Staffordshire Quarter Sessions: 1609

The constablewickes of the county bordering the king's highway between London and Westchester. Q/SR/108/43 (1609)

To the right honorable and right worshipfull
his majesties Justices of Peace and
Quorum of the County of Stafford.

That whereas the constablewickes of this County, borderinge uppon, or neere, his Majesties roadewaye
leadinge betweene London and Westchester, are yearely very heaviely burdened with his
Majesties carriages, aswell towardes as fromwardes his Majesties realme of Irelande (the
chardges whereof (for the most parte) exceedinge the fyfteenth or taske imposed
uppon every such constablewicke).

And forasmuch as the greate parte of this county, (beeinge further remote from the
sayde roade waye) are by reson thereof, neyther called to performe the saide service,
nor chardged with contribucion, to such as are compelled thereunto. The sayde
borderinge constablewickes in all other causes of chardge, equally taxed with the rest
of this county notwithstandinge.

May it therefore please this honorable Benche to give present order, that a generall
taxacion throughout this county may henceforth be yearely had and levyed for
the dispatche of the sayde service, as to your wisdomes shall seeme meete, and as in
all equyty the same oughte to bee.

May 24to. Anno Regni Regis Jacobi Angliae etc. Sexto

The inhabitants of the hundred of Seisdon. Q/SR/108/67 (1609)

To the right worshipful the kinges Majesties Justices of the Peace in the Countye of Stafford

Humblye besechen your worships the Inhabitauntes of the hundred of Seisdon. That where there are diverse bridges within the hundredes
of Offlowe, Piechill, Tottmanslowe, and Cuttelston, nowe in decaye, the which in former tymes have bene repayred amended
and maynteyned, somme of them by particuler persons, some by particuler townes and others by the inhabitauntes of the hundred
within the which the same bridges are, (as by auncyent recordes remayninge with the Custos Rotulorum of this Countye and other sufficient proofes dothe and maye
appeare) And whereas yt pleased the kinges Majesties Justices of Assise in this Countye at the Assises holden in sommer laste, uppon
complainte to them made to give in commaundment that the same bridges shoulde be amended and repayred. By vertue of which commaundment
and by warrant from diverse Justices in this Countye directed to the highe constables of the hundred of Seisdon, they the saide highe
constables have made out preceptes to all the pettye constables within the saide hundred, for the leviinge of a greate somme of money
amountinge to the somme of one hundred twelve poundes twelve shillinges and twoe pence ob qr within the saide hundred, Our
humble requestes unto your worships is that you woldbe pleased to give order that those decayed bridges maybe repayred and amended.

And althoughe (as we suppose) we the sayde inhabitauntes of Seisdon hundred, are not by lawe dulye to be chardged or taxed
for the reparacions or amendment of the saide decayed bridges. Yet neverthelesse for that we understande the bridges are
manye and the reparacions will amounte to a greate chardge, we are and wilbe readye and contented in love and neighborehood
to contribute and allowe oute of our saide hundred, soe muche and suche sommes of money, as your nowe assemblye of Justices in
this Sessions, or anye fower of you, wherof we desire Sir Edward Littelton and Sir Walter Chetwinde knightes maybe
twoe to assigne and appointe to be payed, to anye collector by you appointed, And soe as the same your order and appointment
maybe regestred and recorded amongest others the recordes of this countye to be reputed and taken (or payment out of
our love and benevolence to our neighbors,) and not as a chardge whereunto we are tyed by the lawe to paye.

William Hancockes, constable of Wolverhampton. Q/SR/108/68 (1609)

To the right honorable and the right worshipful
his Majesties Justices of the Peace and Quorum
within the Countie of Stafford

May it please you to understande, that aboute the xxth. day of
Julye last past, in the Sixt yeare of his majesties raigne, your
orator beinge then cunstable of Wolverhampton, and very carefull
to performe his dutie in that place, was much abused by one
Richard Berington of Sedgeley within the said countye, being
then and theare very dronken, and of an outragious and offensive
behavioure, who then was warned by your said orator, quietly and peace- ably to departe the towne; which admonition, he the said Berington
toke not only in disdayne, with manye reprochfull and sclanderouse
speches; but also with violence stroke your said orator, and
did teare his clothes from his backe, whereupon your orator
was constrayned to require ayde, and to sett the said Brompton
in the stockes, for a short tyme, till he became more quiett
But synce that tyme, the said Berington, hath sought by all
meanes to molest your said orator, and such as assisted him
at that tyme, and also still threatneth a violent revenge,

Wherefore the premisses considered, your orators humble sute
is, that it may please you, both for example sake, and for
the safetie of your said orator and others, to graunte the
warrant of good behavioure, against the said Richarde
Berington, whereby others of like condicion may be warned,
and your said orator, live in peace and securitye.

