein I bid 
you very hartily ffarewell, ffrom my Howse at the Tyltyard end, 
The twentyeth of September 1616 . 

Your verye lovyng frende 

W. KNOLLYS. 
This is addressed " To my very lovinge ffreindes the Justices 
of peace of his Maiestys County of Wiltes, these be dd ". 

(Note.—On referring the above to Mr. Gough, the present 
(1932) Town Clerk of Calne, he replied as follows :— 

" It appears that the old Court Leet which used to he held in 
Calne was transferred to Ogborne and that the Burgesses of Calne 
were sworn at the Court of the Hundred holden at Ogborne. 
Ogborne was a member of the Honor of Wallingford and as such 
parcel of the Duchy of Cornwall, to which, presumably, the 
Borough belonged, as evidenced by the Borough Seal. 

" By 31 and 32, Henry VIII, the Honor and Court of Wallingford 
with the members thereof were disannexed from the Duchy, 
other possessions being given in exchange. The same Act ordered 
that the Royal Manor of Ewelme in Oxfordshire should thenceforth 
be deemed an Honor and the Honor of Wallingford a Manor, 
and the new Manor of Wallingford parcel and member of the new 
Honor of Ewelme. 

*' I do not think there is any doubt whatever that this ancient 
link with Ewelme is entirely lost at the present time. I have never 
heard of any property in Calne of the Honor of Ewelme, nor received 
any claims from tenants for exemption from serving on 
Juries ".) 

BOWLS AND BETTING AT BROMHAM. 

The psentment of the Jurie for the libertie of Bromeham and 
Rowde at the Quarter Sessions at the Devises houlden the xxixth 
of Aprill 1617. 

We psent Tho Bullman of Bromeham, brroadweaver, Henry 
Hiscox of Broomeham, hivemaker, for common playing at bowles 
having nothing to maintaine it also„we psent Nicholaus Turner 
weaver of Broomeham for betting 6d. a game at bowles and have 
noe abilitie to maintaine it. 

1618. 

WEEPING CROSS. 

The presentment of the Grand Jury at the Quarter Sessions 
held at New Sarum Jan. 12th, 1618/9, contains the following :— 


Wee present wthin the tything of Milford, John Beach for 
lyeing of tymber betweene Winchester Gate and ye Crosse called 
Weepinge Crosse, being an annoyance on the highway. 

The Court directed a writ to be issued in the Court in London. 

(Note.—With reference to " Weeping Cross ", Mr. F. 
Stevens, O.B.E., controller of the Salisbury Museum, has kindly 
supplied me with the following particulars :;— 

" To facilitate identification I give the latitude and longitude 
of Weeping Cross Tree, which I presume may recall a possible 
Cross which formerly existed on that spot. Lat. 5ideg. 4ft. 27m. 
Long. ideg. 47ft. 7m. 

"There is a mass of tradition about Weeping Cross, but I 
have not any documentary evidence regarding it as yet. The 
popular story is that it was the spot at which the final farewells 
were said when people set out for the far-distant City of London. 
Another tradition says that the Bishop had a gallows there. At 
the present moment a tree marks the site.") 

THE HOUSE OF CORRECTION AND ITS CONTENTS. 

A note of such things as remain in the house of Correccon 
(? at Salisbury) in the Countie of Wiltes made Aug. 12th 1617 by 
Alexander Webb the Governor of the same house. 
IMPRIMUS. One broad loome with his apparrell 

ltm. One little malt mill 
Itm. Sixe spinninge turnes & iij weeles 
Itm. One paire of stockes 
Itm. iiij beddsteeds 


All these things are paid for. 
Itm. one wheate mill & a newe wheele to the same xiij^ 
Itm. A paire of skales to waye corne ' xs. 
Itm. A paire of mill stones ^ xiijs. 
Itm. vij paire of irons & iij pake of hand bolts xxiijs. vjd. 
Itm. Making of a loft & lyninge the walls wth bords viij^ 
Itm. for hording another loft xxxs. 
Item for mending the pales iij^ 

Summa 27^ 11s. 6d. 
Whereof I have receyved xij^ so remayneth behind unpaid 
£15 ns. 6d. 
The Court ordered the bill to be paid before the next Sessions. 

UNDER THE ELM TREE AT WYLYE. 

In a bastardy case heard by Thomas Chafyn and G. Tooker on 
Jany. 7th, 1617 , after making an order for the maintenance of the 
child it goes on to say :— 

"And wee doe further order that bothe the said William 
ffarrett and Elizabeth Longe shalbe whipt at Wylye by the Tything 
man untill their backs doe bleed, and this to be done at the comon 
meetinge place under the Elme in Wylye neere the Church." 


ASSAULTING A KING'S MESSENGER. 

The tnformacon of John Coulsborrough gent on of his Matys 
messengers of his Matys Chamber and attendant on the righte 
Honnorable the Lord Treasurer taken at Mleboroughe upon oathe 
the Twelveth day of September (1617) before Richard Digge and 
Henry Martyn Esqre. 

The said John Coulsburrough saithe that on Wendsday night 
the Tenth of this September he came unto the howse of one Widow 
Lunnatt in Ramesbury in Wiltes being a Contry alehowse in the 
Eveninge betwixte six and seaven of the Clocke and being theare 
then came one who named himself Robarte Humphries and said 
he was a Tincker, wch Robarte Humphries supped wth this informer 
and after supper he wolde needes have this informer to 
drincke wth him who answered he could not drinke. Whereuppon 
the said Humphries said that yf he could not drinke the Bell should 
toule for him, and after the said Humphries Challenged this Informer 
to goe to penny prick wth him for xls and a caste or two 
beinge throwne by this informer the said Humphries begann a new 
Challenge upon this Informer namely to play at bowles wth him 
for x£ and drew out of his purse and laid downe 15s . in money on 
the table and wished this informer to cover yt yf he did dare. 
Whereuppon this Informer did drawe out ffowre peeces of golde 
xxijs. peeces and did cover yt and took up bothe the monies. Upon 
wch takinge the said Robarte Humphries fell a raytinge at this 
Informer and took up a Candlesticke to stricke him on the head 
but was withhelde from strickinge him by the maide of the howse 
and one of Sir Thomas Howards men, Saying further that he would 
have his money out of his throate, and being demanded what he 
was, sometimes, he said, a tincker and sometimes a Gunnsmith 
and said further that he wolde be a butcher, adding further that he 
had a staffe for this Informer and threatened this Informer that 
he would beat him and way lay him, desiring to know wch way 
he rodd the next morninge. And saieth further that he had Ires 
(letters) from the right Honble the Lord Treasurer unto the right 
Honble the Earle of Hertford Lord livetennte of this County. 

(Sgd) RICHD. DIGGE. 

HENRY MARTYN. 

A PETITION FROM PRISONERS IN FISHERTON 
GAOL. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes July 15th, 1617, the 
following was presented to the Justices :— 
To the Right Wor. the Kings Maiesties Justices of the peace and 
quorum and other the Justices of peace of this County of Wiltis. 

The humble peticion of the pore Debttors now in great 
myssery in the gaole. 
Humblv desiring yor Wor. for Gods sake cause to Consider 
or pore estates who are licke to be starved not having wherweth 


to comfort or salves nether wth bread meate or fyer or any other 
comfort sufficient for men, that yor Wor : would be pleased to 
restore unto us that Charitable benevolence of bread wch hath ben 
taken from us sittens the last Assises wch never was before to the 
greate impoverishing of or bodies who are licke to perish wth cold 
and hunger. Or humble desire to yor Wor : is that you would be 
pleased to let us, being but seaven in number to have or bread 
againe as we wer ever accustomed to have and shall be bound to 
pray for yor Wor : health long lyfes and psperity. 

The names of the pore pryssoners then follow. 

REFUSE TO BE CONSTABLES. 

Att the Kings Maties Law day holden for the towne of High-
worth the two and twentieth day of this instant September, were 
elected and chosen by the jurye sworne for that svice according 
to the old and anntient costome of the place Thomas Thanch and 
John Sadbury to be sworne att the same lawday for the execucon 
& svice of the office of Constables for the yeire following who being 
booth present in Corte refused to take the office or to be sworne 
accordingly soe that the place is like to be ungarded untill by order 
they be compealed thereunto. 

(Sgd) FRA. BRIDGES & JOP : TRENESCALE. 

HANGED FOR BIGAMY. 

In the " Kalender of Prisoners " at the Quarter Sessions held 
at Marlborough September 30th, 1617 , is the following :— 

James Tucken, Indicted and convicted for the felonious taking 
to wife one Sarah Stubbfield als Hunt his former wife Susan being 
liveing, and adjudged to be hanged by the neck untill he be dead. 

With reference to the above the following appears amongst 
the depositions :— 

The examinacon of James Tucher late of Marke in the County 
of Sommersett Mason taken the xijth day of September In the 
ffivesteenth yeare of the raigne of our Most gracious souveraigne 
Lord King James before Henry Martyn Esqre. 

Who beinge charged with the marryinge of a second wieff his 
former weiff livinge, Saithe that he was married to one Susan Say 
aboute eighte yeares since at Mark in the County of Sommersett 
And aboute six yeares since he was married to one Sara Hunte at 
Littleton in the County of Gloucester and doth not know whether 
his former wieffe was then or yet is livinge. 

The Informacon of John Bowie of Tithington in the County 

of Glocester husbandman taken (as above) upon oath Who saieth 

that he knoweth Susan Sey above named the first wieff of the said 

James Tucker and doth know that Tucker was married to Susan 

Sey at Mark and since that marriage he doth know that he was 

also married to Sara Hunte at Littleton about six yeares paste. 

And further sayeth that at Whitsuntide laste was twelve moneths 

he was at Marke in Sommersett sheire and then this exarninant 


did see his former wieff theare and she was then livinge, and 
thinketh she is yet livinge at Mark. 
(Sgd) HENRY MARTYN. 

A SORCERER OF MALMESBURY. 

The informacon of Nicholas Reade of Myntie in the County 
of Wilts taken by Sr Henry Poole Knight the xxiijth day of Aprill 
1617. 

Informethe that his Aunt Mrs. Huntley did shewe unto him a 
certaine paper written rounde aboutt having Romane Lres (letters) 
on the one side and figures on thother wch peece of paper was 
sent unto Mathewe Reade soone of the said Mrs. Huntley at suche 
tyme as he was in ffisherton Goale by one who named him selfe 
Edmond Langdon who then lodged at Henry Palmers howse in 
Malmesbury, wch peece of paper was sente unto him the said 
Mathewe Reade wth directions that he should weare the same in 
a piece of silke in some place about his bodie, Sayeinge that the 
paper soe used was of that vertue that his bodie should not receave 
any hurte soe longe as the same was aboutt. And saieth 
that before the said Langdon sent the paper to the said Mathewe 
Reade, hee the said Langdon sent to the mother of Mathewe to 
send him worde of the name of the Justice of Peace wch did comil 
him to gaole the name of the parties informe and psecute against 
him, and the name of the Judge before whom hee should have his 
triall affirming that they all should nott have power to doe him 
anie hurte. And further hee informeth that William James told 
him that the said Langdon reported unto him the said James and 
others that the same writinge was of such strong operation that 

yf yt weare hanged aboutt a cocks neck That then noe man shold 
have the power to kill the said Cock. 
(Sgd) HENRY POOLE. 

The examinacon of Edmond Langdon the vjth of Aprill 161 7 
Being examined whether hee weare nott abidinge at Bedmister in 
the County of Somsett hee confesseth That aboutt too years nowe 
paste hee wente to Grantham to his daughter dwelling at Axmister 
In the County of Devon maried to one Jeffrey Westeley a Phisition 
and as he came from thence he remayned at Bedmister at the 
howse of one Thomas Birde at what place hee pfessed Phisicke 
for the space of six monethes in wch tyme he confesseth that hee 
caste figuers for finding outt of horses wch Mr. Nevile of Bedmister 
had loste. And then beinge indebted to the said Birde he 
secretly departed from thence. And saieth that during that tyme 
that he was at Bedmister he was moste comonly called by the name 
of Hopkins and sometimes by the name of Langdon. And saieth 
that the cause wherefore he was called by the name of Hopkins 
at his beinge nowe at Bedmister was for that aboutt xx yeares 
paste he lav secretlie in Bristowe to avoide a Censure against him 
in the Starchamber in the cause betweene the Lady Gresham and 
Boothe at what tyme he named himselfe Hopkins. Hee further 


saieth that after his departure from Bedmister hee went to Cardiffe 
in Wales thinkmge to' have lived theare butt not liking- that 
Countrv he came to Malmesburie on the first of November last. 

(Sgd) HENRY POOLE. 

Edrnond Hopkins alias Langdon was indicted at the Quarter 
Sessions held at Devizes 29th day of April 161 7 " for taking upon 
him by sorcery & inchantment to shewe where stollen cattle might 
be founde ". It was ordered that he was " To be had to Salisbury 
and on Saturdaye next to be brought before Mr. Tooker and Mr. 
Lowe 

Nothing more appears on this roll concerning Mr. Hopkins, 
alias Langdon. 

NOT WHIPPED IN PUBLIC. 

The examinacon of Richard Berrye of Chippenham taken 
Tertio die Januarii 1618 . 

Being demanded whteher he had (received) any punishment for 
the Pettye Larcenye whereof he was convicted att the last Sessions 
according to the Judgement there given against him, he sayth he 
had no open punishment but was whipped in the Comon Hall at 
Marleborough but knoweth not who broughte him, nor who was 
present att his whipping. And being demanded howe yt came to 
passe that he was not openlye whipped according to his Judgement 
he sayth he knoweth not. 

(Sgd) HENRY BAYLYFFE. 

(It looks as though Berry managed to dodge his whipping). 

A PEDLAR'S PACK. , 

The examinacon of William Humber Nov 3rd 1618, Whoe 
confesseth he came from Pirton and uppon Wednesday last coming 
over the playne towards Sarum about a mile beyond Ambrosbury 
he founde a litle fardle (=bundle) of Pedlery ware vizt one peece 
of stooleworke, five Norwich worsted girdles, five peeces of drawne 
worke of holland cloath, two leather purses, one peece of Carnacon 
riben, a pap of shooemakers tackles, one stuffe girdle, one knife, 
and one bone combe, and by night he came to ffisherton where he 
was charged by vertue of a Commandment from the Judges of 
Assize and being searched the aforesaid parcels were found about 
him. He sold one other knife to Harry Rawlins of ffisherton. On 
being examined how he came by certayne things he heretofore 
delivered to Brownes wife who sometymes lived in ye Gaole he 
saith he never delivered anything to Brownes wife. 

A FALSE PASS. 

The Examinacon of Thomas ffortescue late of Turnebridg in 
the County of Kent gent the xxviijth of ffebruarie 1618 . 
This examinant sayth that he is sonne to Thomas ffortescue of 
Modbury in the County of Devon Esquire and was borne at the 


howse of Edwarde Amdrydeth Esqre being at Slapton neare Dark-
mouth in Devon & was there bread upp untill he was 14 or 15 
yeares of age. And afterwards he ranne from his Grandfather to 
lyve with his mother at Turnebrydg and from thence about three 
yeares sythence he came to Southampton and from thence he went 
into ffrance where he contynued at Ponntarson wth Mounseur 
Mountgomry and some time dayes sythence he took shipping at 
St. Mallose and landed at Bastable and came from thence to 
Bristole upon Wensday last and then he. came to Bath in the 
Company of one ffrancis, but what ffranciss Sr name is he knoweth 
not. And they came to Beckington Thursday night and ffryday 
night to Warmester where he begged money of a woman at 
Warmester towards foude but she gave him none wch he asked at 
the instance of the said ffranncis. 

And being demanded whether the passes founde about them 
by the officers of Warmester one of them for the said ffrancis and 
thother for himself e were of his hand wry ting he denyeth the same 
saying his owne passe was one Mr. Cartwryghts wrytinge who 
was secretary to the said Mounseur Mountgomeroy. 

(Signed) E. LUDLOWE. 
Evidently Sir Edmund Ludlowe thought he was nothing but a 
vagabond, for at the next Quarter Sessions he was convicted for 
" an incorrigible rogue & comitted to Mr. Smith, alias Godshill, of 
Bradford, to serve him for a year & then to appear at the next 
Sessions following after the end of the year His forged pass is as 
follows:— 

A CLEVER FORGERY. 

This forged pass is on the files for 1619 . The handwriting is 
quite good but the spelling is much at fault. 

NORMANDIE. To all Gouvernores, Currinales Captaines 
Liftainantes and to all others his Maties officeres to whom these 
presents shall consern, Grettinge &c. 

Know ye that I John Mountgomrerie Lord Gouverner of 
Ponttorsan have apsolutlye discharged the barer here of Thomas 
fforterscue gentell man of my Companaie and hath remained in my 
Garison for the space of three yeres and regard of his longe and 
dutif ull sarvis I have geven him this my letter of pas to travell in to 
the Relme of England. These are thar fore in his Matis nam to 
will and require you and evry of you to permit the barer her of 
to pas quietly with out anie of your letes or molistastiones he 
behaveinge him selfe as be cometh a dutifull subgact unto his 
Matie. Geven under my hand and sell from my Garison of 
Pounttorsan the xvijth daie of ffebrarie 1618 . 

(Signed) Jo. Mountgomtaie. 
Beneath is written in another though somewhat similar handwriting 
:— 
Whar as the barar her of Tho fferteseue land at our Toune 
and porte of Barnestabell and Cominge be fore me Henrye West



lacke Maiore have geven hem the othe of alegance, and he is to 
travell in to the Countie of Kent unto a place called Tarnebrige 
and I heave geven him tooe munthes for his travelle and no more 
at his perill. Geven the xxth of ffebrie 1618 . 

Henrye Westlicke Maiore. 
Geven to the bare here of to pas this Countie and I have geven 
him for his reliefe ijs. vjd. by me John Copleston. 

A SKIMMINGTON. 

The Custom or Ceremony of " Skimmington riding " is now 
probably never carried out in our country villages, but during 
the 17th and 18th centuries it was quite a common occurrence. 
When it became known in a village that a man was '' henpecked 
or a husband or wife to have been unfaithful, the inhabitants would 
form a procession, in which was carried effigies of the person or 
persons objected to, accompanied by an improvised band of 
youths making rough music by beating tin kettles, pans, or any 
other domestic utensil that would make a noise. The whole party 
would assemble outside the house of the offender, and in some 
cases capture the man or woman, as the case may be, and duck 
him or her in the village pond. 

The dictionary meaning of Skimmington is given as " a 
popular ceremony for punishing a man who allows himself to be 
beaten by his wife '' ; and though this may be one of the meanings 
of the word, it often was a much more serious matter. In a 
"Glossary of Wiltshire Words" (Dartnell and Goddard) it is 
described as follows :— 

" Skemmington, Skimmington—riding. A serenade of rough 
music got up to express disapproval in cases of great scandal and 
immorality. The orthodox procedure in North Wilts was as 
follows:—The party assembles before the houses of the offenders, 
armed with pots and pans, and performs a serenade for three 
successive nights. Then an interval of the same duration, and 
a second repetition of the rough music for three nights—nine 
nights in all. On the last night the effigies of the offenders are 
burnt ". 

Another definition is—"T o ride the skimmington, or riding 

the stang ". This means "to be hen-pecked ", and a man rode 

behind a woman on a horse with his face to the horse's tail. 

He held a distaff in his hand, and the woman beat him about the 

head with a ladle. As the procession passed the house where the 

woman was paramount, each person gave the doorstep a sweep. 

The custom seems to have been observed in many English 

Counties, as well as in Scandinavia and Spain, and to have emi


grated to America. 

In Scott's " Fortunes of Nigel" we read: " Hark ye, Dame 

Ursley Suddlechop ", said Jenkin, starting up, his eyes flashing 

with anger, " remember, I am none of your husband, and if I were, 

you would do well to forget whose threshold was swept when they 


last rode the skimmington upon such another scolding jade as your


self 

Though there may still be some persons who remember a 

" Skimmington " in their early years, yet these later public demon


strations of disapproval of the conduct of husband or wife by the 

inhabitants of the parish, were not on the same scale, nor arranged 

on the same elaborate lines, as the skimmingtons of the 17th 

century. 

The following contemporary account from the Wilts Quarter 

Sessions Records of 1618 , of a skimmington held at Quemerford, 

near Calne, gives an excellent idea of how the villagers at that time 

expressed their feelings, when husband and wife were not con


ducting themselves properly according to the opinions of their 

neighbours. 

The information of Thomas Mills de Iwemerford in the pishe 

of Callne countye of Wiltes cutler and Agnes his wife taken ye 

first day of June ano dmi 1618. 

They & either of them say yt upon Wedsday being ye 27th day 

of May last past, abowt 8 or 9 of the clocke in ye morninge, there 

came to Iwemerford a younge fellowe of Calne named Croppe, 

plainge upon a drume accompanied with 3 or 4 men and ten or 

twelve boyes; & Raphe Wellsteed of Iwemerford, this examinants 

landlord & him selfe, came to them as far as the bridge in Iwemer


ford & asked them what they meant, & they answered yt there was 

a Skimmington dwelling there & they came for him. Whereupon 

Raphe Wellsteed answered them yt ye report of Skimmingtons 

dwelling in Iwemerford was false, & prayed them to depart the 

towne, & ye women of ye towne understanding yt ye drumer & his 

company came thither for a Skimmington, they made towards the 

drumer & cutt a pt of his drume, whereupon he and his company 

departed towardes Callne. 

And about noone came again from Callne to Iwemerford 
another drumer named Wm. Watt, & wth him three or fower 
hundred men, some like soldiers, armed wth peices and other 
weapons, & a man riding upon a horse, haveinge a white night cap 
upon his head, two shininge homes hanging by his eares, & 
counterfayte beard upon his chine made of a deares tayle, a smocke 
upon the top of his garments, & he rode upon a red horse wth a 
paire of potts under him & in them some quantitye of bruinge 
graines, wch he used to cast upon ye presse of people, rushing over 
thicke upon him in ye way as he passed. 

And he & all his companye made a stand when they came just 
against thise examinates howse, & then ye gunners stiott of their 
peices, pipes & homes were sounded, together with cowbells & 
other smaller belles wch the company had amongst them, & rames 
homes & buckes homes carried upon forkes were then and there 
lifted up & showen, & during ye stand, some of ye company, viz 
W, Wellwin of Calne, butcher, Wm. Brooke & Jhon Bray of ye 
same, butcher, Wm. Lawlins of ye same, labourer, & Augustin 
Reynolds of Yatesbury, husbandman, togither wth a greate number 


of others, whose names neether of these examinates doth knowe, 
made towardes their howse, & they both fearinge least some 
violence & injurye should be offered them—ye rather because at 
their bending towardes their howse—divers stones were throwen in 
at their windowes whereof some did hitt both of them. 

Thomas Wells, ye husband, locked ye streete doore & locked 
his Wife into his chamber where she lay, and ye company pressinge 
hard against his howse he opened ye street doore to see whether 
he could psuade ye Companye to departe from his howse, & psently 
ye parties above mencioned & divers others rushed in upon him into 
his entrye, & thence into his hall, & brake open his chamber doore 
upon his wife & she offeringe to escape from them by climinge a 
paire of staires to goe up into an upper roome, Wm. Wellwin 
plucked her downe by ye heels, being halfe up ye staires and then 
he and the rest tooke her up by ye armes & the legges, and had her 
out through the hall unto ye entrye, where being a wett hole, they 
threw her down into it & trod upon hir & beried her filthily wth 
dirt, & did beate hir blacke & blewe in many places wth an 
intent, as these examinants have credibly heard, to have had hir, 
viz, Agnes, out of their howse to ye horseman & to have sett hir up 
behind him to carry hir to Callne & there washe hir in the cuckinge 

stoole, & if she would not be still & sitt quietly, then to stuffe hir 

mouth wth greines. 

Thomas Willes further saith yt no man was so eager in 

breaking open his doores as Wm. Brooke, butcher,- & yt he used 

theise wordes " Come Ran, we will have he, we must have hee ", 

& ye drumer Wm. Wiatt heard Wm. Brooke use wordes to yt effect 

as they went from Callne to Iwemerford, that they would fetch 

them out of their howses, not expressinge then by name what psons 

they meante nor he ye said Wm. Wiatt then knowing what the 

company did intend. 

The information of Peeter Wellsteede of Callne, tayler:— 

He saith yt being at ye howse of Raphe Welsteede, his father, 

in Iwemerford, when Wm. Wellwin & Wm. Brooke came with 

their unruly company from Callne to Thomas Wells his howse, ye 

said Raphe Welsteed being Thomas Willes his landlord, as well 

for savinge of his howse from hurt by ye unruly multitude as his 

tenantes from injurie, taking this examt with him went into ye 

howse & endeavoured by their pswasion & other best helpe, to 

appease represse ye entrye, but they little prevailed, & were both 

well beaten for their labours. 

(Signed) JHON HUNGERFORD. 

(Sir John Hungerford was a Justice of the Peace for Wilts). 

A PETITION TO KING JAMES I. 
To the Kings Most excellent Matie. 
The humble Peticon of Alice Larkin a poore distressed Widow. 
Humblie sheweth that whereas yor poore suplt having a sonn 
named Robert Cheeseman whoe served one Mr. South of Swakley 
in the County of Wilts, the said Mr. South upon some mis



demeanor done by the said Cheeseman and others hath comitted 
him to the Bridewell at the Vise in the said County of Wilts where 
hee hath remayned in greate want and miserie almost theise three 
quarters of a yeare, and cannot be released wthout hee pay v£ for 
a ffine to yor Mats use. 

Yor supt most humblie beseeceth your Matie for Gods case (in 
regard that her sonn is a very poore man and hath not one penny 
in the world to releive his psente misery) that you would be pleased 
to remitt his said ffine, and to refer the examinacons of this poore 
mans greivance to yor Maties Justices of peace, that they at their 
generall meeting at their next Quarter Sessions for the said County 
may take such present order for the poore prisoner his inlardgment 
out of prison as they in their wisdomes shall think fitt. And (as in 
duty bound) shee wth her poore sonn shall daylie pray for your 
Maties most happie Raigne. 

Beneath the foregoing is written :— 

At the Court at Theobaides xj Nov 1618. 

His Matys pleasure is that the Justices of the Peace at the next 

Quarter Sessions to be held wthin the Countye take such order for 
the reliefe and enlargement of this poore and distressd prisoner as 
they shall thincke fitte. 

(Sgd) MARK CRANFIELDS. 

The petition is endorsed. Alice Larkin. 

Praying a reference to the Justices of peace in the County 
of Wilts for an enlargement of his sonn comitted to the Bridewell 
at the Vyse and ^ 5 fyne to his Matie. 

BUTTER FOR KING JAMES. 

The Constables of Chippenham in their presentment at the 
Quarter Sessions held at Devizes April 14th 161 8 state;— 

Wee psente yt the purveigher of Butter for his Maties moste 
Honble howsehowlde hath taken composition for 250 lb of butter 
wthin one hundred at ijs. od. the pounde, for ye wch we have his 
receite. 

We psent Robert Barten of Chippenham tailler for that he doth 
plant Willow trees on the east of the Riven Aven by meanes 
whereof he doth thrust out the water into the Kings high waye in 
a ground called the Ivye Mere Chippenham to the confoundinge of 
the same waye. 

1619. 

There is nothing to interest readers in the Rolls for this year. 

1620. 

AN ANCIENT SOLDIER. 

To the Right Honble the Earle of Hertford. 
The humble peticon of George Inges of Calne, Tayler. 
In most humble wise sheweth unto yor Honor yor poore 

F2 


peticoner That hee hath become an auncient souldier and nowe 
growne aged and wanteth maintenance. And is desirouse to make 
knowne to your honor what service hee hath benne in, hopeing you 
will have compassion on him. 

1. 
In the year 1588 hee served under the Lord Seymer, generall of 
the narrow Seas. 
2. 
Hee served under Sir Ollyver Lambertte Knight in the Lowe 
Counties att Steane Wick & Coulston dyke. 
3. 
Under Sir Roger Williams, Knight in ffrance and Sergeant to 
him. 
4. Under the Earle of Essex in ffrance. 
5. Att Cales (Calis) accon under Sir Ollyver Lambertte Knight. 
6. 
Att the Hand Viage, under Captaine Connoway and Sergeant 
under him. 
7. Sergant under Sir Henry Nevell Knight. 
Wherefore yor pettconer most humbly bescecheth your Honor 
to consider of these his services and to have compassion uppon him 
for that his sight fayleth him by means whereof hee is not able to 
maintain him selfe by his laboures. To graunt him a pencion 
dureing his life and as by dutie hee is bounde hee will dayly pray 
for yor Honor in health & happines longe to continue. 

And wee whose names are hereunder written at the earnest 

intreatie of the said petioner being knowne unto us Doe in his 

behalf 
desire yor Honor to have compassion uppon him. 

The above is signed by Fr. Seymour, Jno. Dauntsey, Will 

Powlet, Geo. Ivye, Ed. Bayntun, Roberte Baynarde, John Lambe, 

Charles Danvers, Edward Rede. 

And the Court granted the " auncient Souldier " a pension of 
^ 3 6s. od. per annum. 

DEFILING A WATER SUPPLY. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes July 1620 The Grand 
Jury presented John Kinge yeoman of Sedgehill for suffering Peter 
Kinge of the same place glovier for useing of a gloviers pitfc in a 
close or grounde of John Kings called Water pocke nere a little 
or runneing water called Beriebroke for the layeing dressing and 
useing of many sortes of lymye skinnes for leather to the spoile and 
harrae of the cattle of Richard Kinge of Kippins in Sedgehill and 
doe spoile the water there wch Richard Kinge manye times hath 
occasion to use in his owne grounde nere the same pitt for the use 
and howsehold mentenance of reliefe of himselfe and his familye 
and other of the inhabitants of Sedgehill this drye sommer and the 
sommer last past. 

THE COMPTON BASSETT LIBEL. 
(Slightly abbreviated.) 

The information of John Burchall of Compton Bassett, 
Weaver taken by John Hungerford of Cadnam, Esquire upon the 
third day of November ano dmi 1620 as followeth. 


Upon his oath He saith yt he married one of the daughters 
of Richard Miller ye elder of Compton husbandman & yt ye said 
Richard Miller & his wife & daughters duringe all the time yt this 
deponet hath knowen them as also & his wife ever since their intermarrage 
have lived honestly and peaceably amongst their neighbours, 
and albeit their estate in wealth be none of ye richest, yet 
he thanketh God that there hath beene allwayes a good opinion 
held of them for their honestyes & good behavior, yet not wth 
standing, some evill disposed psons of Compton, intending to make 
a mockinge stocke & scorne of them all (as namely Robert Maundrell 
of Compton, sonne of Richard Maundrell of ye same yeoman 
& Katherme ffarmer, spinster, servant to ye said Richard, and 
Daniell White, a younge gramer scholler, brother to Thomas 
White, farmer of Compton) have lately amongst them, framed contrived 
and published a very infamous & scandalous wrightinge, in 
ye nature of a libell tending to ye disgrace of his father in lawe 
Richard Miller and his wife and daughters and this deponents disgrace 
and his wives, & have scattered copies thereof abroade, and 
singe it in the open hearinge of divers psons. And this he knoweth 
to be trewe for yt hee himself did heere Katherine ffarmer singe 
it boldly upon ye 22nd day of October last past, beeing Sunday, 
in the howse of his father in lawe Richard Miller, at wch time this 
deponent demanndinge of ye said Katherine who tought hir yt 
songe she answeared yt Robert Mawndrell hir masters sonne did 
teache it hir, upon a Thursday night not longe before as he & she 
did sitt by ye fier after his father and mother had gone to bed at 
wch time ye said Robert charged hir yt she should not singe it to 
any bodye abroade. And ye said Katherine then told this deponent 
yt ye said Robert Mawndrell had ye said songe in wrightinge in 
his box, and further offered this deponent yt if he would promise 
not to acquainte Robert Mawndrells father wth the said songe, 
she made no doubt but she could pvaile wth Robert Mawndrell, to 
have it of him & bringe it to this deponent before night. This 
deponent further saith that ye copie of ye said songe wch he 
brought to me upon his complainte and is now by me sent to ye 
sessions is ye hand wrightinge of Robert Mawndrell & he is the 
rather enduced so to thinke for yt he shewing the same to Sir 
John Ernie Whittam Knight and to Sir Thomas Mildmay Knight 
sonne in lawe to the said Sir John whom ye said Robert Mawndrell 
did lately serve at Whettam they both affirmed that they thought 
in their consciences yt ye said copie is ye handwrightinge of Robert 
Mawndrell. This deponent further saieth, yt upon Sunday ye 22th 
of October after eaveninge prayer he did heare Daniell White 
singe pt of the said infamous songe in ye presence of Mary White 
and Priscilla White his sisters & in the presence of Robert Mawndrell, 
who as the sayd Daniell did tell this deponent, did egge & 
pswade to singe or say as much thereof as he could, upon this 
pretence yt ye said Robert Mawndrell had heard yt a copye thereof 
was sent and directed to him, & this dep : verely thinketh yt ye 
said Robert Mawndrell was ye man yt did in cuninge direct ye said 
copie unto him, to the end yt it should be excused by his childish



nes if it were published by him, wth out any suspition yt he ye 
said Robert Mawndrell was the maker or ye wrighter thereof. 

The information of Edmund Crowche of Bath, mason, taken 
ye same day & time upon his oathe. He saith yt he was at ye 
howse of old Richard Miller of Compton upon ye 22nd of October 
& there he heard Katherine ffarmer, having first placed herself 
upon ye toppe of ye table to be the better heard singe alowd a 
greate pt of the libellous songe & when Jhon Burchall, being 
present, did demande of hir who did teache it hir she answeared 
Robert Mawndrell, and further he saith yt ye said Katherine used 
theise wordes to Jhon Burchall, That if he should question hir 
before any justice of ye peace for singinge that songe that she 
would be gone out of the Countrye. 

(Sgd) JOHN HUNGERFORD. 
The examination of Katherine ffarmer servant to Richard 
Mawndrell of Compton taken ye daye and yeare above mencioned 
She confesseth yt she did singe pt of ye libellous songe at Richard 
Millers howse upon ye same day & in such manner as John Burchall 
& Edmunde Crowche have informed against her upon their 
oathes, But that she told Jhon Burchall yt hir masters sonne 
Robert did teach it hir she doth denye. 
(Sgd) JHON HUNGERFORD. 

1621. 

There is very little of interest in this roll, but the following 
are worthy of a place in these extracts :— 

ALL WELL AT FISHERTON DELAMERE. 

The tithingmen of this parish present that "They have— 

thanes be to Almighty God theirfore—no popish recusants, no 

occasion to levy the twelve pence for none forbear to repair to 

divine service, no inns or alehouses licensed or unlicensed, no 

druncken persons, no unlawful weights or measures, no neglect of 

hues and cries, no roads out of repair, no wandering rogues or 

idle persons, and no inmates of whom they desire reformacon *\ 

. SUSPECTED WITCHES. 

Two women were committed to Fisherton prison who were 
" vehemently suspected to be witches 

1622. 

Like the previous year, this also contains little of interest, and 
there are only three rolls. 

TRADE BAD AT BROMHAM. 
The weavers of Bromham in a petition for relief state that 
" 44 looms have within half a year stood still for want of work, 


whereby 800 persons, twenty at least for each loom in weaving, 
spinning and spooling are now miserably distressed for want of 
employment 

INCREASED PAY FOR DAMAGED GOODS. 

The Keeper of the House of Correction petitions that his pay 
of ^2 0 a year may be increased. Pie says that '4 he has to provide 
stock for the prisoners work at his own cost, which has become a 
burden he can no longer bear, chiefly for that he has kept most of 
the prisoners in work at spinning and carding, wherein he has 
daily received great damage, partly by reason of the unprosperous 
times of trading in those affairs and partly by secret abuses which 
the prisoners have done to his goods—some ignorantly and some 

maliciouslyyear only. 
The Court granted him an increase of £5 for this 
1623. 
ARSON AT ASHTON KEYNES . 

The informacon of Elinor Sysome of Ashton Keynes single 
woman against Edith Ampney uppon oath the xxijth day of 
ffebruary 1623 before Sr John Hungerford, Knight one of His 
Mats Justices of ye peace for the said County as ffolloweth. 

This informant saith that about Tuesday or Wednesday last 
she went to South Cerney to one John Townstads house a baker, 
where this Edith Bennett was then abyding, and meeting her this 
Informer told her yt old Widdowe Bennett her mother in law 
was gone from Ashton Keynes. '' The Dyveil goe wth her '' said 
Edith Bennett. Mr. Brind of Wanbrough, said this Informer, 
brought two carts & carryed her away and some part of her household 
stuffe. This was Robyns doing, said Edith Bennett for he 
was still wrighting Lres (letters) to Mr. Brind to fetch her away. 
Surely noe, replyed this Informer, I think it was indifferent to Mr. 
Robyns whether she went or stayed. Oh, said this Edith Bennett, 
Rdbyns is a loyally fellow att Ashton. I warrant you hee will 
fleece her. Wheronto this Informer made answer, that God be 
thanked, Mr. Robyns had wealth inough of his owne and needed 
none of her goods, and that wch Mr. Robyns did was in neighbourhood 
and kindness in that shee was an old sickly woman and 
his next neighbour. I tell you, saith Edith Bennett, this is all 
Robyns roguerry with many other idle and unseemly words against 
a man of his rank and place. And further she sayth not. 

The Informacon of Richard Robyns of Ashton Keynes &c. 
gent taken upon oath ffyrst day of Mch 1623 before Sr John 
Hungerford &c. against Arthur Litton and Edith Bennett. 

This Informer saith that on Wednesday morning about the 
sunne ryseing afor Candlemas day last, he was sent for to come 
speedily to his next neighbour an old Woman one Widdowe 
Bennett who had bine a long tyme and then was very sick. And 
as this informer went he asked of the boy who came for him, howe 


his dame did. " Oh, said ye boy, my Dame and goodwyffe Browne 
(wch was a poor woman did attend his Dame in her sickness) were 
piteously afraid all this night for our dogg did never leave running 
up and downe the house barking all night, and somebody hath bine 
about our house bounsing and knocking that they are in a pytyfull 
fright still ". Soe when this informer came to the house the said 
goodwyfe Browne cryed out att a window, " We shall be kylled, 
we shall be kylled." And this informer looking asyde espyed a fire 
flame up a great height in a little thatchet out house where he knew 
his said sick neighbour was woont to lay straw & brush wood and 
noe Chymney to make a fire in : the sight of wch fire so affirighted 
this informer, that he stayed not to heare the Complaint of the 
poore woman but stept to the Dore of the said outhouse, wch was 
made fast, but sawe a great fyre naming through the chinks of 
the dore and the said Edith Bennett standing by yt, Soe this informer 
asked who was there, & she made answer that she was 
there in her own house. What, said this informer, dost thou mean 
to sett our houses on fire, that thou makest such a great flaming 
fire in such a lowe thatcht house; thou hast done inough, said he, 
to have thee trussed up or words to that effect. Yt is little better 
that thou hast done then Burglary to break into another bodies 
house in the night tyme and therby to putt the owner thereof in 
dread of her lief and afterwards to hazard the setting on fire this 
house and mine and the rest of the neighbours. Come out, said 
this informer or else I will break open the dore uppon thee. But 
she bad him to doe his worst she would not come fourth. Soe this 
informer went psently to the Constables house to fetch him to see 
what was done and to have this Edith Bennett before one of his 
Maties Justices to answare this outrage comyted by her, but before 
this informer retourned back wth the Constable, she was rune 
away. 

After wards he and the Constable went into the said little 
outhouse wch she had brake into and fownd the staple of the dore, 
where into the shutt of the lock went, to be broken short of, and 
another staple three tymes as bigg as the other knockt in some 
what above the other of purposse to putt a great barre in, as they 
conjectured. 

Then they went into the old woman being sick in bedd whose 
request to them was that she being not able to help her self, and 
noe body but a poor woman that attended her & her little boy 
about her house, that for Gods sake they would not lett the said 
Edith Bennett soe escape away, but to apprehend her, and to bring 
her before a Justice and to bind her over for thus putting her and 
the poor woman in dread of their lives. Soe this Informer took 
order wth the Constable privately to search for her, wch he did, 
but could not take her for she fled into Gloucestershire at that 
tyme. This Informer stayed wth his sick old neighbour to comfort 
her and the woman wch did attend her and desyred them to tell 
him as much of this matter as they could. Soe goodwyffe Brown 
told him as much as the ladd had before related to him of ye dogg 


barking.and the sturr and noise that was about the house all night 
long allmost : and how they thought and feared they should have 
bine kylled in their bedds. And as soon as yt was light she looking 
fourth att a window, sawe a great black fellowe wth a cloke 
about him and a sword under his arme walking upp and downe 
before the house wch did much affright her and that he went away 
a little before this informer came. 

Then this informer went and enquired after him & found yt 
was Arthur Litton a smyth, brother of the said Edith, and his 
dwelling is 3 or 4 miles of from Ashton Keynes, and had noe business 
there for ought this Informer knew but to assist his sister in 
her outrageous & unlawfull accon. And againe he saith that wch 
was done in wresting and breaking short of the iron staple of ye 
Dore and knocking in another great staple could not be done wth 
out tooles for the purpose and great streanth alsoe and therefore 
though the said Arthur were not seene in the house wth his syster, 
yet this informer is psuaded that he and his tooles did help to 
breake open the dore & to lett his syster in. And further saith not. 

(Signed) JOHN HUNGERFORD. 
As nothing more of the case appears in the rolls it seems probable 
that Edith and Arthur were sent to the Assizes for trial. 

A CLEVER COUNTERFEIT PASS. 

IRELAND. To all Justices of peace, Maiors, Shreeffs, Bailioffs, 
Constables, and to all other his Mats officers and lovinge 
Subjects whatsoever Greeting. 

Know yee that I John Baker Captaine of one foote Company 
in his Mats pay and govnore of Killmoore Castell wth in the north 
pte of Ireland. Have by vertue of a Warrant from the Right 
Honble Henry Lord Carey, lord deputie of Ireland, Discharged 
the bearers hereof Tobias Sheppard gent and James Bartley souldier 
of my Company in regard of their longe and dutifull service 
pformed to pass and repaire into the Realme of England, or else 
where for their better pferment. These are therefore to will and 
desire all to whom it may concerne quietlie to suffer them to passe 
wthout any your letts, staies, or hinderences. And to releeve them 
according to the Statute, in that case made and pvided. Given 
under my hand and seale at my garrison aforesaid the xxvjth day 
of Tulie Anno Dmi 1623. 

(Signed) JO. BAKER. 
Then follow a number of endorsements. The first is :— 
Lancaster. The bearers landed at our towne and porte of Lever-
pole in the Countie aforesaid the second day of August 1623 
and comyng before me Thomas Greene maior of the said 
towne uppon their examinacons are to travill to Margarett in 
the Countie of Kent. All Constables and other officers to helpe 
them to lodginge and to afford them yor lawfull favours duringe 
their travill, I having allowed them ( ) monethes to 


fynishe their Jorney by reason of sicknes of the one of them 
and noe longer at their perill. 
(Signed) THOMAS GREENE Maior. 
Chester. Given to the bearers hereof for their relieffe to passe this 
County (amount unreadable). 
(Signed) By me John Bruerton, tres. 
Stafford. Given for relieffe to the bearers heareof to passe this 
Countie—vs. vid. 
deputie tresurer. 
Seene and allowed to pass this County of Warwick the xth day 
of August 1623. (signed) Bar : Hales. 
Northam. Given to thise bearers to pass this County 5s. 
John Nycheise (?) tre. 
Berks. Geven for relieffe to the bearers iijs. vid. hereof to pass 
this Countye. 

p. me Willm. Wylmore deput. Trer. 
Wilts. Given for relieffe to the bearers hereof to passe to ye next 
Tresurrer iiijs. vjd. 
By me Rich. House depute. 
Suff. 
Seene and allowed the bearer hereof Tobias Sheppard to 
passe this Countye One daye after the Date hereof. Dated at 
Burye this two & twentieth day of September 1623. (Signed) 

J. Heigham. 
Suff. Given to this bearer for his releefe to pass this pte of this 
Countye vs. 
(Signed) Tho. Tillott trsrer. 
The writing of the pass itself is excellent and to all appearances 
genuine. There is a certain amount of sameness in some of 
the endorsements and the capital letters in some cases appear to 
be an attempt at disguise, but taken on the whole, the pass with 
its endorsements might and could easily deceive any Constable or 
Tythingman of that period as most of them could scarcely read 
or write. 

However, it would not pass the searching eyes of the Wilts 
magistrates, for a note by the Clerk of the Court says " for that 
Wilts and Berks guifts are of one hand, and for that he confesseth 
ye passe to be Conterft." He was " Indicted and Convicted as a 
wandering & an incorrigible rogue and adjudged to be burned on 
the left shoulder accordinge to the Statute in that case made and 
pvided, and after to be sent by pass from tythinge to tythinge 
unto the place of his birth or where he last dwelt." 

1624. 

FEAR OF FIRE AT WYLYE. 

These are in the behalfe of the perishners of Wayley to certifie 
your worships that whereas one John Tayler of this our pish hath 
ben heretofore licensed to sell ale and dooth use the trade of bruing 
and baking in an house very unfit by reason it hath in it neyther 


Chymny noe flwe nor stone wale about it above the heigth of foure 
foot being a thetched house, without a loft and hath ben already 
once or twice like to set the towne on fire which wee dooth greatly 
dout wherefore wee the peish whose names are heare under whritne 
doe most humbly request your worshipps that it may not be 
soffered to continue. 

Signed by fifteen of the Inhabitants. 

VEHEMENT WITCHES. 

The Jury of the hundred of Mere present Margery Symons 
and Thomas Symons hir sonne for that they are vemonously suspected 
that they are notable wytches upon many presumcions. 

BRANDED. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough Oct. 5th 1624 
three men were indicted and convicted of several felonies. '' They 
praied their Clergie and reade, and thereupon were burned in the 
hand and then delivered paying there fines." 

WHIPPED. 

Fourteen persons including six women were convicted of 
'' petty larcenyes and were adjudged to be openly whipped in Marlboroughe 
upon their naked backs until they blede and then to be 
released ". 

The Jury of Kinwardston at Marlborough in October present 
that " upon the 24 August there was at Great Bedwin at John 
Keets house a blow given with a pott by William Whittaway to 
one John Harleboott wch putt him in dainger of his life ". 

We do psent that upon the 1 8 day of September or ther 
aboute that upon the hieway in a place called Easten droughtt 
there was a great deale of blood shed in the night by Austen Batt 
and his company. 

WRONGLY IMPRISONED. 

The humbel petyton of Ewell Valor; 
Humbly desiring yor Worpps for Gods cause to consider my 
poor estate and the long tyme yor poore orator hath indured in 
prison undeserved that your Worpps will be pleased to grannt me 
my lybberty that I may go to my home and worke for the maintenance 
of my poore wyfe and Children wch are lycke to starve 
now he that brought the three joynts of meete into my house hath 
taken his tryall and hath confessed that neither I nor my wyfe was 
at home when it (was) brought into my house before he was taken 
there wth the meate. In tender concidderation I most humbly 
besseech your Worpps to release me, and I and my wyfe and 
children shall be bound to pray &c. 


A DESERTER. 

The examinacon of John Gilford alias Vincent taken the sixt 
day of January 1624(5). 

Whoe saith that he was prest for a souldier by the Tythingman 
of Corston to serve for the said village who gave him six pence 
impresse, and the Inhabitants did furnish him for the said service 
wth newe hose, coate, stockings, shooes and shirte and he had 
eight pence by the daye allowed him from the tyme of his being 
presst until he was delivered at Marlboroughe to the deputie 
lieftenant bywhome he amongst other companie was delivered to 
such officers as had Comission to receive them, under whose 
conduct he was marched to Twyford wch he saith was lx daies 
journey from Marlbrough and lyeing there till night did the next 
morning before day steale awaie from his companie and soe made 
his returne to the place from whence he was prest and more saieth 
not. 

(Signed) GEO. MARSHALL. 

MORE PROBABLE DESERTERS. 

Robert Hay ward was apprehended at Compton Bassett 3rd 

January 1624 and confesseth that he took presse money at Chippen


ham and appeared at Marlborough before the deputie lieutenants 

and was delivered by Sr ffrancis Seymour, Sr William Eyre & Sr 

Henry Poole Knights deputie Lieutnts of this County to Sr 

Thomas Dutton Captaine and that he went to Gravesend and was 

then discharged by Mr. Tirrett lieutenant to Sr Thomas Dutton 

for the sume of six pounds which he gave to Mr. Tirrett, but he 

had no testimonials of his discharge but came away upon Mr. 

Tirrets word that no hue and cry should come after him. 

Henry Stratton of Compton Bassett makes a similar con


fession, but says he was discharged by Mr. Tirrett because he had 

provided another to goe in his place, but, like Hayward, had noe 

testimonials of his discharge. 

" They both were confined in Fisherton Gaole ". 

There are several other of desertion on this roll; in two 

of them the men said they paid the officer in charge of their 

company 20/- to let them go. 

FISHING FOR TROUT ON SUNDAY. 

The Informacon of Joane Downe of Littleton Pannell taken 

the xix day of October 1624. 

She saith yt on Sunday last she saw John Kendall alias 

Humprey of Littleton, miller, fishe in his mill poole aboute ye tyme 

of prayer when her husband was at Church and did take up two 

trowte & deliver them to John Davis of Littleton, weaver, who 

carried them to the house of the said Kendall. 

William Downe her son saith that he saw Davis receive the 

trowte from Kendall & carry them into Kendalls mill1' but knoweth 

not what they did with them then " . 


NO RISK OF FIRE AT WYLYE. 

These are to certifie your Worships that wee the pishners of 

VVeyley do think Willyam Lock and his wife persons very fit to 

keep an ale house or house of entertainment in this our perish of 

Weyley and the rather because their house is tylled and without 

danger of fire. 

Signed by nineteen inhabitants, ten of whom " make their 

mark ". 

RUNAWAY SOLDIERS. 

Amongst the prisoners for trial at the Quarter Sessions held at 
Newe Sarum 12th day of January 1624 were seven men. They 
were " indicted and convicted for running from there Captaine 
havinge reeeyved imprest money for the Kings service in his warrs 
and ordered to be hanged by their necks until they be dead, but 
afterwards reprived by the Court till the next Sessions ". 

FISHERTON ANGER IN DISTRESS. 

The humble peticon of the oppressed inhabitants of Ffisherton 
Anger. 

In most humble manner sheweth unto yor worshipps that now 
at this last presse for his Matys service for the Warrs there were 
eleven pressed out of our tything besides straingers and some of 
them served for divers hundreds of which number there was John 
Brice who left behind him a wife and three children and John 
Miller who left his wife and fower children and Hugh Browne who 
left his aged father and mother who had haulfe his waiges for their 
reliefe (and many others whose names are given) being in number 
xxv before which tyme there were xx persons of men women and 
children besides those that will now fall upon our charge by the 
meanes of the presse besides ffortie more at leaste wch if either the 

husbands or the wife should be stricken with sickness will light upon 
the charge of the pishe and very few of the inhabitants are able to 
give reliefe—(the petition asks) that " they may have some helpe 
out of our neighbour pishes ". 

The petition goes on to say that " ffysherton Bridge and Crane 
Bridge are much decayed and the parish has been much chardged 
by distresses about the bridges & there hath bin divers fallen into 
the water wth much danger to their lives and our poore parish is 
utterly unable to repaire them and wee have noe right in concience 
for to do yt ". They ask the Justices to take some course to help 
them. 

POULTRY FOR KING JAMES I. 

After or hartie Comendacons. Theise are to pray and require 
you to take present order thatt all such sortes and kindes' of 
Poultry as by Composicon ought to be delivred out of the Countie 
of Wilts due for the Three and twenteth yeare of his Maties Raigne 
may be provided and in good sorte delivred in kinde unto Edward 
Dickinson His Matys Pourveyor for Poultry at his Matys Stoar



house wthin Bishopsgate London wthin one moneth next after the 
receipt hereof according to the tenure of yor Composicon. Thus 
not doubting of yor care in the due pformance of this his Matys 
service, wee bid you hartelie farwell. 

The Court at Windsor this vij of September 1624. 
Yor verie lovinge freinds 


R. BANASTER 
ROBT. VERNON 
The Three and Twenteth MAR. DARELL 
yeare begineth the first of SIMON HARVEY. 
October next 1624 and endeth 
the last of September 
following 1625. 

With the above is the following letter from Dickinson:— 

To the Rigth Woll his Maties Justices of the Peace and Compounders 
for the Countie of Wilts and to every and any of them— 
these. 

May it please you to understand, that whereas heretofore 
your Countey hath bin much troubled and Charged with your own 
undertakers both for your Wheat and Poultery which hath bin a 
great Greevance to the Country; and noe benefit to the King; now 
if it may be to your Worpps good likeinge; to a void the like 
occasions hereafter for,the Poultrey, I will serve it all at the same 
Rates that the Country hath formerly paid to your undertakers for 
this many yeares & Receave the money at Salesbery at a certaine 
daye and put the Country to noe farder Charge; except it be the 
Defaulters that Wilfully refuse, and at the Resaite of the Money I 
will bring a Sertefficate from the Borde of greenecloth for the 
service to discharge the Country for that yeare; and so I will continew 
with you as I do with other Countreys for the like service 
soe longe as I continew my place and the Country doth hould the 
Composission ; or otherwise soe longe as your Worpps shall thinke 
fitt for the Ease of the Country: yf it please you to except of this 
my offer then I desire your aunser by this bearer under your 
handes: Yf not then I expect the poultery accordinge to the warninge 
Letter sent by the bearer (see above). Thus leavinge it to your 
owne good likeinge, I humbelly take my leave and rest your 
Worpps at commannde. 

(Signed) EDWARD DICKINSON, 
ffrom his Maties Storehouse within 
Bushopsgate Lundon this xxvnjth 
of September 1624. 

1625. 

POOR PERSONS IN HARNHAM SPITTLE (HOSPITAL). 

Maye it please your good worshipps, we the inhabitants of 
Eastharneham whose names are here under written, much grieved 
to see the poore people of the spittle there, soe much abused and 


miserablie kept by the govenor of the same house, Soe that it is 
much suspected & feared of us that divers of them wthin these fewe 
yeares have perished and dyed by their ill usage or at least miserable 
keeping and want of sustenance to preserve life. And the 
more is our sorrow that they livinge amongst us and we dayle 
seeing their misery, know not how to help them. Wee doe therefore 
most humbly beseech your good worships in whose power, as 
we are informed yt lyeth, to remedye theis abuses, that you would 
be pleased wth as muehe convenient speed as maye be to ease theis 
poore soules of this their greate miserye which for a long space 
they have indured. And are longer still like to indure yt, unlesse 
your Worshipps take some compassion upon them, wch if you shall 
doe both they and we shalbe the more bound to praye to god for 
your worshipps health and happines long to continue. 

(Signed) THOMAS GILLOWE and five others. 

1626. 

A SKIMMINGTON IN MARDEN. 

The informacon of Thomas Moxham, husbandman, taken the 
xxiijth day of September 1626 before Sr. Wm. Button. 

Whoe saith that on Saturdaie was sevennight last past William 
Merrideth servant unto William Hollowaie of Marden & John 
Broadbanke servant unto William Lavington of Marden with many 
others in a disorderly manor came through the towne of Marden 
with Gunns, Drumes, Colerakes (coal rakes for raking ashes) ovenluggs 
and staves setting upon a Horseback twoe young fellowes 
one of them arrayed and cloathed in womans apparell and hee 
saith that when they came over against this Informers Doore they 
there made a stand saying that there was skymmington, beating 
upp the drumes, and shuting of their Gunns theare in a skoffing 
and disorderly mannor, all which disorder and game was made as 
they gave out because this Informer's wiffe had beaten him. He 
further saieth that William Moxham whoe was one of those that 
made the game in Marden of Skymmington hath given out unto 
his wives greate greife, that shee, meaning this Informers wife had 
given out that shee would shortly make an end of him, this 
Informer hir husband and of a daughter of his wch he had by a 
fformer wiffe. William Moxham being asked whether he had soe 
said, confesseth that he did saye that shee this Informers wiffe did 
say soe, and that this Informers daughter did here her mother in 
law say soe much. 

(signed) W. BUTTON. 

On the 25th day of September following William Merrydew, 
Edmund Hampsheire and others were examined by Sir W. Button 
as to what went on at the skymmington, and on being asked 
" whether.in this manor, with Stanes, Drumes and Gunns they did 
goe through the towne of Marden setting upp two young fellowes 
uppon a horse cloathing one of them in womans apparell they 
confessed they did soe and being asked why they did soe, they 


said yt was because Robart Moxham his wife had beaten him lately 
and all scratched his face. And being asked what other persons 
had encouraged them soe to doe they said that William Bayly the 
farmer of their towne and many others had encouraged them soe to 
doe and that William Bayly came unto them in their walke, encouraged 
them, and bad them goe on. 

(Signed) W. BUTTON. 

(What happened in this matter does not appear on the rolls). 

LORD ARUNDEL OF WARDOUR CHARGED WITH 
RECUSANCY. 

To they Worthie Gentlemen, they Justices of Peace to be 
assembled at the next General! Sessions at Marlburrough for the 
Countie of Wiltes. 

Worthie Gentlemen 

The Lord Arundell of Wardour and his Ladye being indicted at 
the Assizes for popish recusancie in the Countie of Wiltes, by the 
Kings favor he hath tyme to trye his Traverse upon that inducement 
till the next Assizes. This his Matie hath done in favor unto 
him, as he is a noble personage and by his gratious clemencie doth, 
to drawe him and others of the ranke of nobilitie, to conformitie, or 
to leave them unexcusable. He is alsoe indited for Recusancie at 
the Sessions and hath daye to trye his Traverse upon that inditement 
till the next Sessions. Therefore that the Kings former 
favor unto him may not be fruitless, I hold it very fitt that the tryall 
of the Traverse at the Sessions be forborne till the Assizes be 
past. Where if his Lorp shalbe convicted and shall not conforme 
in the meane time both the Lawe is satisfied and the Kings intention 
fulfilled, ffor wch causes I entreat you to give my Lo: a ffurther 
daye for the tryall of his Traverse at the next Sessions if he or his 
Counsell Desire it, wch is that wch his Matie hath beene pleased 
to signifie unto me on his behalfe. Thus in haste I reste your 
loving freinde, 

R. HEATH. 
London this 
fourtenth 
of September. 


In the " Kalender of Prisoners " at the Quarter Sessions held 
at Marlborough of Oct. 3, 1626, are the following:— 

TO STAND IN THE PILLORY. 

THOMAS EDMONDS. Indicted for making and publisheing 
a Libell wch he confesseth to be true, and thereuppon convicted 
to goale there to remaine until Saterday next, and then to stand 
under the pillorie situate in Marlborough for the space of two 
howres togeather in the Markett tyme. And then alsoe to have a 
broade white pap uppon his forehead subscribed with these words 
in great letters (vizt) for a libell and (then he is to return to prison 
until the next assizes &c). 


DEFENDING THE KING'S ENEMIES. 

JOHN BOWER of Burford a carpenter committed by Sir 
Thomas Sadler Knight, being accused to be a most dangerous 
person, a common drunkard, a most wicked prophane swearer 
neglecting his Church on the Sabaoth dayes, and being reprehended 
by one of his honest neighbours and sharply reproved for his horrible 
swearings and drunkennesses, used most lewd and unsufferable 
speeches in defence of his Maties enemies the Spaniardes with 
many great oathes wishing them here in England, and said often 
that yf they were here or would come hither he would stand with 
them and take their partes and would fighte for them against the 
English Curmogeons, or words to that effect. 

(There is no record in the roll as to how this disloyal Burford 
man was dealt with). 

PRESENTMENTS. 

The presentments of the Grand Inquest at the Quarter 
Sessions held at New Sarum 9th day of January 1626 contains the 
following items. 

r. 
Imprim. Concerning the dishonor of Almightie God and his 
word or unreventlie speaking against the booke of Common 
Praier, or any fighting or brawling in the Church or Church 
Yard there is nonne to our knowledge. 
2. 
Itm concerning High Treason or Pettie Treasonne there is 
nonne to our knowledge. 
3. 
Itm concerning Popishe Recusannts or the entertainment of 
anie Jesuiets or Seminaryes there are nonne to our knowledge 
that doth entertaine anie. 
4. Item concerning negligent coming to the Church uppon 
Sunndayes and Holidayes we know not anye. 
The remaining five presentments are of no modern interest. 

GIFT OF A PARSONAGE. 

There are two letters in this Roll offering preferment to two 
Clergymen that are so very much alike though under different 
circumstances, and both purporting to be death bed statements, 
one is inclined to think that they are hoaxes, the more so, because 
nothing else appears in this Roll corcerning the case. 

The first letter is addressed 
To his much respected and loving ffrind Mr. Ferrybee at 
his house in Bishopps Canans in Wilts have these delivd. 
Emanuell. 
Mr. Ferrybee after my best love remembered unto you as 
unacquainted but by the report of others, therefore to let you under 
stand concerning a parsonage of myne lately in the hands of one 
Mr. Buckle deceased, and he being examined uppon his death bed 
whoe was most worthiest of the place, then he answered and said, 
but few in this place but worthy paterne, I pray bestow it uppon 

G 


one Mr. Ferrybee Vicar of Bishopps Cannons a rare brave man 
worthy of the place. Sir and. please you to except of my gift I will 
bestow my parsonage as freeiy uppon yor selfe as ever I did uppon 
Mr. Buckle heare departed. I might have benn lyned ... . 
peeces thicke but I myselfe nor no child of mine by my consent 
shall take a peny nor a penyes worth for any ecclesiasticall living 
of myne. 1 have very oughten heard yor Brother preach at Bath 

and at Bradford both, and now I trust I shall heare you much 
oftener and thus expecting your answere and coming I comitt you 

and yors to the tuition of the almighty. 

Yor loving ffrinde to use 

RICH BERKELY. 

Stoake Gifford in 

Glostershirr Feb. igth 1625. 

The second letter is addressed 

To his respected and loving ffriend Mr. Heaiers At his 

house in Chipnam and preacher of Gods word there give these 

wth speed. 

Emanuell. 

Mr. Heires (then follows exactly as above)—concerning a 
parsonage of mine lately in the hands of one Mr. Yeamans 
deceased, and he being examined on his death bed (etc., as above) 
I pray you bestow it uppon Mr. Fleires preacher of Gods word at 
a place called Chipnam in Wilts a very worthy man (then follows 
exactly as in the above letter) I might have ben lyned foure score 
peces thick (then exactly as above) I have heard your name highly 
extold by the report of Divers of yor good eadifyinge which I pray 
God long to continue to the good will and pleasure of our God. 
The letter then finishes as above, but isdated from Stoake Gifford 
in Glostersh. March vjth 1625. 

Below is written " I have contented this bearer for his jorney 

praying you to direct him the nearest way to Salisbury ". 

1627. 

PLAGUE IN SALISBURY. 

Usually the first Quarter Sessions in the year were held at 
Salisbury, but this year, no doubt owing to the plague being very 
bad in Salisbury (see below), they were held at Marlborough on 
January 8th instead. 

» 

A WITCH INDICTED. 

In the " Kalendar " of Prisoners for trial at the Quarter 
Sessions held at Devizes April 3rd appears " Agnes Tanner indict 
for bewitching one heifer value xxs., one oxe value £5, one cow 
value 20&. and 7 piggs all the goods of R. Witt." She was discharged 
after paying her fine. 


BURNT ON THE HAND. 

Four men were ordered "to be conveyed from hence to the 
place of Execucon and there to be hanged by the necke untill they 
are deade " for sheep stealing, whilst Elizabeth Bennett, who apparently 
had hidden two of them, was sentenced to be burnt on 
the hand with the letter T and after to be whipped about the 
Market Place and then released. 

A PETITION TO THE LORD CHIEF JUSTICE. 

To the Right Honble Sr Nicholas Hyde, Knight, Lord Chief 

Justice of England and to other the Right Wor. the 

King-'s Mats Justices at the Gen Quarter Sessions of 

the Peace holden at the Devizes Aprill 3, 1627. 

The humble Petition of Richard Hayes of Corsham, yeoman 
Humbly sheweth, that William Jones sonne of Walter Jones of 
Corsham, knowing yor petitioner to be away from home came to 
yor petitioners house on the Seaventh day of June last between 
ix & x of the clock in the night & pulled up the latch & beate 
violently on the dore, in soe much that yor petitioners wyfe arose 
out of her bedd & looking out of the windowe she sawe him 
hewing and cutting the haull window with his sword. Afterwards 
he went into yor petitioners Back syde & there killed and spoyled 
as many of yor petitioners geese as he could reach with his sword, 
by reason whereof yor peticoners wyfe fell into such a feare and 
trembling that it continued by the space of a whole moneth after. 
Whereupon yor peticoner gott out two Justice Warrants to apprehend 
him, but the officers served him not, whereby the matter was 
dismissed for two sessions. Alsoe the said William Jones waylyed 
him as yor peticoner was going home, and he said at another 
tyme (in speaking of yor peticoner) that rather then he would 
suffer disgrace he would either kill or be killed and said he knew 
he would be hanged. By reason of which pmisses yor peticoner 
and his wyfe to stand in dread of their lives. He then requests 
that Jones may be arrested and receive such treatment as "to 
your wisdomes and grave Judgements shall seeme most meett." 

A MARRIAGE TROUBLE. 

To the Right Woll. Mr. John Penruddocke and the residue of the 

Kings Maties Justices now att this Sessions assembled, 

deliver this I pray you. 

Right Worll these are to let you understand that whereas I 
William Vennice of Barford St. Martin, husbandman, omitting 
and forgetting my prayers unto the Lord became a prey unto the 
Devill who with his allurements and enticements fell into that 
terrible and fearefull sin of adultery with one Joan Hibberd of the 
same parish, who being my wyfe by promise before God and ourselves 
in private, sithence being ruled or as it seemes, over ruled 
by her mother she utterlye denyes it; now knowing my owne 
words in my owne case will not be so credible, Hear I beseech 

G2 


you the reporte of my neighbours whose hands are hereunto 
annexed, and to them it is openly known How that I and Jone 
my wyfe was both together att Sarum wth Sir Thomas Sadler for 
a licence to be married. Sithence, she being by her mother turned 
out of doores, she came to me a weeke or fortnight before she 
was delivered to the intent I should provide some house or harbour 
for her. I promised her before James Parker & Richard Hayter 
two of my neighbours (who will be deposed yf they be required) 
to provide a house for her, yf she would be marryed to me but 
she refused it which refusal is well known to the minister and the 
Clarke when I brought the banns, and am yet of ye same mynd 
yf she please. 

Thus leaving yor worships unto the tuition of the Allmighty 
I rest. 

The above is signed by James Parker and Richard Hayter, 
John ffolleat Clerk, who adds " I gave the banns to the minister 
but against Jone Hibberds consent, for shee denied it." Edward 
Deane the Curat adds " Upon the certificate of her refusal I delayed 
to (words unreadable) after the banes." 

Apparently Jone stuck to her refusal to marry William, for 
the Court ordered William to pay nine pence per week to the 
overseers of the parish for the maintenance of the child until it 
attains 10 years of age; they further ordered that Jone shall be 
sent to the house of Correction for one year and that William 
" shalibe well whipped on his naked back from his girdle upward 
until his body doe bleed and that the Tythingman of Barford doe 
yt or cause yt to be done without delaye within a fortnight after 
Easter next. 

Signed Wa : Vaughan, Tho. Sadler. 

LORD AND LADY ARUNDEL. 

Sir Robert Heath writes to the Justices in reference to an in


dictment against Lord and Lady Arundel and their son William : 

Gentlemen, in respect of some special service which my Lord 
Arundell of Wardour & his Ladye and Mr. William Arundel his 
sonne doe nowe attend at London by the Kings special direccon, 
I am this day commanded to signifie his Matys pleasure unto you 
that you doe not proceed at these next sessions for the triall of 
their traverses to their severall indictments for Recusancye. Thus 
not doubting your due observance hereof I rest 

Yor very loveing ffreind, 

ROB. HEATH. 

March 30, 1627. 

HANGED FOR BURGLARY. 

Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough Oct. 2nd. John Hammond 
and Elizabeth his wife, Christopher Edmonds and Lucy his 
wife and Agnes Chilcott were sentenced to be hanged for burglary. 
There were several cases against them, 


THE EARL OF PEMBROKE AND AN OLD SOLDIER. 

Whitehall, the first of April 1627. 

After my very hearty commendacons. Whereas I am informed 
that Sergeant Everadd for his service heretofore done hath 
obtayned from yourselves an annuall pencon out of the Countie 
of Wilts wch he hath accordingly enioyed for many yeares past 
untill Michaellmas last but of late hath bene denyed to be paid the 
same, upon what ground or reason he knoweth not, since, as he 
affirmeth his demeanor hath not lesse deserved your good respect 
and favor towards him than formerly having bene ready upon all 
occasions to doe his Maties service according unto his abilitie. 
And although he be lame in one of his armes, yet hath he not 
refused in the expedicon with Count Manssell to putt himself into 
those companies hoping that his experience might be usefull to 
direct those who had better abilitie to putt in execucon I have 
therefore thought good upon the credit of that testimony wch I 
have received on his behalf, to desire you to take into your consideracon 
the request he hath made to be restored unto his pencon 
againe, and either to make good unto him his former graunt or 
otherwise by your Ires (letters) to acquaint me with such reason 
as shall move you to think it fitt not to continue the same. 

And so bidding you heartilie farewell, 
I rest, your very loving frend, 
PEMBROKE. 

LORD AND LADY ARUNDELL. 
(See above.) 

Another letter from Sir Robert Heath dated July 29 desires 
in the King's name that the case be heard at the Assizes and not 
at the Sessions. 

Quarter Sessions held at Devizes June 22nd. There is nothing 
of interest in this roll except the petition from the inhabitants of 
Salisbury for relief which is referred to below. 

THE PLAGUE IN SALISBURY. 

Civitas Novo Sarm, 30th Sept. 1627. 
Right Honorable. 
Maye it please yor good Lordshipp and the rest of his Maties 
Justices wth in the County of Wiltshire to be advertized of the 
miserable and distressed estate of the poore people in this citie, 
And that you wilbe pleased to take into your good consideracons 
for the continueance of their relief wthoute wch more people are 
like to perish by famyne then by the Infectious sicknes wch is 
muche more encreased very lately then heretofore as appeareth 
by certificat hereunder writen. 

1. ffirste here are uppon relief Twoo thousand nyne hundred 
and od persons. 

2. Whereof there are 88 households shut up of the Infectious 
sicknes, of wch 27 houses are fallen into yt this laste weeke. 
3. The Reliefe of these persons at one pennye by the daye 
amounteth unto lxxx£ and upward by the weeke. 
4. The Chardge of the sicke people and their attendants to 
order them as well by night as by daye is very greate. 
5. Wee have not receaved the half part of the Contribution 
agreed uppon at the last Sessions althoughe we have employed 
divers of our brethren and good friends to collect the same of the 
Constables. And therefore doe humbly desyre that some good 
order may nowe be taken wth the Constables and others that are 
behynde in payment thereof. 
6. Also over and besyde the loving & Charitable Benevolence 
of the Cities and Townes and divers right worpfl Knights & gents 
bestowed and sent unto us, wee stand muche engadged and indebted 
for Corne and other pvisions for the poore and infected. 
7. There are not lefte scarce ten householders within the 
Citie that are able to geve reliefe. 
8. The number of those that have dyed for this moneth nowe 
last paste viz. from the 31st of August to the 29th September, 73. 
Signed John I vie maior. 
Ri. Godfrey, B. Tookie, Henry Pearson. 

(In the Roll of the Sessions held at Devizes in the previous 
June there is a similar petition, though the condition of the people 
was not then nearly so bad as described above.) 

APPLICATION FOR A BADGER'S LICENCE. 

To the Rt. Wor. the Kings Justices of the Peace. 

Most humbly desireth your Worps, Andrew Goddard of Okebourne 
St. Andrew, husbandman aged ffortie yeares and upwards 
being and having ben an householder by the space of Twentie 
yeares, That you will be pleased to graunt licence unto him to be 
a comon badger for the buyeing and selling of Cheese Butter and 
other things according to the Statute. The bench granted the 
licence for one whole year at a fee of iod. per week. 

PRESENTMENTS. 

The presentments of the Constables include a large number 
of roads out of repair. 

, The Constables of Kingsbridge hundred present " that in the 
towne of Swindon there are nine licensed Alehouses which wee 
thinke to be to manie in a Towne where there are not three hundred 
communicants it being no thorowfare ". 

A number of persons are presented for not going to Church 
or for being recusants. 


BURNT ON THE HAND. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at New Sarum Jan. 13 & 14, 

John Brice for stealing- one Plowe share value nd. and one Coul


ter (=a plough share) value 7d. was sentenced "to be burnt on 

the left hand with a letter F. " 

Thomas Harvey was indicted for speaking certain seditious 
words concerning the death of the King (James ist) which he 
confesses, but there is no mention of what punishment was given 
him. 


SHOOTING DEER. 

This roll contains a long account of the examination of 
several men charged before Wm. Poulett with shooting deer with 
a cross bow. The examination of Phillipp Tayler of Melksham, 
taken Oct. 8th 1628, gives the principal facts of the case. With 
a few abbreviations it is as follows :— 

Uppon Sundaie last was a moneth, between three and flower 
of the Clocke in the morninge Edward Pillis and William Butler 
came and called at the Widdowe Emetts howse in Melksham to 
drincke and his wife goeing thither about sun risinge to fetch fier 
they asked her to tell her husband to come over to them to drincke 
with them. Soe he went and amongst other talk that they hadd, 
he heard Phillis & Butler say yt they hadd killed a deer that night 
& were well payed for their laboures & showed him ifower 
peeces of Goulde of ffive shillings apeece (Gold Crowns weighing 
35$ grains) which they said they hadd it for their nightes 
worke. And further sayed that the night following before 
they slepte they must goe for another deere. And this 
Informer sayth that Phillis hadd a .crosbowe and a broade forke 
headed arrowe and a bolte and that the ffeathers of the forker 
were redd as though they hadd bin stayned wth blood. After 
being with them aboute the space of an hower Phillis and Butler 
did intreate him to go alonge wth them to the Shriefes wch hee 
did, but Phillis and hee did dine att one Daniell Powdes wch was 
the Shreifes millard where he again heard Pillis say that hee must 
goe that night followinge (being Sundaie night) for a deere & 
spake to one Bartholomewe wch was the Shreifs horsman to goe 
with him & he promised to do so. After they hadd dine Pillis & 
hee went to the Sherifes Butterie and drancke & then went home 
wardes again & found Butler under a hedge asleepe (for hee was 
much overcome wth drincke) and awaked him & told him Pillis 
did staie for him att the mill. He then went home to Melksham. 

Butler and Pillis were also both examined by Mr. Poulett, but 
they do not give any further information of interest except that 
they went to Whaddon to get the deer. 

POPISH RECUSANTS. 
The Constables of the ffrustfield Hundred _ present Thomas 
Canble and his wife for popeish recusants convicted a boute the 


space of twentie yeares. We psent three of Thomas Canbles wifes 
children to be popeish recusants, the one of them a boute the age 
of 1 2 yeares, the second of 1 4 yeares, and the third a bout 1 5 
yeares. (The hundred of Frustfield was in the extreme south-east 
corner of the county.) 

Christopher Biggs of Stapleford, gent, was presented for 
being a " papist convict ". 

Andrew Washbeard of Porton was presented " for keeping 
and maintayning of an unrulie Mastiffe dogg to the great terror & 
prejudice of all the neighbours and to all passengers that have 
occasion to travile that way." 

All these presentments contain a large number of names of 
persons who are " papeist recusants " or who do not go to Church. 

AN HONEST MAN OF BROADTOWN. 

To the Right Worfl his Maties Justices of the Peace of this 
County of Wiltes. 

Whereas Henry Spackman of Broadtowne in this County, 
husbandman, hath heretofore bin bounde over to Divers Sessions 
at the psecution of divers persons as namely the Wife of one 
ffreethe and one Robert Reeve and one John Harding. Wee the 
Minister and inhabitants of the said pishe of Cleeve, doe humbly 
certifie unto yor Worps that the psecutors of this busines are 
persons deserving noe creditt or esteeme, and doe follow the same 
of meare malice without any Just Cause at all, and that the said 
Spackman hath dwelt many yeeres wthin this pish, and hath 
alwaies behaved himselfe well and honestly in his Vocation and 
course of life, and hath never wronged theise malicious psecutours 
to the uttermost of our knowledge, and for anything that wee can 
heare Although we have diligently enquired thereof. All which 
we humbly leave to your Worps grave consideracon. 

Signed 

JOHN ST. JOHN. 

HENRY BURFORD, Minister. 

and fifteen parishioners. 

RUNAWAY APPRENTICE. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes April 22, 1628 John 
Shengellton an apprentice was indicted for " that hee for the space 
of a yeare past did first begin to ronn a waye from his masters 
service and soe hath continued running a waye ever since and hath 
given himselfe to nothing but prigging & boring bread & other 
Vittals in his masters name & by his owne confession hath lodged 
in hayreekes & barnes and hath robed cheese presses and by 
psumption henrowstes ". He was ordered to remain in the house 
of correction until John Scott his former master or some other 
person shall take him unto his service. 


Elizabeth P^firse was ordered " to be whipped until her backe 
doe blead '' for stealing- half, a pound of wool value sixpence. 

Richard Serjaunte was indicted for rescussing 400 sheep from 
John Ryall the Haiward as he was driveinge them to pound. He 
was acquitted. 

HANGED FOR HORSE STEALING. 

Gyles Williams ffor stealing a bay mare the goods of John 
Oliveare was sentenced to be hanged. He had also stolen a pair 
of boots value 3s., a cloake value 7s., a piece of Bacon value 6s., 
a wallet value iod., twoe brass pannes value 6s. 8d., the goods of 
John Goodman. 

A WOUNDED SOLDIER ASKS FOR A PENSION. 

The Humble Petition of George Heskyns, soldier, Humbly 
sheweth that whereas yor peticoner was a voluntary soldier 
in the voyage to the Palatinate under Sir Horatio Vere, Generall, 
and afterwards had quarter given him by Monseur Tilly & then 
returned home and shortly thereupon was pressed in the Devizes 
for Cales (Calais) Voyage & was a corporall under Lord Cicell, 
Generall, in which voyage to Cales yor peticoner was maymed in 
his right arme & shott in his right legg, by means whereof he is 
not able to mayntayne himself by his labour nor to worke at his 
trade of weaving soe as heretofore. 

In tender consideracon whereof yor peticoner in all humble 
maner prayeth yor Worpps to be pleased to allow him a pencon by 
the yere towards his mayntenance such as yor wisdomes & grave 
judgements shall thinke mete. 

He was granted £10 per annum. 

Roger Aldersea of Lacock " one of his Maties poore 
maihemed souldiers " also applies for a pension. He states that 
" he was twise lawfully prest for service beyond the Seas, first in 
Spayne & second in the Isle of St. Martines in ffrannce when he 
receaved greate hurte in one of his armes by shott & lost the use of 
that arm for ever." The appeal is signed by " Robert Stapleton, 
Pastor, Andrew Lews parish dark, & John Hill tithenman, and 
other inhabitants of Lacocke." Roger was awarded £ 4 per annum 
pension. 

BRADFORD LICENSED HOUSES TO BE SUPPRESSED. 

To the Right Honoble Edward Lord Gorgers, Sir Edward 
Laurence Hyde, Kte, and the rest of his Maties Justices. 

The humble peticon of the inhabitants of Bradford, Wilts, 
Humblie sheweth that there are within the towne of Bradford such 
a company of ale houses and such alsoe that doe keepe disorder 
in theire houses, not onely by entertaineing poore workmen and day 
labourers and sufferinge them to spend theire money when as theire 
wife and children are ready to starve for want of food, but alsoe 


go 

suffering the sinn of drunkennes to be there dayliej:omitted as well 
in the tyme of Divine Service as alsoe at other tymes, by means 
whereof there often happeneth quarrellinge and fightinge to the 
greate disturbance of the neighbours and the great dishonor of the 
Almightie God and the great impoverishment of the towne. 
Wherefore we doe humbly desire that they may be all suppressed 
by order of Sessions, there being an Inn & some other alehouses 
besides, that are fit to give entertainment to Strangers. And we 
shalbe ever bound to pray to God for all yor Worpps happines in 
this life and endles Glorie in the World to come. 

Then follow the names of 1 3 alehouse keepers and the quantity 
of malt they brew, varying from 6 to 12 bushels a week. The 
petition is signed by six persons, including Robt. Town send and 
Thomas Mathew, who add " gard " after their names. 

MORE LICENSED HOUSES FOR CLACK. 

At the same Sessions the inhabitants of the market town of 
Clack present a petition in which they state that the four alehouses 
in their town having been suppressed and not one being left, the 
residents are in great distress. They pray the Justices to have 
compassion of the poor inhabitants in their misery and present 
necessity, and beg them to grant a new licence. It may be added 
here, in reference to the foregoing, that in September, 1629, the 
Earl of Danby writes to Sir Nicholas Hyde, asking him to use his 
influence that a licence may be granted to Rich. Holloway, who 
formerly had kept one of the suppressed alehouses. This was the 
" Saracens Head ", and an order was made in October, 1631, 
restoring the licence. 

BLACKMORE FOREST. 

The humble Petition of Richard Guppery, Edward Michell, 

Roger Blagden, and others. 

Sheweth that whereas the late fforest of Blackmore was about 

8 yeres sithence disafforested & divided by the late Kings Com


missioners & afterwards letten to divers tenants who now hold of 

the right Hon the Earle of Anglesey. Upon wch division there 

were divers Highwayes layd out for passage of the Kings liege 

people from towne to towne, wch highwayes for want of repayre 

are fallen into some decay forsomuch as the said late disafforested 

lands doe not lye wth in any parrish. Their humble suite is, that 

you wilbe pleased to order that the said Highwayes may be from 

tyme to tyme repayred by the tenants of the said Earle, soe farre 

forth as the lymetts of his lands do extend. 

A note added says " This petition is thought reasonable and 

soe ordered 

LORD AND LADY WARDOUR. 

20th ffeb 1627/8. Worthy Sirs 
His Majesty was this day pleased to command me to signifie 


his pleasure in favor of the Lord Arundell of Wardor & his Ladye 
& William his sonn, that where they stand indited both at the 
Assises for the County of Wilts, and at the Sessions before you, 
that his Majesty hath alreadye signified his pleasure to the Judge 
of Assise, that they all should have further day to try their traverses 
until Sumer Assise. That yee also give them day befor you til 
Michelmas Sessions, before which time the Sumer Assise will 
come for their trialls. Thus having pformed what his Maty 
comanded me I doubt not of your respects thereunto & soe I rest. 

Yours readye to doe you service 

ROB: HEATH. 

The Constables' presentment contain the usual charges against 
Recusants, non-church goers, neglected roads, disorderly ale 
houses, &c. 

NO CROSSBOW ALLOWED. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough Oct. 2, 1628, 
Daniel Michell was indicted " for keeping a crosbow in his house 
against the Statute ". He was acquitted. 

EASTER ALE. 

The Parish Clerk of North Bradley who was presented at the 
previous Court for selling drink without a licence asks that he may 
be discharged as he only brew a small quantity as he and many 
other parish clerks have for a long time been used to do against 
Easter and that no trouble arose from it, '' and if it is found in your 

that the same is contrary to the law " he promises never to 
do it again, " & will day lye pray to God for your honors prosperity 
". 

This is supported by Mathew Jarvis, Vicar, the Church 
warden, overseers, and twelve others. 

AN OLD SOLDIER. 

William Burges applies for a pension stating that " he was 
prest for service for to goe in the Voyage with Count Mansfield, 
on returning to England & being discharged he was again prest in 
Wilts for the Cales Voyage & was never discharged on his 
return & later served in the Isle of Ree under Coronall Burrowes 
as a Corporal & when Burrows was slain he served Sir Edward 
Hawlee and there at the commynge he was slain when your 
petitioner served in that Isle under Sir Richard Grimfeilde when he 
received many dangerous hurtes and maymes & is now utterly 
undone for ever " . The Justices granted him four marks a year. 

A WIDOW GETS HER COTTAGE. 

These are to certifie that according to the order by the Court 
at the last Assizes wee whose names are here under written have 
treated with Sir Thomas Thinn concerning the Cottage of Edith 


Curtis of Crockerton, widdow, and doe find that Sir Thomas Thinn 
doth consent to her erecting of ye said Cottage. In witness 
whereof &c. 

Signed JO : PENRUDDOK, ROBT. HYDE. 

A FURLOUGH TO TWO GENTLEMEN FROM IRELAND. 

I, Laurence Parsons, Govenor of Youghall in Munster have 
given my ffurlough to Joseph Morton corporall and John Massey, 
soulders and Gentlemen of my Companye, upon their urgent 
occasions to travel to the realme of England & have allowed them 
three moneths & then to return to their Cullers at their perills. 
Dated 16 June 1628. These two gentlemen soldiers landed at 
Creswell in Pembrokeshire June 25th and were " brought before 
George Owen and Thomas Jones, Knights, & took the oath of 
allegiance as becometh dutiful subjects, and are to travel to 
Suffolke. All Constables and other inferior officers are to releeve 
succour & lodge them they being of honest behaviour. Given at 
Preston under our hands & seales at a meeting there hoalden the 
day and yeare above wretten 

Signed GEORGE OWEN, THOS. JONES. 

1629. 

PRISONERS ESCAPE. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes July 7th [The second 

time this year. See above.] John Brooke and Anthony Moodye 

both of Malmesbury were brought before the Justices charged with 

the following: '' They were committed by two magistrates on the 

19th Maye and charged with many leaud pilferings & idle lyving, 

such as are dangerous to the inferior sorte of people, not betaking 

themselves to anye honest corse of cauling for wch they have bin 

formerlye chardged and for the same have bin sent to the house of 

correction. They did, by the waye, macke an escape from theyer 

conductors, and after that for newe offences were comitted againe, 

the officer having warant to bring them to the house of correction, 

the said Brooke and Moody breake prison & did escape ". 

Brook was discharged and Moody returned to the house of 

correction for one month. 

BURNT ON THE HAND. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes April 14th Thomas 

Carye, " for that hee is a verye lewed & evil person and hath all


redie bin burnt in the hande and doth yt (yet) lyve idlely and will not 

set him selfe to work ", was sentenced to remain in the bouse of 

correction until he can get himself a master. 

Thomas Bond and John Little were ordered to be burnt with 

the letter F in the left hand and then discharged, but the record 

does not state for what crime. 


STOLE MEAL TO MAKE PANCAKES. 

John Baylie of Stockton, husbandman, saieth that on ffryday 
the 13th of March he was inticed by one Steven Maton to bringdown 
to the said Matons house some meale and they would have 
some pancakes made at Matons house, wch accordingly he did & 
this was the first time that ever he conveied any of his masters 
goods out of his house. 

Signed JNO. PENRUDDOK. 

AN UNREFORMED DRUNKARD. 

To the Justices &c. 

Whereas one Richard Sargeant alias Lockier of Castle 
Combe, butcher, being heretofore convented for drunkenes and 
other misdemeanors, and hath been very favorably dealt withall 

hoping and expecting his amendment of his idle and disordered kind 
of life. But soe farre is he from regarding admonitions or 
anie favors that hath been shewed him, that he continueth in 
his former course of life, being comonly subject to that loathsome 
sinn of Drunkenes, We the inhabitants of Castle Combe 
fearing that in his drunken humor, he will put into execution 

some dangerous fact, doe desire your Worships that both for 
avoyding of such great dangers as allsoe for the reformation of 
his lewde life That yt would please you to grant the good behaviour 
against him. And soe we humbly take our leave. 

Signed ROGER FLOWER minister, and six others. 

WAGES IN WILTSHIRE. 

It is at this present Sessions ordered that all and every the 
rates for the wages of servants, labourers, artificers and all other 
handie Crafts men and women and alsoe for Cloth men weavers 
spinners and tuckers shall remaine, continue and be for this next 
yeare ensuing in all respects and to all intents as they have bin 
formerlie in the last year rated and assessed. 

Signed by sixteen Justices. 
This custom of the fixing wages for the county appears in many 
of the Easter Session rolls. 

ACCESSORY AFTER THE FACT. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough Oct ist 1629 
" Joane Bartlett was comitted to Fisherton Goale by Christopher 
Clarke mayor of Devizes being charged as an acursarie unto the 
poysoning of Ann Townsend who is dead of the said poisoning ". 

OPENLY WHIPPED. 

Toh: Robins, Elizabeth Worsdell and Thomas Jennings were 
sentenced " to be whipped upenly untill there boddyes be bluddye 
and then to be delivered to the Governor of the House of Correction 


and there to remain until next Sessions They were charged with 
stealing a pair of shoes, an apron, one spice morter and other 
things. 

A DRUNKEN MADMAN. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Salisbury the 12th day of 
January, John Hulckler was ordered to remain in gaol until his 
friends should send him to Bedlam. Evidently he was of unsound 
mind, for he was charged as follows; " That he in drunkenesse, 
and madnes ensuing drunkenes walked the towne of Calne from 
nyne to nyne & alehouse to alehouse and there filleth himself wth 
drinke refusing to paye any money for the same, and if anie person 
in office or out of office doe goe aboute to dissuade or represse the 
unrulie & insolent behaviour of the said John he presently offereth 
or threateneth vyelence to evrie such person, beating down their 
windowes & wares in their shopps & assaulteth & threateneth the 
persons much to the disturbance of the Kings Maties peace 

There were twenty prisoners for trial at this Sessions, mostly 
for stealing. 

A KISS FOR LUCK AT CARDS. 

Henry Hedges saith on Sundaie night after Twelfe daie last 
he was at the house of Henry Lawlence of Wanborowe and did 
there play at cards with him and others for beer. And after they had 
plaid a certaine tyme they gave over and departed. Whilst they 
were at cards Jane Chamberlayne did fetch beer for them, and hee 
in hope to have good luck to cardes did then kiss her before them 
all in hope to have " good luck at cards " but he denied that he ever 
otherwise molested her, then or any other time. Apparently the 
charge of assault was dropped as nothing further appears on the 
roll. 

1630. 

WAGES AS BEFORE. 

Quarter Sessions held at Devizes April 6th. It was ordered 
that the rate of wages should remain in force as those of the 
past year. 

THE NEW MARKET HOUSE IN DEVIZES. 

The Grand Jury do offer for consideracon of this Bench that 
heretofore there was an order made at the request of the inhabitants 
of this Town of Devizes that the price of the weights of Woll and 
Yarne to be sould in the Newe Market House (then newly 
built) should be doubled in every ... . for the space of fower 
yeres for towards the chardges layed forth in the building of the 
said Market House which double price of the said weight hath nowe 
contynued for the space of twelve yeres now last past to the comon 


grevance of all his Matys subjects that doe buy & sell wthin the said 
market house. Wch grevance the Jury do psent praying that some 
good course maye be taken for the reformacon thereof. 

BLOOD SHED. 

John White of Chittwaie in the parish of Bishops Cannings and 
Thomas Webb of Melksham were presented by the Constable of 
the Liberties of Bromham and Rowde " for that they upon the 
nth day of April last past did make an asalte & affray & shedd blod 
on each other contrary to the peace of our soverain Lord the King 
wth in the libertie of Bromham ". 

FINED FOR DRINKING DURING CHURCH TIME. 

The Constables of the hundred of Westburie present Nicholas 
Edwards, and two strangers, and William Grinway and Edward 
ffrancis and Nicholas Harris who were taking drinking in the tyme 
of prayre and payd for theyre offence twelfe pence apeece. Also— 

We psent wone Silcoye traveling with horses laden with cloth 
payd 20s. to owre pore. 

The Constables of the town of Meere present " that Whitting 
Barns & Thomas Lee for being drunk were set in the stocks according 
to the statute in that casse made and pvided ". 

WHEAT AND POULTRY FOR KING CHARLES. 

A note and Rate for composicon Wheate and Poultrie to the 
Kings Matie made 24 Sept 1630, for Elstub and Everleigh hundred. 

Wheat.
Bushels. Pecks. 


Netherhaven 
Fittleton and Hacklestoun 
Everleigh 
Stocton 
Collingborne Ducis 

Ham 
Littlecott andEnford Tithing 
Enford ffermeCombe 
Westwood andTolston (?) 
Little HintonWroughton 
Bushton 

Longstreete 
... 
Iford 
... 

Overton and ffifield 
Alton fferme 
Alton & Stowell Tything 
Patney 

20 

3 
l7 01 
12 02 
10 00 
12 02 
07 01 
11 02 
02 01 
07 00 
05 02 
03 00 
03 01 
15 00 
20 00 
05 02 

11 02 
03 02 \ 
09 00 / 

05 02 

Pulletts. Chicken. 
10 1 2 
08 1 0 
06 07 
05 05 
06 07 
03 04 
05 07 
02 03 
03 04 
03 03 
02 02 
01 02 
06 08 
07 09 
03 03 
05 07 
0
00
5 
55 
0
00
7 
77 
03 03 


Wheat. Pulletts. Chicken. 

Bushels. Pecks. 

Chesenbury delasolly ... 08 02 05 05 

Chesenbury Priors ... 1 0 00 05 07 

Compton ... ... 02 01 01 02 

ffifield ... ... 04 02 02 03 

Summa is 26 quarters, 8 Doz. pulletts, 1 0 Doz. Chickens. 

This Rate was made and agreed, upon severall meetings of 
the hundreds in pursuance of an order of the Judge of Assize made 
att the last Assizes at Newe Sarum the ffifth day of July Anno R. 
Rx Caroli Septimo. 

