Staffordshire Quarter Sessions: 1629

George Whithurst of Checkley, miller. Q/SR/190/4 (1629)

Staff ss

To the Honorable and Right worshipfull his Majesties
Justices of peace and quorum in the said County of Stafford

The humble peticion of George Whithurst late of
the parishe of Checkley in the said Countie miller

In most humble wise sheweth and complaineth that whereas
your said peticioner and his wife were both borne in the said
parishe of Checkley and have continually since theire birth
lived within the same untill May day last or a little before
your said peticioner beinge fallen into great want and
misery by reason of suretyshipp and other losses went
into Ireland thinkeinge there to have lived and main-
tayned himselfe and his wife and children your said peticioner
haveinge noe meanes left was glad with his wife and five
smale children to retorne to the said parishe of Checkley
which said parish is unwillinge and refuse to receive your said
peticioner his wife and children by reason whereof your said
peticoner his wife and children for want of a place of habita-
cion are like to starve.

Wherefore the premisses considered your said peticoner
as formerly he hath donne humbly desireth you
his Majesties said Justices to take such order herein
for your said peticioners releefe as you in equity
and justice shall thinke meete

William Swann of Stafford, labourer. Q/SR/190/5 (1629)

Staff ss

To the right worshipfull his Majesties Justices of the peace
and Quorum for this County of Stafford

The humble petition of William Swann of the Borough
of Stafford laborer

Sheweth unto your good worshipes that whereas this your
said petitioner standeth now bounden to his good behaviour
retornable at this present Sessions beinge prosecuted by one
Roger Sutton of the same boroughe, That your worshipes
wolde be pleased to take to your tender consideracions
that the matter nowe in question hathe bene hearde formerlie
before the maior and Richard Drakeford gentleman one of his
majesties of the peace for this boroughe whoe uppon good
deliberacion and hearing the objeccions on bothe sydes together
with certaine articles objected against the Swann by the
said Sutton colde fynde noe cause at all to graunte
the good behaviour against the said Swann, Savinge
only they graunted the peace upon oathe beinge made
bothe against Sutton and Swann whoe were legally
discharged thereof at the laste Sessions holden for
the said boroughe

May it therefore please this honorable and
worthie Benche in respecte the matter
hathe bene formerlie hearde before the Justices
of the said boroughe and for that the said Swan hath
received such punishment as was thought fitt
by the majestrates there (the which as this your
petitioner conceives ys not yet made knowne
unto this honorable benche) that your worshippes
wolde be pleased to release this your said
petitioner of the said good behaviour soe
formerlie graunted against him and this your
said petitioner shalbe daylie bounden to pray
god longe to continew the honorable and worshipfull
of this Benche in all prosperitie and happines.

Henry Gouldsmith and Georg Adshead, overseers of the poor for the Castle parish. Q/SR/190/8 (1629)

Stafford

To the worshipfull bench
for the County aforesaid

The humble peticion
of Henry Gouldsmith
and Georg Adshead
overseers of the poore
for the Castle parishe
Anno domini 1628

Wheras there was a lewne leyde
which came to xl somme fifty two
shillings which lewne was levyed
by the churchwardens overseeers and
constable with others of the parish
of the Castle parish aforesaid
The said lewne by the counsell of
Mr Drakford with others of the parish
is detayned: Soe that your peticioners
cannot performe those things to the poore
which your Court of Sessions have
enjoined to bee payde to mainteyne poore
people: and alsoe Henry Gouldsmith one
of the overseers for the last yeare hath
disbursed some xvs odd money which they
refuse to pay: Now if this honorable and
worshipfull bench will vouchsafe that all things may
be satisfyed according to law and the perticioners
releife wee shalbe ever bound to pray for
your prosperityes.

William Salt and Ellice Hodson, overseers of the poor for the parish of Leigh. Q/SR/190/10 (1629)

Staff ss

To his Majesties Justices
of Assessions for the
County aforesaide

The peticion of William
Salt and Ellice
Hodson overseers of
the poore for the parish of
Leigh 1628

Wheras the parish of Lee alias
Leigh were charged with Christofer
Blurton the sonne of Robert
Blurton deceased and the widdowe of the
saide Robert being not of ab
ability to mainteyne the said Christofer
the sayde parish hath bine charged
with him three or foure yeares
and now now the mother of the
sayd Christofer Blurton being suffyciently
maryed and of abillity to
mainteyne the sayde Christofer the
sonne, we humbly desire that
the sayd mother and her husband
Thomas Parker may releive the
sayde childe according to the statute
and conscience and release the said
parish of Leigh of their former
burthen And we shall be bound to
pray for your prosperityes

Robert Smith of Strongshill, labourer. Q/SR/190/11 (1629)

To the Right worshipfull the Justices of the peace for
this Countie of Stafforde

The humble peticion of Robert Smith of Strongshill
within the parish of Uttoxeter and in the countey of
Stafforde laborer:

Humblie shewinge unto your good worships, That whereas your
poore peticioner was borne, and doth still inhabite, in the
towne and parish above written, and by great paynes
doeth maynteyne himsealfe, his wyffe and fyve small
children, and the howse wherein he lyveth, is not onelie out
of repaire, but allsoe over rented, insoemuch as your poore
Suppliant, hath neither meanes to repaire the same, nor able
to paye the rente if yt were repaired.

His humble suite, therefore is, that in regard of his
poore estate, and great charge, It would please yow
to take Comisseracion of him, and dyrecte your warrant
unto the churchwardens and overseers of the
poore, for the saide parish of Uttoxeter, That they
maye appoynt some place upon the common to
erect him a howse on and likewais some
releefe of the said parishners, towardes the erectinge
of the same. And hee his poore wyffe and children
shall daily praie for your worships etc.

John Beardmore, clerk. Q/SR/190/12 (1629)

January 13.
1628.

To the honorable and right worshipfull his Majesties Justices
of the peace for the County of Stafford

The humble peticion of John Beardmore, clerke

Sheweth unto your worships the miserable and distressed
estate of a poore fatherlesse and motherlesse child
and frendlesse, borne in the parish of Blithfeild, brought thither by a poore man from Weston
super Trent where his mother died, being knowne and
acknowledged by divers of the parishoners to be borne
there; most of them being very willing to receive
him and to provide for him. But some lesse charitable
then the rest would not consent. Soe that the
child lay divers daies about the church and parsonage
and was not relieved, untill your peticioner tooke him into
his house, and kept him now a yeare and halfe, still
moving the parishoners to take him to their charge
which they refused to doe without warrant from a
Justice, which your peticioner procured from Sir Walter
Chetwind, and tendred the said warrant with the child
to the churchwardens and overseers for the poore
Notwithstanding, Lewis Abberley one of the church-
wardens refused to obey the said warrant; and
further he charged the overseers that if they did
receive the said child, they shold keepe him
themselves.