• John Richardes
• James: Burton
• Thomas Creswell
Homfrey Wightwicke Daniel Cary
• Francis Cleobury
• Harry Glover Willyam Normansell
• William Cutt
• Thomas Tarte
• Cylinster Hayes
• Henry Pinson
• Robart Merit

William Tudge and others on behalf of Walter Steward and George Smith. Q/SR/108/69 (1609)

To the Right honorable and worshipful the kinges majesties Justices
of the peace in the Countie of Stafford

May it please your honours and worships to be certified, that whereas
Walter Steward and George Smith were for theire misdemeannor
uppon our certificate made, committed unto prison in
his majesties Gaole of Stafford uppon their good behaviour by
warrant from Sir Edward Litleton knight and Walter Wrottesleye
Esquire, where they contynued by the space of one moneth,
by which meanes aswell by their imprisonment in their hard diette
as their extreame colde in the hardest tyme of winter, they were
dryven into great weakenes both in body and estate and have
in the tyme of their imprisonment by their lamentable crye and
more made unto us by their parentes and frendes procured us in
commisseracion to procure them bale untill the next Sessions
for the peace Our humble request therefore unto your honours
and worships is that you would be pleased that they may be released
from the good behaviour and sett at libertie, we nothinge
doubtinge but that their former imprisonment hath bene a meanes
to drawe them to undertake a newe life and honest conversacion
which they have alreadie shewed in their life and conversacion
synce their enlargement out of prison. And so humblely
taken our leave this first of Januarie 1608.

• William Tudge Henrie Cooksie Richard Holmes gent


• William Greene cler Willm Corbyn gent Samuel Corbyn gent
• Thomas Crabb William Churchyard William Brown of Popeham
• John Langmer
• John Stewerd John [Cudgis?] Thomas Hill
• Thomas Cole
• John Sempall Thomas Steward
• William Guest Henry Nashe John Churchyard
• Henrie Hill Richard Langm[er] Edward Holoway John Holoway
• Hendry Gooden John Hill Richerd Grouser
• William Longmor
• John Monsell Jorge [Laingm?]

Nickolas Yeamondes. Q/SR/108/70 (1609)

Staff

To the Righte Honorable and Worshipfull his Majesties Justicis
of Peace upon the benche for this Conty of Stafforde

Humbly shewith unto your good honars and worshipes: your pore and humble
Nich Yomans petitioner: Nickolas Yeamondes: who hath to his uttar undoinge layne
in prison: the space of Seventeene wickes: for noe othar offence: but onley
the mallice of one Roger Fowlke of Little Aston in Coffilde in this contie
landlord to your pore petitionar who doth continewally seeke to greeve and
moleste your petitionar: for that he wold wreste hime out of a lease he hath
of his howse and some other little commodytie your pore petitionar holdith by
the same lease, and further doth threaton to binde him to his good behaviour
when he shalbe releaseade.

In tendar consideration wherof may yt therfore please your good Honars and
Worshipes: att this time: to call before yow the saide Rogar Fowlkes and take the
hearinge of the mattar in contrevartie to the end your humble and pore peti-
tionar: may be releasede our of prison, and that he hearaftar may be noe furthar
molestid and trobled: usinge himselfe as befites ane honest man in everey
degree: and yore pore petitionar with his por wiffe and children shall continewally
pray for your healthes longe to continew: with all increase of Honars and
worship:

Robert Hodgeskyn of Little Haywood, wheelwright. Q/SR/108/71 (1609)

Staff SS

To the Honorable and Worshipfull his Majesties
Justices of peace and Quorum within
the Countie aforeseid

The humble Peticion of Robert Hodgeskyn
of Little Haywood in the seid Countye whelwright

Shewing unto Your Honors and Worshippes that whereas it
pleased the Right worshipfull Walter Bagott Esquyer
through the wronge enforment of a leawd woman called
Alice Pigstooke wiffe of Frauncis Pigstocke of Little
Heawood aforeseid husbandman to bynd your poore orator
to the peace without any just cause as knoweth god.