This rate being confirmed at the last Assizes houlden for this 
Countie as appeareth by an Order made in that behalf to thend 
it may remayne as a record, and to avoid future questions Wee 
have thought fitt and doe soe order That it be delivered as well to 
the Clarke of the Assize as to the Clarke of the Peace to be by 
them entered and kept with the Records of the Countie. 

Signed Tho : Rychardson. H. Denham. 

Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough September 30th. 

ARBITRATION INSTEAD OF LAW. 

Down Ampnie, Sep. 29, 1630. 

Whereas diverse controversies have fallen out betweene 
Thomas Coxe and Robert Westwell of Ashton Keynes, I am 
moaved at both their requests to certifie you that they are agreed 
to referr the endinge of all controversies and trespasses that have 
happened between them, unto some of theire neighbors and not to 
present theire suite any further, Soe remembering my very kind 
respects unto you, I rest your very loving freind, 

JOHN HUNGERFORD. 
To my very loving Freinds the Justices of the Peace assembled 
at Quarter Sessions at Marlbo : 

A CORNER IN CORN. 

These are to give you to understand of the Greate abuse that 
is done unto the pore of the Parish of fidelton and Narkelston by 
Matthew Symper In regard that he byeth up all the corne that is 
to bee solde in the parish and carryeth it to the markeetes to selle. 
And if there bee but a bushel in a place he byeth it up and so hee 
goeth over the whole parish, that when a pore man thinketh to 
have corne for his mony, theare is none to bee had, for hee doeth 
noe other busyneese but onely by corne and mackes great brages 
what gaynes hee hath, therefor if ther should not bee some course 
tacken with him hee will bringe the poore people into greate 
mesery, so hooping for some remedy wee have hereunto set our 
hands leaving it to your worshipes disposing. 

(Signed by ten parishioners.) 


PRESENTMENTS. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes, July 13th. 

William Stone of Horningsham and Humphrey Turne of 
Chitterne were presented for '' that they do verie obstinatlie refuze 
to keepe the Kings Watch." 

The Constables of Warminster present— 

The money wch was levied of persons found in alehouse in 
time of divine service as followeth. 
May 24 1630. Receved of John Webbe xiid. 
Receved the same day of Thomas Pearce xiid. 

do. do. William Tucker xiid. 

A large number of persons of the Hundred of Dunworth are 

presented for not going to church. 

CARELESS WITH FIRE. 

The Constables of the Hundred of Heytesbury present— 

Jane Slye of Corton Is a woman of a verie evell slanderous 
tongue abusing her neighbours both men & women stirring up 
much strife & debate and will not be amended. Albeit a warrant 
of the good behaviour hath bin out for her from Mr. John Penruddok 
by the space of a moneth last past, In wch tyme she hath 
shifted herself out of the way & cannot be found. We also present 
that she Is a verie careles woman in and about the carryeng & 
using her fier & candle in her barne, stables & cowhowse wthout 
any lantorne or any other good defence Whereby all the neighbors 
about her are in greate feare & danger of fier by her carelesnes. 
Whereof when she is told by the neighbors she will break out into 
slanderous & evil termes. 

FIRE AT DEVIZES BRIDEWELL. 

Wilts.—At a general sessions of the Peace held at Devizes 
the 13th day of July in the 6th year of the reign of King Charles 
(1630). 

Whereas att the last genall quarter Sessions of the Peace 
held att the Devizes the sixth daye of Aprill last past, a certaine 
Difference was between the Justices of peace of this County there 
assembled and William Dike master of the howse of correccon att 
the Devizes aforesaid concerninge the burninge of part of the said 
howse, wch was by the said Justices on the behalfe of this whole 
County alleadged to be done through the negligence of the said 
master, which he on his part did by way of protestacon denye, for 
the avoydinge of which scruple, the cort did then desire that Mr. 
Mayor of the Burroughe of the Devizes aforesaid takeinge unto 
him such Burgesses or other persons of the said Burroughe (as 
have not heretofore benn any way adversaries unto the said Dike 
or Councell against him in anie suite) would be pleased to viewe 
the ruines of the said howse, and to enquire aswell by whose 
meanes or howe the same came to be burnt as alsoe whch the 

H 


reparacon thereof will amount unto to bringe it as before it was 
burnt, and to certifie theire oppinions att the next Sessions, according 
to wch refference Stephen fflower nowe Mayor of the Burrough 
of the Devizes aforesaid havelng taken unto him selfe divers other 
Burgesses and persons of good qualitie of the foresaid Burrough 
upon the exaiacon (examination) of Divers and sundry wittnesses 
produced as well by the said Dike as allsoe on the behalfe of the 
whole County aforesaid, hath att this present Sessions certified 
not only the sevall exaicons of all the wittnesses produced and 
exaied on both sides, whereby it playnely appeareth, that the fier 
wch burnt and consumed the aforesaid howse of correccon began 
through the negligence of the said Dike as it seemeth in an east 
( = oast or kiln) or kill (kiln) which the said Dike had without any 
warrant erected in that part of the said howse wch was burnt for 
the dryeing of mault, which east or kill was then used for that 
purpose, but alsoe a perticulef of the Chardges wch will cost for 
the reedifieinge of the said howse soe burnt, which will amount to 
the sume of cxxxviiZ xs as by the particulers thereof remayneinge 
of record of this psent Sessions appeareth. Whereupon after longe 
debateinge of the said cause this Cort was absolutelly of opinion, 
that the said howse was soe burnt by the negligence of the said 
Dike aforesaid, and that he ought at his owne Chardge to reedifie 
the same. Butt the said Dike alleadginge and protestinge unto 
this Cort that the Chardges of reedifieinge of the said howse did 
amount unto much more then his estate and worth was, and therefore 
humbly besought this Cort to commisserate his case alleadgeing 
alsoe that since the burninge of the said howse he hath bestowed 
towards the reediefieinge thereof vil x'ms iiijd wch he 
maketh appeare by proffe unto this Cort. The Cort takeinge the 
pmisses into consideracon and wayinge the estate of the said Dike 
wch they find to be but weake, propounded unto the said Dike 
what he would disburse owards the reedifieinge of the said house 
over and above the viZ xiiis m']d soe by him allreadie exposed towards 
the reedifieinge of the said howse, Whereupon the said Dike 
willingly proffered yd more, But the Cort weying the estreame 
chardges wch would arise for the reedifieinge thereof did not accept 
thereof whereupon the said Dike made a newe pffer of xiijZ vjs viijd! 
more wch wth the vjZ xiijs iiijd alreadie bestowed as aforesaid 
would make up the sume of xxZ of wch pffer, this Cort after some 
delibacon accepted of, And thereupon doth order that the said Dike 
shall forthwith wth all expidicon eyther provide materialls wth the 
said xiijZ vjs viijd for the reedifieinge of the said howse as Robte 
"Drewe Esqr one of His Mats Justices of Peace wth in this County 
and Mr Mayor of the said Burroughe of the Devizes aforesaid 
shall appoint, or otherwise shall paye over unto them wth like 
expedicon the aforesaid xiijl vjs viijd to be by them bestowed towards 
the reedifieing of the said ruines. _ And it is further ordered 
that eyther upon the bestowing of the said xiijZ vjs viijd or payeing 
over the same as is aforesaid the said Dike shalbe discharged of 
anie further or other chardges or expenses towards the said reedificacon 
And for the avoydinge of future dangers and expences 


of like nature, This Cort does order that the said William Dike 
(If ,he purpose to continue his said place) shall forthwth become 
bounden wth good sureties in an obligacon of ccccl unto George 
fframpton gent Clarke of the Peace of this County to the use of 
the whole county, wth a condicon thereunto annexed that he shall 
not only pserve the said house from all such or the like mischances 
through his negligence, but alsoe to redeliver all such stocke as 
he from tyme to tyme shall have in his Custodie of this countie. 
Which if he shall refuse to doe then he is dischardged of his said 
place. And whereas at the last Assizes held att Newe Sarm his 
Mats Justices of Assize did then move the Justices of Peace of this 
County there assembled to erect other howses of correccon wth in 
this County, wch the said Justices takeing into mature consideracon 
doe att this psent Sessions order that there shalbe wth all 
expedicon erected wth in this County three other howes of correcon 
(vizt) one at ffisherton neere his Mats goale there for the 
setting on worke of poore prisoners there and such other persons 
as shalbe from tyme to tyme comitted to the said howse, one other 
at Malmesburie and the third at Marleborough for thereccon of 
wch said howses and reedifieinge of the said howse of correccon 
att the Devizes it is ordered by this Cort that the sume of mcd 
Shalbe raysed by a genall taxe throughout this whole countie and 
that the same may be the better performed and the more speedilie 
putt in execucon this Cort doth appoint the right honble Edward, 
Lord Gorges, and Sr Lawrence Hyde, Knight for Sarum Division 
Sr ffrancis Seymour and Sr John St. John, Knights for Marie-
borough Division Sr Edward Hungerford and Sr John Earnley, 
Knights for Chippenham Division Sr Henry Ludlow Knight and 
John Penruddock Esqr for Warminster Division the right honble 
Henry, Earle of Marleborough and William Paulett Esqrs for 
Bradford Division Sr Edward Baynton Knight and Robt Drewe 
Esq for the Devizes Division wch said Justices or such of them as 
will attend have appointed to meet at the Devizes aforesaid on 
Wednesday being the first daye of September next to consider 
howe the aforesaid sume of mccZ shalbe raysed and to make a note 
and order for the speedy rayseing and collectinge thereof, that soe 
good and charitable a work may take a speedy effect, And when 
the aforesaid howses or any of them shalbe so reedyfied and 
masters shalbe appointed for the Keepinge and well orderinge 
thereof according to the Statuts it is ordered that the said Masters 
every and eyther of them shall gyve the like bond wth sureties in 
the sume of ccccZ wth sevell condicons as afesaid. 

1631. 

There are only three rolls for this year. That for the Sessions 
usually held at Warminster in July is missing. 

At the Salisbury Sessions held on Jan 10 Thomas Palmer was 
sentenced " to remain in prison wthout bayle untel he conforme 
himself to the Church of England ". 

H2 


IOO 

There are a large number of presentments of " popish 
recusants '' and non-Churchgoers. 

A CLERK IN TROUBLE. 

Whereas the Courte was this daie enformed by Mr Robt Hyde 
of Counsell wth Richard Plomer of Kemble, yeoman and likewise 
by oath of divers witnesses now sworne in Courte*" that Thomas 
Earle, of Oaksey, Clerke, hath demeaned himself towards the said 
Plomer and Joane his wife Verie lewdlie by divers waies, by 
assaulting and putting Joane in affright by obteineing from her a 
gowne and other wearing apparell by threatening to break her 
necke and likewise by telling her that when she heard her beasts 
rore she should look to herself. This Court was also enformed by 
divers witnesses now sworne in Court that Thomas Earle not longe 
sithence borrowed a backe sword unfit for his wearing and for 
which he had noe necessary employment. And that at or about the 
same tyme, Richard Plomer in the night tyme had one cowe and a 
horse killed & divers other of his cattell hurte and wounded, and 
that done wthe the sword soe borrowed as was stronglie psumed. 
And further that the said Thomas Earle did by senister meanes 
obteine Keys to open the dores of Plomers house and by that 
meanes had often access to the said Joane, upon due confession 
whereof and strict examinacon of witnesses touching those and the 
like notorious misdemeanours and lewed offences, This Court 
dothe order that Thomas Earle shall forthwith bee committed to 
Gaole and there to remaine untill the end of this present Sessions 

& not afterwards to be delivered untill hee become bound with 
good suerties to appear at the next General Q.S. and in the meane 
time to behave himself towards our Soveragne Lord the Kings 
Maty and all his liege people. 

PETITION FOR HIS RELEASE. 

To my worthy freinds and associats the Justices of the Peace 
at Sarum. You may be pleased to bee advertized that notwithstanding 
the foule offences and misdemeanors at the last Sessions 
proved against Thomas Earle the younger, clerke, for wch hee was 
then worthily bound to his good behaviour, yet upon his humiliacon 
and repentance wch as I am credibly enformed he hath expressed 
wth teares promising future amendmt I am nowe moved and doe 
become an earnest suitor unto you for his release of the good 
behaviour, the rather for that Thomas Earle the elder, clerke, his 
father being an honest zealous preacher doth importune the same 
and of his good disposition (though hee bee not there unto compellable 
by lawe) is contented to pay Tenn pounds unto Richard 
Plummer for the wronge and injuries done unto him by his said 
Sonne. Theise are therefore to inform you that of late sithence the 
last Sessions Thomas Earle the younger hath made twoe sermons 
expressing his conversion and repentance, and if he shall att any 

* There are eight pages of evidence of these witnesses. 

IOI 

tyme hereafter retorne to his vomitt wch I psuade myself hee will 
nott, you shallbe sure to heare thereof, And soe being sorry that 
I cannot attend on you att this Sessions wth my best wishes of all 
happines unto you all I take my leave resting, your Servant at 
command 

JOHN POOLE. 

Okesey Parke 12th Jan 1631 . 

A certificate on similar lines is presented by the inhabitants of 
Oaksey and Kemble bearing over ninety signatures. 

A PETITION TO THE KING. 

To the Kings most Excellent Majesty. 

The humble Petition of Robert Bradenham sheweth that yor 
petitioner being imployed in yor Highnes late Service at the Isle 
of Ree and lyeing Perdue was unfortunately shott with a bullett 
in the left side of his fface at the root of his Jawbone and from 
thence through his right eare whereby he hath lost the benefitt of 
his speech. He then goes on to say that the foregoing is proved 
by " a certificate under the hands and seales of the Right Honble 
George late Duke of Buckingham ". 

He asks his Majesty to grant him a pension, and on the same 
appeal is written—in another handwriting— 

Att the Court at Woodstock 24 August 1631 , 

His Matie is gratiouslie pleased to referr this petition unto 
the Justices of Peace and Treasurers for ye countye of Wiltes from 
whence he was imprest, to take such course for his reliefe as by 
the Lawes and Statutes of this Kingdome are in like cases provided. 

Signed EDWARD POWETT. 

The petitioner was granted £4. per annum, signed by Fr. 
Seymour, J . Daners (Danvers), Theo. Gorges, Jo. Penruddok, 
Henry Ludlowe. 

Another petition for a pension is that of John Allen of Orcheston, 
who says that " he served as a comon souldier in the Irish 
Warres for seven years under the command of Sir Oliver St. John 
and Sir Arthur Chichester. He was shot through the legge but 
inspite of his lameness was pressed for service in the expedition 
to Cales (Calais) under Sir Edward Harwood. He was 63 years 
old & more, very poore & lost all his strength, his wife also was 
very old and not able to help herself, and unless assistance were 
given him, both himself, his wife and family are likely to perish 
and end their dayes in misery 

He was granted £4 per annum. 

OVERCHARGE FOR WEIGHING WOOL. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes April 19th the Grand 
Jury presented " that Tobie Allen & his wife of the Burrow of the 
Devizes, clothier, for the taking more for waying of woole and 
yearne then the Stattute doth allow, viz. for weighing of a pound 


of yarne ijd., having beene formerly presented and is not as yet 
fully reformed 

A CONSTABLE FOR CLACK. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough Oct. 4, the 
following Order was made :—'' Forasmuch this Court is enformed 
that Clacke within this Countie being a markett towne wherein 
are manie outrages and misdemeanours comitted and the 
delinquents do scape unpunished by reason that there is noe 
Constable or other head officer to punishe the same, onlie a 
Bayliffe wch is bayliffe to the Lord of Clacke and an Innkeeper and 
such a one as this Court is likewise enformed hath no power to 
reforme the abuses. It is hereupon ordered by this Court that John 
Earle of Clacke shall foorthwth upon recipte of this order repaire 
unto one of his Maities Justices of peace within this Countie & take 
his oath to be constable of Clacke. But this order shall not be 
prediciall to anie mans title. And the said John Earle is to pforme 
this Order upon paine of £ $ ". 

It is ordered by this Courte that the Signe of ye Saracens 
Head in Clacke being the house of Richard Hollowaie shall continue 
an Inne as now it is untill the Court in a full Sessions shall 
otherwise order the same. 

A TYTHINGMAN AND HIS TENANT. 

The Constables of Meere present Edward Larrance of Meere 
Woodland for selling drinke without a licence and John Watts 
tithingman of Woodland for that he doth suffer Larrance to sell 
drink in his house, being an inmate or tenant of the said Tithingman, 
he being an officer and ought by his oath to reforme it. 

A DESERTER. 

William Saye of Bradford confesseth that about three weeks 
since he received from Mr. Kendall, servant to Captayne Robert 
Talbott 1 2 pence of presse money and that he was to goe as a 
souldier beyond the seas. He was conducted as far as Reading 
" and had two shillings for his two dales paie but being then told 
that the voyage would prove dangerous and that he would be sold 
beyond the seas like beasts in a fayre he rann awaie from his 
Conductor " and returned to Bradford. 

HOUSES IN REQUEST. 

There seems to have been an epidemic at this time of '' verry 
poore " men with wives and many children who were destitute of 
any house and who either had built a house without permission 
or wanted to build one and ask leave of the Justices to do so, which 
in most cases was given at once or referred to the nearest Justice 
of the Peace to enquire as to the necessity of the case. 


ic-3 

AN APPRENTICE KNOCKED DOWN AT WILTON. 

fforasmuch as by accident yt happened that Stephen Hascoll 
of Semly as he rode through Wilton, his horse passed over part 
of the bodie of John Sane the apprentice of Crooche of Wilton, 
glover, whereupon Sane seemed to be dangerously hurt, by reason 
whereof upon complaint made unto me Christopher Graye mayor 
of Wilton, Hascoll was bound over with sureties to appear at the 
next Quarter Sessions. I therefore the said Christopher Gray doe 
hereby certifie that (thanks be to God) John Sane is nowe perfectly 
well, therefore I have forborne to bind over the §aid John C^ooche 
to prosecute, besides Crooche hath received satisfacon for the losse 
of his Apprentices worke and for his cure likewise. Given under 
my hand the 2nd daie of October 1631 . 

• (Signed) CHRISTOPHER GRAY Mayor. 
PRETENDING TO BE SOLDIERS. 

Thomas Harrington and Peregrine Jonas were sentenced " to 
be whipped and sent by pass to their several places of aboade for 
pretending themselves to have bine souldiers lately in a Garrison 
at Bangwell in Ireland & to be discharged the last day of May by 
theire Captaine & were to travell from their landing being at 
biddiford in fflintshire were allowed three moneths to travell to 
Maydstone in Kent from the sixth daie of Julye last, wch by divers 
circomstances appeareth to be false onlye to gyve them colour to 
wander up and downe the Countrye." 

TWO OATHS, TWO SHILLINGS, 

The Constables of Kingsbridge '' have nothing to present except 
the takeing of ijs for two unlawful othes which were distributed 
to the poore according to the lawe." 

1632. 

The Quarter Sessions held at New Sarum January 8th. 

There are a very large number of " presentments " by the 
Constables, containing many names of recusants and non-church 
goers, highways and bridges that want repairing, and wandering 
vagrants who were punished and sent to their respective homes, 
etc., but nothing of particular interest. 

SEARCHERS OF CLOTH TO BE RE-APPOINTED. 

These are in his Maties name to will & require you to warae 
& cause all those that were appointed searchers for clothe the last 
yeare wth in your hundred, personally to be and appeare before 
us on Satterday the fyrst of December next att the signe of the 
George att Warmister there 'to be sworne game .to continue that 
service untill further direccons shalbe given according to an order 


made in the Starr Chamber the 7th of this instant November & 
latly by special direccons from divers of the Lords of his Maties 
Counsell sent unto us strictly requiring the performance of the 
same, whereof faile you not as you will answere to the contrarye, 
Given under our hands this 26th of November 1632. 

HENRY LUDLOWE. 

The above is addressed to the Constables of the hundred of 
Damerham South. Similar notices are sent to the Constables of 
other hundreds. 

Quarter Sessions held at Devizes, April 10th. 

A MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE. 

Occasionally it was necessary for married persons to produce 
a certificate of their marriage when brought before the Justices. 
The following is one from Bradford. 

To the Right worshipfull the Kings Magesties Justices of the 
peace at the quarter Sessions in the Devizes. 

These are to certifie you that the bearer hereof John Hanny 
of Bradford and Edith Roberts were married the 14th day of 
January last in the pish church of Bradford. 

By mee Thomas Reads Vicar of the same. 

John Grigorie, William Druce, cunstables. 

Bradford the 9th of Aprill 1632. 

FIRE AT MELKSHAM. 

The Minister Churchwardens and Inhabitants of Melksham 

testify to the good character of John Smith of Melksham, " lynen 

and woollen weaver, who by a fearfull accident of fire fastening 

upon his house" had everything destroyed. "The said John 

Smith hath ever lyved soberly & honestly, diligent & indus


trious in his calling to the benefit of the Comon Wealth. But it 

pleased God by a feareful and suddaine visitation of ffire on Oct. 

ist last about 4 oclock in the afternoone utterly to stripp him of 

all his worldly dependance, burning his house to the ground, all 

his furniture of his trade &c with nothing left to him save his wife 

and six small children altogether exposed presently to hunger & 

colde wthout any covering over them but the firmament & the open 

ayre. His case is miserable & his loses great—ffor he must needs 

loose much that looseth all—And his greatest hope to be restored 

again depends upon your Worps favours. 

Signed by John Awdry junr, Robert Webb, William Winter, 

and others. The Justices granted him £20. 

POWDERED LIVER AS A PHILTRE. 

William fflood of Chittway examined before Sir Edward Baynton 
on 12th day Feb. in the seventh year of the Raigne of our 


Soveraigne Lord Charles &c. who saith that about sixe weekes 
sithence Margarett Sellar, widdow, spake unto him to help her 
unto a Sawte Bitche saying itt mought be worth unto her 
ffortie poundes to make into powder to sende unto Bristowe 
(Bristol). 

Henry fflood of the same place said that after Margarett had 
desired his ffather to helpe her unto a Sawte Bitch she did speake 
unto him to help her unto a Sawte Bitch, who upon her intreatie 
did helpe her unto one and she did hange itt in a Silke girdle and 
tooke out the liver of itt, and as his sister Bridgett tould him, she 
made pouder of itt and made cakes of itt and gave itt to men. 
He further saith that she gave him eight pence in Drinke for his 
paynes and gave him Victualls at the house of Barbarowe Chivers 
of the fforrest of Blackmore who selleth Beare and hath divers 
Strangers resorting unto her. 

A COTTAGE WITHOUT FOUR ACRES. 

The Grand Jury present John Goedler of Lea for converting 
sum out house of his to be a cotadge and place of habutation for 
on Thomas Darke late of Somerford Parva not havinge fower 
ackers of lande unto the same house or cotadge accordinge to the 
Statute. 

RECOMMENDED FOR A BADGER'S LICENCE. 

fforasmuch as I am peticoned and earnestlie desired by the 
credible inhabitants of North Broadly and others neere adjoyning 
rhat Anthonie Greenhill of North Broadley, ffuller, might continue 
to be a comon Badger, Lader, Kidder, Carrier, Buyer or transporter 
of all manner of Corne or Grayne as well in open markett 
as else where soe it be not by forestalling, and soe that he doth 
not excede the quantitie of ten quarters of anie kind of graine 
weekelie, as heretofore he hath been allowed being soe necessarie 
and needful in that place in my opinion. Leaving it to the grave 
consideracon of his Matys Justices at the Quarter Sessions. Rood-
ash ton the xxviith daie of June 1632. (signed) Clifford Longe. 

The " poore inhabitants " of North Bradley, some thirty-six 
in number, 1 5 of whom " made their mark also send a similar 
request, and the licence was granted. 

ILLEGAL WAGES. 

The tythingmen of Tinhead present the following " that doth 
exceed in taking of wages contrary to the Statute '' : 

Ambrose Robins & Henry Robins—saweers. 

Robert Warfield, Hugh Newman—carpenters. 

John Abram—thatcher. 


There are no covenant servants that we know of that doth 
exceed in taking wages contrarie to the Statute. 

There are similar reports from tythingmen of other districts. 

PRESENTMENTS. 

The Constables of Warminster hundred present " that wee 
have levied and payde to the use of the poore of Warmister iiijs. of 
such as weare found in default for not reparing to theyre pish 
church on the saboth day to heare divine service. There was found 
Hewlet & Nicholas Gage of Hetsburie in an alehduse on Sundaye 
the 25th of March last past in time of divine service & they do 
refuse and will not paye their xiid. a peece for breaking the law, 
and also there was levied and payd to the use of the poore xiid. of 
one for swearing. 

GOOD BREAD AND BEER AT MERE. 

The Constables of Mere present that " the Backers of Meere 
doe sell good and holsom Bread to the Kings League people and 
all the alehouses sell good & holesome bear ". 

A very large number of Recusants are presented from the 
hundred of Dunworth. 

1633. 

The Quarter Sessions usually held at Warminster in July were 
held at Chippenham this year. The rolls contain very little of 
special interest. 

WHEAT AND POULTRY FOR THE KING. 

At the Michaelmas Sessions the Justices make a contract with 
Thomas Hussey of Kingscleere in the County of Southampton 
gent, for the delivery of .the composition of wheat & Poultry 
for the next sixe yeeres nowe next ensuing yf hee soe longe live, 
for the provision of the Kings household wheat after the rate of 
ffive shillings the bushel & noe more over & besides the price heretofore 
allowed by his Majesty, and the poultry at the following 
rates viz. capons 2s, each, pullets iod., and heris i4d. 

PETITION FOR AN INCREASE OF PENSION. 

A petition for an increase of pension is presented by Nathaniel 
Creech, who states that he had served as a sergeant under Captain 
John Powell at Cales. A letter in support accompanies the petition, 
signed by Arch Bishop Laud (Canterbury), Arch Bishop Neyle 
(York), the Earl of Manchester and others, but unfortunately for 
the old soldier the Justices endorse the petition with the words 
"Noe money in the Stock 


io7 
1634. 
LICENSE TO SELL BUTTER AND CHEESE. 


At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes April 15th, William 
Long of Potterne petitions the Justices " to grant him a licence to 
be a comon driver, Carryer & buyer of Butter & Cheese in the 
Open Markets & ffayres in the County And sell the same in the 
Open Marketts and ffayres of Market Lavington, Amesbury, 
Uphaven and Marlborough such comodities being more scarce in 
those places than in other parts of the County The petition was 
granted. 

MAKING A FOOL OF THE CONSTABLE. 

The Constables of Bromham present Daniell Webb tythingman 
of Bromham, for " abusing and making a Jest of Walter 
Gaby, Constable of Bromham, in causing him to arise out of his 
bedd on Sunday the first day of September 1633 at eleven of the 
clock at night, to appease a ffray, when as there was none, but the 
said Tythingman attempted to make a fray himselfe as the said 
Constable was informed 

A CHURCHWARDEN IN TROUBLE. 

The Constables of Malmesbury present William Alexander 
being Churchwarden of Lea " for spending his tyme the 23rd of 
March 1633 being the Sabbath day in or by an alehouse of one 
Richard Tyler alias Sergeant of the same parish in the tyme of 
morning & evening prayer, and we present him also for a Comon 
Drunkerd ". 

A NIGHT WALKER. 

The Jury of the Hundred of Potterne and Cannings present 
William Baylie of Cannings Epi, husbandman for " that he is a 
nit wacker " (night walker). 

KEEPING A ROOKERY. 

They also present " John Browne of Whislie in the pish of 
Potterne, vitler, for sufferinge of Rookes twoe Build & breede 
about his house theare to the greate anoyance of Corne there 
aboute ". 

A BAD MASTER. 

To His Majestys Justices &c. 

Whereas the bearer hereof Richard Arnold of Malmesbury 
was bound apprentice unto Lawrence Price of Malmesbury, point-
making & yet hath byn very little or nothing ymployed in his trade. 

And the said Price is a man of loose conversation and hath given 
off the trade of pointmaking and^ betaketh himself to other idle 
unlawfull and indirect courses of life and not like to use his trade 


any longer. And whereas the apprentice was & hath byn a long 
tyme very much abused in his service, wanting all manner of 
necessaries belonging to an apprentice whereby he began to rott 
in his body being alsoe full of varmin, his master having noe 
ymployment for his apprentice. May yt therefore please your good 
worshipps to dismiss & freely sett at liberty the said apprentice 
fiom his master & he shall ever pray for your preservations both 
here and hereafter. April 23rd 1633. 

Signed by Robert Latymer Vicar of Malmesburye and others. 

The Justices ordered that the overseers should set the apprentice 
at work untill his master come & demand him & then Sir 
Theobald Gorge & Sir Nevill Poole to call both parties before them 
& order yt. 

CRUELTY OF THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE OF 
CORRECTION, DEVIZES. 

At these Sessions Thomas Hawkins a butcher of Devizes 
presented the following petition :—" Whereas your pore peticioners 
apprentis a boy of the age of 14 or 15 yeares ould being sent by yor 
peticoner to Marchfeild in Glos: to paye certain money on his 
return he mett at a certayne place in Bromham called the Stoninge 
Stile a man between 9 & 1 0 of the clock in the nighte tyme unknown, 
who did intreate this petitioners servant to deliver a Letter 
unto one Mr. Withers at ye Signe of the Crowne in the Devizes 
who unadvisedly did deliver the sayd letter whereuppon one 
William Dicke, Master of the house of Correccon, did without 
warrant, leade awaye the sayd servant to the house of Correccon 
and in a most unconcionable manner did bind him to a payre of 
stockes there And did cause one to whipp him in such manner that 
he gave him ffower score blowes at the least untill the servant was 
all most beaten to death. Your humble petitioner desireth that you 
would be pleased to call the sayd Dicke to know by what Authority 
he did whipp your petitioners Servant ". 

The Justices ordered the matter to be enquired into. 

PUNISHED FOR SWEARING. 

The Constables of Mere presented " that Thomas Reade for 
swearing was punished by setting in the Stocks according to his 
Maties Lawes in that case made & pvided, and levied upon another 
for swearing two shillings and levied upon Leonard Larance for 
disorderly tipling xiid. ". 

WARMINSTER TOWN PRESENTED. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Salisbury January 7th, the 
Grand Jury present '' the whole towne of Warmister for that the 
highway from Boram thither unto the dwelling howse of William 
Warren who liveth at the Hollebushe there is in very great decay 
insomuch that none of His Maties subjects can passe without great 


iog 

danger more especially from the howse of Thomas Ludlow gent, 
to William Warrens house. Not onlie the Market place at War-
mister but all the whole streete in Warmister from one end to the 
other is very much annoyed with durt, compost, and many great 
heapes of soyle insomuch that there is noe passage without great 
prejudice and annoyance. We present Symon Sloper & his son 
and other his tenants to be in default therein because they challenginge 
the Royaltie of the soyle there under Sir Thomas Thynne doe 
not remove and carry away the durt &c. neither will they suffer any 
others to carry away the same. This was presented the last yeare 
at this Sessions here and noe reformation. Wherefore wee desire a 
penaltie to be inflicted by this Court and a day prefixed for the 
amendment thereof. 

AN OLD SOLDIER. 

William Batter of Winterbourne in the County of Wilts 
petitions the Justices for a pension. He states that he was apprenticed 
1 3 years previously to a Merchant tailor in London " and 
after six years was pressed a souldier for the Warres into the 
Islands where he served 2 yeares 6 months, which warres being 
dissolved then by his Matys special appointment, he was then 
pressed to serve the Prince of Orange and after a year was taken 
to serve the Right Honble the Marquesse of Hambledon under the 
King of Sweade in which Service he remained untill certin companies 
were Cashered. Having spent in those services all his porcon 
which amounted to £100 and mayhemed in his left hand is thereby 
disabled to get a liveing and likely to undergoe greate misery 

The treasurer of the South part of the County was instructed 
to pay him a pension of ^ 3 a year, so apparently the applicant 
came from one of the Winterbournes near Salisbury. 

PRESENTMENT OF THE GRAND JURY. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Newe Sarum the Eight day 
of January 1634 the Grand Jury make a lengthy presentment. 
Many of the items presented concern the decayed state of the highways, 
but the following are of more than usual interest. 

MAKING A CORNER IN SHEEP. 

Imprimis. We psent William Bowldy & his son, Wm. Hum-
bye, John Barham, & George Gardner all of Nunton, William 
Penny of Bower chalke (and seven others) for that they and every 
of them are great enimies to the whole publique of this county, 
in that they continually goe from ffaire to ffaire, and from markett 
to markett, from sheepefould to sheepefould, from one man to 
another, where they buie continually great numbers of sheepe—as 
for example, one Saturday to the market at Blandford fforum the 
Wensday following sell the same againe at Wilton. Nay, they & 
the most of them will buie one day and sell the same againe the 


next, Nay buie and sell in one and the same day, insomuch that 
our ffayres and marketts are generally and for the most part furnished 
by these sort of Jobbers & Ingrossers, who take up all the 
Cobbs and ponies there that other men, vizt ffarmers and yeomen 
who doe not trade as they doe, must sell theire sheepe in Common 
fields abroad, In regard they cannott gett penns for them. Some 
of the before named have not ben ashammed to brage and (word 
torn off) they have sould this last year 6000, 5000, 4000 & 3000 
(torn) some more some lesse, wch is contrarie to the lawes and 
Statutes of this Realme, wch wee desire by this Honble Court to be 
reformed and amended. 

NEGLIGENT CONSTABLES AND TYTHINGMEN. 

Wee psent that the Constables and titheingmen in generall are 
very negligent and carelesse in the prosecution of their watch and 
ward, as also in the punishing of wandering people in regard they 
suffer them to passe & wander up & downe without contradiction 
for the most part. This is apparant unto us upon our owne knowledges 
& further manifested by their presentments. The Church 
wardens likewise are as negligent in prosecuting the statute of 
neglect in comminge to Church. 

REVEALING THE SECRETS OF THE JURY. 

Wee psent George Acrigge of Laverstock for that he of late— 
being with many others of a Jurie of Inquerie in the behalfe of his 
Matie for abuses done and committed wthin his Maties Parke 
and fforrest of Pauncett and Clarendon—did contrarie to the oathe 
of a Jurieman, not only reveale the secretts and Councell of His 
Matie, and his then fellowes of the Jurie, but also gave coppies 
of his Maties records, and of theire proceedings to some of the 
Chieffest delinquents to the great prejudice and hindrance, not only 
of his Matie but of all the whole Jurie. This soe haynous an offence 
we could not forbeare to present, being thereunto induced by that 
grave andmost learned Charge to us and others delivered before 
the beginning of these Sessions. 

A HEDGE BREAKER. 

Wee present Elizabeth the wieffe of ffranncis Cox of Downton 
shomaker for a common tearer and breaker of hedges. 

BURNT ON THE THUMB. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough Sept. 30, 1634, 

Ellianor Angell, servant to John Beckett of Tockenham, for 

stealing 20 cheeses was sentenced " to be burnt In the brawne of 

the thumbe with the letter T 

The same punishment was awarded to Magdalen Pullyne of 

Tockenham for receiving the cheeses. 


Ill 

GREAT FIRE AT THE WINTERBOURNES. 

At these Sessions the Justices signed a letter addressed to 
the Right Honble Lord Coventry, Lord Keeper of the Great Seale 
of England, setting forth the details of a most disastrous fire that 
happened at Winterbourne Dauntsey and Winterbourne Earls on 
the previous March 24th when damage to the extent of ^548 1 was 
done. They ask that Lord Coventry " to be pleased to cause his 
Majestys most gratious letters pattents to be speedily granted unto 
the inhabitants for their reliefe by charitable collections of money 
in such places and in such sorte as shall seeme good unto your Lordship, 
whereof they stand in great necessity & need ". A list of the 
sufferers and the value of goods each had lost in the fire is attached, 
from which it appears that thirty persons were affected, and the 
losses vary from £2,200 down to ^10 . A long appeal signed by 
the clergymen of the two Winterbournes and neighbouring villages 
sets out in detail the great losses incurred. The fire occurred at 
one o'clock in the afternoon of March 24th, when the wife of 
William Lawrence " by her careless dealing did sett on ffyre her 
husbands house in W. Dauntsey ". The fire then spread to the 
Parsonage. There was a strong high wind blowing, and the fire 
" was carried aloffe in the ayre and fell upon the dwelling house of 
Richard Sherfield " and so spread from house to house until 
apparently nearly all the houses in the two villages were burnt 
" in less than one hower altho the first of them was about one myle 
distant from the last " . 

SLANDERING THE VICAR OF KINGTON ST. MICHAEL. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Warminster July 30 1634 
the Revd. Richard Hine, Vicar of Kington St. Michael, petitions 
the Justices not to release Ethelred Alande the wife of Mathew 
Alande of Kington " from her good behaviour ". It appears that 
Ethelred had been bound over at the previous Sessions to appear 
at the next Sessions for cursing some of the Justices and meanwhile 
to be of good behaviour, but apparently refused to carry out her 
promise, for the Vicar says " she doth continue to rayle at your 
petitioner without any cause striving to Vilifye him in public as 
much as possible, she openly and speaking and publishing these 
opprobious words viz. that he is a black divell, and a black crowe, 
and that hee warnes communions only because hee will drinke wine 
at the Charge of the parish. And threatens him & the neighbours 
that when she is released of the good behaviour shee will speake 
yett more freely 

1635. 

IMBEZZLED HER HUSBAND'S GOODS. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Newe Sarm Jan 12th the 
Court made the following order— 
" ffor as much as this Court is informed by William Gilbert 
that his wife hath ymbesiled much of his goods & household Stuffe 


& left the same in divers mens hands without his privity or consent 
wch tends to his utter undoeing. It is therefore ordered by this 
Court that the said Gilbert shall demand his goods ymbesiled of all 
persons having the same & yf any person shall refuse to deliver him 
his goods then the next Justice is desired upon complaint thereof 
to him made, to bynde over the partie or parties refusing, to the 
then next Sessions there to answer his Contempt therein ". 

A PLEA FOR JUSTICE. 

To the Worppl My Worthie friend Robert Hyde at Sarm 
dd these. 

I am afraid you will imagine that I spend most of my tyme 
in writing letters to trouble you. But I pray pardon me now 
agayne speaking in the behalf of a poor Woman one Elner 
Sheppard, beaten by one Mansell my Lord Sturtons Bayly, you 
know the case. She says you granted a warrant to come before 
you & Mr. Penruddock at Hindon but hee refused to obey it and 
therefore you promised her a warrant this Sessions for his appearance 
at the next Sessions after that. The summe of her husbands 
& her petition now is that you would dispatch this warrant for her 
assoon as you can in the morning that they may be at the lesse 
charge & come home about their business the sooner, & they shall 
pray for you. Yt seems by the relation of my good neighbour Mr. 
ffield & his wief that the busines is more to be made of than Mansell 
makes of it, & that his falasie carriage in discharging your warrant 
may well deserve a warrant from the Sheriff even to be awarded 
out against him. I know you will doe her justice & in doing that, 
I suppose you shall show a good piece of mercy to the poore folk. 
My wief and I both intreat your best furtherance of them in this 
business & so hastily leave you to Gods grace & blessing. 

Your ever loving son in law 

THOS. CHAFINE. 

Mere Jan nth 1635. 

EXCUSED FROM ATTENDING SESSION. 

Whereas John Waterman is warned to bee at the next 

Sessions. To my knowledge he is an ould man and unable to take 

a journey, & therefore I hould him fitt to be excused, and therefore 

lett me intreate you to excuse him in my behalfe and I shall rest. 

Your faithfull Servant 

JOHN POPHAM. 

Littellcott this 8th day of Jan 1635. 

WILL SWEAR FOREWARDS AND BACKWARDS. 

These are to certifie unto your Wopp That this William Goove 
wch your Worpp warrante is sente for is a misbehaved man in All 
his wayes of life, for he is a dangerous swearer and a grevious liver 
and will sweare anything forewards and backwards to helpe him



self to doe any hurte to any man that he is offended with and doth 

strive to sett his naybors at Variance and doth abuse any naybore 

he hath upon the smallest occasion and there bee but fewe he hath 

not abused and is like to goe farther in his idell course if his 

Maties Lawes doth not restraine him. July 24th 1635. 

(No place is named, but the above is signed by 1 2 persons). 

A FALSE DECLARATION OF LOSS BY FIRE. 

To His Maties Justices of the Peace. 
We the pishoners of Warmister whose names are subscribed 
certifie that we have better considered the losses of Edwarde Dixe 
which he lately sustained by fier and we conceive he lost in housing 
to the value of twenty pounds in cloathes, goods, tobacco & money 
Verie little or noe loss, for wee are informed that his Tobacco was 
placed abroad in other mens hands that Londyners might not seaze 
uppon it & when the fier was he was seen to putt a purse in his 
breeches with somewhat in it which we conceive was his money. 
And we certifie that Dixe informed us of farr greater losses than 
hee sustayned, of purpose to gett his Maties Letters pattents for a 
collecon for it, Knowing the same would not be graunted for soe 
smale a loss as he sustayned & we conceive that those that did sett 
theire hands to his peticon were falsely informed by him & deluded 
by his faire speeches. 
remaining your Worps to command 
signed by THOMAS LUDLOWE 
FFRANCIS SHERGOLD & others. 
The Court issued a certificate against Dixe. 

PLAYING FOR MONEY IN THE CHURCH PORCH. 

The Constables of Damerham North report that they had sent 
four persons by pass to their respective homes, adding " All these 
were apprehended & taken playing in our church porch for money 
and were all sevallye whipped till blood runn downe, and sent to 
their sevall places of abode, havinge keept compasse, as they sayd, 
the space of a weeke 

A BAD PUBLICAN. 

The tythingman of Swindon giving information against 
Edward ffeawtrell an alehouse keeper of that place states " that 
he suffered gameling to be used in his house on Sonday night 
Nov. 9 for a great pte of ye night. That he himself played at 
Shovelboard with an apprentice boy for two or three hours on 
Nov. 24 & again on Nov. 27 for eight shillings the game, which 
last was verified by ffeawtrells owne tapster. Also that he refuseth 
to sell any drinke out of dores to the poore people, but yf they will 
come & drink it in his house they shall have it by the stonen pott 
& not otherwise ". 

1 


TO BE WHIPPED IN DEVIZES MARKET. 

Eight persons, including three women, were sentenced to 

flagellentur instanler in publico mercatos de Devizes, 

BURIED AT BISHOP'S CANNINGS. 

To all persons respectively whome these presents shall come 
be it knowne that John the base borne sonne of Elizabeth Roper 
of Bishops Cannings was buried in the parish Churchyard of 
Canings the 14th day of Aprill last past 1633. 

Witness hereto 

Tho fferebie Vicar of Canings Epi. 

William Weston and Thomas Eatwall 

at that time Churchwardens. 

FINED FOR DRINKING OUT OF HOURS. 

The constables of the hundred of Westbury reported that they 
had " levied of Gilbert Norris inkeeper the some of tenn shillings 
for suffering the following to be typling in his house at unreasonable 
times viz 

levied of Nicholas Phippe 3 4 

Mathew Bower 3 4 

Paule Phippe 3 4" . 

.GOOD BEER AND BREAD AT " MEERE 

The Constables of Mere present " that all our Innes and Alehouses, 
Vlttelers and tiplers do sell good and holsome Beere and 
Bred according to the Assises allowed 

1636. 

A NARROW ESCAPE FOR MR. GODDARD. 

Nov. 4, 1636. Stephen Looker giving information to " John 

Popham Eq at Littellcote saith that talking with Thomas Hop


kins of Alborne he, the said Thomas tould him that he had throwne 

his pronge at a greate Fatt Gentleman, meaning Mr. Goddard and 

that he mist him but verie narrowlie, and that he bowed his prong, 

& that he had killed his dogge. Thomas Walter saith that he saw 

Hopkins throwe his pronge at his Master Mr Goddard and he mist 

him but little, and as he supposes had hett him had he not galloped 

away & he tould them he knew him well enough, and that itt 

should be a dear partridge" to him. 

Signed JOHN POPHAM. 

INSULTING THE LATE HIGH SHERIFF. 

To the Justices of the Peace for the County of Wiltes. 
After my hartie Commendacons remembered 



us 

Whereas I have intelligence that Mr Goddard late High 
Sheriff of your Countie hath been affronted in his sporte of Hawkinge' 
by the evill demeanor both in words & accons of Thomas 
Hopkins, Sheppard unto Thomas Haynes & that he is bound over 
to appear at the next Sessions by John Popham Esqre, I would 
therefore desire you to forebeare both the hearing of the matter 
and punishing of the delinquent until the following sessions where 
I may be present and noe fayler of Justice shall be to either party. 
Yor very loveinge friend 

JO : FINCH (Knight). 

Moate this 26th Dec. 1636. 

THE PLAGUE IN AMESBURY AND GOODS STOLEN. 

Theise goods were stolen out of an house infected of the 
plague in Great Amsburye, while the poore people were kept 
abroad in the fields. 

One brasse pott, Weigheing about 23 or 24 lb. 

One brasse Kettle about 5 or 6 gallons. 

One very faire brasse Chafindishe with a bottom to stand in 

valued at xs. 

One pewter Bason. 

One pewter dishe. 

3 Candlesticks one of brasse & 2 of pewter. 

One bell skellett, one brasse basting ladle, 2 downe pillowes. 

One blanckett wch the boy died on in the plague. 

(There does not appear to be any further reference to the 
above.) 

HARNHAM BRIDGE. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Newe Sarm January x. xi. xii. 

The Grand Jury presented that a certaine Bridge nere the citty 
of Newe Sarm called Harneham Bridge, otherwise Aylesbridge is 
.very ruinous & in great decaie And ought to be repaired by the 
Mr of the Hospital of St. Nicholas as appeareth in an ancient 
record extant within the Chapter Howse in the Cathedrall of Sarm, 
And that the hie waye leading from the said bridge to Dragon 
Streete Corner is likewise very much in decaie and ought to be 
repaired by the inhabitants of the Close of Sarm. 

AN UNREPENTANT PRISONER. 

Anthony White of Ramsbury giving evidence before "John 
Popham at Littellcot saith that when carrying Thomas Tarlton 
to the house of correccon at Marlborough, Thomas Keate yt conveyed 
them tooke occasion to pitty a late fier wch had happened 
uppon some houses in Marleborrow, whereuppon Tarlton brake 
out into these speeches, that he hoped to see Ramsbury soe in fier 
uppon some of the best of the parish there. Joseph Jennings 

12 


(apparently the master of the house of correction) saith that ye 
said Tarlton being committed to ye house of correccion as an Idle 
fellow said that whensoever he should be releast he would not 
work, being demanded by ye said Joseph how he would live he 
replied he would steale. Then said Jennings you will be hanged, 
he answering, then there is an end of one 

DID NOT " FAUGHT ANY HOPP " POLES. 

April 23rd. Bartholmew Townsend charged before Mr. John 
Ducket for cutting poles " saith that hee did cutt Hopp polls out 
of Cullerne park and carried them a waye but hee utterlie denyeth 
that ever he faught ( = old past tense of fetch) any polls out of 
Sir Edward Hungerfords coppice or that he was there on the day 
whereof he is accused. 

" Walter Butler however saith that he saw Townsend coming 
out of Sir Edward Hungerfords coppice, & as he was coming forth 
with a burthen of hopp poles on his backe, throwing them over 
the hedge and so passing away towards Corsham, Butler, making 
haste to overtake him asked him where he had them, whoe 
answered 1 for the owner '. On asking him again where whoe was 
the owner he replied they were for Sir Edward Hungerford & he 
had & must fetch twenty burthens more ". (He was, however, 
acquitted by the Justices). 

A SICKLY CONSTABLE. 

At the Quarter Sessions at Devizes, April 26, 1636. 

" Philippe Batten of Xpenmalford " asks to be excused from 
taking the office of Constable he being '' very sickly in body & 
troubled with sondry imperfeccons so that he is not able to stirre 
as he ought to doe in the performance of that office, there being 
many other men in the parish more sufficient and able both for 
greatnesse of estate & strength of body to under goe soe weightie 
a business ". 

The inhabitants of Christian Malford, however, did not agree 
with Batten, for they send a petition to the Bench stating that 
" they doe hereby signifie & certifie that Philipp Batten yeomen, 
being an able and sufficient man is verye fitt to be constable of that 
parish for the year next ensuing 

(The Justices, however, had compassion on Batten and ordered 
William Reeves to take the office.) 

ALE IN STONE JUGS. 

Henry Bishop and Thomas Melsome of Chippenham were presented 
" for selling ale and beare by stoninge Judgs and not being 
full, for ad. the Judge William Hony of Trowbridge and other 
alehouse keepers were presented " for selling beer by small stone 
potts and not sealed measures contrary to the law 


TAKING SANCTUARY IN HINDON CHURCH. 
(Abbreviated.) 

Some of the inhabitants of Hindon appeal for help in the following 
case. Samuel Yarworth, clerk, who having been previously 
bound over to the good behaviour and to provide for the wife of 
Anthony Saunders and her child, had advised and assisted the 
husband to desert her. The Constables endeavoured to serve the 
writ but Yarnworth took sanctuary in the body of Hindon Church. 
They successfully caught him later as he was running from the 
church to his house, but he by force " recussed " himself and 
quickly returned to the church and soon after went to London and 
obtained letters missive against the Constables summoning them 
to appear in the High Commission Court. There, Yarnworth appeared 
himself and desired that the differences between him and the 
inhabitants of Hindon might be left to Lord Cottington to settle, 
which was agreed to. On being asked why he had disobeyed 
former warrants he replied, " I did nothing therein but what my 
Lord Archbishop of Canterbury put me upon The Court, considering 
these words as not fitting to be spoken of so great a person, 
bound Yarworth over in the good behaviour untill the next 
Sessions. 

AN UNCLEAN APPRENTICE. 

At the Quarter Sessions at Warminster, July 1636. 

The humble petition of John Souch and Mighell his wiffe. 
Humbly showing that whereas your peticioners hath an apprentice 
Ales Ireland to teach hir to make bone lace and to worke with 
the needle since which time she came unto us she hath been enticed 
to Runn Away and hath runn awaye eighteen times not 
wanting her belly full of suffitiente good diet three meales every 
daye in the weeke, neither had she at any time correction but only 
once hir father being present, and she never commeth home but 
full of vermin in such sorte not fitting to coum with in any mans 
dores before she be clensed, and the time being dangerous she 
maye not onely undoe us, but alsoe the towne and country, And 
we have used the best meanes all wayes to keepe hir and to looke 
after her againe, And we have sustayned a great deale of discredit 
by hir. Wherefore our desire is that your good Worshipps wilbe 
pleased to take into consideration the abundance of trouble and 
vexation of mind wee have indured and that wee maye be released. 
And wee shall daylie praye, &c. 

The Bench sent Ales to the house of correction at Devizes for 
a time, after which she was to be returned again to Mr. Souch. 

MALMESBURY ABBEY 
(Abbreviated). 

In the Records of the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes April 
16th, 1636, is the following statement concerning the inhabitants 
of part of Malmesbury :— 


" ffor as much as this Courte is informed that there are three 
score dwelling1 houses wth in the precincts of the Scyte of the 
Abbey of Malmesbury wch conteyneth not above tenn acres of 
ground and that there are fforty and seaven aged impotent 
decreped persons younge children and infants wch have no lively-
hood but are ready to starve for that the place not being knowne 
of what parish it is and the other inhabitants being of themselves 
not able to releive them, nor have overseers, nor cannott devise 
howe to take a course for raisinge of rates amongst themselves or 
elsehowe to preserve so many poore soules from starveinge. This 
Court, takeing their meserable estate & lamentable case unto consideracon 
for the better preservacon of the lives of so many of his 
Maties loveinge subjects, doe thinke fitt to refer the consideracon 
of their distressed care & examinacon to Sir John Danvers Kt, Sir 
Nevill Poole Kt, Sir Theobald Georges Kt, Sir Water Longe Kt, 
Edmond Estcorte and Charles Gore Esqures, or any two of them, 
and as they shall see cause yf yt appeare that the parish of 
Mallmesbury are not able to relieve the said poore, that then the 
said Justices are desired to call the Church wardens & overseers of 
all the parishes in the hundred of Malmesbury before them and rate 
& taxe upon any or eyther or all the said parishes such reasonable 

sumes of monie for the present releift" of the said poore as they shall 
think fitt for that tyme only untill the next Sessions & Assizes by 
wch tyme yf the Inhabitants of the said Abbey of Mallmesbury doe 
not procure some order from the Judges of Assize or elsewhere to 
determine of (which) parish they are or ought to be of, this Court 
doth not thincke fitt to take any farther care of them 

According to the above resolution, the Justices mentioned 
wrote the following report, dated Malmesbury June 21 1636 :— 

" According to an order of Easter Sessions last we whose 
names are subscribed have considered the order referred to and 
find by depositions of divers witnesses, inhabitants of the houses 
called Abbey houses—the houses containing nowe about three 
score familyes—that in their remembrance wch extends to 50 
yeares past and downeward, they have byn taxed by the Churchwardens 
of St. Paule in Malmesbury to wardes the Reparacon of 
the Church, nowe and by all the tyme aforesaid used as the pishe 
Church there and that such of them as were able have paid towards 
those reparacons according to the taxations, and have alsoe paid 
for seate room in the church & have had their Children christened 
theer by the "Vicar of the Pishe of St. Paule and to him they have 
paid theire offerings, and such of them as had gardens have usually 
paid to the nowe Vicar and his predecessors, garden pence for 
theire gardens they having noe other ground there, and they have 
bin married in the said Church by the Vicar &-receyved the communion 
& have paid to the Church wardens for bread & wyne for 
the communion and have had theire dead buried in the churchyard 


i ig 

there being- the Churchyard for the pishe of St, Paule. It was also 
proved to us that the inhabitants of the houses have byn sumoned 
to the leete of the Towne and Burroughe & they have appeared 
& such as did not were amerced & paid amercements. All which 
was proved on oath in the presence of the Alderman of the burrough 
& other of the Chiefe inhabitants. And we hnd that the inhabitants 
of seven houses wthout Westpoort Gate being Abbey houses have 
usually paid the like dutyes to the Vicar-of St. Maryes of West-
porte. All which wee leave to the further consideracon of this 
Courte ". 

(signed by the above Justices). 

NO MORE PRIGGING IN BRADFORD AND DISTRICT. 

Some thirty-eight parishioners of Bradford presented the 
following to the Justices at the Quarter Sessions held at 
Warminster:— 

" We whose names are heare under written to heareby certifie 
That whereas Thomas fflorence thelder & Thomas fflorence 
the younger were at the Easter Sessions committed unto ward 
upon the good abearing, for that they were vehementlye suspected 
to have stollen sheepe and committing other opprobrious misdemeanors. 
Now soe it is, may it please you That wee cannot 
heare of any one about us that hath sustained injury in that kinde 
since the time of their committing. Wherefore it is very probable 
that they were the onely actors of the same, for before scarce any 
daies did passe, but that one where or other we should heare of 
some prigging matters done. And for many yeares from time to 
time they have byn generally suspected to have demeaned themselves 
in a lewd carriage. And alsoe at certeyne times they would 
keepe gray hounds, beagells, and spaniells and goe hunting by 
day, and at night, as we conceive, feed them with the offall of 
such things as they stole. In confirmacon whereof we have sett 
our hands July 8th 1636 

UNREVERENT YOUNG FELLOW. 

The Constables of Warminster presented that '' on the tenth 
of this instant July there was taken in Corstly Magna an unreverent 
younge fellow who as hee alleadged lived at Mells in Somerset, 
whereuppon wee compelled him to bring a certificate of his 
behaviour. And thereby finding that he was formerly of good 
behaviour beetooke of him five shillings to the use of the poore of 
the said parish ". 

The Constables of the hundred of Westbury presented " that 


on the 7th day of May wee received of John Adlam one shilling to 
the use of the poore for swearing. 

A DISTRESSED MINISTER. 

The following was presented at the Quarter Sessions held at 
Marlborough Oct 4th 1636: — 

4 1 The most humble, peticon of a distressed Minister Most 
humbly beseecheth yor Honors & Worpps your poore suppliant 
Thomas Davis of the Devizes, clerke, That whereas he standeth 
accused for speaking certaine unadvised wordes at a time when he 
was quite distracted and not himselfe. And whereas he is truly 
penitent for his saide offence, and voweth that he will be most 
relegiously carefull never to transgresse anie more in that, or any 
other kind and alsoe is well content to endure the rigor of the lawe, 
if. upon examination made, it may appeare that he soe offended, 
when he was in his right mind: Ye would be pleased, out of your 
goodness and clemency, to free him of the trouble befallen him, 
through the said accusation, wth as little disgrace & dammage to 
him as ye may. And he will ever rest &c. 

" Your honrs & Worps to be commanded 

" THOMAS DAVIS 

There is nothing further about this case except that the 

petition is endorsed " Comittur ". 

REPENTANT PRISONERS. 

At the Marlborough Sessions October 1636, Nathaniell 
Wilkinson, Vicar of Bradford, and twenty inhabitants of the town 
present a petition for the release of " Thomas fflower & Thomas his 
sonne who have lay in prison on the good behaviour since last 
Easter Sessions. Wee the inhabitants of Bradford uppon hope and 
promise of theyre amendment of life, that they will be better 
members hereafter amongst us, and that they will frequent the 
Church as good Christians ought, would willingly, yf the Worshipful 
Bynch think fitt to receave them home againe. That they may 
help releive theyr poore wives and children that are nowe like to 
perish with hunger ". 

" John Histkoxe was presented for making a routte & lopinge 
of trees and letting piggs & geese trancgresse the Church yard of 
Preshute 

1637. 

CLOSING A PUBLIC WAY. 

At the Warminster Sessions July 6th the Jurors of the hundred 
of Mere presented " Richard ChafRn, Eq. for barring and denying 
his Maties Subjects of theire ancient and accustomed Markett and 


Church wav in a Close called Newe Close adjoyning to Zailes 
Church ". 

SEARCHERS OF WOOLLEN CLOTH. 

In this roll are a number of recognizances of persons appointed 
searchers of Woollen Cloth. For the first time these are printed 
forms with the local details filled in by the Clerk. The terms of the 
recognance is " That of the above bound (name) being now 
appointed a searcher for the true making of Woollen Cloth shall 
do his best endeavour by all lawfull wayes and meanes to see that 
the Lawes Statutes & Ordinaries of this Kingdome now in force 
for the true making of Woollen Cloth shall in all points be truely 
observed and kept within the limits of his Charge in every part 
thereof from henceforth for one whole yeare now next ensuing. 
Then this Recognizance to be voyd and of none effect, or else it to 
stand and remain In full force & Virtue 

Capt & cognit coram nobis 

GYLES ESTCOURT. 

DUCKING STOOL AND PILLORY WANTED. 

The Jury at Warminster present " that they have neither a 
cucking stool nor pillory at Warmister and that William Sloper 
must maintain them & put them up ". 

ISLAND OF DOWNTON " DROWNED 

To the right Wor : Sir Lawrence Hide, Knight. 

The humble peticon of John Estman, William Dulton & 
others the inhabitants of the Ileland wthin the Burrough of Down-
ton Showeth that about Allhalloutid laste paste there was a very 
greet fflud of water wthin the said Burroughe of Downton in 
somuch that your poore pettecioners howses wthin the said Ileland 
were drowned. And in whereas yor petticioners have had tyme out 
of the memory of man, Bridges to goe to there said house wthout 
wch Bridges your pettecioners are no able to goe into there houses. 
The Jurrie for our Sovainge Lord the Kinge by the misinformation 
of sombodie at the Generall Sessions houlden at Sarm last, did 
present that the said Bridges was an nuzance unto the Kings high 
wayes and did present yor petticioners as causes thereby, soe as 
proces ar awarded out of the Sessions againste yor poore 
petticioners directed to the Constable of the hundred of Downton 
to arreste yor poore petticioners to carrie them before some of his 
Maties Justices of the Peace to give surtie for there apperance at 
the next Genall Sessions that behoulden for the Countie wch wilbe 
excedinge chargable unto yor petticioners they all being very poore 
men and some of them do receve of Almes of the Pish of Downton. 

May it therefore please yor good worship to give directions 
unto the Constable of Downton to forebare to arrest yor 
petticioners for that wilbe a very greet charge unto somany poore 


peopell to attend the Sessions, and yor petticioners doe not dought 
but they will at the said Sessions bringe certifficate under the hands 
of the chefest Inhabitance of Downton that they were not faultie, 
and yor petticioners as they are in Duty bound will pray to God for 
yor worship long to contenewe. 

(Signed by) WILLIAM MAURICE Curat of Downton 

and four others. 

MELKSHAM BRIDGE OUT OF REPAIR. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes on April 18th, 1637, 
the following petition from Melksham was presented to the 
Justices :— 

'' That whereas the bridge in Melksham called the Great Bridge 
is much growen in decay soe that wthout some speedy course taken 
it will fall to the ground, And the inhabitants are & wilbe ready 
to strayne themselves to the uttermost towards the repayring of 
the same, But the charge will amount to soe great a some of money 
that the inhabitants are in noe wise able to compasse it without 
good helpe from other places to contribute towards it They go 
on to ask that a collection might be made throughout the whole 
county, but the Justices thought otherwise, for the petition is 
endorsed '' The inhabitants to repaire themselves under a paine of 
£4 0 & to be done by Michaelmas ". 

PRESENTMENTS. 

The Constables of Bradford present " that Anne Gentle was 
taken on the 24th day of March wandering, & whipped according 
to law ". 

John Ball of Bradford, taylor, doth make a fire against a wall 
haveing noe Chimney the wch is very dangerous and likelie to be 
a meanes for the fireing of his house & damage of the whole inhabitants 
of Bradford. 

The Juri of Damerham North present that John Goraway of 
Calne was taken beging at Christenmalford being dangerous of 
the infection of the Sicknes. 

Mathew Browne for stealing 4 pounds of woolen yarne value 
20 pence was ordered to be whipped in the open market instantly; 
and Edward Tetterfolld for stealing 2 lambes value 1 0 pence to 
be whipped privately. 

1638. 

AN OLD SOLDIER. 

To the Rt. Hon. Phillip Earle. 

The humble Peticon of Robt Rolls Sheweth that your peticoner 

being of the age of 85 years and not able to help himself being 

maimed and much decayed in his estate and having been a Soldier 

in the Low Countreys in the Time of Sir Phillipp Sydney as it is 


well known unto your Honors servant Mr John Osbaldston and 
your petr being there in Sarum with 5 of his Bretheren where the 
one of them was Captain Thomas Rolls, Servant to both our late 
Queen Elizabeth and King James of happy memory. He then asks 
that the Court will allow him a stipend towards his maintenance 
in his old age and was awarded £ 4 quarterly. 

The Grand Jury at the Sessions held at Sarm January 9th, 
1638, present the Stock in Combe bisset to be in default and 
have bene soe for the space of three monethes and ought to be 
repared by John Hancocke gent and Wm Andrews farmer and Mr 
Willm Mathew, and we also present the neglect of the watch and 
ward to be a great occasion of the abundance of idle & wandering 
people to the great grevance & wrong of the subjects of the Kings 
Matie. 

THE PLAGUE IN CALNE. 

An account of moneys received and layed out towards the re-
Ieife of the poore people of Calne lately visited with the infectious 

sickness of the plague. 
Mr. Henry Blaaks account ' 
Received from the County 
guift of money from Hiworth 
Disbursed 
£17 8 
£18 
£18£18 
0 
00 
1 5 
30 
5 
0 
0 
0 
Robert fformans account 
Received of the County £196 1 9 1 0 
Disbursed £196 1 2 0 
remaining in his hands 
Roger Scotts account 
Received of the County 
received of guifte money 
Disbursed 
£12 7 
£12 7 
7 
3 
*5 
18 
0 
9 
0 
9 

There are other smaller accounts amounting to over ^150 . 
The total amount assessed on the County was £913 , and the 

amount collected ^588 . 
Then follows this detailed account of expenditure :— 
" A Bill of Moneyes laide out and due from the towne and 

parish of Calne at the time of the infection there for the charge of 
a phisition that was brought from London & phisick for the poore 
and other things viz. 
Paid William Ingram at the goeing out of his howse in the Alders 

which was made a pesthouse of, and for divers necessaries 
left the infected people that came in there 100 
Pd Thos Page for halfe a yeares rent for a howse to Ingram to 
goe into o 10 o 
Pd Jo : James for a sowe & pigges which he killed and buried that 
had fedd one the excrements of the infected people 20 0 
Pd one Mr Samuell Smyth, a phisition that came purposely from 
London and stayed two moneths attending one the towne and 
parrish of Calne to administer phisick in the time of the sicknes 
as was agreed one by the right worl Sir Ed Baynton Kt 


and approved of by divers Willshere gentlemen being then at 

London the some of xx£ 20 o o 
More pd Mr Smyth for phisicke that he gave to divers poore sicke 

people which was not able to paye him anything as appeareth 

by a bill of particulars the some of 1 6 1 3 1 0 

Pd Jo Landick for a fortnight's dyett for the phisition o 14 o 
Some totall of all laide out £30 17 10. 
Receaved for the materials of a pesthowse that stood in the Marsh 

of Calne the some of 60 0 
The which being deducted, remayning as if not receaved of this 
bill the sum of 24 17 10 
Per me GEO. LOWE. 

A petition from the overseers for the providing of a remaining 
deficit of £20 17 4 is marked " The parishoners are to pay the 
£20 17 4 to be rated by the next 2 Justices ". 

THE PLAGUE IN CALNE. 

Jasper Powell formerly an Innholder of Calne but now of 
Warminster presents a petition in which he states that about eleven 
years since when the sickness began in London " a travayler being 
sick was brought by the Officers of Calne to yor petrs house in 
Calne being an Inn when he was absent. The officers with others 
came & removed the sick person together with yor petitrs goods 
to the value of £iS to be employed for the use of the sick person 
& safety of the towne ". He later made application to the Justices 
for loss of his goods and they awarded him only £6 in recompense 
which " he thinketh too little he having spent as much almost in 
seeking redresse, and yet the inhabitants of Calne refuse to pay 
that £6 by which means he is utterly undon ". He asks the Justices 
to assist him to recover recompense for his goods and charges. 
The Court ordered a full enquiry to be made into the matter for 
future consideration. 

ROBBING THE POOR. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes, April 3rd, the Jury 
for the hundred of Melksham present Robert Stevens of Seend for 
buying & selling of wheate & mault & selling some ground and 
some unground having noe lycence. A peck of his wheate meale 
weighing about eleven pounds & a peck of the same wheat unground 
weighing fifteen pounds, to the affamishing of the poore. 
He being a man unfit to doe so his estate being worthe about 
seaven hundred pounds. 

A TOWN BORN APPRENTICE. 

We psent that a young apprentice, one Wakley, was taken 
at Trowbridge March 29th last, being a towne borne Childe we 
sent him to his master Thomas Lucas of Southwick. 


LIGHT BREAD. 

We psent that sevall times we have taken the bread of some 
Bakers of Somersetshire to the value of ten shilling's, & finding- it 
too light we gave it away to the poore of Trowbridge where the 
bread was brought to be sold. 

AN ILL-TREATED APPRENTICE. 

Thomas Manchester at one time apprentice to Isaac Miles of 
Broad Chalke informs the bench that for three whole days he had 
no meate or drinke att all from his master & would have famished 
but for the kindness of neighbours. He also says that his master 
had given him but one gallon of mault bread between Christmas 
& July & " bought not soe much as one penny worth of beere for 
him ". His usual fare was one piece of bread & cheese a day 
during the time he was with his master. His master gave him no 
apparrell during the year & a half he was with him save only two 
shirts of lackeram ( = linen of a coarse quality) at iod. or i2d. the 
ell. And that his master seldom had any work save to patch old 
clothes & when he had no work he sent him to steale furses which 
he sold, whereby he is never likely to be a workman. 

Upon this information and certificate from the parishoners of 
Broade Chalke the bench discharged Manchester from his apprenticeship. 


1639. 

FLOGGED AT THE CART TAIL. 

• At the Quarter Sessions held at Warminster, July nth, the 
sentence passed on Jacobus Cox et Rogerus Cruse is in Latin, viz., 
flagellari instanter in publico loco mercatorio apud the cartes tayle. 
Apparently the Clerk did not know the Latin for the last three 
words. 
AYE PINS AND TOBACCO. 

James Coxe of Seend confesseth (before William Wallye Esq) 
that on the 12th day of June he stole 6 aye pynnes from a sheep 
house in Selfestreet Seend & sold them to Richard Dalmer of 
Seend who gave him " one pipeful of tobacko and for other 
pieces of iron that he had stolen he received " a peice of Tobacko 
about two ynches long ". For his punishment see above. 

TOO MANY ALEHOUSES AT STEEPLE ASHTON. 

The Jury for the hundred of Whorelsdowne present '1 that wee 
have five Alehouses in our tything of Stepelashton which wee 
thinke it bee too too manye ". 

That Samuel Browne is a drunkerd. 

That John Newman of Tynhed doe sell beeare with out lycence 
under the pretence of a Winde lycence. 


The Constables of the hundred of Heytesbury present " William 
Arundell Esqre and the Ladie St. Johns his wiffe for popeishe 
recusants ". 

FIRE AT CHARLTON. 

Henry Hole of Charleton states that " Whereas yt pleased the 
Allmighty to afflict yor poore suppliant with the terrible flames of 
his judgment, on March 29 his house, goods, & stable were consumed 
by fire and burnt to the earth amounting to the sum of 
£60 ". He begs the Justices to make him a grant and was allowed 
£10. The above is signed by Henry Long, Vicar of Charleton, 
Tobias Crisp*, D.D., parson of Brink worth, who adds " he was an 
eye witness of the combustion". Also 38 parishioners, many of 
whom were " eie witnesses ". 

BEACONS ON LYDDINGTON DOWN. 

The Constables of Kingsbridge present the following petition 
on behalf of the said Hundred at the Quarter Sessions held at 
Devizes April 23rd, 1639 :— 

" Humbly sheweth that whereas the said Hundred is putt to 
the whole charge of watching the Beakons on Lyddington Downe, 
it being- the utmost part of the said hundred and the charge already 
amounting to the some of Twelve Pounds for the tyme past, And 
the severall hundreds of Highworthe Crickland & Staples, Remsbury 
and Seckley did heretofore usually joyne in the watching of 
the said Beacons. 

" Wherefore we humbly pray—that the three hundreds above 
mentioned—may joyne with Kingsbridge in watching the beacons 
and a payment of the £12. 

" And your peticoners will ever pray &e. ". 
The Court ordered that the three hundreds should join with 
Kingsbridge in accordance with the petition. 

DISPUTE ABOUT LAND AT EASTERTON. 

Joane Heskyn of Esterton in the pish of Lavington forum 

presents the following- petition :— 

" That whereas one yard land & a halfe in Esterton is nowe in 

Controversie in lawe between your peticoner and John fflower the 

Elder of Esterton. And yor peticoner being possessed thereof & 

having plowed and sowen divers acres thereof wth feed Barley & 

feed pease this psent yeare, he the said fflower hath sowen the said 

acres wth other seed, and he alsoe eateth out wth his cattell the 

grasse growing in the nichsed (? nickled=beaten down) ground. 

And Threateneth yor peticoner that he will Cutt & carry away all 

the Corne wth divers other fearful threatenings 

She begs the Justices " to call John fflower befor them and 

take order with him that she may quietly enjoy the premises untill 

it be tryed by lawe unto whome the land doe of right belong, and 

* Dr. Crisp was a well-known Antinomian Minister, 

that without trouble of him or any his threatening-s wch she greatly 
feareth ". 
And your peticoner will ever pray &c. 
The Court made " noe order ". 

MARRIED AT ST. JAMES'S. 

" Theis are to certifie yor Worshippes that the bearer hearof 
Thomas Symes and Jone Bruer were lawfully married in the 
Chappell of St. James in the pishe of Byshopps Canninges the 
xxijth daie of Aprill anno Dmi 1639 ". 

By me RICHARD HUMPHREY 

Mynister. 

Witness hearunto 

Thomas Nash, Henry Symes. 

PETITION FOR INCREASE OF PENSION. 

To the Right Hoble Phillip Earle of Pembrooke and Mountgomry 
Lord Chamberline of his Maties howsehold. 

The humble peticon of John Knowles gent. Sheweth that yor 
peticoner havinge bene heretofore a Livetennant in the Warres and 
maimed in his Maties service was some yeres since by yor Lopps 
Noble Brother deceased Comended to the Justices of Peace of this 
Countie, Whoe uppon his Hoble recomendacon were pleased to 
allowe him a pension of Tenn pounds p Ann, ye Stocke of the 
Countie then being smale, but since increased. Yor peticoner is 
since growne in yeares and pressed with wante and humblie conceive 
yt soe smale a pension hath bene seldome conferred uppon a 
man of yor peticoners place in Armes and hopes by yor Lopps 
favour the same might be enlarged and yor peticoner some way 
quallified and enabled to doe his Countrye service in his old age. 

May it please yor Lopp in favour of yor peticoner to voutsafe 
yor Lopps favorable Lres to the Deputy Livetennant and Justices 
of this Countie on yor peticoners behalf yt yor peticoner may bee 
imployed by such Captaines in the Instructinge of their souldiers as 
shalbe thought fitt and his pension increased in shuch sorte as the 
state of ye country will beare and their discretions will allowe. 

And yor peticoner shall &c. 
The Court ordered " that there be fyve marks added to his 
former pension and that hereafter there be none granted above 

On the back is written :— 

According to the desires of the Justices at the last Sessions I 
have pused (perused) and advised on the Statute of 43 Elizabeth 3. 
Whereby the Justices of Peace are authorised to grant pensions to 
Soldiers and Mariners, And I am of opinion that by the Statute 
the Justices may grant a pension unto a soldier who hath bene hurt 
or maimed in the Kings service although hee were not pressed, soe 
as hee were in the Kings pay at the time of his hurts recived. Soe 
that (in consideration of the case) I doe not conceive this petitoner 


haveing served as a lieutenant and his pension being but £10 
p ann, the same may be encreased (if the Justices of Peace thinke 
it fitt, and finde cause for to doe) but they may not make it above 
2o£ p ann, the Statute restraininge them not to exceede that some. 

(signed) ROBERT HYDE. 
(He was Recorder of Salisbury.) 

In support of Lieut. John Knowle's petition, Lord Pembroke 
sends the following letter to the Justices, dated from Whitehall 
the 22nd of October, 1638 :— 

After my hearty Commendacons. Although I persuade my 
selfe you cannot want Importunitys in matters of this Nature and 
consequently that I might very well have spared you the trouble of 
this, yet having heard from some of my very good ffreinds in that 
your County more then ordinarily, well of this peticoner whose 
enclosed I send you withall, and that your Stocke is somewhat 
more advanced, then formerly when my deare Brother mediated with 
some of you for a Pencon to be settled upon him, as itt was your 
custome in like cases to doe for others. Upon these concurrences 
I have thought fitt to write theis unto you in favour of him, and to 
desyre you That where as his Merett and pretences are as fayre, 
his necessities being also as urgent as any others, you will therefore 
think fitt to enlarge his pencon according to the strength of your 
Stocke, and as such commiserative and charitable thoughts of him 
as this may infuse unto you In the doing whereof, though you 
shall encourage others to doe their County Service with more 
chearefullnes, when they shall see a charitable consideration had of 
their yeares increased therein and Disabilities incurred thereby, yet 
because I have appeared herein I shall ascribe some of your favour 
to the respect of this which shall therefore enlarge the obligacon of 
my being. 

Your very loving freind 
PEMBROKE & MONTGOMERY. 
A footnote by the Clerk of the Court says '' put Mr. Hyde in 
mynde the next Sessions ". 

FETTERS AND WHIPPING FOR A BOY. 

To ye Govenour of ye house of Correction nere Marleborough. 
I have sent you herewithall the body of Robert Wayle an idle 
vagrant & disorderly boy who hath bin divers times whipped 
and returned to Crawly where he was born. Yett will not continue 
there but runns away and lyes roguinge and pilfering about the 
Country. These are to will & require you to receive the sayd 
Robert & him safely keepe until he shalbe delivered & in the 
meantime to hold him to such works & to give him such punishments 
by moderate whippinge and putting on ffetters as you shall 
find cause, yeilding him for his mayntenance only so much as he 
shall deserve or earne by his labor & work. 

Given under my hand this 4th of July 1639. 
(signed) JOHN EVELYN. 


WHEAT, MUTTONS, AND POULTRY' FOR THE KING. 

This is a lengthy document, but briefly is as follows:— 

A composition was made on Oct i with Thomas Husey for 

wheat, muttons and poultry to be delivered for the King's household 

for seven years. The prices fixed were : Wheat at 5s. the bushel 

and no more over and besides the price heretofore allowed by his 

Majesty, muttons at 16s. the sheep and no more over and above the 

former price, and for poultry 2s. the capon, lod. the chick and i4d. 

the hen. 

SHALBOURNE COMMON FLOODED. 

The Constables of Shalborne present Richard Clifford of that 
parish, gent, for raysing up a new hatch in his meadow whereby 
the water is bayed back in such wise that the Kings leige people 
cannot passe to the Church without danger, and also the common 
is so drowned that the commoners are much damnified thereby. 

PRESENTMENT FROM HUNDRED OF SELKLEY. 

At a genarall seasans at Marleborow for the peace holden for 

ower sovenant lord the King. 

First For Broad Hinton wee present Richard Constable, 

gentleman, for turnig of an ancient water Cours out of the right 

way to the anoy ance of his neight brows. 

For Avubery omny bey. 

For Lockeredge wee present that William Brown hath erect 

and bwilt a pigin howes to the great anoy ance of his neyght bors. 

For Ogborn al is weell. 

For Aborn ales well. 

For Minden hall Wee present William Jones of Woolandes 

for a pownd Breach. 

1640. 

FINED FOR NOT GOING TO CHURCH. 

The Constables of Wilton presented at the Salisbury Quarter 
Sessions on January 14 " that we have levied and receaved of Rose 
Creed of Wilton twelve pence for absenting and neglecting to come 
to her parish Church on Sunday Nov 15th, which said twelve pence 
we have paid to the use of the poore of Wilton 

RETURNS OF RECUSANTS. 

The Constables of the various hundreds were very busy this 
year searching out papists and the number of recusants presented 
is much larger than in previous years. 

On December 7th the following order made in the House of 
Commons was addressed to " All Justices of the Peace within the 
County of Wiltes and the liberties thereof '' :— 

Upon an order this day made by the House of Comons nowe 
assembled in Parliament That all the Justices of Peace within the 

K 


severall Counties of England and Wales bee from this howse required 
and enjoyned to comannd the Church Wardens and other 
officers of the severall Counties within their precincts to present 
unto them the names of all the severall recusants within their 
parishes to the end that they may be proceeded against with effect 
according to lawe at the next sessions notwithstanding any Inhibicon 
or restrained These are by Vertue of the said order to require 
and enjoyne you the Justices of Peace within the County of 
Wiltes and the liberties thereof to comannd all the Churchwardens 
and other officers within the said County and Liberties thereof to 
present unto you the names of all the severall Recusants within 
their pishes & precincts to the end they may be proceeded against 
with effect according to Lawe and according to the full intent, 
purpose and true meaning of this order. 

(Signed) H. ELSINGE, per Domus Com : 
Above order is sent to ffrands Bennett and William Coles, 
gents, Deputye Clarks of ye Peace for ye County of Wiltes att 
Warmester by Henry Ludlowe and F. Thynne from London 
December 18 1640. (A footnote states *' This letter concerns the 
whole county ".) 
With the order is the following :— 
Wee have sent you downe heere inclosed a warant drawne 
upon an order made in ye Comons House of Parliament directed to 
ye Justice of Peace for ye County of Wiltes of wch wee are 
comannded by like order to give them advertisment that accordingly 
due execution may be had thereof. These are therefore to 
require you to use all dilligence to see ye same effectually pformed 
and delivered unto them before ye next Sessions it being a service 
of soe important a consequence, and soe we rest. 
Your loveing ffreinds 

Signed HENRY LUDLOWE. F. THYNNE. 

With reference to the above order John St. John writes the 
following letter '' To his very loveing ffreind ffrancis Bennett 
Esquire at Sarum " *.— 

I have received your Ire and the order from the House of 
Comons and have accordingly sent out my warrants to the 
Constables of the hundreds of Highworth, Cricklad and Staples, 
and Kingsbridge, and the Constables have made theire returns 
under the hands of the Church wardens of every pishe & I find 
none in neither hundred but such as I shall send you heare inclosed 
which I conceive to be as much as was required of me, the other 
two Justices that were joyned with me being not in the County I 
did it myselfe, if you would have any thinge more donn in it I 
desire your answeare for I conceive this to be inough for 
informacon, and soe with my salutacon to yor selfe I reste, yor 
loveing freind to serve you 

JOHN ST. JOHN. 

Liddiard Tregoze this 10th of January 1640, 


At the foot of the letter he adds:—" There is but one church 
warden's hand to the return of Englsham pish. The reson was the 
other Church warden lives in Barkshire and part of the parish is 
in Barkshire ". 

BREACH OF PRIVILEGE. 

This order of the House of Commons apparently raised a 
question of privilege in the House of Lords, as will appear from 
the following- letter addressed ; 

" To all maiors & Sheriffes, Bayliffes, Constables, Church 
wardens Tythmen And all other his Mats ministers and Officers to 
whom this may any way appertayne ". 

" Die Martis 15th December 1640. 

" Uppon significacon unto the High Court of Parliament by 
the Right Honble the lord Viscount Mountague That himself and 
other Peeres, Members of this house were indicted for Recusancie, 
nowe sitting the Parliament, wch his lordship conceaved was 
contrary to the Rights and Priviledges of the Peeres of this Realme, 
or Lords of Parliament, And that his Lordship did in his owne 
name and in the name of all other Lords, members of this house, 
humbly desire this court to enter into a consideracon of the same, 
Whereuppon after debate had, It was ordered by the Lords 
Spiritual and temporal in the said High Court of parliament 
assembled, That the said Lord Viscount Mountague and all other 
members of this House as also their wives, children and meniale 
servants shall bee and are free and discharged from any such 
indictment as aforesaid, And that all such indictments against any 
the parties above menconed shall bee forthwith brought into the 
Kings Bench by certorari, and the Kings Attorney shall enter a 
non Pros uppon the same, That thereby the said Lords of Parliament 
their wives, children and servants may enjoy the priviledge 
of this house, both duringe the time of this Parliament and for the 
space of Twenty dayes after the end of the same. 

(signed) Jo,* BROWNE, Cleric 

Parliamentore. 

A DANCING MATCH. 

The examinacon of Jane Lawes taken upon oath Jan 13th 
1640 before John Penruddock— 

" Whoe saieth that on St. John his day last att night she was 
invited to the myll at Broad Chalke to a daunceinge match where 
there were divers of the young men & maidens of yt pish, where 
she saw noe abuse offered or incivility comitted by any ". 

Joane Deane confirms the above and says further that " about 
two houres before day, the candles being burnt out she heard some 
of the maids cry out, but who they were or what caused them to 
cry out she knoweth not, being in the darke and sitting by her 
brother & within a little time about the break of day she went home 
with her sister ". 

K2 


Mary Randall also confirms the evidence of the foregoing- and 
adds that " one Thomas Wise who termed himself to be the 
Bishoppe, being up in the chamber with other young men, but what 
they did she knoweth not by reason the candles were out and that 
they were lockt in and could not get out before it was day, but she 
herselfe had noe wrong offered her, but she heard divers reports 
that Catherine Sangar of Knoyle was sett upon her head and was 
bishopped, but by whom it was done she knoweth not ". 

THE PLAGUE IN CALNE. 

A number of the parishioners of Calne, supported by William 
Mortimer the minister petition the Justices that the sum of £300 
still in the hands of the collectors, being the balance of a general 
rate made for the relief of the inhabitants of Calne during the 
plague, may be paid over for the benefit of the poor people who 
suffered so much. The trade of Calne was greatly impoverished 
and there were nearly 2000 poor and needy persons there. 

TWO SOLDIERS ARRESTED. 

To all or any such Justices or other Magistrates and officers 
whome these presents may concern. 

We the inhabitants of Limington in the County of Somerton 
being informed by a letter received from Fisherton Anger that two 
of our late neighbors John Silly and William Witte, impressed 
for the Kings Service were, in a towne in Willshire named Canne, 
as they were going to follow their colours, apprehended by the 
officers & comitted to Prison, having as they allege, not offered or 
done any hurt to any. They departed from us with a full purpose 
and settled resolution to follow their colours & leaders, and under 
them to doe his Majestys service, and as for one of them, to witt, 
John Silly, that he hath beene late before his putting forth for 
this service taken sick of the males or meazles, and so weakened 
that he could not make that speed as otherwise he might have 
done. The petition prays that all lawful favour may be shown to 
the prisoners. 

Signed by JOHN CON ANT Rector and six parishioners. 

The petition is marked " nothing done ". 

The same two prisoners send a petition to '' The Right Worpl 
Mr. Goddard Judge of the Sessions houlden at Newe Sarum ", in 
which they state that " they were pressed for souldiers for the 
North and when their colours were bownde for the north it pleased 
God to visit John Silly with a disease called the Mesells insomuch 
that he was soe weakened he could not goe with his colors, but so 
soone as pleased God ye sayd poor prisoner had recovered strength 
he followed after his colours together with his companion William 
Witte. And as they were at Cawne in this sayd Shire they were 
apprehended by the officers & committed to prison by the Right 
Worpl Sir Edward Baynton where they have suffered in great want 
& misery since the tenth of July last. They humbly crave that they 


may be discharged ", but in the calendar of prisoners for the 
Sessions they are charged with " having receaved the Kings pay 
have feloniously runn away from their Captaine ". The petition 
is marked " noe order ". 

ANOTHER DESERTER? 

Robert Ralphe of Stony Stratford petitions the same Mr. 
Goddard for release from prison, stating that " he went into the 
North in his Majestys Service under Captain Oliver Fleetwood 
who was a captain under Sir William Ogle Colonel for Wilts and 
that when fighting at Newcastle upon Tyne he was sore squat and 
bruised and unable to serve, whereupon his said captain gave him 
a certificate for his safe travel home. He was however comitted to 
prison by Mr. Dr. Hynxman* about the first of October last ". A 
note in the calendar of prisoners says " he was comitted to prison 
because he was suspected to be come from his Captain without 
leave ", and nothing further concerning the case. 

ST. EDITH'S MARSH. 

In a petition to the Justices by John Hiscock of Potterne a 
Yarnman " being a deafe man and defective in his speech " he 
described how he was robbed of a parcel of yarn at Tydworths 
Marshf in the Parish of Bromham and ultimately arrested and 
brought before Sir John Ernie where on producing the said yarn, 
it proved to be of another description and not his at all. He asks 
that his own yarn may be returned to him. Apparently the whole 
matter was a trumped up case in order to extort money from the 
poor man. 

LADY ANNE BEAUCHAMP. 

The Right Honble the Lady Anne Beauchamp, Ladie of the 
mannor of Edington gives permission to ffrancis Rolfe a blacksmith 
of that village to build a house on a piece of her Ladyships 
land & it is Confirmed by the Justices. This bears the signatures 
of Anne Beauchamp and a number of the parishioners. 

PRESENTMENTS. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes April 1 4 1640 " the 
Kings Jurie for Damerham North present " 

That we know of noe recusants. 

We knowe none that refuse the book of Common prayer. 

We know none that hath conveyed anie armor into Scotland. 

We know none that hath spoken treason or done anie ffelonie. 

* In the Historical Manuscripts Commission publication tliis gentleman 
is 
described as "Dr. Humphrey Henchman". 
f In an enquiry into the matter this place is called " Tiddie Marsh 


ILLEGAL MEASURES. 

The June for the Libertie of Bromham and Rowde present— 
James Hancock, tippler, for selling ale in woodden Cannes being 
unsealed measures, Joane Knight, widowe, for selling ale in a wyne 
quart, William Lord for selling ale in stone Juggs—all contrary 
to the Statute. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Warminster July 7 1640 the 
following cases were tried :— 

George Monday committed by Marmaduke Lynne Doctor of 
Lawe, accused for feloniously taking a Rye loafe of bread, twoe 
newe milke cheeses, twoe peeces of beefe, fowre playne holland 
bands, one aquavite bottle, and one knife, the goods of William 
Vincent of ffovent. 

Henry Sharpe for having stolen a silver bowle at Westbury 
and as yt is said, is outlawed for the same. 
Walter Banckes for feloniously marryeing of twoe wives. 

TIPPLING AND TOBACCO IN STOURTON CHURCH 
PORCH. 

The Jury for the hundred of Meere present Alexander Adams 
the tithingman of Stourton for that he doth from time to time suffer 
sturdie beggars to lye in the Church porch of Stourton tipling and 
taking tobaco to the dishoner of Gods house and disturbance of 
the parish—the said Alexander being often warned thereof. 

A SERIOUS FIRE AT CHARLETON. 

John and Richard Burden of Charleton petition the Justices 
" to grant them permission to make a collection of the Charetable 
Devotions of the inhabitants of the County to recompense them for 
loss by fire ". They say " that on the previous May 22 a boy threw 
some straw ashes under the wall of the hoggesty which then caught 
fire & spread to the petitioners house & burnt their goods & stock 
to the value of £110 to the utter undoing of yor petitioners their 
wives and Children ". John Burden " sayd the fire caught on other 
houses and grewe very fierce on a sudden and like to burne the 
whole towne, there being a strong wind blowing. At wch sadd 
spectacle the inhabitants being amazed, each man repaired home 
to save his owne house, wch fire had undoubtedly consumed the 
whole Towne forthwith, had not God of his mercy turned about 
the winde ". The Court granted them ^5 . 

The Jurors of the hundred of Ramsbury present— 
" A childe that wase founde in the Weadow Knackstones 
barton in a cowracke in the parishe of Ramsbury ' \ 

" Two women and three children that were vageing in 
Ogborne St. Andrews & punished according to the lawe and sent 
whom unto their place of abode 


*35 

1641. 

JUDGMENT ,lDE PEINE FORTE ET DURE". 

None of the thousands of cases that were brought before the 
Justices of the Peace for Wilts at the Quarter Sessions during the 
17th century ended in such a cruel and barbarous sentence as that 
passed upon Katherine Peters of Cranford, Middlesex. That it 
was certainly the law of the land, cannot be denied, and though, if 
after reading the depositions of the witnesses, one is forced to 
the conclusion that in all probability she was guilty of the offence, 
and that by her refusal to plead she brought the torture on herself, 
yet it seems scarcely believable that our Wiltshire Justices could 
not have devised some other method of dealing with the matter, 
and so save the poor creature from the terrible torture of being 
crushed to death and suffering the pangs of semi-starvation at the 
same time. Yet such it was, and being the only case of its kind 
recorded in our County Quarter Sessions Rolls, it is given here in 
detail. 

The case begins with " the informacon of Richard Hiscock, 

servant to ffrancis Godclard Esq: against Katherine Peters, 

wyddoe, and joane King, taken before Richard Digges Esq: the 

18th day of July in the 21st year of the reign of King James (1623). 

" He saith that Katherine Peters hereafter menconed d.d 
confesse to him and to one Alexander Goddard Esq: that she had 
stollen a diap cloth and a Lockeram sheete from the hedge of the 
said ffrancis Goddard at Standen Hussey which was taken from 
hence on Wednesday last being the xvi day of this instant July, 
wch clothes were taken in a baskett wch she the said Peters had, 
and the said Joane King alsoe kept her companion and was with 
the said Peters when the said clothes were taken in the baskett 
above said 

Then comes a statement by Mrs. Peters herself. 
'' The examinacon of Katherine Peters of Cranford by Huntslow 
(? Hounslow) in the county of Middx, wyddoe, taken the same day 
and yeare above said. Being examined she sayeth that on Wednesday 
last she was at Standen Hussey in the highway there 
goeing to Hungerford in Berks and she came thyther from Saris-
bury where she had been to place one of her children with one of 
her uncles, one Thomas Smyth wch dwell by ffisherton bridge 
there; and being asked whether she was nere unto a hedge of the 
orchard at Standen Hussey, made to hange clothes on, she denys 
she was either in or nere unto the hedge or orchard and denys 
likewise that she toke any clothes from the same hedge, and she 
alsoe denyth that she had any baskett or any clothes in her baskett. 
And she sayth further that she mett with the other woman one 
(apparently Mrs. Peters did not know the name, as a blank space 
is left here). When the said woman came from the house of 
Standen Hussey and not before, nor was in her company all the 
day before nor at any other time ". 


" Alice King- of Wallingford, wyddoe, saith that she came from 
Hungerford towarde Standen Hussey to goe to Barford beyond 
Sariesburie to place her child, being a boy with one Joan King her 
sister there, and saith that she was goeing to Mr Goddards house 
at Standen Hussey by Hungerford and denyeth that she sawe any 
clothes hang upon any hedge there or that she did take any clothes 
from any hedge there and denyeth also that she had any baskett or 
that she had any clothes in any baskett ". 

Finally we have the information of the accuser. 

" The informacon of Alexander Goddard of Ham taken the 
same day. He saith that on Wednesday the xvith day of this instant 
July, about two furlongs from the hedge of the orchard of Standen 
Hussey he did overtake the said Katherine Peters and Joane King 
and the said Katherine Peters had a baskett on her arme wch this 
exat: tooke from her arme and did looke into the said baskett 
where he found the drap table cloth and the said lockham sheete, 
wch the said Katherine Peters did say att the first she found under 
the connyger pale at Standen Hussey, but afterwards she confessed 
she had stolen the said lynnen, and he saith that the said cloth 
and sheet are worth twentie shillings ". 

All the above statements are signed—Richard Digges. 