May it therefore please this honorable Court
to take some present order for the keepinge
of the said child, and your peticioner may
be freed and discharged from any further
charge therin. And he shall praye etc

Robert Moore of Checklie, butcher. Q/SR/190/13 (1629)

Staff ss

To the honorable and right worshipfull his Majesties
Justices of peace and quorum within the said County of Stafford

The humble peticion of Robert Moore of the parishe
of Checklie within the said County of Stafford bucher

In most humble wise sheweth and complaineth that where
as your said peticoner was borne within the said parishe
of Checklie and there hath lived ever since his birth (be-
inge now aged threescoore and six yeeres sithence) And your
said peticoner by reason of many hindrances and
now beinge soe aged haveinge a wife and one child to
maintayne and not able to labour and take paines
as heretofore he hath donne is fallen into great want
and misery and your said peticioner his wife and child likely
to perishe perishe for want of a place of habitacion
unlesse they be otherwise charitably relived the
best sort of the said parishe of Checklie threatinge to
lay the law with severity upon any within the said
parishe that shall any waise releeve your said peti-
coner with houseinge

Wherefore the premisses considered your said peticoner
humbly desireth you his Majesties said Justeces
to take such order herein for the releife of your
said poore peticoner as as you in your wise-
domes and justice shall thinke meete

Davie Pew and Jane his wife. Q/SR/190/15 (1629)

To the right worshipful his Majesties Justices of the peace for the Countie
of Stafford

The humble peticion of Davie Pew and Jane his wiffe

May it please your good worships to understand that whereas you poore
petitioners wiffe being servant before marriage unto Edward Reade of
Preston in the county aforesaid yeoman for the space of ten yeares together
and doeing the said Edward true and just service the said Edward doth
detayne and keepe the wages from the said servante your poore peticoner
which amounteth to seaven poundes seaven shillinges and eight pence, with
six peeces of pewter with certen other goodes to the utter undoeinge
of your poore petitioners, your petitioners beinge [illegible] very poore [wom?] and hath notheinge to depend uppon or to releive them, but the said
wages due to him in the right of his wiffe, shalbe forced to live in
greate povertie and want unles it please your good worships to
commisserate there case and releve your poore petitioners, as your worshipps
in your best wisedome thinketh fitt

And your goodnes shewed to your poore petitioners herein shalbe bownd to
pray daylie on theire knees for all your worships healthes and happines
longe to continew.

Also the said Davie Pewe your petitioner cominge to the house of the said
Edward to his wiffe for certayne necessaries uppon the saboth day in
the morninge about 5 quarter of a yere agoe, William Read brother
to the said Edward with a sword did cruelly wound your petitioner as
by the right worshipfull Sir Edward Littelton may appeare to be true

Alsoe the said Edward Read receaved of your petitioners mony seaven
and twentie shillinges and eight pence of Edward Webb of Lynall
who had recovered for your petitioners in the countie court, and that
mony alsoe he doth detayne and keepe

Alsoe the said Edward Read borrowed 40s of your petitioners for a yere
and was to pay consideracion, your petitioner beinge a very simple man
came to him and tould him If your petitoner would seale him an acquit
tance that he would pay him his mony againe, your petitioner be soe conten-
ted, the said Edward had drane a generall acquittance, which would a
freed him from all other debtes, your petitioners wiffe havinge notice
what it was, would not suffer the said acquittance to be sealed, which
the said Edward seeinge soe much that could not have his will,
Imediatly did beate and hurt your petitioners wiffe, as Sir Edward
Littleton doth well knowe.

James Wilson of Forbridge. Q/SR/190/17 (1629)

Stafford ss

To the honorable & worshipfull
bench of assessions for the
county aforesaide

The humble peticion
of James Wilson of
Forbridge

Wheras his Majesties Justices of the
bench at Michaelmas quarter sessions out of comiseracion considering the aged
and impotent estate of the saide James Wil
son (not being able to worke) did set downe
an order of xiid. by the weecke for this
maintenance out of Castle parish which order
is contemned (notwithstanding Sir
Walter Chetwinde and Sir Hughe
Wrottesley did afterward subscribe
their hands to yt Therfore nowe
once againe your poore peticioner humbly
desyreth that the order may stand in force
that he may have releife thereby And
he shall ever be bound to pray for your
good prosperity

Humfre Sutton of Brockton, husbandman. Q/SR/190/18 (1629)

Stafford

To the Righte worshipfull his majesties
Justeses of this Sessiones

The humble petition of Humfre Sutton
of Brockton husbandman sheweth

That contrarie to the usuall customes of
this countie, your said petioner is sommoned
to make his appearance, continnually att
everie assises and sessiones, by James
Webb, one of the sherrifes bealifes, of
this countie, whoe as hee hathe hetherto
vexed, your said petitioner, with shewtes
dothe malitiosly still prossecute his
envios, practeses, wheras your petitioner
is a man altogether unable to performe
anie suche servis to his majestie,
in regarde hee is a man agedd sixtie
eighte yeares and upward his bodie
sore brused with his painfull labore
one that hath greatt empedimente
in his speetche hathe nott one foott
of free land, butt is forced to take
growndes att a harde wracke, for the
maintenance of his charge, and is
altogether unlearned, in tender compation
wherof hee humbly prayeth prevelidge
and hee shall trewly pray for your
worshipes healthe and happines

Richard Roades. Q/SR/190/19 (1629)

To the right worshipful his Majesties Justices of the peace
for the Countie of Stafford

The humble petition of Richard Roades

May it please your good worships to understand that
whereas your poore petitioner beinge borne in Heigh
Offley within the countie aforesaid havinge a charge
of children and is growne into greate povertie,
as alsoe the losse of his wiffe aboute eight weekes
sythence she leavinge behinde with him a yonge infante
whoe is not able to provide for And espetiallie ingard
your petitioner wanteth a house by reason your petitioners
house was burned, therefore he humbly prayeth your
good worships that you would be pleased to take somme
pittie and comiseracion of the poore infante in some
raysonable manner for the mayntenance of it, as alsoe
to sett downe an order for the erectinge of an house
for your petitioner, as your worships thinke fitt, accordinge to
the law in that case provided.

And your goodnes shewed to him herein shalbe bownd to
pray for your worships healths and happines longe to
contenew.

William Button of Wolverhampton. Q/SR/190/20 (1629)

Com Staffs
ss

To the right honorable and worshipfull his
Majesties Justices for the Countie
aforsaid

The humble peticion of William Button
de Wolverhampton

Humbly sheweth that whereas one John Stanley
hath unlawfully begotten a child of the bodie
of the daughter of your peticioner and shee now
lyeth in childbed, and the said John Stanley refuseth
to keepe or to geve anie menteynance to the said
child or to the daughter of your peticioner which is farr
contrarie to law, conscience or equitie in such
a case: he the said Stanley (as it appeareth) is
wilfully bent not being in anie wise but carelesse
in performing what ought herein to be donne, and
in contempt of the law of his Majestie standeth
arrogant, and verie contemptuous (as seeing that
he might doe what he would.

The premisses therefore considdered
your peticioner humbly desyreth ye to be pleased
in your goodnes and lawfull considderacon
to appoint such lawfull order that the
said John Stanley shall at his owne
proper costes and charges keepe the said
child And also the towne of
Wolverhampton shall not be charged
therewith And to cause him to put in good
surties for the performance of the
aforsaid premisses And your peticioner
shalbe dayly bound to pray to God
for your healths and happines.

Thomas Sherratt. Q/SR/190/21 (1629)

Staff ss

To the right honorable and
worshipfull his Majesties Justices
for the Countie aforsaid

Humbly sheweth that whereas your poore peticioner
Thomas Sherratt was borne in the
parish of Checkley, and there hath had
for his menteynance xxs per annum
allowed him, which order was sett downe by
Anthoney Kinnersley and Robert Aston esquires
deceased) as appeareth by the said order
here to be seene. Your peticioner hath maried
a wiffe which was a wideow) having three
children, and the parish of Checkley
denieth your peticioner to paie him the said
money as formerly they have done neither
will suffer him to dwell in the said parish
neither may he seeke els where to have his
habitacion, neither will the lawes of the
land suffer him and his wiffe and children
to crave almes, Your poore peticioner hath
beene, and wilbe willing to labor to get
his living, honestly to his power.