May it therefore please your good l[ordsh]ipes and worshippes to
cause the seid Alice Pigstocke to repeale before you to
shewe openlie the Cas Cause wherefore she should bynd
this your poore Orator so wrongfullie to the peace. he being
a good and honest man within his seid towne as knoweth all
his neighboures.

In tender consideracion whereof he appealeth unto your
good Honnors and worshippes (the premisses considered) that
out of your accustomed favours and goodnes at the humble
suite of your distressed orator you will release your seid
Orator or els to cause the seid Alice to be here before
you examyned her husband being a lewd fellowe
and a theeffe, She also being a resetter of stolne
goodes, And this your poore orator being a good neighbour
and hath ever lyved a quyett and honest lyffe in his
seid towne h wherein he inhabited as your good l[ordsh]ippes
and worshippes shalbe truelie enformed by the better sorte
of his honest neighboures, And herein he shall pray unto
god for your l[ordsh]ipes and worshippes longe contynuance

Your l[ordsh]ipes and worshippes poore Orator
in all humblenes
Roberte Hodgeskyn

The overseers of the poor of Gnossall, on behalf of the whole parish. Q/SR/108/72 (1609)

Staff ss

To the honorable and worshipfull
his majesties Justices of Peace and Quorum
within the Countie aforeseid

The humble Peticion of Thomas
Barnfeild, William Preston, John Mores,
and John Brett, overseers of the poore
within the parishe of Gnossall, in the
behalffe of the whole parishe.

Shewing thatt whereas the Reverend
Father in God the Lord Byshopp of this
Dyocesse that nowe is about eight
yeres nowe past directed his Lordshipes precept
agaynst one Roger Lea alias Lee of
the same parishe to apprehend the same
Roger, as a reputed father for the
begetting of a basterd chyld, which
precept is hereunto annexed But the
seid Roger fled from the then officer
And was not apprehended by reason
whereof the parishoners theare have byn
hitherto and still are chardged with the keeping
of the same chyld, contrarie to lawe and
good conscience,

For that the seid Roger, hath byn for the most
parte ever sythence [commorant?] within the same
parishe or thereaboutes, And is a man of good habilitie, And
yet most unconscionablie chardgeth the parishe
with the keeping of the same chyld

For reformacion herein your oratores most humblie
crave your favorable ayde and assistance And
that but according to the lawes and statutes
in that case made and provyded And that you will
please you to call hym by precept before you to
answere the premisses, And herein they shall
humblie prey god for your longe contynuance.

John Chadocke, John Saveage, John Williamson, Marey Osbarton and Anne Smyth, prisoners. Q/SR/108/74 (1609)

Stafford

To the Right Worshipfull Sir Edwarde Littilton
knighte and the rest of His Majesties Justicis on the benche

Humbly shewithe unto your good worship and the reste of his Majesties Justicis
of peace uppon the benche, that wheras your pore and humble petitionars
John Chadocke: John Saveage: John Williamson Marey Osbarton and Anne
Smyth nowe prisonares in the Comon geoyle for this Conty: Committed by
your worship wher they are licke to starve and pine: with towe smale
children, unleste hit shall please your worshipe and the reste of the worshipfull
of the bench to take comiseration and pittey of your pore distressed
petitionars who ley in greate miserey and wante noe mane beinge justly
able to charge them with the valewe of on peney takene from them any
mannar of way:

In tendar consideration wherof May it therfore please your worship: and the reste
of the worshipfull of the benche: to take comiseration and pittie of you pore
distressede petitionars: that att this time: they may have theyre tryall: and
theyre inocentie may be deliverede: otherwise theyre case is moste lamentable
and they your moste pore and humble petitionars: shall alwayes accordinge to
theyre bonden dewties pray for your worshipes healthes longe to continew withall
increase of s Worshipe:

Thomas Sheafe. Q/SR/108/75 (1609)