In spite of the evidence of Alice King, Mr. Digges sent them 
both to Fisherton prison, where they remained until the Quarter 
Sessions held at Marlborough the following September 30th, 
where and when " Katherine Peeters (was) indicted for stealing a 
drap table cloth value xs. and one holland sheet value xs. the goods 
of ffrancis Goddard Esq. But staid unto, refusing to pleade to the 
indictment and therefore adjudged to be comitted to the place from 
when she came and from thence to be brought to a close room and 
there to be layed upon her back naked from the middle upward her 
leggs and armes stretched out and fastened towards the fowr corners 
of the room, and upon her body to have so much waight and somewhat 
over then she is able to bear, the first day—she requiring 
food—to have three morsells of course bread and noe drink, the 
second day drinke of the next puddle of water, not running, next 
the place she lyeth and noe bread, soe everye daye in like manner 
until she be dead 

Alice King was indicted " for petty lanceny and thereof 
acquitted by verdict, and thereupon to be delivered (released) 
paying her fees 

Apparently Mrs. Peters had an infant son at the time of her 
arrest, for at the Quarter Sessions held at Salisbury the following 
January 8th it was stated that the poor woman " had judgment de 
paine forte et dure and was executed accordingly '' at the previous 
Marlborough sessions. The Justices ordered that the child should 
be kept and maintained by the inhabitants of Standen " until the 
parishoners of the said parish should 1 ereafter in open Quarter 
Sessions show good cause to the contrary 

Nothing more is heard of young Peters until 1641 , when from 
the records of the Sessions held at Devizes that year, it seems 


probable that the inhabitants of Standen sent an appeal to the 
Justices with reference to his maintenance, though the appeal is 
not on the file. 

DEVIZES JUSTICES, MAKE AN ORDER. 

The case is referred to as follows:— 

At the General Quarter Sessions held at Devizes on May 4th 

this year the following order was made :— 

" Whereas at a Sessions held at the Devizes the sixth day of 
April in the xxii yere of the Raigne of our Late Sovaigne Lord 
King James (1624). It was then ordered that John Peeters whoe 
was then a suckeing child, and whose mother suffered death 
de paine fort et dure, should remaine at Standon in this County, 
and it was alsoe ordered that the Treasurer of the Collecon of 
hospitals and Almes howses, Kings bench and Marshalsey for the 
north part of this County should paye yerely fyve marks to the 
Churchwardens of Standon towards releai'f of the said Child, & to 
continue untill yt should be otherwise ordered. Nowe forasmuch 
as this Court is informed that the said John Peeters hath atteyned 
to the adge of xvii yeres and able to worke, this Courte doth nowe 
revoke the said order & that the payement of the said v marks 

p. ann. shall from hence forth cease & be determined, Yet neverthelesse 
this Court in comiseracon of the said John Peeters, & for 
binding him forth apprentice, & for his future maintenance doth 
order, that if the overseers of Standen shall paye and allowe 
v marks to bynd the said John Peeter apprentice, he being one of 
theire owne poore whome they are to maintaine, and the said payment 
of v marks he certifyed by two of the next Justices, unto 
the Treasurer of the north part of this County, That then the said 
Treasurer shall paye fyve marks mor for and towards the maintenance 
of the said Peters for this tyme onlie and noe more " . 
So ends the sad case of Katherine Peters and her son, but 
the following particulars of this debasing form of punishment, 
taking mainly from Andrew's book of " Bygone Punishments ", 
may be of interest in this connection :— 

This case of Katheryn Peters is the only one where the penalty 
of " crushing to death " has been met with in these records, though 
it was very often inflicted in other parts of the country in the 16th 
and 17th centuries. A more cruel and barbarous form of punishment 
could hardly have been invented, and, strange to say, it 
remained on the statute book for over 400 years. In the reign of 
Henry IV. it took the place of an earlier form of punishment, viz. : 
that of " starving to death ", being considered a more humane, as 
the prisoner was the more quickly relieved of his sufferings. The 
object of this punishment was in order to make the prisoner plead 
cither "guilty" or "not guilty". If the unfortunate person 
refusing to plead, died under " peine forte et dure ", he could hand 
his effects on to his children or will them away as he thought fit, 
whereas if found guilty, they were forfeited to the Crown. The 
procedure of the punishment was as follows:—The prisoner was 


taken to some dark room, laid on his back, without any covering, 
and as many weights placed on his chest as he could bear " and 
more ". He was only allowed the worst bread and water, but not 
permitted to eat and drink on the same day, remaining in this 
terrible situation until he either pleaded or died. 

At a later period it was ordered that the prisoner should have 
his arms and legs drawn by cords to the respective four corners of 
the room. He was allowed small portions of barley bread and 
water from the nearest channel to the prison door—but not spring 
water—and as formerly only on alternate days. The reason why 
the torture was thus protracted was to give the prisoner an opportunity 
to plead, and so allow the law to take its ordinary course. 

When pressing to death had become almost extinct, prisoners 
who refused to plead were compelled to do so by twisting and 
screwing their thumbs with whipcord. There is a case on record 
in the " Annals of Newgate " as late as 1776 when a highwayman 
named Spiggot underwent the torture of pressing, but after halfan-
hour, suffering under a load of 350 pounds in weight, he agreed 
to plead and was released. A part of Newgate prison was called 
" The Press Yard " where this inhuman practice was carried out, 
and it was not until 1827 that an act was passed directing the court 
to enter a plea of " not guilty " in cases where prisoners refused 
to plead. 

Further particulars of this form of punishment can be gleaned 
from Andrew's " Bygone Punishments ". 

SUMMON TO ATTEND COURT LEET. 

Staunton Quintenn. Alexander Staples Esquier Steward of 
the Leete aforesaid to the Bayliffe of the same greeting. These 
are to will and require you diligently to Summon and Warne all 
the Resiants and Inhabitants wth in the pcincts of the said Leete 
to give theire attendance at the place accustomed for the Corte 
there to be held, at or on the seventh day of October next ensueing 
the date hereof, before eight of the Clocke in the morninge of the 
same day, And hereof fayle you not at your pill and retorne this 
your Warrant at the same Corte. Given under my hand and seale 
the foureteenth day of September in the yeere of the Raigne of Or 
Sovaigne Lord Charles by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, 
ffrance and Ireland, Kinge Defender of the ffayth. The sixteenth. 

. (Signed) ALEX. STAPLES. 

John Sparrow, tythingman of Stanton, complains to the Justices 
that in spite of the above notice Alexander Staples did not 
appear at the Court Leete, and had held no Court for two years. 
Consequently Sparrow had to " continue in the office from yeare 
to yeare unless he can have releefe from your Worpps ". He asks 
the Justices to discharge him then, but they order '' Yf the Steward 
discharge him not, before the next sessions, the Court will discharge 
him & choose another ". 


RELIEF FOR AGED PARENTS. 

Thomas Bayly of Rowde and John Bayly of Chittway. in the 
pish of Bishops Cannings, broad weavers, petition the Justices for 
a grant to releeve their aged parents who are 80 years of age and 
not able to work for their living, One of them having the dead 
palsye in one syde, the other being almost darke and dimme of 
sight. 

The Court referred the matter to the Justices of the Devizes 

Division to examine and take such Course as they think fit for the 

relief of the old people. 

SHIPWRECKED ON THE ISLE OF MAN. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at New Sarum Jan. nth, 1641, 
the following petition was presented to the Justices :— 
The humble peticon of Edward Gillo of the Cittye of New 
Sarum, taylor,— 

Humbly sheweth that whereas in August Anno Dmi 1639 yor 
peticoner being in Ireland did bestowe much mony in cattle and 
other goods, and shipped them for Ingland, & in their passage on 
the sea a mighty tempest beset them, wch held them twelve howers 
soe grevious that they expected to be cast away. At laste cominge 
to the bay of Duglasse at the He of man on the 22nd of August 
1639 for safeguard of their lives they ranne the ship on the sand 
for suckour where the shipp brake wth the violence of the waves, 
& all yor peticoners cattell and goods weare cast away as appeareth 
by a certificate under the hands of the inhabitants of the said ile. 
The losse wch yor peticoner susteyned thereby amounteth unto the 
some of £18 0 at the leaste to the utter undoing of himselfe and 
his poore children. 

Yor poore peticoner humbly prayeth yor worshipps to be 
mediators unto his Majesty on yor peticoners behalfe by some 
writtinge under yor hands for the praying of a collection to be 
made of the charitable devocons of His Matys subjects towards 
your peticoners reliefe in this his necessity. 

And your peticoner & his family shall ever pray, &c. 

The Court made him a grant of £5 , and though this apparently 
kept Mr. Gillo quiet for a time, he^ evidently was not satisfied 
for in the rolls of 1657 appears a petition from him addressed to 
the Protector, setting out the details of his losses and the poverty to 
which he is reduced. This letter was referred to the Justices for 
consideration and they made him another grant of £5 , and nothing 
more is heard of Mr. Gillo and his trading with Ireland. 

THE "COATHE" IN SHEEP. 

The Jury for the hundred of Damerham South present a ffloodgate 
being in the Common Mead Tippett in the said hundred lately 
sett up by Henry White gent and now mainteyned and used by 
the renters of the ffarme of Toyd there, to be a comon hurt and 


damage of the tenants of Tippett having the herbage of the said 
mead, and by reason of the overflowing of the water the mead doth 
coathe the sheep there, and the rest of the tenants growndes there 
adjoyning are likewise drowned and infected with the coathe wch 
were never soe afore. 

(Note.—Coathe = the rot in sheep; a word used in the West 
of England.) 

SPEAKING AGAINST THE PRAYER BOOK. 

To his Majestys Justices here assembled (i.e., the Quarter 
Sessions at Devizes). 

We whose names are here under written are to testifye against 
Edward Williams of Marleboro for speaking against the booke of 
Comon Prayer for saying " there was base rogery in that book 
(Signed) William Talbot, Walter Jones, Roger Davis of Marleboro, 
Stephen Brunsden, John Knowles. 

A note at the foot says " The Court did send for these witnesses 
and none appeared 

A REFORMED RECUSANT. 

The Constables of Kingsbridge present That whereas Katherine 
Burchall was presented for a recusant, she is now, by relation 
of the Minister, reformed. 

APOLOGY TO A MAGISTRATE. 

I John Mayo did speake and say unto Mr John Duckett 
Esquier one of the Kings Justices, that I came to him for Justice 
but could not have it, but that he favored Knaves and rogues 
(which to my knowledge and rememberance upon my oath I spoake 
not the words, I knowing him to bee a very worthy gentleman, 
which) if I did so much forget myself I am very heartly sorry for 
itt. The words in brackets are ruled through by the Clerk. 

PRESENTMENTS. 

The Jury of the hundred of Horwells Downe present that 
there are six Alehouse Keepers in Steeple Ashton wch are to many, 
and at yor worpps pleasure to suppress whome you please. 

William Roble of Tynhead being warned by the tythingman 

of Tynhead at two sundrie tymes wth in the space of a moneth to 

watch and ward according to the Statute did refuse to doe his 

service. 

The Constables of Warminster present Thomas Hyde for 

keeping of naughty orders in his house upon the sabboth day of 

whom we took xijd. and the rest we did punish according to the 

law. 

We present John Stafford for swearing one oath for which he 

payd his xijd. 


RIOT AT NEWNTON. 
(Abbreviated). 

In this roll there is a very lengthy account of a riot at Long 

Newnton, a village about two miles from Tetbury, that occurred 

on Trinity Sunday, June 20th, 1641 . It appears that there was an 

old custom of '' carrying a garland '' on that day and in the time 

of afternoon service a large body of persons from Malmesbury, 

estimated to be eighty in number, came with staves to the Church


yard at Long Newnton and attempted to carry off the garland. 

Amongst them was " John Browne sometymes a chymney sweeper 

with a hobby horse, and bells on his legs and David Tanner, a 

fencer, and when they saw John Comyn and his companions going 

with the garland, they had them to stand saying ' Wynn it and 

weare it, come three score of you, you are but boies to wee ', and 

thereupon there was a great fight and many of the Newnton men 

were sorely beaten ". 

The depositions of a large number of witnesses were taken 

before the Justices of the Peace the same evening, but what hap


pened to the rioters does not appear in the roll. 

AN ABSENT CURATE. 

At the Marlborough Sessions held Oct. 5th the Jury presented 
Thomas Davis curate of Fifield " for having at divers times neglected 
and absented himself from reading of divine service in Fifield 
Church upon the Lord's dayes, and especially on the Lord's day 
last, being the third day of this present month of October, and 
hath ben twice imprisoned for other desmeanors in this towne of 
Marlborough ". The last part of this presentment is ruled out and 
the paper marked " Cassatur in Curia instanter ". 

1642. 

ANCIENT CUSTOM IGNORED. 

To the Right Worple the Justices of the Peace for ye County 
of Wiltes. 

Emanuell Baylie of Bishopstrow in the said County sheweth to 
yor good Worpps That at the Court Baron holden at Bishopstrow 
in the yeare of Or Lord 1641 the Jurors then elected and deposed 
found that one Mrs. Mary Temple ought accordinge to an ancient 
Costome of the same pishe to find & be at Charge for one to serve 
as a Tithingman for ye recited yeare. But in regard one Hugh 
Matthew who was then of the jury obstinately or ignorantly refused 
to Consent & assine yt it should goe accordinge to Costome was 
himselfe by the rest of ye Jury psented Tithingman for ye said 
yeare, where uppon he came in & tooke his oath. And because he 
so obstinately or ignorantly refused to adhere to ye said ancient 
Costome & thereby served in the office of a Tithingman 9 or 1 0 
yeares before it came to him by Costome by reason where of yor 


Orrator is like wth out yor Worpps favor to serve 10 or 11 yeeres 
in ye said office before it comes to him by right, who is alreadie 
threatened by his neighbours yt none will medole wth the said 
office in future time untill it shall be rectified & sett in its right 
course. 

Wee whose names are subscribed doe certifie yor Worpps yt 
ye contents of this peticon are True. 

RICHARD EDDOWS. 

THOMAS ROW. 

JOHN STOKES. 

To the Right Worp The Justices of Peace at the Generall 
Quarter Sessions at Warminster assembled. 

The humble peticon of Hugh Matthew. 

Sheweth that at Michaelmas 1642 at ye Court barron holden 
for the libtie of Bishopstrow (noe Court being held there since) one 
Emanuell Baylie was elected by the homage to serve Tithingman 
and enjoyned under the penaltie of 40s. to come into Court & take 
his oath wth in one moneth thence ensuing. Notwithstanding he 
most obstinately refused soe to doe wch extends to the great 
pjudice of yor petitioner (who hath served in the said office 3 yeeres 
& 3 quarters of a yeere more than he ought) & is illiterate & feeble 
by reason of age alsoe exceeding poore in regard whereof he is not 
able to doe his Dutie in such an office whereuppon yor petitioner 
did Define his grievance to some of His Maties Justices of the 
Peace at a Pettie Sessions holden at Warminster the 24th day of 
Aprill last who understanding his great wrong found just Cause to 
bind the said Emanuell Baylie over to answere his contempt before 
yor Worshippfuls at this Worll Court. 

May it therefore please yor Worlls (ye pmises considered) to 

determine what yor peticonr shall have in consideracon for his 

more than ordinary service & to free him from the said office & the 

peticoner will (as in dutie bound) ever pray for yor Worpps &c. 

1643. 

A TROUBLESOME YEAR. 

This year, no doubt owing to the Civil War and the unsettled 

state of the country, the usual Sessions of Easter and July were not 

held. 

The Grand Jury at the January Sessions, present that " some 

things are omitted, and others have to be amended in the various 

presentments", and request the Justices to " take into their 

considerations that these troublesome and dangerous times have 

been the cause ". 

The Court ordered that persons who have been bound over to 

appear are respited, and no defaults are to be made for non


appearance, because in divers parts of the county the Sessions had 

not been proclaimed, and the roads were very dangerous to travel, 

by reason of the interruption of the soldiers. 


REGULATIONS FOR AN ALE HOUSE. 

27th Aprill 1643. 

Wee whose names are hereunder written the Kings Matie 
Justices of the peace &c. have Licensed, admitted and allowed 
Thomas Davis of Steepleashton husbandman to keepe a common 
alehouse & victualling house at Steepleashton and not els where 
according to the forme of the Statute &c. This license to endure 
for one whole yeere now next ensuing the date hereof & noe 
longer, alwayes provided yt he observe & keepe there articles 
following vizt— 

1. That one full ale quart of his best beere or Ale bee at all 
times uttered and sold for a penny & of his small beere two quarts 
for a penny and the same beere & ale to sell by seald measure & 
according to the Assize and not otherwise. 
2. That no flesh be dressed or eaten in his house in the time 
of lent or upon any other dayes phibited by the Lawes of this 
realm. 
3. That noe carding, diceing or other unlawfull games be 
used in his house, garden, orchard, or Backeside. 
4. That no pawne or pledge bee taken of any that shall tipple 
or drinke in his house either for wine ale or beere nor buy nor 
take to pawne any stollen goods. 
5. That none bee suffered to tipple in his house on the Sabbath 
day or other festivall dayes in time of divine Service or Sermon 
nor at any time after nine of the clock at night. 
6. That none bee suffered to tipple in his house in any one 
day above one hower nor suffer any person to sell or utter any 
beere or ale by deputacon or Colour of his licence. 
7. That he harbour or lodge no person but such as he will 
answer for & that if any Vagabonds or suspicious persons come 
to his house or if any goods be there offered to bee sold hee or 
some of his household shall ymmediately acquaint one of the officers 
of the Towne therewith. 
8. That noe disorder or drunkeness bee suffered in his house 
and if any happen to bee then shall hee or some of his household 
forthwith acquaint one of the officers with it yt the offender may 
be duely punished. 
(Signed) 
THO. HALL. 
WILLIE WALLER. 

1644. 

There were only two Sessions held this year, viz., at Devizes 
30th April, and Warminster July 16th. 

WARMINSTER SESSIONS. 

The Jury for the hundred of Mere present a number of persons 
for being recusants, '' ffor my Lord Stortones servantes they are 


noe sartaine dwellers & my Lord Stortone is att Brustole for all we 
knowe ''. 

We doe psente Steven ffry of Meere being teingeman for 
takeing away the Mare of Lindry Moone coming to Meere to have 
her shod wthout any warrant ffor all other thinges wee knowe noe 
defaulte. 

The Hundred of Heitesbury report omni bene in all districts. 

PRESENTMENTS. 

The presentment of the Jury for the Hundred of Whorwells 
Downe, July 16, 1644. 

Wee psent Abram Jordan of Steeple Ashton and John Markes 
of the same for flighting in the Church yard at Steeple Ashton 
uppon the 14th July last past. 

We psent Humphrie Alie als Randle for putting away his lawful 
wife and keeping ye company of a strumpet whose name is Joane 
Wing, and by whome he hath had a bastard Child, and continues 
keeping her in his owne house in most wicked manner. 

BURGLARIES. 

A lengthy case comprising four sheets of foolscap paper is 
that " Joane Abram of Weeke in the parish of Bps Cannings " 
(on the outskirts of Devizes) was examined by Robert Drew on 
the 13th of June 1644 concerning a burglary at her house. (The 
following is abbreviated.) 

She sayth that about three weeks before last Easter shee had 
her house broken upp about one of the clocke in the afternoon 
& hadd stolen from her 4 Aprons, 2 pinners, one smocke, one hatt, 
and divse coifes and craffe clothes and a paire of gloves a paire 
of cuffs and three Necke clothes of her servant and a Petticoate 
and a wascoate in the house of one Jopson of Lavington fforum 
brought thither by Mary Wilde of the same. 

The examinacon of Alee Lucas servant of the above Abram in 

giving evidence confirms her mistress's report. 

The examinacon of Thomas Hunt laborer and Jylian his wife 
of Marston within the parish of Potterne says that on Munday 
last in the afternoon they hadd theire house broken upp and taken 
thence 3 blanketts one boulster case one Pillowbie & a box of 
linnen a newe petticote one apron one wascote 2 double cuffs 
2 napkins and much small linnen besides a little box wth a gold 
ringe therin. They further saye that in searching after their sayd 
good the next day they found upon Mary Wilde att Lavington 
fforum the petticoate linnen wascoate and the box & some small 
linnen therin wch sayd goods were in the house of John Davis of 
Lavington fforum ffather in law to Mary Wilde. 

John Kill of the Devizes on being examined said that on 

Holly Thursday last hee hadd his house broken upp in the daytime 


& hadd stolen one covrleidde one hollan sheete one payre of other 
sheetes his wives petticoate and wascoate two shirts one apron 
foure napkins and three bands & Richard Kill has sonne found att 
Lavington fform, one Petticoate one wascoate one coverlidde one 
payre of canvas sheetes one boulster case. The petticoate & 
wascoate he found upon the backe of Mary Wilde and the rest 
of the goods in the house where she lived. This was confirmed by 
Richard Kill his son. 

Mary Wilde on examination said " she denyeth the breaking 
upp of the houses and stealing any of the goods but sayth that 
shee bought such goods as were found uppon her and in her custody 
from severall troopers ". 

(Signed) ROBERT DREWE. 

NO COURT LEET AT BRADFORD. 

To the Right Woll His Maties Justices of the Peace at this 
present Session Assembled at Devizes April 30th 1644. 
The humble Peticon of the inhabitants of the hundred of 
Bradford Humbly showeth. 

That whereas the Leete Court usually heretofore held wth in 
the hundred aforesaid by the Marquesse of Winchesters Steward 
(Lord of the same Court) hath not bin held there wth in theis twoo 
yeares last past or thereabouts, so that the Tithingmen & other 
officers cannot be discharged of theire offices and are extremely 
oppressed for that heretofore they continued tithingmen for the 
space of whole yeare at the utmost the pties hereunder menconed 
(being tithingmen severally of the severall places hereunder named) 
having executed their severall offices ever sithence the last Court 
vizt by the space of twoo or thereabout are not yet discharged of 
their offices. May it therefore please yor Worpps to take the 
extreamity of our causes into yor grave consideracon that the pties 
here under named severally (who ought to serve next) may be 
commanded to appear under a certayne penalty before some Justice 
of peace to be sworne to execute the said office of tithingmen that 
the Now tithingmen (whoe have much suffered by reason of the 
said Lord not holding his Court Leet) may be discharged and we 
(as in duty bound) shall daily pray for your worpps health &c. 

Anthony Rogers, Tithingman of Leigh & Woolley. 

Richard Estcourt of Leigh ought to serve in his place. 

Robert Newman Tithingman of Attowrth. 

George Streete ought to serve in his place. 

Tho Eyles, Tithingman of Wraxall. 

John Pickering, Tithingman of Troll. 

John Druce, Tithingman of Winsley. 

Thomas Keene, Tithingman of Holt. 

Tho. Hawkins late tithingman of Broughton Gifford deceased. 

Thomas Skrinee in his place. 


ABSENT TITHINGMAN. 
A petition from Edward May, the Constable of Potterne and 
Cannings, states " that he had been Constable for a whole year & 
that John Harvest of Potterne gent had been nominated by the 
Jury & chosen by the Steward to Be Constable for the ensuing 
year according as hath ben anntiently used but had purposely 
absented himself so as to avoid the office & was fined 40s. unless 
he came & took the oath within two days & had failed to do so 
The petitioner prays that the Justices will send at once for Mr. 
Harvest and swear him in to the office. 

Thomas Hopkins of Stockton petitions that he may be discharged 
the duty of Constable for the Hundred of Elstubb & Everly 
'* being most insufficient in estate and leterature ". 

AN OLD CONSTABLE. 

The humble peticon of Richard Prater of Everley. 

That whereas yor peticoner was enforced by a ptie of horse to 
repaire unto Sir Walter Smith of Great Bedwin Kt to be sworne 
to execute the office of Constable for the hundred of Elstubb & 
Everley By Virtue of a warrant from the Lord Cheife as they pretended, 
yor peticoner being aged 70 yeares or thereabouts & having 
one only yard lands of copie hold of at the most i2£ yearly value 
so that yor peticoner is not of ability of body or of estate to 
execute the office of a constable as he ought to do. 

(He then asks to be relieved of the office and Walter Stretch 
of ffifield was appointed in his place.) 

CONSTABLE FOR THREE YEARS. 

William Sale, Constable of Malmesbury hundred, asks that 
in consideration of the fact that " he has served the office of Constable 
for the space of three whole yeares in those extraordinarie 
disturbed & troublesome times he may be relieved of the office ". 
This was agreed to and John Owen of Dauntsey appointed in his 
place. 

A BUSY CONSTABLE. 

John Smith Constable of Bradford &c. 

Humbly sheweth That whereas yor peticoner. is a Clothier 
by his trade and hath a great family of his owne and many poore 
people doe depend on him for worke And matters concerning his 
office doe soe much take him off from his trade that he cannot 
ymploy his family on worke much lesse the poore as otherwise he 
would do, humbly prayeth yor Worpps to be pleased to discharge 
him of his said office & chuse another into his roome And yor 
peticoner will engage himself to sitt on worke the poore people 
that depend on him to the utmost of his power & ability. And 
shall ever pray for yor .Worpps health and happiness. 


TYTHINGMAN BY ROTATION. 

Peticon of Willm Lavington of Marden, Tithingman. 

Humbly sheweth that yor peticoner hath served in the office 
of Tythningmanshippe for two yeares ended the xxvth March last. 
And since that tyme he hath ben kept in the said office by reason 
that the Court to be holden for the Mannor of Marden hath not 
ben since that tyme kept. At wch Court the tythingmen are usually 
chosen. And the said office usually goeth from house to house soe 
that it is knowne what house should serve in that office evry yeare 
though there were no eleccon. And by course William Holloway 
is to serve in that office for this psent year. 

The petition then goes on to ask that William Holloway may 
be elected and sworn and himself discharged. 

There are many more similar appeals from tithingmen in 
different parts of the County that goes to show what an upset of 
social life the Civil War had caused. Many of them, however, 
draw attention to the fact that the office " goeth from house to 
house " so that in spite of the fact that no Court was held yet 
it was known amongst themselves who was the successor to the 
office " according to antient Custom 

PERSONS TO BE ARRESTED. 

Wiltes. Whereas theise psons hereafter named stand psented 
in the Court of Sessions for certaine trespasses and offences by 
them comitted and doe live wth in yor hundred. These are therefore 
to will and require you forthwith upon receipt hereof to apprehend 
and take the bodies of John Gillmore of fford, Nicholas 
George of the tythinge of Whittenditch in the pishe of Ramesburie 
and Gyles Hurcombe of the same and bringe him before the next 
Justice of the Peace to be bound over to the next Quarter Sessions 
of the Peace to be holden for this County there to answeere the 
same, whereof faile not at yor pills. And that you make retorne 
hereof at the same Sessions. 

Gyven under the seale of office the Tenth daye of March Anno 
Rgni Caroli Anglic &c. Decimo nono 1643. 
To the Constables of the hundred of Ramesburie or to eyther 
of them these. 
(Signed) GEORGIUS FFRAMPTON (?) 

The Constable of Ramsbury, however, had some difficulty in 
carrying out this order as will be seen from the endorsement which 
is as follows :— 

The return of the High Constable of the hundred of Ramsburye 
this last day of Aprill 1664. 
That the wthin named John Gillmore liveth at Alborn in the 
hundred of Selklye. 
That the wthin named Gyles Hurcome was the last wecke 
impressed for a souldier in Sir Jacob Ashlies Regmt. 

L2 


That the wthin named Nicholas George dwelleth still in the 
hundred of Ramsburye but cannot be brought before anie Justice 
of the Peace for feare of souldiers now there quartered. 

(Sgd) ROGER BANCKS, Constable. 

PRESENTMENTS. 

The psentment of the Constable of Pottern pt of the hundred. 
For the artickell of Regusence I know none Neyther monthly 
absent from the Church so fir as I dow Know. 

for Alhouskipers we hath none but such as ar lissenced & for 
all the rest wch we hath to psent was psented at our lawe day 
isterday being the 29th of this instant Aprill 1644. 

By me Edward May Constable of Pottern pte of the hundred 
of Pottern & Cannings the 30th of this instant month. 

A true presentment made by the Constables of the Libtie of 

Bromham & Rowde. 

Imprimis. We psent Robert Greenaway of Bremhill for a 

bloud shed by him committed on Henry Lamborne of Chippenham 

the xxvjth of this instant Aprill wth in our libtie by wounding him 

wth his sword in two severall places of his body. 

We psent that all other matters (given us in Charge to psent) 

are well wthin our Libtie to our knowledge. 

(Signed) WILLIAM WEBB. 

RICHARD BOLLEN. Constables. 

SERVICE ACCORDING TO LAW. 

The jury for the hundred of Calne, 

" psent that there are no ministers wth in our hundred that 

refuse to read comon prayer or doe administer the sacrament in 

any other forme then is sett downe by the lawes of the Realme & 

we psent all other things are all well wthin our hundred to our 

knowledge. 

(Signed) WILLIAM LEWIS and 15 others. 

A COUNTY TREASURER'S ACCOUNT. 

North Wiltes. 
The account of John fferris Clarke guardion to Thomas fferris 
& Charles fferris executors of Leonard fferris (deceased) treasurer 
for the Kingsbinch and Marshallsy 1642 dureing the tyme ye said 
Leonard fferris was in yt office. 
The severall sums of money received of the Constables of the 
severall hundreds in the north part of this County for the first 
halfe yeare 1642 for the Kingsbinch and Marshalisy. 


£ s. d. 
Itm. of Henry Seymour & Stephen Hyde Constables of 
the hundred of Kinwardstone ... ... 18 2 
of Robt Webb and Thomas Smyth, Constables 
of Selkley ... ... ... ... 1 1 8 
of Richard Terrell & Robert Jenkins, Constables 
of Chippenham ... ... ... ... 23 4 
of David Shewring, Constable of Demerham 
North ... • ... ... ... ... o 17 o 
of Jeffery Pynnell & Joh : Raynold, Constables of 

Calne ... ... ... ... ... 1 3 10 
of Robert Bankes, Constable of Ramsbury ... o 2 6 
Robert Heppesley & Robert Pyke, Constables of 

High worth & Cricklet & Staples ... ... 1 16 10 
of Anthony Kenne & Edward Haggard, Constables 
of Kingsbridge ... ... ... 10 8 

The total sum reed. ... ... £9 14 4 

The severall sums of money payd by the handes of Leonard 
fferris treasurer for the Kingsbinch and Marshallsy 1642 in the 
north part of this County. 

£ s. d. 

Imp ; payed to John Purrier and Edward Webb, October 
4th 1642 Masters of the two houses of 
Correction the Devizes and Marlborow ... 5 12 4 

Itm. payd to Will Croome October the 5th 1642 for the 
hospital at East Harnam otherwise called the 
Spittle ... ... ... ... ... 2 10 o 

Itm. payd to the overseers of the poore and the Church 
wardens of Standen October 5th 1642 towards 
the maintenance of one John Peter by virtue 
of an order made at the Sessions held at Marlborow 
7 Caroli (See page 135) ... ... 1 13 4 

The sum payd ... ... ... £g 15 8 

The severall Constables of the severall hundreds in the North 
pte of this County that are behind in payment of theyr severall 
sums of money to the treasurer for the Kingsbinch & Marshallsy 
for the yeare 1642. 

£ s. d. 
Imp : Henry Seymour and Stephen Hyde, Constables of 
Kinwardstone ... ... . ... 18 2 
Itm. Robert Webb and Thomas Smyth, Constables of 

Selkley ... ... ... ••• ••• 1 1 8 
David Shewring, Constable of Demerham North o 17 4 
Richard Terrell alis (alias) Maditch and Robt. 

Jenkins, Constables of Chippenham ... 6 9 4 


ISO 

£ s. d. 
Itm. Jeffrey Pynnell & John Raynold, Constables of 
Calne i 3 *° 
Robert Bankes, Constable of Ramsbury ... 02 6 
,, Robert Hippslev & Robert Pyke, Constables of 
Highworth Cricklett & Staples ... ... 1 16 10 
,, Anthony Kenne & Edward Haggard, Constables 
of Kingsbridge ... ... ••• 10 8 
Will Trymnell & Will Chappell, Constables of 
Pottern & Cannings ... ... ... 12 0 
Thomas Pike & Edward Tidcombe, Constables of 
Swanborow the first half yeare 1642 ... 2 3 10 
,, Edward Tideombe & Edward Dike, Constables of 
Swanborow the last half year 1642 ... 2 3 10 
„ John Bryant & John Osdall, Constables of the 
burrow of the Devizes ... ... ... o 10 o 
„ Jeffery Barnes & Will Gale, Constables of Malmesbury 
... ... ... ... 96 8 

To reeving ... £29 6 8 

The sum reed. ... £9 14 4 
The sum payd ... 9 15 8 
The sum to receving 


in the year 1642 ... 29 6 8 
Signed JOH : FFERRIS. Clerk. 
Oct. 5th, 1646. 

THE PLAGUE IN DEVIZES, AND RATES COLLECTED 
ELSEWHERE FOR RELIEF. 


To the Right Honbl. his Maty Justices assembled for the 
Genall Quarter Sessions of the Peace holden at Marlborough 

Octobr 6th 1646. 
WHEREA S by an Order unto us directed from the Genall 
Quarter Sessions of the peace holden at Warmister the 14th day 
of July last past, we were Desired to Call before us all Constables 
Collectors & other Officers formly appointed to collect & gather the 
Rates laid upon the adjacent Townes Villages parishes & places 
wthin 5 miles compasse of the Devizes, for the reliefe of the poore 
Infected psons of the same during the tyme that the sicknesse of 
the Plague remayned in that place And to examine what moneyes 
have ben paid upon the said Rates and what moneyes are remayning 
in the said Officers hands and not paid over for the said reliefe 
and what moneyes are in arrears & uncollected on the said Rates 

and what moneyes have ben expended by the Inhabitants of the 
Devizes for the said reliefe and what moneyes are justly due unto 
them concerning the same. We his Maty Justices of peace whose 


names are here underwritten Doe hereby certifie this Court That 
in pformance of the said Order we have called before us the said 
Officers And upon due examinacon Doe finde as followeth (vizt). 

£ s. d. 
That the tax for the 3 monethes upon the 
6 hundreds amounteth unto ... 240 00 00 
That there is paid of that Tax by the 
6 hundreds ... ... ... 054 18 09 
That the arreres of the said Tax upon the 
said 6 hundreds amount unto ... 185 01 02 

That the Inhabitants of the Devizes have 
expended & disbursed in all for ye said 
releife ... ... ... ... 250 13 10 

That they have received in all towards those 
disbursemts ... ... ... 154 02 03 
That theire Disbursemts exceed theire 
Receipts ... ... ... 105 11 06 
That there are noe moneyes remayning in any officers hands 
and not paid over for the said reliefe for ought we can finde. 
The pticulars whereof Doe appeare in theire accompt here 
ensuing. 


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1645. 

There were no Quarter Sessions held this year. The whole of 
Wiltshire was up in arms, and large bodies of soldiers of both the 
rival parties were stationed and fighting throughout the county. 

1646, 

The Quarter Sessions this year were held at Salisbury January 
13th, Warminster July 14th and 15th, and Marlborough Oct. ist. 
If a Sessions was held in Devizes that year the roll of proceedings 
is lost. 

The rolls are large, and contain many indictments, presentments, 
appeals, etc. 


WARMINSTER SESSIONS. 

A RECOGNIZANCE FORFEITED. 

To the Worpful Justice Hussey Esqr Judge of the Quarter 
Sessions at Warminster. 

The humble peticon of Edward Cheverell a poore man of 
Tysbury—humbly showeth—(The petition goes on to state that 
two years previously he had stood surety for Mary Cheverell of Tis-
bury concerning trouble between her and Anne Fray of Tisbury 
but since that time they had been good friends.) " In regard 
whereof and the difference between the King and Parliament—and 

the Kings Justices (as they say) being put out of Comission for 
Peticoner being a poore ould deafe & ignorant man never thought 
of any trouble that could come thereby, but nowe yor peticoner is 
told the Recognizance was called at Warminster Sessions and is 
extracted unto the exchequer ". 

He then goes on to ask " that the Clerke of the Peace may be 
instructed to stay the extracting the recognizance and he will 
produce Anne at the next Sessions ". This was granted. 

PRESENTMENTS. 

The presentment of the Grand Inquest, 

After " presenting " the bridge between Marston and Worton 
being the highway leading to the Devizes from Westborough and 
the highway between Worton and Potterne, being in great decay, 
it continues:— 

Wee present the hundred of Meire, Mayden Bradly, Hatch-
bury Warminster, Westborough, Whoraldsdowne Bradford & 
Melksham & the liberty of Trowbridge being by ordinance of 
Parliament appointed to pay their Contribution to the Garrison at 
Bristoll And all the rest of the County goeth free yet notwithstanding 
the said Ordinance the foresaid hundreds have beene 
grevious oppressed with free quarter not only for many dales but 


many weekes together to the great damage & impoverishment of 
the poore inhabitants of the same. 

TOO MANY ALEHOUSES. 

Wee desire that the multitude of Alehouses the common 

enimies to the peace and prosperity of this Kingdome may be 

suppressed that sell ale & beere without licence, and that as many 

of those who have lisences may be conveniently spared may bee 

put downe. 

Wee present that whereas we have five lisenced Ale houses in 

Steepleashton, Our request is that we may have but two there or 

3 at the most. 

Wee desire that course may be taken that all Constables of 

hundreds and all other inferior officers may be called to account 

how they have disposed of the contribution money and other money 

they have received since those troublesome times. 

We desire that Mr Jerom Potticary Collector for the 

Contribucon for the Garrison at the Devizes may be accountable 

for what he hath gathered in the division of Warminster for the 

first moneth contribucon wch ye garrison of Bristoll will not allow 

in their 6 moneths pay. 

Wee psent that the highway uppon the Cow Down of Chit


terne Mary is anoyd by sertain pets yt are digged there for clay 

and is very dangerous for passengers especially in the night. 

And we desire yt the pits may be fild up againe or the pits 

sufficiently bounded in by the Lord Henry Paulet that caused the 

pits to be made. 

There are many presentments requesting that ale houses 

should be closed especially " those wch have comonly sold ale 

these troublous times may be henceforth restrayned " and a large 

number who had been selling ale without a licence. 

BEER AND TOBACCO FOR THE SICK. 

A note of the beere & tobacco delivered by Robert Poope for 
the use of the sicke people in the time of sickeness by the consent 
of the Constables the overseers and the rest of the Inhabytants 
Anno 1644. 

Dew to the saide Robert Poope for his goods delivered forth 
by the consent of the Constable the Overseeres and the rest of the 
inhabitants of Potter (? Potterne) for the reliefe of the sicke people 
in the time of sickeness £7 9s. od. 

In acknowledgment here of the Overseers for that yeare 1644 
Robert Longe & Ambros Hunt have here unto set their hands. 
(Signed) ROBERT LONG. 
AMBROS HUNT. 
his mark. 

To the right Worll &c. at the General Qr Sessions Warminster. 
The humble peticon of Anne the wife of John Warberton of 


Warminster Bricklayer most humbly Sheweth that upon the feast 
day of thannunciacon of the blessed Virgin Mary last past was two 
yeeres sithence one George Long of Warminster came to the house 
of yor peticoner and two souldiers in Armes wth him and the said 
Long and one of the souldiers required the peticoner to open her 
dore who answered she would not unless he was an officer. Then 
the said Long said he was as good as any officer whatsoever and 
ymediately by force broke downe a windowe leafe wch fell into the 
house upon a paile of water whereby both window leafe and paile 
of water fell on yor peticoner and her child wch dod so bruise the 
child that it fell sick and shortly after dyed. Yet not being contented 
they also brake up the dore and entered her house by force 
and then the said Long fell to byting pinching and scratching of 
yor peticoner saying & swearing in most execrable and ignominous 
manner shee was a witch and therefore hee would have her blood 
wch he drawed from her in great abundance for wch abuse hee 
was bound over to answer at a Generall Sessions at ye Devizes but 
while yor peticoner went for a bill of indictment the said Long ran 
away from the Devizes and hath not answered the law. 

May it therefore please yor worpps to take ye pmisses into 
consideracon and to determine therein as shall seem meet in yor 
Worships wisedome and the peticoner shall (as in duty bound) 
ever pray. 

(A footnote says " She is to find him ".) 

A CONSTABLE ASKS FOR RELEASE FROM HIS 
OFFICE. 

The humble peticon of John Oven one of the Constables of 
the hundred of Malmesburie—Humblye Showeth 

That whereas yor peticoner having served and executed ye 
Office of Constable of Malmesburie by the space of two yeares and 
since Easter Sessions last past to his great prejudice & losse by 
reason of those troublesome and distracted tymes and by imprisonment 
& plunderings by ye Kings ptie wherefore yor peticoner most 
humblie besecheth yt this Honble Court wilbe pleased to enlarge 
& release him from ye sd office & to make choice of one to serve in 
his place whom you in yor wisdome you shall think most fitt to 
serve. 

And yor peticoner shall ever pray &c. 

Ellinor Parsons in her petition states " that she was apprenticed 
Edward Croome of Devell Longbridge & has served him for 
17 years and by her indentures he was to give her at the end of 
her tyme doble apparell and tenne shillings in monie, But after 
having served the 1 7 years he put of yor peticoner in a verie poore 
habit scarce worth xijd." She then goes on to ask that the Justices 
shall order Edward Croorae '' to gyve unto yor peticoner some 
better clothes and the monie due to her and she will daylie pray 

&c." 1 


QUARTER SESSIONS, WARMINSTER, 14th July, 1646. 

AN APPRENTICE AND HIS WAR SERVICE. 

The humble peticon of John Rogers apprentice to Thomas 

Harris of Warminster—Rangeweaver. 

Humbly Sheweth That yor petr ye xxth day of November 180 

Car (1642) became bound as apprentice to his said Mr. to serve 

him for 7 yeres, during wch tyme his said Mr. was to pay him for 

evry dozen of playne Range bothoms yt he should weave xiiijd. 

and for evry dozen of twilly botomes xxd. and for evry dozen of 

ranges 6d. towards yor petns livelihood And his said Mr was to 

find haire & tacklinge to doe ye said worke as per indenture 

sheweth. 

Yor petnr further saith that about 2 yeres nowe last past he 

was pressed to be a souldier to serve in ye Kings Army & haveing 

noe affection that way gott himself of and went onto ye Parliamnt 

Army and there served till the vth of May 1645 after wch tyme yor 

petnr repaired to his Mr and tendered his service who refused the 

same & took away such haire & tackling as yor petnr had in his 

hands & wished to pvide for himself for he would make no further 

use of yor petnr. Whereupon he hath ever since wrought wth one 

Willm Milton. 

But soe it is may it please yor Worps that there being some 
difference nowe between ye said Milton and Harris yt ye said 
Harris nowe threateneth yor petnr & ye said Milton to question 
them thone for not serving out his tyme andthother for deteyning 
of his apprentice whereas in truth the said Harris hath nowe noe 
abidinge place wither he is able to sett yor petnr on worke. The 
pmisses considered yor petnr humbly desireth that he may be discharged 
of his apprenticeshippe & may be at libty to serve elsewhere. 
And yor Petnr &c. &c. 

AN ANCIENT WATER COURSE DIVERTED. 

The humble peticon of Radigon Cranden of Westbury, Widow 
in most humble maner showeth. 

That whereas one John Amy at of Westbury by articles of 
agreement long sithence dated & hereunto anexed was to convey 
a certayne watercourse close under his house wthout annoyance to 
yor petnrs howse well or backside. 

That (contrary to that Agrearant the xvijth of this instant 
Aprill) the sayd Mr. Amyat wth violence he turned the same antient 
watercourse into yor petnrs backside. 

That since that tyme he hath threatened to kyll her and her 
cattell. 

That she being a poore woman is not able to undergoe such 
charges as (by the lawe) she must expend for her remedy of her 
abuses. 

That (fearing her life lyving soe neare him) if possible she 
desires to have the peace against him. 


That the said Amyat violently abused and beat yor petnrs 
daughter for that she endeavored to keep the water in its anncient 
Course. 

May it therefore please yor Worps (in tender compassion to 
a poore widow) to grant yor warrant thereby enforcing the said 
Amyat to appear here before you & to require (by like warrant) 
the Maior, Constables, Churchwardens & one George Bennett of 
Westbury in the meane while to viewe the abuses done by Amyatt 
agst yor petnr & to certifie under theire hands theire knowledge 
therein upon such tyme as in yor wisdome shall serve most convenient. 


THE PLAGUE IN BRADFORD. 

To the Worshipfull Bynch. 

May it please your worships to take into your consideration 
the humble complaint of Richard Anlie, mercer of Bradford, 
Robert Baylie, ffrancis Yerburie of the same, Bakers, Jane Rogers 
Widow of the same Victualler, That the said Richard Anlie in the 
time of the infectious disease of the Plague wthin the said Towne 
did deliver so much ware for the use of the infected as did amount 
unto the summe of vii£ viijs. & vid., ffrancis Yearburie as much 
bread to the sick as did amount unto the sume of £i vis. ood., 
Robert Baylie as much bread to the said sick as did amount to 
£,i os lxd., Jane Rogers wid: as much beare as amounted to 
£i xvijs. ijd. They desireth yor worships to be pleased to grant 
your warrant that the said sums may be collected in such places 
of the County wth in five miles compass of the Inflicted Towne of 
Bradford, the which were taxed by the Justices and ar yt behind 
to paying of the greatest pts of the taxes so set upon them. & We 
shall ever pray &c. 

Bradford the 14 July 1646. 

The above is signed by the four petitioners, and a footnote is 
added that Willm Baylie, butcher also supplied " butchers meat 
to the value of £1 xs. vid. to the Constables and attenders 
appointed " to look after the sick. 

A SOLDIER AT CHARFIELD. 

To the Worll his Mats Justices of the peace for this Countie 
of Wiltes assembled at Warminster this 15 July 1646. 
The humble peticon of John Burgis in the pish of Trowbridge 
in the said County of Wiltes. 

Sheweth unto yor worps that yor peticoner being a long tyme 
a souldier in Chafield house & being sent out uppon a partie for 
John Gefford Constable of horwelles downe for some fault that he 
had comitted was at Chafeilde house tyed necke & heeles and ever 
since suvyed (?) yor peticoner & therefore hath bound yor peticoner 
oyer to this Sessions for a burthen of bows wch was found uppon 
his mothers ground wch he never knew of to great disgrace of yor 
peticoner. 

Yor peticoner therefore humbly desireth yor Worps to take it 


into consideration whereby he may be released and hee shalbe 
bound to pray for yor worps long- life & happines. 

A FALSE CHARGE AGAINST THE SOLDIERS. 

The humble petition of William Wilton, inginer and the rest 
of the souldjers (who have been employed by the Parliament) and 
are inhabiting in the Towne of Warminster. 

Humbly sheweth That yor petitioners who have lately bine in 
the Parliament service and there have shewed their fidelity both 
to King and Parliament (Mrs. Carter) wife to Thomas Carter in a 
most malignant manner did saye that yor petitioners have 
plundered linen and horses as she would prove also that the Towne 
of Warminster is five hundred pounds the worse for yor petitioners 
being in the Parliament service. Yor Petitioners are free frome 
such a heinous Crime and as wee conceive it reflecks not so much 
uppon us as uppon the high Court of Parliament in whose service 
we have ventured our lives. 

May it therefore please the Honbl Court to take the premises 
into consideration and Cause the same Mrs. Carter to bee brought 
before you that so yor petitioners and also the high Court of 
Parliament may be Vindicated touching such a malignant and false 
accusation. 

And yor petitioners shall ever pray &c. 

WAR-TIME EXPERIENCES. 

The humble peticon of Edward Yates and Robert Huggins 
who were Constables at Malmesbury 1642. 

Shewe That yor peticonrs in that yeare were enforced to laye 
out and engage themselves for divers somes of money to sevall 
persons there amounting in the whole to the some of 30 ^ at the 
least (for a great part thereof they are oftened threatened to be 
stened) (? stend = destroy) wch money was disbursed for watchinge 
& wardinge for armes for trained soldiers & mending other Armes 
for attendance on prisoners and carryeing others to prison & for 
divers other occasions which of right and custome in ye like cases 
have heare-tofore bin used to be paid by the inhabitants of the 
Burrough there. 

That in regard that place hath bin ever since full of troubles 
and the inhabitants refusing to joyne in making of ye rate or to 
paye ye disbursements & engagements and leaving the same 
burthen wholly on yor peticoners. 

They doe humbly pray this Corte to refer ye hearinge, endinge 
& determining of ye same to any twoe or more Justices of the Peace 
for this County such as shall be thought fitt. 

And yor peticoners shall dayly pray &c. 

A TRIVIAL CASE. 

The humble peticon of Susan Long of Warminster Showeth 
That yor Peticoner delivered to one Henry Garrett of Warminster, 


blacksmith, a fire pan to have the same mended, but the said 
Garratt deteyneth it and telleth yor petitioner she shall come by 
her pan as she can for (saith hee) there is noe law. 

A BADGER KILLER. 

The humble peticon of William Lolly of this towne 
(Warminster) Showeth. That yor peticoner hath bin a poore 
inhabitant for many yeares in the said Towne & hath honestly 
behaved himself & mayntayned a great famyly as wee whose names 
are under written doe certifie & we likewise farther certifie that 
yor peticoner hath taken much paines in laboring with gins & other 
ware & meanes to kill or take the vermyn or beast called the 
badger or gray wch is well known to bee a greatt annoyance to 
the Country. 

Yor petitioners humbly therefore desireth yor worps to grannt 
unto him the benefit of the Statute in that case provided and he 
shall ever be bound to pray for yor Wops prosperity. 

(Signed) Nicholas Butcher, John Wansey, Thomas Toomer, 
and four others. 

MASON OUT OF WORK. 

The humble peticon of Thomas' Hannyball of Meere, Mason, 
Humbly sheweth that yor peticoner is a very poore man and hath 
nothing but his labour to lyve on. And the tyme not serving for 
the use of his trade by reason of this present War, did buy and 
sell Cheese from Markett to Markett towards the present mayntenance 
of himself and his famylie. In which tyme of his travell, 
Jasper Coward and Henry Clarke then Constables of the hundred 
of Meere did take from yor peticoner two hundred of ordynarie 
Cheese at the prise of xvjs. a hundred wch yor peticoner had taken 
uppon his creditt to sell and then to pay for it. And forthwith 
command yor peticoner to carry the said Cheese wth 3 horses to 
ffarrington neere Oxford for his Maties provicon there. Where 
he was wanting 8 dales from his home, himself and 3 horses, for 
wch travell they alsoe promised him paymt as well as others wch 

they hired for the like travell and payed them for the same. But 
yor peticoner was never payed any part thereof to this day which 
hath ben a very greate losse and hindrance, having use other 
meanes but his labour to lyve by is thereby much impoverished for 
want of his said money for his Cheese and travell after the rate of 
xijd. apeece for himself and 3 horses a daie for viij daies wch is a 
very reasonable rate. Wherefore your peticoner desires yor 
Worps to gyve order that the said Clarke & Coward may forthwith 
pay for the Cheese and travell according to their promis. And yor 
peticoner & his familie shall be daylie bound to pray &c &c. 

FAMINE AT FOULSTON. 

The Peticon of Henry Blake constabell of the hundred of 
Branchandole, Humbly prayeth that you wold take in to your 


consedarson the sad and lamentabell condicn of the prish of 
foulston neere Wilton which as they have died in the plauge so 
now will they dye with famen also, excep acording to the statute 
in that case provided ther be an order made for ther releef at this 
quarter Sessions. 

(Note.—A footnote says xxs. weekly to the peticoner for ye 
poore). 
FAVOUR FOR A PRISONER. 

To the Governor of the Garison at the Devizes. 

Wee whose names are under written inhabitants of Bromham 
understand by our naighbor Bayli that his son Robert is imprisoned 
at the Devizes What the cause therto be or how he hath lately 
behaved himself wee know not But this we can certify that 
formerly he hath not to our knowledge misbehaved himself but 
hath followed his business wthout wronging others and therefore 
that lawful favor may be shewn him is that wch wee humbly crave. 

Yors to our power 
(Signed) ROB. RICHARDS,
and 1 3 others. 
Rectr. 
Bromham 

ye 9th of Aprill 1646. 

Another similar appeal from the inhabitants of Bromham and 
Chittway (PChittoe) is signed by eighteen persons, ten of whom 
made " his mark ". 

CONVENTICLE AT DEVIZES. 

The humble peticon of Alexander Orchard of ye Devizes 
Sheweth That whereas yor peticoner a Sunday last was sennight 
being in ye Devizes in ye Company of one Phipp. The said Phipp 
being in his beare and coming to one Cooles house where they 
were at Conventicle wch is contrary to ye ordinance of Parliament. 
The said Phipp did break ye glass window of ye said Coole and soe 
escaped. But yor Peticoner being in his company was apprehended 
for ye fact but never comitted ye same, whereupon yor peticoner 
is sent now to this Sessions to his great trouble & expense. 

Wherefore yor peticoner being free from committinge ye act 
humbly desireth yor Wops to take it into considerations whereby 
he may be discharged and freed. 

ffor wch ffavour yor Peticoner shalbe in all duty bound to 
pray &c, &c. 

ROBBED BY THE KING'S SOLDIERS. 

The humble peticoh of Henry Gerrish. 

Sheweth unto yor Worps that yor peticoner was plundered 
by Kings forces of divers goods wherof some of them yor peticoner 
hath found in the Custody of John Clarke of Cosly, videlict one 
brass pott and one yard of Cloath wch yor peticoner hath demanded 
but he refuses to restore them, 

M 


He then goes on to ask that an order may be made for the 
goods to be restored or satisfaction given for them, and " he will 
be ever bound to pray for yor worps long life ". 

A footnote says " a Warrant to apprehend Jno Clark and 
have him before a Justice of the Peace to be bound over to Sessions 
to answere the premisses. Warrant fact". 

This roll closes with several enquiries into cases of sheep 
stealing. 

PRESENTMENTS AT 
MARLBOROUGH QUARTER SESSIONS, Oct 6th, 1646. 


Amongst the presentments " made by the Grand Inquest " are 
the following :— 

Wee psent Richard Clifford gent of Shalbourne for setting up 
a hatch in Shalborn whereby the inhabitants are greately damnified 
by overflowing of water. 

Wee doe psent the Lord Semer (Seymour) for flotting (flooding) 
his meadowe called long Meadowe for destrowing the Kings 
high way at pickets breidg. 

The Jury of the hundred of Kemberston present: 

" the boundes upon the Church Yard at Pewsey to be in defaulte 
from the farme youtree to the Church weckett on the north 
side of the Church. 

The Constables of Kindward stofie present John fflisppin of 
Pewsey to be a famed drunkard & sweerer and for comiting an 
outrage in the open streate upon the Sabath day. 

Elstup & Everly hundred psent Simon Boulton of Clatford 
mill because he penneth the water so much whereby the tenants of 
ffifield are greatly damnified to the baning of ( = shutting out) of 
theyr sheep. 

The hundred of Ramsburye. 

We psent that Thomas Vickers & Robt Shilton of Bishopston 
have in the tyme of warres soulde ale wthout licence being compelled 
thereunto by souldiers and since these troublesome tymes 
they have not therin offended. 

The psentment of Thos Walrond gent constable of Ramsbury, 
presenteth that hee coming in to his office but Satterday last beeleeves 
that all offences fformerly was psented att the last assises 
and att the last Court held att Ramsbury att the Court of the Right 
Honorable the Earle of Pembroke & Montgomery and therefore he 
knoweth nothing to psent. 


REFUSAL TO PAY RATES. 

To the Right Worshipful & the rest of His Maties Justices of 

the peace of this County. 

Whereas John Fricker, Richard Cantler, Will Lane, Will 

Lamport doe refuse to pay their rates wth their neighbors toward 

the charge of the prest souldiers wch were taken up and conducted 

to the Devizes for Sir Thomas Fairefaxe, my humble request is yt 

you would be pleased to grant an order yt they may be restrained 

to beare their burthen wth their neighbours so praying for your 

health & happinesse I rest 

Your humble Servent, 

JOHN TURNER, 

Tithingman of Staple in the pish of Tisbury. 

RELIEF FOR SUFFERERS FROM THE PLAGUE. 

Wee whose names are under written Justices of the Peace in 
the said County doe hereby certifie this Court That upon thinformacon 
supplicacon and Complaint of the Inhabitants of ye Parrish 
of Maidenbradley and Horrningsham being infected wth the noysome 
& contagious disease of the plague did uppon the ffirst day 
of September last and uppon ye seventh day of the same moneth 
give authoritie and warrant to the severall Officers wthin ffive miles 
of the said pishes infected, to tax, rate, collect and gather for the 
reliefe of ye distressed persons of Maidenbradly the Sume of Six 
poundes weekly and for the releif of Horningsham the sume of 
ffower pounds weekly to continue untill this psent Genall Sessions 
if occasion of such weekly contribucon should soe long be found 
needfull. 

In witness whereof We have subscribed or names the 3rd of 

October 1646. 

(Signed) ED. TOOKER. 

THOMAS DENETT. 

DEER STEALING IN CLARENDON PARK. 
The Examinacon & Confession of Henry Gowen of Elsborne 
in the County of Wiltes husbandman taken the 19th day of September 
1646 before ffrancis Swanton Esqr one of his Matties 
Justices of the Peace of the County. 
Who saith that on Thursday the Tenth of this instant moneth 
one Henry Good a trooper under the command of Captaine Ludlow, 
and Robert Andrews another trooper under the said command came 
to this Examinats House in Ebsborne, and then the said Andrewes 
incited this Examinant to goe wth him to Claringdon Parke to kill 
a deere, the wch this examinant denied. And the Sunday followinge 
the said Andrewes came againe to this examinant and desired 
him to go to Claringdon wth him. And then this examinant came 
wth the said Andrewes to the Rose and Crowne at Harnham about 
tenne of the clocke in the night and after an hower stay there this 
Examanant and the said Andrews, one Robert Daye of the Citty 

uz 


of Newe Sarum and one George of Salisbury went to 
Claringdon the said Sunday night and had then a brase of grey 
houndes, one of this Examinants and the other the said Andrewes 
and a Carbine of the said Andrewes, but killed nothing. And then 
came the Munday morninge unto the said Dayes house and there 
stayed untyll after dinner. And then this Examinant the said 
Andrewes and the said Daye went upp to Claringdon againe and 
had wth them a gun wch was the carbine of the said Andrewes and 
a little before night the said Andrewes shott a buck wth his Carbine 
in a Coppice neere the Coppice wherein are Ewetrees and the 
Deere being hurte they sought after him until it was night and 
could not find him. And then this examinant and Andrews came 
that Munday night to the Rose and Crowne att Harnham and 

stayed there all night, And the next morning this examinant & the 
said Andrewes about nyne of the Clocke went into the Parke to 
seeke the said Bucke and wth in halfe an hower found the said 
deere. And having cutt of his head and paunched him and skinned 
him putt him up into a sacke and tyed him upon this examinants 
horse. And this examinant goeing out att Winchester gate wth 
the said Bucke after he had rode a little way by one of the Keeprs 
of the said Parke and one Prewett taken wth the deere behind him. 
And more he confesseth not. And beinge charged to have benne a 
Comon hunter in the said Parke saith that he was never in the said 
Parke before but att a Paddock Course, nor never knewe of any 
Deere killed in the said Parke before that tyme. 

(Signed) HENRY GOWEN. 
ffrd Swanton. 

DEVIZES CHAMBERLAINS DECLINE PAYMENT. 

The Humble peticon of Abraham Hale keep of ye House of 
Correction at ye Devizes. 

Sheweth that whereas yor peticoner was forced to entertayne 
the Prest Soldiers & to make pvision for them wch came to Seven 
Pounds ffifteene shillings & Seaven pence & was pmised payment 
by ye Chamberlaynes of ye Devizes for the said pvision & did receave 
from them ye sd Chamberlaynes pt of ye said some as much 
as came to ffoure Pounds ten shillings. 

Yor peticoner being a very poore man & often tymes demandinge 
the remaynder cannot receave the residue from ye sd Chamberlaynes 
wch cometh to Three pound ffive shillings & Seaven Pence. 

Humbly desireth yor Wops to be pleased to grannt yor order 
to yor peticoner that he may forthwith be satisfied ye sd some of 
£3 5S< 7d - from ye Chamberlaynes of ye Devizes aforesaid. 

ffor wch ffavour from yor Worps yor peticoner shalbe in duty 
bound to pray &c. 

NO PROSECUTOR. 

To ye Woll Willm Hussy Esqr one of his Matys Justices of ye 
Peace & Judge of ye Sessions nowe held at Marlborough & ye rest 
of ye Worll Bench, 


The humble Peticon of William Hall of ye Devizes, Black


smith. Sheweth. That accordinge to yor Worps order yor Peticoner 

have been bound since ye last Sessions at W arminster to ye good 

behavior wch he hath honestly kept & pformed. 

Now may it please yor Worps to consider & to be soe pleased 

seeing he is a poore man, that he may have this enlargement, to 

follow his trade, seeing noe accuser is in place to alleadge any 

thinge agst him: The prtended course being altogeather for yor 

peticoner to give Mony to his Advsary wch since yor Worps have 

sate in Judgmt the Adverse have laboured for, yor peticoner 

knowinge himselfe free of ye accusation agst him utterly refuseth. 

Yor peticoner most humbly desireth yor wops & ye rest of this 
Woll bench that wthall expedition he may come to his hearinge 
And yt yor Wops upon True informacon will deale wth him as in 
yor wisdome yor peticoner shall seeme meete. 

ffor wch yor peticoner shall perpetually pray &c. 

A LETTER CONCERNING ALE HOUSES. 

GOOD UNKLE. 

There is an order of ye last Sessions for binding over some of 
Donhead to this, you may be pleased to informe the Sessions that 
yourself & I have supprest them already when we mett at Ludwell 
for that purpose and there is not one of them that keeps tipling 
since that time. There is likewise one Wm. of Swallow-
cliff that hath given you his word to appear for the same fault. 
My butler South informs that he hath sold noe ale since Whittsuntide 
and undertakes he shall never doe it againe and therefore 
intreats that he may be excused from appearing at Sessions. 

1 rest Sr 

Yor affectionate Kinsman & 

Servant. THO. GROVE. 

LOSS OF SHEEP. 

A lengthy petition of a Mr. Thomas Astill of Peasemore set 
out how he lost 20 sheep the previous November and at the following 
Whitsuntide found 1 6 of them in the possession of Mr. John 
Parsons of New Town, but was unable to recover them. A few 
days later they were seen in the possession of Mr. Benjamin Joyes 
of Haxton so he went and took them out but he had got scarcely 
a mile away when he '' was overtook by a man on horse back with 
dogges & other men wth Clubbes who took the sheep away from 
him They were driven back to Mr. Joyce's farm and on his 
applying for them a friend of Mr. Joyce " threatened to have this 
peticoner & his neighbors wch were with him to the Devizes 
Garrison being then the Kings Garrison & have them tyed neck to 
heels together & afterwards hanged for demanding and medling 
with the sheepe. By means whereof this peticoner was enforced 
to defer the business for a time. And since that Garrison was 
reduced, to witt, about Midsorner last he had another try to get 


the Sheep from Mr. Joyce when Mrs. Joyce said we use more 
honesty then doth us good & Mr. Joyce himself pretended he withheld 
the sheep as estrays & felons goods ". 

The usual appeal for help from the bench follows. 

A VIOLENT MAN OF STERT. 

The humble petition of Willm Willis & Edith his wife. These 
are to show & declare unto you all his Maties Justices of the peace 
what wronges & injuries Robert Ruddle of Sterte with many more 
that he hath sett on have done yor poore petitioners Willm Willis 
& Edith his wife. The first wronge he hath laid violent handes 
upon yor petitioner Edith Willis & he hath made confession of it 
& with my crying out against him my dog coming out he threw 
his hatchett att my dog & had almost kill my dog which thing Mr. 
Topp knowes well. Ye next abuse wch was done me by some of 
Robert Ruddles company wch he had sett on was, I was coming 
with fruitt from ye Vize for Mr Topp a woman with 3 or 4 sett 

upon me in ye Kings hie way and beat me most lamentable so yt 
I was almost Chokt with my owne blood & I had dyed with it had 
not Mrs. Topp made me divers medicines to doe me good. I lay 
by it wth this abuse twelve months to or great hindrance & Charge 
I being not able to help myself. Some of these woemen that did 
me this great wrong I had two biles (bills) of inditement & did put 
them into ye Quarter Sessions & have waited for justice ever since. 
Upon the bills of inditemt wch were putt in with very sufficient 
witnesses yet could I never obtain any justice for my wrongs. 
Sir John Glanfeild did promise us that if we would have a Tryall in 
Malborow Sessions last past that we should never receave any 
wrong more but we can make it appear that ye same parties wch 
were indited tooke a false oath att ye same Sessions & have done 
us since abundance of wronge my Childe likewise receivd abundance 
of wronge by one of their Company ye Smith threw a hott 

iron at him and wounded him soe yt we could see into his bowells 
& ye child lay by it | a yeare wch was great expence & charge 
unto us. Now we desire yor Worships that you would cause them 
to show unto you how any kind of waies we have misbehaved or 
selves unlesse it hath bine for ye asking of some satisfaction for 
ye great wrongs they have done us. Yor poore petitioners are 
quite undone unless now you will be please that there be granted 
by you a right examinacon. 

BOUND OVER THROUGH MALICE. 

The humble Peticon of Alexander Outhard of ye Devizes. 
Showeth That whereas yor peticoner ye last Sessions holden at 
Warminster was bound over to ye good behavior to answer one 
HenryCoole of ye Devizes wch then did for some misdeamenor 
agst him, ye sd Coole cause yor Peticoner to be bound over more 
through mallice then any good ground unto ye good behavior wch 
evr since he hath honestly kept & pformed. 


It is soe yt yor peticoner is lately fallen sick, as is supposed 
in ye fallen sicknes or ye like disease wch troubleth him often, 
that he is forced to keepe his bedd two or three dayes for his 
recovery & now is in ye said disease so that he cannot be heere. 

Most humbly craveth yor Wop & the rest of ye wopp full bench 
being a very poore man & nothing but his labors to mayntayne his 
poore Mother and himselfe that he being a sickly man may be 
discharged, & that he may freely follow his labour, otherwise 
himself & his mother must come to ye parrish. 

ffor wch most gratious ffavor from yor wopps, yor peticoner 
shalbe in all duty bound to pray &c. 

REDUNDANT ALEHOUSES IN PEWSEY. 
A humble petition of the parish of Pewsy for the suppressinge 
of Alehouses. 
Sheweth. That there are divers Alehouses in our Parish of 
Pewsy mayneteyned and kept up contrary to the Statute who doe 
nowe and have for many yeares past sold Ale soe that our Children 
servants & pore labourers are often by them drawne into theyre 
houses to spend theyr moneys & time to our great prejudice in 
neglectlnge our husbandry and other occasions wch is likely to be 
the utter ruine of our said Children servants, pore labourers & or 
selves unless yor worpps will be pleased to take it into yor consideracon 
& suppresse those sd Alehouses we haveinge an Inn in 
our parish wch hath bin an Inn time out of mind wch we know to 
be sifficient to entertayne all Passengers & others that shall come 
through our parish uppon any occasion whatsoever. All wch we 
leave to yor Worpps grave consideracon humbly desiringe yor 
worpps to suppress & utterly abolish all the said alehouses & we 
shall remayne yor worpps dayly oritors. 

2. October 1646. 
Signed by two ministers, three Churchwardens, and twenty-
three others. 
WRONGLY ACCUSED. 
Mr. Hussey. 
This petitioner Thomas Stone, as it apeareth by the testimony 
of many neighbours, is very malitiously and wrongfully accused, 
I therefore desire you to doe him all the lawfull favour you can 
accepting of the Baill which will be given for him: so I rest 

Your ffriend 
Stourton. October 5th 1646. STOURTON. 

OLD SOLDIER OVERWORKED. 

" The humble peticon of William Dollerie of Straford neare 
Sarum. 

" Humbly sheweth That yor peticoner hath served in the 
Parliament Army as a Sjeant by the space of three yeares last past. 
And at Newberrie fight last was mayhemed so that he hath 
altogether lost the use of his left hand And is thereby disabled to 


doe any woorke to releve himself and two children his wief being 
with childe with the thirde. And hath no other meanes but his labor 
to releve himselfe his wief & children ". He then goes on to ask 
the Bench to award him some pension otherwise he and his family 
" are like to perish " . 

A petition of May Flower of Warminster states the Inhabitants 
of the town " out of malice have from time to tyme & at all tymes 
ever sithence these unhappy difference first began in this Kingdom 
" rated him " exceeding disproportionable to his abilitie in so 
much that yor peticoner is brought to a verie meane condicon 
He had often complained but received no redress. '' And to bring 
him to utter ruine (being an inferme man) They do impose offices 
upon him which hee is no waies able to performe ". 

He then asks '' that the inhabitants may be compelled to show 

some reason for their unjest proceedings The Court ordered 

that the two next (nearest) Justices should enquire into the case 

and if not true then Mr. Flower was to be bound over &c. 

WOUNDED IN THE WARS. 

Thomas Miller being formerly under ye command of Major 

Wansey in ye Parliament service did then receive a very dangerous 

hurte by wch meanes yor poore petitioner is very much disabled for 

his future subsistence. Hee therefore most humbly prayeth yt hee 

may be taken into yor worpps consideracon. 

A foot note says " Wee thinke fitt that this petnor be had in 

remembrance when the next oportunity shalbe offered to be re


lieved according to the Statute. Allocate 50s. from the Treasurer 

of the North forthwith for this present. 

Signed WILL HUSSEY, WILL: EYRE, 

ED TOOKE, GEORGE FRYE, THOMAS BENETT. 

ABSENT PROSECUTORS. 
The humble peticon of Thomas Bennett, John Symes, Will 
Phipps and Willm Banks. 
Humble shew that whereas yor peticoners were at the last 
Sessions held at the Devizes bound over to appear at the then next 
Sessions to psecute theare traverses on an indictmt exhibited agst 
them. But there beinge (by reason of the troubles of these tymes) 
noe sessions held untill about Midsomer last at Warminster when 
yor peticoners ought to have appeared if they had known of the 
same sessions. The premises considered, may it please yor good 
worps to accept of yor peticonrs appearance and that their traverses 
may now goe on and that yor peticoners recognances forfeited at 
last sessions may be respected. 

A SOLDIER OF CHILMARK. 
The humble peticon of Richard Rickette a poore lame mayned 
man Sheweth That yor peticoner being a Carpenter and at worke 


at Rudge in the pishe of Chilmarke was in the tyme of the Kings 
Armey Regency in those pts impressed, guarded and by fforce 
caried unto Langford Garison under the comand of Sr 
Bartholomewe Well & others the Kings comandrs by John ffezard 
then thythingman of Rudge in wch service of the said Garison 
yor peticoner was dangerously wounded & cripled & disabled for 
all ffuture service or labour whereby both himselfe and a small 
child of yor peticoners is left wholy to the Charitie of his neighbours 
for theire releefe & sustenance. 

He then goes on to ask that some allowance may be made for 
him " according to the Statute " by the inhabitants of Rudge and 
Chilmarke he " being a woonded man for the service of the 
parish ". 

A footnote says l < the parish to releeve him according to the 
necessity of the party " . 

The foregoing petition is supported by another on similar lines 
from the parishioners of East Knoyle. It is signed by 

Chr : Wren, Rector and 
thirty others. The Rector was the father of Christopher Wren, the 
great Church builder of London. 

ROGUEISH PARLIAMENT. 
The informacon of Jeffery Basteer of Greate Amesbury woollen 
weaver taken the 24th Sept 1646 before Edward Tooker Esq upon 
oath. 
Who sayeth That about March last was two years upon a 
Wednesday being a fast day appointed by the Parliament goeing 
from his house, mett with one Mary Long of Little Amesbury who 
was then goeing to Amesbury to Church, when he heard Mary say 
these words following, " The good King hath comanded a fast 
noe body will obey it, but when the roguish parliament comanded 
a fast every body will obey it " . 

William Leach of West Amesbury Saith that about 2 or 3 
years last past being in Amesbury Street heard Mary Long say 
that " she would pay noe money to Mr. Trotman because he did 
hold with the roguish parliamt and that he should come by it as 
well as he may ". 

A ROW IN IMBER CHURCH. 
The informacon of Elizabeth Courtlie of Imber taken 25th day 
of September 1646 before Thomas Benett of Norton. 
Who informeth and saith that on Sunday the xiijth of 
September she being in ye Parish Church of Imber Was abused 
by one Mary Gibbes who with a pinn thrust her the said Elizabeth 
in the bodie and with her hands & fingers pinched her and at the 
same time called her Whore And bid her goe to Mr. Olives & steale 
victuals, Which was done by her the said Mary Gibbes in the seate 
sitting both together in the Church in the time of divine service. 


The informacon of Mary Gibbes of Imber taken ye 3rd of 
October. 

Who saith yt on Sunday ye xiij of September last she being in 
the Parish Church of Imber was abused by one Elizabeth Courtly, 
who pulled her by the arme in a violent manner and pinched her 
& striving together did tread upon her in the seate in time of divine 
service. 

(Signed) THOMAS BENETT. 

QUARTER SESSIONS AT NEW SARUM. 
13th January. 

Though this is a large roll it does not contain many records of 
present day interest. The following are extracted more especially 
for their reference to the after effects of the Civil WTars and for 
their bearing upon the plague that visited Wiltshire at that time. 

GONE FOR A SOLDIER. 

Hindon Jan. 2 1646. I retorn for the Warant that I have mad 
delegent serch according to ye warant and things is well and 
Daniell Lech he is gone a souldier. 

INSTRUCTIONS TO TYTHINGMEN. 

Whereas wee have receved a warrnt from Mr Thomas Benet 
& Mr. George Low, Justices of ye peace These are in his Maties 
name to will & require you together wth some able men of your 
Tything assisting you to make a generall privie search uppon 
ffriday night ye first of January next through out yor tything & if 
in ye same search you shall find any Rogues Vagabonds lewd idle 
or vagrant persons that you doe them apphend & bring them before 
ye said Justices to ye Signe of ye Lion in Warminster upon Satterday 
ye second of January next by nine of the clock all such as 
you shall soe find wandering or misordering them selves & more 
especially, all idle persons living of (off) Service, breakers of 
hedges, spoilers of copsies, night walkers, & ye like that they may 
be dealt with all soe far forth as upon examinacon of theire sevall 
misdemeanors & offences sholl be requisite, and further you are to 

enquire & psent unto ye Justices the names of all fore stallers of 
ye Markett, Ingressers, & Regrators to yor knowledge & wth in 
your precinct & to bring them or cause them to appeare before ye 
said Justices that they may be pseeded agst & punished according 
to ye Law, And alsoe all unlicensed ale house keepers wthin yor 
tything to ye end that they may be supprest & further dealt withall 
as to Justice shall appertaine Hereof fayle not together with a 
retorne of this or warrt, to ye Justices. Dated ye 26th of December 
1646. 

(Signed) To. GAYSFORD. 
To the Tythingmen Ed. MARFYN. 
of Northbradly. Constables. 


A PITEOUS APPEAL. (No date.) 

I am a pore man and have noe releufe out of the parrish of 

remsberie hether i come to have some relefe but i cane have none 

and i desier your worship that you wold helpe me to sume relefe 

Being i have noe munie. Thomas Seald. 

Footnote states : " recommended to the overseers & on their 

neglect the next Justice to bynd them over ". 

THE SUFFERINGS OF CRICKLADE. 

The humble petition of the Inhabitants of the Towne and pishe 

of Cricklad. 

Sheweth. That althoughe your petitioners are much impovershed 
both by the unnaturall VVarr and alsoe by a late 
greevious mortality being then deprived of all Marketts & deprived 
of all Comerce Deprived of all benefitt of the Lawe made for the 
Releife of infected placis and psons, and necessitated at theire sole 
charge to maintaine for the space of 7 monthes and upward 
hundred of pore and sick people destitute of Bread, destitute of 
mony, Destitute of imployment, yett neverthelesse a weeckly somm 
is demanded of yor poor petitioners towarde the releife of the 
Towne of Highworth. 

Theire humble suite therefore is (the pemisses considered) that 
you would voutsafe to order that yor petitioners may be exempted 
for a time Taxis of this nature and the rather since the dayes of our 
affliction we were burthensome to none and the late visitation hath 
left us many widdowes and orfphans to be pvided for to our great 
charge. (signed by Richard Birt Bailife of ye Burrough and 
thirteen others). 

DISTRESSED MAIDEN BRADLEY. 

A lengthy petition from " the poore tradesmen of Mayden 
Bradley " is dated 12th January 1646, and gives the names of 22 
of the inhabitants and their trades, viz., tanners, carpenters, shoemakers, 
tailors, smiths, cutlers, turners and butchers. 

The Village must have been quite a considerable place in those 
days to have found employment for so many trades. The petition 
begins :—" That whereas it hath pleased God to visit the Town wth 
the infection of the plague wch began about the first of June last 
and is not yett ceased whereof about 33 persons have dyed 
& a greater number have byn sick". The petition then goes 
on to say that owing to the plague they have been excluded from 
the markets and had no benefit of trading nor employment from 
adjacent places " wherein the best part of theire livinge doth consist 
especially in these tymes of Dearth. They are much impoverished 
& like to be utterly undon Although a tax was made for relief of 
these poor people not nearly sufficient was given them, and they 
ask that the Justices will give orders that they may have some more 
relief and recompense for their losses. 


ROBBED OF CATTLE AND SHEEP. 

Another petition from the inhabitants of " Mayden Bradley, 
Horningesham & Kingston Deverell". 

" Sheweth. That whereas the late unhappie difference hath 
much obstructed the course of Justice by meanes whereof the 
number of ffellons hath greatly multiplyed in and about our pishe 
by whome wee are daylie robbed of our cattell (especially our 
sheepe) wth much bouldnesse not spareinge sometimes our very 
houses to our greate discouragement in the buildinge and keepinge 
of sheepe the over throwe of tillage and soe to the generall damage 
of the whole Comon wealth ". 

The petition then goes on to say that as they have found their 
possessions on some felons who " are escaped & fledd " they ask 
for a warrant of the Court " to lye Dormant in our handes for theire 
apprehending if att any time they may be found by us " . Owing to 
the delay caused in calling official assistance when the felons are 
found, the petitioners say that " intelligence is carried to the 
suspected persons before our approach so they are able to escape ". 
They further ask for a warrant " soe that if att any times hereafter 
wee find our sheepe or goods to be stolen we may gather ourselves 
together and suddenly fall upon the houses and suspected persons 
both in their own parishes and the Tythings adjoining and soe 
bring the felons to justice, &c, &c. 

The petition is signed " Noe Order 

TWYFORD IN WILTSHIRE. 

Whereas the Village of Twiford in the est part of the hundred 
of Amsbury was by these unfortunate warrs first much impoverished 
by reason that it was a frontier garde betwixt the King 
and Parliament two several winters and then was barberously 
burned by that cruell instrument Sr Jacob Ashley and now lastly it 
hath groaned under Gods heavy judgement of the plague for at the 
lest five moneths together even untill the moneth of August last 
whereby not only Twiford it selfe is almost undonne but the rest 
of that part of the hundred is much exhausted, the charge 
exspended by Twiford Wilts being betwixt twenty and thirty 
poundes besides what the infected persons spent of theire owne 
proper goods this great charg having binn under gonne by this 
small part of the hundred without assistance of the rest of the 
hundred or county. Wee whose names are subscribed do humbly 

conceive that you will not thinke it fitting to lay any part of the 
burthen upon this liberty of Wokingham and Hurst for the maintenance 
of the now infected in the further part of the Shier or 
hundred. Swallofild also being at this present infected and requiring 
our assistance As will appear unto you all these things we humbly 
submit unto your grave Judgements and rest 

Your faithfull Servants 

(Signed) WILLIM HYDE and six others. 
Tiwford in Hurst; January 9th 1646. 


A footnote says ; " A ler (letter) sent to Mr. Hyde in answr. 
It cannot be excused from the publique tax of the whole County " . 
Note.—Twyford was at this time an outlying- part of Wiltshire. 


KILLING JUSTIFIED BY THE COUNCIL OF WAR. 

Saturday the 14th of November 1646. 

Att the Counsell of Warre held at Oxford this day the Counsell 
of Warre tooke into consideracon the business of Nicholas 
Lawrence Troopp under Capt Ludlowe belonging to the County of 
Wiltes concerning his killinge of one John Reade of Meere beinge 
appointed by his Excy to be heard before this Counsell. And upon 
reading of a Proclamaicon under his Excie hand & seale bearinge 
date the 18th of October last, appoynted to be published at Meere 
and at Sturton Giveing notice to all persons who had any thinge 
to object agst the sd Lawrence concerning the death of the said 
Reade that they should give in theire Testimonyes unto Thomas 
Bennett of Norton and Edward Tucker of Maddington Esqres 
Justices of the Peace for the sd County before the first of this psent 
November, or els that they should apeare before this Counsell on 
the 12th day of this instant month to give in such evidence as they 
could against him otherwise that the Counsell should pceed to the 
Tryall of the sd Lawrance upon such evidence as should they lye 
before them fforasmuch as it appeared that the sd proclammacon 
was publeished accordinge to the tyme and in the place appoynted. 
And none have apeared either as ptyes or wittnesses against the 
said Nicholas Lauwance before the said Justice or before the 
Counsell of Warre And by the confession of the sd Lawrance that 
hee did kill the said Reade alleadginge that it was in prosecution 
of his duty. After full consideracon had thereof It was unanimously 
resolved by this Counsell upon the Question That the sd 
Nicholas Lawrance did kill the sd John Reade in the psecucon of 
his duty and therefore did fully and wholly acquitt and discharge 
the said Nicholas Lawrance of and from any thinge that might 
bee objected against him concerning the death of John Reade. 
And it is ordered by this Counsell that this Sentence be publeished 
both at Meere and at Sturton according as the proclamacon was 
to give notice that the said Nicholas Lawrence is by them acquitted 
from the said facte. 

(Signed) MARKE GRIME 
President pro tempore. 

ROBBED BY THE ROYALISTS. 

The Peticon of Alice Dramond a poore Widowe dwelling at 
Hornisham. 

Humbly Showeth That yor poore petir husband was slaine in 
Warder Castle under the Comand of Colonell Ludlow and have 
left her three smale children & nothing to keepe them since wch 
time hath lived in a miserable condicon, she being psently after 
the death of her husband plundered by the adverse partie of that 


little shee had. That yor poore pter & all her children have ben 
struck with a leprousie since Michaelmasse last and are now like 
to perish for want of food & to be turned out of doore naked for 
want of house roome. 

Shee then goes on to ask that the overseers may be ordered 
to give her and her children relief. 

To this is added: Ordered that The Overseers to see to releeve 
them & to levie a rate and have it confirmed by a Justice 
according to the Stat. 

THE PLAGUE IN DEVIZES AND THE BATTLE OF 
ROUNDWAY HILL. 

The humble Peticon of the inhabitants of the sevall Tythings 
of Weeke, Nusteed, Bedborowe and Rowndway wthin the pish of 
Bishopps Cannyngs, Sheweth, That whereas yor petrs were taxed 
& are now required to pay theire arreres towards the reliefe of the 
poore infected people of the Devizes, for the tyme that the sickness 
of the plague remayned in that Place. Now soe it Is (May 
it please you) That after the first two monethes the said infeccon 
came into Divers houses wth in the said sevall tythings insomuch 
that yor petrs could noe longer pay to the Devizes but were at 
xy.£ charge in relieving ye infected people of theire owne tythings. 
And besides there are many poore people in the said Tythings for 
the time psent and yor petrs are so disabled by being so much 
plundered (when the Rowte was) (the words within brackets are 
ruled through and the following inserted) at the business on 
Rowndway hill, that they are not able to relieve their owne poore. 

In consideracon whereof yor petrs humbly pray yor Worpps 
to be pleased to order that theire said arreres may be remitted 
and yor petrs shall ever pray &c. 

The above is signed by William Cox and Richard Greene— 
Church wardens, Thomas Ruddle and Roger Wheeler overseers, 
John Drewe William Chappell John Lewes James Pope William 
Powell and Henry Lewes. 

To the petition is attached :— 

The names of those that have payd their mony for the relefe 
of the Vize for the sickness in the tythinge of hortton, viz Richard 
Callowe, William Stevens, Aldom Yong, John Eatwell, Edward 
Dyke, Arthur Sloper, Edith Ettwell, Simon Rudole. 

Then follows a petition from the inhabitants of Bromham to 
the Right Worful bench now sittinge in Sessions at Sara. 

May it please you that whereas an order was granted foorth 
by yor Worshipps for the Areers due out of the hundred for the 
reliefe of the. late infected persons of the Devizes And whereas the 
same has bin respectively demad of us inhabitants of Broham wth 
in the hundred of Potterne & Canings. Wee the inhabitants of 
Bromham whose names are under written can make it appeare by 
oath of the officers who then were that whereas in provision and 
mony the double value of our rate was brought in by us unto them. 


Mr. Drew a gentleman then in commission did acknowledge that 
the Burrough was satisfied from Broham. 
Broha (Bromham) Jan. 10, 1646. 
Yor Worshipps in all duty 
ROB. RICHARDS Minister 
WILLIAM SHERSTONE. THO. EYRE 
WILLM YERBURY (and others). 

To this attached the following:— 

" Cossen Rudle. hit doth appeare by my booke that I payed 
my mony for the Devizes 1644 tn e first month we payd about the 
midle of August the second month the first of September and the 
third month the midle of October ''. 

Your ffrind, RALPH ETTWELL. 
The tythingman sayd every man in Bourton paid all three 
months. 

RATING TROUBLE AT OGBOURNE ST. ANDREW. 

The humble peticon of the greatest part and most able 
Inhabitants of the Parish of Ogbourne St. Andrew whose names 
are hereunder wrytten. 

" Whoe humbly shew that in tymes of Peace yor petrs have 
accustomed to rate and assess the Inhabitants of the said parish 
towards the payment as well to Church and poore as any other 
monyes charged on the parish by the Yard land unlill about 4 years 
since when the land Tax and other great & frequent paymts became 
payable by the parish and the Yard lands there being very unequall, 
some yard lands being worth xxx;/~ p anum & others not worth 
above $ £ p anum and the smallest (by the way of rateing by the 
yard lands) payd as much as the greatest. Yor peticoners agreed 
to make & did make an equall rate by the just yearely value of evry 
mans liveing. According to wch they have ever since levyed all 
moneys wch have byn payd out of the said parish Untill now of 
late some persons who hold and enjoy the richest yard lands 
endeavouring to ease themselves by the unjust oppression of their 
neighbours, have opposed the said rate last made and endeavoured 

* to reestablish the former most unequall and unjust way of rateing 
by the yard lands By means whereof the money due to the poore 
and the money due to the Goale & Marshalsy and the moneyes due 
to the poore infected places in this County cannot be raised ". 
The petition then goes on to ask the Bench of Justices to order 
that custom of rating made by and with the consent of the greater 
part of the parish shall be established and confirmed. 

This is signed by twenty persons. 
The order of the Court was " noe rates to be altered ". 

THE PLAGUE AT WOOTTON BASSETT. 

" The Inhabitants of the Towne of Woton Basset " send in a 
petition stating that " they were infected with the plague from 


25 day of April 1645 for 16 weeks during which time the relief to 
the poore and infected persons cost the parish about ioo£. 
Justice being not then to be had wthin the County for their relieiffe 
as in tymes of peace ". There died 60 persons, and as their 
trade was lost during that time they ask the Justices to " default 
& abate the ^2 . 7. o that had been rated on them for the relief of 
Wilton and their infected places " . 

THE PLAGUE AT WILTON. 

Some ten " poore distressed inhabitants of Wilton " send in 
a piteous appeal to the Justices. 

After stating that " they with theire families were throughe 
the visitation of God kept upp in yt Boroughe duringe ye tyme of 
ye contagious infeccon of ye plague during wch tyme they were 
inforced to waste & consume yt small pparcon of estate wch they 
formerly had gotten by theire hard labour to ye utter impoverishing 
of them and theire families, and uppon theire miserable cry to the 
Magistrates of ye towne they have byn bemooned wth shrewd 
speeches to theire great greifes & sorrowes ". They then go on to 
state that in spite of the fact that large collections had been made 
in the County for relief of the afflicted " yt have byn disposed of 
wthout reason, forbearing to give any allowance to yor petrs 
towards ye redresse of theire ympoverished estates ". They then 
ask that their case may be taken into consideration. 

There are several other similar appeals from other inhabitants 
of Wilton, which goes to prove that the plague there must have 
been very bad. 

A DOMESTIC TROUBLE AT TISBURY SATISFACTORILY 

SETTLED. 

" I John Fraye of Tysbury doe humblye certifye to yor worships 
that wth consent of my wife I have made a full end and agreement 
wth Mary Chiverell of Tysbury, Widd. and we doe hearby releave 
and clearlye discharge her of all brayles and controversies whatsoever 
hath bene heretofore betwixt us. It Witness whereof I have 
hereunto subscribed my name undecimo die Januarii Ano Dmi* 
1646". 

John ffraye his mark. 

Witnesseth William Browne 

Thomas Polden. 

DAMAGE TO HEDGE AT SIR ASHLEY COOPER'S. 

" Whereas William Pounde & his wife & Robert Rolfe were 
now convicted upon the testimony of two witnesses sworne in 
Court for that they have torne taken and carried away five hundred 
luggs of Sr Anthony Ashley Coopers hedge to the value of twenty 
nobles. It is therefore now ordered by this Court and adjudged 


that the said William Pounde and Robert Rolfe shall pay unto the 
said Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper for his dammadge in that case 
susteined the some of twentie nobles before the seventeenth day of 
this instant month of October and yf they shall make default in 
payment thereof att or before the said day then the said William 
Pounde and his wife & the said Rolfe shall be openly whipt att 
Liddiard in this County by the offiser there for the said offence 
according as the Statute in that requireth ". 

1647. 

The Quarter Sessions were held at Warminster, July 20th, 
when the presentments include the following :— 

NO STOCKS AT WARMINSTER. 

We present that we have noe stocks in the towne of Warminster 
in default of William Sloper. (It was ordered that they 
were to be provided before August ist under the penalty of 40 
shillings.) 

Wee psent Edward ffarley of Haitesburie for disturbing of the 
Minister in the time of divine service. 

DANGEROUS PITS. 

We psent ye Lord Henrie Powlett for digginge of Claye pitts 
neere the hye wayes leading to Salisburie the wch pitts are verie 
dangerous for those that shall passe yt waie and yt it hath ben 
psented divers tymes heretofore and no reformacon that wee find. 

FAIL TO REPAIR THE HIGHWAYS. 

fine xd a day for every ] A Treau returne of the names of 
plough, for evry labeaorer >• all the inhabitens of the Parish of 
i2d p diem. J Laycoke for negeklegkling thare 
servis for the hey wayes : madd by the supervizers of the wayes 
for the same parish in the year 1647. 
Wee return Mr. James Mountague for to plowes servis for five 

dayes. 
Wee returne Mr. Shearington Tallbut to plowes servis for six 

dayes. 
Wee returne Edward Crue Grasiear for on plowes servis six dayes. 
Wee returne Martha Goughe for on plowes servis for six dayes. 
Wee returne John Powntney for six dayes servis. 
Wee returne the names of the Chiefe inhabietants there that have 

noe plowes but to dooe thayer as belongeth to. 
Then follows 77 names, one being Peter fleawelling. In some 
cases their trades are given, and the return ends with " And all this 

N 


servis for the most part is neglecket because the plowes have not 
dunn thaier servis ".(
Signed) THOMAS DERINGUN. 
ROBERT MORE. 
At Heytesbury a rate of 3 shillings per yard land was levied 
on " suche as keepe noe plowhes 

CARRIERS ROBBED OF THEIR GOODS. 

The humble peticon of Thomas ffyfield & Thomas Watts with 
manie other Carryers liveing- in the west neere the citie of Bristoll 
Sheweth. That your peticoners are Carryers with horses, of corne 
and malt to supply the necessitie of the saide countrie where they 
live. But they have been often surprised & and said Corne & malt 
taken from them by a turbulent multitude by reason whereof they 
cannot travell wth the said comodities & therefore many poore 
people in those parts are in great distresse for want of the same. 
Like wise your peticoners are there by disheartned to bring up 
many comodities of wch this & other parts doe stand in great want. 

May it therefore please your worpps to grant a warrant at 
large requiring all his Maties officers and loyall subjects within 
this County to be ayding & assisting yor peticoners in their travell 
whereby the offenders may be brought to condigne punishment and 
your peticoners shall ever pray &c. 

A note is appended " A warrant general to apprehend them 
& to be bound over ". 

LIVING IN A HOLLOW TREE. 

The humble peticon of John Bevin of Brokenburroughe (near 
Malmesbury). After stating that he and his wife have lived in the 
parish for over three years and kept themselves honestly. " Now 
the Church Wardens & overseers have throwne yor peticoner & his 
wife out of theire house & will not suffer them to rent that or any 
other, by reason of this their Tiranous dealinge your peticoner & 
his wife hath bin constrained to dwell in a hollow tree in the streete 
a whole moneth already to the great hazard of their lives they 
being anncient people. 

He then asks the Justices to grant an order that he shall be 
allowed to " live in Brokenburrough or elswhere & it was ordered 
that he should rent a house at Brokenburg without prejudice and 
then to hear both sides ". 

GIVEN ANOTHER CHANCE. 
(Slightly abbreviated.) 
Wheras by the Consent and through the procurement of us 
the inhabitants of Uphaven, one Thomas Kingman for some misdemeanor 
was by a Justice of Peace sent into the Jayle of ffisherton 
where having layne about halfe a yeare (& by reason such prisoners 
have no allowance) he being rdy to starve. These are to certify 


that we doe give our joynt consents that he may have his libertie 
and enlargement that he may betake himself to som employment 
in an honest & lawfull sort—Allwaies provided that he com noe 
more into Uphaven where if ever he be founde in his former scandalous 
carridge as heretofore we will use our uttmost endeavors 
to send him to ye place from whence hee came where he shall 
sooner ROTT than receive any pittie or furtherance from us. Soe 
hoping that you will be pleased to condesend to the premises we 
comend you to the Grace of God & subscribe our hands this 7th 
of June 1647. 