May it please ye therefore for Godes
cause and in tender pittie to sett
downe at this Court of Sessions
such order that your poore peticioner may
be an inhabitant in the said parish
againe, and to be restored to the said
somme of money yearly as heretofore
he hath had, he shalbe dayly bound to pray
to god for your health and happines

John Hancockes of Sedgley. Q/SR/190/22 (1629)

Staff ss

To the right worshipfull his majesties Justices of the Peace
and Quorum for the County aforesaid

The humble peticion of John Hancockes of the parish
of Sedgley in the County aforesaid

Sheweth unto your worshipps That whereas your petitioner being a sworne
thirdborough [illegible] and demeaning himselfe well and uprightly in his office,
was assaulted and sore beaten and wounded by Richard Bradeley of
Nether Goarnall and Richard Greewoes Greenoe both of the parish of Sedgley
upon the third day of January last, who did not only knock downe your
petitioner with a staffe but did and doe threaten to s that yf they dare
not beat him againe that they will sett on them that shall beat him
without any cause att all gyven by your petitioner. Besydes they did very
lately hurt and wound one Roger Beniston by throwing of stones att
him without any cause gyven. And doe threaten the said Beniston to
doe him a mischeife. And also the said Bradeley being a drunken and
disordered fellow keepeth a common alehouse without lysence, and useth
to have lewd comnpany drinking and tipling in his [illegible] house upon the sabboth
day in tyme of devine service. And the said Greenwoes being a suspected
person and of evill fame ys a common drunkard and haunter of alehouses
upon the sabboth day, both of them being comnmon quarrellors and fighters
with theire neighbors and many tymes in daungerous and fearfull manner.

May ytt therefore please your worshipps for that your petioner hath
been so lately abused and[illegible] beaten by the said lewd and
disordred persons and for that hee being a sworne officer
for h dare not execute his office in his majesties behalfe
by reason of theyre threatninges and malitious practises
against him. To graunt order that the good behaviour
may be graunted against them. And hee will daylie
pray for your worshipps prosperity long to continue.

Ales Perrey, daughter of John Jurden and wife of Thomas Perrey of Wirley. Q/SR/190/23 (1629)

To the right honorable and worshipfull His majesties Justices of Peace
and quorum within the Countie of Stafford

The humble peticion of Ales Perrey daughter to John
Jurden of Netherpen and now wife of Thomas Perrey of Wirley

Humblie shewinge that whereas about foure yeares sithence she was married
to the said Thomas at which tyme and sithence her said father hath geven
and bestowed in porcion with her the somme of one hundred and fourtie
poundes at the least

And whereas afterwardes untill Whitsuntide last they lyved togither
in lovinge manner as was fittinge for man and wife

Sithence which tyme the said Thomas takinge causeles displeasure
against hir and havinge gotten her said porcion into his handes as aforsaid
hath most falslie and unjustlie charged her with incontinencie and keeping
companie with others to her utter overthrow and undoinge and therupon did putt
her from him denyinge her anie maintenance at all Albeit he hath an
estate of his owne inheritance to the yearelie value of seven and twentie
poundes or thereaboutes besides a good personall estate

Wherepon your peticioner complayninge to Sir Simon Weston knight for
releife therein the said cause was fullie harde before him where the said Thomas
Perrey cold prove nothinge at all to maynteyne his sclandrous reportes aforsaid
against her who havinge taken great paines therein accorded all differences
betwene them and thereupon the said Thomas did take your peticioner whome to his
owne house sithence which tyme he hath againe turned her awaie from him
denyinge her anie maintenance at all wherupon your peticioner did againe
compleyne to the said Sir Simon thereof by whome she was directed to
infourme your honours and worships thereof at this sessions of the peace

Your peticioner humblie desireth your honours and worships to take such course therein
for her releife as to your honours and worships shall seeme expedient in that
behalfe And they she shall daylie praye to god for your healthes etc

The inhabitants of the town of Huntington. Q/SR/190/25 (1629)

The humble peticion of the Inhabitantes of
the Towne of Stoke Huntington

In most humble wyse complayninge sheweth into your good worshipes that wheras in tyme
past all the lewnes aswell concerninge the Kinge as Church have usually bene
layd by every mans cattle and soe paid accordinge to the quantitie of their
said beastes and cattle there But now so it is if it may please your good worshipes
that divers of the freehoulders their some sould there landes others lessed the same
at so deare rates and in so sall parcelles and to so poore people that there
is little or no cattle kept upon the premisses wherby leweenes as formerly
cannot be layd, by reason wherof all the charge and burden lyeth upon
few particuler persons the burden therof no longer able to endure Wherfore
wee humbly pray that their may be some indifferent men chosen of the said towne
of Huntington or in the devicion to view every mans lyvinge there and to cesse what every one
shall pay accordinge to the quantitie of his said land and lyvinge there and
so to be a contynuall lewne hereafter wherby the Kinge and church the better
served And wee accordinge to our bounden dutie will daylie pray for your
worshipes in all happinesse longe to contynue.

• Roger Slalay Richard Gratlay de Brocke
• Richard Gratley de Yeale Richard Birratt
• Edward Salt Thomas Cresswall
• Richard Hardinge Humphrey Ryley

William Vincent, Thomas Hilman and John Holland, overseers of the poor of Kinvard. Q/SR/190/26 (1629)

January 15 1628

To the Right worshipfull his Majesties Justices of Peace
and Quorum for the County of Stafford

The humble peticion of William Vincent Thomas
Hilman and John Holland overseers of the poore
for the parish of Kinvard for the last yeare

Humbly shew that wheras your said peticioners the last yeare
wewre at more then ordinary charges for the poore of the said
parish (as by their accompt delivered in to the justices the Lord
Dudley and Sir Hugh Wrottosley may and did appeare).

And wheras it pleased the said justices to graunt your said
peticioners a warrant to the overseers for this present yeare
for the levying and paying of such money as is due at the foote
of the said accompt which said warrant was utterly sleighted
and altogether contemned by the present overseers John Byrde,
Richard Rabole and Timothy Payton. And wheras your
said peticoners perceiving the said warrant to bee soe sleighted,
and desiring a finall and without further trouble, procured a
second warrant from Sir Edward Seybright and Sir Hugh
Wrottesley for the levying and paying of the said money,
which said warrant being delivered to John Byrde one of the present
overseers, was by him contemned in the presence of divers
parishoners, who left it behind him and wold not receive it, notwithstanding the parishoners were willing to pay the same

May it therefore please your worships to set downe some
order that such monies as are due upon the said accompt
may be forthwith paid without further trouble to your
peticoners, leaving the contempt of the said warrantes
to your worshipps consideracions. And they shall pray
for your healths and happinesse.

• William Vincent
• Thomas Hillman
• William Vincent etc.
• John Holland

John Barnes of Uttoxeter. Q/SR/190/27 (1629)

The humble petition of John Barnes of Uttoxater to the Right worshipfull
his majesties Justices of the Honorable Bench at Stafford

Right worshipfull, this poore petitioner most humbly desireth your worshipps favors
to take into consideration his poore and distressed estate, who having a wife
very aged above foure score who beinge vissited by the hand of god, and
stricken with a pallsey, insomutch that shee is senceles and allmost blinde
who hath longe time lien in great misery, by which occasion he hath wasted
his meanes, being himselfe aged, and past his worke. Hee therfore
most humbly desireth your worshipps favours to comisserate this his
great necessity: And that you wilbe pleased to give some dyrections to the
towne wheer he now liveth, to yeelde him some weekely allowance
duringe the time of this his great necessity who was never heretofore
any waye chargeable to them. And so this poore petitioner shalbe ever bound
to pray to god for your worshipps health and prosperitye:

John Brett, prisoner. Q/SR/190/28 (1629)

Staffs ss:

To the right Honorable and worshipfull his majesties Justices of
Peace for the Countie aforesayde

The humble peticion of John Brett prisoner there

Humblie sheweth that whereas your poore peticioner hath bin imprisoned
ever since the xith day of October 1627 att the suite of William
Wollaston late of Oncott Esquire upon a band of 40li which hee did enter
into to the said William Wollaston for xxli debt for one Edward Perry
late of Wolverhampton, deceased some three yeares since, into which band
your poore peticioner did enter att the entreatie of the said Mr Wollaston
whoe promised your poore peticioner when hee entred into the said band that
hee wold never troble hym for the said debt yf hee were never payde
the same, sayinge that hee had promised the sayd Perry, beinge his
cosyn german to lend hym xxli for one yeare gratis, your poore
petioners wyffe beinge cosin german both to Mr Wollaston and the said Perry
and hee beinge willinge to gratefie both theyre requests did enter into the
said band upon Mr Wollastons promis that hee wold never troble hym for the
said debt yf hee were never payd the same, sayinge hee knew his cosyn
Perry wold not repay the same in haste, and that your poore peticioner shold
onely stand engaged of purpose for the same, to urge the said Perry
to hasten the payment thereof for his discharge.