Staff SS

The humble peticion of Thomas Sheafe
To the right worshippful the kinges majesties
Justices of the peace for this countye

Humblie shewinge unto your good worshipps That wheras your pore
peticioner havinge bine greatly wronged and inured by Richard
Haskie bayleife, your saide peticioner beinge a pore man havinge
a weife and pore familie and seekinge by his true indeavoure to get
his livinge for their better releife, And beinge servaunt to the worshippful
Mr Roger Urmestonne of Stoke, the saide Richard Haskye on
your pore peticioners absence came to his howse havinge but one cowe to
releive his saide pore weife and children which the saide Richard
Haskye did take and drive awaye contrarye to lawe and conscience
knowinge noe cause of action wherfore

In tender consideracion wherof beseacheth your good worshipps beinge of
ministers of Justice and equitie that it maye please you in charitie
to vouchsafe that that saide Richard Haskye maye be examined
and the truthe of the cause to be knowne, and your saide peticioner is willinge
to referre him selfe whollye to your worshippfull disposition. Soe
shall he rest accordinge to dutie daylye to praye for your
continuall healthes with increase of all happines

Margarett Dycher. Q/SR/108/76 (1609)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of peace and
gaole delivery within the countie of Stafford

The humble Petition of Margarett Dycher

Humblie shewinge that whereas your peticioner was heretofore reputed
to be the base daughter of Thomas Pettye gentleman deceased
And whereas the said Mr Pettie in his life tyme (for a slender
consideracion in regarde of the value thereof) did sell unto one
Richarde Elde gentleman the greatest parte of his inheritaunce and now
latelie died, since which tyme whether uppon anie agreement made
betwene the said Mr Pettie and the said Mr Elde in the life tyme
of the said Mr Pettie to your poore peticoner unknowne or
uppon what other occasion your peticioner was brought to the
house of the said Mr Elde who mainteyned her ever sithence and
it was generallie reported and thought in the opinion of the
countrey that the said Mr Elde was bounde by some agreement
made betwene him and the said Mr Pettie or otherwise uppon
some other good consideracion to himself best knowne to have
yelded mainteynaunce unto your pooe peticioner at the least
wise untill she had atteyned to some further yeares to have
bene able to by service to deserve mainteynaunce

Since which tyme and now latelie some unkindenes beinge conceaved
by the said Mr Elde against John Pettie and Waller Pettie gentleman
sonnes of the said Mr Pettie deceased, the said Mr Elde hathe
uppon that occasion tourned your peticioner out of his dores
by which meanes your poore peticoner beinge of tender yeares is
utterlie unprovided of mainteynaunce and like to perishe for want
thereof unles some

She humblie beseecheth your worships to take some speedie course
for her reliefe for godes cause and she shall daylie praie
to god for your worships health and happines.

The parishioners of Sandon. Q/SR/109/43 (1609)

To the right worshipful his Majesties justices of peace and
Quorum within the countie of Stafford

The humble peticion of the parishioners of Sandon

Humblie shewing that whereas one Thomas Bold
a poore man dwelling in havinge a little smithie within the
said parishe being neither mesuage nor cottage hath
latelie receaved into the ssame smithie eight poore
people being most of them straungers, whereof one
woman hath latelie had a childe within the said smithie
and another of theym is readie to lye downe.

They humblie beseeche your worships (for godes cause) for
that the said poore people (if they still contynue
there) are like to be a great charge and
burthen to the said parishe to take some such course
as that the said parishe maie be discharged
of and from the said poore people and the said
poore people Bold comaunded hencefurth to
receave no such other vagrant persons into the
said smithie And they shall daylie praie to god
for your worships happines with increase of worships
long to contynue

W Iremonger

Anne Preasley. Q/SR/109/59 (1609)

Stafford SS

To the Right honorable and woorshipfull his
majesties Justices of Peace and Quorum within
the countie aforeseid