(Signed) JOHN NEWMAN , Minister of Uphaven, 
and eleven others. 
A note says " discharged out of ye gayle 

A NON-RECUSANT. 

The humble peticon of William Kelson of Melksham—humble 
sheweth That your peticoner was presented by some of the pettie 
Jury (himselfe being of the said Jury) at the last General Sessions 
held at the Devizes for not coming to his pish Church wch psentment 
as the peticoner doth humbly conceive was illegally pferred 
& the peticoner not culpable of the pretended cryme, in regarde 
(as he believes) not a full Jurie did subscribe to the said psentment, 
it being soe pposterously agitated and the peticoner soe far from 
Recusancie that he hath adventured his life & estate in the States 
service to further a long expected reformacon both in Church & 
State, but your peticoner doth acknowledge he hath out of fervent 
zeale repaired sometimes to heare some able men in other pishe 
Churches whereby he might be edified in the true knowledge of 
Jesus Christ & his holy gospell, for which he hopeth he shall receive 
no detriment. May it therefore please your worpps to acquitt 
him from ye said illegall (as he believeth) psentment & he shall 
ever pray &c. 

AN ACCOUNT FOR CORN, 1647. 

Delivered by mee Williame bisse of Horrisom the 28 of December 

Anno Domini 1647. 
Itm on busell of bearley at,, on halfe a busell Wheat 
... 
... 
... 
... 
04 
04 
0 
0 
,, on halfe a busell of moulte ... ... 02 0 
,, on pecke of pease at ... ... 01 3 
,, for meate ... ••• ••• ••• 01 6 
The sume is o 1 3 3. 

Delivered to William Maggs of Horriesom in the time of her 
sickness wheareof the Constables promissed to pay me and I have 
not receaved nothing of it. 

A QUARRELSOME NEIGHBOUR. 

The humble peticon of Elizabeth Tucker of Warminster 
sheweth that Lucie the wife of John Willis does from day to day 

N2 


give your peticoner most approbious language insomuche that she 
cannot live in any peace by her, and hath threatened to kill yor 
peticoner running after her with a knife in her hand, whereby the 
peticoner hath great cause to stand in dread of her life of the said 
Lucie. May it therefore please your worpps to grannt yor warrant 
for the said Lucie. (Order fact.) 

Quarter Sessions held at Sarum Jany. nth. 

This roll contains some items of interest. Many cases of sheep 
stealing are reported, but very few references to the previous War. 
Amongst the papers is a complaint from George Reynolds, of 
Everley, as follows :— 

BEATEN BY SOLDIERS. 

Showeth that ye sd George Reynolds being sumoned to take 
the office of Constable on him for the hundred of Elstub & Everley 
he being altogether unfitting for the said office haveing byn by 
souldiers soe heavily abused & beaten yt he is not able to ride nor 
travell neither is he capable to write or read any writing wch 
cometh to his hands. He therefore asks to be released of his office 
and someone else appointed in his place. 

APPEAL FOR RELEASE FROM PRISON. 

The humble peticon off Alco White of Wine Canton in the 

County of Summerset to the reight Honorable Bench &c. " Humbly 

compiaininge shewinge yor good Worshipes wheras I was arained 

at the Somer Sesses and had my tryall and have laine hear In 

durance ever since and am lick to starve Doth most humbly dessir 

your good worships to grant me my inlargement that I may get me 

a serviss to live in lick a christian And I shall ever pray for your 

good worships health and hapynes both in this world and in the 

world to come ". 

In spite of the above pitiful appeal it is endorsed " to 

remaine " . 

THE JUSTICES' ACTION QUESTIONED BY THE 

INHABITANTS OF WESTBURY. 

 Right Worpl. wee the Inhabitants of the hundred of Westbury 
having reflected our thoughts and spended your pceedings wee 
cannott but (out of the deepe sence of our psent and ensueing 
misery) describe unto yor worpps that wee have not our former 
desires (correspondent to equitee & good conscience) grannted And 
therefore (under favour it being our lives & more) wee take upon us 
that boldnes as to tell yor worpps that wee easily conceive (manie of 
yor worpps being Corne Masters) you have contrary to our former 
just peticon grannted Lycence (by the underhand mediating of 
sub till caterpillars) to such as have great meanes and other sufficient 
trades to live to make mault by reason whereof wee are constrained 

t


to certifie yor worpps yt you have (as wee feare to your owne ends) 

rather aggravated then extenuated our miseries. And therefore 

wee once againe humbly sue that all ptiallititie may be abandoned 

whereby equity may take place yt soe wee may not be affamished 

throughe coulour of justice. And we shall ever praye &c. 

This is signed by thirty-three of the inhabitants of Westbury. 

A note is added desiring Mr. Bennett to " bind over the Maior, 

constables of the hundred, the ministers and the rest of the most 

sufficient " to appear for examination. 

APOLOGIES TO THE JUSTICES. 

Following the above conies a humble apology of one of the 

signatories, viz. :— 

The humble peticon of John Gibbs of Westbury clothier 
Humbly shewing " That the peticr hath lately without serious consideration 
subscribed a wrightinge directed to yor Worpps the 
contents whereof hee did not understand, but uppon further 
consideracon findinge the same to be stuffed with approbrious 
terms, and the matter thereof to concerne those things whereof he 
was noe way noweing nor sensible. Doth therefore humbly pray 
this his acknowledgment subscribed wth his hand may be receipted 
and that this Court and ye worpps will remit his said offence. 

(Signed) JOHN GIBBS. 
Another petition by five of the signatories is the following:— 
" That Whereas the peticoners have improvidentlie subscribed to 
a former peticon tendinge to indiscreete caluminies concerning yor 
worpps and the administracon of Justice Wee humbly confess our 
indiscreete and calumnous phrases and espression inserted in that 
peticon were not contrived by us nor so well understood untill this 
psent And doe therefore desire this our acknowledgmt may be 
accepted and the peticoners from henceforth may be at quiet. And 
your peticoners pray &c. ". 

MAKING OF MALT RESTRICTED. 

The making of malt was restricted owing to the scarcity of 
corn at that time, and very stringent orders were issued as to its 
sale. 

A DEVIZES MAN'S TESTIMONIAL. 

We the Maior & other the Burgesses & Inhabitants of the 
aforesd Borough, whose names are here under written Doe hereby 
Certifie That Alexander Archer labourer was borne and bredd up in 
the said Borough and hath there inhabitated & abode from his birth 
hitherto during all wch tyme he hath demeaned himselfe well & 
honestly & hath allwayes maintayned himself his wife & children 
by his labour & industry and hath not at any time heretofore ben 
spotted or accused of any felony, petty larceny or any such like 
crime for ought we know or can heare of (other than the matter 
alleadged agst him at this Sessions) In testimony whereof we have 


sett our hands the third day of January Anno Dmi 1647.^ Neither 
hath the said Alexander Archer any way misdemeaned himselfe at 
any tyme since he was bound over to appeare at this Sessions. 

(Signed) JOHN STEVENS. Maior. 
(but no other signatures). 

BAD TIMES AT POTTERNE. 

The humble peticon of the inhabitants of the parish of Potterne 
Sheweth that the pishe of Potterne for theis many yeares past, and 
at this psent is very full of poore people, insomuche that we the 
inhabitants there are not able of ourselves (wthout the helpe of 
others) to give them reliefe as the Lawe requireth or as charyty 
bindeth us, for theis reasons for that the ffarme land lyeth still and 
untitled, whereby the poore have lost the benefitt of gleaninge of 
corne in the harvest tyme wch heertofore have yeilled them much 
comfort, and gentlemen there left of howskeepinge together wth 
the want of worke wch did much ease the parish Nowe the burthen 
beinge growne soe great that we the inhabitants since theis distempered 
tymes have soe much suffered in our estates and are 
become soe weake that unles some speedy course be taken towards 

their relief they will pish for want of food. Our humble peticon 
therefore is that forasmuch as the tithing of Worton wthin the said 
pish is not charged with many poore and the inhabitants there for 
the most parte are of very good worth that you wilbe pleased to 
make an order that the said Tythinge may contribute towards the 
releif of the said poore of Potterne as in the judgment of this Court 
shalbe thought most fitt, and as in duty bound &c. 

Signed by Jo. Harvest. 
Wm. Rooke Sen. 
Wm. Trymnell. 
Tho. Lye Sen. 
Wm. Lye. 
Phillipp Smyth. 

SCARCITY OF CORN. 

An Order to restrict the use of barley for Malting. 
Quarter Sessions Act 17th Oct. Anno Regni Regis Carole xxiij. 
" Whereas this Court hath taken into consideracon the great 


scarcity of all sortes of corne & Grayne wthin this County As alsoe 
the great Complaynt & Crye of the poore people for the inordinate 
Inhansinge & buyinge up of Barly & converting the same into Mault 
by the Multiplicitye of Maulsters soe that the poore people cannot 
have corne for their money but are like to perish for want of Bread 
for pvencon whereof this Cort doth Declare & order that Cornelius 
Barrett of Dunhead being a Maulster shall be Restrayned for 
twelve monthes nowe next ensuinge. And that he may buy noe 
greater Quantityes of Barly in any ffayres or Marketts. wthin this 
County to convert into Mault than Eight Bushells weekly unles this 
Court shall see cause to alter the same. And it is alsoe ordered 


that he shall not sell nor utter any of the mault to any unlicensed 
Alehouse keep, And that he shall not doe any act against the statute 
made agst fore stallers Ingrossers or Regrators 

Some further very stringent orders as to the sale of barley and 
corn in the markets and fairs were issued a month later, so that 
the poor people should have the first chance of buying. 

The Inhabitants of Warminster send the following petition: 
" Humbly sheweth that there are many Maultsters living in the said 
Towne & neere to the same wch have sufficient meanes & trades 
(wch they use) to maintaine them. And in regards of the greate 
dearthe of corne wee beseech yor Worpps to comisserate the distressed 
condicon of the poore people and to afford unto them some 
comfort (to prevent unlawful acts) as some of yor worpps being 
eye witnesses of their late uncivill accons on Satterday last, by 
suppressing those maulsters dureing this tyme of Dearth (the 
names of which said maulsters are under written) and we all (as in 
duty bound) shall ever pray &c. " . 

Johan Shergoll of Warminster, Wido having £40 p. ann. 
Elinor Rawlins vidt of the same baker 
William Presse of the same Draper 
William Adlam of the same Cordwayner 
Mr Payne of Deverell Longbridge being a maultster in Hindon. 
Edward Tyse of Hindon. Channdler. 
William Hobbes of Deverell a man of great estate 
Richard Starre of Crockerton, draper haveing great meanes. 
Christopher Gardner of Tinhead gent ^10 0 p ann, 
Ambrose Chappell of Northe Bracilie haveing great meanes. 
John Taunton of Westbury Clothier. 
Zacharias Baylie of the same Baker. 
Edward Martin of Steeple Ashton gent. 
Thomas Boorne of Meere. 
To the above is added : < ( all supprest, in defalt the next Justice 

to send the pties to gaole ". 

A HUMBLE APOLOGY. 
With reference to the Action of the Justices concerning the 
Maltsters that was appealed against by the inhabitants of Westbury 
(see pp. 180-181) , the following apology is interesting :— 
" The humble peticon of John Gun a prisoner in the gailors 
Ward Humbly sheweth—That yor peticoner is heartily sorie for 
that hee so inconsiderately (through misinformacon & often importuning) 
did write so ignominious a peticon for the Inhabitants of 
the hundred of Westbury. And being a verie poore man (on whom 
God hath conferd 1 0 children) doth humbly beseech your worpps 
(in the bowels of mercie) to remitt his said inconsiderate act, and 
the peticoner for the future doth promise to be more cautious & as 
in dutie bound shall even to the period of his life humbly pray &c. ". 
(Signed) JOHN GUN who importuned to have the 
said peticion drawne. 


QUARTER SESSIONS HELD AT MARLBOROUGH. 
Oct. 5. 

This roll contains a large number of indictments, many presentments 
of " hiewayes & Bridges " that want repairing, but the 
reports for " failing to attend Church " are much fewer than in 
some of the other rolls. 

DAMMING THE RIVER. 

Richard Sadler of Wroughton is presented " for rearing of 
the water, belonging to his Mill at Wroughton above the anncient 
bounds and meeres of his mill to the annoyance of the highway 
in Wroughton & annoyance of the mill that is above him in 
Wroughton ". 

UNEMPLOYABLE. 

Wee present William Arenold, Stephen Arenold, John Brode 
and Barnabas Baker for living at home in Great Bedwin out of 
service having noe imployment, being all of them single men. 

PERMITTED TO BUILD AT LYDDINGTON. 

Liddington Coate At the Court baron or Mannr of Sharington 

Et Medb : Talbot Esquier of the mannor afforesaid 
there held the xxx day of March in the xxiijth yeare of the raigne 
of or Sovraigne Lord Charles &c. &c. 

At this Court of the Said Sharington Talbot at the humble 

suite of the homage on the behalf of John Mathewes the sonne 

of William Mathewes hath grannted to the said John Mathewes 

licence & leave to erect and buyld in some convenyent place uppon 

the wash of the said mannor a cottage for the habitation & dwell


ing howse of the said John his wife and children so as the said 

cottage after the tyme of the buyldinge be imployed for the haba


tacon of pore people borne or chargeable to the pish at Liddington 

and to noe other use or purpose. The said place to be appointed 

by the homage & pishners of Lyddington. 

The like suite is made by the said Homage on the behalfe of 

William Richardson to erect and buyld another cottage wch leave 

& licence is granted accordingly. 

The above is signed by Shar: Talbot and some twenty others. 

This is followed by a letter from Sharington Talbot, addressed : 

" For my loving friends the Justices of Peace for the Countie of 

Wilts this—Present— 

" Gent: I have beene solliceted by this bearer William Hawkes 

to give him leave for the setting up a Cottage upon my Common 

in Cote being within the Parrish of Lyddington which I have 

granted him by the desire of my Tenants in regard hee was borne 


in the Parrish and had his howse burnt downe by fyer. This upon 
his earnest request, I certifye to you & rest 
" Your very loving friend 

" From Lyddington SHAR : TALBOT. 
" this last of March 1647 ". 

HOUSE OF CORRECTION AT MARLBOROUGH. 

The humble Peticon of the Mayor & Burgesses of the Towne 
of Marlbrough to the Justices of the Peace at Quarter Sessions. 
Shew 

That whereas by order of the Sessions holden for the said 
County the xiijth of July Anno 6 Ca : The Some of 1200 ^ was to 
be raised throughout this County for the reedifieing of the howse 
of Correccon att the Devizes & erecting 3 other howses of Correccon 
wth in this County : and the said Towne of Marlebrough To 
thend they might have the use and service of such of those howses 
as by vertue of the said order is built att Marlebrough for that 
Devision in Comon wth that pte of the County, did contribute the 
some of &£ towards the said 1200^ and expended xx^ at least in 
pulling downe & removing poore cottages from the place where 
the said howse of Correccon is now built. 

Yet forasmuch as the said Towne of Marlebrough (being an 
exempt Corporacon from the County and holding Sessions by 
themselves) cannot command the use & service of the said howse 
of Correccon wth out further order from yor Worpps. 

Yor petners humbly pray you to be pleased to give such order 
to that effect as to yor wlsdomes shall seeme meete. And yor 
petners shall daylie pray &c. 

It was ordered that Jo : Parry the Master of the howse of 
Corr : of Marlebrough doe receve from the towne of Marlebrough 
such prisoners as they shall send thither and to be there kept at 
their charge. 

SELLING ALE ON SUNDAYS AT HILMARTON. 

To the Right worpll the Kings Maties Justices of the Peace for 
the Division of the Hundred of Kingsbridge in the County of Wilts. 

The humble petition and Certificate of the Inhabitants of 
Hilmarton. 
Humbly Sheweth— 

That there hath been an Ordinance of Parliament lately set 
forth for the due observacon of the Lords day wch hath beene 
accordingly reade in the Parish Church of Hilmarton by our 
Minister and after the reading thereof, Walter Jordon—Ale seller 
(whose house is neere the parish Church) hath beene warned offtentimes 
by our Minister and Tythingmen not to sell ale or beare on 
that day to any, Notwithstanding, the sayd Walter Jordon hath 
and doth on every Lords day keepe typling and sell ale as on other 
days to ye great dishonour of God and the phinacon of the 
Lords Day. 


Yor petitioners whose hands are subscribed therefore doe 
humbly beseech yor Worships to take this into yor consideracon 
and wth all to take notice of the unfittnes of the place for any Ale 
house, in regard our village is noe usuall way for passengers to 
any Markett Towne, and that untill of late there was never knowne 
any Lycensed house wth in our parish. And yor petitioners shall 
ever pray &c. 

(Signed) JAMES WEALSHE, 
vie. pro. tempore. 
and thirty others. 
A note added says " pd xs to the poore, dismissed, & fined xs 
for suffering 3 of the inhabitants on the sabbath day ". 

INCENDIARISM BY SOLDIERS OF DEVIZES CASTLE. 

The humble petition of Joane Gouldinge als Valentine of the 
Devizes widdowe. 

Humbye sheweth that whereas the Kings Matie Souldiers 
then Possessinge the Castle of the Devizes uppon the Entringe in 
of the parliament fforces yor petitioners House standinge opposite 
the said Castle did Burne downe to the grounde your petitioners 
Dwelling Howse and all her goods & Houshould stuffe therein with 
a mill Howse and Mault Mill. And all her Outhowses to the value 
of Twoe hundred & Twenty pounds Your petitioner being then & 
nowe a widdowe & hath fower Children, and noe other meanes to 
live by but the Howse and Mault Mill, and not able of herselfe to 
Build it againe, did petition the Judges at the last Assisses who 
directed yor petitioner to addresse herselfe to this Courte to be 
releved as in yor wisdomes you should think fitt. 

Yor petioner Humble desire is that yor worpps will comisser


ate yor poore petitioners deplored estate & yor petitioners will ever 

pray for yor health & happiness. 

Note added says " $ £ to be paid by the Treasurer out of the 

first monie he shall receive 

Quarter Sessions held at Devizes. 27 April. 

This is a fairly large roll, with many indictments, but contains 

only a few items of general interest. A number of Tythingmen and 

Constables ask to be relieved of their office and others substituted. 

CHRISTOPHER CROMWELL TO BE TYTHINGMAN. 

The Tythingman of Westwood and Iford, John Godwin, 

makes the following request:— 

" That whereas the Tythingmen of Westwood & Iford have 

usually heretofore ben chosen at the Courts there holden by ye 

Deane and Chapter of Winchester, who being sequestred & noe 

Court there kept yor petnr was made Tythingman by Order of the 

Sessions holden at Sarm Anno 1643 and hath hitherunto continued 

in the said office. And the parishioners there have by writing under 


theire hand chosen Xpofer Cromwell to be Tythingman for this 
year now next coming ". He then asks that Cromwell may be 
sworn accordingly, and he was duly appointed to serve. 

FIRE AT PEWSEY. 

The humble peticon of John Ashton Pewsey. 

*' Humbly sheweth that he having sustained losse by fire to the 
value of 250^ , the Quarter Sessions holden at Sarm at Christmas 
last past were please to grannt theire Certificate for the obtaining 
of a Patent for the colleccon of the Charity of well disposed people 
towards his reliefe But the Great Seale being not yet gayned yor 
petnr is delayed & his family in great necessity 

He then goes on to ask the Justices to " signe a writing under 
yor hands whereby yor petnr may collect the Charity of well disposed 
people wth in this County untill the Greate Seale may be 
obtained. And yor petnr will pray &c. ". 

This is followed by a certificate signed by 18 of the inhabitants 
of Pewsey, headed by Oliver Nicholas, Knight; Humphrey 
Chambers minister, Edmund Sumerset and others setting forth 
the extent and value of the damage done. 

DISCOURSE IN LAVINGTON CHURCH. 

The following is unfortunately torn at the edge, and part of 
it is missing: 

The humble petition of Lavington in the C 
Humbly sheweth That whereas yor petitoner was presented unto 
the Vic ... . By the High Court of Parliament under the Broad 
Seale of England and had severall times passed the examination 
of the Assembly of Divines converted in Synod & hath indevored to 
discharge his ministeriall functiall according to the trust reposed 
in him hath notwithstanding beene severall times molested by some 
of his intemperate parishioners, and lately on the 29th of this 
instant month was publickly opposed in the Church in poynt of 
doctrine by Thomas Barley, immediately in the churchyard by John 
Whatley to the greate disturbance of him, of his parish & the 
diserputation of the Gospell Wherefore may it please yor Honours 
to afford him such releife as may produce a Christian Peace. 

A footnote says: "It fell out to be but a discourse in the 
Church—Noe order 

A GOOD MAN. 

Another petitioner begins thus (no place mentioned) :<— 

" There is noe house for Justice nor city for Strong but may 
soone be overthrown by hatred & dissencon. It is concerning an 
house from whence this ariseth, and being borne not only for ourselves 
but allsoe to healpe or bretheren in any thing that is just 
and lawfull, doe give to all christian people to whom these presents 
shall come to understand That the bearer hereof Alexander Sessions 


our neighbor having bought a small plot of ground wth in our Lordshippe 
& having erected a poore cottage upon the same wth his 
owne proper goods gotten by his greate paynes and industry & 
having bin heretofore vexed & troubled for the same from Tyme to 
tyme to his greate hindrances & impoverishing of him & his poore 
famelie & being nowe agayne presented for the same, though 
notwthstanding it hath bin ordered by the bench at the Devyses, 
having answered to the same presentment allsoe, before the Lord 
Chieffe Barron at Warminster. Therefore desiring to have a 
certificate from us, of his life & manner of livyng, we doe certifie 
that he hath dwelt among us for the space of ix or x yeares & hath 
behaved himselfe all this tyme well & orderly in the sight of all men, 
being chargable to noe man but alwayes readie and willing to doe 
all men what good he can according to his ability. And this much 
we shalbe readie to testifie whensoever we shalbe thereunto called 
upon. In witness hereof we have put to our name the 19th day of 
March in the fifth yeare &c. &c. 

(Signed) Elias Edwards, minister (& ten others). 

THE FALSE INDICTMENT OF EDITHA WILLIS. 

The last Sessions saving one. 

'' Mr Drew said att ye bench we being poore & of a low estate 
that it was not best for us to goe onward in lawe & soe we being 
poore could not have justice for or greevance since this by ye setting 
on of some ye compacted company by one Robert Ruddle of Stert, 
husbandman (being our adversary) I was very much abused & 
beaten 3 times wch we can make plainlie appeare to yor worships 
& since ye said Robert Ruddle hath threatned me that I shall be 
worse use then ever I was & that he would rid ye Parish of us 
though it didcost him 40 ^ & that he would make us flee the 
country wch we have sufficient witness for it; some of this compacted 
company have spoild us & eaten up our gease these i6teen 
yeares & since that they had robd us within doores & without wch 
they have confessed & we have had two warrants for them, one 
warrant from Mr. Edward Earnley of Ashlinton & thother from Sir 
John Earnley of Whettom wch warrant is yet in the Constables 
hand & it is not yet served. Robert Ruddle our adversary served 
me into Wilton Court & when it came to ye tryall of a judgment 

I borrowed money & laid it down to him & tould him yt if I owed 
him any money he should take his due but he could make no debt 
appeare nor tooke never a pennie; for speaking for justice for this 
our greevance this compacted company have indited me into the 
sessions for a common scould & it hath cost us much even to our 
utter undoing. The said Robert Ruddle did confesse in the presence 
of Mr. Richard Gilbert of a lamentable abuse that ye said Robert 
Ruddle did to me Edith Willis ye wife of Willm Willis we have 
witnesse to prove his confession & for want of the knowledge of 
inditing a bill we could not try the suite. 

" We do humbly entreat yor worships for gods cause to consider 
how lamentably we have binne abused by this compacted 


company & that we may have a right examinacon of this compacted 
company 
Yor poore petitioners 
William Willis & Edith Willis his wife. 

LICENCE FOR A BADGER. 

Wiltes Sessions. Know all men by these psents That at the 
Genall Quarter Sessions of the peace of the aforesaid County 
holden at Warminster in the same County the one and Twentieth 
day of June in the ffourteenth yeare of the Raigne of Or Sovaigne 
Lord Charles by the grace of God &c. before Sir Henry Ludlow 
Sir George Aylyffe knight, Charles Hoare, John Penruddocke, 
Robert Hide, Tho. Lambert & others Justices of the Peace— 
Edward Smyth of Wyly in the aforesd County husbandman is 
licensed and allowed to be a Comon Badger Lader Kidder (Kiddier 
= huckster) Carrier buyer & seller of Butter & Cheese in the open 
ffayres & Marketts of Salisbury Warminster Hindon Lavington 
fforum and Devizes in the aforesaid County (and not else where) 
in the same County for & during the Terme of one whole yeare 
now next ensueing & noe longer. Provided allwaies that the said 
Edward Smyth shall not by force & colour of his patent licence 
forestale, Ingross, or regrate in any of the ffaires & Marketts 
aforesaid nor doe any act or acts thinge or things whatsoever 
contrary to the Statute made against fi'orestallers ingrossors or 
Regrators. In Wittness whereof we the Justices of the Peace of 
the aforesaid County whose names are subscribed psent at the said 
Sessions have hereunto sett their hands & Seales the Day and yeare 
aforesaid. 

(Signed) Jo. Penruddok (seal an anchor), Tho. Lambert (seal 
a bird) Robert Drew (seal a bull's head) William Wallye (seal 
gone). 

THE ANCIENT WEAVERS OF WESTBURY. 

The humble peticon of the ancient Weavers of the pish of 
Westbury Sheweth that not wthstanding the manifold wholsom 
and good lawes and Statutes wch hath formerly been established 
for the preservacon and ordering of the trade or occupacon of 
weaving as that none should have liberty to exercise the same himselfe 
unlesse he had served an Apprentishipp thereunto the full 
terme of Seaven yeares and attayned to the full age of 24 Soe it 
is nowe that divers who formerly hath bin bound prentice eyther 
to parents or Master have in these disordered tymes contrary to 
theire dutie forsaken theire parents and masters under the colour 
of following the Warres wch being ended they now do not only 
refuse to serve out theire tyme, but before they comto the age of 
18 or 20 yeares they betake themselves to mariage and gayning a 
loonies worke for themselves, the ancienter weavers are manie 
tymes by put besid of their worke and somtymes the Master under



crept by him who should be his servant by reason whereof the 
trade is like to com to utter ruine. 

The petition then asks the Justices to " set us in such a course 
as your wisdom in Justice shall think for ordering of such as are 
refrectory and preventing of others who may otherwise grow 
stubborn in the same kind 

This is signed by 23 weavers and five others. 

DEVIZES WEAVERS' COMPLAINT. 

The weavers in the Devizes district send the following :— 

" Humbly complayning sheweth That not wth standing ye good 
& holsom lawes of or land for ye keepinge of youth in subjection 
unto their pents (parents) and masters by wch they are bound to 
serve apprentices until they com to ye age of 24 yeares yet in thes 
distracted and distempered times there bee divers who neyther regarding 
ye lawes of god not man; wch before they attaine ye age 
of twenty or yet eighteen as sonne as they are able to doe them 
any pleasure by theire service wch have brought them upp, have 
abandoned & left theire service & dewty'to theire prents & Mr, 
runinge into some arme or garrison & having been there a small 
season doe ever after refuse to returne to theire sayd service 
especially if the times of the trade bee good, but doe worke as 
journeymen, & divers of them do obtaine a lombes worke, gett 
them wives and children before they bee out of theire apprentishipp, 
when if it shall please god to visit them with sickness but 
a month, or that it shall happen to be a dampe in trading a small 
time, Then are they not only a burthen to theire prents & to ye 
place of theire aboad, But alsoe are the cause that such weavers 
wch have served theire apprentishipp & are growne ancient in 
theire old age are scanted of theire former worke and imployment 
& are thereby exposed to much slavery & misery ". They then go 
on to ask the Justices to " putt us in sum such corse as yor worshippes 
shall thinke fitt to reduce such as are refractory & keepe 
others from runinge in to ye like unlawful corse so shall our occupation 
obtaine its former pviledges & we wch are old and our 
posterity have cause to pray for yor psperity heere & for yor everlasting 
happiness hereafter 

This is not signed, but a note says " Noe order 

AN EVICTION. 

The following, though not a Quarter Sessions appeal, is 
amongst the papers of this roll. 
To the Right Worplls the Commissioners for the Peace sitting 
at the petty sessions at Swindon. 
The humble petition of henry spackman Coppersmith inhabitant 
of the parish of lidiard millisent. 

Sheweth that your petitioner haveing been borne and allwayes 
lived in the said parish of lidiard milisent unto this day and likewise 
his mother being adged of 80 yeares livemg with him being 


releived by the parish and also his wife with five smale children 
are to be all turned out of doares within this fort nig-ht and being 
alltogether destitute of a habitation there being none voyde throw-
out the saide parish to be rented. 

Your petitioner humbly desireth your worshipps to take it into 
your Charitable considerations and ordaine some voyde plot of 
waste grounde where on he might erect a cottage or habitation for 
himself his mother wife and children and he shall allwayes pray 
for your worshipps health with happiness both in this world and 
that which is to come. 

A note added says " allocatur 

COLLECTION FOR RELIEF OF THE PLAGUE 
IN DEVIZES. 


The humble peticon of the Constables of the Hundreds of 
Swanborough, Potterne & Canyngs, Elstubb and Everleigh, Calne 
and Whorlesdowne. 

" Humbly sheweth that about June 1644 there was a great 
sickness of the plague of pestilence in the Devizes in this County 
of Wilts. And that the inhabitants wth in fyve myles compasse of 
the said.Towne were chardged wth a weekly taxe for their releif for 
three monthes space, but by reason of great trouble and taxes laide 
on this County by the Kings party whoe were possessed of the same 
there was lesse uncollected of the money chardged on those five 
hundreds the sume of 180^". In the month of July 1646 at the 
Sessions held at the Warminster it was ordered that the hundred 
of Melksham should joyne wth those 5 hundreds for the paymt of 
the said 180/ " and to be delivered unto Mr Mayor & Tho. Kent 
gent lyvinge in the Devizes. Nowe wee the aforesaid constables 
did send forth warrants accordinge to the said order directed to the 
pety constables & tithingmen wth in those hundreds chardginge 
them to collect and gather the i8o£ accordinge to their severall 
proporcons wch not being don wee, the said constables doe all stand 
indicted at the last Sessions held at this City of Sarn the xiith of 
January 1646 some of wch constables came into their office this 
psent yeare and knowe not what was gathered thereof nor what 
is behind nor the persons wch are to pay. May it therefore please 
yor good Lopps take order that the old officers may pass their 
accomptes upon the same and that yor peticoners may be dischardged 
from our Indictments and to take such further order as 
in yor good Lopps wisdome shall thinke most fitt considering the 
intollerable burthens of our office the danger of our lives and goods 
in theise distracted times & yor peticoners will ever pray &c. ". 

To this is added in another handwriting :— 

" I desire 2 or more of the nexte Justices of the peace to 
consider of the colour of this peticon & to do therein what they 
concevve to be right & just 

Jo. GODBOLD. 

(He was the Judge). 


POUND BREACHES. 
Misdemeanours comitted by Philippe Doale. 


1 Philippe Doale sawed off a Rayle of the pound. 
2 Philippe Doale made another Poundbreach. 
3 Henry Doale and Elizabeth Doale, sonne 8$ daughter of Philippe 


Doale made another pound breach Aprill 8th 1647. 

RESCUES FROM POUND. 

1. 
Philippe Doale & his two sonnes John & Henry rescued theire 
sheepe from our sworne Hay ward & John Hampton April 
14th 1647. 
2. 
Henry Doale rescued his sheepe from our sworne Hayward 
April 22nd 1647. 
3. 
John Doale & Elizabeth Doale sonne & daughter of Philippe 
Doale rescued theire sheep from Thomas Amor since the 
22th of this instant Aprill. 
SAME FAMILY ACCUSED OF SHEEP STEALING. 

The humble Peticon of the Inhabitants of Cheverell Magna 
whose names are here under written Humbly sheweth That 
whereas Philippe Doale of Earlestoke shepheard neare adjoyning 
unto Cheverell hath ben twice arraigned at the barre & once burned 
on the hand and is a very subtile notorious evill member neare unto 
us and he & his sonnes are usuall rescuers of sheepe from the pound 
& usuall pound-breakers. And yor peticoners have yearely and 
from tyme to tyme lost theire best sheepe out of theire ffoulds & 
comons. And since Allhallowtide last yor petrs have lost xxxtie 
sheepe & doe nowe watch theire sheepe evry night. But those 
men whose sheepe the said Doale doth keep have lost noe sheepe 
at all, neither doe they watch theire sheepe as yor petnrs do. And 
yor petnrs doe vehemently suspect the said Philipp Doale to be 
the party that is guilty of the pmisses by reason that he hath ben 
taken in one of yor petrs ffouldes at x of the clock at night, having 

a staffe of seaven foote long, & by reason of many other mayne 
circumstances wch yor petrs are ready {& doe sweare heare) to 
relate unto you. And unless some course be taken wth him yor 
petrs are in a maner utterly dismayed from having or keeping any 
sheepe at all. 

Yor petrs humbly pray yor worpps to be pleased that the said 
Doale may be bound over to the good behaviour hopeing thereby 
that the said Doale wilbe somewhat restreyned from his evil courses 
and yor petrs possess theire sheepe & goods is a more safe and 
quiet way. And yor petrs will ever pray &c. 

The above is signed by 23 persons. 

STEALING HONEY. 

The confession of Daniell Collins of Coombe Bissett aged tenne 
yeares or thereabouts Whoe beinge examined confesseth & said 


that about the third of ffebruary last about an hour after it was 
nig-ht he and one Mary Burden spinster went into the close of 
John Bryne att Coombe & the said Mary did then with a knife cutt 
of three of the Bee potts there wherein was honey & did then take 
away out of the three bee potts neere about one pint of honey. And 
this examinate had neere aboute one halfe of it wch he caryed 
home to his mothers house & there hid it in his bedstrawe. And the 
other half the said Mary carryed horn to her fathers house. He 
further saith that both he and Mary did agree to steale this honey 
& that his brother William Collins did bid him say that goodwife 
Burden should bid them have an eye that John Bryne did not take 
them there. 

1648. 

Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough Oct. 3. 
This roll contains little of interest. The following are perhaps 
those most worthy of transcribing: — 

A CRUEL MASTER. 

To the Worll his Maties Justices of the Bench. 

The humble peticon of Christian Lawrence of Warminster 
Sheweth that Richard Alford bound his Sonne Richard (the 
peticoner being grandmother to the boy) apprentice unto William 
Townesend to whom the peticoner gave 40s. in consideracon with 
her said nephew and the father of the apprentice gave a tuke fiocke 
bed wth a coverlid & a paire of blanketts wch said apprentice (who 
is but 9 years of age) lived wth his Mr neere aboute halfe a yeare 
in wch time the said Townesend used merciless cruelty towards his 
apprentice by whipping him laying on (as can certifie one William 
Davis) at one time 60 stripes at the least and as the said Davis 
believes he hath given him 500 stripes in the half yeare, by reason 
of which merciless cruelty the poore tender boy ran from his Master 
and being lately come home the said Townesend most cunningly 
without giveing anie notice to yor peticoner or any friend of the 
boyes repaired to Thomas Bennett Esqre who upon the relacon of 
the said Townesend comitted ye poore boy to ye house of correction 
since wch time yor peticoner hath comuned with Townesend 
touching referring the difference betwixt him and his boy unto two 
substantial! inhabitants of Warminster wch hee utterly refused 
because as is conceived hee intends to detaine ye said goods & 
money & to put of most unjustly his apprentice. 

May it therefore please yor Worpps to comiserate ye poore 
childs miserable condicon and to referre the premises unto the 
inhabitants of Warminster (who know the depositions of Town-
send) and in case the inhabitants cannot compose ye difference then 
to refer it to the next Justices of the Peace. 

Ordered.—The apprentice to be discharged & the money to be 
repaid to the wido Lawrence betwene this and Allsaints. 

o 


LOCAL OPTION FOR LITTLE BEDWYN AND DISTRICT. 

The humble petition of the inhabitants of Little Bedwyn and 
other adjacent parishes whose names are subscribed. 

Humbly sheweth unto your Worpps that there are many alehouses 
in greate Bedwin whereas heretofore there was but one, 
that wee the said inhabitants cannot keepe our servants at home 
but they goe and abide in the Alehouses prophaining the Lords 
day and continue there two or three dayes together spendinge and 
consuminge their money and neglecting their masters business, and 
wth all the keeping up soe many Alehouses doth make soe many 
theeves, who rob and steale to maintaine themselves in money to 
spend lewdly, that wee cannot keepe our sheepe in our folds nor 
in our grounds, whereby our arable lands are uterly decaied, there 
having been stollen from us wth in these three or fower yearers 
last aboute fower or five hundred sheep, soe that we are inforced 
to our greate charg to keepe men to watch in the night otherwise 
we should keepe none at all, and furthermore the Alehouse Keepers 

doe buy stollen wood from lewd persons who cut downe our young 

oakes, our quick sett hedges & coppice woods to brew beare to 

maintaine them in their drunkeness, 

Wee therefore humbly pray that yor Worpps will take the 

pmisses into yor consideracon to put downe all the Alehouses except 

one in the said towne and we shall every pray. 

(Ordered. Report to the next 2 Justices to consider & see the 

statute executed). 

The above is signed by sixteen persons. 

A DISOBEDIENT WATCHMAN. 

Forasmuche as John Maurice, Constable of Castle Combe hath 

taken his corporall oath before me Charles Gore one of the 

Justices &c. 

That on Saturday being the second of this instant September 

he being then in the pformance of his Constableship did in the open 

street of Castle Combe meet wth one Henry Crace of Castle Combe, 

broadweaver, & then & there did warne him to watch the night 

following (being his turn) whereupon Crace asked him for what 

he should watch and wth all did openly & publickly abuse this 

informant in words calling him knave and blood sucker, & also did 

tell him that he did Rifle his house. And this informant further 

saitb that the said Henry was lawfully warned the 26th day of 

August last to watch the night following & did then fayle in the 

pformance of his duty & this informant did afterwards aske him 

why he did fayle in his duty & the said Henry did rayle and abuse 

him for the space of an hour & this informant saith yt he is afraid 

to pform his office, all wch tends to the trampling downe of Justice 

& to the discouraginge of officers in pforming their duties to the evil 

example of others. 

The order then goes to authorise the immediate arrest of Henry 

and to bring him before a Justice of the Peace to be bound over to 


appear at the next Quarter Sessions " and if he refuse soe to doe 
then ymediately to convey him to ffisherton Anger to remain there 
until the next Sessions or until he shall find sureties ". 

And hereof fayle not at yor peril. 
Given att Aldrington under my hande & seale the 18th day of 
Sept. Anno Dmi 1648. 
CHARLES GORE. 

To all & singular Maiors, Bayliffs, Constables, Tythingmen, 
& to all his Maties officers whom it may concerne wthin the said 
County, these. 

Quarter Sessions held at Devizes, April 11 . 1648. 
This is a rather larger roll than usual, and contains many 
interesting details. 

FAILS TO PROSECUTE. 

We psent John Compton of ye Devizes Green to be accessory 
to ffellony (after the fact committed) for that he hath not prosecuted 
the law against John Gifford of Polshott, wch Clifford stole away 
as is said a bushell of Wheete wth a bagge wch wheate & bagge 
the said Compton did find uppon Gifford & took it as his owne and 
caried away part of it but he could not sweare the wheate was his 
owne because it was converted into meale. (The above is signed 
by 18 persons). 

THREE PRESENTMENTS FROM UPAVON. 

We psent William Channdler of Uphaven for stoppinge of a 
Water course at the over end of Kings Close in Uphaven by casting 
up of a bank neere the Carte waye by reason whereof the water 
that comes from the hill cannot passe to the rever to the annoyance 
of the Kings leidge people. 

Wee also psent the same William Channdler for makinge a 
mud wall upon the highe waye in Uphaven joynninge to Channdlers 
Barne towards Russall to the annoyance of the Kings leidge people. 

Wee psent the same William Channdler for casting up of a 
bank of earth in the Kings highe way joynninge to his dwellinge 
house in Uphaven to the annoyance &c. 

Wee psent John Cooke of Luckinton wth in the hundred of 
Chipnam for refusinge to pay vs. 8d. towards repairinge of ye 
Church according to ye ancient custom of ye pish time out of mind. 

Wee psent Benedict Hancock for that he keeping an Inn in 
Bromham refuseth to hange out his signe & topvide lodgin for 
travelers whereby they are forced to lodge wth private houses. 

WATCH AND WARD WANTED. 

Wee psent that there is now no watch^ & ward, whereby idle 
persons takes occasion to robb & steale night times constantly 

02 


wherefore we desire that ye Bench will be pleased to make an order 
that there may be a watch by night duly kept and that there may 
be warrants yssued forth to ye Cunstables of ye severall hundreds 
& liberties that yt may be duly kept in evry pish & tithinge. 
(Ordered accordingly). 

NOWHERE TO LIVE-

The humble peticon of William Marshman Sheweth 

That your peticoner was borne at Maddington and that he 
hath always lived there. That he married a wife from Shrewton. 
That the inhabitants of Shrewton will not permit him to lyve at 
Shrewton. That his father for suffering him to dwell with him was 
fined at the Court held within the Manor of Maddington. That 
unless this honble Bench take pity on him he is like to perish. That 
(he) is willing & hitherto hath wrought hard for to mayntayne himself 
& his family. May it please yor Worpps to tender yor peters 
Distressed condicon to order that he may have some place of aboad 
for him and his, or otherwise to dispose of him as in yor Worpps 
wisdome shalbe thought most convenient. 

(Ordered.—To be sent back & settled at Maddington & there 

to continue & be till Maddington shewe cause to the contrary). 

CARD PLAYING ON SUNDAY AT URCHFONT. 

The humble Peticon of Richard Wall, Minister & other 

inhabitants of Erchfounte. 

Showeth. That William Blanket of Erchfount hath almost one 

whole year sold beare or ale without authority from the Justices 

for the same to the great disturbance of all and griefe of ye well 

affected godly & religious people in Erchfount Did entertaine 

certaine of ye inhabitants there at Cards on ye second of this instant 

Aprill being ye Lords Daye & on Saturdaye ye 8th of ye same to ye 

dishonour of god & prejudice of their wives & families at home. 

We therefore humbly desire & intreat yor worpps to take ye pmises 

into your pious consideracon & restrain him from selling Beare or 

Ale for ever hereafter as the only remedy to prevent many incon


veniences wch otherwise ye whole pish is likely to feele by woefull 

experience. 

(Signed) RICHAR D WALL . Minister ibid & seven others. 

DEVIZES A CORPORATION. 

The humble peticon of William Charmbury, Clerke. 

Sheweth. That whereas one Thomas Alesop hath sworne the 

peace agst your peticoner and yor peticoner oweing Divers sums of 

money & the Divizes being a Corporation yor petnr dares not 

without looseing his liberty appeare before yor Worpps to make his 

defence. 

Yor petnr therefore humbly prayeth the pmisses considered 

that his appearance may be respited until the next Assessions at 


Warminster whether yor petnr may come wth more security & lesse 
danger to his person in respect of his debts. 

OVER RATED. 

The humble peticon of Richard Phelps of Sheldon in the pish 
of Chippenham. 

Humbly Sheweth That about 8 years since he bought an estate 
of Sir Edward Hungerford, Knight of an in 28 acres of inclosed 
ground, be it more or lesse, in Sheldon, being part of the ffarme 
there, and then worth lx£ p ann for wch yor petr was then rated 
towards the reliefe of the poore at 4d. p. moneth. Since wch time 
yor petnr with great cost to the value of 2oo£ hath ymproved the 
said ground & made it worth 40 marks p ann. & now is rated for 
the said ground at xijd. p moneth being 3 tymes as much as was 
before. And yor petnr hopeth that the ill husbandry of others 
shall not be holpen & maintayned by the good husbandry charge & 
ymprovment of yor petnr. 

He humbly prayeth that he may pay & be rated, but according 
to the value at wch it was before the ymprovement (in case you 
think fitt) and in soe doing yor Worpps shall doe to the pishe no 
wrong. 

(Signed) RICHARD PHELPS. 

(Noe Order). 

SERVED UNDER COLONEL LUDLOW. 

The humble peticon of Susan Coles of Mayden Bradley a 
poore distressed widdow & of ffower poore fatherless children. 

Humblye shewinge that yor peticoners husband Henry Coles 
takeinge up of armes in the Parliament service wthin this County 
as a Troop under Captaine William Ludlowe being then a captaine 
of a troop of horse under the comand of Colonel Edmund Ludlowe 
Esqre. And that about three yeares sithence yor peticoners sayd 
husband being then in armes wthin this County in the Parliamt 
sayd service under the comand of Colonel Ludlowe, was slayne at 
Newe Sarum at that tyme when the Lord Goringes army fell upon 
the sayd Colonel Ludlowes regiment sithence wch tyme yor 
peticoner wth her ffower small children hath endured much misery 
and want shee being a very sickly woman & haveing noe other 
meanes left for the mayntenance of her selfe and children but what 
she can of her selfe pvide. 

The petitioner then asks that " some yerely pencon from the 
Treasurer of mayned soldiers towards the releffe of her and her 
children according to the Parliaments most gracious order and 
ordinnance in such case made ". 

To this petition is attached the following :— 

These are to certify that Henry Coles served the Parliament 
under my comand in ye County of Wilts behaving himselfe faythfully 
honestly and valiantly as become a souldier of his quality & 
that he was slaine in the said service leaveing behind a widdow with 


severall smale Children who are fit objects of charity & are hereby 
especially recommended to ye Justices of Peace of ye sayde County 
to be provided for as is directed by ye ordinance of Parliament for 
maimed souldiers & widdowes, by 

Their very humble servaunt 
EDM. LUDLOW E. 
Westminster this 20th of 
December 1647. 
Also there is the following :— 
Theise are to certifye all those whome yt may concerne that 
Henry Coles was in the parliament service and served in my 
Troope under the Comand of Collonell Ludlowe and was slayne in 
the said service at Newe Sarum by the Kings party under the 
command of the Lord Goringe. 
WILL. LUDLOWE. 
It is satisfactory to read that the Justices made enquiries into 
Mrs. Coles' case and paid her ^5 at once and granted a pension 
of 50/ - quarterly to begin the next Summer Sessions. 

COTTAGES FOR DAUNTSEY. 

This roll contains two certificates by Sir John Danvers with 
reference to cottages built on his Manor at Dauntsey. 

To all Christian people to whom this psent writing shall come. 
Sir John Danvers of Chelsey in the County of Midx Kt sendeth 
greeting in our Lord god everlasting. 

Whereas I am informed by a Certificate under the hands of 
the most substantial inhabitants of Dauntesey that William fferis, 
a poore man if an honest life and conversacon hath lately erected 
a cottage in a certaine ground pcell of my Manor of Dauntesey 
where in regard he sits rent free, he maintaines himself and familie 
by his honest labour without any burthen to the parish, which (in 
case he shalbe punished for the said cottage or enforced to seeke 
a house elswhere at a Rent) it is to be feared he will not be able 
to doe Know yee that I the said Sir John Danvers doe as much as 
in mee lyes hereby license and authorise him to continue his habitacon 
in the said Cottage for so long time as the Justices of the 
Peace of the said County of Wilts shall thinke fitt to allow and 
grant him and no longer. In witness whereof I have hereunto sett 
my hand and seale this twelfth day of November in the three and 
twentieth yeare of the Raigne of our soveraigne Lord King Charles 

1647. 

J. DANVERS. 
In the presence of 
THO. YATES. WILL LAWES. 
(Ordered. Allocat during his life.) 



The other certificate in similar lines in favour of Thomas Kitch 
who had built a cottage '' on part of my wast ground in Melksham 
—to which the same permission—to live for the rest of his life is 
given by the Justices. 

These two documents have fine and clear impressions of Sir 
John's seal. It is oval in shape and encloses a shield with chevron 
and three six-pointed stars. Round the shield is SIGIL : DONI : 
D'ANVERS. 1066. 

NO BUTTER OR CHEESE AT LUDGERSHALL. 

The humble peticon of Nicholas Surton of Lurgesall. Humbly 
Sheweth that whereas the parish of Lurgesall is a poore'place & 
a barren soyle, and noe pasture or meadowes grounde there nor 
any where neere there—about. By meanes whereof the inhabitants 
of the said pish & of the Country there, doe stand in great want 
of Butter & cheese. And are desirous to be supplyed therewith 
wthout force travayling for the same. 

Yor petr humbly prayeth yor worpps to be pleased to grannt 
a Lycence to buy & sell butter & Cheese in any of the Marketts & 
fayres wth in this County. And yor petr will ever pray &c. 

(Ordered—Allocat—4 C of Cheese and 4 dozen of butter.) 

TROUBLESOME NEIGHBOURS. 

The humble peticon of certayne of the Inhabitants of Stert and 
others whose names are hereunder written. 
Humbly sheweth & complayneth. 

That William Willis and ,Edith his wife (as well by way of 
comon imbarretry as otherwise) have byn for divers yeares past & 
yet are, comon and notorious disturbers of the peace. That they 
have incited agst theire neghbors divers frivolous & vexatious 
suites, thereby enforceing them to excessive expences. That the 
said Edith is & standeth convicted for a comon scould as appears 
by the records of this Court. 

That they still continue theire litigious & wrangling course. 
That this peticon to this Court pceeds meerly out of a desire 
of neighbourly & peaceable lyving & not for any other respect. 

They doe therefore pray yor wopps to inflict on them such 
punishment as they deserve or otherwise to deale wth them as in 
yor worpps grave wisdome shalbe thought most convenient. 

And they shall pray &c. 

This bears four signatures but has a note added as follows :— 

Whereas I have foremerly ben desired to undertake ye decideing 
of certaine differences between Wm. Willis of Stert and 
Willm Gittings of Erchfount I find that upon examination of Witnesses 
on both sides ye said Wm. Willis through the instigation 
(as I conceive) of his wife who (as I have often heard) is guilty of 
ye aforesaide complaints to be very much averse from a peaceable 
life. 

(Signed) RICHARD NAB. 


SUFFERED FROM BOTH SIDES. 

The humble peticon of Thinhabitants of Westport (Malmesbury) 
whose names are here subscribed. 

Right Worp for asmuch as our said pish is growne very poore 
and much decayed by reason of Constant quartering of souldiers 
on both sides and a great part of our houses and our Church being 
pulled downe and utterly destroyed, and by reason that our towne 
doth stand so neare adjoyninge the Garrison, wee have suffered and 
sustained more than ordinary losses in regard of the abundance 
of souldiers that came continually to the garrison in the evening 
when the gates were shut upp and could not be admytted to enter 
into the Garrison but wee were constrained to interteine both them 
and theire horses, and in asmuch we have had great Taxations 
ymposed upon us since those tymes and few or no Tradesmen 
amongst us but such as lyve for the most part by spynninge and 
cardeinge wch is very meane especially in these tymes, and being 
but in meane estate before those tymes came and therefore now 
not able to relieve one another. 

May it therefore please yor good Worpps to give orders to 
the Constables of Malmesbury hundred to tax us in all kinds of 
Taxations wch wee are liable to be Taxed by the Rates by ourselves 
as other pishes are wthin the said hundred and according 
as we shall be found in ability for wch we shall ever remain 
thankfull unto you. 

This is signed by the two Churchwardens, two Constables, 
two overseers, and three others who " make their mark ". 

RAIDING THE CORN MERCHANTS. 

The humble peticon of William Mathewe one of the Constables 
of the hundred of Melksham. 

Humbly sheweth that whereas divers lewde persons arose in 
a tumultuous way & tooke corne from the owners coming from 
Market whereupon by vertue of a warrant from his Maty Justice 
of the Peace yor Petnr wth divers of the inhabitants of Bulking-
ton (where he liveth) went forth and took about xxvj of the sd 
tumultuous persons at Worton in the hundred of Potterne & 
comynge by pursuite after them from Bulkington where they did 
the fact. And two of those persons (being chiefe actors) being 
ordered by one of his Mats Justices to be carryed to Gaole & 
comitted to yor petnrs to be conveyed thither. And some intelligence 
being given of a rescue intended wch caused your petnr to 
gett the greater ayde, yor petnr in the conveying of them to gaole 
did expend in and lay out the some of £5. 5. And the said felons 
had noe goods of theire owne to helpe convey them thither. 

He then asks that the " some of £5. 5 may be paid him 
Note added : It appeareth that the felons were taken in the pishe 
of Potterne & that place to be at the charge of carr : thence to 
gaole. 


ROBBING OF BACON AND CHEESE &c. 

The informacon of John Prater of Lang-ley, broadweaver, 

given ye 14th day of March 1647 before George Ivye Esqre against 

John Colchester alias Watts charged wth ye suspicon of ye fel


lonious breaking of the house of the said John Prater & wth the 

stealing of Bacon cheese & certain other goods. 

Who saith that on Wednesday being the first day of this instant 
March in ye night time, himselfe & his ffamily being in bedd 
hee had his house broken up, & an whole bacon-hogge taken out 
of a salting trowe & divers cheeses & other goods stolen from 
thence. And pceiving of it ye next morning hee went abroad & 
going along ye way hee heard by chance one John Necke reprove 
Joseph Colchester als Watts brother to the said John for that hee 
came to worke no rather (= earlier) telling of him yt hee lay sleeping 
so long by ye fire all night, that he could not rise in the 
morning, to whom he replied that hee himself went to bedd early, 
but his brother John came to bed not above two houres before 
day, whereupon having a Jealousie least the said John Colchester 
als Watts might bee the man that broke upp his house, repaired 
toa Justice of the Peace for a Wart to search for ye goods hee 
had lost, and to apphend the body of ye said John Colchester als 
Watts. And having searched his mothers house, & found nothing 
there, he went to Brembhill to search the house of one Thomas 
Wheeler whose daughter the sd John Colchester als Watts had 
married & wth whom his wife then lived. And when they came 
thither and comanded them to open the doore the sd Wheelers wife 
would suffer none but ye officers to come in but stood att ye doore 
wth an hatchett in her hand, threatening to kill whosever else 
should offer to come in and further saith yt one John Aland on 
ffriday last found 4 or 5 of this informants cheeses hidd under an 
hay-ricke of his about a mile from this informants house, & neare 
ye way from thence to Brembhill where ye sd Colchester his wife 
now liveth. 

(Signed) GEORGE IVYE. 

The informacon of William Syddenham of Langley, gent, 

Who saith yt on Thursday being ye second day of this instant 
March going abroad very early in ye morning about an houre or 
two before day hee mett ye sd John Colchester als Watts coming 
from-wards John Praters house towards his mothers house wth a 
white cloak under his arme wth something wrapped up in it, but 
what it was he knoweth not. 

(Signed) GEORGE IVYE. 

The informacon of Joseph Colchester als Watts of Langley in 
ye pishe of Kington St. Michael weaver— 

Who saith yt hee is brother to ye aforsd John Colchester als 
Watts & that they live both together in their mothers house att 
Langley & doe usually lye together & also saith yt that same night 
when John Praters house was broken up, hee, this informant went 
to bed about 8 or 9 of ye clocke & left his aforesd brother sitting 


by ye fire, who came nott to bedd unto him untill about an houre 
or two before ye breake of ye day as he this informant believeth, 
but whether it were more or lesse he cannot certainly tell because 
hee fell asleepe afterwards neither doth he know where his brother 
was that night but saith that he believeth that hee either went to 
Brembhill to his wife or else slept by ye fire. 

(Signed) GEORGE IVYE. 
The examinacon of John Colchester als Watts of Langley, 
weaver, taken ye 14th day of March 1647 being charged with the 
suspicion &c. &c. 
Who being asked where he was on Wednesday night the first 
day of this instant March being ye same night wherein John 
Prater's house was broken up, said that he was att home att his 
mothers house in Langley & there continued all ye night & being 
further asked what time he went to bedd, saith about tenne of ye 
clocke, and that he there lay wth his brother Joseph untill ye next 
morning day-light : and being asked yt if he lay a bedd so long 
how hee could be seene coming from Praters house an houre or 
two before day wth a white cloth under his arme & something in 
it, saith he could not be seene there, for that he was then a bedd. 

(Signed) GEORGE IVYE. 
The prisoner was delivered wth a mittimus to William Dicke, 
Tythingman of Langley. 

Quarter Sessions Jan 9th at New Sarum. 

PRESENTMENTS. 

The presentment of the Jury for the hundred of Amesbury. 

Wee psent the Cage, blindhouse, stocks and pillory in Lurger


shall to be in defalt and one to be repaired by George Brown Esqre 

Lord of the Mannor of Lurgershall. 

The Constables of the same hundred present 

To the first article touchinge recusants, we present George 

Browne of Ludgershall, gent, to be a popish recusant having not 

resorted to his pishe Church to devine service there by the space of 

sixe monthes last past to our knowledge. 

HUNDRED OF BRANCH ET DOLE. 

To the 7th article touching high wayes & bridges unrepaired &c 

we present that the West end of the sevall bridges called Crane-

bridge and ffisherton Bridge lyinge within the parish of ffisherton 

Anger are in great decay and as we conceive they ought to be 

repayred by the Inhabitants of the whole Countie of Wiltes. 

And we present that a certaine bridge lyinge wthin the pishe 

of South Newton known by the name of the ffarme bridge comonly 

used for a churchway is in greate decay & as we conceive ought to 

be repayred by the occupiers of the ffarme there knowne by the 

name of Mr. Eyres ff arm, Charles Blacke nowe occupying the same. 


HUNDRED DE CHALKE. 

Wee psent the Lord Baultymore & his Lady both of Semley for 
Popish recusants. 

DOWNTON. 

Wee psent my Lord of Pembroke for not repayring- the mill 
Bridge wthin the parish of Downton. 

DAMERHAM SOUTH. 

To the 9th article touchinge rogues & idle persons lyvinge out 
of service &c wee psent Avis Vincent, Anne Stocke, Joan Everett, 
Sarah & Mary Everett & John Everett for living idly out of service, 
and are entertained by their parents. 

HUNDRED OF UNDER DITCH. 

Wee psent Henry Potter of the Cittie of Newe Sarum for under 
myndinge of the high waye leading Irom Mylford to Amsbury att 
the Lyne Kile neare a place called the Mismase: farther we psent 
the Bridge called Muttens Bridge is still in defauite and ought to 
be repayred by the Countye of Wiltes. 

BIND THEM OVER AGAIN. 

To the Right Woorfl his loving freind Mr William Litleton 
Esq at Sarum, these. 

Sir I would ernestly intreat you if Barthollmew & Arnold & 
brod do apear at yor Sessions, wch you bound over, that you wilbe 
pleassed to move the benche that they may be bound over to their 
good behavier for they are comon night walkers & stealing of 
conies as they confessed them selves upon their examinacons before 
you wch I hope wilbe a sufficient cause to hav them bound over 
again. I am so much wrought by theis peeple of great bedwyn that 
I can not kepe my shepe conies nor poultry, but they steale all 
thinges from me as much as they can. I would intreat you to do 
what you can for me in this bussines for wch I shall think my sealf 
much boound to you. So wth my du respecks remembred to you, 

I rest yor assured loving frend 

to Comand Edward Hungerford. 

Cheesebury this 9th Janiafi '48. 

EVICTED. 

The humble peticon of William Dallary nowe of Stratford 
under the Castle of Old Sarum. 

Sheweth that yor petr being a maymed souldier in the service 
of the Kinp-e & Parliament (as by good testimonials he is able to 
shewe) hath lived by the space of divers yeares last past in Stratford 
and is nowe threatened to be throwne out of doores wth his 
wife and children and is denied to be intertained in the Cittie of 
Newe Sarum where he formerly dwelt. 


He therefore most humbly peticioneth yor good Worps to be 
pleased by order of Sessions soe to settle yor petrs habitacon as 
yor wisdome shall seeme meete. 

And yor petr shall pray &c. 

CURE FOR THE KING'S EVIL; A FAILURE. 

The humble peticon of Grace Stokes wife of Henry Stokes of 
ffisherton Anger, glasier. 

Humbly Sheweth That whereas yor petr by an indenture 
bearing date ye xth day of ffebruary in ye xxiijth yeare of his Mats 
Raigne that nowe is, did take as an apprentice one Susanna Candby 
daughter in lawe of one William Locke of Wily husbandman (The 
agreement was for a term of three years) Which said apprentice 
was at the day of the date of ye said indenture and nowe also is 
extreamely troubled with a disease called the Evill Which when yor 
peticoner perceived asked her how long she had bin troubled with 
it, as also whither she was cured of it, Whoe wth one John Starre 
of Wyly (whoe on the parte and behalfe of the said William Locke 
& Arculus his wife, as alsoe by his pcurement caused the said 
apprentice to dwell), yor petr answered that she had bin with the 
King and was cured and did amend. But ever since that ye said 
apprentice hath continued with yor Petr it hath proved contrary 
for she hath bin and nowe is soe vehemently troubled wth ye said 
disease That she is not able to helpe herselfe and is almost ready 
to perish for want of Cure, to ye greate griefe and damadge of 
yor poore petr. 

In tender consideracon whereof and for yor petnr hath a 

greate chardge of howse and children and is not able to subsist by 

reason of the greate chardge she hath bin at the same, yor petnr 

humbly prayeth That yor Worpps would be pleased to take ye 

premises into yor serious consideracon, & according as you shall 

think fitt to take some speedy course that yor petnr may be eased. 

And yor petnr wth her family shall ever pray &c. 

A PLEA AGAINST THE ALEHOUSES IN UPAVON. 

The humble petition of ye Minister of ye parish of Uphaven 

for and in behalfe of the rest of his parish humbly sheweth. 

Worthy Gentlemen, 

My places bindes to entreate you to use your best endeavor 

against ye multiplicity of Alehouses in our Parish of Uphaven 

whereby God Almighty is greately dishonord, his Sabboths pro


faned, Good lawes Contemned, and infinite of youth extreamely 

corrupted, here being (besides three Licensed Victualing houses) 

sometimes 20 and 30 that contrarie to all lawes & prohibitions sell 

daily & keepe meetings in their houses wch in conclusion (if not 

maturely prevented) will prove of dangerous consequence. Your 

good natures, I know do incline you to Mercie, but tis noe mercte 

to suffer so greate abuses. As there is a cruell mercie so there 

is a pious cruelty wch tis well if you would be pleased to embrace, 


especially against this greate corruption of our times, wch if you 
would be ernest and seveare in, would ease the Lord of contempt, 
the state of complaints, Your Contrye of a Burthen & yourselves 
of trouble & danger. There is a greate complaint of Bastardies, 
sheep-stealers, hedgbreakers, quarrellers, and ye like. Would you 
be eased of these diseases? Believe it, they gather in to Alehouses 
as humers doe into ye stomach. Doe you but drive them thence 
with som strong Physick, and you heale our towne and Villages of 
infinite distempers. Soe leaving it to your serious consideracon I 
crave pardon for my boldness, Beseeching God to make you still 
and still to doe worthily in Israel. 

Yours 

In all Christian services to be comanded 

JOHN NEWMAN. Minister of Uphaven. 

A note added says: " Bradley the bayliffe to attend Mr. 
Stephens and Mr. Swanton whoe will examine the pmisses ". 

WATER FLOODS THE GARDENS AT SALISBURY. 

Wee whose names are subscribed and Tenants of the hospitall 
of St. Nicholas nere Sarum for certaine gardens lyeing in ffisherton 
Anger doe hereby signifie unto this present sessions. That wee 
and many others have had and doe nowe suffer much wronge injury 
and losse by meanes of the indundacons and overflowing of waters 
into and over our gardens the winter tymes wch commeth partly 
by the stoppage of the water Course formly cleansed & kept open 
in the close of Sarum betwixt the houses where in Doctor Teat and 
Mr. Cole now dwell and wee desire it may be presented and reformed, 
ffor about 14 yeares since Mr. Bee of Sarum did erect a 
myll in the close of Sarum wch was offensive and upon complaint 
of some the same myll was taken downe. All wch we leave to your 
Consideracons January 10th 1648. 

(Signed) WILLM. COLET (and others). 

A PETITION WITH QUAINT SPELLING. 

ffor the right Worshepfull his maggestes Justesses and others 
of this Corte now sitting. 

The umbell peeteshon and desier of Edmond Portar of Melvord 
bur parechenor to sute Martens Showeth thatt wheare ase your 
peteshonar being in wante and in greate nede of some relefe what 
in your wesdomes shall thinke fett weekeley to bee lowed your 
peeteshonor by some order of thes Corte made to the overseers in 
that bee halfe acordinge ase nesesetey doe requier hee beinge of 
great age neare fouer skore ore upward and his wife beinge aged 
and the Lord haveing laid his hand ine her by sicknes neare thes 
to yeares laste paste soe that your peteshenors are in greate wante 
nowe and the more obgectes of your petey seinge thay were 
allwayes hard laborars and oneste pepell a jasente to them thes 
fewe lines wee hope your worshopes will conseder and a pointe 


some speedey Relefe and your peteshonars shall ever praye unto 
God for you and sobscribe your obleged pore destressed servantes. 
EDMOND PORTER 
and his wife ELIZABETH PORTER. 

MARRIED AT LAST. 

These are to certifie whome they may concerne that allthough 
Thomas Knap & Margerie Stevens have lived scandalously 
togeather, yet now, the 8th of this instant Januarie they were 
honestly maried in the parish Church of Edington by mee. 

J. KINNINMOND. 
In 1648 Robert Nicholas Sergeant at law was Recorder of 
Devizes. 
St. Dennis fair was held on the Green on Oct. 9th. 

Quarter Sessions held at Warminster, July 4. 

GRANTING A LICENSE. 

(Somewhat abbreviated.) 

When being granted a licence to keep an alehouse for one year 
only at West Kngton to Precilla Barnes she had to enter into a 
recognizance '' That she suffer no pson or psons to tipple in her 
house contrary to the Statute. That she suffer none to tipple or 
reraayne in her house on the Lords daye in Tyme of Divine Service 
or Sermon, none to remain or tipple after nyne of the Clock in the 
nighttyme, none to playe at Dice, Carde table, Quoits, Loggets, 
Bowles or any other unlawful game. That she suffer noe drunkenes 
or desolute order & that if any happen to be that she acquaint the 
Constable or Tythingman that the offenders maye be punished. 
That she acquaint the Constable or Tythingman of all Vagabonds 
Rogues Sturdy beggars & suspicious persons wch come to her 
house and if any goods be offered to bee sould by any such that 
she acquaint the Constable or Tythingman to bring them before a 
Justice of the Peace. That she sell by the proved Ale quarte & 
pinte and not by Jugges, Cupps or canns and that she sell the best 
at 4d the gallon and the small 2d the gallon ". 

PRESENTMENTS. 

WHORLSDOWNE. Wee present that since the last Quarter 
Sessions holden at the Devizes wee apprehended one Thomas 
Longe alis Kickham uppon suspition of stealing a horse & afterwards 
sending to Cadbury to his neighbours. Some of them came 
to Steeple Ashton & charged him with felony. He was examined 
by Mr. Goddard & 1 1 thereuppon comitted the said Longe to ye 
Goale at ffisherton where he nowe is a prisoner & to be tryed for 
his life 


WESTBURY. • Wee psent William Stevens of Westbury Lye for 
feling wood & thornes, cuming by it unlafuly from his neighboures, 
useing neither vocation. 

Wee psent William Haskets for inclosing parte of our comon 
to the straitining of our Church way. 

FIRE NEAR DEVIZES CASTLE. 

At these Sessions the Justices granted £5 to Johan Golding 
alias Vallentine in consideration of her loss by fire when her house 
neare the Castle was burnt down upon the last entrye of the Parliament 
forces into the Devizes. Mr. Wm. Parry of Easton Gray 
the Treasurer was ordered to pay the ^5. (See p. 186.) 

GRANTING A LICENSE. 

In granting a licence to Robert Morgan of Warminster to 
keep a " comon Alehouse Victualing or tipling house ", besides 
the usual condition as to the prohibition of unlawful games, and 
how to deal with rogues and vagrants, they also insist " one full 
ale quart of his best beere or ale be at all times uttered for a pennie 
& of his small two quarts. That noe flesh bee dressed or spent in 
his house in times of lent or upon any other prohibited daies. That 
no neighbours children or servants nor any dwelling in the same 
towne be suffered to tipple in his house. That none be suffered to 
tipple in his house in any one day above an howre not at any time 
after nine of the Clocke at night ". 

UNLAWFUL SHOEMAKERS. 

The humble peticon of Roger Newman & John James of Calne 
cordweyners humbly sheweth That in November last past the 
peticoners procured subpenas to bring in divers men into this worshipful 
Court for useing the trade or craft of Shoemaking not 
serving a lawfull apprentishipp according to the Statute wch extends 
to the great ympoverishing of ye peticoners, theire wives & 
tender children & ever since ye peticoners to their great charges & 
beyond their abilities have attended every Court & cannot obtaine 
to have a tryall, and being very poore cannot travell any further 
in the pmisses. 

May it therefore please yor worpps that all interposicons may 
be removed whereby they may pceede according to law And yor 
peticoners shall ever pray &c. 

(Note.—Granted.) 

AN ECHO OF THE CIVIL WAR. 

The humble peticon of Julian Moore of the Devizes Widdowe 

Humbly sheweth, That whereas yor peticoners sonne Thomas 
Moore having been allwaies a souldier in ye Parliament Army from 
the beginning of the warrs was shott in his back in the Parliament 


service under ye Comaund of Sir William Waller lying- in siege 
against ye Devizes and being soe maymed & sick he was Releeved 
by yor petioner three quarters of a yeare to her greate charge & 
ympoverishment shee being a poore woman & not able to mayntaine 
her selfe. Neither is her said sonne as yet able to performe 
his worke as in tyme past he hath done. 

Mrs. Moore then goes on to ask for some satisfaction for her 
charge and the Justices awarded for her son. 

TROUBLES WITH THE POOR PEOPLE. 

To the Worpfull his worthy ffriend John Topp Esq these psent 
at Stockton. 

If there had not bene a hand of comannd upon me, I would 
have way ted on you at Sessions. I beleeve you will have much 
trouble wth the poor people and there is a great care upon your 
hands to pvide for them, corne being nowe so scarce & ye prize 
so high, that either it is not to be had or else beyond ye reach of 
a labouring man, barely being at viijs ye bushell. Ye cry is soe 
greate that (coming home late last night) I caused ye constable 
wth 2 or 3 of ye sufficient men of our Towne to take a viewe of ye 
Maulters houses to see what barley there was, both dry and wett, 
and for whot was drye, have caused to be pserved for your dirreccon, 
touching wch our Constable will attend you Touching ye 
perseeuing by ye Maulters agst ye poore people I would wish you 
would cause a meeting to be here or at Hindon for yt purpose 
where the Maulters as well as the poore people might be psent & I 
am confident one such meeting would be of grave use for quietting 
ye County wherein if I may contribute the least you may be very 
sure of my attendance as well for the business as to express myself 
very much. 

Your humble servant 

RICHD. GREENE. 

Meere, 4 July 1648. 

ECHOES OF THE CIVIL WAR. 

Ann Jones of Triwbridg Wido Humbly sheweth that one 
George Earwine a Souldier under Col. Oakely in his Regmt of 
Dragoons under the comand of Captn Barrington whoe coming to 
Trowbridge on Whit Tuesday last past on a march happened to 
be soe sick & feeble that he could not folio we his Coulers, and is 
yett very weake & not able to travell and hath noe meanes to subsist 
nor yet to paye for what he is already ingaged and therefore 
yor Worps poore petnr Ann Jones doth most humbly beseech your 
good Worpps her poore case considered and the psent weak condicon 
of the sayd George Earwine whoe hath beene this five yeares 
and upwards in the parliament service, that you will be pleased to 
comiserate his psent necessitie & to grant your order for the satisfacon 
of yor poore petnr Ann Jones for what shee hath already 


spent upon the said sicke souldier and for his mayntenance in 

future tyme. 

July ye 3d 1648. 

Yor worpps poore petnr hath been charged with the said 

George Earwine in Dyatt phisicke and entendance ffortie shillings 

att least. 

(Note added.—Allocat 40s out of ye stock by Mr. Bennett.) 

The humble peticon of Thomas Still of Warminster Sheweth 
that yor peticoner hath been a souldier in the Regt of Coll John 
Birch three yeares in wch service yor peticoner received many 
grievous wounds whereby he hath lost the use of his right arme 
wch extends to the utter destruction & overthrow of the peticoner 
whiles life lasteth unlesse this Worfl Bench vouchafe (according 
to the wonted lenitie of pceding tymes) to comisserate the peticoners 
deplorable & almost destroyed condicon wch he hopeth the 
God of Mercie will opperate in your hearts to doe and afford him 
reliefe in his miserie as shall seeme most corespondent to law in 
yor Worpps wisdomes. 

(Note.—He was granted ^4 p annum.) 

The following certificate follows in support of his petition :— 

These are to Certifie all whome it may concerne that the bearer 
hereof Thomas Still hath served the Parliamt in the Regiment of 
Collonell John Birch for the space of three wholle yeares & under 
the comand of Captaine William Browne untill the time of disbanding 
& whereas at Gotheridge Castle he hath received twenty 
eight grievous wounds to his utter undoeing and the losse of use 
& benefite of his right arme & being now willing to travell towards 
Wiltshire his owne Countrey where he was borne our desire is that 
you will bee pleased not onely to suffer him to passe quietly & 
peaceably thither but alsoe to succour & relieve him & withall to 
allow him reliefe & maintenance according to the merits of the 
ffaithfullnes of his service during the time aforesaid. Dated the 
sixth day of ffebruary 1647. 

To all whome these may concerne. 

(Signed) J. S. BLACKMORE, Lt. Coll. 

WILL. BROWNE, Cap. 

At the end is the following in the handwriting of the doctor :— 

I sent in by a Teste that the bearor heere of wth gods asestance 
was cuored of 28 woounds by mee wch hee resaved at one 
tim in the for sayd service. Yor Servt. 

(Signed) RICHARD HINGER. 

Chirurgion to Colonell John Birch. 

IN THE TIME OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 

Wee the inhabits & officers of Trowbridge whose names are 
under written doe most humbly supplicate yor worpps in the behalfe 
of our poore neighbor Willm Parkes a penchioner whoe in 

p 


the raigne of Queen Elizabeth of famous memory was a souldier 
in the Kingdom of Ireland under the comand of the Rt Honble Sr 
Henry Docura Kt Cheife Comander of her Maties forces then 
imployed att Loythfoyle nowe termed London Derry (1566) in wch 
said warres he lost his left hand for wch his sd service he was by 
the then Lord Cheife Justice of England and other her Maties 
Comissioners granted five pounds p ann wch hath these many 
yeares been payed him but now he being growne very old decripped 
feeblle and not able to traveile as heretofore Wee whose names 
are subscribed do desire yor Worpps to grant yor order for the 
enlargement of his said yearely penchion because it is to Litle to 
yeald him mayntennce this hard tyme he having almost noe appell 
to his backe. This we humbly desire wth yor Worpps good Likeing 
maye be granted and doe cease and rest Yor Worpps in all 
Cristian Love and dutie ready to be comanded. 
Trowb. ye 3 daye 

of July 1648. (Signed) THO. PELLING rector 

also by the Churchwardens, Constables, 

Overseers and others. 

The Justices, however, hardened their hearts and ordered 
" The old pencion but noe more 

TROUBLE AT EVERLEY OVER A COTTAGE. 
Sir, 
There hath beine ancientlie before the Statute a cottage in 
Everley wch since these tymes of trouble is fallen in to decay but 
of late is by the allowance & direccon of Sr John Evelyn (as he told 
me at London) newe building upp, uppon the old ffoundacon but 
the pty buildinge of yt is hindered and disturbed by some troublesome 
psons of the towne. I pray be pleased to move the Court 
for an order at the Sessions that the Cottage may be rectified & 
built upp wthout disturbance. Sir I pray excuse my not being at 
Sessions in regard I have soe much busines for the assises wch is 
at hand & rest , 
Yor friend & Servant 
Sarm. 4th July 1648. ffra : SWANTON. 
(Note.—Being testified yt it upon an old toft it may (be) re-
edified wthout incurring the penaltie of ye Statute. 
Eneas Gooddalle de Everleye is ye Cottager.) 

A MIXED MARRIAGE. 

The humble peticion of Alexander Barrett of Warminster 
sheweth That yor peticoner (being as he believes a punishment 
most just inflicted by God) married with a most lewd ungodly 
woman who is the wife of Henry Chappell who now liveth and is 
a householder in Woodstocke neere Oxford by wch said Chappell 
shee (as shee saith) hath one child and since the tyme yor peticoner 
was betrothed to her shee hath another child wch said child borne 
since the time of her marriage to the peticoner the ffriends of the 


peticoner are content to stand oblieged to the pishe to take of the 

child last borne from being any more chargeable to the said pishe. 

May it therefore please yor Worps to grant the peticoner his 

enlargement and to order the said Chappell may be constrained to 

maintaine tholder child or to deale otherwise to bring the said 

Chappell to Condigne punishment. 

The Order of the Court was that security is given for discharge 
the pishe of one child of Alexander Barrett, tholder is Jno 
Chappells etat 5 yeares & is to be sent to the father att Woodstock. 
Thomas Barrett affird that John Chappell liveth at Woodstock & 
keepeth a victualing house there & lived for about 5 yeares as man 
and wife. He hath 2 wives and she 3 husbands. 

Chappells child etate 8 years to be sent to the father, warrant 
to apprehend her & a letter to the Justice to apprehend her and 
send her to be tried in our Court. 

Honourable Bench of Justices in this psent Sessions at Warminster 
(July 4th 1648). 

WOUNDED AT LANGFORD. 

The humble petition of Richard Ricketts of Knoyle Magna in 
Wilts— 

That your humble Petitioner in ye yeare 1644 being called 
from his owne Parrish to the tything of Rudge in ye Parrish of 
Chillmarke for the worke of his trade, beeing a Carpenter, was 
then impressed a Souldier by John fferard Tythingman for the service 
of Langford Garrison where yor Petitioner was dangerouslie 
wounded in the said service and hath thereby left irrecoverable 
the use of one of his armes : And soe disabled for all future service 
or labour in his calling. By meanes whereof your Petitioner is 
quite destitute of all meanes of Livelyhoode and left wholly to the 
Charitie of his neighbors for his relieffe and sustenance. 

May it therefore please this Honble Court to take the Premises 
unto yor tender consideration And to order that some allowance 
accordinge as your wisdome shall thinke meete for the time past 
and for a future subsistence, bee made to your poore Petitioner 
from the sayd Tything of Rudge for his maintennance who hath 
hitherto subsisted in these hard times of dearth, meerely by ye 
voluntary Charity of neighbors without wch hee had long since 
pished. 

And yor Petioner shall ever pray &c. 

The Court note is as follows : " Settled at Knoyle being 
mayned at Rudge the overseers at Rudge to pay i8d per week 
from the time the peticoner was refered to the Judges & upon refusall 
the next Justice to bynd them over to the next Sessions. 

A STORY OF THE PLAGUE. 

The humble petition of William Maggs of Horningsham. 
Sheweth. That in the time of the late Visitation at Horningsham 

P2 


it pleased God that the familie of your poore petitioner fell sick 
and my mother dyed as was conceived of the plague Whereupon I 
wth my wife and sick children were shutt up by the Officer of the 
sayde parish for the space of 1 8 weekes. In wch sayde space I 
spent all that ever I had and was enforced to desire reliefe from 
the sayde officers & others of my neighbors who tooke upon them 
the Care of the visited and poore people by whose commande and 
appoyntment William Bisse our then miller supplied me wth corne 
to the value of twelve shillinges and Anne ffare widowe with a peck 
of peace to the price of is. 3d. But nowe it hath pleased God to 
releeve our sayd parish the sayd miller requireth the sayd summe 
of Twelve shillinges of me and daylie threatneth to sue me in 
Wilton Court whereby for feare of baylies I dare not freelie followe 
my Callinge to my greate hindrance in this harde time I haveing a 
wife and 3 small children and nothing to maynteyne them but the 
labour of my hands. 

May it therefore please your Worships to take my case into 
consideration and you will grannt me an order to the collectors of 
the poore that they may thereby be commanded to pay the aforesayd 
engagements out of the comon purse who am in noe wise able 
to satisfie it And so much the Rather because I understand that our 
parish was not charged one pennie all the time the Visitation 
continued not soe much as with the ordinarie people but they were 
maynteyned duringe the sayd time by the moneys which by 
benevolence or otherwise by order were raysed out of the Country. 
And I shall pray for your Worshipps prosperitie. 

Witnesses. Willm Parsons then minister. Alexander Gray. 
The order of the Court was " the pishe to discharge Bisse and 
alio we the peticoner xs. or to be bound over 

SERVED UNDER MAJOR WANSEY. 

Wee whose names are under written doe certifye that Roger 
Hollis hath served in the Parliament service two yeares and 
upwards Under the comand of Major Wansey who was verie faith-
full in that service and hath bin hurt thereby insomuch that he is 
not able to worke nor helpe himself towards his mayntenance but 
like to perish his freinds being poore and not able to relieve him. 
In witness whereof wee have hereunto sett our hands the 26th of 
April 1648. 

Humphrey Buckler Lte. 
Charles Buckler Coronot. 
William Davis Qr. Mr. 
John Wansey. 

The order of the Court was " alocat 4 marks per anno 

REPUTED SPY. 

The humble peticon of Walter Lovell of Shaston humbly 
Sheweth That about 4 yeares since yor peticoner happened to be 


uppon travell in this towne of Warminster in a house known by the 
name of the Search hoope unto wch house come William Dixie and 
William Lillie both of Warminster and then and there under 
Coulour to accomplish their owne unjust ends brought two souldiers 
(being Cavaliers) and taxed the peticioner for carrying letters, as 
they alleadged against the King and under ptence thereof by force 
& vyolence did take away the sume of 37s. in money, besides in 
threed wch the said William Dickes wth his owne hands did take 
away to the value of 17s. 6d. all wch said money and goods the 
parties above said did yet detaine. 

He then asks for a " warrant for ye said Dixe and Little 
but the Justices' reply was " when the peticioner shall make prosse 
of his peticion then this Court will consider thereof ". 

DESERTS HIS CHILDREN AT WARMINSTER. 

The humble peticon of the Churchwardens & overseers of the 
pish of Warminster Humbly sheweth That one Richard Lyle a 
goldsmith about 4 yeares since departed from our towne leaving 
behind him 2 small children who have ever since been mayntained 
by the pish. And as we are credibly informed the said Lyle is 
resident in the towne of South Hampton where his parents live. 

The petition then goes on to ask that a warrant at large may 
be issued against Lyle so that he may be apprehended " whereby 
this pish may be freed of the said Children ". 

This was granted, with a request to the Mayor of Southampton 
to bind him over to the next Sessions. 

A COMPLAINT AGAINST CONSTABLES. 

Elizabeth Davis Als Symes Wid : humbly Sheweth unto your 
worps that wrong and injuries don unto yor peticoner by Thomas 
Shoard and John Wansey then Constables of Mayden Bradley 
First they tooke two hogsheads of beere from yor peticoner and 
carried it to Sir ffrancis Dorington wthout any satisfaccon for it or 
the Vessells and divers tymes they have quartered souldiers upon 
her, twelve at a tyme, and never satisfied for a penny but promised 
her satisfaccon. Alsoe put Souldiers wch was taken prisoners upon 
her, and they had in diet & other provisions to the value of seaven 
shillings and putt upon yor peticoner two sick souldiers the one 
lodged and had his diet 10 weeks and the other twelve with promise 
likewise of satisfaccon for the same wthout pformance of any All 
extending to the greate losse & almost utter undoeing of yor poore 
peticoner. 

The matter is " referred to the Constables to doe that wch is 
right". 

AT LOGGERHEADS WITH THE PARSON. 

The humble peticon of the Inhabitants of Venny Sutton 
Humblie Sheweth. That in the Easter weeke accordinge to the 


custome of the said parish the parishoners & inhabitants of Sutton 
did elect and chuse two overseers of the poore in the presence of 
the parson & the parish wch said overseers yor peticoners well 
hoped should have acted accordinglie. But Mr. Burges theire 
parson att a pettie sessions (the other parishoners not being 
present) procured two others to bee elected wth out the consent of 
the parish whoe with the parson have altered the rates & manner of 
ratinge of the said parish & have eased themselves & laid the 
burthen on yor peticoners by makinge of a pound rate wherein the 
said parson hath eased himself & under rated his parsonage §o£ 
at the least, and layed the burthen upon yor peticoners. 

Yor peticoners therefore humblie desire that yor Worpps shall 
be pleased to graunt yor order that in all payments the usual way 
of ratinge may continue & that the first overseers elected by the 
parish may stand. 

The matter was referred to two Justices to take such course 

as they think fit. 

BODY IN A WELL AND BEER THROWN AWAY. 

A lengthy petition from Martin Applegate of Warminster 
dated Jan. 2nd 1647 states that " he took a house in Warminster 
& paid one quarters rent, 5/- but before the end of the next 
quarter Johan Shergall came with her servant maid & seized his 
goods in consideration of 30/ - he owed her for Oats and hay. 
Since then she had him arrested and kept a prisoner for 24 hours ". 
He had also " sustained great damage by reason after the woman 
had drowned herself in the well belonging to the house the Constables 
comanded the beere made of five bushels of malt and of 
the said well water to be drawn forth, given & throwen away, 
nevertheless the said widow Shergoll saith she will be paid for the 
5 bushels of malt wch yor petitioner conceaves to be unreasonable. 
And by reason of these abuses yor petitioner with his poore wife 
and children are like to perish by reason of the said Widow Shergolls 
ilegall and unconscionable pceedings ". He then goes on to 
ask that Johan Shergoll may be called before the Justices to 
answer his charges. 

(A footnote says " Noe order ".) 

APPEAL FROM PRISONERS. 

The humble peticon of William Abbott and Dennis Turgis. 
Humbly showeth that Whereas yor poore peticoners having either 
of us wife and children wch are brought to pore istate by reason 
of or lyinge nowe heare in prison & cannot tell howe to healp them 
selves Wch doth make yor peticioners now humbly to begg of all 
yor worships to consider of us 81 our poore wifes and chill drenns 
estates & take some cornmiseracon of them & us in calling us nowe 
to or trialls while our adversaries be nowe heare in psenc and Wee 
or wifes and chilldrenn shalle be evr daylie bound to pray for your 
worps wellfare & everlasting happiness in the world to come. 


PETITION AGAINST ALE HOUSES IN BARFORD ST. 
MARTIN. 


The petition of many of the well-affected inhabitants of Bar-
ford St. Martin—humbly sheweth. 

That your petitioners laying to heart the great abuses occasioned 
by the Ale houses in the town of Barford tending to the 
great dishonour of God the prophanation of the Sabbath, the 
breach of many ordinances of Parliament the maintenance of riot, 
poverty, idleness & luxury in the said towne, not only to the inhabitants 
but unto Strangers, whome the said Alehouses often 
invite thither from places adjacent, & these said Alehouses being 
(as we conceyve) altogether unnecessary in that place it being no 
road and the Alehouse keepers being not accomodated for ye entertainement 
of travellers or of theyr horses & are otherwise able 
of themselves to provide for themselves & for theyr families by 
labouring with theyr hands (as -other men) therefore your petitioners 
do humbly intreat in your wisedome you would please to 
think of some expedient whereby the said Alehouses may be removed 
& the misdemeanors occasioned by them for the time to 
come may be prevented. 

And your petitioners &c. &c. 
Signed by Benjamin Woodbridge 
Robert Rowdon & John Gosne, 
with names of many others the inhabitants of the towne of Barford. 

A similar petition from the inhabitants of Stanton-Bernard is 
also presented. 

WOUNDED SOLDIERS. 

These may certifie all whom it consearnes that the bearer 
hearof Ambrose Bay, waggoner under quarter master Millard in 
the Trayne of Artillery having bene longe in the Parliament Servis 
under the Command of his Excellencie Sr Thomas ffayrefax was 
wounded at the legar (leaguer = camp) before ffarrington in the 
said servis and thereby disabled of getting his living by labour. 
Dated this psent third of february 1647. 

(signed) Tho : Hammonde. 
Thomas Robinson Ralph Millard quarter Master (to which is 
added) 
This souldier Ambrose Bay hath his left legg very much 
suelled so that it hindreth him in his calling. 
(signed) George Dunn. Surgeon. 
Janerary 16, 1648. 

To ye Woll Justices of ye Peace for ye County of Wilts 
sittinge at ye Genall Quarter Sessions held at New Sarum. 
The humble Peticon of James Swayne being lately a soldier 
in ye parlt army. 


Sheweth. 

That yor peticoner havinge byn a Soldier in ye service for 
the Parlt in wch said service lost ye use of his Right hand & left 
Arme at ye fight at Malbrough in ye said County of Wilts, By 
wch meanes yor Peticoner through sicknes & want of Mayntenaunce 
to support him was forced & constrayned to repaire into 
Dorsett shire to his ffreinds who lived in Blandford who by reason 
of their disafection to ye Parlt would afford yor Peticoner noe 
releife as by a Certificate under ye hand of Coll Ludlow, for his 
true & faithfull service will appeare wch is hereunto annexed, And 
alsoe (by another Certificate hereunto annexed under ye hands of 
ye Comittee of ye County of Dorsett) will more full appeare.. 

Yor Peticoner in Regard of ye Losse of his Right hand & other 
Despearte wounds wch he then received brought him to great 
missery by reason of ye great charges & expence lying under the 
Surgeons hands Most humbly craveth yor good Worpps to be 
pleased seeing he reed his wounds in this County & for his psent 
supply he being in a very sad condition for ye psent for want of 
meanes, yt yor Worpps wilbe pleased to allow him for ye pservacon 
of his livelihood, what in yor good wisedomes shall seeme meete 
either from ye Trer of this County or otherwise out of ye County 
Stock. 

ffor which Yor Peticoner shalbe in 

all duty bound to pray &c. 

1649. 

AN ECHO OF THE CIVIL WAR. 

William Sadler writes "T o my worthie and much esteemed 

freynd Mr. William Coles, Clarke of the Peace for the County of 

Wiltes present these. Mr. Cole, I have sent you hereinclosed such 

things as I have that doe concerne this present Sessions. I would 

intreate you to excuse my absence at this time for we have with 

us a Troupe of Souldiers & those none of the civillest that I have 

seen, which makes me unwilling to be from home at this Instant 

and so presenting you my best respects, I take my leave and shall 

ever remaine 

Yours to serve you 

Wm. Sadler. 

Elcombe this second 

of Apr ill 1649. 

ASKS FOR COUNSEL. 

Quarter Sessions at Marlborough, 27th June. 
To the right Woll the Justices of Peace att the Generall 
Sessions holding at Marlebrough. 
The humble peticon of Christian Weekes 
Sheweth 
That yor Peticoner being brought hither to answere to some 


scandilous psons informacons and oathes yor petnr is a weake 
woman and not able to speake for her selfe by reason of her 
timerowsnes, and one so much unacquanted wth the nature of the 
pceedings of this place, that wthout yor favors yor poore peticoner 
is like to be swallowed upp by the inveterate of malice of yor 
peticoners enimyes. 

May it therefore please yor wopps that in respect yor petnr 
is a very poore woman & not able to retaine a counsell that an 
attorney may plead on yor petrs behalfe. 

A TERRIBLE SCOLD. 

Wee whose names are under written doe certifie that Alee 
Harper the weife of Richard Harper of Steple Ashton is a most 
troblesome and pverse wooman she being- a common scould having 
frorh1 time to time abused with her tongue the best men and 
women in the towne of Steple Ashton and now upon our knowledge 
shee hath abused John Markes and his weife he being a Tithing 
man of the aforesaid towne for executing his office most viperous 
with her tongue and giveing them such bad and groce language 
as no tongue can well expresse, they liveing in such good repute 
and estate as they doe, he haveing divers times served all offices 
in the aforesaid towne of Steple Ashton honestly and justly all the 
dayes of their lives hitherto amongst us. Wee leaving it to yor 
Wor : consideracon. July 28th, 1649. 

(Signed by Geo : Markes & nine others). 

AN ECHO OF THE CIVIL WAR. 

To the Worll the Justices of the Bench (at the Quarter Sessions 
at Warminster June 27th 1649). 

The humble peticon of Agnes Young of Westbury in the 
County of W'ilts, Widowe, Sheweth that about five yeares since 
Roger Young late husband of yor peticoner was a souldier in ye 
garrison of Woodhouse under the Comand of Major Henry 
Wansey and uppon resigneing of ye said Garrison Sr ffrancis 
Doddington (ye bloudie tirant) hanged yor peticoners said husband 
with 1 3 souldiers more of ye said garrison as may appeare by the 
peticoners peticon to ye honble comittee confirmed wth the hands 
of divers of the most substantial! Inhabitants of Westbury aforesaid 
by reason whereof ye peticoner & ffive small children are like 
without intermission to perish through want. 

May it therefore please yor Worpps (according to an ordinance 
of Parliament, Die Vineris 28 0 of May 1647) to order for 
releife of ye peticoner and her 5 small children as shall seeme meet 
in yor Worpps wisedomes and (as in duty bound) they shall ever 
pray. 

(Note.—The Court awarded her ^5.) 


1650. 