And further sheweth that the viiith. day of November 1625 Your poore
peticioner beinge att Chebsey, the sayd Mr Wollaston arrested hym there
of flatt fellonie and charged the constable with hym, aand there kept hym
prisoner all night, in the morninge youre poore peticioner beinge
readie to goe before my lord Bishopp the said Mr Wollaston kn
(knoweinge hee had made a wronge arrest upon your poore peticioner)
sent Mr Wollaston Croxton minister and divers others unto hym to perswade hym to be att
peace with the said Mr Wollaston, your poore per peticioner upon theyre
entreatie cominge to the said Mr Wollaston, hee told hym that whereas
there had bin former fallinge out betwixt them that yf your poore
peticioner wold seale hym and the constable a release for that arrest
of fellonie that then all former unkyndnesses shold utterlie be for
gotten and that hee wold alsoe release hym of thaforesayd 40li band,
which release your poore peticioner sealed, yett the said Mr Wollaston
haveinge receaved xli thereof of his cosin Perry, in his lyfe time
and nothinge regardinge his promis now keepeth your poore peticioner
in prison for the same debt and will accept of noe bayle butt speciall
bayle, and hath hereby soe impoverished your poore peticioner that his last
refuge must necessarelie be humblie to desire this Honorable and
worshipfull benche to move the said Mr Wollaston to referr the hearing
and determininge hereof to anie twoo men of his owne Choosinge
which yf hee refuse then to subscribe to a certificate to my Lord
Keeper of his poore and miserable estate, that hee may thereby be ad
mitted (in forma pauperis) not doubtinge thereby, butt accordinge
to the equitie of his cause to be relieved. And your poore petico
peticioner shall ever be bound to pray for your Honors and worships
healthe longe to continue with all happinesse

Morress Ellatt. Q/SR/191/6 (1629)

To the right honorable and Worshipfull his majesties Justices
for the Countie of Stafford

The humble supplicacion of Morress Ellatt

Humbly sheweth unto your good honors and Worshipps that
wheareas one John Swann being of an untoward condicion
mallicious and geven to slaunder his neighbors, and
carelesse in behaving himself honestly hath most
injuriously, malliciously and falsly charged and
reported and accused contrarie to deserving your peticioner
that he is a buyer of stolen leade woore, and he
nor anie man could ever fynd or prove your peticioner to be
enclyned to anie such evill disposicion, by which his
lewd kind of slaunder and malignant reportes and
speeches hath beene to the great discreditt of
your peticioner, (being a lead wooer workman, (even to his
utter undoing) nay further, the said John Swanne in his
braving speeches in each place where he happeneth to
repaire boasteth and saith that your peticioner for the unjust cause
aforsaid must be arraigned and burnt in his hand

May it please your good honors and worshipps
the premisses considdered in your goodnes that
there may be lawfull course taken against the
said Swann, and to graunt your peticoner
the good abearing against him, to the entent
he may live in quiett, and to doe and perform
his honest dayly worke, as hither honestly
and truely he hath donne. And he shall
as is his bounden duetie pray to God
for the long continuance of your health and
happines.

The parishioners of Church Eaton. Q/SR/191/13 (1629)

To the righte honorable his Majesties Justices of Assise
and goale delyverie for the county of Stafford

The humble peticion of the parishioners of Churcheaton

Sheweth that whereas it was ordred above a yere since
by his Majesties Justices of peace of this County that
fortie shillinges per annum shoulde be paid owte of
the issues and proffittes of the landes of John
Baker clerke deceased to the overseers of the poore
of the said parishe for and towardes the mayntenance
of John Baker an infant sonne of the said John
Baker as by an order hereunto annexed it maie appeere
Yet neverthelesse the occupiers of the said lande have
and still doe refuse to paie the said 40s per annum
albeit it hathe bin severall tymes demaunded of them
by the nowe overseers of the poore of the said parishe to
the greate oppression of the aforesaid parishioners who
are verie greatelie charged with manie poore
inhabitantes within the same parishe for redresse
whereof.

Maie it therefore please you (the premisses
considered) to give order that the
occupiers and tenauntes of the saide
lande maie performe the said order in all
respectes to the overseers of the poore of the
said parishe aswell for the monies due
by the said order as alsoe for payment of
it hereafter accordingly in suche sorte
as the saide order directely And your poore
peticoners shall ever praie for your honours
healthe and happines.

Roger Barbour of Chesterton, co. Salop. Q/SR/191/15 (1629)

Aprill 14
1629

To the right worshipfull his Majesties Justices of
peace and quorum for the County of Stafford

The humble peticion of Roger Barbour of
Chesterton in the County of Salopp.

Humbly sheweth that whereas your peticioner is possessed
of certaine land in the Lordship of Perton in the
County of Stafford for which he hath usually paid
towards the kinges provision money iiiid. yearely which
hath bin collected and received by the Counstable of
Perton and Trescote. But of late one Edward Hinkes
being Constable there ( and (as it seemes) wishing ill
will to your peticoner, raised it to viiid which hee refusing
to pay, and tendring both himselfe and by two of his
honest neighbors what formerly hee had paid, and the
same not being received, his name was returned
to the Clerk of His Majesties Greene Cloath which cost
your peticioner in charges xxvs besides his expences

May it therefore please your good worshipps
in regard that the land at the uttermost is
not worth above iiiili: per annum, and in that hee
hath usually paid noe more but iiiid yearely
That therefore yow would be pleased to order
it that hee may not bee oppressed, And hee
shall be bound to pray for your good healths.

The Churchwardens and Overseers of the poor of Blithfeild and Newton. Q/SR/191/18 (1629)

Aprill
14 1629

To the Right Worshipfull his Majesties Justices of
peace and Quorum for the County of Stafford

The humble peticion of the Churchwardens and Overseers
of the poore of Blithfeild and Newton.