The humble Peticion of Anne Preasley

Shewing and humblie beseechang your honours and worshipes
That wheras one Fraunces Vernam of Kneighton
within this countie yeman beyng a married man, by his
wicked perswacions overcame your Oratice and begett her with
chyld Whereuppon the late Lord Byshoppe and
the worshipfull Arthur Ratcliffe Esquyer, sett downe
order that your Oratrice should keepe the chyld and
in consideracion thereof the seid Vernam should pey
unto her weeklie xiid which order was made the about viiit. weekes nowe past and nothing performed
by the seid Vernam: But obstinatelie refuseth
to pey the same, saying those that made the order
let them performe yt, and an evill example
iff this shall goe unpunished And your poore oratrice
shall bee utterlie undon for ever, without your accustomed
pittie towardes her herein extended

In tender consideracion whereof and for that
the seid Vernam is bound over to appeare here this
daye Maye it please you of your goodnes and
according to justice and good conscience that shee
maye have it ordered by your good wisedomes That
the seid Vernam shall take and keepe the same chyld
as by lawe [she oug] he ought to doe, or otherwyse
by strict order from your honours and worshipes he maye
contynue the weeklie payment of the seid xiid and
satisfaccion for the arrerages, And herein she shall
humblie pray god for your longe contynuance.

Elizabeth Davies, widow of Forbridge. Q/SR/109/66 (1609)

Stafford SS

To the Right honorable and worshipfull the Kinges
majesties Justices of Peace and Quorum within the
countie aforeseid

The humble Peticion of Elizabeth Davies widdowe
a poore lame impotent and decrepit person within
the townshippe of Forbridge in this countie

Shewing and humblie beseeching, That whereas
your seid poore Oratrice was borne and brought up within
the parishe of Stafford Castle, by reason whereof she
beyng nowe by godes handiworke fallen lame and impotent
hath accordinge to the lawes and statutes of this realme
in that case made and provyded byn allowed somme mayntenance
within the same parishe, But no place to lyve or inhabitt in
whereupon one John Chamberlen alias Backhowse of Lees
Farm a substanciall yoman within the same parishe (for verye
charitie sake) hath permytted your poore oratrice to lyve
and contynue in a newe buylt howse of his in Forbridge
And nowe haveing graunted the same by lease the
tenant is to enter and your oratrice to seeke for herselffe
who is nowe lyke to be greatlie distressed and to lye in the
streetes, (in regard there is no overseers to releeve her
That she knoweth withowt somme parte of your accustomed
goodnes herein to her extended.

May it therefore please your good honours and worshipes out
of your pittie and commiseracion, (And according to lawe
and justice) to sette downe some suche good order
to be presentlie performed by the parishioners there, in provydinge
a competent place for your oratrice to lye and lyve
in as in your good wisdoms shalbe thowght fytt, who
otherwyse shall perishe in the streetes for want thereof
And in your goodnes towardes her herein shall dai
daylie upon her knees prey god for your long contynuance

John Ward of Meere, husbandman, and William Craddocke of Forton. Q/SR/109/68 (1609)

Stafford SS

To the Right Honnorable and Worshipfull
his Majesties Justices of Peace and
Quorum within the Countie aforeseid

The Humble Peticion of John Ward of Meere
in the Countie aforeseid husbandman, and William
Craddocke of Forton in the seid countie husbandman

Shewing that whereas Thomas Dewson of Meere
aforeseid, John Mayden of Forton aforeseid and
William Garmyson of Sutton within the seid Countie
husbandmen, do and have held the halffe of a certayne messuage
or cottage in Forton aforeseid for a certeyne tyme
the which was late the land of one John [Willams?], your
orators haveing held and enjoyed the moytie or one
halffe of the which during the space of nyne or tenn
yeeres now last past, during the which tyme your poore
orator have byn greviouslye over prest and taxed with all
manner of paymentes and duties, to our soveraigne lord the King
and the Church, They the seid Dewson, Mayden, and Garmyson
although the hold halffe of the seid messuage or very
nere thereaboutes, utterlie denye to pey any parte of the
seid duties, because the bee not luned or taxed.

In consideracion whereof may it please your good Lordshipp and
Worshipes to cause our constable and church wardens to cesse
and tax the seid Dewson Mayden and Garmyson according
to their valure of their moytie in the premisses before
menconed, wherein your poore oratores, their wyffe wyves
and childeren shall ever have cause to prey unto god
for the long contynuances with much encrease of
honnor and worshippe

Your poore and humble oratores

• John Ward
• Willm Craddocke

Prisoners in the county gaol. Q/SR/110/35 (1609)

To the righte Honorable and Worshippfull his Majesties Justices of the
benche, within the Countie of Stafforde.