OBJECTIONS TO CHURCH ALTERATIONS AT 
CHISELDON. 
The inhabitants of Chiseldon petition against alterations in 
their church. It appears that trouble arose, they say, over a 
difference of opinion concerning the removing of the pulpit and 
increased seating accommodation. These alterations had led to a 
heavy expense, " and unless a stop be put to such alterations they 
and their posterity shall be greatly molested and barred in the 
enjoyment of their rights They pray that the pulpit and seats 
may remain in their original positions, and the matter enquired 
into by two Justices. The Petition, however, is marked " Read, 
but the Court orders nothing ". The following year the Churchwardens 
present a memorial that after an examination by two 
Justices it was agreed what should be done with the consent of 
Mr. Calley, the chief objector to the removal of the pulpit, but 
now that the work was done and expense concurred Mr. Calley 
.and others refused to pay their rate. The Court confirmed the rate 
and ordered a warrant for distress. 

WOUNDED IN THE BATTLE AT SALISBURY. 
John Allsop, gent., petitions the Court for relief and pension. 
He states he was a trooper under the command of Col. Edmund 
Ludlowe (who certified as to the truth of the case), and on Dec. 31 
1646 at Salisbury was dangerously wounded by the enemy and 
taken prisoner, having lost the sight of both eyes by a cut across 
his face and was left for dead. The Court awarded him ^"5 and 
a yearly pension of eight pounds. He died in 1652, so did not live 
long to enjoy his pension. 

UNEDUCATED CONSTABLE. 

The Constable of Collingbourne Ducis petitions the Court that 
he may be relieved of his office as he can neither read nor write, 
and is obliged to appeal to the minister and friends to get his 
warrants and orders read. 

" DON'T TROUBLE THE COUNTY AGAIN ". 
John Blunsdon a soldier, who states that he was pressed as a 
soldier at Edmondstone to fight the Scots, and was " mourtally " 
wounded, prays for help for himself, wife and seven children. His 
two brothers who lived in London had gone to Scotland as gunners 
under " My Lord Cromwell ". The Court granted him ^5 and a 
pass to London, " soe that he never trouble the County againe " . 

WARMINSTER CHURCH IN DECAY. 

The presentment to the Jury of Warminster states " that their 
Church is mightily in decay insomuch that the pishoners are afraid 
to assemble there". 


A REPUTED WITCH. 

A Warminster woman complains against her neighbours '' for 
that they doe call her bun making as if your peticoner were a 
witch ". 

A " SOLOMON " OF WARMINSTER. 

A man of the same place, in asking pardon for some abuses he 
made to a neighbour, pleads that " the tongue is an unruly evil, 
full of deadly poison, and that no man is wise at all seasons 

FUGGLESTONE CHURCH LOCKED. 

One Sunday in May this year one of the Churchwardens of 
Fugglestone took away the key of the church from the Clerk as he 
was going to open the church and ring the bell for afternoon 
service, saying that " neither Mr. Pinkney the Vicar, nor Mr. 
Fawerner the Curate should come into the church until they had 
taken the Engagement ". 

1651. 

BURNT ON THE HAND. 

Robert Buxton of Broade hinton, laborer (confessed) the 
twentieth clay of December 1651 , by force of armes at Broade 
hinton, one shirt value three shillings one smocke value three 
shillings one apron value two shillings one Towell value one 
shillinge and one other peece of linnen cloth value five shillings of 
the goods and chattels of John Nan veil Knite then & there & being 
found then & there feloniously did steale, take & carry awaye 
against the publique peace—Prayed his Clergie and did reade and 
was burnt on his hand. 

STOLE THE CHURCH BELL. 

Some of the inhabitants of Holt complain that one of the 
Church Wardens had secretely taken away one of the bells out of 
the Church and refuses to restore " him " and " cannot give any 
just cause for this fact " . 

1652. 

ECHOES OF THE BATTLE OF ROUNDWAY DOWN 
(July 13th, 1643). 

In the roll of the Quarter Sessions held at Warminster on 
July 15th, 1652, is the following account of horse stealing by 
soldiers who took part in the battle of Roundway Down. :— 

The examination of John Tucker of South Wraxell, husbandman, 
taken before Willm Eyre Esq one of the Justices of the Peace 
for this County the 17th day of May 1652. 

Who sayth that on Sunday after the fight at Roundway hill, 
betwixt the late King's forces & the Parliaments this examinant 


sawe ffower or five of the sd Kings Souidiers riding up the highway 
from VVraxall aforesaid, and two ofthem called at the Wkk.ow 
Englands house, & of her borrowed a paier of pincers, and having 
driven a horse fettered out of a ground neare hand into a land 
adjoyninge, and not being able to geet of the fetters with the 
pincers, one of the sd Souldiers, Rodde up to this examinants house 
and this examinant having a hattchet in his hand ye sd souldier 
demanded his hattchet of him, but hee asking of him what he would 
do with it, the sd souldier furiously answered " what is that to thee, 
come downe after me, & thou shalt have thy hattchet againe", which 
he did, & when he came too them, he sawe them beat of the fetters 
from the afore sd horse, and the said souldiers having a tired horse 
with them asked this examinant what he would give them for that 
horse, but he answered them he had noe money neither could he tell 
what to doe with the horse, but afterwards he had that tired horse 
of them, & gave them either eighteen pence or two shillings, he 
knows not well which, and this examinant goeing away wth the sd 
horse the sd souldiers threw the sd fetters after him, which they had 

taken from the other horse, which fetters he brought whome with 
him & threw them in his garden, and afterwards he sold the sd 
horse to Thomas Collet of Wadswick in the pishe of Haslebury in 
this County a Baker, for ffower shillings, and the fetters he parted 
with to one John Moxham of Wadswick, blacksmith for two 
hundred of hobnailes. 

(Signed) Wm. Eyre and the mark of John Tucker. 

The information of John Moxham of South Wraxell, taylor 
(taken as above) who sayth that on the Sundaye after the fight 
betwixt the late King's forces at Roundwaye hill & the Parliaments, 
two souldiers came to the house of this informant and in a certain 
hovell at the house end of one John Tucker the sd souldiers espied a 
packsaddell, whereupon the sd Souldiers said that there was a horse 
not farre of & espyinge of a horse in a grounde close by ye sd 
souldiers went & fetched the horse out of the ground into the land 
adjoining & they being very busie in trying to geet of a payre of 
Fetters which were upon the horses leggs,ye sd John Tucker spoke 
to this Informant saying to him ( < I think they cannot geet of the 
Fetters, I will goe down to them with my hattchett & helpe them ", 
& wthall, ye sd Tucker went to them, and the fetters being gotten 
of, he, this informant afterwards saw the fetters in Tuckers 
custodie, & this informant further sayth that the sd Tucker brought 
home with him a tyred horse, which this informant believeth he had 
of the souldiers & the sd Tucker sold the sd horse to one Thomas 
Collet a Backer in Wadswick & the fetters to one John Moxham a 
Blacksmith & this is all this informant can saye. 

(Signed) The marke of John Moxham. 

The information of Margreat England of South Wraxell, 
Widdow tacken as above, sayd 
Whoe saith that on the Sunday after the fight betwixt the late 


King's forces at Roundway Hill & the Parliaments, a souldier came 
too her house & spake to her to lend him a paier of pincers which she 
bringing to him the sd souldier refused because they would not 
serve his turne but sayd he would goe to the next house & see for a 
better payer & withall went away to one John Tuckers & aboute 
halfe an houre after this informant saw the sd souldier drive a horse 
out of a ground belonginge to Mathew Smith of South Wraxell 
gentleman, into a lane adjoyning to the pound & this informant 
sayth yt she sawe the sd souldier & the sayd Tucker in the souldier's 
company tacke a paier of fetters from of the sd horse, and that 
the souldier rode away the sd horse, and the sd Tucker led whome 
with him the souldiers horse & his wife carried whome the fetters 
& this is all that she can saie. 

(Signed) The marke of Margreat England. 

MORRIS DANCERS AT WOODBOROUGH. 

WILTSHIER . The Testimony and Examinacon of William 
Farmoe and Joane his Wife of Woodburrough taken at Pewsey 
before me John Ashe Esqre one of the Justices of the Peace the 
twentieth day of May in the yeare of our Lord God 1652. 

Who say that Edward Smyth and Edward Hawking of Wood-
burrow did upon the last Lords Day being the 16th of this Instat 
May after diner time Travaile and goe to a place called Allcanings 
and there did invite severall people of Cannings aforesayd to the 
number of twelve persons or neer there aboute who upon the 
Munday morning following came armed with musketts powder 
match and bandaleares which they brought with them to Woodburroughe 
and that Robert Golfe alsoe of Woodburroughe went 
unto Marlburroughe upon the sayd Lords Day to gett a drummer 
to head the sd leude company and aboute one a clocke that same 
Sunday night came away out of Marlburghe with the sd drummer 
to Woodburrough. And they further say that Thomas Beasant of 
Woodburroughe labourer did upon the sayd Lords day goe into a 
place called Ram Ally in the pishe of Easton and there invited and 
procured a fidler who came to Woodburroughe upon Munday morning 
following and by the instigacon of the before named partie 
three hundred persons or there aboutes were assembled and 
gathered together in a Riotous Routous Warlicke and very disorderly 
manner with Musketts pistolls bills swords drawne and 
other unlawful weapons, who upon Munday the said 17th of May 
did march together to the pishe of Pewsey and there very disorderly 
daunced the Morrice daunce and committing severall other misdemeanors 
there as drinkeing and Tipling in the Inn and Alehouse 
till many of them were drunke. 

(Signed) JOHN ASHE. 

SELLING ALE ON SUNDAYS. 

In the roll for the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes April 27 
1652 is the following :— 


April the 15th, 1652. 

Worthy Sir. This humbly sheweth that— 

Comonly in this parish especially upon the Lords day & in 
tyme of sermon, Barrells of beare or aile are drunke and mony 
received for the same to the great dishonour of God and pfanation 
of ye sabboth. This last Sabboth being the nth of Aprill Ann 
Hazell had company drinking in the sermon tyme & in the night 
& I heard reckoning called & sawe mony payd and payde 6d. 
myself. 

Also the sabboth before, being Aprill the 4th the said Ann 
had a barrell of beare & Mrs Nicolas boy spent 6d and ffowles boy 
sold his shoes to Ann Rivers & drunke the mony in the howse of 
ye sd Ann. Also the said Ann Hazell hath another barrell to sell 
against the next sabboth. (A side note in another handwriting, 
and apparently the verdict of the Court, says—Xs or sitt in the 
stocks 6 houres & to pay XXs or bee whipt for selling of ale 
wthout licence.) 

Robert Clements tooke mony the sabboth day before the last 
Sessions ffor aile, he had 6d of me who only went to see whether 
he wold take mony or not, he is a wealthy fellow for a sheppeard 
(he doth use it). 

Shackerly sold a barrell Aprill 4th and hath an other to sell 

against the next sabboth (he is a poore man). And divers more 

wch I can name and I desire these wch keep these blind ailehouses 

might be punished according to the Statute, & as I am Church


warden I peticon with your assistant, Samuel James, for a refor


macon. I will justify every syllable above written to be trew to 

my owne knowledge, besides barrells under the name of Church 

Ailes, warming of howses, whereof Robert Russell hath had two 

all readie And under ptence of brewing for Tann Hill faire brewed 

as they call it against James tide. Wch barrells sold at the least 

a month before the faire and a month after, wch aile is not sold 

only by poore people but by those wch have good livings & coppie 

holds. All this wilbe averred by me William Holloway ye Church


warden. 

(Note.—The village or town where this excessive amount of 

ale was consumed is not mentioned in the document.) 

TROUBLE AT INGLESHAM CHURCH. 

The informacon of Thomas Jacob of Inglisham of the County 

of Wiltshire husbandman taken the 26th day of Aprill jn the year 

of Lord God 1652. 

Who saith that Sybill Briant of Inglisham widdow on the nth 

day of January last came into the pish Church of Inglisham & 

brought thither with her an Iron Cleaver newly ground, and whilst 

the Minister was reading a psalme she somewhat interrupted him, 

but when the Minister was prayinge before his sermon she told 

him she had somewhat to say to him & said come down false pfett 

& Baals Priest out of the Idolls Temple, telling him she had a 


message from God unto him and divers others, with other unseemly 
words, for wch misdemeanors she being sent for by warrant from 
a Justice of the Peace said that Mr. Hippisley should have sent a 
Coach and foure horses for Majesty & not a peece of paper for she 
scorned to obey inke and paper. 

(Signed) ROBERT HIPPISLEY. 

A POOR WOMAN AND HER PASS. 

The following account of how a poor '' creepled '' woman was 
sent to and from London by pass is interesting as showing the 
system of passes for vagrant and undesirable persons then in use. 
The documents are in the roll of records of the Quarter Sessions 
held at Devizes April 27th 1652. 

The story begins by the following (slightly abbreviated) signed 

by Wm. Coles Clerk of the Peace for Wilts. 
WILTSHIRE , fforasmuch as yt appeareth at the Generall Quarter 
Sessions held at Newe Sarum that Mary Woolles being lame 
& creepled living last in the pishe of St. Bridgetts London & sent 
by pass thence to goe to the Bath & haveing gott the pass into 
her owne custody & burnt the same, has caused herself to be 
brought to Whitepish where she nowe remains. This Court doth 
order and direct that Mary Woolles shall be removed from White 
pish & sent by passe from tything to tythinge towards the City of 
London and soe to St. Bridgetts where she says she last dwelt. 
And all Constables Tythingmen and other officers are hereby required 
to convey her thus accordingly. Given at the Quarter 
Sessions holden at New Sarum 13th J any 1651. 

(Signed) Willm. Coles. 

CI. of the Peace. 
The next statement concerning Mary is one from London. 
Brides pishe London. Whereas att the Genall Quarter Sessions 
held at Newe Sarum it was ordered that Mary Woolles should be 
sent to the pish of Brides London by a passe she living l^st in 
that place Now for as much as it appeareth at the Generall Quarter 
Sessions of Goale and delivery held in the Old Baylie London that 
Mary Woolles never lived in the pishe of Brides, Wherefore this 
Court doth order and direct that Mary Woolles shall be removed 
from the Parish of Brides London and sent by passe from tything 
to tything towards Whitepish where she was borne there to be 
provided for according to the law. And all constables Tythingmen 
& other officers are hereby required to so convey her accordingly. 
Given at the Generall Sessions of the Peace held at the Old Baylie 
London 19th Feb. 1651. 

(Signed) JOHN KENDRICK. Maior. 
Below is a testimony from St. Bartholomew's Hospital setting 
forth Mary's illness. It begins with " Robert Arris, chirurg " and 
continues " Mary Woolls was lately a patient in Bartholomews 
hospital London her distemper arising from her back bone, part 


thereof beinge distorted, and for any fowle diseases which shee 
now have said shee was infected with, she was altogether far 
from ". 

(Signed) JOHN MICHLETHWAITE, M.D., 
HILTON GRENE, Apothecary. 

The back of this document bears the signatures of the various 
constables and tythingmen who saw Mary safely on her way to 
Whiteparish, as follow :— 

Past by me Jeans Seburn Constable of Brides. 
Past by me Will Weeler Constable of Dunstans pish. 
Past by me Thomas Saunders constable of the Duchey 

Libertie. 
Past by me Robert Constable of Martens in the fields. 
Past by me James Porter Constable of Martins in the fields. 
Past by mee John Breedon Constable of Martins in the fels. 
Past by me Nicholas Norris (?) Constable of Knights bridge. 
Past by mee Willm Page head burrow of Hammersmyth in 

Middx. 
Past by mee Robert Tayler Constable of Old breinford. 
Past by me Will Phillips constable of new brainford. 
Paset by mee (R)odbound Salfef Constable of Hunsle 

(? Hounslow). 

Before leaving St. Brides, the parishioners of St. Brides 
drew up a certificate showing the troubles and accidents that poor 
Mary had sustained during her short residence amongst them in 
the following words :— 

" Wee the pishoners of the pish of Brides in ffleetestreete 
London whose names are subscribed doe heereby certifie that the 
bearer heereof Mary Woolles lived halfe a yeare att the signe of 
the Crosse Dagger Paules Chaine with the widdow Mackstone 
where she received her first hurt, faling downe a paire of staires 
where she unfortunately brooke her backe & could have noe helpe 
for the same neither by Phisicon nor by Doctor, then she was 
admitted into the hospitall where she was neare upon helfe a yeare, 
& had some remidy for her paine and afterwards went to service 
againe & continued in service a yeare and a quarter, untill carrying 
of a burden past her abillity upon her head, crackt her backe againe 
and within one halfe yeare following there was started out of her 
backe two bones; after all this she lived in the pish of Bridewell 
a quarter of a yeare & seaven weeks with one William Mason untill 
her leggs were taken from under her that she fell downe in the 
streetes & her said Mr got her admitted into the hospitall againe, 
where she was much about 1 4 weeks & could receive noe comfort 
but was sent downe to Bath with a passe from the Masters of the 
hospitall, given under our hands this nynteenth day of ffebruary 

1651 ". 
(Signed) JAMES SEABURNE, Constable 
HENRY CHILDE, Chappell Warden and 
eighteen others. 



Mary's troubles, however, were not at end, for at the General 
Quarter Sessions held at Devizes, April 27th, 1652, the inhabitants 
of Whiteparish presented the following-:— 

" The humble peticon of the Inhabitants of Whiteparish wth 
in the hundred of ffreshford 

" Humbly sheweth That whereas at the Genall Quarter 
Sessions holden at Newe Sarum January xiijth last past it was 
ordered that Mary Woolles should be conveyed from White parish 
& sent by passe from Tything to Tything unto the Parish of St. 
Bridgetts, London: wch was done accordingly (In which order the 
name of the Parish was mistaken (vizt) St. Bridgetts in steed of 
Brides). 

" Since wch tyme the said Mary Woolles hath ben brought 
back againe unto White parish by a passe conveying her from 
Tything to Tything by vertue of an order of the xixth of ffebruary 
now last past made at a Generall Quarter Sessions & Gaole delivery 
then holden in the Old Bayly London As by sevall papers hereunto 
annexed appeareth, and she the said Mary is nowe remayning at 
Whiteparish. 

" Now albeit the said Mary Woolles was borne in White 
parish yet the place of her last abode was at Brides aforesaid or in 
the Parish of Bridewell in London As appeareth by a certificate 
hereunto also annexed. Unto one of which two parishes (as yor 
petnrs under favour doe humbly conceive) The said Mary Woolles 
is to be conveyed back, there to be releeved. 

" Yor petnrs humbly pray yor Worpps to be pleased to order 
that the sd Mary Woolles sha'lbe conveyed back from Whiteparish 
by passe from tything to Tything unto that of the said two parishes 
of Brides or Bridewell London wch yor petnrs shall finde most 
agreable to lawe, & yor petnrs shall ever pray &c. ". 

Note.—The Order of the Court was that she " be returned 
againe to Bridewell pishe ", and it is to be hoped that Mary, with 
her broken back, outgrowing bones, and useless legs, found a 
resting place at last. 

1653. 

DEVIZES WITCHES. 

April 19th.—Joan Read the wife of Robert Reade of the 
Devizes, broadweaver, complains that two persons have reported 
her as being a witch, and in consequence two of the bakers in the 
town have forbidden her to come into their bakehouses for dough. 
She prays that the Justices will issue a warrant that her accusers 
may be brought before them to prosecute her. 

At the same Sessions Elizabeth Beeman, of Devizes, is indicted 
for bewitching Margery' Bowman. This case was transferred to 
the Assizes. 

A MALMESBURY WITCH. 

Joan Price, of Malmesbury, was indicted on a charge of 
bewitching Rebecca Denynge. 


LIBELLING OLIVER CROMWELL. 

On June 22nd John Francis, of West Chester, was committed 
to the House of Correction at Devizes as a vagrant and for uttering 
base and scandalous words of his Excellency the Lord General 
Cromwell and Sir Will: Brereton, saying " that the Lord General 
was a rogue and traitor and Brereton a long toothed dog ". 

1654. 

A GENUINE PASS. 

To all Constables and Headborrowghes to whom it may 
concern Whereas Mary Clarke of Uphaven neare Marlborrough 
in Wiltshire being taken begging as Vagrant in Isleworth in the 
County of Midlesex, Theise are therefore in the name of the Lord 
Protector of England Scotland and Ireland to require you to passe 
the sd Mary Clarke through your townes and Hamlets the direct 
way to Uphaven the place of her last abode Dated at Isleworth 
September the fifth 1654 . 

She is allowed sixteen days. You are to relieve her in her 
passage. 

Past by me Richard Larchin Constable of Isleworth. 

Past be mee Sammuell Johnstonne constable of hounslowe. 

Past by mee Will Harris Cunstable of Upton. 

Past by mee John Mott Tythingman of Maidenhead. 

Past by mee ffrancis Lewendon Constable of Reading. 

Paste be mee Tho Barr Sonstable of Speene. 

Past by mee Richard Hill of Benham Constable. 

Past by me Thomas White tithingman of Illcott. 

A PROTEST AGAINST REY BRIDGE, LACOCK, BEING 

DEMOLISHED, 

(slightly abreviated.) 

To the Right Wor: The Justices of the peace &c. at Quarter 

Sessions holden at Marleborough. 

The humble peticon of the Inhabitants of the Towne & pish of 

Laeock & (those) of neighbouring places. 

Humbly Sheweth That whereas the bridge called Reybridge, 

Lacock hath bin lately by order of Quarter Sessions, broke downe 

and intended to be quite demolished & destroyed and by the same 

order another bridge called ffootebridge in the same pish is intended 

to be repayred for use instead of Reybridge—Now forasmuch as 

Reybridge lyeth directly in the roade betweene the Cittye of 

London and the Cittyes of Bath and Bristoll & soe more convenient 

for Passengers & Carriages, then ffootbridge can bee any way 

made and for that alsoe the wayes leading unto & from Rey


bridge wtlbe maynteyned wth farr less chardge then the wayes 

leading to & from ffootbridge can be maintayned. And the takeing 

away and demolishing Reybridge is a greate wrong & damage to 


your peticoners, more pticularlye concerning them than anye others 

(albeit the same is a generall wrong to all that have occasion to 

travaille that way) In respect that Reybridge hath bin verye usefull 

for a markett waye & Church waye as alsoe a waye for divers of 

your peticoners unto & from their pticular closes & grounds lyeing 

thereabouts & wthout wch bridge divers of your peticoners wilbee 

driven to goe at leaste a mile out of the direct waye, & for that 

ffootebridge is not convenient or usefull but for very few persons. 

Your peticoners request is that the work of demolishing Reybridge 
maye bee stayed & that the breaches thereof alreadye made 
may be repayred & amended & the same made passable as formerly 
it hath bin. 

And your peticoners shall pray &c. &c. 

(The above is signed by 86 persons). 

This is followed by " The humble peticon of divers of the 

Inhabitants of severall Counties of Wilts, Somerset & Gloucestersh 
: ". It is on similar lines as above, and states " that Reybridge 
bridge consisted of ten arches and more usefull than ffootbridge 
to all passengers in this comon wealth as ffootbridge is at 
least half a mile further and for that the waies leading unto & 
from ffootbridge are very floundnouse and full of quicksands & at 
some seasons of the yeare are not passable with carriages nor will 
be made passable with any chardge, whereas the waies leading 
unto & from Reybridge are passable & wilbe mainteyned with little 
chardge 

The petition then requests that Reybridge may be restored. 

The above is signed by over one hundred persons. 

There is a third petition on the same lines by over sixty 
persons. 

MONEY LOST AND FOUND. 

The informacon of John Weekes, Mary Battin and Joan 
Bailey all of Preston in the pish of Lineham taken upon oath Aug 
nth 1654 before William Sadler. 

And first John Weekes saith that one Anne Nuneton of 
Lineham told this informant that Mistress Hester Burchell of 
Preston did send John Cobrye her mothers man to Oxford to a 
Conjurer to enquire after the money that was lately stolen out of 
her mothers house that the Conjurer did help her to her mony 
againe, and that the Ayleiffs did bring it to her. 

Mary Battin saith that on ffryday the ffourth of this instant 
August she being at the widdow Broames house, Anne Nuneton 
said " there came men to my Aunte Burchalls to enquire for 
Coinnes, and on that day they had their gold brought them againe, 
namely two twenty shillinge peeces and one tenne shillinge peece ". 

Joane Baliley saith that sometime since the widdow Burchalls 
house was broken up she mett Anne Nuneton at Wootton bassett 
who said to this informant " doe you knowe or heare that my cosen 
Hester Burchall hath her gold againe this informant said " no " 
and withall asked Anne " doe you know who had it ", she 
answered, " I do know who had it ", " who ", said this Informant, 


Anne answered, " I will say noe more of that lest I bring my selfe 
into trouble ". " Doth your Aunt Burchell ", said this informant, 
"or your cosen Hester know them". She replyed, "they do 
know them, and the man that did rob my Aunte Burchells house 
went the same day to John Deane, his house att West Tockenham 
and there spent the most of that day in drinking and before they 
came thence, they made jist of John Deane himself ". 

(Signed) WM. SADLER. 

A MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE. 

Tewsday the viijth Then and there between the houres of 
day of August 1654 Eighth and Twelfth in the forenoone & 

the Chappell of , publikely, in the face of the congregacon 
the holy Trynity at f in psence and audience of Competent and 
Newtown in the ! credible Witnesses was celebrated a true 
County of Southtn. J and lawfull Marriage between William 
Pinkney of Russell in the County of Wiltes yeom : and Mary 
Knight of the same Russell, Spinster, being ritely and canonically 
joyned one to and with the other in holy wedlock, and pronounced 
that.they were man and wife together, in the name of the ffather 
and of the sonne and of the holy gost wth all other the due and 
decent ceremonyes to such solemnity belonging as to the Ministeriall 
Office thereof according to the known ancient and solemne 
service used in the Church of England rightly and reverently 
observed and performed. 

By me Fran : Edwardes. 

Clerke Chaplaine or Curate there. 

JU Wi

A HINDRANCE TO JUSTICE. 

The Presentment of the Grand Inquest at the Quarter Sessions 

held at Marlebrough 3rd October 1654. 

We psent as a great greivance to the Countrey that when 

Lewd & Idle psons are oftentimes indicted at the Sessions for their 

misdemeanors & offences by them comitted with a purpose to have 

them punished at the said Sessions And when the same Indytments 

have wth great labour & expences been brought ready for tryall 

whereby the said offenders might receave due punishment for their 

demerritts in the County where such offences are comitted to the 

deterring of others from the like offence. That the said Indyt


ments are often removed from the Sessions by writts of Certio


rarie issuing forth of the upper Bench by reason whereof the said 

offenders goe oftimes unpunished, or further questioned for their 

offences because the prosecutors are wholly disheartened & dis


couraged from further prosecution & travell therin by reason of 

the extraordinary chardges wch they should be att whereby such 

lewd persons goe unpunished, honest people disheartened & Justice 

obstructed. Wherefore we humbly desire the Justices of the Peace 

of this Sessions to be a means to the honourable house of Parlia


ment now sitting that the same may be reformed. 


BREAD, TOBACCO, SOAP, CANDLES AND STARCH. 

The Peticon of Henry Reeve of Xpian Malford, Sawyer 
Humbly sheweth That Andrew (yor petnr's wife) hath sold bread, 
tobacco sope, candles and starch and hath done theise 24 yeares 
last wth out molestacon. 

That she hath bin lately indicted therefore, That it hath cost 
yor petnr xls xd this sessions, That he is very poore & wilbe 
undone unles yor Worps help him. 

Yor petnr prayeth you to be pleased to doe soe much favor 
as to help him in this his distresse that he may not be farther 
troubled to sessions for wch he shall pray &c. 

A SMALL HOUSE NEEDS ENLARGING. 

The following unsigned and undated Petition was presented 
at the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes April 4th 1654. 

To the right honnorabell binch the Justis of the peace. 

If yt shall please yr worships I will show you the cause of 
my grefe in the first place there is no fier place nor never was & 
wee cannot goe forth a doore both of us for feare they will set the 
house a fier & burne ourgoods & our neybours goods allso for the 
children are so young they be not sencabell of what they doo. I 
have 6 small children and my wife is wth child with the seven 
child, the house is 1 1 feet long 1 0 feet brod I desire yor worships 
that you will give mee leave for to in large the same house wheare 
I live I shall bee bound to pray for your worships. 

1655. 

THE RISING IN THE WEST. 

Quarter Sessions, Salisbury, Jan 8th, 1655/6. 
To ye Right Honble Generall Desborrough. 
The humble peticon of Anthony Baker of ye Citty of New 
Sarum. 

Showeth. That yor poore Peticoner hath beene severall yeares 
in ye service of ye Comonwealthe & that when ye late Insurreccon 
& Rebellion was in this County yor peticoner being listed as a 
soldier for suppressing the same did through ye wise pvidence of 
God fall from his horse beeing unrully & in ye fall Broke his legg 
to ye gt damage & miserie of yor petitnoner beeing a poore man 
& haveing charge of wife & childeren. 

Yor petitioner humbly desireth yor honor ye premisses considered 
to comisserate his condition & to find out a speedy course 
as to yor honour shall seeme meet for ye supply & releefe of yor 
petitioner on regard of ye extraordinary charge he hath beene putt 
unto by reason of ye said fall. 

& yor petinor shall humbly pray, &c. 

Below this is the following :— 


Gentlemen 

I desire that you would at yor next Genii Sessions consider 
this pettion & the petioner according- to his condition & thereby 
you will oblige yor Servant 

John Disbrowe. 

(The Court allowed 40/-.) 

COAL AT URCHFONT. 
James Claston of Timsborowe a " coalfinder " represents that 
he had leave from the Earl of Hertford, Lord of the Manor of 
Erchfont, to dig there for coal, " which he hath greate hopes of 
finding and was greatly encouraged by the tenants to do so, but 
now, the tenants fearing that he may dig in their grounds,, fall off, 
and the miners are ready to desist for want of pay ". He prays 
the court to assist him but apparently did not appear himself for 
the petition is marked " Noe order, he was absent ". 

A DEVIZES SONGSTER. 

William Withers of the Devizes was sent to the House of 
Correction there by the Mayor of Marlborough " for singing of 
ballets contrary to the Statute, and was sharply punished for it ". 

REQUEST TO SUPPRESS ALEHOUSES IN SALISBURY. 
Salisbury Jan 8th 1655. 
The Mayor of Salisbury, William Stone, sends the Justices a 
pressing and lengthy letter requesting them to suppress some 
needless and disorderly alehouse " at our very townse end in Melford 
tithing ". He implores the Justices to lay to heart the great 
disorders and varieties of sin and wickedness committed in alehouses 
" the dens of Satan ". " God have honoured you in calling 
you to a place of power and trust, and hee expects that you should 
bee faithful in that trust. You are postinge to the grave every 
day, you are dwelling upon the borders of eternity, your breath is 
in your nostrells, therefore duble and treble your resolutions to bee 
zealous in a good thinge. How dreadful will a dieing bed be to 
a negligent magistrate, what is the reward of a slothful servant, 
is it not to bee punished with everlasting distrucktion from the 
presence of the Lord? " 
The Court " suppressed the alehouses, holding them to be 
unfit". 
DECEASED WIFE'S SISTER. 

John Tily of Hullavington, who was bound over in a bastardy 
case, presents a letter from John Pennrye stating that "Tily has 
been asked in Church and cried in the market but none of the 
magistrates will marry him as the woman in question is the sister 
of Tily's deceased wife The Justices, however, are adamant 
and " order Tily to be whipped for the woman is his wives sister 
and he still keepeth company with her ", and the woman is sent 
to the House of Correction for a year. 


1656. 

INDICTED FOR BLASPHEMY. 

William Bond and Thomas Hibbord of Lacock are indicted 
for atheism and blasphemy '' not being distempered with sickness 
or disordered in their brain ". Bond publicly professed and 
affirmed " that there was no God or power ruling above the 
planets, no Christ but the sun that shines upon us, that the twelve 
patriarchs were twelve houses, that if the Scripture were a making 
againe then Tom Lampire of Melksham would make as good 
Scriptures as the Bible, there was neither heaven nor hell except 
in a man's own conscience, for if he had a good fortune and did 
live well, that was heaven, and if he lived poor and miserable, that 
was hell, for then he would die like a cow or horse ". Hibbord 
stated that Go'd was in all things, and that whatever sins he did 
commit, God was author of them all and acted them in him. He 
would sell all religions for a jug of beer. 

Probably in reference to the above the Grand Jury presented 
on July 8th that " there are many evil spirited people which do 
wander about spreading many evil and dangerous opinions to the 
dishonour of God and the blaspheming his name ". 

DANGEROUS DOGS AT MERE. 

It was presented that '' Many Masty (? Mastiff) dogs are kept 
in Mere and having fallen upon many persons and horses going 
through the town and bitten them to their great danger '' the Court 
ordered that these dogs should be kept tied up or muzzled and not 
allowed to lie loose about the streets. 

1657. 

There are only three files for this year. One is missing. 

" OMNE BENE " AT HEYTESBURY. 

The Constables of Heytesbury present that " through the 
blessing of God upon this nation, and to intimate what our Good 
God hath wrought in this Commonwealth by way of reformacon 
we know of no misdemeanor committed since the last Assizes ". 
They therefore endorse their presentment " Omne bene " (all well). 

JOHN BRADSHAW, 

John Bradshaw, the Judge who tried King Charles I., gives 
his consent to the building of a cottage on his land at Fonthill 
Gifford. He signs the letter himself and it bears his seal with his 
coat of arms. 

A BREACH OF PROMISE. 

A young man of 20 years of age, who states that he made a 
contract of marriage when he was fifteen years old, now petitions 


to be released and the Court declares that the contract is not valid. 
The youth says that the words he had used were " May the Divil 
take him if he married any one but the woman in question 

1658. 

FALSE IMPRISONMENT. 

Quarter Sessions held at Warmnister July 17 . 
To ye Right Worll ye Justices of ye Bench. 
The humble peticon of Mabell Clarke and Mary Hawkins 

daughter of Elizabeth Harris (who simply departed out of prison 
yesterday without License or taking her leeve of your Worpps or 
of any others). 

Sheweth that yor peticoners are very poore & came onely to 
this Towne to Witness their knowledges touching the said Elizabeth 
Harris her accusacon of taking about 3 lbs of wood the sd 
Elizabeth departing wth a Nikill Dicet asafore sd yor peticoners 
(being not culpable) are in the Jaylor's Ward who hath handbolted 
them together as great Mallefactors. May itt therefore please yor 
Worpps to order for ye peticoners enlargement and to remitt fees, 
and as in duty bound ye peticoners shall pray. 

CHRISTMAS SESSIONS. 

At the Christmas Sessions for 1658. 

Five men were sentenced " to be hanged by their necks until 
they be dead ". (They were all concerned in a horse stealing case.) 
One man "t o be burned & then committed to the House of 
Correction at Devizes until he give security for his good 
behaviour ". 

And six more "t o be openly whipped on their naked backs & 
then to be delivered " (released). 

A QUAKER OF GRITTLETON INDICTED. 

Amongst the indictments is the case of Roger Smart of 
Grittleton, a yeoman, " a man of evill name, fame and reputation, 
and of a seditious and turbulent spirit indeavouring to disturb the 
publique peace, dispising all lawful magistracy, irrevently, uncivilly, 
scornefully, and contemptuously in affront to magistracy 
and to the usage and custome of England came before the Justices 
with his hatt upon his head, and when being commanded to uncover 
his head he refused soe to doe, and being impannelled to 
serve on the Jury refused to take the oath The Court fined him 
forty shillings, which he paid. 

A large number of persons are presented for being popish 
recusants. 


1659. 

REFUSING TO SERVE THE KING, WAS HANGED. 

The widow of Robert Moore petitions the Court for relief. 
She states that her husband " Contrary to his mind and judgement 
was pressed during the Civil War to serve King Charles, and was 
taken by soldiers of Colonel Chester to Chippenham, where he was 
told that if he would not serve the King he should serve the 
gallows ". When he was on the gallows the well affected persons 
of Chippenham offered Colonel Chester thirty pounds in money, or 
to get three men in his stead, in order to preserve his life. This, 
however, the Colonel refused, and Moore, still refusing to serve 
the King, was accordingly hung. The Court granted the poor 
widow forty shillings. 

SELLING STAVERTON CHURCH BELL. 

James Bartlett, of the Devizes, states that " One Bayly of 
Stafferton came to him and told him that he was churchwarden, 
and that for a long time they had had no prayer in their Church 
because they were annexed to Trowbridge. That the pulpit cloth 
was in one man's hands the communion table cloth in another's 
custody, and the silver bowls in the keeping of another, and the 
bell was to be sold which bell he asked this examinant to buy, 
promising that if it should be called in question he would buy a 
new bell. Bayley brought the bell to this informants house the 
following July & was paid five pounds three shillings for it ". 

SAW MUCH SERVICE. 

Robert Collier, of Kington Langley, a carpenter by trade, 
petitions the Court to grant him a pension. He states that he 
served two years under Captain Thomas Sadler in Colonel Edmund 
Ludlow's regiment. He then fought against the Welsh under 
Colonel Massey at Redmarley, where he was shot in the thigh, 
wounded in the head, and struck from his horse. On recovering 
from his wounds, he joined Captain Sadler again against the 
King's army at Rowton, where he was again wounded, this time 
in the face and hands, and was taken prisoner and ordered to be 
hanged. He was cured of his wounds " by doctor Guyes 
industry " and the care of his brother George, who was later 
killed at the battle of Worcester. When well enough he joined up 
again and served in this last expedition under Captain Green until 
he was disbanded. 

The Court referred the matter " to the next two Justices to 
allow him what they think fitt ", and the following year he was 
given twenty shillings at once and a yearly pension of forty 
shillings. 


1660. 

THE RISING IN THE WEST. 

To the Right Worppfull The Justices of the peace at the 
Quarter Sessions nowe sitting at Newe Sarum (Jan. 1660). 

The humble peticon of Elizabeth Poulton of Pewsie Widow 
Sheweth. That yor peticoners late husband Thomas Poulton 
being engaged wth John Penruddocke Esqr and others of his 
Matyes Loyall Subjects in the late engagement in the West for his 
Maties service and Restauracon, was for such his loyaltie apprehended 
and most unjustlye brought to a shamefull and untymely 
death. By means whereof yor poore peticoner wth ffower her 
younge children are become very distressed. (The petition then 
goes on to ask for relief, and the Court ordered her to be paid £ $ 
at once.) 

TO ATTEND THE JUSTICES AT DINNER. 

Another appeal, viz., that from Nathaniel Hone of Marlborough, 
states that " at the beginning of the late unhappy warre 
he went forth a Souldier in the Militia Company of ffoote to serve 
the King & Parliament. He received many wounds, was disabled 
& awarded two shillings a week ". For some reason not stated, but 
" by his Maties direccon he is now deprived of it for " that your 
peticoners intencons goeing foorth were wholly to serve his late 
sacred Majesty 

The Order of the Court was " Let him wait on the Justices at 

dinner this Thursday ". 

MONEY AND ARMS FOR THE TROOPS NOT 
ACCOUNTED FOR. 


The presentment of the Grand Inquest at the Sessions held at 

Marlborough on the second clay of October contains the following: 

" Wee psent that att or aboute the Ryseing of Sr George 

Booth sundry somes of money were collected throughout this 

County for the payment of severall Troops of Horse and Sundry 

Companyes of ffoote then to be raysed in this County together with 

a moneths advance, besides armes then delivered in wch summes 

of money were reed by Mr. Edward Pierce of ye Devizes Mayor 

& Jo. Randolph and others, unaccounted for to the greate dissatis


facon of this County ". 

HAYMAKING ON SUNDAY. 

William Amor of Marden and Melior Stevens " of Conocke 
were presented for profaning the Lords day by dryinge of Hay 
wch day was the 23rd day of September last 1660 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Salisbury in January, 1660, 
Paul Latham minister of Warminster was presented " for not 
reading,the common prayer according to ye lawe of this Realme ". 


INSULTING KING CHARLES II. AND A MEMBER OF 
PARLIAMENT. 


The informacons of John Ayliffe of Grittenham gent and 
Daniel Gale of Cleeve pip husbandman taken before William Sadler 
14th June 1660. 

Who both of them say that on the last of May they being with 
other company in a howse at Brinkeworth did hear John White 
otherwise Keele of Wootton Bassett butcher utter these words, 
viz. Sir Walter St. John (of Liddiard Tragooze) is a Rogue and 
Rebble. Robert Jefferis John ffrankilm and Mary Custers otherwise 
Wilde all of Wootton Bassett also give informacon on the 
matter. 

They are rather lengthy, and therefore somewhat abbreviated 
in the following :— 

Jefferies says he was coming along the Streete at Wootton 
Bassett when John White called him into his howse and said 
" Robert Jefferis I doe marvell that thou being soe Royal for the 
King as thou hast bin wilt give thy voyce for an Annebaptist, a 
quaker & a rebbil against the King " (meaning Sir Walter St. John 
of Liddiard Tragooze). 

John ffranklin saith that upon Sunday the 15 day of Aprill 
last past he and John White being in the house of Charles Norris 
the Constable of Wootton heard White say that he had the night 
before at a private conferrence given his voyce for Sir Walter, but 
said he, " I cannot be for him neither will I for I must be for a 
Cavilier, for Sir Walter is an Annabaptist and did deliver five 
bullets agst the King at Woster fight 

Mary Custers saith that about a fortnight before the eleccon 
of Burgess at Wootton. Bassett, she being at Whites howse & 
talking about choosing a Burgess heard White say " Sir Walter is 
not a man fitt to be a Burgess for he is an Annabaptist a tray tor 
and bore armes against the King at Wosterfight ". 

Richard Hayward of Bushton said that he with others were 
reaping wheat for John Stratton at Bushton at the time Sir Goerge 
Booth was up in armes, there came along a party of soldiers goeing 
to suppress Sir George Booth. Whereupon Henry Barnard of 
Gotaker being with the reapers saith " there goe a Company to 
suppress the Rogues ". This Informant replyed " why doe you call 
them soe, those that they goe to suppress may be honest men 
Barnard said '' none but rogues & theeves or that have any relation 
to him they fight for will stur in his cause and that the King himselfe 
is as bad as any of them ", to which this Informant replyd, 
" why doe you speake such words concerning a man you know not 
nor did ever see ". To this James Rumin of Gotaker said, " Did 
he not (meaning the King) maintain rogues & theeves & murderers 
for his constant assistance and noe other ". " Very like " said 
this informant, " there myght be such in his Armie ". To this 
John Stratton the master of the work said " you know the King did 
maintaine none but such in his Armie 


John Rice of Brinkeworth and John Harbert of Marridg Park 
saith that Thomas Anger of Highworth did report to them that Sir 
Walter St. John did send to him the said Anger to ride a horse of 
his with armes to goe to assist Lambert. 

John Rice further saith that William Day being at the howse 
of Sir Walter St. John in the presence of Lady St. John & severall 
other persons did there deny that he the said Wm. Day did never 
heare Anger speak of Sir Walter sending a horse or Armes to assist 
Lambert. 

Two other witnesses affirm that they heard Anger say Sir 
Walter did endeavour to assist Lambert by sending horses and 
Armes unto him. 

(And here the matter ends as far as this roll is concerned). 

A FOLLOWER OF PRINCE MAURICE. 
These are to Certifie all whome it may concerne. 
That the bearer hereof Arthur Harrison of Warminster did 
faithfully serve his late Matie in all his warres from the beginninge 
to the end thereof under the comaund of one Captaine Woolly Lee 
in the Regiment of Prince Maurice. And in the said service 
received many dangerous wounds, as namely att Chuton in Somstshire 
where Prince Maurice himselfe was wounded & like to be 
slayne in wch fight this bearer received soe many wounds in his 
arme that he hath lost the use of it. And had seven peeces of his 
scull taken forth. And after being on the Sentry att Bradford 
Bridge goeing to Lansdown light was shott through both Cheekes 
& left for dead untill wch tyme hee was alwayes wth Prince Maurice 
in all engagements in his late Maties service. And that his 
Captaine for the reasons aforesaid left him & was slayne at Newberry 
fight. And that the late usurpeing power prevayleinge, the 
bearer hereof hath ben forced to very great necessities. And now 
since God Almighty hath restored his Matie and his Loyall subjects 
to his and their Rights & Privileges, and that there being by the 
Lawes of the Kingdome provision made for such as should be 
wounded in his Maties service, Wee present the bearer hereof unto 
you as a fitt subject of yor clemency and remain yor humble 
servants. 

The above is signed by thirty persons, including " T. Jeffrey, 
Potticary 

A CLEVER COUNTERFEIT PASS. 
The following exceedingly well executed forged pass is 
written on parchment, measuring eleven inches wide and six and 
a half inches deep, and signed with four names, three professing 
to be Justices of Devonshire and one the Mayor of Barnstaple. 
The County of Devon. 
Whereas it hath appeared by divers sufficient and severall 
testimonies of Inhabitants of the Towne of Barnstaple and others 
in the said Countie before the Right Honble Walter Earle Knight, 
John Martin and Edward Pawlett Esquires, Justices of the Peace 


and Commissioners appointed by this present Parliament for the 
said County, as also of Edward Commen Mayor of the said Towne. 
That this bearer Thomas Grange Mariner sometime Inhabitant in 
the aforesaid Towne hath lived in all godly honest and upright 
conversation in the sight of all men with his wife and children 
relief—full and Charitable to the poore after a Christian manner : 
Yet of late yeares and since the yeare of our Lord one thousand 
six hundred and forty and six, by great and divers losses both by 
sea and land as in a schedule appeareth, whereof wee have the 
exalcon (examination) and subscribed with our hands and seales 
bearing date wth these pnts (presents) the value whereof amounteth 
unto the sum of fifteen hundred pounds and upwards : besides 
beeing now returned from Spaine where hee hath lately beene a 
prisoner and breake his left arme whereby hee is disabled to labour 
for the support of himselfe his poore wife and children, and hath 
no remedy under heaven for reliefe, but by recourse to his Most 
Sacred Maty which at present hee is not able to undertake by 
reason of his extreame povertie and great debts. Wee therefore 
out of Christian Charities and pittie to distressed condition doe 
earnestly recommend him to the pious and tender commiseracon of 
all well disposed people desireing the Lord may move their hearts 
therein, and to this end wee doe on his behalfe hereby desire all 
Minister of Gods holy word to whome these psnts shall come to 
publish the contents hereof in their severall Congregations and to 
stirr up their Auditors to his relief : And wee doe desire all Constables 
Tythingmen and all other his Maties Officers whome it may 
concerne to relieve and lodge him in his travele in due time, hee 
behaving himselfe civelly as hee ought to doe, and to gather and 
receive the almes and Charitable benevolence of all weldisposed 
people as aforesaid. Wee have allowed him One and fortie dayes 
from the date hereof according to his request. Given under our 
hands and seales at Barnstable above said the Seventeenth day of 
December In the twelfth yeare of the raigne of our Soveraigne 
Lord Charles the Second Kinge over England &c. Annoq Domini 
1660. 

To all Justices of the peace, Mayors, Bayliffs, Ministers, 
Constables, Churchwardens, and to all his Maties officers whome 
it may concerne, greeting. 

(In the handwriting of the Clerk to the Justices.) 
This being a Counterfeit Passe, Grannge was well whipt & 
sent away by a pass ye copy whereof is annxed. 
The signatures of the Justices of Barnstaple, Walter Earle, 
John Martin, Edward Pawlett, and Edward Commen, Mayor. 
(Note.—Thomas Hooper was the Mayor in 1660). 
The pass given to Grange by the Wilts Justices is as 
follows :— 

WILTES. At a Generall Sessions of the peace held at New Sarum 
Jan 8th in the 12th year of the reigne of Charles 2nd, before 
Seymour Pile Barronet, Wille Yorke (and other Justices). 


WHEREAS the Bearer hereof Thomas Grannge of Stockton 
in Cleaveland in the County of Yorke was taken at the Citty of 
Newe Sarm aforesaid is a Vagrant & begging pson, & 
Ye hath received correccon accordinge to the Lawe. Theis 
seale are therefore in his Maties name to will and require you 
here. to convey the said Thomas Grannge from tythinge to 

tythinge the ready way to Stockton in Cleaveland in the 
County of Yorke aforesaid being the place of his birth as he 
alleageth to this Cort. Given under the seale of office the day & 
yeare abovesaid. 

To the Constables of ffisherton Anger and 
to all other Constables & Tythingmen and other 
officers whome it may concerne. 

1661. 

MANY MAIMED SOLDIERS. 

This roll, as well as that for 1660, contains many petitions 
from maimed soldiers asking for pensions. They give the names 
of the officers they served under, the places they were engaged at, 
and the nature of their wounds, in many cases supported by letters 
from their commanding officers. Unfortunately they are too 
numerous and lengthy to come within the scope of these extracts, 
but the following is a good example :— 

Nicholas Jones petitions for a pension and his officer, Captain 
James Long of Draycott, sends a lengthy certificate in support of 
it. He states that Jones joined his force before the capture of 
Bristol, he having formerly served under Captain Lord Arundell 
of Wardour and was then wounded. He showed his courage in 
many engagements especially at the fight at Auburn—six weeks 
after Naseby—where they were engaged with horse and dragoons 
of Fairfax's army. After four troopers had been slain or mortally 
wounded in attempting to open a gate which stopped them from 
entering a field in which the enemy had rallied Jones effected it, 
and in spite of the fact that he received two musket shots in one 
thigh yet he held the gate until they were all in the field, and then 
charged with them three times fighting furiously until the enemy 
were routed and then fell. He was taken to a gentleman's house 
and remained there a long time in danger of death and on recovering 
returned to his colours, where he served until the end of the 
war. In spite of his many and gallant services the Court only 
awarded him two pounds. 

In the case of Jasper Wintworth of Devizes the Court gave 

him two pounds and added to the petition " let him be at the alms 

house 

NO ALEHOUSE FOR MELKSHAM. 

The inhabitants of Melksham petition that the licence for one 
alehouse in their town that was granted the previous year having 
now expired, it may be suppressed, there having been no licensed 
alehouse there for nearly forty years previously. 


QUAKERS' PETITION AGAINST IMPRISONMENT 
WITHOUT EXAMINATION. 


A petition from eleven of "your friends commonly called 
quakers " states that they were taken by soldiers with drawn 
swords, and brought to Captain Sharpe at Dinton, who carried 
them to Wilton and then to Sarum and put them in the county 
prison without examination, where they are still detained without 
any hearing before any justice. 

1662. 

* A CHECK ON PENSIONS AND RELIEF. 
Like the previous rolls, this contains a very long list of applications 
from maimed and wounded soldiers. As a result the Grand 
Jury present that a check was necessary and full enquiry made 
before relief was given. Accordingly at the Sessions held on 
Sept. 30th it was ordered that " Whereas very may hundreds of 
petitions are presented at this Court by and from persons who 
alleage and suggest that they have been souldiers in the service of 
his late Majestie or his Majestie that now is, and therein have 
been maimed, indigent, aged, or disabled for worke &c. and the 
Court was not able to judge of the need of the applicant on account 
of their number and the distance of their habitacon, therefore no 
money at all should be paid by the Treasurers of the County until 
further consideration be taken as to the amount of the county 
stock, and the fitness of the person to receive relief, and for the 
latter purpose the Justices in each division were directed to meet 
from time to time and examine all petitions and certificates brought 
to them and certify the Court thereupon ". 

1663, 

REFUSAL TO PAY THE HEARTH TAX. 

The Tythingman of North Wraxall—Thomas Hinner—appears 
to have had trouble whilst gathering the Hearth Tax, for on July 
22nd, 1663, he presents the following petition:— 

That whereas yor Petconer, in discharge of his office for the 
collecting of His Maties Hearth money hath gone to the House of 
Mr. Samuel Read of Eaton Kennell, being in North Wrexall where 
he is returned for 2 hearthes. That although yor petconer in the 
demand of it used all Civilty, yet hath reed from the sayd Mr. 
Samuel many opprious and menacing words—vizt—That if the 
Collector did proffer to destrayne for the money, he would throw 
him in Gaole. That he nothing valued or regarded the Sheriffe or 
him. 

The humble request of Yor petconer is that this Honble Court 
will be pleased to grant him an order that he may be secured in 
the discharge of his office, and that the sayd Mr. Read may be 
brought to answer his contempt. 


(The Court ordered that the warrant be granted). 

This, however, did not lead to any satisfactory results, for at 
the following Sessions held at Marlborough in October, Mr. Hinner 
again petitions the Court for assistance, for in spite of the fact that 
Read was arrested and brought before Mr. Duckett, one of the 
County Justices, when he promised " to putt in Bayle but he hath 
not, Whereby your poore petr is putt to travell to this Sessions 
to his greate expense for reliefe haveing formerly spent much more 
in the psercucon of the said Read 

He then asks for a new Warrant to apprehend Read, which 
the Court grants. 

MILKING AND BAKING AT SCATTSHILL, CHISELDON. 

The information of Katherine ffleming of Scattshill who sayeth 
upon oath that she hath had her cowes milked in the night four 
severall times in the last fortnight and having a suspicion of 
Thomas Evenes of Wicke in the parish of Liddington, laborer, she 
understood that the said Evenes allwaies baked when her cowes 
were milked, and last night heareing that he intended to bake she 
employed William Gray (and others) to watch her ground & further 
she sayeth not. 

The next " informations " are those of the watchers, who said 

that about midnight they met Thomas Evenes running very fast in 

Wick Field. They apprehended him and asked him where he was 

going, and he replied " to look after water ", but later he said he 

was going to look after two calves. He had a bucket and a prong 

in his hand, and was first seen close to the Rick Barton where the 

cows were. 

There is nothing more in the files concerning this case, neither 

does "Thomas Evenes' " name appear in the callendar of 

Prisoners. 

MORE WOUNDED SOLDIERS. 

There are many appeals by wounded soldiers to the Justices 

for relief in the rolls for this year. 

The following are typical examples, but being lengthy are 

somewhat abbreviated. 

" John ffricker of Bidstone St. Martin states that he was for 

many years a souldier in his late Maties service of blessed memory 

under the comand of Captune Henry Thinne in the Regiment of 

Colonel Thomas Howard Esqre. Also in the Regiment of Colonel 

James Long Esqre. He received many hurts in the head, hands, 

thighs & Ribbs, & was much impoverished by suffering under the 

late usurped powers. He continued faithfull to his Maties service 

not deserting the same by taking up armes against his sayd late 

Matie of blessed memory or his Matie that now is. And was in 

readiness to be in service for his Matie that now is, at the rising 

at Lansdowne at the time when Sr George Boothe raised armes for 

his Maties service ". He then goes on to ask for a pension, and 

was granted s/- per quarter. The petition is supported by a dozen 


persons, including James Long (presumably his late Colonel) and 
" William Tharmbury, Rector of Stanton St. Quentin 

" John Dickman of Cosham a privet Troopper always very 
reall for and on behalfe of his late Maite King Charles the 
First of ever blessed memory under Captaine ffrancis Hillier 
belonging to Lord Hoptons owne Regiment And it was his 
unhappy fortune to be taken by the Enemie In the West at which 
tyme they tooke his horse and armes and stript him of his money, 
clothes & all other things which he had & carried him prisoner to 
Lampport & there kept him so long in hardship that he was almoste 
starved. He was awarded 7s/ - per quarter ". 

William. Russe of Chippenham served under Sir ffrancis 
Dorrington. He had received many dangerous wounds, lost all his 
estate and was now compelled to labour to maintain himself and 
" his great charge & family and work was very scarce ". 

He was awarded 10s/- per quarter. 

1664. 

NO CHURCH SERVICE AT ERLESTOKE. 

The Constables of the hundred " present the whole parish of 
Earlestoake for not repayering to theire Church every Sunday, or 
chappie, the reson is because devine sarvice is not reede every 
Sunday ". 

A HOARDER OF FOOD. 

The Mayor of Wilton, Walter Sharpe,.writes to the Clerk of 
the Peace on April 18th concerning the prosecution of a person 
named Upjohn, upon whose goods fines have often been levied for 
the use of the poor, he refusing to come to his parish church. " He 
is a very dangerous person and one who in the rising since the 
Kinge came in, was att that instant wantinge from his home neere 
a quarter of a yeare and had bought cheese and bacon enough to 
have furnished a garrison for some tyme ". 

IMPROPERLY DRESSED. 

A man of Holt is informed against for coming into Holt 
Church in a very indecent and unusual manner " without haveihg 
a band about his necke and railing at the Minister Mr. Richard 
Randall ". 

DANGEROUS ROGUES SENT TO VIRGINIA. 

A number of persons were ordered to be flogged as beggars 
and very dangerous rogues, but were let off on consenting to be 
transported to Virginia. 

R 


1665. 

There are only three rolls for this year. 

UNQUALIFIED SPORTSMAN. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough by adjournment 
on Dec. 5th-7th the Grand Jury presented " John Davis of Lockeridge 
for unlawfully shooting in a gunne having not sufficient estate 
or qualified soe to do 

A WITCH OF WICK. 

The information of Margarett ffowler wife of Gyles ffowler of 
Nusteede in the pish of Cannings Epi, labourer, taken upon oath 
the 14th' day of August before William Yorke one of his Maties 
Justices of the Peace— 

Who sayeth that upon Munday the tenth day of this instant 
August about two of the clocke in the afternoone, Joane Meriwether 
of Weeke in the said pish of Cannings Epi, widdow, came into this 
informants house at Nusteede and did ask her how her child did, 
wch was then in this informants armes, and the said Joane Meriwether 
then tooke the said child into her armes and kissed the child 
and shortly after went out of the house and imediately after her 
departure the Said child being before in very good health, did fall 
into a very great distemper as if it had been ready to have flowne 
out of this informants armes after the said Joane, and hath ever 
since that time continued in such distemper, takeing little or noe 
sustenance, casting up whatsoever is given unto it, being for the 
most part drinke or possett drinke, the said child not being capable 
to take anythinge else, refuseing ever since to suck although it did 
suck very well before. And this deponent further sayeth that she 
beleeveth that the said distemper did soe befall the said child 
through some unlawfull act done by the said Joane and that the 
said child is overseene and bewitched, and beleeveth that if the 
said Joane had not come to the house and kist the child, the said 
child had continued in good health as it was before. And further 
sayeth that she hath the said Joane in suspition the rather for that 
she the saide Joane is comonly reported to be a woman of that ill 
condition. 

(Signed) WILL YORKE. 
The unfortunate Joane was committed to Fisherton Prison by 
Mr. Yorke " charged with suspicion of witchcraft in bewitching 
the child of one Gyles Flower of Weeke and as nothing further 
appears on the rolls concerning her she probably was sent to the 
Assizes to take her trial. 

PARTNERS IN THE RIVER AVON. 

The Jury of the Httndred of Damerartinorth present the inhabitants 
of Christian Malford and the inhabitants of Sutton Benger 
being joynt partners or having a like pportion in the River of Avon 


where in lyeth a Rushbed above a Bridg- called High-bridg which 
is likely to decaye the aforesaid Bridg by turning the river out of 
its usual course. 

FIRE AT BROMHAM. 

The humble petition of Stephen Cogswell of Bromham miller, 
to the Justices at the Sessions held at Devizes the 4th day of Aprill 
1665. 

" Sheweth that on the 22nd day of ffebruary last about midnight 
there happened a suddaine, sad and lamentable fire wch wth 
in a very short time burnt down his house and a grist mill and mault 
mill adjoyning together with a great part of his household goods 
wch goods alone amounteth to ye value of Sixty pounds and upwards, 
by means whereof your petitioner and his family consisting 
of eight persons (though their lives through mercy were given them 
for a prey they but narrowly escaping being burnt in their beds) 
yet are like to be reduced to very great want unless ye Lord stirr 
up ye hearts of charitable disposed persons to assist and relieve 
them in their sad & deplorable condition ". He begs the Court to 
assist him and a grant of ^5 was made. The appeal is supported 
by Tim Richards, Rector, and seventeen others, including the 
churchwardens, overseers, constables, and William Webb, who 
adds the word " Carrier " after his name. 

CONCERNING THE HEARTH TAX. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at New Sarum Janry 1665/6 the 
following resolutions concerning the hearth tax were presented :— 
Resolucons to Queries concerning Hearth Money. 

1. Ovens only are exempted from Charge but all Chimnyes 
and Hearths—although they have ovens in them are to pay. 
2. All houses that have above two chimnies in them are to 
pay, though paupers dwell in them, there being noe exempcon 
allowed to such houses. 
3. If such house stands Empty and the owner not a pauper 
he must pay as occupyer, and if noe distresse there, hee to be 
returned into the excheqr and the duety levyable upon process from 
thence. 
4. In case of stopping up Chimnies, proceed to demand, and 
levy the dutie or returne hence into the Excheqr with the whole 
case and circumstances. 
5. Smithes, Braziers and Pewterers if they have hearths for 
other uses—though in the same Chimney with their ffurnace or 
fforge these hearthes ought to pay. 
6. His Maties Garrisons, and Castles farmed out and the 
Lodges in his Parkes and fforrests & Chases are likewise to pay. 
7. Freeschooles and Mills are likewise to pay. 

FROM QUAKERS IN PRISON. 

For Judge Windham & the Justices of the Peace now sitting 
in the Court in Sarum. 

Wee suppose its not unknown how many and great are and 
have beene the troubles of us who are called quakers which Ever-
since wee were a People have beene inflicted and are yett likely, 
if the Lord open not peoples hearts, to be continued upon us. 
And although its not in our mindes at this tyme to write the Innocency 
of our Cause Yett being cleare in our owne consciences and 
knowing in our hearts wee intend noe man ill we cann ffrely committ 
our Cause to God, who we hope will in dew tyme manifest 
our integrity to all men. Yett inasmuch as severall of us are & have 
ffor above two yeares and halfe beene imprisoned in this County 
Goale by reason of which long imprisonment what miseries, 
necessities & calamities many of us with our wives and familys 
have sustained will be too muche here to mention, yett truly our 
aflictions are such that we cannott altogether be silent but lay 
before you some of sufferings with a good hope and humble desire, 
that you unto whom God hath at this day given so much power 
wilt also manifest such pitty as to consider of this our complainte 
which is as ffolloweth. Wee who are prisoners as aforesaid were 
the third day of the month called June 1663 and ffined att Warmister 
Sessions for meeting together—though it was only to worship 
God, some of us qo£ and some a peece by the Judge of 
ye Sessions and have remained prisoners to this day, one of which, 
namely Thomas Withers shortly after his imprisonment and before 
ye Sessions gave bond with two sureties ffor his appearance att ye 
next Assizes (according to ye mitimus) But remained a prisoner 
notwithstanding, and being by a new order, called to the Sessions 
with ye rest, was there ffined and returned to prison with him. 

And at ye Assizes after was called, & notwithstanding Answer was 
made by the keeper that he was then in prison for ye very same 
thing, Estreats came out in greene wax against him and his sureties 
by which they hath beene damnified neare 30 ^ notwithstanding 
all his imprisonment before and since to this very day. Another 
of us namely Jane Selfe being a wife and doeing nothing but what 
her husband allowed because she kept were (? ward or watch) at 
her husbands house, was brought to prison with them, ffrom her 
children and ffamily. ^ Now most of us are poore haveing wives 
and severall small children, yea so poore that wee can truly say 
were we willing, yett some of us are never likely to be in a capacity 
to answer these imposed ffines. What advantage will it then be 
to keepe us thus under a continuall restrainte the only way to 
expose us and ours—if ye Lord prevent not—to perpetual penury. 

Alas for it what shall we say, were (a word blotted out) but 
sensible of those many sighes and teares which our long bondage 
have produced it would doubtless be of greater force to persuade 
those who we believe are in a capacity to afford us reliefe herein 
by granting our enlargement. Lett not our words and desires returne 
in vaine but favour us so much as to answer our complainte 


which we hope and believe will not be forgotten in the records of 

heaven which is ye desire of yours to serve you ffor rig-hteousnes 

sake. 

Signed Thomas Withers, Jane Selfe, Robert Luff, Robert 
Button, John Leonard, and in the behalfe of the rest. 
The records do not state what Judge Wyndham did in the 
matter. 

1666. 

THE PLAGUE IN SALISBURY. 

The plague seems to have been very bad in Salisbury this year. 
The Mayor, writing to the Justices, states that 52 houses were shut 
up, with 196 inmates, costing £22 15s. weekly, 23 families numbering 
58 persons were in pesthouses, and 553 families numbering 
1,855 persons were in receipt of relief amounting to ^10 8 4s. 2d. 
weekly. Another letter written in the following January states 
that there were 694 families comprising 2,192 persons on relief. 

FLED FROM THE PLAGUE. 

The Churchwardens of Mildenhall complain against Richard 
Constable, " a gentleman of good and plentiful estate", for 
abandoning his house with the greater part of his family, upon 
the town being visited with the plague, and thus taking no care of 
the sick people there, but leaving them wholly to the charge of the 
parish. Mr. Constable was ordered by the Court to pay five pounds. 

1667. 

There are only two Quarter Sessions records in this roll, and 
these are much injured by damp. They contain very little of present 
day interest, the principal item being a letter from the Privy 
Council directing that the utmost endeavours should be made to 
apprehend all popish priests and Jesuits, and to examine all persons 
who have been led away to the Roman religion, etc. It is signed 
by a large number of members of the Council, and can be read in 
detail in " Autograph Letters " in the Appendix. 

1668. 

ILLEGAL USE OF NAMES OF MAGISTRATES. 

Sr Henry Coker Knight one of his M[atys Justices of the Peace 
and quorum for this County maketh informacon against George 
Sheppard of Warminster Ale seller for yt hee by virtue of a false 
messuage and Token useing the names of the said Sr Henry Coker, 
Edward Hyde and Thomas Mompesson Esqres his Matyes Justices 
of the Peace for this County did on ye 5th day of October last past 
enter the house of Mary Creame of Crockerton widdo and did 


thereby possesse himself of the goods of the said Mary Creame to 
the value of 50s. for wch offence 1 the sd Sr Henry Coker doe desire 
that Sheppard may come to hearing & examinacon accordinge to 
the Statue of Or late Sovaigne Kinge Henry the 8th of blessed 
memory in the 33th yeare of his Raigne the first Chapter. (Sgd)Henry 
Coker. 

Witnesses bounden to give their Evidence 
Mary Creame the younger. 
John Creame. 
Andrew Meaden. 
Ralph Annerly. 


OVER FIVE YEARS IN PRISON FOR DEBT. 

Six persons who were fined 40s. at Warminster Sessions July 
1663 for attending an unlawful meeting were still in prison in 
January 1669/70. 

1669. 

There are only three rolls for this year and they contain little 
of interest. 

NO PILLORY OR DUCKING STOOL AT WARMINSTER. 

The presentment for Warminster at the Quarter Sessions held 
at Warminter July 13th 1669. 
Mr. Simon Sloper Junr was presented " for not setting up a 
Pillory and Cookinge stoole ". 

1670. 

ALEHOUSE AT WESTBURY SUPPRESSED. 

The Mayor of Westbury, John Pryor, and twenty-nine of the 
inhabitants petition that an alehouse there may be suppressed on 
the ground that the keeper and his son 1 ' have used all lewd and 
wicked wayes & meanes to defraud theire neighbours and have 
inriched themselves by impoverishing of many honest families by 
drawing them in to spend theire estates in theire alehouse ". The 
Court ordered the alehouse to be closed. 

COUNTERFEIT FARTHINGS. 

John Bushell a mercer of Great Bedwyn was indicted for 
making and uttering brass and copper farthings of which a hundred 
were only equal in value to 1 6 pence. 

(Note.—A specimen of these farthings can be seen in the 
Wilts Archaeological Society's Museum, Devizes. It is inscribed 
as follows :— 

Obverse: IOHN BVSHEL OF GREAT 
Three doves with the Tallow Chandlers' Arms. 
Reverse: BEDWIN MERCER 1669. I.E.B.) 



FIRE AT MERE. 

Mere suffered great loss by fire this year when 54 houses were 
burnt and a loss of ^6,700 sustained. The inhabitants made an 
application for a brief to be issued by which they could make a 
collection throughout the country*. 

A WITCH AT LATTON. 

Jane Townsend of Latton is indicted for being a witch because 
she had a teat or nipple on her body about half an inch long, which 
was suspected to be a witch's mark. Two persons depose that 
she had offered to teach their daughters how to become witches, 
the procedure being as follows : " They were to go into the Church 
and lie down by the font and forswear their Christian names seven 
times and then they would become witches, and if they made a 
picture of a man or beast in clay & ran a hot iron into it that man 
or beast would become bewitched ". Another complaint against 
Jane was " that some cheeses would not keep down in the making 
as it ought, and the woman who was making it, going after a 
Child of Jane Townsend's that was beating one of her children 
Townsend said to her ' that though she herself had bewitched the 
cheese her child had not '." In defence of the charge Jane states 
that " she has three severall marks upon her body but none but 
such as she brought into the world with her, and that she hath no 
familiarity with any evil spirit, and that she hath trust in Christ 
that died for her, and that He will save her soul ". As nothing 
further appears concerning the case ft is possible that Jane was 
acquitted. 

1671. 

AN EAVESDROPPER OF BOWOOD. 

The presentment for the hundred of Calne at the Quarter 
Sessions held at Devizes in May 1671 contains the following :— 
Wee present Thomas Croft for an eavesdropper who liveth in 
the parish of Bowood. 

UNLAWFUL CONVENTICLES. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough in October 1671 
a large number of persons were presented by different magistrates 
for holding unlawful meetings or Conventicles. The following is 
one out of many such presentments. 

Memorandum. The 27th day of September 1670 those psons 
whose names are under written were Lawfully convicted by Wit nesses 
upon oath before me Sr Edward Hungerford Kt of the I&ath 
& one of his Maties Justices of peace for the County of Wilts for 
being on the 25th day of Sept instant present with divers other 
persons to about the number of 2000 at an unlawful meeting & 
Conventicle held in a Wood called and known by the name of 
Brockers Wood in the pish of North Brandly in the said County 


under collour and pretence of Religious Worship. And a pson 
whose name & habitacon unknowne did then teach and preach to 
the People contrary to the Statute in that behalfe made and pvided, 
ffor which their offences I have imposed and fined each of them 
the severall sums of mony as against their names under written 
appeareth and have made this my record thereof under my hand 
and seale the day and year first above written. 

(Signed) EDWARD HUNGERFORD. 
Then follow thirty names and those for whom this was a first 
offence were fined 5s. , for a second offence 10s. , whilst two were 
fined £io " towards the preacher " over and above the 5s. for first 
offence. Possibly they were the conveners of the meeting and were 
responsible for the preacher, but there is nothing to show this. 
At another Conventicle held at Westbury, Roger Catter for 
Teaching, it being his second offence, was fined ^40. 
Simon Crabb of the parish of North Brandly, for refusing his 
office in dispersing the said Conventicle he being overseer of the 
poore of the parish, was fined £5 . 
Roger Kater for suffering a conventicle to be held in his 
Barne at Dilton was fined £20. 

THE FIRE IN LONDON. 

The Constables of the Hundred of Damerham South in their 

presentment at the Quarter Sessions held at New Sarum Jan. 10th 

1 671 say :— 

" Wee know of none yt retayned any mony in there hands wch 
collected for ye losse yt was sustayned by fire at London ". 

FINED FOR ATTENDING UNLAWFUL CONVENTICLES. 

This year some hundreds of persons in the County were 
brought before the magistrates for taking part in unlawful assemblies 
or Conventicles and were fined accordingly. The Roll contains 
many appeals against these fines, but with what result they 
do not say. 

Probably the Registers of the period could give further 

information. 

FRAUDULENT TOKENS. 

Simon Rolfe of New Sarum, clothier, is indicted for coining 

half pence of which four were only equal to a penny. John Slade 

of Warminster, mercer, for coining farthings of which four were 

only equal to a half penny. Francis Patient of Westbury, William 

Butcher of Warminster, and William Newman of Wilton are also 

indicted for similar offences. 

(Note.—Specimens of these are in the Wilts Archaeological 

Museum at Devizes.) 


249 

1672. 
CIVIL WAR: WOUNDED AT BRISTOL. 

The humble petition of Major Tho Latimore Humbly Sheweth 

That yr petitioner being a Major in ye Regiment of Coll. John 
Ackland and under ye comand of ye Lord Hopton in ye servis of 
his late Matie King Charles the first of glorious memorie, and 
therin and in other service manifested his loyalty to his said Matie 
as in duty bound, and alsoe his servisses and sufferings in the said 
servis as by his severall Certificates hereunto annexed doth fully 
appeare and being borne and breed up in the Burrough of Cricklad 
as by a Certificate here unto annexed doth appeare, and haveing 
bene ever since the restoration of his sacred Matie unwilling to be 
burthensome to his native Countie soe long as either the releefe 
of friends or industry in himself could maintaine him and his wife 
(though very meanly) but now being past labor and reduced to 
great want and necessitie he is forced to crave yor Honors assistance 
by granting him such pention as to yor Honors shall seeme 
meet and as by vertue of ye Act of Parliament you are impowered 
to doe, that thereby himself and aged wife may be preserved from 
perishing, which otherwise will undoubtedly follow. Humbly 
beginge yor Honors to like his sad case into yor serious consideration 
that he may have some speedie releife. 

And yor petitioner shall ever pray. 
It is satisfactory to note that this Court granted 40s/- at 
present and a pension of ^ 4 a year for the future. 
The above is followed by a Certificate signed by John Flood 
Vicar of Cricklade and others, supporting the statement that he 
was a Cricklade man. 
Then comes the following :— 
These may Certifie all whom it doth concerne that Major 
Thomas Latimer under ye command of Coll. John Ackland, after ye 
losse of that Regiment in Arundle Castle raised a foote Companie 
under my Command at his owne Charge wherein he behaved himselfe 
faithfully and welbecoming a good souldier. Witness my hand 
and seale this 24th of June 1660. (Signed) Will Courtenay. 
This certificate is again signed by Will Courtenay on March 
2nd 1668 as being just and true. 
This is followed by a certificate of Will Slingsbey dated 20th 
June 1660 which states that Latimer " was made uncapable by a 
shott in the necke which he received in Bristoll when it was 
besieged by Sir Thomas ffairfax, upon which account he had 
libertie to repaire to his dwelling house in order to his cure". 
There is a similar certificate signed by Edward Wilsford dated 
18 June 1660. 

EGYPTIANS IN WILTSHIRE. 

The Jury for the hundred of Damerham North " present Ben 
Baker of Nettleton, Inholder for entertaining people comonly 
calling themselves Egyptians who did behave themselves very 
barbarous, contrary to the Statute ". 


TIDULSIDE (OR T1LSHEAD). 

A certificate signed by Antonius Delacourt, vicar, states " that 
an agreement has been made between the inhabitants of Tidulside 
alias Tilshead and James Waddam as to the maintenance of a 
child". 

1673. 

There is nothing in this roll of much interest. 

1674. 

The rolls of this year are badly spoilt by damp. 

ROMAN PRIESTS AND JESUITS TO BE TRANSPORTED. 

A letter from the Privy Council states that in spite of recent 
proclamations many Roman Priests and Jesuites continue in the 
Kingdom and the King " out of his pious care for the Protestant 
religion has resolved that all who can be found shall be transported 
into the parts beyond the seas ". Search is therefore to be made 
for such persons, who are to be apprehended and sent to London 
for transportation, and a reward of five pounds is to be paid for 
everyone so discovered. 

1675. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Devizes in April this year, 
John Neal of Rowde, Victualler, was presented " for Keepinge a 
Skittle alley and yll orders " contrary to ye Statute. 

A FRAUDULENT LAWYER. 

The humble peticon of the Inhabitants of Westbury Humbly 

Sheweth that Thomas Rawlins of Westbury being convicted before 

Sr Henry Coker, Knight, for suffering tipling and disorder in his 

house on the sabbath day in time of divine Service selling Ale 

wthout license being a man of a very lewd life, hath been ye 

occacon of ye undoeing of sevall psons by reason his sonn John 

Rawlins practiseing ye law & hath caused divrs psons to come 

there and spend their moneys wch should maintain their families, 

suejng about zo in ye County Cort for tithes wch never was due, 

by wch meanes they have extorted great sumes of money from 

many to their utter undoeing for wch they stand indicted for 

Barrety by speciall direccon of the Lord Chiefe Justice this last 

Assizes at Sarum And ye said Thomas Rawlins pretends he hath 

got a new lycence signed by two Justice's by wch meanes he con


tinues selling of ale to the great grievance of ye inhabitants & 

being a generall nusance will prove more destructive to ye inhabi


tants if suffered. The said John and Thomas Rawlins having 

hatched sevall conspiracies there agt the lives of divrs psons to ye 


hazard of their lives and ruin of the meaner sort, All wch evill 
practices they doe not desist, the sd John Rawlins sueing many 
for nothing due and refuseing to give them bills, but will have 
what he demands contrary to ye Statute, and haveing soe sued one 
Rennolds wch is by Judge Raynefford referred to Sr Henry Cocke 
& alsoe sued one Jeffery Selfe & wthout any just cause made him 
runn the Countrey. 

Your peticioners pray yt yor Worpps will take some course 
to restraine those Exorbitances, appressances and grievances of 
ye said John Rawlins and suspend ye said Thomas Rawlins from 
selling ale whereby such oppressions' may be avoided & to doe 
what other things yor Worpps shall thincke fitt. 

And yor peticioners shall ever pray. 

The above is signed by fifty-one persons. 

The order of the Court was that Thomas Rawlins lycence is 
to be suppressed for disorder upon Sir Henry Coker's Informacon 
and not to be lycenced but by. order of this Court and in open 
Court. 

With reference to the foregoing Sir Henry Coker writes :— 

Whereas John Rawlins of Westbury attorney was summoned 
before me and by sevall psons proved to be of ill behavior, much 
oppressing his parishioners by neddlesse vexatious sutes and refuseing 
to give a bill of his hand for money, he sued Stephen 
Rendell of Westbury lye under pretence he did Business at Law for 
him, and being desired by me so to doe refused it, & said that 
Stephen Rendall should goe to Westminster to search & there 
obtayne order for it, notwithstanding Stephen offered to make 
oath that he never imployed John Rawlins in getting of a Judgment 
or doing any business at Law for him. Upon which misbehaviour 
with severall others I required him, ye sd John Rawlins, 
that he should find sureties to answer the same at the next Assizes 
or Quarter Sessions which he refused to doe. 

These are therefore in his Maties name to charge and command 
you to apprehend the body of the said John Rawlins &c. 
&c , and convey him to his Maties Gaol at ffisherton Anger. 

Given under my hand & seale at Hull Deverell the 26th day 
of January 1674/5. 

(Signed) HENRY COKER. 
To the Keeper of his Maties 
Gaol at ffisherton Anger and 
to the Constables of the 
Burro of Westbury—these. 

1675. 

THE BOROUGH OF GREAT BEDWYN. 

Mr. Dennett (he was Mayor of Wilton). 
The bearer hereof Michael Cooke of Great Bedwyn being a 
Pentioner is denyed his small Pention because an inhabitant in a 


Corporation. I preseume the reason of that order was because 
the Great Corporation payed nor shared with the County toward 
maimed Souldiers and Mariners fund as attested by the Certificate 
wth the parish and therefore I conceive the inhabitants ought to 
enjoy the same privilidges wth other parts of the County. 

I am, 

Your obedient Servant, 

J. DANIELL. 
From another petition from the inhabitants of the Borough of 
Wootton Bassett it appears the Justices at the Quarter Sessions 
previously held at Warminster that year made an order " that 
pensioners inhabiting any corporation should be dispensioned ". 
Whereas Wootton Bassett, like Bedwyn, contributed to the 
maimed Soldiers & Mariners fund as attested by the Certificate 
of the Constables, the pensioners of that town therefore claimed 
their right to pensions. 

1676. 

TRENCHARD ACCOUNTS 1676—1687. 

Amongst the County records is a small bundle of accounts 
dating from 1676 to 1687, and from these it appears that Mr. 
William Trenchard, the Squire of Normanton, had let Normanton 
farm to a Farmer Osgood. There are 30 accounts in all, and they 
are mainly for work and material that Farmer Osgood himself 
had executed or supplied on account of his landlord or for similar 
services rendered by other persons. From time to time Squire 
Trenchard drew up a summary of amounts received from Osgood 
and in like manner Osgood renders " a note what money I have 
layed out for my Landlord since I have ben at Norington ". But 
the accounts of workmen employed by Osgood are especially of 
interest as they contain many obsolete words and quaint spellings 
besides giving a good idea of the prices of material goods and 
labour at that time. It is not possible to give a complete transcription 
of all these accounts, but in the following notes an 
endeavour has been made to extract some of the most interesting. 
In some cases no dates or names are given. 

1676. An accompt of worke done ffor William Trenchard 

Esquire on his ffarme at Normington this 15th March p Anthony 

Waters & Company viz. 

ffor Hedgeing about ye San foyn 18 dayes worke at 

i2d p diem is ... ... ... ... o 18 o 

ffor 26 dayes and an halfe at i2 d p Diem hedgeinge 

round ye ffish pond for a high pitched hedge ... 1 6 0 

Oct. ye 13—81. 

Mr. Trenchard his a Count, 

for the robery don in this hunder (see under 1679) ... o 1 2 6 

for twofol mony ... ... ... ... 08 2 


for Chimey mony 0 5 0 
for yaill and masel 
for mony that williwm finymowe haches 
hath for taking up the 
0 
0 
3 
1 0 
4 
0 
for 2 bushel of woats 0 3 0 
for souing the duch clover 0 5 6 
for 2 towkes 0 4 6 
for 6 pulets 0 4 3 
for the steare 2 1 0 0 
for the Kings rent 0 7 0 
for gent man fine 
for 4 busel of barly 
Receved of Mr. Atwod the som of ... 
0 
0 
1 5 
2 
1 0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
payed to your mane 
lout (fetched) from Chil marke io load of Stones 
2 dayes work to bare flents 
for yaile and masel 
6 
6 
0 
0 
10 
0 
1 2 
3 
0 
0 
0 
4 
for 2 busels of woats 0 5 0 
(There are a few other items for cash paid.) 
Oct. ye 13—81. 
for the Kings rent payed the soum of 
for souing your wheat Crape it comes tofor the fold and the bar ... 
... 
0 
9 
1 
7 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
for caring up to the more limber and pyiles and hurdels 
for 4 dosen of hurdel 
0 
0 r 4 
0 
0 
for load of liame from lafonton 0 8 0 
for goate (forgot) at the last reckon a forty shilen paye 2 1 0 

Another "note of what money I have layed out" contains 
the following items :— 
for 17 months pay 11 8 3 
paid for mending of Willsford Bridg 0 4 4 
paid for Chimey money for one years 0 10 0 
paid for ye hake of the fishpond ... 0 1 3 6 
paid Coles for mending the Tumling bay and putting 

in the hake in the fishpond ... 0 6 0 
paid for Troughfy money 0 5 0 
paid for the wood & caridge to the Sanfine ... 2 0 0 
paid for picking the Stones in the Sanfine ... 2 0 0 
paid Gentleman fine O 2 0 
paid goale money O 6 8 
paid for digging the well 5 0 0 
for six kine 16 10 0 
for 18 quarters of barly ... 22 4 0 
for one quarter of malt ... i 4 6 
pd for mending ye hatches 0 2 6 
pd Mr. Dawkins at twice 12 8 6 


lor 13 quarter of berly ... ... ••• ••• °9 °9 °3 

for a dekein of pulets ... ... 00 08 0 

for 2 pulets 00 OI 03 

1679. 
Laid out for my Landlord. 
paid for the Tax 2 I 0 
O 6 0

paid to ye tethingman 
pd toward maimed Souldiers O 3 4 
pd for 2 Dosen of hurdles O 6 0 
Nov ye 10th ffor butter in all 10 lb ... O 4 2 

ffor milk in all ... O 2 10 
ffor 2 lb of Bacon OO 1 0 
ffor 3 loaves of Bread for ye Doggs 0 2 0 
ffor beare O 7 0 
ffor cheese O 2 6 
ffor a Turkey O 3 6 

3

ffor 7 ffowles O 6 
ffor eggs O 0 2 
ffor Tobacco O 0 

4 
ffor 7 lb of Candles O 2 11 
ffor a goose & id of cloves & mace ... 0 2 5 
ffor motton O 2 2 
ffor 4 quarters of oats for ye horses 2 0 4 
ffor 2 bushl & one pecke of Beans ... O 6 9 
ffor Wheat sheves for the horses ... O 6

3 
ffor Hay for the horses ... I 0 7 
Jan. 4th 1677. Mr. Trenchard renders a statement in these 
words:— 
" All accounts being then last upp between Farmer Osgood 
and myselfe since his comeing to Normanton they appear to be 
as follow: 
(Then are given various items amounting to ^25 2 2s. 6d.) 
"So that since his coming to Normanton I acknowledge to 
have received of him in money and accounts as part of rent due to 
me the summe of two hundred fifty and two Pound two shillings 
and Six pence. As Witnesse my hand the day and yeare above 
written per me ". 
Wm. Trenchard. 
Wm. Haywards acct to Wm. Trenchard Esqr concerning 
Normanton ye 24th 8ber (October) 1680 :— 
Received vizt. 
ye 25th 9th ber (November) Received of ffarmer Osgood 6 10 o 
ye 10th x ber (December),Reed of Bundy ye Wheeler for 
Elme at 300 per tun being a tun & odd foote 1 1 3 o 
There are one or two more receipts and the " total summe " 
is £10 16s. iod. 


Disbursed vizt. 

This is a long- account, so only a few items can be given. 

Repairing ye greate wyre (weir) and wyre house and 
fish pond hatches. 
Wm. Viney 18 days att is & 6d p diem ... ... 17 0 

(And severall other workmen at the same rate per day). 
Wm. Viney for 35 piles wch will serve for ye moore wyre 07 4 
One dozen hurdles ... 03 0 
pd for 140 foote of plancke and square Oake at 3d per 

foote ... ... ... ... ... 1150 
Pd Pile for his Oake=Cap = sull at 40s per tun ... o 5 o 
Pd Viney, Bedford and Alderidge up to ye Arme pitts in 

water pulling up ye bay \ a day ... ... 02 6 

Pd Dukman and his son 5 days for sawing out of Elme 
for ye wyre under water and slittinge other stuff 
for uses ... ... ... ... ... o n 8 

The " summe " came to £8 6. 4. 

Pigeon House acct vizt. 
Several entries for labourers at i4d. per day for cutting down 
elms and sawing the wood " about ye pigeon house ". 
pd John Munday 5 Doz pigeons at 2s per Dozen being 
chosen out of 15 or 16 Dozen ... ... ... o 10 o 
A messenger to place ye Pigeons ... ... ... 00 4 

Concerning ye Moore Hatches. 
Pd my expenses one night att ye Choppinge Knife att 
Amsbury wth my farmer Cozens & my Cozen Hay-
ward discourseinge about ye stone wyre and agreeinge 
upon ye same & how to gett out ye old wyre 02 9 
my expenses once more to Amsbury to meete ye partye 
afforsd and to meete ye quarre man when wee drew 
a plott of ye wyre and tooke order for ye stones 02 0 
pd one halfe towards a messenger to send to ye quarreman 
... ... ... ... ... 010 

Mrs. Walder for | a dozen of Turkeys ... ... o 10 o 

pd my expenses once more haveing made 2 or 3 journeys 
to Amsbury about partinge or secureing ye stuff of 
ye old Wyre wch lay soe confusedly about ye 
ground ... ... ... ... ... 01 0 

pd a messenger to send ye maid from Sir Richards ... o o 3 
pd given ye carter to be careful of ye turkeys ... o o 6 
The Total " summe " come to £10 16. 10. 

1681. New hay cost 35/- per ton and old hay 30/- per ton. 
ffor ff allowing of Twelve acres of arrable being more or 
less at 5s per acre ... ... ... 30 0 
ffor fetching of two load of free stone from Chilmark 1 4 o 


1679. 
Pd towards the Kings Armes in the Church 10 o

opaid for gaol money 03 4 

No date. 
ffor a paire of Jeameles ... ••• 
ffor working of yome and irone in spriges 
ffor making of sprigs with one newe ire 
ffor a head for the hake for the fissh pond 
ffor bord nailes and dubel tenes 
ffor to hundred of bord nailes 

The hole sume is 1. 3. 4. 

May ye tenth 1680. 
" All accounts being cast upp between Farmer Osgood and 
my selfe he being to pay for my use the summe of fourty five 
pounds to John Sturges for Building a Pidgeon house, I do 
acknowledge to have received of him in money and accounts since 
his comeing to Normanton in Part of Rent the full Summe of eight 
hundred twenty six pounds one shilling and four Pence, I say 
Received by me ''. 
WM. TRENCHARD 

k 

1681. Will Trencher Esquire his Bill. 
September 29th for a print of sheepe 
Oct. 1 3 for a drowning spade 
for fasting horse shoes 
17 for 2lb of board nails 
for a share & Coulter & Dole Chaine and plow 
chaine 2 Tayle Jres 2 Rings for the plow 
wheels & spindle & Croock for the 
Weldons way 84 
for 2 Tacks & nails & Reach & nails for ye plow 
for 2 plates & Ring behind on ye plow 


o o

for 2 boxes & 2 stock bonds for ye finale plow 
wheele & a plate for ye great plow wheel 
& duble key for ye spindle 

for 2 plates & nails to hole ye spindles in The 
weldons 
for a old Linne pinne to hole ye Dole Chaine 
to the plow ... 

o o 

for 1 1 ferralls & sprigs for ye spokes of ye 
wheels 

o 11 
December 2 —th —81 
Rec in full of this bill £1. 19. o. of Edward King for 
the use of will trencher Esq I say reed by me John Martin. 


A bell for ssqier Trencher, (no date), 
ffor 61 fote of Oocking timber at 40s a tone 
ffor carpenders worke to maecke the troncks and poting 

in troncks in 
paide to the saiers for saeing of all the timber 
paid to the smeth for all sorts of nails 
paid to the labrers for doing of all the worke to bring 

the water to the med ... 
ffor the repaier of the haeches to squier trencher part is 
Mr haperd havth paid for his part for the repaier of the 

haeches all rede 
soe of this bill I have reseved of farmer Oosgood in part 
so thare remains due upon this bill 

William Trenchard esqu His Bill 1680 
mand Maye the 10th. 
for macking a new shiep brige and putting in 2 braces 
In the haches 
for puting in a new pear of haches hath coust to the 

rapyerer 
for nails to do it 3s and for saing it out 6 shilen in all 
payed to Willum for helping do the haches 5 dayes work 
paid to John Sauig for Jentil man fine 
payed to Willum smart for 65 dousen of setor 
for one dayes work to fech it up ... 
payed for seting the 65 doson 
payed to Jorge Pyel for. 30 doson of seter and 14 

boundel of wethy 
payed John Sauig for twofel mony 
payed to Henery good boy the 3 monthes pay 

Bred & beare & frier 
dresing the diner 
The wine— 

2 botles of sack and 2 of clarett 

a leg of mutton ffrom the bucher 

a turky & a couple of puletts ... 

a chine of backon of the ffarmer 

The ffarmers bill Dec the 10th 
for 1 7 bushel of oots 
for 1 bushel and a half of beanes 
for haye 
for 301b of beef and mutton 
for 4 chines of backon ... 
for dogs meate ... 
for 1 turke and 2 cuppel of pullats . 
for a shulder of mutton ... 
for candles 
for pipes cardes collworts & turneps 

3 1 0 

2 0 
i 14 0 
0 IO 0 

6 6 
*5 

3 

0 

0 
6 6 

15 

17 
5 

8 6 

0 

9 4 

0 10 8 
0 0

9 
0 6 8 
0 2 0 
3 5 

0 
0 5 0 
0 6 6 

2 0

4 
0 8 2 
2 1 0 

0 6

4 
0 6

3 

0 6 0 
0 1 

4 
0 3 0 
0 2 0 

1 1 

3 

4 6 

J5 0 

5 10 
0 6 6 
0 10 2 
0 6

4 
0 1 

3 
0 1 10 
0 1 4 

s 


for bread 
for butter 
for beere 
for Chemney money 
for Kings rent ... 
for the 3 monthes paye 

for making the more ditch 

for making a banke in brod mead ... 

030 
0 1 8 
060 
050 
070 
210 

1 15 o 

1 8 o 

A note of what money I have laid out for my landlord since I 
have lived at his farme called Normmington farm. (No date given.) 
Left to pay to the Church & poore in Mr. Callows time o 10 o 
f or san fine seed ... ... ... ••• ••• 04 0 
for Drums & Collers ... ••• ••• 05 0 
for gentleman fine ... ... ••• ••• 02 0 
for quit rent ... ... ••- ••• 01 0 
paid to the Jenes for mending the Hatches ... ... 02 6 
paid for chimny money ... ... ... ••• o 10 o 
paid a years geole money ... ... ... ... 08 4 
paid for halfe a years goole money ... ... ... 03 4 

(There are other items in this account, but are of no particular 
interest). 


The last of these accounts to be transcribed is rather long, but 
contains many interesting details. It is headed thus:— 

Mr. Trenchard his Bill April 1681 . 
payed to the watores for rubin the withes of ... 05 0 
payed to ye Church wardes for yaile and mashet ... o 3 4 
payed to thithen man for Jent man fine ... ... 02 0 
payed for Chimly mony ... ... ... ... 05 0 
payed to John Sturges for 3 doson of pigeon and a 

soultrat and brinen over ... ... ... 011 0 
payed to laidson for 1 doson & half of pigeons ... o 4 o 
pay to John Sturges for lafin the winders of the pigin 

house ... ... ... ... ... 05 0 
payed to John Sturg for 2 dousen pigeons ... ... 07 0 
payed to Mr. Hayward for 5 dousen pig (? pigeons) o 1 1 o 
for 3 Bushells of faches for the pige (r pigeons) ... o 6 o 
for a diner when Mr Ash were hear ... ... o 10 o 
for 6 boutel of wine then ... ... ... ... 08 0 
for soult and coming sead for the pigeons ... ... 09 7 
for one dosen of hurdles to mark the bay ... ... 03 0 
for 1 4 bushel of hey clovr soued in the burnbeak ... 1 1 o 
payed Mr filder for the Clover ... ... ... 53 0 
for 2 quarter of barly for the ^igeon ... ... 18 0 

payed Mr Hayward for wit and seling ... ... o 12 o 

Then follows several large sums of money paid by various 
persons, and the last line is— 
pd by a former acquattance ... ... ... 826 0 o 

The total being ^976 15s. nd. 


GROWING TOBACCO. 

The Earl of Danby in a letter to the Justices directs that an 
enquiry should be made of all persons growing tobacco, and the 
quantity of land used for that purpose, in order that they may be 
convicted in accordance with the Act of Parliament. 

1677. 

BULL BAITING IN WARMINSTER. 

The following presentments were made by the Jury of the hun


dred of Warminster at the Quarter Sessions held there in July 

1677. 

Wee psent that John Golledge of Warmister keepes a Bull 

vulgarly called a Baiteing bull, the wch hath bin imployed on a 

bayting waye whereby sevall psons hath bin muche hurte and in


dangerd of their lives, contrary to the Statute in that case made 

and pvided. 

SKITTLES UNLAWFUL. 

Wee psent that Richard Cousins hath kept unlawfull game, to 
wit, game called keetles in his back side. Also William Waynsborough 
keeps unlawfull game by playing at keetles. 

Wee psent that Stephen Humfrye hath erected a Bowleing 
alley and keetles likewise. 

LOST THEIR PENSIONS FOR HAVING SERVED THE 
PARLIAMENT. 


At these Sessions the Court ordered that Nicholas King of 
" Barwick St. Leonards " who had received 40s a year pension and 
Anthony Purchase of Hindon who had received 20s a year to be 
struck off the list of pensions " they having served the Parliament 


TROWBRIDGE WORKMEN PARADE FOR MORE WAGES. 

The Informacon of William Brewer of Trowbridge clothier 
taken upon oath the 25th day_ of June 1677. 

Who sayeth That being in his house in Trowbridge the day 
aforesaid he heard an uproare in the Streete and goeing forth he 
saw a great company of men ffollowing a ffidler and one of them 
made a kind of Proclamacon that '' who soever was of their side 
should ffollow them ". Afterwards, hearing that they were att an 
Alehouse neere the bridge he went thither with the Constables 
where he heard Aaron Atkins say that he was the man who made 
the procjamacon and that the intention thereof was to engage as 
many as he could to combine for the raising of their wages sixpence 
per weeke and that Samuel Bowden (and others) affirmed the 

S2 


same & were with him in the streete upon the same designe, and 
Atkins said that he had a sword and wished that he had had it 
with him. 

Taken before William Brewer. 

Samuel Bowden confesseth that he was amongst the others 
to-day and being demanded for what reason soe many were assembled 
in such a manner with a ffiddle before them & calling those 
that were on their side to come to them saith it was to raise their 
wages to six and six pence for working twelve hours in a day. 

(Sgd) J. HALL. 

ALL WELL AT EVERLEY. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough Oct. 1677 the 

Constables of Everley hundred present 
Wee know of no Sectuaries, Papists, Quakers or Anabaptists. 
No twelve pence have been levied. 
No Bridges or Highways out of repair. 
No unlicensed ale houses. 
No Comon Drunkards. 
No Stocks or wippen posts out of repayer 

but all things as they ought to be. 
(In fact quite a perfect hundred.) 


The Constables of Highworth and Cricklade at the same 
Sessions present 

As touching recusants, sabboth breakers, profane swearers, 
comon drunkards, Idle loytering persons, unlycensed Ale houses, 
neglect of hues & Cryes, stealers of posts or rayles, highways & 
bridges unrepayered and all other things, we have nothing to 
present. (Another model hundred.) 

COLLECTING THE HEARTH TAX BY FORCE. 

The informacon of William Edmunds against Edward Cornelius 
of Winckfield gent. 

Who saythThat on Munday last the said Cornelius coming to 
this deponents in Semington to collect ye ffyre hearth money, he 
having but two chimneys or ffyre hearths in his house, did offer 
Cornelius the duty for same, wch he would not receive untill he 
had distrained the goods of this informant to thend that he might 
make him pay for distraining double duty, and being in the house 
he drew his sword & run at him and alsoe told him If that would 
not do, meaning his sword he had a brase of bullets to shoot at 
this informant, whereupon this informant sayth upon his oath that 
he is afraid Cornelius will indeed kill him or mayme him, and that 
he the more' feareth the same, for that Cornelius hath at divers 
tymes swore that he will do so, without provocacon given him by 

this informant. 


1678. 

There is nothing of special interest in the rolls for this year. 

1679. 

ROBBERY IN THE HUNDRED OF MERE. 

When a robbery was committed in any parish and the culprit 

was not arrested or able to make due compensation, the amount 

of the loss was recovered by levying a rate on the different parishes 

in the hundred concerned in equal shares. 

In the following case it will be seen that this was sometimes 

resented by the parishioners. 

The humble peticon of the Constables of Mere hundred, 
Whereas a robbery was lately ^comitted wth in the said hundred 
and warrants issued forth to us and the Constables of the Liberty 
of Maiden Bradley being wth in the said hundred and to each 
Tithing man within the same for Raysing the money lost equally, 
as all other taxes and payments charged on the Hundred now are, 
and tyme out of mind hath benn paid The Hundred is willing to 
pay their proporcon (Except only the Liberty of Mayden Bradley 
who doth utterly refuse to pay their ffifth part, being their equall 
proporcon). 

Therefore your humble peticoners doe humbly desire the 
Honble Court to grant an order to Levy the sume of money imposed 
on Mayden Bradley being but their equal ffifth part, Otherwise 
to direct your peticoners what course is most meete to be taken 
concerning the same. 

27 Eliz : 13. 
Robbery in ye hundred of Meer ... 97. 14. o 
^19 . 10 . o layd on ye liberty of Bradford to be levyed by distresse 
and sale of goods. 
Directed to ye Constables and tything men of Mayden Bradley. 
Stat Winton. 13 Ed. 1. 
(It does not appear where the responsibility of Bradford comes 
in, so this may be a clerical error and Bradley meant.) 

SUSPECTED HIGHWAYMEN COMPLAIN OF THEIR 
TREATMENT. 


At the Quarter Sessions held at Sarum Jan. 13th 1679/80 the 
following petition was presented to the Court. 
The humble peticon of Thomas Shearman and John Bankes 

now prisoners in Fisherton Anger Goale. 
HUMBLY SHEWETH. That whereas your peticoners were 
lately apphended at the Tything of Charnham Street upon suspicion 
of being highway men, and at the time of their apphension were 
stript of their clothes, swords pistolls and other things to a considerable 
value and of about nine pounds in money by the officers 
and sent to the Goale almost naked, which your peticoners humbly 


conceive is contrary to Lawe So that your peticoners have nothing 
lefte to subsist untill the Assizes. They therefore humbly peticon 
your Worshipps that you will be pleased to order the said Officers 
to return unto them such and soe much of their money & goods as 
you shall think fitt. And your peticoners &c. &c. 

(The matter was referred to two Justices to see that the 
petitioners' rights were given to them according to the Statute of 
1.R.33O 

1680. 

THE MONMOUTH REBELLION FORESHADOWED. 

Although the Monmouth rebellion did not occur until four 
years later, the following "Information" from the Quarter 
Sessions Roll of the Meeting of the Justices at Warminster, July 
14th, 1681 , shows that already there had sprung up a faction in 
Wiltshire who were strongly in favour of James Duke of Monmouth 
as well as one in favour of the Duke of York. 

The previous August (1680) the Duke rode through the West 
of England visiting the houses of the principal gentry who mostly 
were of his party, and stayed on several occasions at Longleat. 
His reception was most encouraging; crowds flocked to see him 
and scattered flowers in his path, shouting for the King and the 
Protestant Duke. It is well for the persons referred to in the 
" information " that the Duke's career was stopped at Sedgemoor 
in 1685, and that he did not get to Warminister, for no less than 
80 of his followers were hanged. 

This " Information " is a lengthy story, comprising over six 
pages of foolscap paper, and in this transcription is slightly 
abbreviated where the omissions do not detract anything of 
interest. 

The Information of Robert Beach of Wooley wth in the Pish 
of Bradford in the County of Wilts gente taken at Warmister 
on Thursday the 14th day of July in the three and thirtieth yeare 
of the raigne of our Soveraigne Lord the King Charles the second 
over England &c. (by the special directiop and Appointment of the 
Generall Quarter Sessions of the Peace held at the tyme and place 
aforesaid) before us Sr Henry Coker Sr Wm. Hiscot Sr John 
Talbot, Richard Jones John ffittzherbert and Thomas Lambert Esq 
Justices of the Peace for the said County for ye takinge ye 
examinacon here written. 

Who saith that he saw Edward Carpenter of Warminster, 
mercer, together with sevall other psons to him unknown walking 
downe the high street in Warminster towards the Sessions 
Hall there, having in their hatts peices of new blew Ribbon 
about six inches in length; being surprized at such an unusuall 
distinguishing token worne in their hatts he spoke unto 
Carpenter and asked him what the meaning of the wearing 
such Ribbons was, who answered that there was to be a 


gieat wedding: but being not satisfied therewith he made 
a further inquiry of Wm, Chubb of Warmister, Tayler, who 
wore one of the said Ribbons in his Hatt: he the said Chubb 
told him that the ribbon or token was given unto him by Carpenter 
& tyed in his hatt by Carpenter or Thomas Yerbury of Warmister, 
Victualler being then psent with Carpenter in his shoppe and with 
this injuncon that Chubb should not part with the ribbon untill it 
were taken away from him by force. And this informant further 
saith that he saw divers others in & about the Court of Sessions 
then sitting, with the like ribbon in their hatts and that one of the 
Grand Jury told him that he was afraid of some danger of a 
disturbance by seeing soe many persons standing neare too the 
Court with such unusuall tokens, which to his best remembrance 
were the number of about twenty or thirty and saith that he 
believeth yt the ribbons were worne out of some designe to make a 
publlque disturbance. 

(Signed) ROBERT BEACH. 

Henry Burges of Great Chiverell saith 

That on Wednesday the 13th day of this instant July he did 
see severall persons to the number of about fifteene walking 
together in the High Street having in their hatts blew ribbons about 
five or six inches in length, towards the evening of the same day, 
being at the sign of the Lamb in Warmister and seeing two men, 
unto him then unknown wearing in their hatts blew ribbons 
demanded the reason of them why they wore such ribbons in their 
hatts, then answered it was in opposition to those that wore Redd 
Ribons, and it should prove as bitter as wormwood. And this 
informant saith that he verily believeth that they wore such blew 
ribbons as a Marke of distinction in order to disturbe the publique 

peace. 
(Signed) HENRY BURGES. 
Paul Lathom of Warmister clerke and minister of the pishe of 
Warmister saith:— 

That on the day in question he saw divers persons to the 
number of_ about 15 or 16 walking in the High Street having in 
their hatts" little peices of narrow blew ribbon about six inches in 
length at which he was troubled, apprehending it to be a token of 
the distinction of parties tending to the disturbance of the publique 
peace, whereupon he went into the Towne Hall where the Court 
was then sitting and in a freindly sort as minister of the pish did 
reprove by name Edward Carpenter for wearing one of the blew 
ribbons in his hatt and for giving divers of the like ribbons to 
divers other persons (as he had heard). He further told Carpenter 
that it was well the Justices of the peace did tymely take cognizance 
of the said token of distinction betweene His Maties subjects for 
otherwise, he this informant did feare yt in twoe or three dayes 
tyme there might be one hundred or two hundred persons in the 
towne distinguished by the like marke, where unto Carpenter 
replyed yt for ought he did knowe there would be two hundred 


psons within these two dayes that would weare the like ribbon not 
withstanding- all that was done to suppresse it. 
(Signed) PAUL LATHOM. 

Wm. Chubb of Warmister tayler saith. 

That he being in the High Street Warmister and goeing 
about his fathers business was called by Edward Carpenter to come 
Into his shoppe which he being in haste refused at first to goe but 
on a second call went into the shopp where he found Carpenter 
in company with Thomas Yerbury of the same towne, wch said 
Carpenter asked this informant whether he would weare a blew 
ribbon in his hatt, this informant asked him what the meaning of 
it was, who answered that all those were meeters wore such blew 

Ribons in their hatts that day, and this informant replyed he was 
noe meeter and thereupon Tho Yerbury standing by asked him 
whether he would weare a Ribon if it was putt into his hatt, 
whereunto he answered he would weare a dozen of ribbons if it 
was given unto him and saith that Yerbury asking him whether he 
would suffer any person to pull it out unles by force, to which he 
replyed that he would not if he coulde helpe it, after which, 
Carpenter tyed a little peice of blew Ribon in hid hatt having cutt 
it off a peice of about twenty yards without paying any thing for it, 

and this informant being questioned by Major Brouncker for 
wearing such a Marke of distinction he this informant imagining it 
to be some roguish intention, suffered it to be burnt, and that he 
saw about 30 or 40 persons walking about the Towne having litle 
peices of Ribon of the like colour in their hatts, halfe a score of 
which persons he saw about the Sessions Hall together at the tyme 
of the sitting of the Court. 

(Signed) WILLIAM CHUBB. 

William Tipper gent one of the Grand Inquest at the said 
Quarter Sessions saith 

That he was standing in the Court with Thomas Tucker 
(another of the Grand Inquest) during the sitting of the Court did 
see divers persons about 20 in number having blew ribons in their 
hatts & sticks in their hands in the face of the Court at which he was 

1 afraid they were there mett as he conceived to doe some violence to 
some of the Grand Jury because they refused to receive the 
defective presentment of the Constables of the hundred of 
Warmister or else to make some disturbance upon Edward 
Carpenter being bound over to the Assizes for distributing such 
like blew Ribons. 

(Signed) WM. TIPPER. 

Thomas Tucker (also one of the Grand Inquest) saith that 
at the same tyme he was standing in the Court with Mr. Tipper 
saw about 20 or 30 persons neare the Court all in one body with 
blew Ribons m. their hatts and sticks in their hands, and he asked 
Mr. Tipper what was the meaning of those men soe gathered 
together, who not knowing, this informant went to the house of 
George Gunn an ale house keeper in Warmister of whome he asked 


what was the meaning of soe many psons wearing such blew ribons 
to which Gunne answered that those that wore the redd ribens at 
Salisbury were for tha Duke of York and those yt did weare the 
blew here were for the Duke of Monmouth. 

(Signed) THO. TUCKER. 
George Gunne saith :— 
That a person unknowne to him came into his house and he 

asking him the reason why soe many blew ribons were worne about 
the towne told him that as those Redd Ribons which were worne 
at Salisbury were the Duke of Yorks colours and soe those blew 
that were worne here at Warmister were the Duke of Monmouths 
colours. 

(Signed) GEORGE GUNN. 
This final sheet is signed by two magistrates, viz., John 
Fitzherbert and Thomas Lambert. 
Nothing further concerning the above incident appears in this 
roll, though it can hardly be believed that nothing was done by the 
Justices, though it was well known that the Duke of Monmouth 
was very poular in the district of " Warmister ". 

1681. 

ANNABAPTISTS. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Warminster 12th July. 
Several persons living at Mere were presented " as being 
reputed to be Annabaptists and others for being popish recusants ". 

CULVERHOLES. 

Another presentment was that of William Webb of Pasteraft, 
in the parish of Whaddon, for " suffering people frequently to play 
on the Lords day at nine pins and culverholes in tyme of divine 
service neere to his house ". 

SCHEDULE OF GOODS STOLEN. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Salisbury in January Arthur 
Mayetts presented the following:— 

An account of what Goods I was robbed of viz. 
A dark bay gelding with some white spots. 
A new sadle with a read velvet seate and 2 gertes. 
A new bit bridle and cruppers. 
A case of pistols & Holsters wth velvet cover. 
A flaske for powder with a silke line. 
A soord hatched with silver. 
A silver box & two gould rings. 
One pound nine shillings in money. 
A silver spoone marked A.M. 
A paire of buff gloves obe last Cravat. 


A paire of large bootes spare and sussones. 
A hunting home tiped with silver in four places. 
A peece of Ribin. 
A Huntting whip. 
A new sussingale guirt. 
large Cravat. 


Nothing further appears of this case, but it is addressed to 
" My Esteemed freind Mr. Robberts living in the Close ". 

COFFEE HOUSE SUPPRESSED AND RE-OPENED. 

An order was made at the January Sessions for suppressing 
" a coffee house kept by William Pearce in Warminster " because 
he '' hath of late made it his dayly practice to expose to the view 
of the inhabitants divers seditious pamphlets and libells against the 
Government now established in both Church and State". The 
Court ordered the sale of coffee to be discontinued as well as that 
of ale, beer, or any other liquor, but the following July the license 
was renewed for one year as a coffee house, etc., provided he duly 
pays the duty on coffee and keeps good order, and does not allow 
any seditious literature in his house. 

1682. 

A LOYAL CHIPPENHAM GENTLEMAN. 

At the Quarter Sessions held at Warminster July 1682 Mr. 
Stedman of Chippenham presented the following appeal. 

William Stedman of Chippenham, gent, having for severall 
yeares served his late Matie King Charles the first & this King 
in the late warrs & haveinge Spent & lost an estate of naere twoe 
thousand pounds in the same hath only a pension of fforty shillings 
p ann allowed him & beinge very indigent by reason of his service 
& losses, Desires a further allowance according to the discrecon 
of this Honble Bench. 

(This pension was increased to £4.) 

HOLDING CONVENTICLES. 

The Grand Jury at the Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough 
Oct. 3 1682 make, amongst others, the following presentments :— 
ITEM. Wee psent That Edward Judd .junr, Constable of Ramsbury 
was psent att an unlawfull Assembly, Conventicle or Meeting 
holden or kept att the house of Henry Dent, Clerke in Ramsbury 
on Sunday the third day of September last past. And that the 
said Judd hath not given information thereof according to the 
Dirreccon of the late Statute. 
ITEM. Wee psent the said Henry Dent for speakinge and undertakinge 
to preach in & att the said Conventicle and for suffering 

the same in his howse att Ramsbury. 
ITEM. Wee psent that William Hughes, Clerk is a Non Conformist 
Mynister, Doth dwell in the Corporation of Maryborough 


Hath there kept a Comon Schoole for Education & Erudition of 
Children aswell in the Lattin as English Tongue for the space of 
severall yeares last past unto this pesent Sessions. And that he 
the said William Hughes hath alsoe for the space aforesd kept 
sevall unlawfull meetings or Conventicles within his howse at 
Marleborough And hath there, in person, for many & sundry tymes 
undertaken to preach & hath spoaken & discoursed as a Teacher 
in and all such conventicles. 

A similar presentment is made concerning Daniell Burges, 
Clerke, of Marlborough. 

URCHFONT AND AVEBURY SABBATH BREAKERS. 
ITEM. Wee psent That Thomas Gilbert of Urchfont did the last 
Lords day, and he and Levy Giddens of the same did att sevall 
other Lords days last past, Inordinately drinke and Tipple in the 
howse of John Hazell of ffulworth in the parish of All cannings, 
millwright. And did there att those sevall tymes make diverse 
affrayes and outcryes to the disturbance of the neighbourhood and 
greate prophanation of the Lord's Days. 

ITEM. Wee psent that Thomas Mortymer of Avebury one of the 
Jury att this Sessions for the hundred of Selkleigh did not psent 
Peter Griffin & his wife & others of Avebury for theyre not repayreinge 
to thyre Parish Church according to his duty, he havinge 
himselfe related theyre severall delinguencyes to some of us out of 
Court. 

ALL WELL AT RAMSBURY AND EVERLEIGH. 
Henry Pinkett the Cunstable of Ramsbury, in his presentment 
has nothing to present—all being in order and closes a long report 
on nothing to say as follows :— 
I know of noe neglect in Correcting of Rougs, vagabons and 
Sturdy Begers according to the Statute and lastly I know of noe 
other misdemeners presentible commited within my Hundred which 
hath at any time come to my knowledge. 
The Constables of Everleigh present. 
That our watch and ward, Hugs and Cryes are duely kept 
and observed. 
Wee know of noe prophane persons, Drunkards, Cursers or 
Swearers, or prophanty of the Sabbath. All things are well and 
in good order. 
PRESENTMENTS. 

The Presentment of the Grand Jurors at the Quarter Sessions 

a

held at New Sarum Jan. 10 1682/3 *s lengthy one and is drawn 
up on two large sheets of paper measuring 15 inches by 12 inches. 
Amongst the various presentments are the following :— 

CONVENTICLE NOT PRESENTED. 
Several of the Jurie men are presented for refusing to present 
a Conventicle kept at Alderbury " of which we know they are not 


ignorant and alsoe for refusing to present sevall dissenters called 
Quakers within the same Parish ". 

WANDERING ROGUES AND VAGABONDS. 

ITEM. Wee present that great numbers of Rouges, vagabones 
and Sturdy Beggers doe travel dayly about the Cuntry unpunished 
to the great abuse of the pore inhabitants of seval places. It is 
therfore desired by the Grand Inquest that this Court will order 
the seval officers wth in this County to put the Laws in Execution 
made at Devizes Sessions in the yeare 1678. (These Laws do not 
appear to be in the roll for that date.) And that printed Coppies 
of the said order with Warrants be sent as then was by the Clarke 
of the Peace to the High Constabls petty Constabls and Tythingmen 
of the Seval Hundreds and Places wthin this County, for wee 
find that the best Lawes are uselesse unlesse they are upheld by 
Authoritis. 

ALE HOUSE KEEPERS TO ATTEND CHURCH. 

ITEM. We desire that this Court will order that noe Justice of 
the Peace of this County shall graunt Lycence to any Ale House 
Keeper with in this County unlesse they the said Ale House 
Keepers and every of them doe first bring a Certificate signed 
by the Minister and Church Wardens of the respective Parishes 
that they said Ale House Keepers doe constantly frequent the 
Parish Church to heare devine Sarvice and receve the Sacrament 
according to the Usage of the Church of England and that the 
Clarke of the Peace or his deputie doe give speedie notice in 
writeing or otherwise of the saied order to the Justices of the Peace 
now absent to the end that none may pleade Iegnorance of the 
saied order. 

THE BISHOP ASKED TO EXCOMMUNICATE. 

And it is the humble desier of the Grand Inquest that the 
Lord Bishop and Deane of this Diocesse may be requested by this 
Court to give order to their Officers of their Courts Ecclesiacticall 
to proceed to an Excommunication against all sorts of dissenters 
within theyre diocesse that they may have noe share in the goverment 
of this Kingdome unlesse they will conforme to the Lawes 
in Church & State. 

DISSENTERS TO BE DISARMED. 

And whereas we are informed that John Reade of Porton Esq 
Robert Grove of Verne Esq and Robert Grove of the same gent, 
his son Peter Ences of the same an Nonconformist Minister and 
sevall Dissenters from the Church of England doe refusse to 
appeare at the Assizes or Sessions to answere to their seval Indictments 
or presentments of which they stand indited or presented, 
we therefore further desier that this Court will order the Clarke of 


the Peace of this County or his deputy to proceed against all such 
dissenters (under what name soe ever they doe call themselves) to 
an Outlarge, to the end they be brought to obedience to the Kinge 
and his Lawes both in Church and State, for we finde by more then 
Twenty yeares experience that noething but the severity of the 
law will reclaime such men, and that all Indulgencies, Tollerations 
& conniveances makes them the more redy to rebell for The prevention 
of which it is allsoe farther desiered that this Court will 
make it their request to the Lord Livetent of this County and his 
deputy es according to the example of "other places to give speedie 
for the disarmeing of all sorts of dissenters as men very dangerous 
to the peace of this Kingdome and allsoe to the life & being of 
the best of kings whom God longe preserve. 

IN ARMS AGAINST THE KING. 

Allsoe we present uppon Information given unto us that John 
Lawrence Bayliffe of the hundred of Underdich in this County who 
is now attending on this Court is a person who has bin in actual 
Armes against his present Matie and Royal Martyred father of 
ever blessed memory, and notwithstanding his Maties repeated 
acts of Grace & pardon, still continueth his seditious wayes and 
pracktises whereby we cannot but judge him an unfitt person to be 
intrusted with that concerne. 

ITEM. We psent the Kings highway from Alderbury Shutte 
Twenty Lugge more or lesse within the gate towards Sarum for 
the Inhabitants of Allderbury to repayre and soe towards Sarum to 
Thaynes Budge for the Inhabitants of Laverstocke to repayre. 

(The foregoing lengthy presentment is signed by seventeen 
persons.) 

1683. 

REFUSAL TO DRINK THE KING'S HEALTH. 

A Warminster man is informed against for refusing to drink 
the King's health, and for saying " he would drink a health to the 
honest Duke of Monmouth ". 

INCREASE OF VAGRANTS. 

So great had become the increase of beggars and rogues in 
the county, that put, so it is stated, " the people in a general 
consternation ", a number of very strict orders against them, 
based on the Acts of Queen Elizabeth and King James, were issued 
by the Justices. 

1684. 

This roll contains nothing of special interest. 


1685. 

A QUAKER WITH A BAD DISTEMPER. 

Thomas Davis of Brimhill— Church warden, doe certify that 
'' Alse Scott that was returned for being a quaker, that she is an 
old weake infirm woman and is troubled with a very bad distemper 
and that she is 65 years old and that she doth promise to come to 
Church if God permits her ability and strength of body and doth 
promise that she will goe to ye quakers meeting noe more ". 

Sep. 30th—85. 
John Tounson. Vic. 
Thos. Davis. 

QUAKERS AND JEWS. 

The presentments of the Grand Jury at the Quarter Sessions 
at Salisbury 13th J any 1685. 

Present. William Isake of Stoke Verdon in the Parish of 
Broad Chalke " as being a reputed Quaker for not repairing to his 
pishe Church to heare Divine Service 

Also Walter Pen and his wife of Fisherton Anger as being 
reputed Quakers. 
And the wife of Edward Renicoate of the same place as a 
reputed Jew. 

The Kalendar of Prisoners remaining in Fisherton Anger Gaol 
at the time of these Sessions include— 
HENRY BURGE—Comitted by John Wyndham for speaking 

dangerous words against the Government. 
ROBERT HUCKER—alsoe comitted by him for furnishing 
severall officers with Armes in the late rebellion. 

THE MONMOUTH REBELLION. 

Quarter Sessions were held at Warminster July 13th, Marlborough 
Oct. 5th, Salisbury Jan. nth; only three rolls, and these 
are small. 

James II. succeeded Charles II. in February, 1685. 

The Duke of Monmouth, generally believed to have been the 
son of Charles II., had been previously ordered by Charles II. to 
leave the Kingdom on account of his supposed connection with the 
Rye House plot. On James II. coming to the throne, the Duke of 
Monmouth, who was then still abroad, was induced by some of his 
partisans to attempt an invasion of England with a view to the 
Crown. He landed at Lyme Regis on June 11 , 1685, with but a 
few followers, though his numbers were soon increased, and he 
assumed the title of King James II. The Battle of Sedgmoor, 
fought in the following July 5th, resulted in his defeat. He 
was taken prisoner, when found in a ditch disguised as a 
peasant. He was executed on July 15th, just over a month after 
his landing m England, and his followers who were taken 


prisoners were tried at what became to be known as the " Bloody 
Assizes ", under Judge Jeffreys, Lord baron Wem, who afterwards 
became Lord High Chancellor. 

Quarter Session, Marlborough, Oct. 7. 

The informacon of William Purchase of the Citty of New 
Sarum taken Sep 6 1685, who upon his oath saith that he being 
this Afternoon at ye house of Thomas Stowy of ffisherton Anger 
Victualler (with others) heard Henry Burge say " God Bless 
James Duke of Monmouth King of England Scotland ffrance & 
Ireland 

The informacon of Grace Alexsender of Avebury taken upon 
Oath the 24th day of July 1685. 

Who saith that one the 22th day of July last past she saw Ann 
Bray wife of Wm. Bray of Avebury strike Christopher Axford of 
Avebury on ye head with her hand. This informant farther saith 
that when about three weeks since yt when ye Kings Armeies 
marched through Avebury into the West she heard Ann Bray say 
that when they was at Thwick Thwack she could aforde to kill two 
or three of her neighbours. 

KING JAMES II. A POPISH ROGUE. 

The Information of William Jennings of North Bradley, 
brasyer, taken the fowrth day of May 1685. Sayeth upon oath 
that upon Wensday last being in the house of Thomas Gaisford 
of North Bradley, Victualler with John Moore of the same parish, 
labourer, hee the said Jennings drank a health to King James the 
second to wch the said Moore answered that he would drink noe 
health to any popish Rogue & presently took a stick out of the 
hand of him the said Jennings & strook him upon the head & 
broke it so that he lost much blood by it & he ia afraid that hee 
will some tyme or other kill him or doe him some bodily harme. 

There are a large number of cases against persons who 
favoured or took part in the Monmouth Rebellion. 

The Westbury Jury present, 
ffrancis Dagg and Ralfe Golfe " for taking up of Armes against 
the King in Molmorths (sic) Armie 
The presentment of the Grand Jury at this Sessions includes the 
following;— 

Wee pesent Ralph Aldridge & Jerom Wheler and James Clift 
sonn of John Clift and Benjm Short and ffrancis Dagg and Tho. 
Goyne as wee are informed that they are all in the rebellion, all of 
them being in the Parish of Westbury. 

And lastly wee crave leave most humbly to acknowledge the 
divine goodness, as also that of his most sacred Majesty wch most 
eminently and most miraculously appeared four our deliverance 


when our country was full of Traytors our fields with bloody 

miscreants when our lives our religion and libertyes and all that 

is deare to us wear ready to bee sacreficed and our houses sur


rounded by those who had sworne our desolution. 
Signed by Francis Sadleir and twenty others. 

CALENDAR OF PRISONERS. 

In the " Treue Kalender of prisoners " then in the Gaol are 

the following:— 

ROBERT WAY.—Ordored to sitt in the pillory at Salisbury, 
Devizes Marlbrough & Warminster for an howre and to 
remaine till he pay the King £200. 
ROBERT ROBBINS.—-Ordered to sitt in the pillory (ut supra) & 
remain till he pay the King 500 markes. 

MARY STEVENS.—Comitted by Sir Edward Hungerford George 
Wroughton & Charles Cooker Esqres upon suspition of 
witchcraft. 

EIGHT PERSONS.—Comitted by Sir Hen. Cocker for reporting 
that his Maties forces had sett ffroome all on fire and for 
beinge rebellously assembled in Armes at Warminster. 

NICHOLLAS HALL.—Comitted by him alsoe for Staying 
behinde his Collours being a private souldier under Captain 
Mathews in the Queens Dowagers Regiment. 

JAMES FFRANCKLYN & FFRANCIS GREENFIELD.— 
Comitted alsoe by him upon suspition that they came into 
England wth the late Duke of Monmouth & that one of 
them was a comission officer in his Army. 

HENRY SHRAPNILE.—Comitted by Wm. Duckett Ksqre for 
entertayninge of Thomas Garridge and Stephen Cooke 
of Tawnton actually Rebells in armes against his Matie. 

STEPHEN MOORE.—Comitted by him alsoe for speaking these 
words—" that he would not goe to Church till the Duke 
of Monmouth is King 

MAURICE MORGAN.—Comitted by him alsoe for speaking of 
treasonable words agst his Matie. 

MR. JOHN KIDD & SYMON HUSSEY.—Comitted by Wm. 
Chafin Esq for marching in Monmouths army till they 
were engaged. 

WM. SUTTON.—Comitted by Shar: Talbott Esqre for breaking 
open a store truncke of Madam Diana Mountagues and 
feloniously takinge out thence severall parcells of fish. 

FOUR PERSONS.—Comitted by Shar Talbott & Wm. Willoughby 
Esqrs being^ taken at Hindon upon suspition that 
they were goeing to joyne wth the late Duke of Monmouth 
& other Traytors against his Matie. 

EDWARD COLEMAN.—Comitted by Sr James Long & Wm. 
Duckett Esqre upon suspition of High Treason. 


WM. BUCKLE & PHILL BUTCHER.—Comitted by Wm. 
Duckett & Hen. Cheevers Esqrs Wm. Watts Maior & 
Charles Danvers Esqre Deputy Recorder of the Devizes 
for being factious & seditious persons against the King & 
Government. 

WM. INGRAM.—Comitted by Robert Hyde & Math Davis Esqrs 
for speaking these treasonable & seditious words vizt 
" That the Duke of Monmouth had sent to the Duke of 
Yorke—meaning his present Matie—to clayme the 
Crowne because he had a right to it and that if he would 
not graunt it by faire meanes he would trye for it, and 
that there were aboundance ready and that the Duke of 
Monmouth had given a challenge to his Uncle—meaning 
the Kinge—to be tryed by the Lyons in the Tower & that 
his Uncle—meaning the Kinge—refused to be tryed by 
them ''. 

CHRISTOPHER ALTNOGE & JOHN SCHILGE.—Comitted by 
Allex : Thistlethwayte Esqrs confessinge that they landed 
at Lime wth the Rebells as servants to one Captn Bruce 

.} and that they rune away from Bridgwater on Munday last. 
WM. MOORE, deputy Tythingman of Trowbridge did suffer one 
Daniell Burrage of Crookhorne (? Crewkerne) to escape 
out of his custody being chardged to be in Rebellion wth 
the late Duke of Monmouth. 
CHARLES SPEKE, gent.—Comitted by Thos. Penrodicke & 
Maurice Buckland Esqrs for marching in the late Duke of 
Monmouths Army. 

1686. 

REFUSAL TO SUPPLY HORSES FOR THE QUEEN'S 
GOODS. 
Quarter Sessions held at Marlboro Oct. 6 1686. 
The Constables of the Hundred of Kingsbridge in making their 
presentment, after presenting Charles Cawley and Richard Browne 
of Lyneham " for selling Beire wthout a licynce ", go on to say— 
We know nothing else presentable within our hundred saving 
that ffrancis More Esq gent being somoned to provide ffower 
horses with Harness to appeare at Marleborough in September last 
to carry Her Maty the Queene Dowagers goods towards the Bath 
did utterly & contemptuously refuse the same. 

" PAPIST TOADS ". 

Quarter Sessions, Salisbury, Jan. n , 1686. 

The information of Anna ye wife of Richard Pinchin of Atford 
taken before us three of his Majistles Justices of ye Peace the 
fourth day of May 1686. 

This informant saith upon her oath that shortly after ye day 
of Thanksgiving for ye Victory obteined by his Majesties forces 

T 


agst ye late Duke of Monmouth & ye rebels under him, she heard 
Mary Haines of Atford say that Bernard Powlet Esqre & Capt 
John Yerbury & his wife—a Company of Papiste Toads between 
them—to shew their Thankfulnes for that ye sd late D. of Monmouth 
was taken, had given a new pulpit cloth & cushion to ye 
Church, but let them look to themselves for when time should serve 
she would do their work for them '& utterly ruin them. And farther 
saith that at another time not long after she heard Mary 
Haines say that though she was now acounted ye scum of Atford, 
she did not doubt but yt in little time she should be made ye top 
of Atford, and afterwards at another time she.said that whereas 
Tho : lies had said that he could freely kill ye D. of Monmouth if 
he could see him, she would if she had an opportunity do his work 

for him & utterly ruin him. 
(Signed) R. LEWIS. 
THO. HARRIS. 


J. WM. BREWER. 
ECHO OF THE MONMOUTH REBELLION. 
Quarter Sessions held at Warminster, July 13 , 1686. 
To the Right Worpll Sr Henry Coker Knight and to all other 
His Maties Justices of the peace assembled att the Sessions att 
Warminster. 
May itt please yor Worpps yor poore petitioners John Kmme 
and Drew Dedman having beene imployed in the office of Watchmen 
in the late rebellion, we did take, seize, and apprehend a 
Rebell with horse and under the command of Munmuth and had 
him before Sr Henry Coker who was prosecuted according to law. 
Since Mr. Sloper bailiffe in taking fellons goods hath taken the 
horse from us and doth unjustly detaine the same, we yor poore 
petitioners doe most humbly request yor Worpps conceived att the 
honble bench that you would be pleased to be instrumental! in the 
said horse or satisfaccon for the same from Mr. Sloper, which of 
right by information we ought to have and yor servants will ever 
subscribe Themselves gratefull to yor Worpps while we are 
yor dutiful Servants 
JOHN KMME. 
July the 5th 1868. DREW DEDMAN. 

This year several persons of Meere are presented as " desenters 
exempting themselves from their parish Church " . 

1687. 
Nothing of special interest in these rolls. 


1688. 
There are only two rolls for this year and nothing of special 
interest m either of them. 


1689. 

FIRE AT WEST LAVINGTON. 

A true survey of ye greate losses of ye inhabitants of ye pish 
of Lavington episcopi occasioned by a sudden & lamentable fire 
wch happened wth in their said pish on Friday the Twenty sixth 
day of Aprill last past. 

Burnt in houses, barnes, stabling, &c. 
Mr. Thomas Baxter his losses in houses consisting of 31 

bayes of building we prise at » ... ... ... £450 
James Newman 1 3 bayes ... ... ... ... ^21 2 
The parsonage house, barnes, stables, &c , consisting of 

29 Bayes of building ... ... ... ... £61 5 

There are 23 other names with varying numbers of bayes and 
amounts of losses. John Oram had 10 Bayes valued at ^190 , 
and two bayes of William Palmer are the lowest, valued at £27. 

The total bayes of buildings burnt Aprill ye 26 1689, two 
hundred and twenty six. 
(Signed) JOHN PULLEN and JOHN JONES, Carpenters. 
NORTHAM BATT and JOHN RUDLE, Masons. 
A Court on Enquiry as to the total loss was held in July and 
the following report was issued :— 

" Whereas this Court hath certified to the Right Honble the 
Lords Comrs of the Great Seale of England that, it appears to this 
Court by the oathes of severall credible Witnesses that the losse 
susteyned by the Inhabitants of West Lavington amounts to the 
sum of 5367 pounds 1 8 shilling and 8 pence 

This is signed by Wm Sainsbury, Sam Sainsbury and five 
others. 

There is also a long list of names of some thirty-four persons 
who suffered losses in trade and household goods and their value, 
the lowest being Alice Chilvester Widow who lost five pounds 
worth and the highest William Bartlett £445, all of whom took 
their oaths on 23rd of "July 1689 that the amounts stated were 
correct. The total loss of goods amounted to ^1608 18s. 8d. and 
is signed by William Sainsbury. 

It would appear from the above that the greater part of West 
Lavington was burnt down. 

INSULTING THE CROWN AND PARLIAMENT. 

A person is committed to prison for saying that their present 
Majesties (William and Mary) are not lawfully King and Queen 
and that the present Parliament is not a Parliament but a parcel 
of fools met together who make themselves a Parliament. 

1690. 

Nothing of special interest in these rolls. 


1691. 

LOYAL RAMSBURY. 

The presentment of the Jury for the hundred of Ramsbury at 
the Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough October the sixth day 
1691. 

Upon our oaths we have no informacon to present anything 
presentable nether do wee to the best of our knowledge know of 
anything to present in the hundred of Ramsbury for and in the 
behalf of their Maties King William and Queen Mary whom God 
greant Long to reign which is and shall be the prayer of us whose 
names are here under subscribed. 

Signed by eighteen of the Inhabitants. 

JAMES II. OR WILLIAM III. 

The informacon of Wm West of Atworth baker, taken the 
18th day of August 1691 before me Lionell Duckett who being 
sworne saith that upon a certain Sunday about a moneth last past, 
being Box revell, he was in the house of John Cottle of Box where 
was present one Thomas Hibbert of Bath and John Shute of the 
same place, baker, and severall others, and this informant saith 
that the said Hibbert taking a glass of beer severall times in his 
hands began and drank severall Healths to ye late King James 
saying withall that our present King William was brought in to 
England with a East wind and was (referring probably to the 
Kings going to Ireland) driven out again by a West wind as ye 
locusts were from off the earth And this informant further saieth 
that Hibbert spoke severall approbious words against the present 
King and Queen and their Government. John Cottle of Box husbandman 
being sworn saith that upon a certain Sunday (but which 
day of the moneth he remembers not) being Box revell last past 
he had severall freinds come to his house and amongst others one 
Thomas Hibbert of Bath, barber, and John Shute baker, and 

severall others. Having a great many friends in severall rooms he 
was sometimes in one room and some times in another and that 
he never heard any person whatsoever speak concerning the King 
and Queen or their gouvernment. He further saith that he usually 
advises those he keepeth company withall not to talke of ye 
gouvernment. 

(Signed) LIO. DUCKETT. 

A BOTTLE OF WINE—WAS IT A BRIBE? 

Steeple Ashton July 14 1691. 
Sir, 


this is to desier you to excues my atending in the Grande 
Juery at this time and for the futuer you shall command mee I 
am at psant not in condition to be there but I hope I shall in sum 
short time be able to waight on you to pay you Sims his mony 
and psent you with a bottle of wine or give you any other satis



faction that is reqesite if you please to excues me. this being- all 
with my servis I rest 
Yours to command 
WM . TIPPE R (an appropriate name). 
These for Mr. Robart 
Cunstable in Warmister. 

ORCHESTON CHURCH DOOR FORCED OPEN. 
The information of John Mortimer one of the Church Wardens 
of ye pish & pish Church of Orcheston alias Orston St. George 
taken upon his oath on ffryday ye ffifth day of June 1691 before 
William Beach Esq &c. 
This informant saith that upon Tuesday ye twelfth day of 
May last past one Thomas Curgenven of Sherborne clerke or 
schoolmaster did send for this dept by his servant or one who was 
with him as his servant, and this dept found Mr. Curgenven in 
the Churchyard who asked this dept for the key of the Church who 
replyed that he had it not (which was ye truth) Whereupon ye sd 
Mr Curgenven sent his said servant man to Thomas Merewether 
of Maddington a miller for an iron barr, which in some short time 
the servant brought and delivered the same to Mr. Curgenven who 
was then in ye porch of the Church who did then with the said 
barr violently wrest and breake open ye door of ye Church which 
was lockt. And this dept goeing about to enter the Church Mr. 
Curgenven laid violent hands on him and threatened him & said 
" You Rogue I'le doe your businesse, I'le lay you safe enough," 
and imediately drew his servant mans Hanger out of its scabard 
& struck at him, this dept, who went backe. And then one in a 
Clergymans habit who came with Mr. Curgenven went into ye 
Church and presently came out againe. And thereupon Mr. Curgenven 
went into ye Church & this informant followed him and 
saw Mr. Curgenven & his servant with William Read a blacksmith 
of Shrewton violently breake open a doore which parted ye Church 
from the Bellfery which was then lockt. And then the servant 
man went into ye Bellfery & Tolled ye second Bell (ye said Mr. 
Curgenven never entering the Bellfery) after which Mr. Curgenven 
in ye Church fell violently on this informant & with the assistance 
of his servant teare this Informant's wearing cloathes & forced 
him out of ye Church. And afterwards in ye Churchyard the servant 
man strucke up this informants heels & threw him down twice 
& kickt him severall times, Mr. Curgenven standing by all that 
while. 
(Signed) JOHN MORTIMER. 
John Selwood of Shrewton upon his oath saith that he being 
in the Churchyard of Orcheston (als Orston St. George) (on the 
day in question) did see Thomas Curgenven, Clerke, in the porch 
of the Church, draw a sword or hanger out of a scabard of a man 
who was with Mr. Curgenven & called him Master & with the 
sword or hanger strucke at Mortimer & had hitt him if one other 
person in Blacke then present had not wthhold him. And this 


informant further saith that afterwards he saw Mr. Curgenven & 
his man & John Mortimer in the Church & heard Mr. Curgenven 
comand his man servant to lay hands on Mortimer wch he there 
did & afterwards Mr. Curgenven fell upon Mortimer in a seat in 
ye Church and they both together pulled and draged him & teare 
his wastecoat & violently huried him headlong out of ye Church & 
the servant man in the Churchyard fell again upon Mortimer & 
threw him downe severall times. (Sgd) Robert Sellwood. 

Henry Harris and John Carter both of Orcheston gave similar 
evidence as above. 

What it was all about does not transpire, but evidently Mr. 
Wm. Beach, the magistrate, took a serious view of the case for 
shortly afterward he issued the following :— 

Wilts. Whereas I have received information upon oath that 
Thomas Curgenven of Sherborne, Clerke, did in the pish Church 
of Orcheston St. George lay violent hands upon John Mortimer & 
that he the said Curgenven did draw a weapon in ye porch of the 
said Church with an intent to strike him ye said Mortimer These 
are therefore to command you in theire Majesties names to take & • 
bring the body of the said Thomas Curgenven before me to answer 
the premises & further to be dealt with according to law. Hereof 
fail not at your perille. Given under my hand & seale ye 27 day 
of June in ye 3 yeare of the reigne of William & Mary of England 

King & Queen. &c. Ann Dmi 1691. 
(Signed) WM. BEACH. 
To all Constables & Tythingmen & others their Majesties 
officers within ye County aforesaid & every of them, these. 

1692. 

A FORTUNE TELLER. 

To the Keeper of their Maties House of Correccon at ye 
Devizes These I send you herewith the body of Elizabeth Powell 
an Idle wandering person brought before me and charged with 
professing the unlawfull art of Fortune telling and of discovering 
of hidden treasure. 

The order then goes on in the usual manner; she is to be 
" corrected " and put to " hard labour " untill she be discharged 
by Order of law. March 18, 1691/2. 

(Signed) LIO. DUCKETT. 

A POISON TOAD. 

The information of Mary ye wife of ffrancis House of Trowbridge 
who saith upon oath that shortly after ye Quarter Sessions 
at which Anthony Harding had been indicted for stealing a parcell 
of Spanish wooll the said Harding being in her house & Jane 
fforest her mother being there also, her mother said to ye said 
Harding that it was well for him that Mr. Brewer could not be at 
the Sessions or else he the said Harding might have been hanged 
upon which Harding said " The plague rot ye teeth out of his 


head, it was every lock of it, his wooll, and it was noe more sin 
to kill him, if he could meet him in a dark Lane than it is to kill 
a poyson Toad ". 

(Signed) WILLIAM BREWER. 

TRAGEDY AT THE CATHERINE WHEEL, CALNE. 

At the Quarter Sessions at Marlborough Oct. 7 1692 Decimus 
Smith of Bath saith upon oath that on Munday last about 12 
oclock at night, he being at the signe of the Katherine Wheele in 
Calne was in discourse in the entry of the same house with one 
Morgan Thomas whose back was towards the kitchen doore and 
on a sudden Morgan laid his hand on his back and cryed out " Oh 
God " upon which this informant saw a person who is now at the 
Barr named George Hartford servant to Brigadier Richard Levis-
son goeing from Morgan with his sword drawne. And further 
saith that the wound Morgan received was quite through his body 
by a sword run in at the hinder part and out at the fore part of 
his body. And some time after Thomas ffowler a Constable asking 
George why he did it he answered that he thought to have given 
him a pricke in the breetch and not to have pricked him soe high. 

UNLAWFUL SHOOTING AND FISHING. 

Edward Hinder of Latton was presented at the Marlborough 
Sessions 1692 " for shouteing in a hand gun and for keeping a 
neett on catching ffish not being qualified according to Law ". 

1693. 

Nothing of interest to extract from the rolls for this year. 

1694. 

SEARCHING FOR WIZARDS AND WITCHES AT RODE. 

At this date the village of Rode was in Somersetshire, but 
being now in Wiltshire, though close on the borders of Somerset, 
the following account of a determined attempt to find witches and 
put them to the "water test" is worthy of a place in these 
extracts, more especially as it occurred at a time when the belief 
of witchcraft had considerably declined in the country. From 
the reign of James I. down to the end of that of Charles II. both 
Wiltshire and Somersetshire produced many notable witches, 
though the number of cases recorded in the Quarter Sessions of 
Wiltshire are but few. 

The Informacon of Thomas Haberfield of Rode in the County 
of Somerset, broadweaver, taken before me, John Ashe, ye 6th day 
of July Anno Dmi 1694— 

Who sayeth (upon his oath) yt on Wednesday last ye 4th day 
of this instant July, being att his mothers house in Rode, there 


came William Palmer of Collieford in the county of Somerset, 
Daniell Keepen of North Bradley in Wilts, broadweaver, William 
Moore, tayler, Thomas Caninge, chandler, and William Carter, 
pedler, all of North Bradley together with severall other persons 
unknown, and besett ye said house, and this informant being 
present, and nott knowing their designe secured all ye doores and 
then askt them theyr business to which Moore and Keepen replyed 
that they were come for ye old Witch his mother to throw her into 
ye water to see if she could swym, and he askt them by what 
athority, wether they had a warrant from a Justice of the Peace or 
a Constable wth them, to wch they answered they were officers 
themselves and they would take up witches any where. Whereupon 
this informant told them ye doores were all fast and lockt 
and if they attempted comeing in, they should heare of it in another 
place. Notwithstanding 'wch ye said Moore and Keepen broak 
open ye streete doore of ye said house and entered ye same and 
lett in ye rest of ye Rable part of wch imediately went up stayers 
and fetcht ye mother of this informant downe while ye said Moore 
held him by ye help of Keepen part of ye tyme. After wch they 
pulled her out of her house, and while they were soe doeing, part 
of ye Company had provided a hand barrow in order to carry her 
to ye River, butt this Informant entreating very much did att last 
prevaile wth them nott to doe soe, butt lett her goe to the River 
without it, wch they did, and there putt her in to ye same water 

and continued her for a quarter of an houre until such tyme she 
was neere dead. 
(Signed) THOMAS HABERFIELD. 

The Informacon of Mathew Haberfield wife of Thomas Haberfield 
of Rode taken ye same day. Wrho sayth (upon her oath) that 
being present att ye tyme menconed by her husband when Daniell 
Keepen & ye other persons went up ye stayers to fetch his mother 
downe, she, this informant, and his mother endeavoured to defend 
themselves by keeping ye said persons downe ye stayers wth a 
crouch (? crutch) yt ye old woman went by. Notwithstanding wch 
ye said Keepen forced him self up ye stayers wth a great Chayer 
before him by ye help of ye other persons seized ye said old woman 
in her chamber and had her from thence by force to a River and 
putt her in and continued her in ye water for a quarter of an hour. 

(Signed) MATHEW HABERFIELD. 

The informacon of Anthony Waddom of North Bradley. Who 
sayth (upon his oath) yt on Wednesday ye 4th of this instant July 
as he and his mother were miking their Cowes in Rode comon 
neare the parish aforesaid were assaulted by Thomas Caninge of 
Bradley, chandler, William Moore, tayler, Anthony Stock (and 
others) together with severall other persons unknown who threw 
down ye milke of 2 Cowes and forcibly had away his mother, 
Margarett Waddom, to a river about 2 furlongs from ye comon 
and there put her into ye water to see if she could swym and kept 
her m until she was almost dead. And also sayth that as he 


endeavoured to help his mother, William Palmer fell on him and 
beat him and tore a good coat from his back. 
(Signed) ANTHONY WADDOM. 

Oswald Browne of Rode, sayth (upon his oath) that on Wednesday 
last being the 4th day of this instant July Daniel Keepen 
(and the others as above) together with severall other persons came 
to his house in Rode and besett ye same and comanded this 
informant to come forth, and told him they suspected him to be a 
Wizzard, and called him soe several tymes and also told him before 
they went away they would try wether he was one or nott by 
swymming him in ye River in Rode as they had don three old 
women before, and also threatened him yt if he did nott come 
forth then they would have him and his wife out ye next day or else 
they would fyre his house about his Eares. And farther sayth yt 
William Moore mett him ye same day in ye streete in Rode and 
called him Wizzard severall tymes and abused him very much and 
told him he would have him out in ye after noon and swym him 
in the River. 

(Signed) OSWOLD BROWNE. 
Paull Browne of Dorchester in ye County of Dorset, malster, 
Sayth on his oath, that being present at ye place mentoned in ye 
informaton of Oswold Browne he saw ye sevall persons named 
therein together with a great many others come and besett ye said 
Brownes house and heard him call him Wizzard sevall tymes and 
comand him forth to be swymed. 
(Signed) PAULL BROWNE. 

The Information of Elizabeth Kneall of North Bradly, Who 
sayth (upon her oath) yt on Wednesday last being at her mothers 
house in North Bradly, saw William Moore (and the others as 
above) together with several others unknown, came to her mothers 
house and besett the same, after wch the said Palmer and Moore 
comanded.this informant to open ye doore, to wch she replyd she 
would nott and askt them theyre business and they told her it was 
to have away ye old Witch—meaning ye mother of this informant. 
And she askt then by what athority, and they answerd her againe, 
they came for her, and have her they would for they were officers 
them selves. After wch ye said Moore bid ye sd Palmer breake 
open ye doore, wch accordingly he did and then entered ye house 
together with ye sd Moore and ye other persons, and then with a 
great deal of Violence used by holding this informant and her 
brother, seized their mother and pulled her out of the house and • 
had her away to a River in Rode and there putt her into the water, 
and her said son being present went in likewise, to save her from 
drowneing, wch he did and brought her safe out. After wch ye 
said persons putt her in againe and there continued till such tyme 
she was almost dead. And farther sayth yt when they entered her 
mothers house, she had a knife in her bosome wch William Moore 
robbed her of and carryed away. 

(Signed) ELIZABETH KNEALL. 


Nothing more concerning this case of " Witch finding " 
appears in the rolls. The close of the 17th century showed a rapid 
falling off in the number of trials of witches, and at the time of the 
above incidents cases of witchcraft were exceedingly rare. Ihe 
Justices of the Peace had grown very reluctant to send accused 
witches to the Assizes, and the Judges were more careful in such 
trials, in view of the great changes of opinion adverse to the belief 
in witchcraft that had in these latter years gradually been gaining 
force in the country. 

1695. 


SWEARING SIX TIMES AT TWO SHILLINGS 
PER SWEAR. 


" I doe hereby certifye yt Henry Nois of Charleton in the pish 
of Downton was convicted before me on the 16th day of October 
1695 for swearing prophanely six times—by God—upon the oath 
of Richard Colborne of Alderbury. And a warrant sent to levy 
the sume of xiis. upon him for the same wch was appoynted to be 
paid to the use of the poore of the said pishe " . 


(Signed) THO. STRINGER. 

A RIOT CAUSES DESERTION OF SOLDIERS. 
The information of Richard Powell Lieutenant in the company 
of foote belonging to Captaine Gantpool in the Regt. of foote 
belonging to the Honble Coll. Henry Holt taken the 18th day of 
November 1695. 
Who saith upon oath that on Saturday last Novr. 16th as 
Captain Beddow & this informant were conducting there souldiers 
from New Sarum to Stockbridge by vertue of an order from His 
Matie for that purpose Samuell Spratt together with (twenty one 
other names given) with many others to the number of 200 or 300 
whose names he knoweth not did in a very notorious arid riotous 
manner assault and beat Captain Beddow & this informant with 
other of their officers and souldiers & caused such a mutiny 
amongst them that they were in great danger of their lives, & gave 
an opportunity for seaven and twenty of the said souldiers to desert 
their colours there upon. 
All wch was acted and done in the Hundred of Underditch in 
the County of Wilts. 
(Signed) RICH. POWELL. 

• 

1696. 
RELIEF TO LABOURERS AND DANGEROUS PUBLIC 
MEETINGS. 
Council Chamber in Whitehall. 
The second day of July 1696. (In the Roll for 1706.) 
Present. The Earls of Bridgewater, Stamford, Montague, 
Scarborough, Bradford, Romney, Ranelagh, Lord Viscount Durs



ley, Lord Wharton, Lord Cornwallis, Mr. Secretary Trumbull, Mr. 
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Henry Goodrich:, Mr. Russell, 
Mr. Boscawen, Mr. Smith. Whereas by reason of the Recoining of 
the Silver Coins of this Kingdom at this time, there is a great 
Difficulty in the Exchange of Money, which may occasion a great 
Hardship upon the Labourers and Poorer sort of People. Their 
Excellencies the Lords Justices in Council, taking the same into 
consideration have thought fit to Order, That the Justices of the 
Peace in the respective Counties of England and Wales do frequently 
Meet in their Divisions, and Consult how they may Relieve 
the said Labourers and Poorer sort of People and in Order there 
unto to keep,their Monthly and Petit Sessions, and therein take 
care that the Methods prescribed by Statutes made in the Three 
and fourtieth Year of Queen Elizabeth, and by other Statutes of 
this Realm, be effectually put in Execution, and to Consider of 
other Ways for Relief of Labourers and the Poor. And Their 
Excellencies being also informed That there have of late been 
several unusual Meetings of great Numbers of Persons in divers 
Parts of this Kingdom, It is further Ordered, That the said Justices 
of the Peace do Inform themselves of such unusual Meetings, and 
where they shall think the same may be Dangerous to the Publick 
Peace, that they take Care to Disperse and Suppres the same by 
proceeding against the Offenders according to Law and particularly 
by Tendring the Oaths to such Persons as the said Justices shall 
think (.... ) affected to His Majesties Government. 

Signed Wm (Part of this document 

is torn away). 

THE GAME OF "PUTT". 

Information is laid against a cardsharper who swindled a 
player out of two guineas at a card game called "Putt " "b y 
keeping of cards in his bosom unlawfully ". 

PRESS GANG IN WILTSHIRE IN THE REIGN OF 
WILLIAM III. 

The following letter is addressed to our very good Lord 
Viscount Weymouth, Custos Rotulorum of the County of Wilts :— 

After our hearty Commendations to your Lordship Whereas 
His Majestys Service doth Require a speedy supply of able seamen 
for the Manning of the Fleete Wee doe therefore by His Majestys 
command pray and require yr Lordship to Direct the Justices of 
the Peace of the County of Wiltes to issue their Warrants to the 
Constables, Tythingmen, Head boroughs and such other persons 
as shall be thought most fitt to be employed therein Requiring them 
to make a Diligent Search within the said County for all Stragling 
Seamen, Watermen, and such other persons which may reasonably 
be suspected to be Seamen, Watermen or Seafaring Men, and 
to Imprest such onely as are able bodeys fitt for his Majestys 
Service* att Sea, and those who are Imprested to Deliver into the 


Charge of the Sbenffe of ye County Who is to be directed by your 
Lordship to cause them to be sent under Sufficient Guard to the 
Sheriffe of the next County towards the Sea Coast and soe from 
Sheriffe to Sheriffe till they Arrive in the Nearest Maratine County 
where they are to be delivered to the Conductor appoynted by 
the Vice Admirall of such Maratine County to Conduct the seamen 
to the Port where that are to be putt on Board Vessells appointed 
to Receive them by the Vice Admiralls or their Deputies. 

And your Lordship is to direct that a secure place in the County 
bee appointed to keep the men that shall be Imprested untill a 
fitting number be gotten together, and that each man have a 
shilling given him for Imprest money, and while they are kept in 
the said place that they be allowed six pence a day for their Maintenance 
and eight pence a day when they travell to the Conductor. 
The Lords Commrs of his Majestys Treasury being ordered by His 
Majesty to furnish unto your Lordship or such as you shall appoint, 

money for defraying the Charges of this Service, 
And your Lordship is to cause a list specifying the name and 
age of each man imprest to be delivered with them to the Sheriffe 
who is to give a (the rest of this paragraph is unreadable owing to 
decay and damage) in the Maratine County which Lyst is to be 
returned by your Lordship to the Lords Commissioners of the 
Admiralty, And your Lordship is to direct the Sheriffe to send to 
this Board distinct lists of the names of such men as were Raised 
in the County and to what Sheriffe hee Delivered the said Imprested 
men. 
Your Lordship is to give Direction That noe old, Decrepid, 
Crazy or unhealthy men be Imprested But onely such as are young 
and of healthy able bodyes fitt for service, and if any of the men soe 
imprested shall afterward Desert or any shall be found that have 
allready deserted Your Lordship is to direct that such men be 
apprehended and sent under a strict Guard to the Conductor And 
that it be notified in the list which are the Deserters. 
And your Lordship is to take care that the respective Officers 
within the said County Doe their Duty in the Service, many of 
whome tis apprehended Doe not onely forebeare the Execution of 
these Orders but doe concele the Seamen that flye from the presse. 
And of all the ships and progresse herein Your Lordship must 
anable yourself to give frequent accounts to this Board, and Soe 
not doubting of your Lordships Especiall care in this matter which 

is of the greatest importance to his Maties Service and the Safety 
and Defence of the Kingdome Wee bid your Lordship Very heartily 
farewell. From the Councell Chamber att Kensington the 31st 
December 1696. 

Yr. Lordships Very loveing Friends 

(Signed) BOLTON. 

J. BRIDGEWATER. 
ROMNEY. 
(and others unreadable). 


1697. 

CLIPPING AND CONTERFEITING COINS. 

In the Calendar of Prisoners for the Quarter Sessions held at 

Devizes April 1697 appears the following:— 

Roger Wheeler, comitted by Tho : Webb Esq Recorder of the 

Devizes for clipping the currant Coyne of this Kingdome. 

Edward Selfe Comitted by Ben Street Mayor and Robt 
Nicholas gent Alderman of the Devizes for Clipping and Counterfeiting 
the lawful Coyne of this Realme. 

William Davis Comitted by Thomas Gore Esq, having given 
Inform aeons against severall persons in severall Counties for 
clipping and coyning, for absconding to avoide prosecucon against 
them. 

There are many other cases of clipping and " coyning 

. PRESENTMENTS. 

The presentment of the Jury of the Hundred of Elstub and 

Everly at the Quarter Sessions held at Marlborough 6th Oct 1697. 

Wee psent that we know of no Cursers, swearers or prophaners 
of the Sabaoth. 
Wee know of none that buryed in linnen contrary to the 

Statute. 

Our instruments of Justice are in repaire. 

Wee know of noe Sturdy Beggars, Wandering persons, eves-
droppers, Scolds, Brothell Houses, Rogues, Whores, or Theeves 
within our hundred or of any other misdemeanors. 
(Quite a nice place to live in). 

1698. 

TROUBLE WITH CORN MERCHANTS. 
(In the Roll for 1706.) 

After our very hearty Comendations to Your Lordshipp 
Whereas their Excelencies the Lords Justices taking into consideration 
the present Dearnesse of Corne and that the same is in 
a great measure occasioned by the Avarise and undue Practices of 
ill disposed Persons who ingrose great quantitys thereof contrary 
to the law to the great oppression of the Poore Have thought fitt 
for the timely Remedying the Mischiefs that such Evil Practices 
may occasion, to cause a Proclamation to be issued for putting in 
Execution the Laws against Forestallers Regraters and Ingrossers 
of Corne And to the end the same may have its desired Effect Wee 
doe hereby pray and require your Lordshipp to give notice to 
the Justices of the Peace of that County. That their Excellencies 
expect that they use there utmost Care and Diligence in putting 
the severall Laws mentioned in the said Proclamation in full and 
Strict execution And that you fail not in giveing us an account 


from time to time what shall be done thereupon. And soe wee 
bid your Lordshipp heartily farewell. From the Council Chamber 
of Whitehall the 26th day of October 1698. 

Yr. Lopps Very loving Friends 

(Signed) MONTAGUE. 
HORT. 
GOODRICKE. 
PEMBROKE, 
VERNON. 

To our Very Good Lord 
Thomas Viscount Weymouth 
Gustos Rolutorum of the County of Wilts. 


HEDGE-BREAKER AT LITTLETON PANELL. 

William Bennett of Littleton Panell gives the following information 
on the 25th January before John Long. 

He saith that he is Tythingman of Littleton Pannel and having 
received a warrant directed to him as Tythingman from John Long 
Esq to apprehend Sarah Oake of Littleton Pannel for breaking of 
hedges & stealing of wood & having apprehended the said Sarah 
Oake and being conveying her before the said John Long Esq, 
Deborah Oake, mother of Sarah, and Hannah Oake Sarah's sister, 
came and fell upon him & catched him by the haire, beate him & 
made the blood fly from his nose, in soe much that the said Sarah 
escaped and got out of his custody. 

(Signed) WILLIAM BENNETT. 
(Note.—Colonel R. W. Awdry has kindly looked up the registers 
of Littleton Panell and finds that Sarah Oake was baptised in 
1685/6 and Hannah in 1680. Sarah therefore seems to have started 
breaking the law at a somewhat tender age.) 

1699. 

Like the last three or four rolls, this year also contains little 
of special interest. There are none of those little local incidents 
so common in the earlier ones, but they report mainly upon the 
condition of the roads, repairs to bridges, etc., and the life of the 
county seems to have settled down into a very quiet and peaceful 
state. 

This ends the Records of Wilts Quarter Sessions of the 17th 
century, a " History which is, indeed, little more than the register 
of crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind " (Gibbon). 


APPENDIX "A" . 

A WILTSHIRE WILL OF THE 16th CENTURY. 

The following- is a transcript of a Will preserved in the County 
Muniment Room. It is on a single sheet of paper in a bold handwriting. 
Unfortunately a small portion at the beginning is eaten 
away, possibly by mice, but this defect will cause no difficulty in 
arriving at the general meaning of the document. It is apparently 
a copy of the original, and from the last paragraph it will be 
seen that Mary Creed must have died soon after she had made it:— 

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN, the xxvnjth day of 
November 1593 I Marye Crede, Wydo of Barfford St. Marten being 
in perfect memory doe ordayne this my last Will and testament in 
(manner) and forme ffollowinge, ffirst I bequeath my soulle unto 
Allmighti God my savior (.... ) by whose death and passion I 
constantly beleve to have full remissione (.... ) my body to be 
buryed in the Church or Churchyard of Barfford. I ( . . . . ) 
Thomas Tychborne of Whitpish gent one hundred of my best 
Wether (.... ) by beste Kyen and one Bull the best, tenn ackers 
of my best Wheat (.... ) Sallte with a cover duble gyelt, six 
of my best silver spoones, one mazer Dish (.,.. ) and bryme 
(=brymeus, a dish) of silver dubble gylte, one goblet of sylver 
parssell: gylt. 

Item. I give and bequeth unto my Cosen Edward Weekes 
xxtie ewe shepe iiij kyens and one bull and tenn ackers of Wheat. 
Item. I give and bequeath unto my goddaughter Mary Browne 
one silver salt iiij silver spones the fether Bed that I nowe ly one 
and all things theare unto belonglnge the bolster coverled 
Blanckets shets and pillo and fforty pownes in money to be payed 
unto hir when shee is of the full age of xxiij yeares. Also my will is 
that my Executor shall deliver the sayed xl to the Wardens of the 
Corporacon of Wevers Within the Citti of New Sarum upon the 
Monday next after the ffeaste of Snt Bartholamew the Apostle 
next cornynge after my death upon good security unto my executor 
and h?s assignes for the payment of the sayed fforty pownes 
yearely. And also for the payment of iiij^" yearely unto Anthony 
Browne the father of Mary Browne (or his assignes towardes hir 
bringing up untell shee cometh to the age of xviij yeares and that 
yf the sayed Mary happen to dye before shee cometh to the age 
of xviij yeares then hir father to have the iiij^ yearly duringe 
his naturall liffe and after his death one xxp£ of the sayed fforti 
pounds to Remayne in stocke to the sayed Corporacon of Wevers 
for ever to be imployed in this maner ffollowing that Is to iiij 
severall pore men of the sayed Corperacon of Wevers v£ apece of 
them yearely for ever at the discrecon of my executor and his 
assignes and the other within one yeare After the desease of 
Mary Browne and Anthony hir father to be delyvered by my 


executor or his assignes unto the Chamber of Wilton soe that they 
doe and will putt in good security unto my executor or his assignes 
to imploy the sayed some of xx ^ among the Clothyers within the 
towne of Wilton for the setting of the poore awoorke of the said 
town and the sayed stock to remayne for ever. Item. I give and 
bequethe unto my servant John Lyall tenn sheepe, one cow, one 
flock beed ij blancketts one boulster one payre of shets and one 
coverlett. Item. I give to the poore of the pish of barford afor 
sayed xxtie sheepe to be destrybuted to the poore housholders 
within the same pishe. Item. I give and bequethe unto Hew Elton 
of Sarm and unto my Kynsman plysh (?) of Sarm that marryed 
wth mothers sister and unto Richard Payge my lease of my lande 
of Snt Johns wth all the yeares to come to be equally devidded 
amonge them. Item. I give to the pishe Church of Ssbery 

(? Shaftesbury) to remayne in stocks for the reparacions of the said 
Church for ever v£. Item. I give unto Mary Lovell that dwelleth 
at Charbery my beste Crock and my best panne. Item. I give unto 
Alse Lovell my second crock and my second best panne of brase. 
Item. I give unto Mary Mark my third crock and my third brase 
panne. Item. I give unto my Cosens John Carpentur and James 
Carpentur all my tubbes trendells (=brewers cooler) barrells and 
cowlles (=large tubs) that be in the hall and my ij halfe bushell 
panes to be equally devided between them. Item. I give to the 
Chamber of Shasbery v£ to remaine in stock for ever to the use 
of the poore of Shasberry. Item. I give to Edward Wayland my 
boye servant vj sheepe and one cow. All the rest of my goods unbequeathed 
I doe give and bequeath unto Thomas Tychborne gent 
whome I doe make my whole executor of this my last will and testament 
Also I doe revock all other Wills whatsoever before the day 
of the date of this my last Will. 

Probatum fuit testamentum supra script Marie Creede : Vidnae 
defunct nup dn vixit p'och de Barford S'nti Martini Coram Mr0 
Wilhmo Smegerell Clico Offii'li Archivi Sarum Octavo die 
Decembris Anno Dmi 1593 . Comissqr &c. 

Executori &c. 
In psona Lionellli Tichborne procuris sui &c. 


APPENDIX " 8". 

WAGES IN WILTSHIRE IN THE 17th CENTURY.. 

In the fifth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth (1562) an Act 
was passed amending and consolidating a great number of Statutes 
of preceding years concerning the hiring, keeping, working, wages 
paid, etc., for servants and labourers that " For many reasons are 
now not suitable, but chiefly for that the Wages and Allowances 
limited and rated are in divers places to small and not answerable 
to this time, respecting the Advancement of Prices of Things belonging 
to the said Servants and Labourers." Many of the old 
Laws, therefore, such as were fit to be continued were " digested 
and reduced into one sole Law and Statute and in the same an 
uniform Order prescribed and limited concerning the Wages and 
other Orders for Apprentices, Servants and Labourers (and) there 
is good Hope that it will come to pass the same Law should banish 
Idleness, advance Husbandry and yield unto the hired Person both 
in the Time of Scarcity and in the time of Plenty a convenient 
Proportion of Wages." The Act then goes on to lay down regulations 
concerning the engagement and dismissal of servants, the 
hours they have to work and many other conditions and rules 
applicable to either master or man. 

Section X V lays it down " that the limitation of Wages payable 
to Servants, Artificers and Labourers be fixed by the Justices 
of the Peace of every Shire, etc., and Mayor, Bailiff or other Head 
Officer in every City or Town Corporate at each yearly Easter 
General Sessions, who shall regulate the rate of wages according 
to the Plenty or Scarcity of the Time or other circumstances 
necessary to be considered ". Any Justice of the Peace who may be 
absent when " the rate of Wages shell be set " without lawful and 
good excuse, " for such Default or Negligence shall forfeit unto 
the Queen's Majesty ten pounds of lawful money of England." 

Section XVII I enacts "That if any Person shall by secret 
Ways or Means give more Wages or other Comodity contrary to 
the true intent of this Estatute or to the Rate of Wages assessed, 
then every Person so offending and lawfully convicted shall suffer 
Imprisonment by the Space of ten Days, without bail or mainprise 
(security for appearance) and shall forfeit five pounds. Every 
Person that shall take Wages contrary to this Estatute and shall 
be convicted thereof, shall suffer imprisonment by the Space of one 
and twenty days without Bail or Mainprise. And every gift or 
Payment of Wages or other thing contrary to the true meaning of 
this Estatute shall be utterly void and of none Effect." 

This Act was amended by numerous later Acts such as in the 
39th year of Elizabeth and ist of James I. according to the circumstances 
prevailing at the time. Amongst the County Records 
in the Muniment Room at Devizes are the accounts of two meet-

u 


ings of the Justices of the Peace for Wilts, one in i65S_and the 
other in 1685, at which the rates of wages payable are laid down. 
They appear interesting, if only for showing with what integrity 
and exactitude the Justices of those years carried out their duties, 
but it is also advisable that the scale of pay to servants and 
labourers in the 17th century should be preserved in a somewhat 
more tangible and permanent form than the two sheets of paper 
on which they are written. The reports of the meetings are as 
follows :— 

WAGES IN WILTSHIRE 1655. 
WILTES. 


At the Genall Quarter Sessions of the publique peace holden 
att the Devizes in and for the County of Wiltes aforesaid on 
Tewesday the fower and Twentyeth day of Aprill in the year of Or 
Lord one Thousand six hundred & fifty five before William Yorke 
Esq, Willm Eyre, James Ash, Thomas Eyre, Edward Mitchell, 
George Jay, Edward Stoakes, Willm Sadleir, Willm Shute, Rob. 
Hippesley, John Read, Willm Blisset and Edward Pierce Eyres 
Justices assigned to keep the publique peace in the same County 
and also to hear & determine divers felonies, trespasses and other 
misdemeanoures wth in the said County comitted. The same 
Quarter Sessions of the Peace being adiorned by the foresaid 
Justices there untill Tuesday the fifth day of June in the yeare 
aforesaid at nyne of the clocke in the forenoone of the same day 

to be holden at the Devizes aforesayd before the foresaid Justices 
and others their fellowes further to doe as the same Justices and 
Court should consider &c. And therefore at the same Genal 
Quarter Sessions of the publiek peace holden by the adjournment 
aforesaid on the said fifth day of June aforesaid before the foresaid 
Willm Yeorke Esq, George Jay Esq, Edwd Stoakes Esq, Willm 
Shute Esq and Edward Pierce &c. 

The Justices of the Peace here present being the more part 
the Justices of the peace resiaent wthin this County havinge 
assembled themselves together and called unto them such discreet 
and grave persons of this County as they have thought meett in 
pursuance of sevall acts of Parliament made touchinge divers 
orders for Artificers, laborers, Servants and apprentices and for 
duly putting the same in execucon in rateing the wages for Artificers, 
Labourers, Servants, Apprentices, workeman and workewoman 
and having considered together with respect to the present 
times and the cheapness of all sorts of provisions (praised be God 
for the same) wth due consideracon of all other circumstances 
necessary to be considered of, have and do by virtue and authority 
of the said statutes, limit rate and appoint the wages of Artificers 

Handecrafts, men laborers Servants, Apprentices Workemen and 
Workewoman (working wthin this County) hereafter menconed 
and expressed, to be observed both by the givers and receivers 
thereof as the same are hereinafter sett downe rated, limited and 
appointed and according to the same proporcon and none other nor 
otherwise in any manner whatsoever (vizt). 


2g I 

Wages by the yeare for Husbandry. 
A Bailiff of Husbandry shall not take by the year above ^50 0 
A Cheiffe Shepprd which keepeth five thousand sheep 

and above shall not take of wages by the yeare 
above _ ... ... ... ... ... ^50 0 
A shepprd which keepeth six hundred sheep shall not 

take wages by the year above ... • •• £3 6 8 
A Cheife Hinde of husbandry shall not &c. &c. ... £4 o o 
A Cheife Carter Do, Do. ... ...£40 0 
A Comon Servant of husbandry and a comon Shepprd 

above the age of one and twenty yeares shall not 
take of wages by the year above ... • •• £3 o o 
And all other servants & shepprds under one and 

twenty years & above 16 yeares shall not &c. ... £2 o o 
A Cheife woman servant shall not &c. ... ... £2 10 o 
Evry other woman servant above sixteen yeares of age 

shall not &c. above ... ... ... ... £1 10 o 

Wages by the day for the Laborers in Harvest and at all other 
times of the yeare for husbandry. 
Mowers of grasse by the day wth meate and drinke 
shall not take above ... ... ... 00 8 
And without meate and drinke ... ... ... 001 6 
Men Laborers in haymaking and for griping lent corn 
wth meate & drinke ... ... ... 00 6 
And wthout meate & drinke not above ... ... o o 10 
Mowers of corne wth meate & drinke by the day ... o o 8 
And wthout meate & drinke ... ... ... 001 6 
Men reapers of wheat and rye wth meate & drink ... o o 8 
And wthout meate and drink ... ... ... 001 0 
Evry Hedger, Ditcher, Thresher, and other like 
Laborer in husbandry not afore named from 
Mich : to Or Lady Day with meate & Drinke ... o o 3 
And without meate & drinke at the Eleccon of the 
heirer ... ... ... ••• ••• 00 7 
And from Or Lady Day to Mich : wth meate & drinke 00 4 
And wthout meate & drinke at the Eleccon of the heirer 00 8 

Wages for Taske worke wthout meate and Drinke. 
ffor Reaping & binding of wheate Rye or beanes, for 
evry acre by the Lugge .... ... ... 00 3 
ffor mowing of Barley Do. ... ... ... 00 7 
ffor mowing of Oates Do. ... ... ... 00 6 
ffor Hacking or Hawmingof Pease or ffatches by evry 
acre by the Lugge ... ... ••• ••• o o 14 
ffor mowing of grass Do. ... ... ... o o 12 
ffor making of hay Do. ... ... ... o o 12 
ffor threshing of wheate and Rye by the Quarter ... o o 14 

U2 


And for pease, beanes or ffetches for evry Quarter ... o 
ffor threshing barley and oates Do. ... • •• o 
ffor ditching planting & Hedging of a perch contain


ing 16 foot & a halfe at lenght 3 foot in depth and 
five foot in breadth in gravel and stony ground 
and setting the same wth two chase of plants and 
making of the hedge for evry perch not above ... o 

ffor ditching planting & Hedging after the same 
manner in sandy ground or other easy ground by 
the lugge of the like measure not above ... o 

ffor 
making of Hedges on a Bancke for every perch 

not above ... ... • • • • • • • • • o 
And in plain ground not above ... ... ... o 
ffor making of plished (plashed) hedge & other fenced 

hedge more strong and scowringe of the ditch for 
evry perch not above ... ... ... o 

ffor paleing Raylinge wth one Rayle, felling of 
Timber & digging of holes for posts for evry 
perch not above (No price entered) ... ... — 


ffor rayling wth double Rayeles wth felling and 
cleaving of Timber digging of holes for posts for 
evry pte (perch written above) not above ... o 


ffor rayling with single Rayles after the same sort for 
evry perch not above ... ... ... o 
ffor sawing of boardes for Timber fo~ evry hundred 
not above ... 


Wages by the day for these Artificers following. 
none of these shall take by 
the day from Mich; to 

{'for 
a master carpenter 

the 
Annunciacon of Or 

, ffree mason 

Lady with meate and 

, Rowe do 

drink not above 

Brick layer 

And> wth (out) meate &

Plumber 

drink 

Glasier t 
Joyner And from the Annunciacon 
,, Mill wright of Or Lady to Mich: 
Wheele wright with meate and drink 
Plaisterer not above by the day ... 
and wthout meate & drink 

x

 not above by the day ... 

ffor 
evry comon workman & Journeyman of these 
licences from Michas to the Annunciacon of Or 
Lady of wages by the day with meat and drinke 
not above ... 


And wthout meat and drinke not above 
And from the Annunciacon of Or Lady to Michas wth 
meate and drinke not above ... 
And wthout meate and drinke not above ..*. 



ffor evry Apprentice of these licences for every 
laborer to attend serve then from Michas to the 
Annunciacon of Or Lady with meat & drinke ... o o 3 

And without meat & Drinke not above ... ... 00 7 
And from The Annunciacon of Or Lady to Michas 
with meat & Drinke not above ... ... 00 4 
And without meate and Drinke Do. ... ... 00 7 

Wages by the day for these occupacons following, 
ffor a cheefe plavewright by the day from Michas to 
the Annunciacon of Or Lady with meat & drink of 
wages not above ... ... ... ... 00 6 
and without meat and drink not above ... ... o o 1 2 
And from the Annunciacon to Michas with meat and 
drink not above ... ... ... ... 00 7 
And wthout meat and drink not above ... ... o o 1 6 
ffor Sawers by the Couple from Michas to Annunciacon 
of Our Lady wth meat and drink not above ... o o 1 0 
And wthout meate & drink not above ... ... 01 8 
And from the Annunciacon of Or Lady to Michas with 
meat & Drink not above ••• ... ... o o 1 2 
And wthout meat and Drink Do, ... ... 02 0 
Not (? Note) above: So always the owner of the Saw 
to have wages more than his fellow each day ... o 1 o 
ffor a Hellyer or Tyler . Evry one of these to 
(thatcher or tiler) take by the day 
Shingler from Michas to Or 
Brickmaker Lady Day wth meat 
Lath Maker and drink not above 00 5 
Quarrier (Quarryman) and without meat and 
pavier or pitcher drink not above ... o o 10 
Collyer And from the AnnunPond 
caster ciacon of Or Lady 
Thatcher to Michas wth meat 

Chandler and drink not above 00 6 
Tucker (a fuller) and without meat and 
Painter drink not above 

Wages by the year for Journeymen of these occupacons 
following wth meat and drink. 

ffor a miller by the year of wages with meat & drink 
not above ... ••• ••• 3 r<> 
a loader to the mill not above ... ... 20 

ffor a Dyer for a Brewer for a Tanner for a Linnen 
weaver, The Cheifest to take by the year of wages 
not above ... ... ••• -•• ••• £3 1° 

And all other comon workemen of the same occupacon 
of wages by the year wthout any Livery (allowance 
for food or clothing) not above ... ... 2 1 0 


A Shoemaker, curryer, Tucker, ffuller, Shearman, 
Clothworker, Hollyer, Tayler, Baker, Glovier, 
Girdler, Spurrier, (Spur maker), Claspmaker, 
Bailer, feltmaker, Bavyer, fflatcher (fletcherarrow 
maker), An Arrow head maker, Butcher, 
ffishmonger, Pewterer, Cutler, Smith, Sadleir, 
ffurry or Shinner, Parchmet maker, Cooper, 
Earthen pot maker, Turner The Cheifest of these 
to take by the year of wages not above ... ... 31 0 o 
Evry comon workman of the same occupacon to take 
"by the year of wages not above ... ••• 2 10 o 
A Weaver for weaving of a Cloth of 700—and for 
evry (? beene, word obscure) above 700 and 
under 800 ... ... ••• ••• no prices given. 
A Spinner for spinning of a pound of these sorts 
of Warpe shall have ... ... ... do. 
And for a pound of abbe (yarn) spinning ... do. 
ffor any (beene ?) above 800 and under 900 ... do. 
A Spinner for spinning of a pound of theise sorts 
of warpe shall have ... ... ... do. 
And for a pound of Abbe ... ... ... do. 
ffor weaving of a broad listed white of this 
making & hanching thereof ... ... do. 
Itm for weaving of a cloth of 900 ... ... do. 
Itm for weaving of a cloth of 800 ... ... do. 
ffor evry (beene ?) above 900 and under 100 
(1,000 probably meant) ... ... ... do. 
No .rates are given for any of the above items. 

Thus the scale of wages laid down by the Justices of the 
Peace for Wilts 275 years ago comes to and end. There may have 
been more pages, but if so they have been lost. It will be noticed 
that the maximum rate is given whereas in this the 20th century 
the tendency is to quote a minimum wage. 

WAGES IN JAMES 2nd REIGN, 1685. 

Thirty years later, in the first year of the reign of James II. 
(1685), the Justices of the Peace for Wilts revised the rates of 
wages and the pay all round was increased. This may be due to 
the fact that the troublesome times of the Civil War were over 
and the County settled down to a quiet life once more and trade 
was more profitable. The rates of pay laid down are still the 
maximum and any one paying or receiving more are threatened 
with " paines and penalties The minutes of the meeting of 
Justices are as follows :— 

WILTES. Ad Generalem Sessionem pacis Domini Regis tent 
apud Devizes in et pro eod Comitatu die Martis scilt Vicesimo 
Octavo die Aprilis Anno Regni Domini nostri Jacobi secundi Dei 
gratia Anglie Scotie ffrancie et Hibornie Regis fidei defensoris &c. 
primo— 


The beginning of the notice of the meeting of the Justices is 
as that given for 1655 above and, after reciting the various workpeople 
concerned, goes on to say that they '' shall not at any time 
hereafter before the next Easter Sessions of the Peace for the 
County take any more wages respectively than what are hereafter 
sett downe limmitted and appoynted to be received upon paine of 
incurring the paines and penaltye mentioned and conteyned in the 
severall Statutes in such case made and provided ". 

Wages for Husbandry By ye yeare. 

£ s. d. 
A Bayliffe of Husbandry 06 OO 00 
A Cheife Shepperd keeping 1500 sheep or more 05 00 00 
ffor keeping 600 sheep or more under 1500 ... 04 00 00 
A Cheife Hinde for Husbandry ... OS 06 00 
A Cheife Carter 05 10 00 
A Comon servant of husbandry or a Comon Shepperd 

above ye age of 21 yeares 03 10 10 
All other servants in Husbandry & Shepperds above 
16 years of age and under 21 02 10 00 
A Cheife woman servant 

02 10 00 
Every other woman servant above ye age of 16 yeares 02 00 00 

Wages for Labourers in Hay & Corne Harvest by the day. 
Mowers of grasse with meate and Drinck i2d and without i8d. 
Men Labourers for haymaking and for gripping lent Corne with 
meat & drinck o6d & without i2d. 
Women labourers for Haymaking and for gripping lent corne with 
meat and drinck o6d & without i2d. 
Mowers of Corne with meat and drink i2d and without i8d. 
Men reapers of wheat & Rye with meat and drinck i2d and without 
i8d. 
Women reapers of the same with meat and drinck o6d and without 
i2d. 

Wages for Hedgers, ditchers, threshers and other like labourers 
in Husbandry by the day. 

ffrom Michas to Or Lady Day with meat & drinck 3d & without 8d. 
ffrom Or Lady Day to Michas with meat & drinck 5d & without lod. 

Wages for Taskworker or by the great (piece work) without meat 
and drinck. 
ffor reaping and binding of evry acre of wheat rye or 

Beanes by ye lugge ... ... ••• ... 04s ood 
ffor mowing every acre of Barley by ye lugge ... 00 09 
ffor mowing every acre of oates by ye lugge ... 00 08 
ffor hacking and hawming every acre of pease and 

fetches by the lugge ... ••• ... 01 06 


ffor mowing every acre of grasse by ye lugge ... 01 04 
ffor making every acre of hay by ye lugge ... ... 01 04 
And for every quarter of beanes pease and ffetches ... 00 10 
And for every quarter of barley or Oates ... ... 00 08 
ffor ditching and planting of every Perch being 1 6 foote 

and a halfe in length 3 foot in depth and five foot 
in breadth in Gravell and Stoney ground and setting 
with 2 chase of plants and making the hedge 00 08 

ffor the same in sandy or other easy ground ... 00 16 
ffor making every perch of hedge on a Bank ... 00 01 
And in plaine ground ... ... ... ... 00 02 
ffor making plashed or other stronger hedge & scour


ing the ditch by the perch ... ... ... 00 03 
ffor Pailing Railing with one Rayle, felling of tymber 
& digging of holes for posts by the perch ... no price 

ffor Rayling with double rayles with felling and cleaning 
of Tymber & digging holes for posts by the 
Perch ... ... ... ... ... 01 03 


ffor Rayling every perch after the same sort with single 
rayles ... ... ... ... ... 00 1 0 
ffor sawing every hundred of Boards for Tymber ... 02 02 

Here the subject ends. It is apparently incomplete, but no 
further entries have been found. A more detailed account is published 
in the Historical Manuscripts Commission's Report 1901 , 
Vol. I., pp. 161-175. 


THE PETITION OF JOHN DICKE, 1631. 
(See frontispiece.) 

This interesting petition is reproduced more especially on 
account of the lettering. It is hardly probable that John Dicke 
wrote it himself, but it may well be the work of the minister of the 
parish or perhaps that of one of those so-called " clerks " who, 
travelling up and down the country with paper, seals and wax, 
were more or less successful in drawing up counterfeit passes. 
There can be no doubt, however, about this petition being genuine 
for it will be seen that it is signed by Richard Hulbert, who granted 
Dicke a place for his cottage, and further, it is supported by four 
Justices of the Peace, viz., Henry Poole, J. Danvers, Edward 
Baynton and Tho. Lambert, whose signatures appear on many 
documents in these Records The following is a transcription of 
the petition :— 

The humble petitio of John Dicke of Ember in the County 
of Wiltes Sheaphard unto the Wor Justices of the Bench most 
humbly shewing, 

Whereas Rt Wor Your poore Supplyant having dwelt in the 
Parish of Ember above said the most part of my tyme, my life & 
demeanors Such as my neighbours cannot except against, and now 
upon occausion your Supplyants Landlord having use for the house 
he dwelt in hath taken it into his owne hands to make him a stable 
by wc meanes yor poore Supplyant is dismist of a house & could 
not get any roome nor house in ye pish. Whereupon your poor 
Supplyant was forced to make his complaint unto his friends & 
neighbours & it pleased God to move Mr. Richar Hulbert togethere 
with the consent of the overseers of ye poor to appoynt me a place 
to build me a poore Cottag in for the comfort of me my poore wife 
& Childre. Now my humble suite unto Your.Good Wor is that 
you would be pleased to take into your Worships considerations 
for the Composing & ordering of it that I may quietly enjoy this 
poore cottag I have built, since your poore supplyant have some 
enimies that doth threaten to pull it downe to the great spoyle & 
undoing of your Wor Supplyant, Soe shall your Supplyant wt his 
wife & Children like Jobs messengr rune unto God for your 
Good Worships & ever thankfull unto you. Jo Dicke his (mark 
omitted). The hands of the above named Neighbours Richard 
Hulbert, Richard Broadhead sen, John Bedbery, John Bishop, 
John Colston senr, John Colston junr, Walter Stranier, John 
King, Margaret Tinker, John Minty, John Poole, J . Danvers, Ed. 
Baynton, Tho Lambert. 


AUTOGRAPH LETTERS. 

These autograph letters are not arranged according to their 
date, and to give headlines in each case would take up too much 
space. A paged index of the names is given at the end, with the 
date of the letter and, where known, a brief biographical discription. 


1604.—Whereas it appereth by the CertifBcate of Sr Ralphe 
Lane Knight deceased, that the bearer herof Lawrence LittleCoat 
Souldier of the companie of Sr fra Rushe is so hurt and maimed 
in the warrs as he is notable to serve anie longer, fforasmuche as 
by reason thereof he is to be releived by the Stattut established 
in the last session of parliament for releiff of hurt and maimed 
soldiers. It is therefore not to be doubted but that you the Justices 
of peace and others the Treasurers for that Countie of Wilts where 
he was borne will have a care to see him provyded of such a yerely 
stipend for his releife and maintenance as by the tennor of the sd 
Stattute is ordained to a servitor of his place and quallety. ffrom 
the Court at Whitehall the xvijth of Marche 1603. 

(Signed) W. WAAD. 
(Addressed) To the right Wo. the Justices of the peace and others 
the Treasouers of the monie collected for releiff of hurt and maimed 
Souldiers in the Countie of Wiltes. 

1605.—Whereas yt appeareth by the Certificate of Sr 

Franncis Vere Knight that the bearer hereof Richard Somner 

srved as a gonner in the srvice at Ostend and by the noyse of the 

gonne shott is become so dephe that he cannot heare as also 

maymed that is not longer able to srve for as much as by reason 

he is to be releived by vertue of the Statut establyshed in the last 

Sessyon of Parliamet mad for the relyfe of hurt and maymed 

souldiers. It is therefore not to be doubted but that you the 

Justices of the peace and Treaserers for the County of Wiltes 

wher he was Imprest will have a care to see him providid of such 

a yearly stipent for his relyfe and mayntence as by the tennor of 

the sd statut is ordayned to a srvitor of his place and qualvty. 

ffrom Belsis this first of February 1603. 

(Signed) W. WAAD. 
(This is addressed) 
To the Right wor the Justices of the Peace and others the 
Trers for the monie collected for the relyfe of hurt and maymed 
souldiers for the Countv of Wiltes. 


(Beneath is written) 
Wyltes, Geven to the berer heroff the xxvijth of March 1605 
xijd. 
WYLLM LEY. 
(Also) 
It. farder geven this berer ye 29th of March a perse by ye 
apoyntment of Sr Jasper Mor Knight Sr Jas Marven Knight 
& Mr. Draper ? Mr. Foller ? other nynten shillyngs. 
WYLLM LEY. 
(On the back is) 

It is thought fit at this Genall Sessions this 9th of Aprill by 
the Justices there assembled that the Treasorer for the North pt 
shall delivr this poore bearer toward the relieve of her husband 
wth in mencconed the some of xs. 

(Signed) W. A. LONGE 

JHON HUGERFORDE 

G. TOOKER 
JO: DANNTESEY 
JAMES MIERVIN. 
1609.—To the Right Worshipfull Sir William Waade, Knight 
Lieutenant of the Tower of London. 
Sr. 

This bearer John Phillips hath prayed me to Certefye unto 
you in his behalfe that he was a Soldiour of my ffoote Company 
during all the tyme of my being in Ireland in the late rebellion of 
Tyrone; and the most part of that tyme was a Corporall of a 
Squadron in that Company and hath receyved a maime of one of 
his hands whereby he is become impotent and is very poore, and 
farther to pray you to recommend him unto the Justices of the 
peace in the County of Wiltes where he was pressed, that he may 
be there relieved according to the Statute which the poore man 
hath very well deserved, and he shall be bound to pray for you, 
and I will rest beholding unto you, and in all occasions 

Yor very assured freinde to his power 
OL. ST. JOHN. 
Dispatched R.B . 
Wilts. 
(The above is not dated, but is amongst the papers of the 
file for Trinity Sessions 1609). 

1609.—Ireland. By Vertue of a Warrante unto me Derected 
frome the Honrable the Lord Deputie. Know ye, That I 
Christopher St. Lawrence Lo: of Hooth & Baron of Santree and 
Capt of one Company of ffoote, and governor of his Mats garisson 


of Tredanthe wthin his highnes Dominion of Ireland. Have absolutely 
discharged the bearer hereof Roger Williams and William 
Thomas bothe souldiors of my owne Company to passe into the 
Realme of England, by reason of theire long contmewance in 
service and other infirmities in theire bodies, very unfytte for any 
longer svice. These are therefore in his Mats name to will and 
require all and evry unto whome it doth or maye concerne, that 
you quietly pmite and suffer them to passe wth out any manner you 
lette or molestacons Demeaninge them selves as becommethe 

subiects, and in the waye of theire travell and wants that they bee 
releeved according to the Stattute in that case made & pvided. AH 
Constables and other inferior officers to see them loged in due 
tyme to avoyde the daingers of the Lawe. Geeven under my hand 
& Seale at my Garrissone Tredangh afforesaide the Seconde daye 
of October Ano Dmi 1609. 


(Signed) CHRISTOPHER ST. LAWRENCE. 

To all Justices of peace, mayors, shreefs bayliffs constabls 
or any other his Mats officers ministers and lovinge subiects to 
whome these psents shall come or maybe appetenne greetinge 
Avonmouth. The bearers hereof aryved at onre Toibne (?) of 
swibport (?) the xixth daye of October 1609 and are to travel into 
the County of norff allowinge them the space or two moneths next 
ensuinge for theire travell by reason of theire infirmities & noe 
longer at theire pill &c. 

(Signed) JENKY N MORGAN Mayor. 
Monmouth geeven to these bearers for Releife to passe this 
County this xxjth of October 1609 iijs. vjd. 
(Signed) MORRIS NICHOLAS Tresorer. 
Glouss gave to these bearers for releefe xijd. to passe to theyre 
countey this 26th of October 1609. 
(Signed) HENRY ... . Th'esaur. 

1611—After or harty Comendacons Whereas the bearer 
Thomas Hamlyn hath bene recomended unto you by Sir Willm 
Waad upon the Certificate of Sr Edward Cecell Knight Lord 
Generall of his Maties forces in the late expedicion of Juliers, 
where he was maymed at the seige of Gurlick Notwthstanding we 
do understand by his peticion exhibited to us that some of you hath 
taken such exception to him as he hath bene returned back for 
further testymoniall that he was in his Maties pay & being satisfied 
in that point then it was told him (as he informeth) that the 
moneyes collected upon the said Statute & remayning in Stock, 
were to be bestowed toward the erecting of a howse of correction 

for that County We cannot but lett you know that we do think 
it a strange & uncharitable course to put these poore creatures to 
that labor in goeihg up & downe to consume them and force them 
to live upon Almes, & do think them diserve just blame & reprehension 
that make such interpretacon of the Statute to the 


disappointing of those wch have spent their tyme in service and 

leceived hurts in the warrs. But we find it more strange that any 

of you should goe about to convert that wch by lawe is ordained 

to so charitable a purpose to any other use. And therefore we 

require you hereby either to take present order for the relief of 

this maymed souldier, or that some of those Justices wch will not 

yeeld to his releif, but to have the said moneyes imployed to other 

use may be by you appointed to repayre to us to deliver their 

reasons why they refuse to do the same. So not doubting but that 

you will take a present order herein, We bid you hartily farewell, 

ffrom the Court at Green wch the 25th of June 1611 . 

Yor very loving frends 
(Signed) R. SALISBURY 

H. NORTHAMPTON. 
T. SUFFOLKE. 
JUL. CAESAR. 
and another signature that may be 


L. STANHOPE, 
but the first letters are jumbled up together, and the only certain 
ones are the last five. The "Historical Manuscripts Commission 
Report ", 1901, give the name as possibly " Jeffnhope ", but are 
unable to trace it elsewhere. 
1611.—After my harty Comendacons. This bearer having 
served in Ireland, the lowe Countryes and last at Gurlick where he 
was sore hurt as is testifyed by his Captaine Thomas Wigmore I 
have made bold upon his earnest sute to recomend him unto you 
to be releaved in that County where he was borne. Not doubting 
but that you wilbe pleased to allow him such a competent yearlly 
pension towards his mayntenance as is fitting for a person of his 
ranke and quality according to the Statute provided in that behalf 
Whereof I pray you to have a favorbl consideracon and the rather 
in regard he is now unfitt to labor, and hurt in his Maties service. 
So wishing you health 

I rest 
Your assured poore frend to be comannded by you 
(Signed) W. WAAD. 
ROBERT BRANTHWAITE. 
Tower the 8th 
of June 1611. 
Addressed To the Right Worpl my very good frends the 
Justices of peace and Trers for maymed souldiers in the County 
of Wiltes. 

1611.—After or very hartie comendacons to yor Lops, 
Whereas it pleased his Matie of late to give us warrant to make 


it knowen to the sevall Counties of the Realme that he was.verie 
well pleased upon some motion that had bin made by diverse Shires 
to take a yerelie certaine some of monie in stead of that Composicon 
wch hath bin made for provision for his Matys house in 
specie, requiring them to send us hither some meete psons well 
authorised to confer about the same, where upon we have had 
speeche wth some and receaved annswer from some others of their 
readines to attend that service, fforasmuch as we have like wise 
bin advtised from divse other Counties that they are very desireous 
to be allowed some further time then was appointed for their repaire 
unto us, some moveinge for libertie till after the somer 
assizes some for a longer time, who have thought good as well for 
their pticular satisfaccon as out of farther consideracon of the inconvenience 
that might ensue by drawing up soe many Gentlemen 
to the Cyttie especiallie when the heate of the yere increaseth and 

when his Matie shalbe removed hence and many of his Councell 
dispersed, to direct our Ires to the lieutennts of evrie shire, as now 
we doe unto yor Lops requireing you to make knowen unto the 
Justices and others of that Countie as we have caused to be done 
unto the rest That his Matie is well pleased to suspend any farther 
pceding in that cause untill after Michaelmas next And that alsoe 
upon farther notice given unto you of the place and time when they 
shalbe treated wthall. And soe referring the rest unto yor Lorps 
care wee bidd yor Lorps hartely farwell from the Court at Whitehall 
the 27th of Aprill 1611. 

Yor Lops very loving frends 
(Signed) ELLESMERE. 

R. SALISBURY. 
T. SUFFOLKE. 
G1LB SHREWSBURY. 
E, WORCESTER. 
JUL. CAESAR. 
1611.—Edward Cecille Knight lately employed in quality of 
Generall over the Auxiliary forces sent from his Maty for the 
assistance of ye Princes of Brandeburg & Newburg in the land of 
Cleves Julliers &c. 

Whereas Thomas Hameling soldier under the Companye of 
Capne Philipes Pakenham beeyng then under my command & in 
ye Kings paye for the assistance of the Princes above named was 
very dangerously hurt wth a shott before the towne & Castell of 
Gullick & therefore for his unableness discharged from any service 
by his officers to repaire in his Mats dominions to receave therein 
the Charitable assistance wch in like case was never denyed to any 
subject of the land maymed in his Mats service. This is therefore 
to certifye all his Mats officers to whome it shall apperteyne that 
the above seyde Thomas hameling deserveth to bee remembred in 


those charitable offices, for the cause above mencionned wch I do 
assure to bee true under my hand this 29th of Aprill 1611 . 
(Signed) ED. CECYLL. 

1611.—T o my verie loving frends the deputie leiutennts of the 
Countie of Wiltes, the Justices of peace and to all others of the 
same Countie to whom it shall appertaine, these. 

After my Very hartie Comendacons Whereas before the last 
terme you receaved from me coppies of Ires of the Lords of his 
Maty Most Honoble privie Councell imtymating a profer of composicon 
for such pvison as are to be retorned yerely for his Matys 
house in Kinde out of this Countie. Where unto you annswered 
that a matter of such importance required more time of deliberacon 
then those Ires afforded, wch you humblie desired, this annswer 
being- certified wth the like out of many other Counties, It hath 
pleased his Matie by like Ires from the Lords of the Councell now 
latelie to me directed to make knowne that his Matie will suspend 
any farther pcedings in this service untill after Michaelmas next 
as you shall perceave by a coppie of their Lops Ires hereinclosed 
Notwthstanding I could wish that you would ppare yor selves in 
this service to give direct annswere at his Matys comeing into the 
Countrey in pgresse in the somer as it is supposed wch wilbe to 
yor g-reate ease and contentmt of his Matys officers who are appointed 
for that service And soe referring the pmises to your best 
consideracons I bidd you hartelie farwell ffrom Letly this ixth of 
May 161 1. 

Your very loving frend 

(Signed) HERTFORD. 

1612.—Horace Vere Knight Lord Governor of his Maties 
Cautionary towne of the Briell and forts thereunto belonginge 
Captaine of two hundred foote in his Maties pay in garrison there 
and Cneife Commandour of the English forces being in the service 
of the Lord the states of the united Provinces of the Low Countreyes. 
To all whom these presentes shall come greetinge. Know 
yee that wee have granted unto the bearer hereof Thomas Hobbes 
gentleman of Captaine Henry Woodhowses Companie these our 
letters of pasport and discharge to goe into great Brittaine to seeke 
his better preferment. Wherefore wee desire his Maties officers 
and all other to whom it may appertaine to suffer him to passe 
without any molestacons. Given under our hande and seale at the 
Haghe the 13/23 of March 1612. 

(Signed) H. VERE. 
The bearer hereof Thorn?"; Hobbes arryved here at Dover the 
29th of Aprill 1612. 
(Signed) WILL. LEONARD. Mayre. 


Given by me Willim Thwayth Tresurer for the maymed Soulders 
of the East parte of Kent one the 12th of Maye 1612 vjd. 
Given to this bearer to pas this Countie—this 20 may 161 2 p 
Mr Robert Warden treser i2d. 

1612.—(The following is printed, and only the man's name, 
county and date besides the" signatures, are written.) 

Whereas the bearer heareof Thomas Hobbs hath served in 
the Warres in the Low Countries, and upon the conclusion of the 
Treaty, with others that served there, hath bin discharged, and is 
now to repaire unto the County where he was borne, there to remaine, 
and to be set on worke, according to the Statute in that 
behalfe. These shalbe in his Maiesties name to pray & require you 
to suffer the said Thomas Hobbs to passe from hence by the usual 
and known wayes to his friends into the County of Wiltes behaving 
himself in quiet and peaceful sort. And this his pasport to endure 
for the apce of 20 (? the number is almost worn away) dayes. 
From London the 16 of Maie 1612. 

To all Mayors, Sheriffes, Justices of Peace, Bailiffes, Constables, 
Head boroughes, and all other his Maiesties publique 
Officers & loving Subjects whom it may concerne. 

(Signed) W. WAAD. 
ROBERT BRANTHWAIT. 
On the back of the passport is written :— 
Pade the 17 of Maye 1612, to the bearer here of to passe oute 
of mydellsaxe the some of twelvpence. John Robynsone,, Tresere. 
Payde the xxiijth of May 161 2 to the bearer heare of to pase 
out of buekinghame the some of twel pence. 
Henry B—ttridge. 
Delvered to the Bearer heareof to bringe him to the Bathe \ jd 
per me Roberte Baynarde. 
Treserer of Wiltes. 
We thinke fitt that the treasurer for the South pte of the 
County of Wiltes give unto this bearer ijs vjd to mayntayne him 
untill the next qter Sessions, xxiiij; Junii 1612. 
(Signed) W. BLACKER. 
delivered to the bearer heare of 4s. 

1612.-—A Certificate of the discharge of Thomas Hobbes, 
in Dutch. It is signed and sealed by County Maurice of Nassau 
and dated xxiij of March 1612 . 

There is also another discharge of Thomas Hobbes Gentleman 
signed by Sir Horace Vere and dated at the Hague March 
1612. 


1612.—After my very harty Comendacons I have seen a discharge 
of the bearer Thomas Hobbes under the hand of Sr Horace 
Veare Knight Lord Governor of Briell whereby it appeareth that 
he served under the comannd of Captaine Woodhouse fforasmuch 
as I am informed and himself affirmeth that he hath served longe 
and it seemeth he was pressed diverse tymes—of that County of 
Wiltes where he was borne—I am boulde to adresse him unto you 
and to pray you very hartyly the poore lame man may so farre 
enioy yo favor as to have a pension accordinge to the Statute 
pvided for releef of maymed souldiers wherein I psuade my self you 
shall do a very Charitable deed And so Comending himself unto 
you. I rest 

Yor assured loving frend 
to be comannded by yo 
(Signed) W. WAAD. 
ROBERT BRANTHWAIT. 
The Tower the 16th of Maie 
1612. 
(allowed 53s/4d p. ann.) 

1613.—After or very harty Comendacons. Although it is true 
that the many lawes and orders heretofore ordeyned and published 
for the strict and due observance of Lent (whereof you are not 
ignorant) are, or ought to be sufficient motives, to worck in you 
that Care wch is fitting to be had of the putting in execucon so 
necessary a point of Governmt Especially considering the apparant 
good that redounds therby to the Comon wealth and also to move 
in every well affected subiect, yt due obedyence wch is requisite 
Such (notwithstanding hath ben observed to be the neglect and 
generall contempt of those holsome ordinances, as his Maty out 
of his accustomed providence and most gracious care cf the Comon 
good of this Realme hath ben pleased to comaund that from henceforth 
a more stryct accompt be taken of you and others whome it 
may concerne touching yor dutyes in this pticular. And for that it 
hath ben ever observed, that people are wth nothing so much 
moved, as by the example of those yt governe them. It is required 
and expected that in yor owne Families and psons you make such 
demonstratyon of conformity herein as may serve for examples 
unto inferior psons. And to the end that all those who are Masters 
of Howseholds and Families may wth the more conveniency pvide 
them selves of such necessary Provicons for ye Lent as shall be 
fytting, and may seeme most convenient His Highnes hath ben 
pleased to comand the ymediate publishing of this his pleasure. 
And that no man might be ignorant thereof, hath also caused such 
Rules and Orders to be printed & dispersed in all parts of his King-
dome, as have ben thought most meete especially for yor dyreccons 
and cariadg herein (a Copie wherof wee send you here enclosed). 
And doe hereby require you and every of you to cause notice thereof 
to be taken wthin yt County and the severall Cities and Burroughes 


therof. And so to apply yor selves unto ye stryct observance of the 

said Orders as may gyve assurance unto his Maty of yor dutiiuii 

care and diligence in the due pformance and executyon of his 

coraaundments And so wee bidd you hartely farewell. ffrom 

Whitehall the ioth of December 1613 . Yor very loving freinds 
(Signed) G. CANT. 

T. ELLESMERE-CANO. 
H. NORTHAMPTON. 
T. SUFFOLK. 
E. WORCESTER. 
E. ZOUCHE. 
E. WOTTON. 
JUL CAESAR. 
Addressed '' To our very loveing ffreindes the Sherife and 
justices of peace of the Countye of Wiltes. 

1613.—Garrett Herbert Capt of a foote companie in paie under 
Govr. the States of the united Provinces &c. 

Hath geeven leave to the bearers heareof Charles Shewell and 
John ffielde souldiers of my Companie to goe for England about 
their Affaires: And to Retorne to their Collors at or before the end 
of two monethes next. Willinge all whom it shall concerne to 
pmitt and suffer them to passe and Retorne Wthout Lette or 
Troble, So that they shall behave themselves honestlie Dated 
under my hand at my Garrison of Huesdon the 14th daie of 
December 161 3 filo novo. 

(Signed) JERRERD HERBERT. 
Then follow various notes of relief given the two soldiers on 
their journey, viz. : 

Dover.—These bearers landed the 16th day of December 161 3 
who toke oath of Allegiance accordinge to the forme of the Statute 
who are to travell into the County of Somersett. 

(Signed) William Warde. Maior. 

Kent.—Geeven by me Willm Whaits (?) at the comand of Sr. 
Peter Hanwood (?) Knight the 28th day of December 161 3 to these 
bearers for their Releiffe iiijd. 

1613,—After Or hartie Comendacons Understandinge of some 
abusers comitted in the Kinge & Queenes pgresse into those West 
pte by the Cartakers and their deputies and others followinge the 
Coorte in takinge money of the Countrie underhande for release 
of Cartes, whereby his Mats service was greatly hindered and the 
Country much abused, ffor remedie therof and for thavoydinge of 
the like abuses hereafter Wee have thought good herebv to desire 


you, that in yor sevall devisions where the King- or Queene hath 
ben wthin that Countie of Wilts this last Somer, to call before you 
all such constables and other psons as you thincke doe best understande 
such abuseis and them strictly to examine what money they 
or anie others of the Countrie to their knowledge have given to anie 
Cartaker or other pson followinge or belonginge to the Courte for 
releasinge of Cartes at anie time this last pgresse, And what you 
shall finde amisse therin to certefie hither. Wheruppon some such 
examplarie punishmt may be inflicted uppon them as for such 
offendors shalbe thought requisite. And soe not doubting of yor 
Cares herein Wee bid you farewell ffrom the Cowrte at Whitehaule 
the iiij of November 1613 . 

Yor lovinge freindes 
(Signed) W. KNOLLYS. 

E. WOTTON. 
RO. VERNON. 
MAR. DARELL. 
RICH. COXE. 
JO. LEIGH. 
(Note.—Members of the Privy Council.) 
The foregoing is addressed. 
To or very loving freinds the Justices of peace in the County 

of 
Wilt and to evry of them. 
1613 4th Novembris from ye Cowrte. 

1613.—After or hartie Comendacons. Wheras wee have given 
you warninge by or former Ires for the deliverie of all such Poultrie 
as by Composicon is due to his Matie out of the Countie of Wilts 
for the service of his highnes most Noble howshoulde in the 
Ellaventh yeare of his Matie raigne nevrtheles yt seemeth you 
regarde not or warninge but leave the service unpformed Wch 
pceedeth (as wee conceave) eather by you the Justices whoe have 
not given the warninge to the Constables or they in not givinge 
warninge to the Countrie, Theis are therefore once againe to 
require you to take some speedie Course Wherby the saide service 
may be fourthwth deliverd accordinge to the tenor of yor composicon 
otherwise wee shalbe forced to take some such course as 
will tend little to the ease of yor Countrie. And soe not doubting 
of yor better cares hereafter wee bid you farewell. 

Whitehall the xijth of Januarie 1613 . 
Yor lovinge freindes 


(Signed) W. KNOLLYS. 
EO. WOTTON. 
RO. VERNON. 
RICH. COXE. 

X3 


Addressed To or verie lovinge freindes Sr Edmunde Ludloe, 
Sr. Hen Bainton, Sr Antho Hungerforde, Sr William Eayre, and 
Sr Allex. Tutt, Knights, Lawrence Hide Esq and to the rest of 
his Mats Justices of peace & Compounders in the Countie of Wilts 
or anie twoe of them. 

1613.—The following letter is evidently a copy of another, the 
signatures being in the same handwriting as the letter itself. As 
it is amongst the Quarter Sessions papers, it must be presumed 
that John Duckett was a Wiltshire man. 

A letter to Sr John Pay ton Knight Governor of the Isle of 
Jersey. The Bearer hereof John Duckett (informeth) that haveinge 
served in her late Matys Warres for the space of thirtie yeares and 
received many maymes and Hurtes upon his boddy, was upon some 
occasion of service comannded by Sr Walter Rawley to goe over 
into Jersey where he had a place wth entertainment of £12 p ann, 
and that of late he is discharged of his said place and thereby 
deprived of that small comfort wch he enioyed as the only reward of 
all his former services and left destitute of any meanes to releeve 
himself in his old age. fforasmuch as his case deserveth some 
comiseracon wee have ben moved to signifie thus much unto you 

on his behalf, that wee thinke it meete he be continued in his said 
place, wth such allowance as was formerly made unto him, or 
otherwise that you doe order such a course for his releefe as may 
give him some contentment wthout further trouble unto us And 
soe leaveinge him to yor good favour 23 December 1609. 

Signed by the 
LO. ARCH CANT. E OF WORCESTER. 
LO. CHANCELLOR. LO. ZOUCHE. 
LO. TREASURER. LO. KNOLLIS. 

D. OF LENOX. SR JOHN HERBERT. 
LO CHAMBERLAYNE. SR JULIUS CAESAR. 
(In 161 4 another John Duckett was lord of the hundred of 
Calne.) 
The following letter, signed by Sir Walter Raleigh, refers to 
the same case, but it is not dated :— 
Theise shalbe to certefy you: That the bearer hereof John 
Duckett in the time of her late Matys reigne did serve in her Matys 
Warrs in Ireland & ellswhere: And in the same Warrs hath 
received hurts & maimes in his body: Whereby he is not able to 
use any meanes for his maineteynaunce as formerly he hath don: 
(Signed) 
Your assured friend to 
Comand 

W. RALEIGH. 
(Note.—In the Register of 161 4 at the Easter Sessions 
Duckett was granted " 20 p lor present relief & a pension of £ 5 


1613.—Theise shalbe to certefy you. That the bearer hereof 
John Duckett in the tyme of her late IVXatys reigne did serve in her 
Mats Warres in Ireland & ells where. And in the same Warrs 
hath receaved hirts & maimes in his body: whereby he is not able 
to use any meanes for his maineteynaunce as formerly he hath don. 

Your asured freind to 

comand W. RALEIGH. 

1614.—Under this date there is a memorandum of the Court of 
Quarter Sessions detailing the various persons who were appointed 
Treasurers for the relief of Maimed Soldiers, Prisoners of King's 
Bench &c. in the County and regulations for administering the funds. 
It is signed by the following Magistrates: John Hungerford, Jo. 
Dauntesey, Anth: Hungerford, A. Tutt, F. Hyde, John Ayliffe, 
John Lowe, Henry Martyn, Edm: Longe, A. Tooker, Edw: Beste. 

1614.—This is an enquiry into the parentage of a bastard 
child. It is signed by Caro. Ralegh and William Stockman. The 
Clerk, in writing out the report, represents the former name as 
" Sr Caro Raughleigh " Knight. 

1614.— 
Sir, 

Whereas henry Saye my late servant hathe bine in the last 
Sessions Imprisoned for his misdemeanors in my Service These 
are to Certifie you that upon his earnest Intreatie I am contented 
to release him of all such penaltie of Imprisonment as by Lawe 
& your sentence he wase adiudged unto & so desireng you that he 
may be sett at liberty agayne not doughting but this punishment 
wch hathe alreadie suffered will teach him more witt & honestie 
hereafter this kindlye Salutinge you 

I rest 
Your verye loveinge ffreinde 
THOMAS THYNNE. 
Longleat this xjth 
of Januaray 
1614. 
(Addressed) To the Right Worshipfull Sr Larance Hide & Sr 
Edmunde Ludlowe Knights &c these. 

1614.—To the Kings most excellent Matie. 

The humble peticon of Walter Howard. 

Most humblie shewing That whereas yor Maties poore 
peticoner 81 loyall subiect heth served in ye warrs both in ye lowe 


Countries and also in yor Maties Realme of Ireland and was often 
tymes ympressed in ye Countie of Wiltes. In wch countye he was 
borne in ye Hundred of Haytisbury. And at his last service at 
Kyngzaile in yor Maties Realme of Ireland yor Maties peticoner 
had his laufull dischardge by the Lord Montiejoye then Lord 
Deputy of Ireland, signifying that yor poore peticoner was unfytt 
for any further service-

Yor Maties poore peticoner being aged doth now feele and 
fynd his body to be much debilated & much diffected of his sight 
wch hath happened unto hym by the hurts bruses colde & sickness 
with many other Calamities the weh he hath indured & receaved in 
ye warrs, he having in charge a wyfe & fyve Children & small 
meanes or none at all to releeve there wants is now constrayned 
to deplore his mysery and want unto yor Royal Matie to redresse 
ye same, or otherwise both yor peticoner his wyfe and children 
are likely to pishe. He doth most humblie beseech yor Maties 
Comaundent unto the Knights & Justices, that are in Comisson 
for ye peace for ye County of Wiltes to take order for yor Maties 
poore peticoner and loyall subiect his mayntenaunce according to 
his place Rancke and qualitie in Service And he as in duty bound 
doth and ever will pray unto Thallmightie god That yor Matie may 
long Raigne ovr us in all happynes. 

(This ends the petition. The following is in another hand


writing.) 
At hampton Courte ye 26 0 Septembris. 
His Mats pleasurer is that the Justices for the County of Wilts 

at there next quarter Sessions or other meetings doe consider of 
this peticon and take such order for the poore Peticoners releife as 
shalbe thought meete, soe as his Matie be noe further trobled 
herein. 

(Signed) DANIEL DUN. 
(On the inside of the petition is the following.) 
Wilts. At the quarter Sessions at. Marlebroth the forth of 

October 1614. 
Gyven unto Walter Haward ffoure markes a yeare for a yearlie 
stypent out of this Countie untill wee shall order unto the contrary 
to be payed by the Treasurer for the maymed soldiers of the South 
parte quarterlie. 

(Signed) E. J. BAYNTUN. 
GYLES WROUGHTON. 
JOHN POOLE. 
WA : VAUGHAN. 
JO: DAUNTESEY. 

J. W. JORDAN. 
1614—Memorand the ffyrst of September 1614 . These words 
following or words to this effect were spoken by Edward Ride of 


Compton Chamblayne gent in the psence of us whose names are 
under written, vizt Mr. Mompesson demanding of the Constable 
of the hundred of Damham South why one Ihoman Busshell of 
Compton Chamblayne aforesaid was not sitt downe in his note wch 
he had delivd to the Justices as a man sufficient & of good ability 
to make supply of his Matys wants according to certayne Ires from 
his highnes honorable pryvie Counsell dyrected He the said Edward 
Ride interposed himself and' said hee knewe him the said Busshell 
to be a man noe waye sufficient to yelde his Matie any supply in 
that nature. Mr. Mompesson replyed hee knewe him of his ptycular 
knowledge to be more suffycient then many wch had that very daye 
voluntarily gyven to his Matie in that behalfe. To wch the said 
Ride annswered that hee knewe him better then Mr. Mompesson. 
Then Mr. Mompesson replyed that the informacon of a Justice of 
peace was more avayliable in service for his Matie than any ordynary 
pson. Whereupon the said Ride replyed in heat that his informacon 
should be as true as his, the said Mr. Mompesson, wth 
many other words to the same effect. Sir William Jordan then 
disliked Rides pamtory annsweres & told him he had much forgot 
himself Who thereupon likewise annswered the said Sir William 
Jordan wth many unfytting & undecent speeches in the like distempature. 


(Signed) THO. AUBREY. 

RANDULPH. BARON. 

1628.—To the Righte Worpll his Matys Justices of the peace 
at the nexte generall Sessions of the Peace houlden for the County 
of Wilts. 

Wheras George Payne of Easte Knoyle standeth bound by 
Recognisance unto or Sovraigne Lord the Kinge for being the 
reported ffather of a Bastard Child borne on the bodye of Mary 
Shorte, These are to Certifie yor Worpps that the sayd George 
Payne hath given securitie unto the said pishe of East Knoyle for 
the discharge of the sayd Child. Wee therefore whose names are 
heereunder writen (Inhabitantes of Knoyle aforesayd) Doe Intreate 
Your Worpps on his behalfe that hee may be released of his sayd 
Recognisance. 

(Signed) CHR : WREN. Rector. 

(Father of Sir Christopher Wren.) 
The Church Wardens, overseers and four others. 

1628.—The Informacon of Thomas Wickham of Charterhouse 
Hinton in the Countie of Somst gent taken before the Right Honble 
Henrie Lord Ley the xiijth daie of September 1628. 

Whoe Informeth yt hee left his mare in his grounds in Charterhouse 
Hinton wth the bridle tyed to her foote whyles hee was 


lookeing to his workman in another grounde fast bye, and goinge 
to looke for his mare could neither see nor heare of her, and thereuppon 
made hue & Crye after her upon wch the xjth of September 
att Warminster shee was found att the Signe of the George by the 
Tythingmans deputie and order given by him that rode her thither 
that shee should have provender & well drest, and this Informer 
verilye beleeveth that John Stewarde stole his said Mare. Thomas 
Wickham. 

(Signed) HENRY LEY. 

(Afterwards-made Earl of Marlborough.) 

1629.—To my honourble freinde Sr Nicholas Hyde Lord 

Chiefe Justice of Englande, or in his absence to Sr Lawrence Hyde 

and the rest of the Justices of the Quarter Sessions give these. 

My Lord, 

The Bearer Richard Hollowaye of good behaviour (for ought 

I knowe) and of Competent Substance holds an Inne at Clacke of 

Aunciaunt Institution wch upon some ground of reason hath beene 

of late supprest, but because I never hare misdemeanour in the 

man and in respect it hath continued upon my knowledge as very 

necessarie for these many yeares, give me leave I beseech yor 

Lordship to recommend the Consideracon of his Cause unto the 

honourable assemblie of the Quarter Sessions and to crave both 

Justice and favour in his behalfe, if there be noe greater Cause to 

the Contrarie then I yett apprehend. 

Your Lordpps verye loveing Freind 

(Signed) DANBY (Earl of). 

Cornebury Parke 

Septemb 29, 1629. 

(Note.—This was the Saracens Head; an order for its con


tinuance was made Oct. 163 1.) 

1632.—To the Kinges Moste Excellente Maiestie. 

The humble petecion of George Smith a poore aged maiemed 

souldier. 

Most humblie sheweth yor moste Roiall Matie yt yor moste 

poore subiecte haveing served in the warrs 33 yeares viz in Ireland 

Dinmarke the pallatinat Cadez and the Isle of Rhe and borne the 

place of Sargeante unto divers worthie Commanders and hath not 

onlie spente the beste of his youth but hath alsoe received divers 

sore hurts and maiemes apparente to be seene and as'by good. 

Certifficates hereto annexed maie appeare and never receaved anie 

pencion to wards his releife hee therefore moste humblie praieth— 

That in tender Consideracon of his longe and painefull service his 

age and disabillitie yor Matie would be graciously pleased of your 

royall Compassion to graunte him yor most gracious Order of 


reference unto the Justices of Peace and treasurers of releife of 
hurte and rnaiemed souldiers in the Countie of Wilts from where 
he was impressed to thend he maie be alowed such a Competente 
yearely pencion towards his releife as yor matie shall thinke meete 
and fitt. 

And yor poore subte as in duty bound shall ever praie for yor 
Maties long and happie raigne over us. 

At Hampton Courte November ye 20th 1632. 

His Matie is graciously pleased to refferr this Peticioner and 
the considderacion of this petner unto the Justices of Peace and 
Treiers for Maiemed Souldiers in the County of Wiltes whence this 
souldier was Imprested to thend that at ther next Meetinge this 
pttner be allowed a Competente yearly pension accordinge to ye 
Statute in such Causes provided, soe that his Matie be noe' further 
troubled herewith. 

(Signed) RA. FFREMAN. 

1632.—To the Righte Worshipfull and my very good ffreinds 
the Justices of Peace and Treiers for releife of hurte and maiemed 
Souldiers in the County of Wiltes be these dd. 

After my verie hartie Comendacions. Whereas it appeareth 
by verry Comendible Certifficates of Sundrie worspll & Honnoble 
men that the bearer hereof George Smyth hath served many years 
in the warrs as a souldier and a Sargeante under divers worthie 
Capts and Comanders in severall Imploiements, and is thereby so 
maimed as that hee cannott labour for his livinge as heretofore he 
could as appeareth by his peticon Exhibited to his Matie whoe 
hath ben graciously pleased to refer him to you for releife. And 
he hath alsoe sithence peticioned unto the Lords for their letter by 
whose Commaunds I write these lines to you in his behalfe. Yt is 
therefore not to be doubted but that you his Maties Justices of 
Peace and Treiers for releife of hurte and maiemed souldiers in the 
County of Wilts where he was impressed will Take a Care he maie 
be allowed such a Competente yearely pencion towards his releife 
and maintenance accordinge to the Statute in such Causes provided 
as is fittinge a person of his Rancke and quallitie. Wherein I 
Recommende him to your beste and most Charitable Considderacions 
Bidding you right hartiely farewell and doe reste 

Your very loveinge ffreinde to be 

Commaunded by you 

(Signed) W. BALFOUR 
locum tenens Turris. 
ffrom the Tower of London 
December the 29th 1632. 


1632.—To the Right Worspll Sir Laurence Hidde, Knight one 
of his Maties Justices of peace in the County of Wilts. 

After my verrie hartie Comendacons. Sir I am requested by 
the righte honnorable Henry Lo : Viscounte ffawkeland to write 
unto you in the Behalfe of this aged souldier George Smythe, who 
hath served in the warrs by the space of 33 years, and borne the 
place of a Sargante unto divers worthie Comaunders in sundry 
imployments, his Matie hath ben very graciously pleased to refer 
him unto the Justices of Peace and Treiers at large in your County 
to be there releived with a yearely pencion for his preservation 
accordinge to the Statute, he affirmeth to me that uppon receipte 
of some reasonable some of money sutable to his rancke and the 
merritts of his defects he intendeth to betake himselfe to some other 
Course of life and be noe more Chargeable to yor County, he produceth 
a plaudible Certificate of his longe and paineful service, 
his maimes are grevous and verrie apparante, his request verry 

reasonable, and in that respecte I desire you to be his helping 
good freind, in the' which you shall not only sattisfie his maiesties 
pleasure but alsoe doe a good and Charitable Deed but alsoe bynd 
the poore man ever to pray for you And thus not doubting of yor 
favour herein I betake you to God the rewarder of all good and 
Charitable Deeds and reste 

Your very lovinge freind to be 

Comaunded by you 

(Signed) W. BALFOUR. 

Locum tenens Turris. 

ffrom the Tower of London the 

29th of December 1632. 

1632.—The examinacon of Willm Brenn of Hawkeridge in 

the pishe of Westbury in the Countie of Wilts taken before me 

Henry Ea : of Marleburgh the xxxth day of November 1632. 

Who saith that upon Wednesday being the xxviij of Novem


ber he travelling towards Southampton to a Brother of his there, 

chanced to finde a hatchett upon the way, and that nott farr from 

thence he came to a ffold out of wch all the sheepe were gone 

except one wch was lame, that remayned behinde neere unto the 

ffold, wch sheepe he tooke and killed and brought the fflesh thereof 

back to his howse and left the skinne in the place where he killed 

him and that his wife without hisprivitie did hide the ffleshe in a 

trench that was made for the drawing away of water that did annoy 

his Chimney. And that it was his povertie and want that caused 

him to comitt this ffact. 

The marke of Willm Brenn. 

(•Signed) MARLEBURGH. 


1633.—After or hartie cumendaeons. We send you inclosed a 
peticon psented to the Board by Nathaniell Crech a poore maymed 
Souldier Wherein he makes humble suite to be recomended to 
you from this Board for some Augmentacon of his small pencon of 
40s. p ann formerly allowed unto him by some of the Justices of 
peace of that County in reguard he was prest out of the same to 
serve as Serjant of a Company in the Espedicon to Cales where he 
received divers hurts and maymes as in the peticon it selfe is more 
at large expressed. Whereof wee haveing taken consideracon and 
much comiserateing the Petr distressed Estate being charged wth 
a wife and Children and altogether disabled by reason of his said 
hurts and maymes to take any Course for support or mayntenance 
either of himselfe or them. And conceiveing lykewise that a 
Pencon of 40s. p Ann is a Verie small allowance for one that hath 
borne office in the Warrs for the service of his Matie and the 
State, Have thought good hereby in especiall manner to recomend 
him to yor favour for such further increase of his Pencon as shall 
be suitable to his Seriants pake (place) and as is agreeable to the 
lawes and Statutes on that behalfe or hath been accustomed in lyke 
cases. Wherein we expect yor readie pformance or that you forth 
wth certifie unto us some materiall grounds and reasons for yor 
refusall. And soe we bid you harely farewell, ffrom White hall the 
last of October 1633. 

Yor loveing freinds 

(Signed) MANCHESTER. 

W. CANT (Archbishop of Canterbury—Laud). 
R. EBOR (Do. York-~Nayle). 
THO. COVENTRYE. 
COTTINGHAM. 
' WIMBLEDON. 

NEWBURGH. 

FRAN : WINDEBANK. 

(Unfortunately for Mr. Crech, the Justices had to endorse the 
above with the words " there is noe money in stock to releve 
the peticoners desire ".) 

THE PETITION OF NATHANIEL CRECH. 

To the Right Honable the Lords and others of his Maties 
Honable Frivie Councell. 

The humble peticon of Nathaniell Crech Most humbly sheweth 

•unto yor good honors That yor peticoner was prest for a souldier 
out of the Countie of Wiltes being then appointed Sergeant to the 
Companie of Captaine John Powell in his Maties at Cales where 
he was maymed and hurt as may appeare and in regard their of yor 
peticoner hath obtained a pencon of xxxxs. a year as by the Justices 
hands and seales doth appeare. 

May it therefore please yor Honors in comisseration of his 
great .Distress, as also his hurts and Disability of body havinge a 
wife and many small Children Whoe are like to perish for want of 
Bred he being not able to take paynes tor his living, prainge yor 
Honors to be pleased to Address yor Letters to the Justices of 
peace in the Countie aforsaid to augment his pencon according to 
his Sergeants place and the better to enable him to spende the 
resudie of his dales in the service of God & to pray for yor Honors. 

WILTES. 
1633.—Forasmuch as Edward Maie of Maston in the pishe of 

Potterne yeoman hath required suretie of the Peace against one 
William Mortimer of the said place & pishe yeoman & hath taken 
his Corporall oath before me that he required the same, not for 
anie private mallice or natred, butt that he is afraide of his life or 
the hurting of his bodie, or the burning of his howse Theise are 
therefore to will and require you and in his Maties name to charge 
& comannd you imediately upon sight hereof you bring the said 
William Mortimer before me or some other his Mats Justices of the 
Peace of the said Countie to finde sufficient sureties aswell for his 
appearance att the next Genall Quarter Sessions of the Peace to be 
houlden for this Countie, as also that the said Willm Mortimer 
shall in the meane time keep the Kings Maties peace aswell towards 
his Matie as all his leige people & especially towards the said 

Edward Maye, & if he shall refuse soe to doe, that then psently you 
convey the said Willm Mortimer or cause him to be conveyed to his 
Mats Goale att ffishertowne Anger there to remaine untill he shall 
willingly doe the same & see that you certifie yor doing in the 
prmisses att the said Sessions, & have their this Warrant. 

Dated att Heywood this nth daie of January 1633. 
(Signed) MARLEBROUGH. 
To the Constables of the 
hundred of Potterne or to 
either of them. 


1633.—To Or very good Lord—the Earle of Hartford Gustos 
Rotulorum for the County of Wilts. 

After or very harty commendacons to yor Lp Whereas by Or 
Ires having date the last of February wee gave direccons to the 
Justices of the Peace of the County of Wilts not only to examine 
the abuses complayned of in the Markett Spinners but by all due 
wayes and meanes (wth the assistance of Anthony Wither Esqre) 
to find out the remedies to be applyed thereunto, and that to be* 
done in their severall Devisions, and thereof to returne unto us a 
particular accompt. Now as this is a business of great consequence 
and must concerneth the good the Country in generall, so wee 
conceive it most proper to be handled and debated at their next 
Generall Quarter Sessions to be holden for that County. But 


forasmuch as wee are informed that Warminster the place where 
they intend to meet at the Sessions in July next, is farre remote 
from the places where most of the Clothiers and Markett Spinners 
doe reside, And that it will be very inconvenient for so many men 
of their profession to travell so farre. Wee do therefore hereby 
pray and require yor Lp (being- Custos Rotulorum for the said 
County) to appointe the said next Quarter Sessions to be held at 
Chippenham pro hac vice tantum for the purpose aforesaid. 

And so wee bid your Lp very hartily farewell—ffrom the Starr 
Chamber the last of May 1633. 
Yor Lps very loveing freinds, 
(Signed) MANCHESTER. 
LINDSEY. 
COVENTRY. 
BRIDGWATER. 
DANBY. 
WENTWORTH. 
COTTINGTON. 
WINDEBANK. 
KELLIER (?). 
HALLSLAND (?). 

1636.—May itt please you 

Whereas the bearer hereof George Leaster hath ben imprested 
in the Parish of Ramesbury in the Countie of Wiltes & hath served 
under the Right honnorable the Vicount Wimbledon in Cales 
Voyage, as by good Certificates doe appeare, where he receaved, 
as he alleadgeth some wounds that have utterly disabled him to 
gett his living by his labour I doe therefore in commisseracon of his 
distressed state & of his inabilitie and by reason of the dutie of 
my place of Muster Master General conferred on me by his Matie, 
desire you that you would allow him an annuall pension according 
as the Statute in that case provideth, if there be no just cause 
to the Contrarie, Wch I desire you to Certifie unto me & so not 
doubting of your readiness and favorable Charitie towards him for 
the consideracons above expressed, I take my leave dated att 
Whitehall this 6 of December 1634. Your assured loving freind 

to serve you 
(Signed) W. TRUMBULL. 
(The Court granted 4 marks per annum.) 

1637 After my verie harty Commendacons. Complaint 
hath come unto me from manie pts of the Kingdome concerning 
Colleccons obteyned from me for losses by fire and other casualtyes. 
For my selfe I maie truly assume that it hath been my constant 


course to passe none but upon Certificate from the Assizes or 
Quarter Sessions, so as unles the Justices of Peace giving creditt 
to the Certificate of neighbours or others in favor of the ptyes 
daminshed be sometimes misled and do also mislead me. I cannot 
bethink my self what grounds there should be of a complaynt. 
Nevertheless to prevent as farre forth as may be all further mistaking 
in this kind I have thought fitt. First to Contynue my 
former course not to grannt anie Colleccons wth out Certificate 
from the Assizes or Sessions. Secondly not to grannt them upon 
anie Certificate unles it be agreed on and signed in open Court at 
the Assizes or Sessions, and not upon any Colleccon of hands out 
of Court. Thirdly not to grannt them upon anie Certificate unles 
it conteyne that the pty himselfe and two or more able inhabitants 
of the pishe or place where the losse or casualtie happened (whose 
names are also to be sett downe in the sayd Certificate) have by 
oath taken in open Court of Assizes or Sessions verifyed that the 
damage susteyned by the pties for whome the colleccon is required 
doth amount to so much in value at the least as shalbe menconed in 
the sayd Certificate. Fourthly not to grannt them upon any 
Certificate unles it conteyned that the pties themselves and those 
two or more able inhabitants have verified upon Othe in open Court 
that the ptyes are not without the helpe of a colleccon anie wise 
able to susteyne themselves but must fall into beggery or want, 
for it is not my meaning to trouble the Kings people wth Colleccons 
to make up the losse susteyned by such as are able to live of themselves 
wth out such help. Fiftly not to grant them upon anie 
Certificate unles it conteyne that the Justices have taken bond to 
remaine among the Records of the Sessions that no pt of the money 
Collected shalbe applyed to the benefit of any Landlord or other 
pson of ability either in rebuylding his house or otherwise for I 
hold not fitt when the house of such a man is decayed by fire, 
tempest, or the like by a colleccon in the name of a poore undertenant 
to have it recdifyed for the good of him that is able to do it 
at his owne charge. Lastlie that a Certificate conteyne that bond 
is also taken that the party shall not putt over his colleccon to anie 
other for I have founde much inconvenience in it that some evil 
minded men for a little money given to a poore man that is suitor 
for a Colleccon getteth him to turne over the whole benefit of it, 
so as the money wch the Kings subjects believe they bestowe in 
almes under Charity towards the poore man is put into the purse of 
them that deserve nothing but punishment. I have therefore 
thought good to advertise you my resolucons to reform that evil 
wch hath been complayned of, and to praie you that from henceforth 
in the making of Certificates for such Colleccons you will 
either follow these direccons or where you finde the suitors not 
willing to conforme hereunto that you will forbeare to Certify And 
if anie other remedy to be added to these fall into yor consideracons 
who best know the Complaints of the Country thereabouts, I shall 
take it very kindly if you will advertise me thereof, and withall I 
desire you to be verie careful to punish such as go about wth 
counterfett breefs deceiving the Kings people,' for I do assure you 


that since the time I have had the keeping* of the Seale seldome or 
never have above eight colleccons in one yeare gone into any 
Shire of this Kingdome, and into most Shires not neere that 
number, and yet I have been informed that a farre greater number 
have been pressed upon the Countrey. And I do desire you that 
the Clerke of the Peace may be commanded by you to keepe this 
Lre, and from time to time as occasion shalbe to putt you in minde 
thereof. And so not doubting of yor readines to joyne wth me in 
rectifying what is amiss, 

I rest, Yor very Loving freind, 
(Signed) THO: COVENTRYE. 
From Canbury this 
second of September 
1637. 
Addressed to my very loving freinds the Justices of Peace for 
the County of Wilts. 

1637.—Apud Devises 5*° die Septembris 1637. 

It is this day thought fitt by us whose names are subscribed 
that there bee allowed to James Robins his Maty Purveyor for 
Tymber the some of ffower score pownds for the carryage of 500 
loades of Timber for his Maty service besides the Ks price from 
Tichfield Park unto Pharum Key wch said some wee conceive fitt 
to bee raysed wth in this County upon the genall Divisions of the 
same in manner following (vizt) 

On Sarum Devision ... ... 16 16 
On the Citty of Sarm ... ... 3 4 
On Warminster Devision ... ... 16 o 
On Trowbridge Devizion ... ... 7 4 
On the Devises Devizion ... ... 12 o 
On Marleborowe Devision ... 1 2 1 2 
On Chippenham Devision ... ... n 4 

(The above is signed by) 
GYLES ESTCOURTE. 

F. BAYNTON. 
THEOH. GORGES. 
HENRY LUDLOWE. 
JO. PENRUDDOK. 
THO, LAMBERT. 
WILLM. WALLYS. 
CHARLES GORE. 
ROBERT EYRE. 
October first day. I was not psent at this agreemt, yet I doe 
assent. 
(Signed) ANTH. WEEKES. 
I pray pay this monie to this bearer heare of James Emrie and 


tack his hand for it and that shall be your discharge, your loving 
servant to his power. 
(Signed) JAMES ROBINS. 

1637.—After or harty comendacons. Whereas we wrote or 
Ires unto you dated the last of June 1636 therby requiring you to 
give present and effectuall order for the carriage of 500 loads of 
Timber for the service of his Mate Navy from Titchfield Parke in 
the County of Southton to the water side at Pharam Key wth in 
the said County, to bee performed by Allhallowtide next following 
or the beginning of the next spring at farthest We are now 
informed that notwthstanding or said direccons you have done 
nothing therein, but have shewed a great deal of backwardnes and 
unwillingnesse to performe this his Mats Service, wch we may 
not passe by wthout letting you know that the Importance of the 
Service requires a better accompt from you and that the direccons 
of this Boord ought not to be slighted. And therefore if you redeeme 
not the tyme past by yor effectual and speedy direccons 

according to or former letter to see the said 500 loads forthwith 
carried from Titchfield Park to Pharam Key aforesaid you may 
expect to be called hither to answere yor contempt. And for the 
better performing of the service for the best case for the Country 
you are to take direccons from James Robbins one of his Mats 
Purveyors whome wee have commanded to attend you and see the 
service performed, whereof there may be no fault. And so wee 
bid you hartily farewell, ffrom the Star Chamber the 22 of 
May 1637. 

Your loveing freinds 
The above is signed by the following Lords of the Privy Council. 
MANCHESTER, 

W. CANT, 
THO COVENTRYE, 
ARUNDEL & WARDOR, 
E. NEWBURGH, 
ALEX R COTTINGTON, 
THO. JERMYN, 
WINDEBANK, 
and two others. And is addressed to Or loveinge freinds Sr Lawrence 
Hide, Sr Theobald Gorges, Sr Walter Smith, Sr Henry 
Ludlowe, Sr John Evelyn Kts and to the rest of his Maties Justices 
of the Peace of the Countie of Wiltes. 

1637.—xxj° Die Octobris 1636. 
Md That I Lord Henry Pawlett do hereby give ray consent 
that William Loder to erect & buylde a cottage wth in my Mannor 


of Chitterne in the Countie of Wiltes In some place there convenient. 
(Signed) HENRY POWLETT. 
At the Court helde for the Mannor of Chitterne the Daye & 
yeare abovesaid my Lord Henry Powlett and all his tennts were 
contented that a Cottage should be built for Mr. Loder. 

(Signed) DAWES SENLUS. 

1638.—To my very loveinge freinds the Justices of ye Peace 
for the County of Wiltes at ye next Generall Sessions held for ye 
said County, to be delivered. 

After my very harties Comendacons. 

fforasmuch as Complaint hath ben made unto mee by Mr. John 
Dour that Joseph Bales hath wronged and abused him in most 
fowle & scandalous speeches, as by 4 affidavitts produced & read 
before mee appeareth, against wch ye said Bates pretends that 
those speeches fell from him upon ye provocacon of the said John 
Dour by as fowle & ill language on his pte, and desired tyme to 
prove ye same. Upon wch I thought good to inclose their severall 
peticons & referre the examinacon of their Allegacons to you the 
Justices of Peace of ye County of Wiltes at yor next Generall 
Sessions of ye peace held for ye said County. And to pray you 
upon heareing of their severall proofes at yor said Sessions to doe 
equall Justice to them both, & to punish him yt you shall find faulty 
according to ye nature of his offence. Soe I rest, yor very loveinge 
freind 

(Signed) ARUNDELL & WARDOUR. 
4xundell House October 26th 1638. 


1638.—To my very lovinge ffreinds the Justices of Peace for 
the Countie of Wiltes yt shalbe assembled att the next Sessions 
these—theis dd. 

After my very hearty Commendacons, Whereas one Robert 
Rolls inhabiting wthin the Countie of Wiltes being aged 85 yeares 
and nowe unable therefore, and by Wounds hee formerly received 
in their MMts Warres in the Low Countries, to gett his livinge as 
on a Peticon exhibited unto mee, a Transcript whereof I send you 
hereinclosed, he giveth farther Informacon. And therefore accordinge 
to the Statute in like Cases provided is an humble Suitor for 
a Pencon. I have therefore in his behalfe thought fitt to write theis 
my leres unto you, praying you That yf after due Examinacon had 
you find him capable of this ffavor &c usually afforded to others of 
the like condicon you will settle some such Pencon upon him in 
consideracon of ye premises as you shall thinke fitt and reasonable. 
Which in respect of his age wilbe noe long Burthen to ye Country 
yet an encouragement to others when they shall see Provision made 

y 


for them, after they shalbe 4'isabled in their Countryes Service from 
helping themselves Which recommendinge unto yor ffavors 
I rest 
Yor very loving freind 
(Signed) PEMBROKE & MONTGOMERY. 
Hampton Court 
23th of Sept 1638. 

1640.—I am contented that John Ball shall erect a cottage in 
some such convenient place of the waste Graundes wthin my 
Mannor of Tisbury as I shall appointe by some officer of myne. 


(Signed) THO. ARONDELL. 
October xxv. 


ffor as much as my Lord Arundell hath geven way to John 
Ball of Tisbury for erecting; of a Cottage for habitacion therefore 
we ye Justices of ye Peace here under written doe as much as in 
us lyeth geve way to ye erecting of the sayd Cottage & here unto 
have sett or hands. 

(Signed) ROBT HYDE. 
THO. CHAFIN. 

16401—Whearas the bearer hereof Thomas Snooke being 
Insufficient for his Majestys Service by Resone of a hurt which he 
gotte which hath Perished his Brajne, Therefore I have given him 
leave to goe home into Willsheere where hee may if it bee possible 
wth the helple of his friends bee cured, for these surgions whose 
names are under written tesstifie that he-e is not fitting to doe service. 
Therefore I desire all to whom these presents may come to 
suffer ye sayd Thomas Snooke tQ pas.s freely without any hinderance. 
I shall indevor my selfe to Requite it. Rippon this 29 of 
January 1640. 

(Signed) OLIVER FFLETEWOOD 
HENRY BARKER Major Chyrugion 
GOODWIN Surgrons mate 
To Sr Willm Ogle his regimt. 
The following petition is attached to above (abbreviated) :— 
The humhle petition of William Snaoke and Thomas Snooke 
h\s Sonn of Sutton Manfeild in the County (of Wilts). 
Humtbly Sheweth. that yor poore Supt being but a trades man 
& having his sonn pressed a souldier for service in the Northerne 
parts against the Scptts and having received wounds in that service 
whereby he is not able to get his living, for that many peeces of 
yor p,etio,n,ers, sonns Skull are taken out of his head as by a, cer* 
tificate &c (see above), He then goes on to ask for relief for the 
maintenance of his son and, obtains the signatures of some half•» 
dozen of his neighbours in support of his application. 


1640.—Yorke. ffor as much as the bearer heereof John 

Blundell souldier haveing beene impressed fo? his Mats Service in 

this Expedition in the Warrs agaynst the Sootts and haveinge re


ceyved a hurt in the late skirmish about New Castel upon Tine, 

soe that he is alltogether disabled for further service wee whose 

names are subscribed have given him this his free dischardge to 

retorne to his freinds, theise are therefore to will and request all 

whome it shall concerne to pmit him quietly to passe by you wthout 

any lett or hinderance and to assist him with lodgeings & all 

lawfull ... . he behaving himself as a good Subject ... . to 

doe in this his jorney to the pishe from whence he was impressed. 

Gyven under our handes at Yorke this 21th of October 1640. 

(Signed) WILLIAM OGLE. Col: 

WILL LAUDEY. Sr Major. 

JOH : SANDS. Capt. 

This Souldier John Blundell is to goe to Edmiston in Wilts 

where he was impressed for His Mats Service. 

To all Justices of the Peace, Maiors, Bayliffs, Constables, 

Churchwardens and all other His Mats officers & loveinge Subjects 

whome these shall or may concerne. 

This document is very much the worse for wear. A few words 

are unreadable and the whole in a very decayed condition. 

J646,—The following is a printed soldier's pass signed by 
General Fairfax, the words in italic being in handwriting. 
Sir Thomas Fairfax Knight Generall of the Forces raised by 
the Parliament, 

Suffer the Bearer hereof John Cumin who was in the Garrison 
of Wallingford at the rendring thereof, and is to have the full 
benefit of the Articles agreed upon the same quietly without let 
or interruption to passe your Guards with his sword, bagge and 
baggage and to repaire unto Winchester or elsewhere upon his 
occasions, and inall places where he shall come, and whereunto he 
shall remove, to be protected from violence to his person or goods. 
And all smk persons to whome he shall repaire, or with whom he 
shall reside are likewise to be protected from any dammage or 
prejudice for receiving the said John Cumins who is to have full 
liberty at any time within six months (if he shall think fit) to goe 
to any convenient Port with his sword and goods, and thence be 
transported beyond the Seas; And in his march from Wallingford 
to Winchester the Magistrates of Townes and Constables of Villi-
ages are to accommodate him with competent lodging and free 
quarter; nor shall he be constrained to march above eight miles of 
a day, he having engaged himself to act nothing prejudicial! to 
the Parliament during his abode in their quarters, and in all things 
to have the full benefit of the Articles. Hereunto all due obedience 
is to be given by all persons whom it may concerne as they will 


answer the contrary. Given under my hand and seale the Twenty 
ninth day of July 1646. 

(Signed) T. FAIRFAX. 
To all Officers and Souldiers under 
my Command, and to all others 
whom it may concerne. 

1647,—These are to Certifie all whome it may concerne that 
the bearer hereof Thomas Still hath served the Parlant in the 
Regiment of Collonell John Birch for the space of three wholle 
yeares & under the comand of Captaine William Browne untill the 
time of disbanding : & whereas at Gotteridge Castle hee hath receaved 
twenty eight griveous wounds to his utter undoeing & the 
losse of the use & benefite of his right arme, & being now willing 
to travell towards Wiltshire his owne Countrey where hee was 
borne; our desire is that you will bee pleased not onely to sufferre 
him to passe quietly & peaceably thither, but alsoe to succour & 
relieve him, & withall to allow him Reliefe & maintenance according 
to the merits of the ffaithfullnes of his service during the time 
aforesaid. Dated the sixth day of ffebruary 1647. 

(Signed) BLACKMORE Lt. Coll. 
WILL. BROWNE Capt. 
To all whome these may concerne. 
Beneath the above is written :— 
I sent in by a Terte that the bearer heere of wth Gods assistanc 
was cuored of 28 woounds by me wch hee resaved abot him in 
the for sayd service. 
Yor svt. 
RICH : HINGER. 
Chirurgion to Collonel John Birch. 

1647.—The bearer hereof Wm. Dollery having binn employed 
under me in the service of the King & Parlmt: I doe hereby certefy 
that hee served as serieant of a company of Dragoones, & that 
duringe his service hee reed a wound on his right hand by wch hee 
hath lost the use of his hand. Dated this 20 May 1647. 

(Signed) WILLIAM WALLER. 
The following is written by the Clerk to the Justices :— 
allocat of xiijs iiijd to be pd by me. 
allocat of 4 markes p amm the first to beggn att next Sess, 

p trer south pte. 

1647%—To all Christian people to whom this pnte writing shall 
Come. Sr John Danvers of Chelsey in the County of Mid. Knt 
sendeth Greeting in or Lord God everlasting. Whereas I am In



formed by a certificate undr the hands of divers of the most sufficient 
Inhabitants of the Parish of Melksham in the County of Wilts 
That Thomas Kitch of the same place Carpenter being-a laborious 
poore man & having eight small Children whom he maintaines by 
his honest labour wth out any Charge to the sayd pish is lately 
questioned for building a certaine cottage on part of my waste 
ground in Melksham aforesaid. And that in Case he shaibe punished 
according to ye statute for erecting the said Cottage or 
enforced to pvide an habitacon elsewhere at a Rent he can be no 
waies able to maintaine his said Charge but must become burthensome 
to the said Parish. Know ye that I the said Sr John Danvers 
for the reasons aforesaid doe as much as in me lyes hereby licence 
and authorise the said Thomas Kitch to continue his habitation in 
the said cottage for so long time as the Justices of the peace of 
the said County of Wilts at their Generall Quarter Sessions shall 
thinke fitt to allow and grant him and no longer. In witnes 
whereof I have here unto set my hand and seale the twelfthe day 
of November in the three and twentieth yeare of the Raigne of our 
Soveraigne Lord King Charles 1647. 

(Signed) J. DANVERS. 
In the psence of 

Tho. Yates 

Will. Lawes 

John Gale 

The Court note says " allocat during his life ". 

The above bears an excellent example of Sir John Danvers' 
seale impressed in the paper. Round the shield, which bears 
three stars with six points, is the following :—SIGIL . DON I . 
D'ANVERS . 1066. 

1647.—To the right Worshipfull his Maties Justices of the 
peace for ye County of Wilts assembled at ye Devizes. 
The Humble Peticon of Thomas Kitch of Melksham in the 
County of Wilts. Laborer. 

Humbly sheweth That whereas the right Honble Sr John 
Danvers by a certaine writing bearing date the twelfth day of 
November in the three and twentieth yeare of the raigne of our 
Soveraigne Lord King Charles 1647 Did licence and authorize the 
said Thomas Kitch being a poor laborious man to continue his 
habitacon in a cottage being lately built on some pt of the wast 
ground of the said Sr John Danvers in Melksham aforesaid for so 
long time as the Justices of the Peace of the said County of Wilts 
at their Generall Quarter Sessions should thinke fitt to allow and 
grant yor said peticoner and no longer, as by the said writing 
being here onto annexed more at large appeares. 

May it therefore please yor Worpps to confirme the said 
Licence at this instant Quarter Sessions whereby your peticoner 


may quietly enjoy his habitaeon in ye said Cottage wthdut any 
molestation or disturbance. 
And your peticoner &c. 
The mark of Thomas Kitch. 

1647.—ffrom the Comttee of Parliemt for the County of Dorsett 
Gent: This Bearer James Swayne as appeares by his certificate 
subscribed by Colo: Ludlow did serve the Parliamt in yor 
County at Malbrough where he received divrs wounds, his allyance 
and freinds by reason of their greate disafeccon to the Parliamt 
will not afford him any relief. Our desire to you is, being disinabled 
to live in his formr calling, that you wilbe pleased to give 
him an allowance for his support, or a considerable pporcon of 
money wch may keepe him from being reduced to very great straits. 
The wounded Soldier having lost his blood and strength for the 
Parliamt, and in yor pticular service, suffer us to mind you that 
both Conscyence and honour calleth on you to keep him from 

starving, by granting our just desires you will encourage the rest 
of his fellow soldiers in his condicon cheerefully to undergoe soe 
great a burthen as is the expence of blood and the loozing of a 
lymme, and obleidge 

Yor affectionate freinds neighboures 
and Servants 
(Signed) JO. BINGHAM. 
RI : BRODREPP. 
JNO : WHITEWAY. 
RI. BURIE. 
WM. SAVAGE. 
Dorchester. 
21 Sept. 1647. 
Sir Ant j Ashley Cooper adds a note earnestly recommending 
the case. 
(Addressed) ffor our Plonble friend Sir Anthony Astley Cooper 
& the rest of Comtee of Parliamt for the County of Wilts. 

1648,—Gentlemen. 

The parliament being very sensible and compassionate of the 
sad Condicon which the poore are brought unto by these hard 
tymes & resolveing to use all good meanes for theire speedy & 
effectuall Releife, have comanded mee to signifie this theire pleasure 
unto you that you forthwith imploy yor best care & endeavors 
to putt those Lawes in Execucon which are already made for the 
Releife & provision for the poore of Yor County. And for that 
purpose that the Monethly meetings as here-tofore may bee constantly 
kept by you in yor sevall Divisions. This being a Duty 
from you to God & yor Country yor more ready obedience herein 


is expected save from tyme to tyme to give an accompt hereof to 
the parliamt. 
I remayne 
Your assured freind 
(Signed) WM. LENTMALL. 
Speaker. 
Westmr. 19 0 Martii 
1648. 

1648»—We whose names are under written doth Certifie that 
the Bearer hearof Ambrose Bay of ffieldean hath bine imployed in 
the parlement serves and is come home Lame and hath noe maintaynance 
to live by. Dated the 24 of ffeb 1648. 

(Signed) GEORGE PITT. 

EDWARD MILS. 

THOMAS GYRD. 

THOMAS SHEAPPARD. 

THOMAS POLFEX. 

WILLIAM SMART. 

THOMAS COOP. 

1648.—To the right Worshipfull His Matyes Justices of the 
Peace for the County of Wiltes. 

The humble Peticon of Susan Coles of Mayden Bradley in this 
County of Wilts a poore distressed widd and of ffower poore 
fatherlesse Children. 

Hurtiblye shewihge that yor petioners husband Henry Coles 
takeing up of armes in the parliamt service wth in this Countie as 
a Troop under Captaine William Ludlowe being then a Captaine of 
a Troop of horse under the comand of Collonell Edmond Ludlowe 
Esqre And that about three yeares sithence yor peticonrs sayd 
husband being then in armes wth in this County in the Parliamt 
sayd service under the comand of Colonell Ludlowe as aforesayd 
was slayne at New Sarum in this County at that tyme when the 
Lord Goringe's Army fell upon the sayd Colonell Ludlowes Regiment, 
sithence wch tyme yor peticoner with her fower smale Children 
hath endured much misery and want, shee being a very sickly 
woman and haveinge noe other meanes left for the mayntenannce 
of her selfe and Children, but what shee cann of her selfe pvide. 

In tender consideracon whereof may it please yor worpps to 
consider of the losse of yor peticoners sayd husband, he beinge a 
tradesman by whose labor yor peticbner & her fower smale Children 
were maynteyned & shee nowe beinge sickly & not able to releive 
her selfe & them humbly desires some yeerly pencon from the 
Treasurer Of maymed soldyers of this County towards the releffe 
of her arid her sayd children accordinge to the Parliamts moste 
gracious orders & ordinannces in such case made. 


And yor poore peticoner & her fower Children shall dayly pray 
for yor worps health longe to continewe. 

At Session tent apud Devizes xj° Apr xxiij Car: Rx. It is 
desired by this Court that the two next Justices to the peticoner 
take this Peticon & Cirtificates into consideracon & to allow the 
peticoner & her Children towards their releiffe such psent money 
& such future pencon or allowance as they shall thinke fitt accordinge 
to the ordinance of parliamt in that case made. And that the 
same be cirtefyed to the next Sess. 

(Signed) THOMAS BENETT. 
JO : GODDARD. 
We haveing examined the truth of this peticon & the poverty 
& distress of the peticoner & her children, doe hereby declare & 
order that the Ther : of the south pt of this County of maymed 
souldiers aliowe for the psent to the peticoner $ £ she beinge sick 
& fifty shillings hereafter quarterlie to beggin this next midsomer 
Sessions for her & her childrens releiffe. 

1648.—These are to Certify that Henry Coles served the 
Parliament under my command in ye County of Wilts behaveing 
himself faythfully honestly & valiantly as became a souldier of his 
Quality & that he was slaine in ye sayd service leaveing behind a 
widdow wth severall small children who are fit obiects of Charity, 
& are hereby expecially recommended to ye Justices of peace for 
ye sayd County to bee provided for, as is directed by ye ordinance 
of Parliament for maimed souldiers & widdows, by 

their very humble servant 
EDM. LUDLOWE. 
Westminster ye 20th of 
December 1647. 


1648.—Theis are to Cirtefye all whose whome it maye concerne 
that Henry Coles was in the Parliment service & served in 
my Troope under the Comand of Collonell Ludlowe & was slayne 
in the said service at Newe Sarum by the Kings pty under the 
Comand of the Lord Goringe. 

(Signed) WILL. LUDLOWE. 

1649.—To the righte Wopll Justices nowe Assembled &c. 
The humble peticon of Edward Burford late of Devi Longbridg 
in ye County aforesayd. 

Who humblelie sheweth that hee served a Troop under the 
commannd of Collonell Edmond Ludlowe by the space of twoe 
yeares Wherein yor peticonr was mayned as it appeareth by a 
Certieficate under the hands of his sayd Coll: and also under the 


hands of the Chieurgion in wch sayd service he receaveing noe 
pay spent his owne estate wch he nowe standeth in wante of in 
regard of his Mayne unable to gett his maintenance as formerly 
he could. 

These premises considered he humblely prayeth that this 
Worpl Bintch will be pleased to allowe him such allowance as they 
in yor grave wisdomes shall thinke fitt and the Lawes and Statutes 
of this Realme,doth afford. 

And yor pore peticoner as Duety byndeth shall Daylie pray &c. 

1649.—To the right Honble ye Lord Cheife Baron Wyld Judge 
for ye Westerne Circuitt. 

The humble peticon of Daniell Drake gaoler of ffisherton 
Anger in ye County of Wilts. 
Sheweth 

That whereas yor Lopp (att ye last Assisses for this County) 
was pleased to order ye gentlemen of ye Grand Jury To Viewe and 
surveye ye decaye of ye sd gaole and to certifye their judgemt 
concerning ye Charge for repacons thereof. Now forasmuch as 
those of ye Grand Jury live most of them farr remoate & are not 
likely to meete about it, Yor peticonr have thought upon certaine 
able sufficient gentlemen resideing neere ye place whose names are 
hereunto psented to your Lopp. Out of wch number hee humbly 
desires yor Lopp will be pleased to noiate & appoynt some whome 
yor Lopp shall thinke most meete for ye pformance thereof. The 
decaye & ruines of ye sd gaole being soe great as it may not admitt 
of any delay. 

And yor peticoner &c. 
(The names recommended are as follows.) 
Mr. Henry Thisthelthwayte. 
Mr. Bennett Swayne. 
Mr. Andrew Pewde. 
Mr. William Abell. 
Mr. Roger Jole. 
Mr. William Stone. 
Mr. James Heely. 
Mr. Jonathan Hill. 

Mr. Thomas Poore. 
Mr. Jesper Chergold. 
Then follows a memorandum in Baron Wyld's own hand


writing :— 
I desire the psons herein named or any five or more of them 
together wth such of the Grand Jury att the last Assises as can 
convenyently come, or will joyne wth them, otherwise them alone 
to take a view of the gaole & the decayes> thereof, & what the 
charge of the necessary repayre thereof will amount to by the 


judgemt of themselves & such skillfull workmen as they shall bring. 
The same to be presented to the Justices of the peace att theyr next 
quarter Sessns who are desired to take speedy order for the repayre 
thereof, that it may be done before the next assises. 

30 Martii 1649. 
(Signed) JOHN WYLDE. 

1649.—This is to Certifie that Thomas Champion, Souldier in 
my Comp in Coll Hewson Regmt hath actually and faithfully 
served the parliamt. And in the fight of Maidstone in Kent he was 
wounded wich makes him unable of further service. Thairfore I 
Humble recommend him to the Justisses of ye peace in the County 
of Wilts to take care for his subsistance according to ordinance of 
parliamt provided for such charitable ends. And the said Thomas 
Champion is ffreely discharged from this employment. Given 
under my hand this 7 May 1649. 

(Signed) D. AXTELL. 
Lt. Coll. 
To all whom this 
may concerne. 

1649.—These are to Certify all whome it may Concerne that 
Mr. James Swayne did faythfull service in my Majors Troope for 
ye space of 26 weekes during wch time he received but fowerteen 
nights pay. 

London this 13th of No : 1646. 
(Signed) ED. LUDLOWE. 

1649.—Gent men & 

My honored freinds I am at psent an earnest Sutor unto you 
in the behalf of this gentman the bearer hereof Mr. Swayne he 
hath lost the use of his limbs in the Service of the plament by wch 
meanes he Is brought unto very greate extreamitys, and although 
he is a gentman well defended, and his ffather lived in good fashion, 
whoe having placed his soone in a way of trade, here in London 
thought him sufficintly pvided for, but for it is at this tyme, that 
by meanes of his wounds he is become an object of yor mercy & 
Charity. Let me therefore beseach you to take him unto your 
consideration & deale with him according to Justice & mercy you 
will thereby obliege him as alsoe 

Yor freind & Servant, 

t * w L , n (Signed) JOHN ASHE. 
London 30 Deeemb 1648. 



(Then follows) This shall be likewise taken thankefully by 

Yor Servant 

(Signed) EDM. LUDLOWE. 

Upon the testimony that I have receaved in this Gentlemans 

behalfe, I could not but recommend him unto you and in what you 

shall favoure him in, by so much the more you will oblige 

Gent 

Yor Servant, 

(Signed) WILL EYRE. 

To ye Woll Justices of ye Peace for ye County of Wilts sit


tings at ye Genall Quarter Sessions held at New Sarum. 

The humble Peticon of James Swayne (Gentleman—ruled out) 

beinge lately A Soldier in ye Parlt Army. 

Sheweth. That yor Peticoner havinge byn a Soldier in ye 

service for the Parlt in wch said service lost ye use of his Right 

hand & Left Arme at ye fight at Malborough in ye said County of 

Wilts. By wch meanes yor Peticonr through sickness & want of 

maynteynance to support him, was forced & constrayned to repaire 

into Dorsetshire to his ffreinds who lived at Blanford who by 

reason of their disaffection to ye Parlt would afford yor Peticonr 

noe releife as by a Certificate under ye hand of Coll Ludlow : for 

his true & faithfull service will appeare wch Is hereunto annexed 

under ye hands of ye Comittee of ye County of Dorsett will more 

fully appeare. 

Yor Peticoner in Regard of ye losse of his Right hands and 
other Despearte wounds wch he then reed wch brought him to 
great Missery by reason of ye great Charge & expence lyving 
under ye Surgeons hands. 

Most humbly craveth yor good Worps to be pleased, seeing he 
reed his wounds in this County, & for his psent supply he being in 
a very sad condition for ye psent for want of meanes yt yor worps 
wilbe pleased to allow him for ye pservacon of his livelihood what 
in yor good wisdomes shall seeme meete, either from the Trer : 
of this County or otherwise out of ye County stock. 

ffor wch yor Peticonr shalbe in all duty bound to pray &c. 

1649,— 
Wiltes To the right Worll Justices of the Keeper of the libty of 
3 Aplis England by Authority of Parliamt. 

 The humble peticon of Ambros Day of ffeilden in the 
County aforesaid. 
Humbly sheweth 

That yor Petr (as appeareth by the Certificate hereunto 
annexed) hath bin a souldyer under the comand of his Excellency 
Thomas Lord ffairfax. That (as it also appeareth by ye same note) 


Yor petr is wolly dissabled to get his mayntenance by means of a 
wound received at the leagure at ffarrington. 

Yor petr hearby beggeth reliefe of this noble Court wthout 
whose assistance he is like to pish. And he shall heartyly pray 
for yor &c. 

(alloc 4 mks yerely from the Trer : of the South pte.) 

1649.—The following certificate is written on parchment. 

These are to Certify all whom it may concerne That this bearer 
Christopher Coles was a Souldier under my Command in the 
Regimt of Col Nathaniel ffriennes in the Garrison of Bristoll & 
from thence was drawne out & was upon service in Sr William 
Wallers Army where he demeaned him selfe faithfully and valiantly 
as it becomes a Souldier : & his father being a Souldier under the 
same Command was slaine at the ffyght at Roundway Hill in the 
County of Wilts, for Witnes whereof I have hereunto set my hand 
this 23th day of March 1647. 

(Signed) THOS. EYRE. 
Beneath is written in another handwriting :— 
December 18. 1648. 
This souldier Christopher Coles was discharged from the 
Armey the 1 1 of this instant, he is a maymed man havinge lost the 
use of his right Hand. 
(Signed) GEORGE DUNN, 
Surgeon. 
I ernestly desire this souldier may have more money than 5s. 
to carry him hence. 
(Signed) GEO : DUNN. 

1649.—The humble petition of divers inhabitants of Compton 
Chamberlayne unto the right worshipfull the Justices of the peace 
of this County sitting at Warminster. 
Sheweth 

That whereas your petitioners alreadie verie hardly able to 
supplie our poore at theyr better and just complaints, are like to 
have more plenty of poverty in our parish, through the obstinacie 
of Austin Hix : who (notwthstanding the warnings of the overseers 
hath in his house entertained William Powell as an inmate, 
though he be neyther parishoner nor towne borne childe, and 
wheras we having intimated this matter at large unto Mr. Swan-
ton, and his worship (comforting us in the equity and probability 
of Powells remotiorl) hath authorized us to bring (though by violence) 
those contemners (the aforesayd Hix and Powell) before you, 
to answere unto insolent misdemeanours relatively concerning as 


well your worships as our selves. We humbly therefore entreat 
your worships patience to have the objections of your humble 
petitioners. 

(Signed) JOHN PENRUDDOCK. 
JOHN BUSHETT. 
JOHN FFORDE. 
ROBERT FFORDE. 
GEORGE COMAGE. 
ROBERT COMAGE. 
JOHN BARNES. 
JAMES ELIOT. 
FFRANCIS FFORD. 
WILLIAM JAY. 
WILLIAM AMBROSE. 

(Powell to bee Indicted p Inmate.) 

1649.—To- the Right Worshippll the Justices of the Peace 
assembled in Sessions for the Countie of Wilts. 

The humble peticon of Thomas Champion of Downton 
Sheweth that yor Peticoner served the Parliament in the late 
Warre by the space of three or fower yeares and in the service 
against Maidstone in Kent was shott in both leggs and maymed, 
is a very poore man and noe way able to maynetayne himselfe his 
wife and children, unles his County for whose preservation hee 
hath lost his blood, lymmes, estate, and tyme extend unto him 
againe some deerelye purchased subsistance. 

In confidence whereof his humble suite unto this honowrable 
bench, is for a mayntenance according to former and latter Acts 
and ordinannces of Parliament and yor poore Peticoner shalbe 
incouraged to pray &c. 

(£4 pencon out of the South pte to Comence from the psent 
Sess :) 

1649.—To the right Worll The Justices for the peace of the 
County of Wilts. 
The humble peticon of John Simpkins of Warminster. 
Sheweth 

That yor peticioner is utterly disabled in body & ruined in 
goods through imprisonment, beateing & plundering (by the merciles 
cavaliers—this is ruled through) for yor peticioners actings 
for the good of the states souldiers in the time of the late warre, 
by reason whereof yor peticioner & his family (being in distresse 
and for the reason aforesaid not able to gett his owne liveing much 
lesse unable to gaine maintainance for his houshold) are like to 
pish through want. 


May it please yor worpps to comiserate his deplorable condiopn 
and to afford him some reliefe forth of the treasury for 
maimed souldiers as shall seeme meet in yor worpps wisdom.es. 
And yor peticoner &e. 

(allocat $ £ out pf the south parte p maymed soldiers.) 
Gentlemen. 

The sad condition of John Simpkins of Warminster occasioned 
by his imprisonment for his activity in ye service of ye publique 
has emboldend me to pserit it unto you. Hee hath been as I am 
assured always very willing to. offer up his mite to the relief of those 
who were engaged for ye Parliament. I am confident hee will not 
find you backward to supply him out of ye treasury for maimed 
souldiers according to his necessity. I should not have troubled 
you heerin, but for I conceive myself in duty bound to look after 
ye support of those who have been instrumentall in this greate 
worke of ye common wealth not having else at psent I subscribe 
my selfe 

Yor most faythfull & humble servant 

(Signed) EDM. LUDLOWE. 

Sarum this 23 of Jul. 

(Addressed) These to honoble ye Commissioners of Peace for 

ye County of Wilts. 

humble psent. 

1649.—These are to Certifie any whome it may concerne that 
Edward Burford served a comon Trooper in my owne Troope & 
Regimt under the command of the Late Earle of Essex from the 
third day of August 1643, and so continewed in the said service by 
the space of twoe yeares in wich tyme hee behaved himselfe as a 
Loyall Subjeote. And was wounded or receaved his wounds neare 
Broode Chake by the iorces then under the comaund of Sir ffraunces. 
Doddington. By reason whereof hee is unable tp gaine his livelier 
hood by his callinge or trade : in consideracon whereof my desire 
is that hee maybe allowed A Penson towardes his Mainence as the 
Lawes and Statutes of the Realme doth afford. Given under my 
hand this xxiijth of December 1649. 

(Signed) EDM. LUE>LOWE. 

December 24th 1649. 

This bearer and Souldier Edward Burfqrd hath bom wounded 

in his Lefte foote whereby hee is maymed and disabled to ffpllowe 

his calleing. Wittens my hand the day & yeare first above written. 

(Signed) GEORGE DUNN, Cheuirgbn. 

(Award of the Court.) 

alloc : 40s a yere to be pd quarterly & the first paymt to be 

made at this Sess ; by the Ther of the South. 


1650.—The Ordinances of Parliament denyde the Treasurer 
for the releife of Mayned souldrs &z Widdowes 81 orphants to 
maynetaine the said William Perry, but he must be maynetayned 
&> allowed the sume of two shillings sixe pence each weeke, where 
he last Inhabited, which is in Bratton in the Parish of Westbury 
under the plaine in the County of Wilts when first he went out in 
the service of the State. A.nd further these are to certify you 
that the said William Perry hath been searched by most, of the 
sufficient Chirurgions in or hospitalls who is found a mayned man 
for ever for helping of himself in any Labor whatever, 

Given under orhands this 2d day of 
May A Dn 1650 . 
To the Justices of 
\ (Signed) JOHN PEOKCOCKE . 
RICHARD HUTCHESON. 
WIL L : GREENAWOODE . 
the Peace in the ROGER BINCKES. 
County of Wilts. Treasurers to the States. 

1650.—These are to Certify you that the Bearer hereof 
William Perry hath faithfully served the State under my command 
as a Dragooner, and in the sd service received certayne wounds 
(vizt) he hath lost the use of his left arme, and had the Tooes< of 
his left foote Broken, & also his left legge, by meanes whereof he 
is disabled to take paines for a livelyhood for him & his wife. That 
he haveing received a Penson till of late from you in respect of his 
said impotence to worke being a maymed man. It is my devise 
that he may be againe taken in to yor Care, & that he may have 
the same penson as formerly, although he went not out of this 
Citty or Suhburbbs, when first he went out in the Service of the 
State; he now having taken up his constant abode here, & if he 
should be put of the Countrye out of which he went forth, twill 
be a Ruine both to himselfe & his wife. 

Given under my hand the first of Apriell 1650. 
Yor humble Servant 
(Signed) EDM: LUDLOWE. 
To the Trears at 
Elye house. 

1650.—To the Right Wor11- the Justices of the Peace for the 
County of Wiltes assembled att the Quarter Sessions at Warmister. 

The humble peticon of Wm. Perry late of Bratton in the 
County of Wiltes. 
Humbly sheweth 

That yor peticoner att the tyme when Sr Edward Hungerford 
bore armes for the parlyant yor peticoner tooke upp armes under 
him att the Devizes in the said County of Wiltes & was afterwards 
reduced under Collonell Ludlowe att Warder Castle where 


he was blowne upp & maymed wth powder as by his affidavit 
hereunto annexed may appeare. 

That yor peticoner hath faithfully sved the State under the 
Comannd of Collonell Ludlowe as a Dragooner & in the said svice 
received certayne wounds (viz) hee hath lost the use of his left 
arme & had the Tooes of his left foote broken & alsoe his lefte 
legge by meanes whereof hee is utterly disabled to take paynes 
for a lively hood for himself & his wife as will appeare by a 
Certificate under the hands of the said Collonell Ludlowe hereunto 
alsoe annexed. 

That the Trers to the States by their certificate hereunto likewise 
annexed doe certifie that yor peticoner hath ben srched by 
most of the chirurgions in the Hospitalls & by them found to bee a 
maymed man for ever. 

The pmisses considered yor peticoner desires yor worpps to 
allow him some yearely pencon or to give him such other maintenance 
as the ordinance of Parlyant in that behalfe made & pvided 
directs. 

And yor Peticoner &c. 
(All 2os. for psent reliefe & 4^" p. quarterly from Ther. of th 
South.) 

1650.—I William Perry of Bratton in the County of Wilts 
make oath that I first tooke up Armes for the Parliamt at the 
Devizes under comand of Sr Edward Hungerford & after was 
reduced under Coll Ludlowe at Warder Castle where I was blowne 
up & maymed wth powder. And being nowe in London sicke & 
weake am not able to travell to the next quarter Sessions to be 
holden for the County of Wilts wthout danger of my life. 

(Signed) WILLM. PERRY. 
Jurat 27 die Junii 1650. 

1650.—These to Certify all whom it may concerne that this 
bearer Jeremy Ballard served as a foot Souldier in my Company 
in ye Regimt of Col Nathaniel ffriennes Governor of Bristol & 
when the Devizes was beseiged by Sir Wm Waller he received a 
shott wth a cannon Bullett whereby he was disabled to maintaine 
himselfe by his labour, but lay a long time under the Chirurgeons 
hands upon his owne charge & have not received any reliefe, by 
wch meanes he is much impoverished & indebted, for Witnes 
whereof I have here unto set my hand this 23th of June 1649. 

(Signed) THOS. EYRES. 
(allocatur p ann from the Ther of the north quarterly 
from this sessions.) 
To ye Justices of ye peace for ye comon Welth of England 
assembled at ye quarter Sessions at Warmester. 


Wee whos names are hereunto subscribed doe certify that 
the bearer hereof Jeremy Ballard of Bromham, Thatcher, is one 
wch for the space of a yeare & upwards did serve the plament 
under the command of Collonell Tho: Eyres, untill such time 
as at ye seige of ye Devizes hee was hurt by a great shott, by 
reason wherof hee was constrained to lye at surgery nine months 
& no waye able to labore for his livinge, to his great hinderance, 
hee is one that never severed from ye pliament service, but contented 
ther in as longe as hee was able, hee hath not received any 
recompence nor binn chargable to any for ought that wee knowe 
during his inability to laboure. 

(Signed) ROB. RICHARDS. 

WILLIAM SHERSTONE. 

THO. LOVING. 

WILLM. YERBURY. 

FFERDINANDO HUGHES. 

THOMAS SHERSTONE. 

THOMAS KNIGHT. 

RICHARD TENCH. 

THO CHANLER junior. 

JOHN WEBB. 

(and one other—unreadable). 

To the Worll the Justices of ye Bench. 

The humble peticon of Jeremy Ballard of Brumham sheweth. 
That yor peticoner was a souldier under the comand of Col. Thos 
Eyre for the space of one whole yeare in wch service the peticioner 
at the siege against the Devizes was maimed wth a great shott as 
by the certificate of the most truely welaffected & substantiall 
Inhabitants of Brumham aforesd at large appeareth : and haveing 
by the said shott lost one of his hands hee is utterly disabled to 
maintaine himselfe by reason wherof the peticoner is growen to 
be 2o£ in debt and is like (wthout yor worpps lenetie) to perish 
through want. 

May it therefore please yor worpps (according to an ordinance 
in yt case made & pvided) to order for reliefe of the peticoner a.s in 
yor worpps wisdomes shall seem meet & the peticoner &c. 

(allocatur £4 p ann quarterly from the Ther. of the north pte 
to begin from this Sess, upon Mr. Eyres certific:.) 

1*650.—Gentlemen. 

The bearer hereof Captayne Joseph Smith hath beene often 
dangerously wounded in the Parliamt service. And at the first 
siege of Reading was shott through the thigh with case shott. 
And with these wounds and others hath layne severall times under 
the Chirurgions .hands at his ffathers house, the Bath & other 
places to his extraordinary cost and Charges. And hath sustayned 
greate losse by the Enemy, his ffather being so often plundered and 

z 


robbed not able to relieve the said Capt Smith as I am informed. 
And forasmuch as he being this Countreyman borne and inhabited 
in the County but a little before the Warres. And for his sayd 
remarkable service done in many places for the State, we are 
Ingaged effectually to recommend his said condition into yor 
serious consideration, he beinge not able to make any provision for 
his livelyhoodd for want of the use of his limbes, that you will be 
pleased to setle him a Pencon out of the Stocke of the County for 
his subsistence as you have farther directions in an ordinance of 
this psent Parliamt on the 28th of May 1646 for the reliefe of 
maymed souldiers. And in so doeinge you will oblige your assured 
ffreinds. 

(Signed) WM. LENTHALL. Sp(eaker). 
PEMB & MONTGOMERY. 
EDM : HARVEY. 

J. DAVERS. 
EDM. LUDLOWE. 
Dated at West


ALEXANDER POPHAM. 

minster the 23th ( 

EDW. POPHAM. 

of Janry 1649. 

PHI. SMYTHE. 
JOH. DOVE. 
JOHN ASHE. 

M. OLDISNORTH. 
JAME S ? (unreadable). 
1650.—July the 10th 1650. 

These are to certifie whom it may concerne that the bearer 
hereof Captaine Joseph Smyth was borne in the parish of Shalbourne 
in the County of Wilts & hath since lived in Malborough 
wth Mr Walter Bayly till a little before these warres & hath ever 
since these troubles bin a servant to the Commonwealth of England 
& hath in the service thereof lost the use of his limbes & hath had 
no other setled beeinge since but in this County. 

/ (Signed) BENIAMIN SOME, Vicar ibidm. 
EDMUND HOLFORD, 
Given under or THO: SMITH. 
hands. 


THOMAS WINCHESTER. 
JOHN MUNDY. 
RIC: CLIFFORD. 

1650.—To the Worll the Justices of ye Bench. 
The humble peticon of Captaine Joseph Smith. 
Humblie Sheweth that yor petitioner hath been a faithfull 



servant to ye Pliamt ever since these un-naturall differences began 
& hath received divers wounds in their service: and at the seige of 
Redding was dangerously shot through ye thigh and on ye foot wth 
wch wounds & others hath lyen sevall times under ye Chirurgeons 
& others to his extraordinarie cost & Charges att his fathers house 
Marlebrough & ye Bath; and hath lost the use of his limbes and 
susteined great losse by the enemie: hee haveing bought 16 or 17 
horse & armes at his owne charge to serve the Parliamt: and his 
father being often plundered & Robbed by them not able to relieve 
yor petitioner (if willing) yor petitioner farther sheweth yt wth 
those dangerous wounds he received was conceived to bee dead & 
soe his comannd disposed of & mustered out of ye bookes & soe 
made him incapable of receiveing his areares, and yor peticoner 
being this Countrey-man borne & inhabitted here, wherefore ye 
pmises considered & weighed in ye ballance of mercie & clemencie 
yor petitioner conceives himselfe a fitt obiect for 3'or worpps to 
relieve, being intrusted for ye reliefe of maimed souldiers by the 
pliamt: as you have directions by an ordinance on ye 28 0 of May 
1647 to settle him a penchion for his subsistance yt hee may not 
perish for his faithfull service don for ye Comonwealth of England : 
and in soe doeing yor petitioner shall ever pray &c. 

(allowed. 5^,' of the monie in Mr J hands and a pencon of 
io£ quarterly to begin at Mich : from ther : of the north pte.) 

1650.—To the right Woll the Justices of the Peace for the 
Countie of Wilts, assembled in Sessions for the same countie. 

The humble peticon of John Allsopp gent. 

Your Peticonr humbly sheweth that he served the Parliamt In 
theire late warrs divers yeares; that about Dec 1646 he was commanded 
out on a partie att Sarm (being then under the comd of 
Collonell Ludlowe), was taken by the enemie, wounded in many pts 
of his body, his eyes cutt out, left under the horses feete for deade, 
yett by the lords greate mercie, wonderfully pserved to lyfe, though 
not to his sight att all, nor to his limmes altogether. 

And most humbly prayeth his condicon may be taken into the 
serious consideracon & comisseration of this Court (yor) peticoner 
havinge allreddy spent his poore estate in the said service & in 
deere ( = injury) & moste dolefull & torturinge paynes on his 
cures (?) & is disabled anie wise to provide for himselfe. That he 
may be pvided for accordinge to the tenor of divers acts & 
ordinances of parliamt to that purpose made And yor poore 
peticonr shall pray &c. 

{5J£ out of the Treasurer of the South pte.) 

1650.—The Certificate of John Allsope sheweth that he hath 
faithfully served the plement and was a troop under my command 

Z2 


att Salsburye in the Countie of Wilts the last day of December 
1646 being "commanded upon service ther, was by the enimye very 
dangerouslye wounded and taken prisoner having both his eyes cut 
out and was most Barborouslye used and left for dead in the vieu 
of the Enimye yett by Devine pvdence pserved his life this 
Certificate to be manifested before whome itt shalbe come. 

(Signed) E. LUDLOWE. 

Ad Sess. tent apud Devizes 

23 Aprl 1650. 

Allocatar p ann 8£ to be pd quarterly. 

1650.—To the right Worll the Justices of the peace of the 
County of Wilts. 
The humble peticon of John Pontin of Warmr in the County 
of aforesaid Taylor, 

Sheweth 

That yor petr having faithfully served ye parlimt ever since 

the beginning of these warres, first under ye Comannd of Sr 

Edwd Hungerford, secondly under the comannd of Collonell Lud


lowe in Wardr Castle, & was carried thence to Oxford prison 

and after his coming out of prison was under the said Coll11 in this 

County, & at a fight in this towne he was most despatly wounded & 

left for dead, which wounds nowe soe much grieves yor Petr that 

he is utterly unable to take any course either for the maintenance 

of himselfe his wife or Children whose Hvelyhood formerly depended 

on his Labor & must nowe totally pishe without the clemency of yor 

good worpps. 

He therefore humbly prayeth that in consideracon of his faith-

full service to the Parlmt & his sad condicon wherein he nowe is by 

reason of his said wounds to allow him such a yeerely pencon out 

of the Comon Treasury of this County as to yor Worpps shalbe 

thought meete. 

And he shall ever pray &c. 

(Awarded) 5 markes pencon p ann out of the South pte & 40s. 

in hand for his psent support. 

1650,—Gentlemen. 

This bearer John Pontin hath been a Souldier under my 

comand most parte of the time of the late Warre wherein he 

behaved himselfe well and faithfully, and did good service for the 

Comonwealth, in which time of his service he received many 

dangerous "wounds from the enemye, whereby he is disabled to 

follow his calling, for the maintenance of himselfe or family and 

must necessarily fall into want unles there be reasonable provision 

made for his releife. I doe make it my earnest request to vou, that 

you will take his condition into consideration, and settle a pencion 

upon him for his subsistance, according to the intention of the 


Parliament for people in his condition, the mans former sufferings, 

and present indigencye will very much.deserve your Charity : What 

you shall doe for him shall be thankefully acknowledged by 

Your very lo : ffrend 

(Signed) EDM: LUDLOWE. 

London December 

27: 1650. 
1651.—This is a printed Certificate from the Treasurers for 
Maimed soldiers and bears their seal. The words in italic are in 
writing, the remainder being printed-. 

To all Majors Sheriffes, Bayliffs, Justices of Peace Constables 
and all other officers whom these may any waies concerne. 

Whereas the Bearer hereof Thomas Adlam a Troop in the 
service of the Commonwealth, under the Command of Robert 
Glinn Captaine in the Regiment of Col. Math: Tontlinson under 
the Lord Genrall Cromwell and hath ben sent unto us the Treasurers 
for maymed Souldiers and Widdows, for the recovery of his 
health, and cure of his maimes, which is performed to the utmost 
skill of our Physitian and Chirurgions; but by reason he is disabled 
to follow his calling, or to perform any further service in the 
Army, whereupon we have given him tenn shillings to beare his 
charges to Milsome in the County of Willts the place of his habitation 
and abode when he first tooke up armes, desiring all whom 
it may any waies concerne to permit and suffer the said Thomas 
Adlam to passe from London to Milsome aforesaid, he behaving 
himselfe civilly and orderly in his journey. We therefore by vertue 
of an Act of Parliament dated the 30th day of September 1651 
herewith sent doe recommend him according to the saidact to you, 
that he may accordingly have provision made for him. Given 
under our hands and publique seale this 6th day of December in 
the yeare of our Lord God 1651. 

(Signed) W. GREENHILL. 

RI : HUTCHINSON. 

JO. POCOCK. 

(A note added by the Clerk is as follows.) 
53s 4d pencon yearly to be paid by the Treasurer of the North 
pte & the first payemt to begyn at this sessions. 

1651/2.—Nicholass Oulden actually served the Parliament 
under Collonell Edmund Ludlowe in the County of Wilts as a 
trooper in his owne Troope ffrom the (twentye ffift of Aprill: this 
is struck out and altered by Colonel Ludlow to) fourth of May one 
thousand six hundred forty three untill the twenty ninth of July 
imediatly followinge receavinge noe pay att all. 

(Signed) EDM LUDLOWE. 


Nicholas Oulden actually served the Parliament in the County 
of Wilts as a trooper under the command of Captaine William 
Ludlowe in his owne troope from the tenth of October one thousand 
six hundred fforty five untill the twenty fouerth of December att 
ffouerteen shillings p week, payinge his quarters, there remayneth 
due unto him for that tyme three shillings six pence p week to 
make upp his ffull pay att seaventeen shillings six pence p week. 
The truth of this certifycate is beleived to, be true by me. 

(Signed) WM. LUDLOWE. 
(In Mr. Ludlowe's own handwriting). 
13th Jan 1651. 

Theise are to Certifye all" whome it may concerne that Nicholas 
Oulden mentioned in the above certificates went for ye service in 
Ireland wth Liut Generall Ludlowe and that in a letter from ye Liut 
Generall it was expressed that ye sayd Oulding was dead there in 
the service. 

(Signed) WM. LUDLOWE. 

1651/2.—To the Right Worpll the Justices of the Peace for 
this County of Wilts. 

The humble peticon of Mary Oulden of Maiden Bradley, 
Widdowe. 
Sheweth 

That yr peticoners husband Nicholas Ouldhen faithfully 
served the Parliamt in this County of Wilts as a Trooper under 
the Generall comands of Coll Edmund Ludlowe and Captn Willm 
Ludlowe for wch there is much due to him in arreare as by 
their Certificates hereunto annexed doth appeare And also that 
he served the Parliamt in Ireland under Lieut Generall Ludlows 
command where he lost his life and left ye peticoner a poore 
distressed widdowe and many small children utterly destitute of a 
livelyhood. 

Ye Peticoner therefore most humbly prayeth This right Worpll 
Bench that they would be pleased to graunt unto her such a Pension 
towards the maintenance of her and her poore fatherless children 
as they in their wisdome shall thinke fitt. 

And yr peticoner shall ever pray &c. 
(The Court awarded " 53s. 46. yearly from the Treasurer of 
the south pte 

1651/2.—Sir, 

this bearer Thomas Aldam a Souldier in the parliament 
service and disabled by'wound, which hee hath receaved in thver 
service in Scotland, wherby hee can noe wayes subsist without a 

provision made' for him out of the publique Stock of the County; 
I have only thought good to let you know, that I have been 
acquainted with the person of the man ever since the beginning of 
the Warrs he being a souldier under my command at the Devizes 


when the forces were first raised for the parliament. I am asured 

I neede presse you noe farther, his certificate bearing- him witness 

of the truth of his late service and what ever you shall please to 

supplie him with, besides the justice of his deraerrits will be thank


fully acknowledged 

by, Sir, Your (with my humble service to the rest of my freinds) 

very faith full servant 

(Signed) WILL : EYRE. 

Monks in the parish of Corsham, 

this 9th of Jan 1651 (1652). 

1651.—I doe hereby certify that John Lane of Salsbury was a 

Soldjer in ye Parliamts Army under my Comaund in Scotland & 

there died in the service. 

Dated October nth 1651. 

(Signed) MATH : THOMLINSON. 

To all whom it 

may concern. 

1651.—To the right Worpl the Justices of the peace of the 
County of Wilts sitting for the generall quarter Sessions for ye sd 
County. 

The humble peticon of Martha Lane of ye Citty of Newe 
Sarm in the County aforesaid. 
Humbly Sheweth 

That whereas yor petrs late Husband for & during the space 
of seven yeeres was actually in armes for the Parlmt & was in ye 
late eppedn into Scotland where yor petrs husband lost his life in 
that service (as appears by a certificate under the hand of Colloll 
Tomlinson in whose troope he served) to the utter undoeing of yor 
petnr & two small children for whose supportance yor petnr hath 
pawned & sold all that ever she hath, & must of necessity pish 
unles yor Worps take some course for their lively hood. 

In consideracon whereof yor petnr humbly craves yor Worpps 
to take her disconsolate condicon into yor serious consideracon 
(according to the act of parlmt for widdowes & orphanes in that 
behalfe pvided) allow some pension to be paid yeerely for & towards 
the maintennce of yor petr & two Children. 

And yor petr &c. 
(The Court allowed) 10s penson yearly from the Tresurer 
of the south pte. 

1651.— 
The Cittie We whose names are hereunto subscribed doe 
of Newe Sarm hereby Certifie that Daniell Birch whilst he 

lived in this Cittie behaved & demeaned himselfe 
Civilly & honestly & was well affteced to the Parliamt. And that 


(leaving a wife & twoe small Children in this Cittie) he went out 
with his owne horse & armes into the service of the State. And 
that as appeareth by the Certificate of Collonell Mathewe Thomlinson 
his Collonell he died in Scotland in the said service. 
To all whome it may 

Concerne (Signed) THO : KEYNTON. Maior. 
JOHN FRIE. 
DOVE (?) 
(Below is written) 
I did knowe the above named Daniell Birch he was a very 
honest man one that incouraged young men to goe souldiers in the 
service of the Parlt. That his friends pvided him money wth wch 
he bought a horse & armes & went himselfe in the service for 
Scotland where I hath heard he was slayne in the service. I know 
his wiffe and twoe chillen are in great want of releiff and are 
de to certifie the same. 
(Signed) JOH : DOVE. 
JAMES HELY. 

1651.—Gentlemen 

being informed by some officers of the army that the widow 
Jackman of the Devies in the County of Wilts (late wife of John 
Jackman who was a Chirurgeon in my Regimt in Ireland & dyed 
in that service) is through losse of her said husband reduced to a 
verie lowe Condicon haveinge a greate charge of Children. I desire 
you therefore that you will allow some pencon to the said Widow 
for the releife & maintenance of her selfe and children, which as it 
wilbe an act of much charity to the widow & ffatherles so it will 
also much obleige 

Gentl 
Yor very loveing ffriend 
(Signed) O. CROMWELL. 
Edinburgh February 
the 23th 1650 
(This is addressed) For the Honoble the Justices of Peace for 
the County of Wilts. These 
Leave this with Mrs. Parker at Fuleham. 

1651.—To the Right Honble ye Justices of the Peace for the 
County of Wilts. 

The Humble Peticon of Jane Jackman of the Devizes in this 
County widdow. 
Humbly Sheweth 

That whereas this Honble Court was pleased at the last 
Quarter Sessions to take notice of my peticon then psented unto 
you. And did then take the sad and distressed Condicon of yor 
poore peticoner unto yor serious consideracon and did of yor 


Clemencie afford me that psent relife by which yor poore petionr 
and ffamilie were much Refreshed and Comforted for all which yor 
petionr returneth to this Court her Humble thanks But haveing 
since then Receeved a letre from his excellency the Lord Genall 
Cromwel to you Directed ; with whom yor petionrs Husband & 
Sonn went Chirurgon and mate into Ireland and there both dyed. 
The service which they did both there and elsewhere is well knowne 
to his excell, thus trusting on yor Clemencee I have psumed to 
psent It unto you Humbly praying this Honble Court that the 
distressed Condicon of yor peticion may be taken into yor consideracon 
she haveing six smale children and not where with all to 
maintaine them, and as in Dutie bound. 

Your peticonr shall evr pray &c. 
(The Court decided to) Augmt the pencon to io^ p ann and 
let her have q.£ in hand to be paid by the tresurer of the north pte. 
(Signed) FFRA. SWANTON. 

1651,—Know all men by these psents that I Robert Hyde 
Serjeant at Lawe doe heerby give and grant unto Henry Keble of 
Great Durnford in the County of Wiltes Labourer licence & power 
to erect & build one Cottage for his habitacon or dwelling house 
in and upon some convenient pte of my Wast ground called 
Hutchins Greene lyeing neer Pryors Croft belonging to my Mannor 
or ffarme of Durnford aforesaid. Soe as the same Cottage be 
allowed by order to be made and obtayned at the Generall Sessions 
of the peace for the said County according to the Statut in that 
case made and provided. Given under my hand and seale this 
Seaventeenth day of June in the yeare of Our Lord God one Thousand 
six hundred ffifty one. 

(Signed) ROBT HYDE. 

1651.—Gent 

I pceive by a peticon now psinted to yee by the Inhabitants of 
the Towne of Ramesbury that their desire is, you wilbee pleased 
to remove Allen and Barley by yor Order forth of their Towne they 
being both Strangers come thither (since the burneing of the same) 
and lately marryed, wch may bee a meanes (if these continued) to 
bring a greater charge upon the said Towne. Besides their owne 
poore are more numerous And the burthen heavier then formly I 
shall therefore in their behalfe desire you to take the said peticon 
into consideracon, that the said Allen and Barley may be removed 
to the place of their last abode, and I shall remayne 

Yor humble Searvant 
(Signed) ALEXANDER POPHAM. 
Littlecott, Aprill 7th 
1651. 


1652.—Gent 

Whereas it is provided by severall acts & ordinences of 
Parliamt That ye Widdowes and orphants of those whose husbands 
and ffathers have died & such soulders as have been maimed in ye 
service of the Parliamt should be allowed a competent pencon in 
the respective Counties where such soulders inhabited or tooke 
up armes. Yet not with-standing there have of late been many and 
frequent Complaints made by such maimed souldrs and Widdowes, 
that albeit they have repaired to ye Justices of peace of the 
respective Counties where they ought to be pvided for, yet ye 
Justices have refused to alow unto them any pencon or maintenance 
according to ye said Acts & ordinances, soe that these poore souldrs 
widdowes and orphants are exposed to greate extreamity (if not 
pishing) and divers of them have returned back to London to seeke 
for reamedy & reliefe. Wherefore I make it my earnest request 

to you, as I have done to ye Justices of peace of other Counties, 
that in case you have not already made an assesmt and rate upon 
yor Countie for ye raising a competent .Stock for ye releife of 
maimed souldrs orphants & widdows according to ye said acts & 
ordinances, that you cause ye same to be forthwith done & put in 
execution, yt soe those poore souldrs widdows and orphants may 
not through ye neclect thereof be exposed to missery & ruine contrary 
to the intencons of ye Parliamt, & wch if suffered would very 
much reflect upon ye honor of (the) Nation. And 1 desire an 
account may be returned every halfe yeare to ye Comittee of ye 
Parliament for maimed souldrs of yor pcedings herein, And to ye 
end ye said account may wth more certainty come to ye Comitties 
hand I desire you will direct it to be left at ye Thrers at Ely Howse 
in Holborne, thus hopeing yt you will be willing to further soe 
good and Charitable a worke as this is, 

I Remaine, 

Yor very loveing ffriend, 

(Signed) O. CROMWELL. 
Cockpitt ffebruary the 
24th 1651. 
The above is addressed 

For the Honoble Justices of Peace 
for ye County of Wilts. 
there. 

1652.—I am comannded by the Justice of peace ofthis County 
nowe assembled at this Assizes held at Sarum, to require you forthwith 
upon sight hereof to paye unto Thomas Hart & Willm Daws 
two maymed souldiers the some of twenty shillings apeece towards 
their chardge of travell & presanf reliefe untill the next Sessions to 
be holden for this County, when the said Justices will further consider 
of some yerely pencons for them accordinge to the direccons 
& Certificate of the honoroble Oliver Cromwell Esqr genall of 


the Armye Dated at the Assizes at Sarum the 8th day of March 
1651. 
(Signed) by WILLM COLES 

CI. of the peace. 
To the Ther of maymed souldiers 
for the South part of this County, theise. 
Sesss at the Devizes 27 0 Apr, allowed to Hart 
and Roger Parkins xxs. a piece from the Ther of the North pt. 
1652.—Being satisfied that this Bearer William Daws was 
maimed in the Parliament service I doe accordingly Certifie the 
same Desiring the Justices of peace for the County of Wiltes to 

allow unto him a competentaccording to the late Act. 
weekly pencon for his maintennce 
24th ffebruary 165 1 
(Signed) O. CROMWELL. 

1652.—Sr 

Christopher Bell the reported father of a Bastard Childe and 
the wenches freindes have bin this day wth mee, and in order to 
the securinge this parish and givinge satisfaction for the keepinge 
the childe, Bell hath given it consideration as that wee have reason, 
to become—to you that the recogniseince may be taken up wth.out 
(any) farther styrring in the matter, you may depend—the truth of 
the premises, it being confirmed under the hand of Sr 

Yor very humble servt 

(Signed) JO: PENRUDDOCKE. 
—th nth 1652. 
(This document is much decayed on one side, and a few words 

are missing. It is addressed " To my honored freinde Francis 
Swanton Esqre at his house in Sarum.") 

1652.—Theise are to certifye all whom it may concerne that 
Richard Morys husband to Elinor Morys the bearer hearof is 
liveing in Salisbury and is in great want & need of releefe and 
unable to work by reason of wounds yet uncured and which he 
had riceived in ye Parlyaments sarvice whearin from ye begininge 
allmost of the late Warrs he hath as is credibley made knowne, 
faithfully and Honbly behaved him selfe, in witnes whear of I hear-
unto set my hand the day and year aforsayd. 

(Signed) WM. LUDLOWE. 

All: 40s. by the trer of ye South. 
(Signed) THO. JACOB. 


1653,—To ye right Honble ye Marqus Earle of Hertford. 
The humble peticon of Henry Woundy of Collingbourne Ducis 
Sheweth 

That whereas yor poore petinor hath for ye space of these 
Tenn or Eleaven yeares and upwards lived in ye parish of Collingborne 
Ducis aforesaid dureing all wch time aforesaid yor poore 
peticonr hath demeaned himself honest and faithfull in his vocation 
and endeavouring to mainetaine himselfe his wife and fower small 
Children wthout any Chardge or trouble to ye place of his abode 
as by their cirtificate hereunto annexed it doth appeare. Now so 
it is, That yor petconer is a sicke and weakly poore man and by 
reason thereof many times he is hindered from following his ymployment 
at day labouring whereby he maintains his famely and 
pay his rent for ye house hee now liveth in But in regard his Rent 
is great and hee sick & weakly as aforesaid Yor peticonr is not 
able to pay so great a Rent and therefore hee may not continue in 
the said house. Now forasmuch as yor peticonr cannot procure a 
house to live in at a cheaper rent nouses being so scarce in ye 
Parish aforesaid. 

May it please yor Lpp to extend yor wonted cleamency & 
tender compassion to yor poore peticonr in giving him Lyscence 
leave and Liberty to erect and set upp (on some of yor Lopp wast 
ground wth in ye pish of Collingborne Ducis aforesaid) a small 
cottage yt soe he may be ye better enabled to mainetaine himselfe 
and famely. 

And yor peticonr his wife and Children shall as in Duty they 
are»bound Dayly pray &c. 
To the above is added :— 
I doe consent to this peticon. 
(Signed) HERTFORD (and his seal). 

1654.—To ye Honble the Justices of the Bench. 

The humble Peticon of Jeremiah Mallard of the pish of Melksham 
Sheweth that yor peticioner hath been in actuall service in 
ye late Warre as a souldier for the States of this Commonwealth 
for ye space of eight yeares last past (as by sevall Certificates may 
appeare) in wch sd service yor honrs peticoner hath received a shott 
in the legge whereby (& wth lying on ye ground) hee is maimed 
and disabled to worke for the maintenance of himselfe and family 
soe that himselfe & his sd family are like (wthout ye tender compassion 
of this honble Court) to perish through want. 

May itt therefore please this honble Court to comiserate yor 
peticioners sad Condicon and to afford him reliefe according to 
pvision of Parliament in that case made & pvided as shall seeme 
meet in yor honrs wisdomes. And (as in duty bound) yor peticioner 
wth his distressed family shall pray &c. 

(Note.—The Court allowed £3 6s. 8d. from the treasurer of 
" maimed souldiers of the north pte (of the County) to begin from 
this Sessions "'.) 


1654.—Theis are to Certifie to all whom it May concerne that 
the Bearer heareoff Jeremiah Mallard hath served as a Soldier in 
my Regiment for the space of foure yeares or thereabouts & allwayes 
behaved himself as a faithfull Soldyer (accordinge to a 
former certificat Given by my Lieutnt Collonell Waldive Lazo in 
that behalfe) who being (by reason of wound and other Infirmityes) 
of body made unable to Gett a lawfull & competent livelyhood for 
himselfe and family, these may desire the Justices of the peace of 
this County where he is Resident or such others as are concerned 
therein to affoard the Sayd Jeremy Mallard such relief as they 
shall Judge proportionable to his necessityes & wants According to 
former provizion of parliamt in that behalfe to which I subscribe 
my hand this 30th of May 1654. 

(Signed) THO. PRIDE. 
To all whom 
this may Concerne. 

1654.—Having pused divers Certificates on the behalfe of the 
bearer hereof Thomas Hart I thought fitt to Certify that I beleeve 
the sayd Certificates to be very true and therefore friendly desire 
hee may have all Lawfull favourable furtherance towards the regaining 
of his Pension in the Countye of Wiltes, which (as hee 
informs mee) hee hath by order formerly received, and is at present 
detayned from him. 

(Signed) FFH : SKIPPON. 
Blackfryars 6 
June 1654. 

1654.—These are to Certifie unto all whom it may Concerne 
That the Bearer hereof Thomas Hart was a Soldier under my 
Comand in the Regiment of Sir John Merrick I being then Maior 
and in the Army commaunded by his Excellency the Earle of Essex 
and was enlisted a Soldier in the service aforesaid at Wotten 
Basset in the County of Wilts in which service he was dangerously 
wounded. Given under my hand at Westminster this 30th day of 
May 1654. 

(Signed) WILLIAM HERBERT 
Captain. 
(Note.—Hart was allowed ^ 3 6s. 8d. from the treasurer of the 
South part (of the County) " to begin emediatly ".) 

1654.—Novem i° 1653. 

Upon the desire of the ffreeholders and Inhabitants of Ashton 
Keynes I doe give my full consent that the Cottadge lately erected 


by Roger Ward upon my wast there may be continued an House 
for him and his family to dwell in. 

(Signed) J. EVELYN. 
Note at foot: " Granted dureinge his life 
(Note.—Sir John Evelyn was Lord of the Manor of Ashton 

Keynes.) 

1654.—Being satisfied that the Bearer hereof of Thomas Hart 
was maimed in ye Parliamts service, I doe accordingly Certifie the 
same Desireing the Justices of peace for the County of Wiltes to 
allow unto him a competent weekly pencon according to the late 
Act, 24th of ffebruary 1651 . 

(Signed) O. CROMWELL. 

1655.—" Know all men by these prsents that I John Davers 
gent Lord of the Mannor of Bainton and West Coulston in the 
County of Wiltes doe hereby as much as in me lyeth license and 
Authorize Christopher Edmonds of Coulston in the said County 
Laborer to erect and build a Cottage or house for his habitation, 
in West Coulston parcell of my said Mannor, Soe as the said 
Christopher Edmonds shall procure the order of the Justices of the 
peace att their generall quarter Sessions to be holden for the said 
County for confirmation thereof according to the Statute inabling 
them thereunto. It witnes whereoff I the said John Davers have 
hereunto sett my hands and seale the 27th day of September 1655 

(Signed) JOHN DAVERS. 
Sealed and delivered 
in the presence of 


Henry Danvers 
Jer: Yates. 


1655.—To the right worshipfull the Justices of the Peace 
assembled at the general quarter Sessions holden at Marleborough 
the second of October 1655 . 

The humble petition of Christopher Edmonds of Coulston in 
the County of Wilts Laborer. 

Humbly sheweth that your petitioner having a wife and 
children whose only subsistence depends upon his health & labor, 
wch he cannot so well employ for their maintenance for want of a 
convenient habitation. And whereas your petitioner hath obtained 
the favour and licence of Mr. John Davers Lord of the Mannor of 
Bainton and West Coulston to build and erect a small Cottage 
within his said mannor sb as your petitioner may have your 
worships approbation to confirme the same as by warrant under his 
hand and seale hereunto annexed may appeare. 


May it please your Worships to grant unto your petitioner the 
order of the Court of Quarter Sessions for erecting the said cottage. 
And your petitioner as in duty bound shall pray &c. • 
(allowed). 

1655.—OLIVER P. 

By his Highnesse ihe Lord Protector. 

Being satisfied that Captaine William Bourden died in the 
Parliamt service in Ireland & that he left behind him a Wife and 
many children in a very poore condicon and his Wife much in debt 
& that he first tooke up Armes in the County of Wilts. It is our 
Will and pleasure and We doe hereby order that the (Bayliffs— 
ruled out) Justices of the Peace for the County of Wilts Doe allow 
unto the Widow of the said Captaine Bourdon a Competent Pention 
for the maintenance of her selfe and Children. 

Given att White Hall the fourth day of July 1655. 
(Note by the Court). 

Allowed from the Ther: of maymed souldiers for the north 
pt out of the surplusage of his accompt, and in Easter Sess next 
the Court will further consider thereof. 

Easter Sess : allowed $ £ quarterly. 

1655.—These are to certifie whom it may concerne that the 
bearer hereof Willm West of Wanborow in the County of Wilts 
served under the commannd of Captaine Willim ffrancklin in the 
Regimt of Coll. ffines. And in that service received a dangerous 
wound insoemuch that there was litle ppabillity of life, but it 
pleased God to pserve his life, but utterly unable to labor, thereby 
to pserve his family from perishing haveing nothing left now to 
support himselfe, by reason of his greate expences in the curing 
of the said wound received, doe crave this my certificate to wch I 
have subscribed my name this eight & twenteth day of October 
1654. 

(Signed) HENRY COWSSEY. Leiut. 
(Allowed 40s. yerely to be pd quarterly from the Ther: of the 
north to begine at Midsomer next.) 

1655,-—To ye Right honble Generall Desborrough. 
The humble peticon of Anthony Baker of ye Citty of new 
Sarum. 

SHEWETH. That yor poore Peticoner hath been severall 
yeares in ye Service of ye Comonwealth & yt when ye late 
Insurrecon & Rebellion was in this County yor peticoner being listed 
as a soldier for suppressing ye same did through ye wise pvidence 
of god fall from his horse beeing unrully & in ye fall Broke his 


legg to ye gt damage & miserie of yor petitnoner—being a poore 
man, & having charge of a wife & Children. 

Yor petitioner humbly desireth yor honor, ye premises considered 
to comisserate his condition & to find out a speedy course 
as to yor honor shall seeme meet for ye supply & releife of yor 
petitioner in regard to ye extraordinary charge he hath beene putt 
unto by reason of ye said fall. 

And yor petnor shall humbly pray &c. 
(Then follows an addition by Generall Desborough). 

" I desire that you would at yor next Genii sessions consider 
this pettion & the petioner according to his condition & therby you 
will oblige yor servant 

(Signed) JOHN DISBROWE. 

(Baker was allowed 40/-). 

1656.—These are to certiefie whome it may concerne that I 
Lady Anne Beauchamp do give my consent with my Tennats and 
freeholders of my Mannor of Broad Towne and Thornhill that John 
Hancock of the same place shall have a bottom for a house upon 
some convenient place of my said Mannor: in Testimony where of 
I have here unto sett my hand and Seale this fifteenth day of 
Aprill 1656. 

(Signed) ANNE BEAUCHAMP. 

1656.—Amongst the paper of the file for 1656 is an interesting 

vagrant's pass. It is printed in black letters with blank spaces for 

the name, destination, date, etc., to be filled in as required. The 

pass is headed with a shield enclosed in a square border. The 

shield is divided into four sections and in the top left hand is a 

dagger. The wording of the pass is as follows, the words in italic 

being those filled in *.— 

By the Maior. 

Whereas Mihill Lurn is desirous to travell to Lugwell in the 

County of Cornnell These are therefore to request you and every 

one of you to whom it may appertain, to suffer the said Mihill 

Lutne being sike to travell to the pice aforesaid relieving him with 

your Charity, if you shall find cause hee keeping the direct way 

thither, using him selfe well and honestly, not staying in his 

iourney above the space of 49 dayes next after the date hereof. 

Dated at London, this 24 day of July in the year of our Lord 1656. 

(Signed) JNO DETHICK Maior. 

Richard head constebell of egham. 

This pass is signed by the various Constables and officers of 

the places through which Mihill passed, thus ;— 

past by me John Take head boro of Olid Branforth, 

past by me Constable of New Branford. 


Past by me John Heritage Constable of Hownslow this 26th 

of July 1656. 

past by mee John Siddell hed borow of Bedfound. 

There are several more signatures, the last three entries 
being :— 
past by me John Smith Worthing. 
past by me Joseph Haslett tithingman of Whitchurch July 31s t 

1656. 

past through Salesbury the 4th August 1656. 

Wm. Stone Maior. 

Here, however, Mihill was arrested for stealing a coat and his 

wanderings ceased for a while. 

1657.—To the right Honble the Lord Bradshawe Lord of the 
Manor of ffonthill Gifford in Wilts. 
The humble Certificate & Desire of his Lorpp tenants of the 
said manor in relacon to Mathew Cartwright. 

Hombly shewing that we whose names are subscribed his 
Lorpps tents doe conceave that a fitt place may be assigned wthout 
pjudice upon the wast of the said Manor for erecting of a cottage 
for the sd Matthew. And doe humbly desire that his Lorpp willbe 
pleased to condiscend thereunto by some note under his Lorpps 
hand & seale whereby the Court of Sessions may be moved therein 
for their order for allowance and confirmacon thereof wch is the 
humble peticon of his Lorpps tents subscribing their names 13th 
April 1657. 

This is signed by ROBERT HAYSHAM, 

ANTONI GUNNER, 
and eight others. Below is the approval of Lord Bradshaw in these 
words :— 

20

 June 1657. 
I give my consent hereto : Wytnes my hand & seale. 
(Signed) JO. BRADSHAWE. 

1660.—CHARLES R. 

Trusty and welbeloved We greete you well. Being justly 
affected with the sad condition to which this poore Widdow Mary 
Thorp is reduced by the losse of her husband (who suffered Death 
for his affeccon to Us) and with him the Place of Keeping the 
Worke-house at Fisherton Anger in Our County of Wilts which 
was the sole maintenance for her selfe and Six Children, We have 
thought our Selfe engaged to recommend her condition as an object 
of Charity to you, & to intimate Our desire, that she may have the 
said Place of Keeper of the said Workehouse conferred on her 
during her Life she giving such security as is usuall, which We 
assure you We shall take in very good part, & as a marke of your 
Duty to Us, And soe We bid you farewell. 

AA 


Given at Our Court at Whitehall the 13th day of July in the 
twelfe yeare of Our Reigne 1660. 
By his Maties Comand 
(Signed) EDW." NICHOLAS. 

The above is addressed : "T o Our trusty & welbeloved the 
Justices of the Peace in Our County of Wilts " and is impressed 
with the Royal seal. 

1661.—To the Right Worpll his Maties Justices of the Peace 
att the Gennerall Quarter Sessions held att the Devises. 
The Humble peticion of Henry Passion of Westbury ly in this 
County 

Sheweth That your poore peticioner was a Soldier to his late 
Matie of ever Blessed Memory & under the Comand of Sr Henry 
Coker, Coll, and by which meanes your peticioner have benn undone 
by the sickness he tooke lieing in the fields & the missery & 
inprisonment yt hee hath since receaved to the utter undoeing of 
your poore peticioner his wife & fower smale Children. May itt 
please therefore your Worpps to grant him some relife by way of 
a Pention & your Petticioner shall bee ever bound to pray for your 
Worships 

healths & prosperity. 

The Berrer herof whome ye Contents above concerns was 

under my Comand in his late Maties servis of ever Blessed Memory. 

Tsto my hand & seale 

(Signed) HENRY COKER. 1661. 

THO. MOMPESSON. 

(He was granted 40s pencon p ann.) 

1662,—Whereas I am crediably Informed that Roger Cutter 
of Westbury in this County is a Sedicious Sectary, a Speaker in 
unlawfull Assembly drawing Together a Multitude of people from 
Severall partes Contrary to the law & peace of this Kingdome for 
which there is Complaint made unto mee. These are therefore in 
his Maties name to require you Yt immeadiatly one Sight hereof 
you bring the said Roger Cutter before mee or some other Justice 
of peace for this County to Answere the premisses. And if need 
require to find Sureties for his psonall appearance Att the next 
Generall Quarter Sessions to bee held for this County : hereof you 
are not to faile as you will Answeare the Contrary att your perills. 
Given under my hand & seale this 14th of October 1662. 

(Signed) HENRY COKER. 

To the Constable 

of the Hundred of Westbury 

These. 


1664.—These are to Certifie all whome it doth or may concerne 
that Nickolas Rogers of Tisbury in the County of Wiltes was 
a soldier in my Troope of horse being of Sir Lewis Pines Regiment 
and therein served faithfully and behaved himselfe valient And 
hath soe farr as I know or believe continued his loyalltie to his 
Soveraigne Lord the Kinge shewing his willingness to engage upon 
any occasion for his Maties Restauration. This I am bold to 
testifie under my hand and seale the 24th of July An Dmi 1663. 

(Signed) SAM FFITZHERBERT. 

1664.—Gentlemen 

The Bearer Capt William Grove having bin alwayes very 

active in the service of his Maty of blessed memorie and his Maty 

that now is jji order to his happy restauration wch is nott unknowne 

to divers Gentlemen of yor County, butt being weakened in his * 

body & wholly ruined in his Estate, and by reason of age unable 

to doe any thinge for a livelihood, I make bold to recommend him 

to yor favour (seeing hee went first out of yor Shire into his Mats 

Service) and desire you will please to afford him a competent 

pension during his life as you are inabled by Act of Parliament, 

By which meanes you may preserve him from starving and I shall 

take itt as a Respect done to 

Yor very assured friend & servant 
(Signed) ALBAMARLE. 
Cock-pitt 26 May 
1664. 
(This is a letter from Monck The Duke of Albemarle.) 

1665.—(Note.—The following is much stained by damp at the 
edges, consequently some words are unreadable.) 

His Matie being informed by many of the Receivers of his 
Reveneu of Hearth money, of many obstacles they finde in theire 
receiving and collecting the same particularly in these cases 
annexed, hath by advice of Counsell learned in the law, had the 
same resolved Nevertheless wth this Intention that this determination 
... . a rule only to his owne officers, to require and 
levy the same (for if any other person find himselfe agreived he 

left to the law.) And this course he conceived himselfe 
necessitated to, because he hath reason to observe such compliance 
in many of the Justices of Peace with ... . that upon any pretence 
soever dispute this duty if hee permit them to be Chancellors 
of the paymt hee conceives it will soone be reduced to very little. 
Many of (them) by private Certificates to gratify theire Neighbours 
. .. . of the duty, wch from the Bench they had before Certified 
as due into the Exchequor. Herewith his Maty has greate reason 

AA2 


to be dissatisfied and beleeveth such men little consider How by 
diminishing his Re(ceipts) whch is cheifly employed for support of 
the publick ... . draw upon themselves and theire Counties in 
general a necessity to raise another. And therefore he hath comanded 
us to signify thus much to the Justices in generall at the Sessions 
and to require every person there on whome he hath bestowed that 
publick Character to be as forward to observe the true Intention of 
the Act (which he would not extend beyond the true meaning of it) 
as they are to appear favourable to theire Neighbors and thus 
at his price to affect popularity. And therefore he requires that 
noe Certificate of one or more Justices be allowed exemption of any 
duty agt the record the whole Bench hath sent up to the Excheqr. 
But if that there be (as there may be occasion) any exemption 
made contrary thereunto it be done & determined in the same place 

And if the Ministers and Church Wardens shall be found willfully 
to have made undue Certificates, then to discountenance the same 
and if it be continued and practiced to bind the offenders to their 
good Behaviour for their misdemeanor and disservice to his Maty 
And upon these grounds to recomend to the whole Bench to be soe 
careful in their whole proceedings in this Branch of his Revenues 
that his officers (who have directions to demeane themselves justly 
and prudintly in the management of this affaire) may receive noe 
discontent or discouragemt from them whose duty it is to emprove 
the same, And though his Maty will not resolve whether the 
Constables by the last Act (who certainly were by the first) are 
obliged to assist the Receivors (who were then the Sheriffs) in 
collecting the same Yet finding there Sallary is yet continued he 
thinks the Bench might reasonably direct them thereunto since it is 
visible that the neglect hereof may soone weare out his Matys 
officers, who else must attend at every house an houre before he be 
payed. And how many officers this way must make a necessity 
of, and how much it must increase the charge and trouble of those 
who pay it, every one that is not ill affected may soone perceive. 

And therefore upon the whole matter his Maty requires the 
several Justices to be considerative hereof and to give him (by us) 
such an account of these proceedings in the future, as the ill consequences 
that hitherto have attended this business may not still 
remaine And soe bidding you heartily farewell wee rest 

Yor very loving freinds 

(Signed) T. SOUTHAMPTON. 
ASHLEY. 
Oxford November 
ye last 1665. 


After our very hearty Comendations: His Matie & this Board 
haveing received frequent Information: That notwithstanding h»s 
Mats proclamation & the Care & endeavours of his Ministers & 
Judges to suppress the growth of popery according to the desires 
of both Houses of Parliament in that behalfe yet many popish 


priests are as active as ever, to seduce his Mats good Subjects & to 
perswade them to imbrace the Romish Religion, and therin have 
the help & encouragement of many of that perswasion; who though 
obnoxious to Law have of late behaved themselves very bouldly and 
insolently. For prevention of which growing mischief & for the 
preservation of the true protestant Religion: His Matie hath commanded 
us to signify unto you his express pleasure & Command : 
That you, in your respective Divisions do use yor utmost endeavours 
to apprehend all popish priests & Jesuites that endeavour to 
seduce and pervert his Mats subjects. And that if any shall by them 
seduced & perverted to become papists, you do strictly examine the 
persons led away to the Roman Religion : And make further diligent 
Inquiry who have been the Instruments & means in their Seducement 
& perversion, whether priests or others according to the 
directions of his Mats said proclamation : And that you proceed 
against them according to the Lawes established : And that farther 
you cause the Lawes against the growth of Popery & Popish 
Recusants, & for their Conviction to be putt in due & full Execution ; 
So not doubting of you care heerin, It conduceing so much to the 
peace & Safety of his Mats Government. Wee bid your heartily 
lfarewell: ffrom the Court at Whitehall the 13th day of September 
1667. 

Yor very loveing freinds 

(Signed) GILB : Cant. 

ALBEMARLE. 

ORL BRIDGEMAYE. 

ANGLESEY. 

LAUDERDELL. 

OSSORY. 

CRAVEN. 

MIDDLETON. 

ARLINGTON. 

FITZHARDING. 

WILL MORICE. 

ASHLEY. 

T. CLIFFORD. 
W. COVENTRYE. 
J. BRIDGWATER, 
and one other undecipherable. 
Address " To our very loving ffriends ye Justices of Peace of 
the County of Wilts nearest to ye Post Stage. To be communicated 
to ye rest of ye Justices of Peace at the next Quarter Sessions ". 

This bears the impressed seal of the Privy Council—a rose surmounted 
by a crown and a lion on the left and unicorn on the right. 


Beneath are the words " Sigill. Privi. Co. and the whole surrounded 
by a wreath of leaves. 

1667,—After our hearty Comendacons. There are soe many 
complaints made unto us from the ffarmors and their officers of his 
Majts Duty of the ffire hearths of such abuses and Riotts and 
Tumultous and unlawfull Actings of Severall Persons in the severall 
Townes and places in denying the due payment of that Duty, in 
freeing distress taken, in Constables backwardness to assist and 
in others raising the Populacy, not onely wth Clamoure but violence 
to fall upon the Officers and in findeing little or noe Countenance 
from those in Authority, That wee are almost at a stand to consider 
how such things can be acted under a .quiett and Setled Government 
Or how psons intrusted wth any part of it can thinck their owne 
concernes will bee long quiett, when his Majts Revenue setled by 
Lawe cannot peaceably be collected, especially in this age, when 
too lately under the Covert of such disorders it may bee soe well 
remembred there grew upp ffactions which overturned all that was 
setled. Wee are sensible likewise what Recriminacons and Retorts 

are made upon the carriage of those officers. How it is alleadged 
they indeavor to Levy that which is not due or which hath beene 
formerly payd. How they refuse to comply wth those certificates 
wch according to the Act Exempt poore persons, and of their 
Violence in their manner of Levying that Duty, To the end therefore 
that his Majts Revenue may bee justly peaceably and orderly 
collected in the future, and that noe appearances may bee, that wee 
his Majts Superior Officers of his Revenue give any Countenance 
to any undue proceedeings of those that Execute the same in this 
behalle, Now that you whoe are of best Authority in the County 
bee represented (as too frequently wee finde it) as not Equally concerned 
towards his Majts Interest, wee have resolvedly designed 
this letter to bee delivered unto you at ye next Quarter Sessions 
because it will meete you altogether, and be made use of afterwards 
in yor severall Divisions, Our intencions being freely and freindly 
to pray from you such a Communicacon and Correspondence in this 
business as may at last produce (if it cannot at once) a redresse of 
those Complaints on either side before menconed. And therefore 
in the first place Wee recomend to you to consider that this being 
Legall Duty & Revenewe granted to his Majty (whoe hath the 
charge and burthen of the Government upon him) it redounds to 
publique advantage that it bee justly payd and duely payd. Haveing 
thus freely introduced what wee intend, vizt That the Duty shold 
bee justly payd and the Subject not deprived of any benefit given 
him by the Lawes now extended against him further then the Scope 
of the Lawe, And that you might understand what in Duty to his 


Majesty wee thinck may bee expected from you In the ffirst place, 
Wee recomend to yor Consideracons that the Duty ought to bee 
payd by all persons but those whoe by reason of poverty or smallnes 
of Estate are Exempted from the usuall taxes payed and 
Contribucons towards Church & poore and whose howses are not 
of greater vallue to be lett then 20s. p ann. Nor doe themselves 
nor any other using such howse or messuage occupye and Lands or 
Tenements of their owne or others of the yearely vallue of 20s, Nor 
have Lands Tenements goods or Chattels of the vallue of io£ in 
their owne possession or in the possession of any one in trust for 
them. Wherefore wee thinck it yerry necessary that when any 
Certificate is given it plainely and distinctly mencon these causes 
and bee signed and allowed by two Justices of the Peace To the End 
that his Majts Officers ffarmors and their Agents may forbeare 
Levyeing the Duty upon any pson in whose behalfe any such 
Certificate is made forth which wee have given them possitive 
direccons in untill first by applicacon unto yor Selves (wherein wee 
desire you to give them free accesse and a faire and full heareing) 
they shall make it appeare the persons in whose behalfe the Certificate 
was granted ought to pay the Duty and stands not qualifyed 
as was Certifyed. And that you yor selves at yor Quarter Sessions 
doe thereupon Revoke the same. And we thinck fitt to informe you 
further that all Blowinge howsees and Stamp ffurnaces for melting 
downe of Mettell from the Oare, All Kilnes private ovens private 
Stills and all other necessary and usefull accomodacons for 
heateing meate and Sawces, bee not pretended unto or recconed 
amongst the ffire harth chargeable ffor that wee believe they were 
not intended to bee charged by the Act. In point of ffact this is 
denyed unto us that there hath beene any such practise yet by the 
imprudence of some pticular officrs there there may have beene such 
instances which may have raised A Generall Jealousy of a Generall 
practise. Wee have ordered the Collectors to keepe a steady time 
in comeing to collect the Duty and to give notice at first thereof 
unto Each Towne by setting upp some Plackart or Bill that may 
Expresse the appointed tyme and soe in some Markett Towne to 
informe those of that hundred, which as wee require them to 
observe in relacon to the peoples case soe wee pray you direct them 
to observe for the ready dispatch of the Officers. Wee have alsoe 
ordered Sr Richard Piggott Knt, Serient Trott and Humphrey 
Beane Esqrs the ffarmors of his Majty sayd revenew to take care 
that the names of all officers already imployed or that shall hereafter 
bee imployed under them in the Colleccon of the sayd duty 
shall bee given in to the Clerke of the Peace at the Quarter Sessions 
held for that County or place where such person or persons are or 
shal be imployed That soe the Countrye may not Stand in Doubt of 
his or their lawfull Authority. Stopping upp of Chimneyes wee 
thinck rather to proceede from a dissaffeccon then a burthen, and of 


a Liberty thereof was intended, which neither by the ffirst nor 
Second Act was soe much as menconed, and in the last is, wth a 
penalty on those who did it fraudently We believe tyme will cure it. 
Wee have likewise given direccons that noe person bee returned 
into the Exchequer where any distresse can bee taken, and have 
alsoe provided that noe officer shall conceale any sume of money 
by him reed for any ffire hawths or Stoves appearing upon his veiwe 
which before tyme were not answeared for, or since the last returne 
have beene increased, But shall Certifye the same within six months 
from the date hereof and before hee levy it a Second tyme; bring a 
note from the Clerke of the Peace that hee hath soe done that soe 
such ffire harths or Stoves may be Registred in his Majty Cort of 
Exchqr accordingly. There are many other smaller ways practised 
by interpreting the Letter of the Lawe to evade the true sence of it 
As when a person leaves his howse before a ffeast day or after and 
before the Duty bee discharged, whether the next occupyer shall 
bee lyable unto it, As likewise that men may bee disabused from 
thincking that upon the comeing of a Lawfull officer (accompanied 
according to the Act) to pforme his Duty, their shutting or refuseing 
to open their doores deprives the officer of the power of forceing 
his Entry (which were to render the Act uselesse) These wee thinck 

soe plaine as wee doe but mencon them and pray you to discountenance 
all such Evasions and Elusions of the Law. Lastly wee 
shall recomend one further consideracon to you that you discountenance 
that opinion that distinguishes the Duty of his Majtys 
Lands and in a ffarmors, ffor if the ffarmors Execute the Same 
suitable to the Law (which wee shall ever hold them unto) it is really 
as if the If armor were imediately in the Kings hands, Since they 
irnediately hold from him Cureing men of such populer Errors as 
this contribute much to the orderly paymt of the Duty and the 
publique peace And when ever the Duty can be settled as his Majty 
may receive the true advantage thereof in his owne hands 'tis verry 
probable hee will not put it into others. And soe remitting all to 
yor good affeccons and wisdomes wee desire you to meete us in the 
Care wee have of this Revenew. And that by the Duty you owe the 
King and the Lawe you would indeavor to disapoint those whoe 
being disafected with the peace of the nacon and Government seeke 
an occasion hereby to disturbe both Wch wee are assured his Majty 
will graciously receive from you. And wee from tyme to tyme shall 
Corrispond wth you therein as becomes us in our places. Whoe are 

Yor verry loveing freinds 
(Signed) ALBEMARLE. 

T. CLIFFORD. 
W. COVENTRYE. 
J. DUNCOMBE. 
Whitehall Treary 
Chamber 
June 
27th 1667. 



The above is addressed 
" To our very loving ffriends his Majesties Justices of the Peace 
for the County of Wilts ". 

1670,—Upon the Peticon of Richard Gray of the Pish of 
Semley in the County of Wilts husbandman and the certificate of 
sevall of the Inhabitants of the pish aforesaid I doe give my consent 
(being Lord of the Mannor of Semley aforesaid) yt ye said Gray 
shall or may erect and sett upp a Cottage on the place in the 
Certificate menconed within the pish aforesaid Provided an Order of 
Sess bee pcured according to Lawe for the Confirmacon thereof. 
Witnes my hand and seale this 15th- Day of September Anno Dmi 
1670. 

(Signed) J. ARUNDELL. 
JO. BENNETT. 
Lyberty to errect and to continew dureinge life. 
(Note.-—Bennett was Steward to Lord Arundell. The Certificate 
mentioned above is attached, and is signed by seventeen of 
the parishioners.) 

1670.—These are to Certifie all those whom it may concerne 
That John England of Alderbury in the County of Wilts husbandman 
hath during all the Late Troubles served his Late Matie of 
blessed memory as a Souldier in Corf Castle in the County of Dorset 
under my comand. In wch service he hath received an hurt in his 
Arme whereby he is disabled to get his living. Witnes our hands 
this nth day of January Anno 1665. 

(Signed) ROB ll T LAWRENCE. 

New Renton. 

The contents of this Certificate I knowe to be a truth beinge 
for some time in yt Garrison where ye sayd Jo. England did serve 
and alsoe receive his hurte. Witnesse my hand and seale. 
(Signed) WILLIAM WAKE. 

1673.—Gentlemen. 

I haveinge perused some Instruccons of ye Lord Chauncellor 
Directed to ye Sheriffe of ye County to bee communicated unto you, 
concerninge ye Adiornmt of ye next Generall Quarter Sessions 
which will bee holden at Warmister, to such places and dayes as 
shall bee thought most Convenient as well for ye ease of ye County 
as for ye most effectuall speedinge ye Concerne of Administeringe 
such Oaths wch Officers and others are obliged by a late Act of 
Parliament to take. I therefore doe iudge it most requisite & meete 
& soe make it my request That after ye Common businesse of ye 
Sessions bee ended att Warmister & such other duties wch must bee 


there performed for that Devision accordinge to ye said Act. You 
imediately Adiorne from thence to ye Citty of New Sarum and from 
thence to such other place or places as you shall iudge most for ye 
ease of such persons who are obliged to take such oaths. 

Yor Very loveinge Freind, 
(Signed) PEMBROKE. 
Wilton House ye 
10th day of July. 
1673. 
Note.—A pencil memorandum at the bottom says:— 
19th—21th ... . Sarum. 
22 & 23th att Marlebro. 
24th & 25th att ye Devizes. 
26 & 28 att Malmesbury. 
One leaf of this letter is damaged, but fortunately it is that on 
which the address is written. It now reads as follows :— 
To my very loveing ffreinds ye Justices ... . ye Peace 
for ye County of Wiltes ... . att theire Court of ye Generall 
. . . . er Sessions of ye Peace holden at .. . . Warmister. 
these 

1673.—To ye Sheriffe of ye County of Wiltes or to the Clarke 
of ye Peace of the same County to bee communicated to ye Justices 
of ye Peace in their severall Divisions. 

Whereas by an Act of Parliament made in the Five and 
twentyeth year of His Majesties Reigne that now is intituled. 
An Act for preventing dangers which may- happen from Popish 
Recusants such of His Majesties Subjects as are concerned in 
offices, and other Interests mentioned in the said Act, and shall not 
have taken the Oaths of Supremacy and allegiance, and done such 
other things as by the said Act are required in His Majesties High 
Court of Chancery, or in His Majesties Court of Kings Bench, 
before the end of this present Trinity Terme; are required to take 
the said oaths, and do the said things at the Quarter Sessions for 
that County of Place where they shall respectively reside, or be, 
the twentyeth day of May in the year of Our Lord one thousand 

six hundred and seventy three on or before the first of August in 
the said year, in such manner as the said Act requireth. It is 
conceived necessary upon Advice taken with all the Judges, for 
that the usual time of continuing the Quarter Sessions in the respective 
Counties and Places of the Kingdome, will not suffice to 
secure as aforesaid all persons who will be concerned in the 
Penalties in the said Act to the great damage of many faultless 
persons. That therefore the Justices of the Peace of the said respective 
Counties and Places of the Kingdome, should continue by 
adjournments from day to day or from place to place as they shall 
see occasion, the Quarter Sessions to be holden for the said respective 
Counties and Places, until the said first day of August 


inclusively, that thereby His Majesties Subjects, as far as can be 
provided, may be enabled to Conforme themselves according- unto 
the said Act for their respective Indemnities. 

(Signed) C. SHAFTESBURY. 
Exeter House this 4th day 
of June 1673. 


1674.—To our very good Lord William Earle of Pembroke & 
Mountgomery Gustos Rotulorum for the County of Wilts and to be 
comunicated to his Mats Justices of the Peace of the Said County, 
free franck. 

After our very hearty Commendations to yor Lordsp. His 
Maty haveing been Informed that notwithstanding his former 
Orders and Proclamations requiring Jesuites Seminary Preists & 
others that have taken orders from the Church and Sea of Rome 
and have not since been reconciled to the Church of England and 
so continued to departe the Kingdome, Yet that such Priest & 
Jesuites continue and harbor themselves in the City of London and 
Suburbs thereof and likewise in other parts of this Kingdome to 
the manifest Contempt of his Mats Royall Authority and the Laws 
and Religion Established. His Maty being highly sensible thereof 
and that notwithstanding such Informations and Complaints, few 
or none have been Discovered or Apprehended. His Maty thereupon 
of his pious Care for the Preservation of the Protestant 
Religion & for prevention of the Endeavours of such Priests and 
jesuites who seduce his good subjects from the same. Hath resolved 
that so many of such Preists as can be found shall be 
speedily sent away and Transported into the parts beyond the 
Seas and to that end hath given Us in strict Charge and command 
to require you and every of you at the next Quarter Sessions to be 
held in the County of Wilts, And we do accordingly hereby require 
Command you and every of you to use your utmost endeavours to 
Discover and Apprehend such Person or Persons as (you) either 
know or be informed is or are Preists or Jesuites who receive orders 
from the Church or Sea of Rome as aforesaid And that you cause 
them and evry of them to be sent up hither to be brought before 
the Lords of his Mats Privy Councell or one of the principle Secretaries 
of State, Who are Comit them to safe Custody ... . their 
transportation And that such Discovery ... . better encouraged 
and more effectually pursued ... . Order unto the Lord High 
Treasurer of England ... . payment to be made unto every 
Person who shall ... . of any Preist or Jesuite of the Sume of 
Five Pounds ... . or Jesuite so Discovered who shall be there 
upon apprehended and sent up in order to be Transported beyond 

the Seas. And moreover the Charge of sending them up hither 
shall be borne by the Sheriffs of the Countye through which they 
are to passe, and be againe allowed them upon their accompts to 
the Exchequer. So not doubting of your utmost Care and diligence 
in obeying these be Maties just and necessary Comands, Wee bid 


your Lordsp very heartily Farewell, From the Court at Hampton 
Court the Third day of June 1674. 
Yor Lordsp Very Loveing Freinds 
(Signed) ANGLESEY. 
FINCH. 
OXFORD. 
NORTHAMPTON. 

J. BRIDGWA'l ER. 
CRAVEN. 
CARBERY. 
NEWPORT. 
W. MAYNARD. 
W. WALKER. 
(Note.—The edges of this Order from the Privy Council are 
damaged by damp and some few words are unreadable.) 

1687.—Sepr ye 29th 1687. 

Whereas Edmund Haggard Laborer the sonne of Richard 
Haggard late of Coate wth in ye parish of Lyddington hath a wife 
& a greate charge of Children and nothing but ye labour of himselfe 
& Wife to maintaine them, and hee being destitute of any 
house and not able to pay rent if hee could bee accomodated wth 
one, wth in the Tytheing or parish of his nativitie, upon these 
consideracons I have thought fitt (upon his application to mee) to 
consent & give leave to his setting up a house upon some part of 
the Wast wth in my sd mannor in case he can procure the allowance 
of ye Court of Quarter Sessions for his doeing thereof, and 
in Testimony of this my consent I have hereuto set my hand and 
seale the day & yeare above written. 

(Signed) J. TALBOT. 
(Sir John Talbot.) 

1688.—Mr. Constable. 

I understand by this bearer Thomas Clifford lately of Calne 
but living now in Laicock that he hath bin malitiously indited for 
selling ale without licence, whereby you will find that he hath a 
licence pcedent to the enditement under the hands and scales of 
Mr. Fitzherbert and myself. I desire you therefore to favour the 
poore man in taking off the inditemt wth as little expence to him 
as may be. 

I rest 
Yr freind and Servant 
(Signed) G, TALBOT, 
Laicock July 10. '88. 


GENERAL INDEX. 

A 

Accessory after the fact; 93. 
Accused wrongly; 167. 
Aged Parents, relief for; 139. 
Alderbury soldier's petition; 361. 
Alehouse Regulations; 143. 
for Melksham, not wanted; 

238. 
at Westbury suppressed ; 246. 
, Keepers to attend Church; 
26S. 
Alehouses in Bradford suppressed ; 

89. ^ 
, more for Clack; 90. 
....... letter concerning; 165. 
, redundant; 12, 34, 35, 125, 
*55> lf>7> 215, 230. 
Ale in Stone jugs; 116, 
sold on Sundays; iSq, 221. 
, Threepence per gallon; 26. 
Alms Collection, a fraudulent; 38. 
Amesbury, plague in; 115. 
Ancient Custom ignored; 141. 
Annabaptists; 265. 
Appeal to the King; 13. 
....... a piteous; 171. 
Apology, a humble; 183. 
...... to Magistrate; 140. 
Apologies to Justices, 181. 
Apprentice and his War Service, 

IS7


, a runaway ; 88. 
, an unclean ; 117. 
for 17 years; 156. 
...... ill-treated; 125. 
knocked down; 103. 
, Town born; 124. 
Arbitration instead of Law ; 96. 
Arms against the King; 269. 
Arrears of pay; 56. 
Arson at Ashton Keynes; 71. 
Arundel, Lord, a recusant; 80, 84, 
85* 90Attend 
Justices at Dinner; 234. 
Autograph Letters; 298. 
Avebury Sabbath breakers; 267. 

B 

Bacon and Cheese stolen; 201. 
Badger Killer; 160. 
Licence 5 86, 105, 189. 
Barford, Alehouses too many; 215. 

Beacons on Lyddington Downs; 

126. 
Beaten by Soldiers; 180. 
Beauchamp, Lady Anne; 133. 
Bedwyn, Local option; 194. 
Portreve, a defaulter; 13. 
Beer thrown away; 214. 
...... and Tobacco for the sick; 155. 
Bigamy, hanged for; 60. 
Bishop asked to excommunicate; 

268. 
Bishop's Cannings soldier; 33. 
Bishops order observance of Lent, 
3°5Blackmore 
Forest, 90. 
Blasphemy indictment; 231. 
Blood shed ; 75, 95. 
Bone-setting, a case of; 53. 
Bottle of Wine, a bribe?; 276. 
Bound over again; 203. 
through malice; 166. 
Bowls at Bromham ; 57. 
on Sunday; 33. 
Bowood, an eavesdropper ; 247. 
Box, disturbance in church; 5, 6. 
Boy escapes whipping; 8. 
Branch and Dole; 202. 
Branded on hand; 75. 
Bradford alehouse suppressed ; S9. 
, no Court Leet at; 145. 
free from prigging; 119. 
cornsellers required at; 25. 
Bradford, the plague at; 28, 158. 
Bradshaw, John; 231. 
Breach of promise; 231. 
Bread and beer good at Mere; 106, 

114. 
, light weight; 125. 
, tobacco, soap, candles, and 
starch; 229. 
Bristol, wounded at; 249. 
Broad Town man allowed to build 
a cottage; 352. 
Broadtown, honest man of; 88. 
Bromham, bad trade at; 70. 
, fire at; 243. 
man wounded at the Siege of 
Devizes; 337. 
Bull-baiting in Warminster; 259. 
Burglaries near Devizes; 144. 
Burnt on the hand; 29, 41, 83, S7, 
92, 219. 
...... on the shoulder ; 30, 50. 


Burnt on the thumb; 109. 
Butter and Cheese, license to sell; 

107. 
and Poultry for the King; 34, 
67


and Cheese, unlicensed selling 
of; 28. 
...... and Cheese wanted at Ludger 
shall; 199. 


C 

Calendar of Prisoners; 272. 
Calne, Borough of; 43. 
, disorders in; 35. 
inhabitants claim exemption 
from Grand Jury; 44. 
inhabitants protest against 
Jury service; 56. 
inhabitants to serve on Grand 
Jury; 43intemperance; 
35. 
, plague in ; 123, 124, 132. 
, tragedy at the Catherine 
Wheel; 279. 
Calstone man quarrelsome ; 16. 
Canterbury, travellers from; 24. 
Card playing on Sunday at Urchfont; 
196. 
Careless with fire; 97. 
Carriage fees for the King's 
timber; 319. 
Carriers robbed; 178. 
Charles II. supports application 
of Keeper of Fisherton 
Prison; 353. 
Cash to the King instead of 
goods; 302, 303. 
Christopher Wren, Rector; 311, 
Church ale; 35. 
Church fittings stolen ; 233. 
Churchwarden in trouble ; 107. 
Chalke hundred; 203. 
Cheese and butter to sell; 107. 
Chamberlains of Devizes decline 
payment; 164. 
Charfield, a soldier at; 158. 
Charlton, fire at; 126, 134. 
Child, illegitimate, the care of; 49. 
Children deserted; 213. 
Chilmark soldier; 168. 
Chippenham gentleman, a loyal; 

266. 

Chiseldon church alterations objected 
to; 218. 
Christmas Sessions; 232. 
Civil War, Echo of; 207, 208, 209, 
216, 217, 249. 

Clack, alehouse license supported 
by Earl of Danby; 312. 
a constable for; 102. 
, more alehouses for; go. 
Clanricard, Countess of; 7. 

Clarendon Park; deer stealing 
in; 163. 
Clerk in trouble; 100. 
Clipping coins; 285. 
Cloth, faulty; 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 14. 
searchers appointed ; 103. 
deceived; 9. 
Coal, excessive buying; 31. 
at Urchfont; 230. 
Coathe in Sheep; 139. 
Codford man incapacitated; 30. 
Coffee house suppressed; 266. 
Coin clipping; 285. 
Collingbourne Ducis man's application 
supported by Earl 
of Hertford; 348. 
Compton Bassett libel; 68. 
Compton Chamber] aine inhabitant 
is insolent and declines to 
supply his quota to the 
King; 311. 
petition against an inmate; 

332. 
Constable, a busy ; 146. 
....... a sickly; 116. 
....... an old ; 146. 
, an unlearned; 54. 
asks for release ; 156. 
made a fool of; 107. 
gets a beating; 32. 
for three years; 146. 
uneducated; 218. 
Constables, complaint against; 

213. 

negligent; no. 
refuse to serve; 60. 
Cooper, Sir Ashley, his hedge 
damaged; 176. 
Conventicle at Devizes; 161. 
...... not presented; 267. 
Conventicles; 41, 266. 
, unlawful; 247, 248. 
Corn account (1647);I79merchants, 
trouble with; 285. 
, scarcity of ; 25, 182. 
Corner in sheep ; 109. 
Corsham, illegal alehouse at; 25. 
Cottage and four acres; 32. 
trouble at 'Everley; 210. 
without four acres; 105. 
Coulston man allowed to build a 
cottage; 350. 
Council of War justifies killing; 

*73Counsel 
asked for; 216. 
Counterfeit farthings; 246. 
pass; 73, 236. 
Court Leet, none at Bradford; 145. 
summons; 138. 
County Treasurer's account; 148. 
Convictions; 33. 
Coventry, Sir T., on fire losses 
claims; 317. 


Cricklade, sufferings of; 171. 
Cripple woman and her pass; 223. 
Cromwell asks that a rate for 
maimed soldiers, etc., 
should be made; 346. 
...... supports petition of Devizes 
widow; 344. 
supports petition of wounded 
soldier; 347. 
libelled ; 226. 
, the tythingman; 186. 
Crossbow; 40. 
not allowed; 91. 
Crowder (a fiddler); 49. 
Crown and Parliament insulted; 

275Culverholes; 
265. 
Curate absent; 141. 

D 
Damaged goods; 71. 
Damerham North, presentments; 

Damming the river at Wroughton ; 

184. 

Danby, Earl of, supports the 
licensing of alehouse at 
Clack; 312. 
Dancing match; 131. 
Dangerous pits; 177. 
rogues sent to Virginia; 241. 
Dauntsey cottages; 198. 
Damerham, South; 203. 
Deceased wife's sister ; 230. 
Declaration, a false one; 113. 
Deer shooting; 87. 
stealing in Clarendon; 163. 
Defiling water supply; 68. 
Desborough, General, supports 
petition of Salisbury 
soldier; 351. 
Description of Rolls; i. 
Deserters; 76, 102, 133. 
Devizes Bridewell on fire; 97. 
Castle, fire near; 207. 
, incendiary near; 186. 
Conventicle; 161. 
j coin clippers; 285. 
, a Corporation; 196, 
doctor's service in Irish 
War; 344-5. 

• 
House of Correction and the 
cruel master; 108. 
Justices; 137. 
...... man's testimonial; 181. 
, new Market House; 94. 
j the plague in; 174, 191. 
songster; 230. 
...... weaver's complaint; 190. 
widow's petition supported 
by Cromwell; 344. 
witches; 225. 

Dicke, John, his petition; 297. 
Dissenters to be disarmed; 268. 
Dogs of Mere dangerous; 231. 
Downton; 203. 
island drowned; 121. 
Drinking during church time; 95. 
out of hours; 114. 
Drowned in a well; 214. 
Drunkard, an unreformed ; 93. 
Ducking stool wanted at Warminster; 
24, 121, 246, 

E 

Easter ale; 91. 
Easterton land dispute; 126. 
Eavesdropper at Bowood; 247. 
Egyptians; 26. 
...... in Wiltshire; 249. 
Elizabeth, Queen, in time of; 209. 
Elm tree at Wylye; 58. 
Enemies of the King; 81. 
Enlisted; 170. 
Erlestoke, no service at; 241. 
Evelyn, Sir J., consents to the 
building of a cottage; 349. 
Everley, all well at; 260, 267. 
, trouble over cottage; 210. 
Evicted; 203. 
Eviction, an; 190. 
Excused from Sessions; 112. 

F 

Fails to prosecute; 195. 
False charge against soldiers; 159. 
indictment; 188. 
imprisonment; 232. 
pass of a rogue; 47, 62. 
Fardingale; 33. 
Farthings, counterfeit; 246. 
" Faught " any hop poles; 116. 
Favour for a prisoner; 161. 
Fetters and whipping for boy; 

128. 
Flogged at cart tail; 125. 
Fined for not going to church; 

129. 

for swearing; 140. 
Fire at Bromham ; 243. 
at Devizes Bridewell; 97. 
at Melksham; 104. 
at Wylye ; 74. 
at the Winterbournes; 111. 
...... losses, false declaration; 113. 
, claims to be more carefully 
enquired into 5317. 
Fisherton Anger in distress; 77. 
prison, application for 
keeper supported by King 
Charles; 353. 
...... Delamere all well; 70. 
prison needs repairing; 329. 
prisoners' petition; 59. 


Fishing with fire j 55. 
on Sunday; 76. 
Fonthill Gifford man allowed to 
build a cottage, and permission 
granted by Bradshaw; 
353. 
Fraudulent tokens; 248. 
Forged pass, a clever ; 63. 
Fortune teller; 278. 
Foulston, famine at; 160. 
Fuggleston church locked ; 219. 

G 

Games, unlawful; 55. 
Gentlemen from Ireland; 92. 
Given another chance; 178. 
Goddard, Mr., narrow escape of; 

114. 
Good man, a; 187. 
Goods stolen, schedule of; 265. 
Grand Jury, presentments; 154. 
Granting a license; 206, 207. 
Great Bedwyn Borough; 251. 
Grittleton Quaker indicted; 232. 


H 

Hanged for bigamy; 60. 
for burglary; 84. 
for horse stealing; 89. 
for refusing to serve; 233. 
Harnham bridge; 115. 
hospital; 78. 
spittle; 78. 
Haymaking on Sunday; 234. 
Hearth tax; 243. 
, refusal to pay; 239. 
, collected by force; 260. 
, regulations concerning; 356, 

358. 
Hedge breaker; 109. 
breakers at Littleton Panell ; 

286. 
Henroost robbed; 45. 
Heytesbury, Omne Bene; 231. 
Highways, failure to repair; 177. 
Highwaymen, suspected, complain; 
261. 
Hilmarton, ale on Sundays; 185. 
Hindon church, sanctuary in; 117. 
High Sheriff insulted; 114. 
Honey, stealing of; 192. 
Horningsham, plague at; 211. 
Horses for the Queen refused ; 273. 
House of Correction, contents of; 

, Devizes; 108. 
, Marlborough; 185. 
Houses in request; 102. 
Hunting at unreasonable times; 

3i


Hyde, Sir Nicholas, Lord Chief 
Justice; 83. 

Illegal measures; 134. 
Imber church, row in; 169. 
Imbezzled her husband's goods; 
in. 
Imprisonment, a false; 232. 
for marrying a widow; 31. 
Imprisoned for five years for debt; 

246. 
wrongfully; 75. 
Improperly dressed at church; 241. 
Increased pension, petition for; 

106. 
Indictment, a false ; 188. 
Incendiary near Devizes Castle; 

186. 

Inglesham Church, troubles at; 

222. 
parish; 131. 
Inmates, presentments against; 5. 
Insulting Member of Parliament; 

235King 
Charles II. ; 235. 
Isle of Man, shipwrecked on; 139. 

J 

Jackman, Dr., of Devizes; 344. 
James I., Tour in Wilts; 44. 
James II. or William III. ; 276. 
Jews and Quakers ; 270. 
to be transported; 250. 
Jury secrets revealed; 109. 
service, protest against; 56. 
Justice hindered ; 228. 
Justices' action questioned; 180. 

K 

Killing justified by Council of 
War; 173. 
King's evil cure fails; 204. 
health, refused to drink; 269. 
...... progress in Wilts hindered; 

44. 
messenger assaulted ; 59. 
King James, a petition to; 50, 66. 
and man of Seend; 54. 
, poultry for; 77. 

II. a popish rogue; 271. 
Kington St. Michael Vicar 
slandered; in . 
Kiss for luck at cards; 94. 
Kittles (skittles); 49. 

L 

Lacock innholder maliciously indicted; 
364. 
> game playing at 3 29. 
....... houses wanted at; 31. 
, protests against Ray Bridge 
being demolished; 226. 
Langford, wounded at; 211. 


Latton witch; 247. 
Lavington church, discourse in; 

187. 
....... West, fire at; 275. 
Lawyer, a fraudulent; 250. 
Lent, non-observance of; 42. 
Letters, autograph; 29S. 
Libel; 33. 
Libel at Compton Bassett; 68. 
Libelling Cromwell; 226. 
Licence for a badger; 189. 
Littleton Panell, hedge breakers; 

286. 
Liver: powdered; 104. 
Living in a hollow tree; 178. 
Local option at Bedwyn ; 194. 
London ; fire in ; 248. 
, Mayor of, signs pass; 352. 
Lord Chief Justice, petition to ; 83. 
Arundel a recusant; 80. 
Loggerheads with parson ; 213. 
Ludgershall, butter and cheese 
wanted; 199. 
Ludlow, Col.; 197. 
Lyddington Beacons; 126. 
, permission to build ; 184. 

M 

Madman, a drunken ; 94. 
Maiden Bradley distressed; 171. 
man loses his life in Irish 
War; 342. 
Magistrate, apology to; 140. 
Magistrate's name illegally used; 

245. 
Maimed soldiers; 238. 
Malmesbury Abbey; 117. 
...... presentments concerning; 6. 
sorcerer; 61. 
witch; 225. 
, war time experiences; 159. 
Malt making restricted; 181. 
Marden, Skimmington at; 79. 
Mare maltes a will; 48. 
Market House, Devizes; 94, 
...... spinners' and clothiers' complaints 
; 316. 
Marlborough pillory; 80. 
House of Correction; 185. 
Marriage trouble; 83. 
certificate; 104, 228 
Married a widow and imprisoned ; 

3iat 
St. James's; 127. 
at last; 206. 
Mason out of work; 160. 
Master, a bad one; 107. 
, a cruel; 193. 
Maurice, Prince, a follower of; 

236. 
Meal for pancakes; 93. 
Melksham, presentments concerning 
; 6. 

Melksham, fire at; 104. 
....... bridge wants repairing; 122. 
wants no alehouse; 238. 
, soldier's petition; 348. 
, soldier's petition supported 
by T. Pride ; 349. 
Mere, bread and beer good; 106, 

114. 
....... dogs dangerous; 231. 
....... robbery at; 261. 
Milling and baking at Scattshill; 

240. 
Minister distressed; 120. 
Minstrell (or Crowder); 49. 
Mixed marriage; 210. 
Monmouth rebellion foreshadowed 5 

262. 
rebellion; 270, 274. 
rebellion, persons presented ; 

271. 

Money and arms for troops unaccounted 
for; 234. 
....... lost and found ; 227. 
Morris dancers at Woodborough; 

221. 
Murder justified; 173. 
Mmster Master for Wilts; 52. 


N 

Nathaniel Crech, his petition 5315. 
Naughty order kept; 140. 
Neighbour quarrelsome; 179. 
Newnton, riot at; 141. 
Night walker; 107. 
Non-recusant; 179. 
Nowhere to live; 196. 


0 

"Oaths, two shillings each; 103. 
Observance of Lent ordered ; 305. 
Ogbourne St. Andrew, rating 
trouble; 175. 
Old soldier; 51. 
Orcheston church, trouble at; 277. 
Overworked old soldier; 167. 
Over-rated; 197. 

P 

Pancakes, meal for; 93. 
Parliament, a rogueish ; 169. 
Papist Toads; 273. 
Parsonage, the gift of; 81. 
Pass, a genuine ; 226. 
, counterfeit; 51, 73. 
Pawlett, Lord H., consents to the 
building of a cottage; 320. 
Pedlar's pack; 62. 
Peine forte et Dure; 135. 
Pembroke, the Earl of, and an old 
soldier; 85. 
BB 


Pension, increase petitioned for; 

127. 
Pensions lost; 259. 
to be checked; 239. 
Permission to build a house; 28. 
to erect a cottage at Melksham 
; 325, 
to erect a cottage at Tisbury; 

322. 
Persons to be arrested; 147. 
Pestilence, prevention of ; 10. 
Petition for release; 100. 
from prisoners; 59. 
of John Dicke; 297, 
...... from Quakers; 244. 
to the King; 66, 101. 
of wounded soldiers ; 298, 299, 
300, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 
309, 312, 313, 314, 315, 317, 
321, 322, 323, 324, 328, 
33°, 331, 332> 333» 334> 
335» 336Pewsey 
alehouses redundant; 167. 
, fire at; 187. 
Plague, a story of; 211. 
in Amesbury 5 115. 
in Calne; 132. 
in Bradford ; 158. 
at Devizes, cqllection for ; IQI. 
Plague at Wilton; 176. 
at Wootton Bassett; 175. 
in Salisbury; 82, 85, 245. 
, gentleman flees from; 245. 
, relief to sufferers; 163. 
Playing for money in Church 
porch; 113. 
Pigeon shooting; 42. 
Pillory in Devizes ; 52. 
for Warminster wanted ; 121, 

246. 
, to stand in; 80. 
Piteous appeal; 171. 
Plea for justice; 112. 
Popery increasing, regulations by 
Privy Council for suppressing 
; 356, 362, 363. 
Prayer Book, speaking against; 

140. 
Presentments; 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 13, 14, 
15, 34, 40, 43, 81, 86, 97, 
106, 109, 122, 133, 134, 140, 
144, 148, 154, 162, 195, 202, 
206, 271, 285. 
Press gang in Wiltshire ; 283. 
Priests to be transported ; 250. 
Prigging, Bradford free from; 

117. 
Prisoner, unrepentant; 115. 
Prisoners petition for an apothecary 
; 47. 
appeal; 214. 
., escape ; 92. 
repentant; 120. 

Privy Council, concerning the 
failure to supply carts 
during the King and 
Queen's progress; 306. 
, concerning the failure to 
supply poultry to the 
King's household; 307. 
and increase of popery; 356. 
Prosecutor absent; 164, 168. 
Public houses, licencing of; 39. 
meetings, dangerous; 282. 
...... way closed ; 120. 
Publican, a bad one; 113. 
Purveyor to the King ; 34. 
Putt, the game of ; 283. 
Poison toad, a; 278. 
Potterne, bad times at; 182. 
...... presentments; 148. 
Poor people give trouble; 205. 
Poultry for the King; 40, 45, 77, 
95, 129. 
for King James ; 77. 
Pound breakers; 192. 
rescues from ; 192. 
Privilege, breach of; 131. 

Q 

Quaint spelling; 205. 
Quaker of Grittleton indicted ; 232. 
...... with bad distemper; 270. 
Quakers in prison ; 244. 
...... and Jews ; 270. 
Quakers' petition; 239. 
Quarter Sessions held at Chippenham 
; 106. 
, New Sarum; 170. 
, none in 1645; 154. 
in 1646; 154. 
to be adjourned for convenience 
of administering 
oaths, etc.; 361, 362. 
to be held at Chippenham ; 

317


Queen Elizabeth, in the time of; 

209. 

Quemerford skimmington ; 64. 

R 
Raiding corn merchants; 200; 
Raleigh, Sir W.; 50. 
, a sailor under ; 46. 
, Sir Charles certifies an enquiry 
; 309. 
Ramsbury inhabitants desire removal 
of intruders; 345. 
presentments; 134. 
loyal; 276. 
, all well at; 267. 
Rates collected for relief of 
plague; 150. 
Recognizance forfeited; 154. 
Recusant reformed; 140. 


Recusants; 87. 
, returns of; 30, 129. 
Redundant alehouses at Salisbury; 

230. 
Refused to pay rates; 163. 
to serve, and was hanged ; 233. 
Refusing to work; 26. 
Relief for the poor ; 326. 
...... to labourers, 282. 
Release from prison, an appeal; 

180. 

Rey Bridge; protest against its 
demolishment; 226. 
Riot causes desertion of soldiers; 

282. 
Rising in the West; 229, 334. 
River Avon, partners in; 242. 
Roast veal; 49, 
Robbed of cattle and sheep; 172. 
by Royalists; 173. 
Robbery by King's soldiers; 161. 
...... in Mere hundred; 261. 
Robbing the poor; 124. 
Rode, wizards and witches: 279. 
Rogues and vagabonds ; 268. 
Roguish Parliament; 169. 
Rolls, description of; 1. 
, extracts in Wiltshire Archaeological 
Magazine; 2, 9. 
Rookery, keeping a; 107. 
Roundway Down Battle, echoes 
of; 219. 
Hill, battle of; 174. 
Rowde, deer coursed at; 28. 

S 
Sabbath breakers; 267. 
Salisbury alehouses redundant; 

230. 
battle of; 218, 339. 
...... gardens flooded; 205. 
man serves in Scottish War; 

343


...... Mayor supports a petition; 

344, 
Mayor of, signs pass; 353. 
minister presented; 234. 
j plague in; 82, 8|, 245. 
soldier's petition supported 
by Ludlowe; 347. 
soldier's petition supported 
by General Desbdrough; 

35* • 
Sanctuary taken in Hindon; 117. 
Saw much service j 233. 
Scandalous speeches ; 321. 
Scold, a terrible; 217. 
Searchers of Woollen cloth; 121. 
Seckley hundred, presentment; 

i2g. 
Secrets of Jury revealed; 109. 
Seend man and King James; 54. 

Semley man's petition to build a 
cottage; 361. 
Served the Parliament and lost 
their pensions; 259. 
Service according to law; 148. 
under Col. Ludlowe; 197. 
Shalbourne, Captain J . Smith, of; 

337Shalborne 
common flooded ; 129. 
Sheep, a corner in; 109. 
, loss of; 165. 
stealing accusation; 192. 
Shoemakers, unlawful; 207. 
Shooting and fishing unlawful; 

279. 
Shopkeeper, a young; 33. 
Sir W. Raleigh supports wounded 
soldier's petition; 308. 
Skimmington at Marden ; 79. 
...... at Quemerford ; 64. 
Skittles; 49. 
....... unlawful; 259. 
Small house needs enlarging; 229. 
Soldier, ah old; 27, 67, gi, 109, 

122. 

wounded, asks for a pension; 

89. 
Soldiers arrested; 132. 
discharged; 299. 
, pretending to be; 103. 
, runaway; 77. 
wounded ; 215, 238, 240. 
....... wounded, granted pensions; 

28. 
Soloman, of Warminster; 219. 
Sorcerer of Malmesbury; 6i. 
Sportsman, unqualified; 242. 
Spy, a reputed; 212. 
Stanton St. Bernard, petition 
from; 7. 
Stapilton, Lady Olive; 31. 
Staverton church fittings stolen; 

233. 
St. Edith's Marsh; 133. 
Steeple Ashton, alehouses redundant 
; 125. 
Stert, a violent man of; 166. 
Stocks for assault; 33. 
for Warminster; 177. 
Stourton church; 134. 
, fire at; 32. 
, thieves at; 16. 
Suffered from both sides; 200. 
Swearing, punished for; 108. 
at two shillings per swear; 

282. 

Swears backwards and forwards; 

112. 

Swindon, redundant alehouses; 86. 

T 

Tale of a saddle, rapier, and 
dagger; 11. 


Thynne, Sir T., petitions for release 
of his servant; 309. 
Tidulside, or Tilshead ; 250. 
Tilshead, or Tidulside; 250. 
Timber for the King; 319, 320. 
Tisbury man loyal to the King; 

355. 
trouble settled; 176. 
Thieves at Stourton; 16. 
Toad, a poison; 278. 
Toads, papist; 273. 
Tobacco; 40, 125. 
for the sick; 155. 
growing; 259. 
in Stourton church porch; 

134-, 
, soap, etc.; 229. 
Tokens, fraudulent; 248. 
Trade bad at Bromham; 70. 
Treasurers for relief appointed; 


40. _ 

for relief of maimed soldiers 
. appointed; 309. 
for maimed soldiers support 
petition; 341. 
to the States support a 
soldier's appeal; 335. 
Trenchard farm accounts; 251-8. 
Trivial case; 159. 
Troops, money and arms not 
accounted for; 234. 
Troublesome neighbours; 199. 
year; 142. 
Trout fishing on Sunday; 76. 
Trowbridge workmen parade; 259. 
Twyford in Wiltshire; 172. 
Tythingman absent; 146. 
by rotation; 147. 
, election of; 141. 
and tenant; 102. 
Tythingmen, instructions to; 170. 

U 

Unlawful assembly at Westbury; 

354Unreverent 
young fellow; 117. 
Upavon, plea against alehouses; 

204. 
...... presentments; 195. 
Urchfont, coal at; 230. 
Sabbath breakers; 267. 
, Sunday card playing; 196. 
Under Ditch hundred; 203. 
Unemployable; 184. 

V 

Vagrants, increase of; 269. 
pass a forgery; 30. 
, pass of (1656); 352. 
Virginia, dangerous rogues sent 
to; 241. 

W 
Wages, illegal; 105. 
in Wiltshire; 93, 94. 
in Wiltshire, 17th century; 

289. 
in Wiltshire (1655); 290. 
in Wiltshire (1685); 294. 
Wanborough soldier wounded; 

351. 
Wansey, Major, served under ; 212. 
War against the Scots; 323. 
Warminster, bull baiting in; 259. 
church in decay 5218. 
man taken prisoner; 340. 
, ducking stool wanted; 24. 
, presentments at; 134. 
Sessions (1644); 143. 
...... town presented; 108. 
wants a ducking stool; 121, 

246. 
...... wants stocks; 177. 
War-time experiences at Malmesbury; 
159. 
Watch and ward wanted; 195. 
Watchmen disobedient; 194. 
Water course diverted; 35, 157. 
supply denied; 68. 
Weavers, ancient, of Westbury; 

189. 
at Devizes, complaint; 190. 
Weeping Cross; 57. 
Westbury: 207. 
alehouse suppressed; 246. 
....... ancient weavers; 189. 
men assemble unlawfully; 

354


questions action of Justices; 

180. 
soldier's petition; 354. 
Wheat, mutton and poultry for the 
King; 95, 106, 129. 
White pot; 49. 
Whipped; 75. 
in Devizes market; 114, 
in Salisbury; 50. 
in the churchyard; 36. 
openly; 41, 75, 93. 
privately; 62. 
publicly; 29. 
under the elm tree; 58. 
Whipping and fetters for boy; 128. 
of women; 34. 
Whorlsdowne; 200. 
Widow gets her cottage; 91. 
petitions for pensions; 327. 
Will, curious 17th century; 48. 
....... a Wiltshire 16th century; 

287. 
William III. or James II. 5 276. 
Willis, Edith; 188. 
Wilton Mayor presented; 24. 
, plague at; 176. 
....... troublesome man of; 26. 


Wiltshire Captain's petition supported 
by General Monk; 

355


Winterbourne, great fire at; in. 
Witch, accused of being a; 156. 
, a reputed; 219. 
at Latton; 247. 

...... at Wick; 242. 
indicted; 82. 
of Malmesbury; 225. 

Witches of Devizes; 225. 
of Rode; 279. 
of Warminster; 36. 

, suspected ; 70. 
....... vehement; 75. 
Wizard and witches of Rode; 279. 
Woman and her pass; 223. 
Woollen cloth searchers; 121. 
Woodborough morris dancers; 221. 

Wool weighing overcharge; 101. 
Wootton Bassett borough; 251. 
butcher insults Charles II. ; 

235


, plague at; 175. 
soldiers' petition; 349. 
soldier's petition supported 

by Cromwell; 350. 
Workmen parade at Trowbridge; 

259


Wounded at Salisbury battle; 339. 
in the Wars; 168. 
soldier's pass; 322, 323. 

...... 28 times; 324. 
Wrongly imprisoned; 75. 
Wroughton sewer dammed; 184. 
Wylye, fear of fire at; 74. 

, fire at; 74. 
no risk of fire; 77. 



INDEX TO AUTOGRAPH LETTERS. 

The dates given are those of the Roll to which the letter 
belongs. Occasionally the letter itself bears a somewhat earlier 

date. 

A 
Albemarle, Duke of, 1664 ... 355 


General Monk, ist Duke of 
Albemarle. Commanded 
the forces against the 
Scots. 

Arundel, Lord, 1638, First 
Baron

, 1670

Ashe, John, 1649> 1650Ashley, Lord, 1665Elected M.P. for Downton, 
but was refused his seat by 
the House of Commons, 
Was Lord Lieutenant of 
Dorset in 1667. 
Aubrey, J. , 1614Axtell, Lt.-Col. D., 1649Commanded the soldiers at 
the trial of King Charles I. 
at Westminster. 

B 

Balfour, Lt.-Col. Sir W., 

 321 
361 
330 
338 
350 

 311 
330 

1632 .-..313» 314 

Governor of the Tower of 
London. Was in command 
at Edgehill, 1642. 


Barker, Major H., 1640 ...... 322 

Surgeon in the Army. 
Baynton, Sir E. J., 1614 ... 310 
Beauchamp, Lady Anne, 1656 352 

Lady of the Manor of 
Broad Town. 
Benett, T., 1648 328 
, 1670 361 

Steward to Lord Arundel. 
Binckes, R., 1650 335 
Treasurer to the States. 
Blacker, W., 1612 304 
Treasurer for South Wilts, 

Blackmore, Lt.-Col. J. , 1647 324 
Commanded a Regiment 
against the Scots. 

Bradshawe, Lord J. , 1657 ... 353 
President, High Court of 

Justice. The Regicide 

Judge. 

Branthwaite, R., 1611 301 
, 1612 3°4» 3°5Bridgwater, 
Sir John, 1633 317 

Privy Councillor. 
Brown, Captain W., 1647 ... 324 
Governor of Abingdon. 

C 
Caesar, J. , 1611 301, 302 
, 1609 3°S 
1613 30° 

Chancellor of the Exchequer. 
Canterbury, Archbishop of, 

1609 30S 
, 1613 306 
, 1633 • 315 

Cecil, Sir E., 1611 303 
Viscount Wimbledon in 

1626. 

Charles II., King, 1660 353 
Letter written on the 
King's behalf by Ed. 
Nicholas. 

Chapin, T., 1640 322 

Coker, Col. Sir H., 1661 ... 354 
Commanding in the Civil 
Wars. 

Coles, W., 1651 347 
Clerk of the Peace. 
Committee of Parliament for 
Dorset, 1647 ••••• 3 2 ^ 
Compton Chamberlaine Inhabitants, 
1649 333 
Cottington, Lord F., 1633 

Chancellor of the Exchequer. 
Coventry, Sir T., 1633 ... 315, 317 
1 1637 3IC)

Judge of tho Star Chamber. 
Cowssey, Lieut, II., 1655 ... 351 
Coxe, R,, 1613 ...V. 307 

Privy Councillor, 


Cromwell, O., 1651 344 
1652 346» 347 
> 1654 35° 

D 
Danby, Henry, Earl of 1629 312 
» 1633 • 3*7 

Baron Danvers of Dauntsey, 
Governor of Jersey. 
Established the Botanical 
Gardens at Oxford. 


Danvers, Sir J., 1647 325 
, 1650 338 
, 1655 350 

M.P. for Malmesbury. One 
of the Regicides. (Sometimes 
spelt Davers). 
Darell, M., 1613 307 
Privy Councillor. 

Dauntsey, J. , 1605 299 

....... 1614 310 


Dethick, J. , 1656 352 
Lord Mayor of London. 
Devizes, Inhabitants of, 1650 337 
Disbrowe John (General J . 
Desborrough), 1655 ...... 3^2 
Commanded Cromwell's 
Horse, and was a Commissioner 
of the Treasury. 

Dove, J., 1650 338 
, M.P. for Salisbury, 

1651 344 

One of the Regicides. In 
1655 he was High Sheriff 
for Wilts. Was taken 
prisoner by the Royalists 
at the battle of Salisbury. 


Dun, Daniel, 1614 310 
Dunn, G., 1649 334 
Surgeon in the Civil Wars. 

E 

Ebor (Archbishop of York), 

1633 3J5 
Ellesmere, Sir T., 1611 302 
, 1613 3°6 

Lord Chancellor. 

Evelyn, Sir John, 1654 350 
Lord of the Manor of Ashton 
Keynes. 

Eyre, Captain T., 1647 336 
> 1649 332 
,165° 33 6 

In command under the 
Governor of Bristol in the 
Civil Wars. 

Eyre, W., 1649 331 
> 1651 343 

A Wiltshire Justice of the 

Peace. 

F 
Fairfax, General Sir T., 1646 324 
Commander-in-Chief of the 
Parliamentary Army. 
Figheldean, Inhabitants of, 

1648 327 
Fitzherbert, S., 1664 355 
Fleetwood, Captain O., 1640 322 
Freman, R. A., 1632 313 

G 
Goddard, J. , 1648 328 
Physician - in - Chief to 
Cromwell's Army in Ireland, 
1649. 
Goodwin, —., 1640 322 
Surgeon's mate to Sir W. 
Ogle's regiment. 
Greenawoode, W., 1650 335 
Treasurer to the States. 

H 

Hallsland, —., 1633 317 
Harvey, E., 1650 338 
Herbert, Captain J. , 1613 ... 306 
Herbert, Captain W., 1654 ... 349 

In the Army of the Earl of 

Essex. 
Herbert, Sir John, 1613 308 
Hertford, Earl of, 1611 303 

, i6S3 348 

Hinger, R., 1647 324 
Surgeon in Colonel Birch's 
Regiment. 

Hungerford, Sir John, 1605 299 
A Wiltshire Justice of the 
Peace. 
Hutcheson, R., 1650 335 
, 1651 • •• 341 

Treasurer to the States. 
One of the Committee for 
" Justices for maimed 
soldiers ". 


Hyde, Sir R., 1640 322 
, 1651 345 

Chief Justice, King's 
Bench. 


J 

Jordan, J . W., 1614 310 
A Wiltshire Justice of the 
Peace. 

Justices of the Peace of Wiltshire, 
1637 319 

K 

Kellier, —., 1633 317 
Keynton, T., 1651 344 
Mayor of Salisbury. 
Knollys, Sir W., 1609 30S 


Knollys, Sir W., 1613 307 
Earl of Banbury. Commissioner 
of the Treasury. 

Laudey, Sergt.-Major W.

s 

a

1640 33 

Laurence, Col. Rob., 1670 ... 361 

Leigh, J., 1613 307 
Privy Councillor. 
Lennox, Duke of, 1609 ...... 308 
Privy Councillor. 

Lenthal, Wm., 1650 338 
Speaker of the House of 
Commons. 

Leonard, W., 1612 303 

Mayor of Dover. 
Ley, William, 1605 299 
Ley, Lord Henry, 1628 312 


Afterwards Earl of Marl


borough. 

Lindsey, Earl of, 1633 3*7 
Commanded the " Red 
Regiment " at Edgehill. 

Longe, W. A., 1605 ............ 299 
A Wiltshire Justice of the 
Peace. 

Lord Chamberlaines, 1609 ... 308 
Lord Chancellor, 1609 308 
Lord Treasurer, 1609 308 
Ludlowe, Col. W., 1648 328 
1651 342 
, 1652 347 
Ludlowe, Col. Sir E., 1648 ... 328 
» 1649 330, 331, 334 
> 1650 335> 338. 341 
> 1651 341 

5

M.P. for Hindon. Member 
of Council of State. Military 
Governor of Ireland. 
A Regicide. Died and 
buried at Vevey, Switzerland. 
M 
Marlborough, Earl of, 1632 314 
, 1633 316 

James Ley, ist Earl of 
Marlborough. 
Manchester, Earl of, 1633 
3i5> 3*7 

Sir Henry Montagu, Com


missioner of the Treasury, 

Miervin, J. , 1605 299 
A Wiltshire Justice of the 
Peace. 

Mompesson, T., 1661 ......... 354 
Morgan, J. , 1609 300 

N 
Newbury, Duke of, 1633 315 
Member of Inner Star 
Chamber. 

Nicholas, Sir E., 1609 300 
, 1660 354 

Secretary of State to King 
Charles I. 
Northampton, Earl of, 1611 301 
, 1613 3° 6 

Henry Howard, ist Earl 

of Northampton. 

0 

Ogle, Col. W., 1640 323 
Colonel for Wiltshire. 
Oldisnorth, M., 1650 33 8 

P 

Pembroke and Montgomery, 
Earl of, 1638 322 
, 1650 338 
, 1673 362 


Philip Herbert, 4th Earl of 
Pembroke and Montgomery. 
Lord of the Bedchamber. 
Lord Chamberlain. 


Penruddocke, J. , 1652 347 
A leader in the " Rising in 
the West " of 1655. 

Peokcocke, J. , 1650 335 
....... 1651 341 

Treasurer to the States. 
In other places spelt 
" Pocock." 


Perry, WT., of Bratton, 1650 336 
A soldier under Sir E. 
Hungerford. 

Poole, J., 1614 310 
A Wiltshire Justice of the 
Peace. 

Popham, Colonel Edward, 

1650 338 

Admiral of the Fleet. 
Popham, Alex, 1651 345 
Lived at Littlecote. 

Powlett, Lord H., 1638 321 
Lord of the Manor of Chitterne. 


Pride, T., 1654 349 
A Commissioner for the 
trial of King Charles I. 

Privy Council (8 names), 1637 320 
15 names}, 1667 357 
10 names), 1674 364 

R 

Raleigh, Sir Caro, 1614 309 
Brother of Sir Walter 
Raleigh, Naval Commander. 
M.P, for Ludgershall, 
also for Downton. 

Raleigh, Sir W., 1613 308 
Randulph, Baron, 1614 311 


s 

Salisbury, Earl of, 1611 301, 302 

Viscount Cranbourne. 
Sands, Captain J. , 1640 323 
Shaftesbury, Lord, 1673 363 

Anthony Ashley Cooper, 

M.P. for Downton. 
Shrewsbury, G., 1611 302 
Skippon, Major-General F., 
1654 349 
Smythe, P., 1650 338 
Southampton, Earl of, 1665 356 

Lord Treasurer. Thomas 
Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of 
Southampton. 


Stanhope, Lord J. , 1611 301 
Treasurer of the Chamber. 

St. John, Sir Oliver, 1609 ... 299 
Baron Tregoze. Master of 
Ordinance in Ireland. 

St. Lawrence, Sir Christopher, 
1609 300 
Baron Howth. 
Suffolk, Earl of, 1611 ... 301, 302 
j 1613 306 
Lord Thomas Howard. 
Swanton, F., 1651 345 

T 

Talbot, Sir John, 1687 364 
Talbot, G. (of Laycock), 1687 364 
Thynne, Sir T., of Longleat, 

1614 309 
Tomlinson, Colonel M., 1651 343 
Custodian of King Charles 

I. after being sentenced 
and until his execution. 
Tooker-S G., 1605 299 
A Wiltshire Justice of the 
Peace. 

Treasury, Lords of 
(4 names), 
1667o

 3
3
fi 

Trumbell, W., 1636 317 

M.P. for Downton. Muster-
Master General. 
Vaughan, Sir W. A., 1614 ... 310 
Major-General in Ireland. 

Vere, Sir Horace, 1612 303 
Baron Vere of Tilbury. 
Governor of Brill. 

Vernon, R., 1613 307 
Privy Councillor. 

W 

Waad, Sir W. G., 1603 298 
, 1611 301 
, 1612 304, 305 
Governor of Tower of 
London. Investigated Gun 
Powder Plot. 
Wake, W., 1670 361 
Waller, Sir W., 1647 324 

M.P. for Andover. Commander 
of the Army in the 
West in the Civil Wars. 
Bombarded Devizes, 1643. 
Wentworth, Sir T., 1633 317 
Earl of Strafford. Lord 
Deputy of Ireland. 

Wiltshire 
Justices of the 
Peace, 1614 309 
Wimbledon, Viscount, 1633 ... 315 
Governor of Portsmouth. 
Windebank, Col. Sir F., 

1633 3iS 317 

Secretary of State. 
s

Worcester, Bishop of, 1609 ... 308 
, 1611 302 
, 1613 306 

Wotton, Sir E., 1613 ... 306, 307 
Privy Councillor. 

Wren, Rev. Christopher, 1628 311 
Father of Sir Christopher 
Wren. 
Wroughton, Gyles, 1614 310 
A Wiltshire Justice of the 
Peace. 
Wylde, Baron J. , 1649 33° 
Lord Chief Justice. Chief 
Baron of the Exchequer. 
Member of Council of State. 

Zouche, Lord E., 1603 306 
, 1609 308 

Glenarth, Baron Zouche. 
President of Wales. Commissioner 
for the Treasury. 



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