Humbly shewe that whereas a child hath bin gotten in the
said parish in the house of one Edward Burgesse and
(as it is suspected) begotten by William Burgesse sonne
of the said Edward upon a servant dwelling in the
house, which being suspected, a warrant was graunted
for his apperance, which thereupon conveyed himselfe forth
of the way till after Michaelmas Session[s] last since
[illegible] which time [illegible] the parish [illegible] hath
allowed towards the maintaynance of the said child
viid weekly. And whereas the said suspected father
is returned home againe being a lewde and disordered
fellowe, and not having bin at his parish church for
the space of two yeares, and not receiving the
Communion at his parish church this last Easter,
and his father being a man of very good sufficiency,
and maintayninge his said sonne and countenancing him,
and alsoe the mother of the child being worth
40li. or 50li., and the parish being at great charge
otherwise, thereupon they conceive themselves to
be overcharged with the said child

And therefore they intreat your good worships
that the child may otherwise bee provided
for by the father and mother thereof that
the parish may be discharged from further
trouble And the shall be bound to pray for
your worshipps good healths etc

The Churchwardens and Overseers of the poor of Blithfeild and Newton. Q/SR/191/19 (1629)

To the right worshipfull his Majesties Justices of Peace
and Quorum for the County of Stafford

The humble peticion of the Churchwardens and Overseers
of the poore for the parish of Blithfeild and Newton

Humbly shew that wheras Mr Beardmore parson of
Blithfeild aforsaid being godfather to a poore
child borne in the said parish received the said
child into the parish without consent of the parish,
And wheras the said Mr Beardmore peticoned
this worshipfull bench the last Sessions to be discharged
from the said child where it was ordered that
duringe his absence from the said parish he shold
allowe xs yearely towards the mayntaynance of
the said child, and during his abode there vs.
yearely which order the said Mr Beardmore
refuseth to stand to, soe that the child now
goes abroad begging in the parish, neither
will he pay any lewnes that hee shalbe lawfully
assessed by the parish.

May it therfore please your worships that the
fortith parte of the profitts of the said parish
may be allowed towards the maintenance of
the poore there according to the statute in
regard the parson doth neither live in
the parish nor keepe any house within
the said parish And in soe doing the whole
parish shalbe bound to pray etc

John Perkins of Hopton. Q/SR/191/20 (1629)

To the right honorable and wurshipfull his majesties Justices of peace
and quorum within the Countie of Stafford

The humble peticion of John Perkins of
Hopton

Humblie shewinge that whereas a bastard childe supposed to be begotten
by one Thomas Grime was about fouretene yeares sithence borne
in Weston super Trent which childe was afterwardes kept and maynteyned
by the said supposed father and mother at theire owne charges in
Hopton aforsaid

And whereas the mother of the said childe about foure yeares sithence
died and at the tyme of her decease lefte the somme of foure poundes
in money towardes the maynteyninge of the said childe in the handes
of Mr Sampson Walker late of Weston super Trent aforsaid

And whereas the said Thomas Grime the said reputed father afterw
afterwardes duringe such tyme as he was able to maynteyne the
said childe did maynteyne the same untill about the space of one
yeare and three quarters sithence and beinge then destitute of
meanes anie longer to maynteyne himselfe or the said childe did
departe furth of the countrey leavinge the said childe without anie
provision at all how to be maynteyned sithence which tyme your peticioners
in charitie hath kept and maynteyned the said childe at his owne charges

He humblie desireth that some course maye now be taken at this
generall sessions of the peace for future maynteyninge of the said
childe at Weston aforsaid where the same childe was borne or
that the said foure poundes maie be delivered to your peticioner
towardes the keepinge of the said childe otherwise your peticioner
(beinge no sort chargeable with the same childe) will leave the same
childe to her owne fortunes And he shall daylie praie to god for
# your honours and worships health and happines

Katherine Gryme, a poor distressed widow. Q/SR/191/26 (1629)

Stafford

To the kinges majesties Justices of the Peace
within the Countie aforesaid.

The Humble Petition of
Katherine Gryme a poore
distressed widdowe.

Most humblye shewinge unto your worshipps the lamentable
estate of your poore peticioner who hath susteyned most
extreame wronge by meanes of one Jane Parker
wife of Thomas Parker of Amerton in the Countie
aforesaid she comminge into the house of your poore
peticioner where she most violently and injuriously abused
your said poore peticioner by vile and reprochfull speeches,
and after that instantly takinge a firebrand out of the
fire, suddenly cast the same at the face of your worshipps
poore peticoner, Which by fatall and unfortunate accident
happened utterly to extingush and put out one of the eyes
of your said peticioner as the same ys most manifest and
apparant, whereby she hath not onely endured most
extreame and greivous paine (the wound at first
appearinge rather mortall then otherwise) but alsoe hath
spent and bestowed all the meanes she had for recoverie
of her sight, which by that fatall blowe ys utterly lost, to her
greate impoverishinge and undoeinge

Francis Border and other prisoners in the county gaol. Q/SR/192/6 (1629)

To the right honorable and worshipfull his Majesties
Justices of peace for the Countie of Stafford

The humble peticion of Francis Border
Ellizz Fraunce, John Gregson Richard Walton, Robert Brerewood Margrett Heild
Margrett Birch now remayning in his Majesties
goale for the Countie of Stafford

Humbly sheweth unto your good honors, and worshipps, that your
poore peticioners haang formerly received tryall and
according to their desertes, were by the law found guiltie
But the reverend judges pytting us and hoping of our
reformacion of those lewd courses which we did continue
in, did reprive us; And now cannot be dischardged from
this plage of miserie, untill we have his majesties most
gracious pardon, which we being poore, and have not
money, nor freindes to procure the same and being almost
famished, would humbly intreat your good honors and worshipps
for godes sake to take course, that the whole countie, would
be pleased to allow some money to procure the same, which
from soe manie would be but litle and a verie meritorious
deed to sett us at libertie. Whereby by our labour we may
releive our wives and children: And according to our
bounden dueties shall dayly whilst we live pray to
God for your honors and worshipps health and happines evermore
to continue.

John Holland of Great Worley, laborer. Q/SR/192/7 (1629)

To the Right Worshipfull Sir Walter Chetwynde knight
and Raphe Sneade Esquires Justices of the peace and
quorum within this County of Stafford

The humble petition of John Holland of
Great Worley in the County of Stafford laborer

We whose names are subscribed do testifye and declare That
wheras one John Holland of Great Worley in the County of
Stafford laborer, beinge about 2 yeares sithence lycensed and
authorised in the open sessions and at all other tymes and sommans
sithence, untill he lately gave over, for th sellinge of ale and beare
accordinge to the Statute in that behalfe made and provided
And forasmuch as the said John Holland beinge as it is
sayd very lately indyted attached and bound over to the last
Assises, for his appearance there, where he the said
John Holland agreed with Mr Craddocke for xis. and other
fees and soe was dischardged, Yett neverthelesse he
the said John Holland is, by virtue of the said former
indytement called againe by the Clarke of the peace
for more money which the said Holland is not able
to performe in respect of the opression afforsaid and
his great chardge of children beinge a poore man
And humbley intreateth your worships favours, And he
as in all dutie bounden will daylie pray for your
worships healths in all happinesse longe to continue

William Greene William Wilson:

The Constables of Bromley. Q/SR/192/9 (1629)

To the Right Honourable and right Worshippfull
the Kings Majesties Justices of peace for the
County of Stafford

Humbly sheweth: The humble peticion of the Constables of Bromley

That Whereas there hath binne leveed or sessed within Bromley
aforesayd two severall lewes for the Kings maiesties
service, many of they inhabitants there have refused to
pay the sayd lewes, whereby your peticioners are at
want for mony, for the service aforesayde

Your peticioners therefore doe humbly desire that they
may have a warrant from this place, for the collection
of such summes of mony as are behind for the supply
of his majesties service And your peticioners
shall pray for your health and happines longe
to indure.