It is moste lamentable (right honorable and woorshipful) that in suche ymmerciles manner
Christianes shoulde be dealt withall. As wee towe your humble petitioners are and have byne,
since oure committmente to prison where wee have contynewed nowe sixe weakes in most
extreme povertie and wante, destitute of frendes, spoyled of oure goodes. and starved for hunger
a thinge most monsterous, a crueltie never harde of suche before in a countrey of peace,
so plentiffull, and a nation of suche civillitie. Whereas lawes are mayde to have there full
scoppe to justice, (not to doe Injustice) of which wee nowe complayne. Pardon wee crave it
is injustice, to keepe oure goodes, before conviction by lawe. And whether oure Imprisomente
be just it is a question for suppose I bee a prist, yet banished as my name, of, Englande
doth ymporte: You will saye I was taken, the tyme beinge expired it is true, yet this is
nothinge; for I was taken sicke, neyther able, to goe nor stande, howe lounge I hadd bene
sicke, yow knewe not, nor what meanes, I made, to imbarke my self neither whether
wynde, did serve, or shippinge could be gotten. All which thinges before imprisonmente:
should have bene knowne, seinge wee were travelinge to accomplishe the kynges Majesties will
and pleasure to banishe oure selves, to goe out of the countrey, to forsake our frendes.
All which is verified by not goinge frome my keeper and him that was bounde for mee it is
verified by his sellinge of his annewetie, to forsake the lande with me; his imprisoment
with mee ymportes, a truith of all this.Yea more aboute a three yeares agoe I indevored
my self to forsake the lande, uppon the Proclamacion made for banishment for pristes
havinge oure kinges worde for my warrante, tooke shippinge, and havinge bene sixe dayes
on the seas and driven by tempest into the harboure of Lyverpoole, was taken a shipboard
not on lande contrarye, to all lawe and equitie, violentlie was cast into prison, continewed
there two yeares three quarteres. When neither my beinge a shipboarde neither the extremitie
of tempest, nor the kinges proclamacion woulde serve my purpose: And nowe this secounde
tyme: but (onely) foure weekes at lybertie, after my lounge ymprisonmente but committed
agayne of which tyme wee hadde; but twentie daies allotted to forgoe the lande: All these
premisses charitablie considered of your Honours and worshippes maye insue somme spedie
redresse of these oure wrounges, ballenced with justice and equitie. That is althoughe
imprisoned yett that wee starve not, for wante of meate; and lett us have oure owne
to nurrishe lyfe. Soe shall wee reste obliged, to your Honour and Worshipps.

Your honours and worshippes moste humble peticioners

• Edward Millington
• Richard Sonkie

Henrie Nayler of Walton. Q/SR/111/49 (1609)

To the right worshipful his majesties justices of peace and
Quorum within the countie of Stafford

The humble petition of Henrie Nayler of
Walton

Humblie shewinge that whereas it was heretofore agreed
betwene him and one Michaell Hardin that your peticioner in
consideracion of a somme of money (whereof your peticioner paid
parte in hande and tendred the rest at the tyme appointed)
shoulde have surrendred unto him a copieholde tenement in
Walton for terme of xxi yeares and under by the said
Michaell at a court then shortlie followinge to be helde.

And whereas your peticioner accordinge to the said agreement
did with the consent of your the said Hardin enter into the
possession of the same tenement and the landes thereto
belonginge and the same hitherunto hath quyetlie untill
now of late quyetlie enjoyed accordinglie, havinge brought
his goodes into the same and havinge bestowed great charges
in the husbandrie thereof.

And whereas one John Lowe of Walton aforsaid beinge a person
person verey disordered contentious, and geven to stirre uppe
sedition amongest his neighbors hathe of late forciblie
entred into the said tenement without anie tytle at all
thereunto and hathe expulsed your peticioner out of the same
and deteyneth your peticioners goodes corne and all his other
goodes from him to the utter impoverishment of him his wife and
children.

He humblie beseecheth your worships for gods cause, to take such
course as that your peticioner maie be releeved in the
premisses and in the restoringe of his possession and goodes
so farre as to justice shell apperteyne And he shall
daylie praie god for your worships health and happines