260 Griffith v Gwyn

260 GRIFFITH V GWYN

Abel Griffith, gent v George Gwyn of Cardigan, co. Cardigan

April 1638

Abstract

Griffith complained that in Cardigan in December 1637, Gwyn gave him the lie. When Griffith asked him why, Gwyn replied 'is it soe great a matter to give such a base fellow as thou art the lye'? Griffith was steward to Viscount Loftus, Lord Chancellor of Ireland. No sentence survives.

Initial proceedings

20/1j, Libel

Griffith was steward to Viscount Loftus, Lord Chancellor of Ireland. In Cardigan in December 1637, Gwyn 'said that I lyed; and being demanded why he gave me they lye, the said George Gwyn in a disgraceful and provoking manner replied, Is it soe great a matter to give such a base fellow as thou art, meaning me the said Griffith, the lye?, or words to that effect'.

Dated 28 April 1638.

Signed by Clere Talbot.

Plaintiff's case

14/2qq, Defence interrogatories

1. The witnesses were warned of the penalty for perjury and bearing false witness.

2. Was the witness a household servant or retainer of either of the parties? Was the witness a relative of either of the parties, and if so by what degree?

3. Had there been any discord or controversy among the witnesses?

4. Had the witness talked with anyone concerning the cause and had the witness been instructed how to depose? If so, by whom?

5. If the witness deposed of the pretended words in the libel, they were to be asked when were the words given and who was there? Upon 'what occasion happened you to be there present'?

6. If the witness deposed of the pretended words in the libel, they were to be asked upon what occasion were the words spoken and what provocation did Mr Griffith give Mr Gwyn to speak those words and what words passed between them both before and after'?

No date.

Signed by Thomas Exton.

Notes

W. N. Osborough, 'Adam Loftus, viscount Loftus of Ely (1568-1643)', Oxford DNB (Oxford, 2004).

Documents

• Initial proceedings
  • Libel: 20/1j (28 Apr 1638)
• Plaintiff's case
  • Defence interrogatories: 14/2qq (no date)

People mentioned in the case

• Exton, Thomas, lawyer
• Griffith, Abel, gent
• Gwyn, George
• Loftus, Adam, viscount Loftus of Ely
• Talbot, Clere, lawyer

Places mentioned in the case

• Cardigan
  • Cardigan
• Isle of Ely
  • Ely
• Ireland
• Wales

Topics of the case

• denial of gentility
• giving the lie
• office-holding