• Edward Seaton }
• Richard Pixley} Cunstables

John Southworth. Q/SR/192/12 (1629)

To the righte Reverend father in God Thomas
by divine providence Lord Bishope of Litchfield
and Coventrie

The humble peticion of John Southworth

Sheweth unto unto your good Lordship that your poore peticioner
[illegible] livinge neere Westchester, beinge drawne into this
cuntry to erect a colemyne for Mr Edward Hussey
in whose service I have bine imployed since the begininge
of Lent last, some troubles arysinge betwixt Mr William
Clare and Mr Edward Hussey, so it was that your peticioner
entered into bond of 40li. that one Roger Jenninges
this daye should there appere before your Lordship
and the rest of the worshipfull bench, which person is here
readye to make his appearance accordingly
Wherefore your poore peticioner beinge readie
to goe homewardes most humbly craveth
that he maie be dischardged from penalty of
the said bond And your peticioner shall for ever pray
to the high and almighty Jehovah for your Lordships
health and prosperous felicitye

John Heeley of Trentham, husbandman. Q/SR/192/14 (1629)

To the Right Honorable his Majesties Judges of the Assizes houlden
at Stafford the 10th day of August 1626:

The humble petition of John Heeley of Trentham
within the said County of Stafford husbandman

May it please your good Lordshipp truly to be enformed, that whereas your said petitioner with other
of his neighbors of Trentham aforesaid, were hired at a certen rate by [illegible]
[illegible], John Terrick of Cleaton Griffith in the parishe of Trentham gentlman
and Robert Challenor of Stone gentleman overseers for the buildinge of Strangeford bridge
betweene Trentham and Tittensor, for the leadinge of certen hundredes of measures of lyme
unto the said bridge, which notwithstandinge it was duly performed there yet is, and soe hath
bene, for the space of three yeares, the summe of fower powndes nineteene shillings or within twoo pence therof,
due for suche carriage detayned from us, to our greate hindrance and former costes in
in seekinge for it, Althoughe there is in some of their handes that had power to receave the
countries contribution to that purpose, sufficient to satisfy the same: Nowe therefore may
it please your good Lordship to take such order for the payment of your said suppliant and his other
partners, as shall seeme in equitie and conscience good to your godly wisdome and they shall as
in duty bound pray for your Lordships true happines: and soe moste humbly cravinge pardon for this
bouldnes will rest

Your moste humble petioner
and daly orator

• John Heeley
• John Heeley of Trentam

Thomas Tomkys of Wednesfeild. Q/SR/192/15 (1629)

Staff ss

The humble peticion of Thomas Tomkys of Wednesfeild
To the Right Honorable and Worshipfull his Majesties Justices of the
peace, att the generall Sessions of the peace, holden
at Stafford the second day of June. 1629.

Humblie complayninge, sheweth to your Honours That whereas one
Edward Brant, sonne of John Brant of Chillington in the countie
aforesayd, hath begotten a basterd child, on the bodie of Elizabeth
Tomkys of Wednesfeild aforesayd, sister of the peticioner, who of
herselfe, and the poore estate of her father, are not able to
nurce and bringe upp the sayd basterd child. Doth humblie
beseech this honorable Bench: That yt may be ordered by due course
of his Majesties lawes, That John Brant (father of Edward Brant
the delinquent, who ys a man of good estate, and who did counsell
his sayd sonne, to absent himselfe, and to goe out of this cuntrey
to shunne the danger of the lawe, for that fact, as he himselfe
confessed before the Right Worshipfull Sir Hughe Wrottesley
knight one of his Majesties Justices of the peace in this countie)
might take into his custodie, or give competent releife towardes
the nurcinge or bringinge upp of the sayd basterd child:
And your poore peticioner should be ever bound to praye for
Your Honours good health and welfare.

William Smyth of Rowley Regis. Q/SR/192/16 (1629)

June 2
1629

To the right honorable and worshipfull his Majesties
Justices of peace and Quorum for the
Countie of Stafford

The humble peticion of William Smyth
of Rowley Regis

Humbly sheweth that one William Smyth sonne
sonne of your peticioner heretofore accused
and suspected for a robberie And thereupon
hath beene imprisoned since the last Assises to
the utter undoinge of your peticoners said sonne,
being by profession a blacksmyth, which alsoe
doth much tend to the undoinge of your peticoner
himselfe being but a poore man, and enforced
to keepe and maintaine his sonne in person;
wheras otherwise hee might have much
comfort in him, and hee very well able to
maintaine himselfe.

May it therfore please your Honors and worships
that your peticioners said sonne upon good
security may bee bailed, for that as hee
is hee looseth his time and trade, cannot
serve god as hee ought, is a great burden
to your peticioner, and the continuance of
him in prison will tend to the utter
overthrowe of them both. And then
both your peticioner and his sonne shalbe
bound to pray for your good worships
health and happiness longe to continue.

John Hickson of Newton. Q/SR/192/17 (1629)

June 2
1629

To the honorable and Right worshipfull his Majesties
Justices of Peace and Quorum for the Countie
of Stafford

The humble peticion of John Hickson of
Newton.

Humbly sheweth that whereas the overseers of the
poore for the parish of Blithfeild at Trinitie
Sessions 1626 did peticion this worshipfull Bench
concerninge the maintance and keepinge of
one Richard Nicolls a poore lame and blind
man when it was ordered that your peticoner
should keepe and maintaine the said poore man
and that the parish should allowe him towards it
4d weekly, which is soe little that your peticioner
is not able soe to maintaine him, havinge
never had any benefitt at all by him, nor ever
makinge any bargaine with him, nor ever tooke
any livinge or goods from him, as was pretended
by the said overseers.

In consideracion whereof may it please
this worshipfull Bench to order it that
the said parish may allowe some competent
maintaynance towards the keepinge of
the said poore man, or els that he may
bee discharged from the keepinge of him
And hee shalbe bound to pray etc.

William White. Q/SR/192/18 (1629)

To the Right Honorable and the Right
Worshippfull his Majesties Justices of
peace for the County of Stafford

The humble peticion of William White

Sheweth that whereas your peticoner
hath long layen in durance & ympri-
sonment and his cause referred to the
further examinacion of Sir Hugh
Wrotesley knight and Henry Leighe Esquire
by the honorable Justices of Assise whoe
can find noe further matter against
your suppliant then was at that time
objected against him.

In tender consideracion
hereof he humbly prayeth this
honorable bench they would take such
comiseracion that he may not
still abide in prison but that
sufficient bayle may be taken
for his apparance att the next
Assises, such as the Court shall
well approve of.

Francys Dycher. Q/SR/192/19 (1629)

Stafford ss

To the Right Worshipfull his Majesties Justices of the Benche at Stafford:
The Peticion of Francys Dycher, of Featherston, in the Countie
aforesaid laborer

Humblye shewinge unto your good Worships, That whereas one Humfrey Hill
of Featherston aforesaid,(and my Lande-Lord) was about twoe yeares agoe, uppon
malice, by one of his neighbours, indyted for the erectinge and setting up of a
house or cottage, in which I, and my wyfe, have dwelt, this foure or five yeares,
The which house or cottage, was never erected or sett up, by the said Humfrey Hill,
but was freely given by him, unto Mr Thomas Whitgreve, and to Richard Tranter
of Moseley to doe with the said house or cottage what they would; Whoe, in charitie,
did erect and sett up the same, (for this your poore petitioner, and his wife to inhabite
and dwell in during their naturall lives,) of their owne proper costes and charges,
because that the said Dychers wyfe was borne in the said house, before it was
remooved, given awaye, or erected where it now standeth, and because the said
Dycher and his wyfe, beinge very poore, and by no meanes able to take it downe, and to
sett it up againe, it pleased the said Mr Whitgreve, and Richard Tranter, of their
meere charitie, love, and compassion towards them, (being their neighbours) of their
owne costes and charges, to doe it for them. And now againe this last weeke,
the said Humfrey Hill, beinge arrested, by the baylie of the hundred, about the
house aforesaid, (which he never erected) and beinge thus wrongfully troubled,
about the same house, for the which neither he, nor his sonne, ever received any
fyne, or penny of rent, neither any other person for them, for yt was freely given
unto me and my wife, by the said Mr Thomas Whitgreve and Richard Tranter,
for our naturall lives, as aforesaid, and that upon meere charitie. He the said
Humfrey Hill, and Ralphe Hill his sonne, (since the arrest of the said Humfrey)
have commen to my said house, and have threatned, to throw bothe me, and my wife,
out of my house, with our goods, and to naile up the doore, and keepe us out, from
dwellinge there any more. Wherefore I most humblie intreate your good worships,
to take such order herein, as shall be most pleasinge to your good discretions, And that
I may dwell still in my said house, or else have somme other convenient habitation
for me and my wife, amongst them: And soe shall I ever be bounden to pray, unto
the Lord, for your Worships prosperous estates longe to continue.

• Alice Whitgreave widowe
• Francis Traunter
• Richard Traunter
• Richard Traunter of Moseley
• Thomas Beckett

Inhabitants of Ridgley. Q/SR/192/20 (1629)

To the right worshipfull his Majestis Justices
of peace within the countie of Stafford

We whose names are subscribed Inhabitantes of Ridgley
within the Countie of Stafford humbly shew unto your worrships
that this bearer Richarde Wise of Ridgley aforesaide
and Ellen his wiffe have kept victulinge in our towne
of Ridgley the space of xx yeares and above and for
all that tyme have kept good order in theire howse
and kept lodginge for strangers, and good provicion at
all tymes boeth for trayvellers and other poore neighbors

It may therefore please your good worships to give them
leave and lycence still to contynue and keepe a
victulinge howse, wee thinkinge them to be verry
fitt soe to doe, And this bearer with his wiffe shalbe
for ever most bounden to pray for your good worships
health longe to contynue.

His wyeff alsoe is a poore lame
woman, deafe and lame, not
able to help herselfe

• Gryffen Kenrike William Marshall
• Richard Coradine George Marshall
• Will Coradine John Clowes
• Edward Hearne
• John Goslyng
• Sebastian Alsop
• Thomas Trubshaw
• John Oldacares
• Richard Hyll
• Thomas Norris
• Robert Burton
• Willm Smythe
• Roberte Burden
• John Bird
• Gregory Vane
• William Hearelie
• Roberte Coradine
• Roger Timinges
• Hugh Caushaull
• John Hearlie

John Tooth of Colton, husbandman. Q/SR/192/21 (1629)

The humble petition of John Tooth of Colton
in the Countie of Stafford husbandman unto
our Magisties Justisses of Peace

These are humbly to entreate your worshipps that
wheareas I John Tooth have susteaned greate losse
and hinderaunces by reason wheareof I am bared
frome a waye to my grounde and threatened to bee
indited and in greate danger of my lif as it
shall appeare by me if it maye pleace your good worships
to heare me speake for my self wich I truste in
god you will I am able to make proffes that this way
wich I doe nowe goe to my ground hath since used to my
house for the space of viii and twentie or xxx years
and nowe beinge barred from that waye to my
ground whearin my predecessers have usally gonne
before, I am lyke to come into great troble unlesse
it please your worshipes to bee merciffull unto mee
with compassion and pettie beinge a pore man and
not able to mantayne suttes in lawe agaynste soe
many as ar trobulesomm agaynste me, I rest your
worshipes b ever bounden evere to praye for yow
soe longe as I live

The Inhabitants of Talke upon the Hill. Q/SR/193/9 (1629)

To the Right Worshipfull his Majesties Justices of peace for the countie
of Stafford att these present quarter Sessions
for the said countie assmebled

The humble informacion and peticion of the Inhabitantes of the
hamlett of Talke upon the Hill in the said countie whose
names are herunto subscribed against James Butter of the said
hamlett

Humbly shewinge That wheras divers and severall persons of severall shires of this kindom
havinge aswell occasions to travell forth of the North and other countries
towardes the Citie of London and other places through the towne of Talke
with wagons, and packmens horses as other cariages, cannot have such
free passages for such purposes throughe parte of the said towne (as his majesties
subjectes ought to have) beinge in his majesties heighe waye and throwefare by
reason that the said James Butter doth and hath commonlie used for the[se]
three yeares or thereaboutes, layed and caused to be layed and cast into his
Majesties heighe waie his manure-mucke and lastall, to the noysaunce of his
Majesties subjectes that have occasions to travell the same waie with cartes,
cariages and such like. So that their cattells stand in greate deinger
of loosinge their lyves by reason of stretninge of his majesties said heighe waie

Humblie prayinge your worships would be pleased to take
such course in his majesties open sessions that h[is]
Majesties subjectes move without deinger passe [illegible]
repasse throughe the said towne with their go[ods]
and cattells and that the said Butter may [?illegible]
receave such punishment for comittinge such im[illegible]
on his majesties said heighe waye as shall stande [illegible]
his majesties lawes and your worships wise discreacions for
the good of His Majesties subjectes. And the peticoners
as they are bounden in all humble duetie will
deuelie praye for your worships longe to contynue in
all felicitie. And humblie likewise praye that
ytt maie be inquired of before your worships by what power
and authoritie the said James Butter and others by
his direction and appoynted att three severall tymes digged
for claye in the said heighe waye beinge but about
tenne feetes broade and made verye deepe holes and
not filled the same upp agayne to the dainger both
of his majesties subjectes and also their cattells who have
occasions to passe or repasse the same.

• Thomas Darneley
• William Smith
• Robert Deaneley
• Richard Olcott
• Henerie Wilkinson
• William Hancoke

Margerie Betson. Q/SR/193/12 (1629)

To the right honorable and worshipfull his majesties Justices of peace and
quorum within the Countie of Stafford

The humble peticion of Margerie Betson

Humblie shewinge that whereas she was heretofore begotten with childe
by one Roger Rowley of the parishe of Audeley with childe was borne
about a fortnight before Christmas was twelvemoneth

And whereas the said Roger afterwardes refused to keepe the said childe
or to geve anie allowance at all towardes the mainteyninge of
the same childe.

And whereas also (uppon complaint made) at the next sessions of
the peace here holden for this Countie next after the birth of the
said childe yt was ordered that your poore peticioner should keepe and
maynteyne the said childe and that the said Roger for the space of
seven yeares then next followinge should paie unto her sixe pence
weekelie for and towardes the mainteyninge of the same childe which
money the said Roger for the space of tenne weekes then next
followinge or thereaboutes paid accordinglie sithence which time he
hath and still doth refuse to yelde anie allowance at all towardes the
same.

She humblie desireth your honours and worships that forasmuch as the said Rowley
is now uppon other occasions bounden over to appeare before
you that your honours and worships would be pleased to take some course before
his departure to compell him to performe the said order. And she and
her said poore childe beinge both of them in great want and necessitie
shall daylie praie to god for your honours and worships health.

Richard Morris of Acton Trussell, husbandman. Q/SR/193/13 (1629)

To the right worshipfull his Majesties
Justices of peace for the County of Stafford

The humble peticion of Richard Morris of
Acton Trussell husbandman

Humbly sheweth that whereas Roberte Adderley
of Brockton havinge 3 small children, and
his wyfe being dead and himselfe very poore
did agree with your peticioner for the keeping
of one of the said children which for the
space of two yeares he honestly discharged
But finding himselfe unable to keepe his
said children, he went his way at Whitsuntide
last, and left his children wherof two are
provided for, the other is left with your
peticioner being not able of his selfe to keepe
it.

May it therfore please your good worships
soe to order it that the said child may
be provided for in Brockton [a]fo[re]said
where it was borne And that your peticioner
may be paid for the time past, and
may be discharged from the said child
and he shall pray for your worships in
happines longe to continue.

John Cowap. Q/SR/193/15 (1629)

To the right honorable his Majesties Justices of
Assise and goale delivery for the County of Stafford

The humble peticion of John Cowap

Humbly sheweth that your peticoner being a verie
poore man and havinge a wyfe and 3 2 small
children, and beinge desirous to worke and
labour in husbandrie to maintaine both himselfe
and them, soe that hee might not be chargable
to the countrie, and beinge destitute of a
convenient habitacion for himselfe and his
family, and beinge borne in Ricarscote where
he begate one of his said children, and since
havinge dwelt at Acton and Bedwall, and is now whollie
voyde of a dwellinge house,

Doth humbly intreat your honors that
either the country may erect him
some small cottage, or otherwise that
hee may bee permitted to build and erect
one in some convenient place where
your honors shall appoynt And your poore
peticioner his wyfe and children shalbe
bound to pray etc

Edmund Heywood. Q/SR/193/18 (1629)

Staff ss

To the Right Worshipfulls Sir William Stevingeton knight
and Barronett, and Sir Symon Weston knight
two of the kinges Majesties Justices of the peace for the
Countie aforesaid

The humble peticion of Edmund Heywood:

Humblie sheweinge that whereas your poore peticoner haveinge borne all
the offices belongeinge to our towne of Hanseworth in good creditt,
as by the testimonie of the best of our towne cann be manifested,
am nowe driven through the urgent wronges I have and doe dayly
endure, of one Francis Norris of Hansworth aforesaid whoe hath and
doth abuse me, with opprobrious and pernicious tearmes, as namelie in
callinge me Murtherer, secondlie Hangman, thirdly Drunkard
that I could not stand, fourthlie, that I had a hundred whoores
and fiftlie, he is an abuser and a scandalizer of those that goe to the
Church of god for the edificacion of their soules, in tearmeinge them
to be either knaves, rogues, or theeves, that goe to heare sermons.
Lastlie he is verie contumelious and troublesome amongst his neighbors
keepeinge unlawfull games in and about his house, neither respectinge,
nor regardinge, nor frequentinge the Saboath, nor divine service
but selleth ale ever since he was dismist, both by the Minister, and
by foure more sufficient men in our towne accordinge to the tenure
of the decree sett downe at the last sittinge saveinge one by the worshipfull Justices
of the Countie aforesaid.

My humble peticion therefore unto your good worshipps is, that you will com-
misserate me in my open wronges: and to grant me a warrant of the good
behaviour against him, which I leave to your worshipps judicall conside-
racions, for I sh the which I shalbe ever bound (as in duetie I am) to
pray for your good healthes longe to continue.

The inhabitants of Bradeley. Q/SR/193/22 (1629)

Stafford

To the right worshipfull his majesties Justices of
the peace and Quorum for this Countie of Stafford

The humble peticion of the Inhabitantes of Bradeley
within this Countie.

Sheweth unto your good worshipes your said peticioners: that
whereas William Horton gentleman late highe constable of the hundred
of Cutleston nowe holdethe and for the space of a yeare
and a halfe sithence hathe helde certaine landes in Bradeley
aforesaid called the Pryors Feildes for which said landes the
occupyers thereof the usuallie have payd all lewnes duties
paymentes and impositions bothe to Churche and Kinge accordinge
to the assessement of the inhabitantes of Bradeley aforesaid
untill the said Mr Horton became tenaunt and occupyer
thereof whoe dothe nowe altogether refuse to paie his
ratable lewnes due for the said landes beinge a man of
greate estate and doth thereby inforce the said
inhabitantes to peticion this honorable Benche for
releife herein (the landes soe imposed and due and
at this tyme behynde cominge to iiis vid)

May it therefore please your good worshipes in regarde
your said peticoners have noe remeddie to releive
themselves nor compell the said Mr Horton to pay
his lewnes soe beinge behinde and unpayd unles
yt be by order from this honorable benche, to give
such order against the said Mr Horton for the
payment of the said arerrages, and further for
the continuance of the same as shall beste
agreey with Justice and your worshipes good likinge
and the said inhabitantes shalbe dailie bounden to
praie to god longe to continewe you in all happines

The overseers of the poore and chief inhabitants of Bromley Paget. Q/SR/193/28 (1629)

To the right Honourable, and right Worshipfull
the Kings majesties Justices of peace within
the County of Stafford.

The humble peticion of the overseers of the poore
of Bromley Pagets and other cheife inhabitants

Humbly

Sheweth that whereas Henry Russell late of Bromley disceased
did give in marriage with his daughter unto Walter Slaney
of Maury in the parish of Yoxall his whole estate amountinge
to a greate value, uppon condition that the sayd Walter should
maintaine with meate, drinke, apparell and other necessaries
Alice Russell the wife of the sayd Henry during her naturall
life, whereuppon the sayd Walter then accordingly thereunto
consenting did take the sayd Alice after the death of her
husband forth of our parish for a while, but afterwards
not intendinge to performe the true meaneinge of the
said covenants did transmitt backe againe the said Alice
unto our towne without any succour or releife of her
said husbands goods to the great burthen and greivance
of our towne, beinge charged with so greate a number
of poore people.

Your peticioners therefore humbly pray your good Honours and
Worships to appoint and enact some order by vertue
whereof the said Walter Slaney may be constrained
either to take againe the said Alice Russell his mother-
in-law unto his keepinge, or else to contribute such
weickly money as shall seeme good to your discretions
for her releife and succour in her great poverty and
necessity and your peticioners shall ever pray unto
god for your honours and worshipps health and happines
longe to indure

• Ed: Holbrooke Ro: Clarke
• William Partriche Richard Duson }
• Richard Naylley Thomas Burrowes} overseers
• Walter Dixsonn
• John Watson John Tomlinson
• Edward Hickson
• Richard Pixley

Humfrey Bradbury of Burton upon Trent, glover. Q/SR/193/34 (1629)

Com: Staff:

To the right worshipfull his majesties Justices of the
peace and quorum for this Countie of Stafford

The humble peticion of Humfrey Bradbury of Burton upon
Trente within the Countie of Stafford glover

Sheweth unto your good worshipes your said peticoner that
he havinge a warrant of the peace against one John Knighte
obteyned from the right worshipfull Sir Simon Weston knight
did deliver the said warrant together with the fee about Christmas
last unto one Richard Clarke then and now Constable of Burton
afforesaid to arreste the said Knighte the which said constable
did indirectlie give notice to the said partie to keepe him oute
of the waie by meanes whereof execucion of the said warrant
and the kinges service was altogether neclected: And soe
yt ys further may yt please your good worshipes that this
your said petitioner shortlie after meetinge accidentallie
with the said constable and shewinge him in faire termes
that he had not done his office and that by his connivancie
the said clarke knight escaped without arreste:, he the said constable
thereupon suddenlie did sett uppon this your said peticoner
breake his head beate wounde him and hale him foorthe of
the howse where he then was and pu caused him to put in suerties
or els threatned him to the cage (: This your said petitioner
havinge formerlie borne the office of a constable in Burton
aforesaid and a man never in anie stockes cage or pryson in
all his life time, And the said constable hathe sithence procured
the good behaviour for further revenge against your said
peticioner reto whoe hath procured a supersedeas retornable this
Sessions whereupon he nowe submittes himselfe to this honorable
and worshipfull benche

In tender considderacion whereof may yt therefore
please your good worshipes to release your said
peticioner of these his trowles havinge received all
thaforesaid wronges to his greate scandall and
disgrace and to take such cowrse against the said
offender herein for your said petitioners discharge
of soe dangerous an enemie as shall best agreey
with Justice and your good likinge and this your said
peticioner shalbe daylie bounden for your worshipes longe
to continewe in all happines: