Staffordshire Quarter Sessions: 1649

Dorothy Bentely, widow of John Bentely of Leeke. Q/SR/265/1 (1649)

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

The Humble Petition of [illegible] Dorothy Bentely
widdow late wife unto John Bentely of
Leeke deceased, Clarke of the Church
for many yeare past

Humbly sheweth

That before her husbandes decease, there was due to him for his
Clarkes pay according as heretofore it hath beene paid from
divers Inhabytantes within the parish of Leeke aforesaid, And
since his decease your petitioner demaunding the same, deny to pay
although they confessese they have paid the like heretofore

Thereupon may it please your Worshipps your petitioner upon
her complaint thereof unto the worshipfull Anthony Rudyard and
Phillipp Jackson Esquires Justices of the Peace for this countie
whoe upon due consideracion thereof graunted theire warrant to
require the said parishoners to appeare before them to shew cause
to the contrarie why they doe not pay acccording to auntient
coustome custome whoe hath neglected the said warrant, date the
28 November last as by the same hereunto annexed may appeare

In tender consideracion of the premises your petitioner havinge
a great charge of children humbly prayeth your worshipps to be
abused to take such course and order soe that they may paie your
petitioner what of right is due to her, And she shall ever
as in duty is bound ever
pray for your worshipps.

William Baggeley, a maimed soldier. Q/SR/265/4 (1649)

To the Righte Worshipfull his majesties
Justices of peace for the countye of Stafford
at the sessions held at Stafford

The humble peticion of William Baggeley
late leeftenente to Captaine Thomas Hunte

Sheweth that your peticioner havinge lost the use of his righte
arme with a continuall yssue from the wounde and hath received
from the tresorers but three shillinges sixe pence at one time
and tenn shillinge the last sessions havinge from them noe
other allowance then any private souldier: neither regardinge
whether the wounde be little or greate

May it theirfore please you to take it into youre consideration
that your petitioner may have some considerable allowance
allotted him accordinge to ordnance of parlament that
he maye the better be inabled to mentaine himselfe
and familye and your petitioner as in all duty
shall ever be bounde to praye.

William Hawkins of the parish of Madely. Q/SR/265/7-8 (1649)

To the Right Honnorable his majesties Justices
of the Peace and and quorum assembled
in Sessions for the County of Stafford:

The humble petition of William Hawkins
of the parish of Madely

Sheweth

That whereas uppon Thursday the eight and twentieth
day of December last past there hapned a suddayne
and lamentable fyer in the dwellinge house of your
petitioner which burnt and consumed his said house house-
hold stuffe goodes and implementes of household wearing
apparrell and other goodes to the vallew of three-
score powndes and upwardes to the utter ruin and
impoverishment of your petitioner his wiffe and eight
small children, unlesse some speedy releiffe
bee afforded him in this his distresse.

May it thereffore please youre Honnors to take into consideracion
youre peticioners distressed estate, And to doe therein as
in youre wisdomes shall seeme to stand with pitty and
compassion to people in that sadd condicion.

And youre petitioner as in duty bound
shall ever pray for youre Honnors
long life and happinesse.

To the Right Honorable his Majesties Justices of
the Peace and quorum for the County of
Stafford:

Whereas wee whose names are heereunto subscribed
Inhabitantes of the parish of Madely in this County
and other neighbouring parishes: Beinge incited
heereunto as well in tender compassion to our late
impoverished neighbor as also by his earnest intreaty
doe make make bold to certify your honnors That
our distressed neighbour William Hawkins of
Humswall in our sayd parish by reason of a great
suddaine and lamentable fyer which happned on
Thursday the eight and twentieth day of December
last in his dwellinge house which hee had newly
built from the grownd: Had all his foresaid dwellinge
house which consisted of two bayes of buildinge and upwardes.
all his houshold stuffe implementes of houshold wearinge
apparrell and other goodes to the vallew of threescore
powndes and upwardes, within the space of two houres burnt
and consumed to his utter undoeinge and the ruine
of him his wiffe and eight small children: Hee
havinge formerly lived in good sort and beene of abilitye
to releive such as were in want By reason whereof
hee is altogether disabled And in noe wise able to
subsist without some speed releiffe bee afforded
him in this his distresse. All which wee humbly
comitt to the consideracion of this Honnorable
Bench and subscribe

Dated January 3
1648

Your Servants

• William Shaw }
• Edward Vernon} Churchwardens
• Peter Whitmore
• Robart Hawkins Hu. Weston
• Richard Corne Thomas Weston
• William Stile Timothy Widdowes
• John Peeke Randulph Weston
• John Morgan John Morrris
• John Meare John Hapeney

Richard Smith of Hednesford, p. Cannock, carpenter, and inhabitants of the parish. Q/SR/265/12 (1649)

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

Humbly sheweth

That whereas your poore peticioner Richard Smith of Hednesford in the
parish of Cannock and county of Stafford carpenter haveing a wife
and three small children, by reason of a sudden and lamentable fire
happening upon Fryday the nyne and twentieth day of December last
past, had his dwelling house consistinge of three bayes of building
with the greatest parte of his goodes household stuff, wearing apparrall
provision in the house, corne, hay, and other provision, with all implementes
belonging to his trade, utterly consumed and burnt to the ground by
the vyolence of the said fire, and his wife most miserably burnt
to the endangering of her life, shee lyeing in a very sad condition
being a lamentable spectacle to behould and an object of much pittie and
compassion and hee not able to mayntayne her, or to pay anything
towardes her cure and recovery, if it shall please god to spare her life
To the utter undoeing of your said poore peticioner his wife and children
who are likely to come to much miserie and want hereby haveing
nothing left to mayntayne them, nor any habitation to be in, to
keep themselves from the extremity of the cold this winter season, except some charitable course be taken for their releife herein,

He therefore doth humbly desire this Honorable Court, That they will
be pleased to take his sad and disconsolate estate into their charitable
consideracions, and to grant him an order, whereby hee may have
liberty, by way of colleccion to gather the charitable benevolence of
well disposed people within the said county towardes their releife and
mayntenance, and repayreing of their great losses, and helping to gett them
some small habitacion to live in, in this his extremity,
And your peticioner as dewty bindes him, shall ever pray for your honors healthes
and prosperity

We the minister and severall of the Inhabitantes of the parish of
Cannocke aforesaid, well knowing the truth of the premisses, and that the
said petitioner is a very honest poore man, and a very good workeman of
his trade, and very dilligent and laborious therein, whereby hee formerly
mayntayned himselfe his wife and children in good fashion according to his
degree, and lived in good credite and repute among his neighbors, doe
therefore recomend his said estate to this honorable Court not doubting
but your honors will be pleased to grant this peticion, It being a very
charitable deed, And noe doubt a thing well pleasing unto god.
And we shall ever subscribe our selves to be.

Your servantes

• Richard Bourne Minister
• Henry Nott Robert Sankey
• Richard Wood Richard Alport: Willm Alport
• Richard Gorwey Edward Lightwood

Thomas Hulme of Kingsley, labourer. Q/SR/265/15 (1649)

To the right Worshipfull his Majesties Justices of the
Peace for the County of Stafford

The humble peticion of Thomas Hulme
of the parish of Kingsley laborer

Sheweth to your worships that your peticoner beinge borne
in the parish of Kingsley and ever sithence lived theire
did [illegible] about fower yeares since, (by the appoynctment, and
with the consent of all the inhabitantes of the said
parish (save one) erecte a cottage upon the comon
or wast growndes in the said parish of Kingsley (as by the certificate
hereunto annexed appeareth) And your peticioner
hath byn presented for erectinge the same cottage
as he is informed. And hath byn arested by
the sheyriffes baylie to appeare att the Sessions
of the peace now heald

Your peticioner beinge a verie poore man and
havinge nothinge to maynteyne himselfe
his wife and three small children but
by hand labor humblie prayeth to have
the presentment or inditement taken of without
without fees, and your Worships order to be
freed from further presentment or inditement
for the same (he behavinge himselfe civillie and
religiously) And your peticioner shall pray
for your healthes and happines.

Thomas Chesterton. Q/SR/265/16 (1649)

The humble peticion of Thomas Chesterton

Whearas your peticoner Thomas Chesterton hath
had great wronges and abuses by one Houmphrey
Ellis William Ellis and Elizabeth Ellis they being people
of an evill behavior and base carrage towardes your peticioner
and alsoe an ill repute amongst his neighbores and
they said Ellis hath sworne that he would kill your
peticioner and also hath done diverse wronges to your poore
peticioner and to many more of his neighbores and therefore
your peticioner humbly beseecheth the honorable Bench to take
into their honores consideracion and further to certifie the honorable
Court that he hath bound and still is bound to his
good behaviour he your poore peticioner humbly prayeth and
beseecheth your honores that may stand as bound as he
hath bene heretofore he your peticoner being fearefull
of his life which way soever he goeth because they
are resolute and if some speedy course be not taken
your poor peticioner must be forct to be driven of
his meanes which he payeth a great rent for and your
poore peticioner humbly [illegible] desireth that he may
stand bound for his good behaviour and he shall
be bound to pray for your honores.

Joane Turner of Wolstanton, spinster. Q/SR/265/20 (1649)

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

The humble peticion of Joane Turner of
Wolstanton in this County spinster

Humblie sheweth unto your good worshipps That
whereas your peticioner about a yeere and quarter
sithence and nowe last past was soe ernestlie
entreated pershewed and perswaded by on Henery
Clarke then and yet of Newborrough in this
Countie of Stafford in such manner that your
said peticioner could not rest in any good service
for the said Henery Clarke and soe by his often
sollicitinge of your peticioner she your said peticioner
beinge weake and uppon promisse of marriage
was overcome by the said Henerie Clarke and
hath had a child by the said Henerie Clarke,
nowe since which tyme the said Clarke contrarie
to his oath and promisse doth alltogeither refuse
and deny to marrie your said peticoner where
uppon your said peticoner did repaire unto Anthony
Rudiar Esquire on of the Justices of the peace for
this countie and there did obtayne a warrant of the good behaviour
which was directed unto the cunstable of Newborrowe
for the apprehendinge of the said Henerie Clarke
and by vertue of the said warrant the said cunstable
did apprehend the said Henerie Clarke and had him
in his possession and afterwards hee the said cunstable
did set the said Clarke at libertie not bringing him
the said Clarke before any Justice at all to the
utter undoeinge of your peticioner and her child

May it therefore please your good worshipps the
premisses beinge considered to graunt your warrant
of the good behavior against the said cunstable,br> of Newborrowe compellinge him thereby to
bringe before you the said Henerie Clarke
or otherwayes to alowe such mentenance for
the releiufe of your peticioner and her child as shalbe thought fitt by your worshipps discretion
and your peticioner shalle dayly pray for your
worshipps health and happines longe to
continue

Alice Davies of Woolverhampton. Q/SR/265/13 (1649)

Stafford

To the honourable bench

The humble petition of Alice Davies
of Woolverhampton

Whereas that Thomas Bridgin of Woolverhampton
within this county of Stafford within the space
of [illegible] 40 dayes last past meetinge with your
petitioner violintly toke of her body 5 pounds att least
and otherwayes abused her in money and goodes and
beaten her and as nowe will appeare by the woundes
upon her head the constables of Woolverhampton
havinge the said Bridgin in their company
refused to apprehend the said Bridgin [illegible] att the
instant time when your petitioner arrested him
of [that?] fellony the constables beinge willing
[illegible] to lett him make an escape your petitioner
desires a generall warrant to apprehend the
said Bridgin uppon the fellony and other abuses
and the constables to suffer condign punishment
for their neclect.

Thomas Higinbothom of the parish of Womborne, couper. Q/SR/266/3 (1649)

Stafford

To the honorable and worshipfull the justices of the peace
in the said county

The humble petitione of Thomas Higinbothom
of the parish of Womborne in the said county
couper.

Sheweth that whereas your said peticioner hath lived in the said
parish of Womborne for many yeares, paynefull in his callinge, and
as a good Christian and loved of his neighbours and is now destitute
of a house or habitacion for himselfe his wife and children: and hath
obtayned a parcell of land of Elizabeth Mulliner widdowe to erect
and builde the same uppon, and yett not able to obtayne foure acres
of land to laye unto the same accordinge to the statute in that
case made and provided.

And therefore humbly prayeth the license of this
court to erect and build the said house or cottage,
and your said peticioner shalbe ever bound to praye for
this honorable court.

And wee the parishoners and inhabitants of Womborne aforesaid
whose names are hereunto subscribed, doe certifie this peticion
to be true and allso there unto give our consentes.

• John Tonge
• Thomas Parker
• John Cartwick
• William [Date?]
• Robert Foxall
• Richard Southall


• Ithiel Smart minister ibidem


• John Woodhouse
• Edward Smith
• Oliver Shawe
• William Marshe
• John Marshe

Richard Hodgson of Loxley. Q/SR/266/4 (1649)

Humbly sheweth your poore petitioner Richard Hodgson of Loxley
in the parish of Uttoxeter and said countie of Stafford houlding
certaine lands there, hath not onely beene assessed and inforced
to paye for the lands he hath in all lewnes and taxes, but alsoe
for those lands which he hath not, soe that he doth conceive [that in?]
the summe of three and twentie pence he payeth nine pence for
that land which is in the houldinge of other men, or at the [least?]
wise is overtaxed, by which meanes there is now in arreare for
lewnes which are demanded almost fiftie shillings

His humble petition to you is that you would be
pleased to tender his condition being a poore
deafe man, and unable to helpe himselfe, that [some?]
order may be sent to some sufficient [neigh...ours?]
who may veiw the assessements there and [illegible]
the same soe will your petitioner humbly [illegible]
for your health and prosperitie.

The inhabitants of the parish of Pagets Bromley. Q/SR/266/7 (1649)

To the right worshipfull the justices of the
peace for the county of Stafford

The humble petition of the inhabitantes
of the parrish of Bromly Pagettes

Humbly sheweth
that whereas it pleased the worshipfull George Bowes and [Fleurie?] [illegible]
esquires twoe of the justices of the peace for the county aforesaid
to send theire warrant bearing date the 5th day of June last past
comaundinge thereby the churchwardens and overseers to [receive?]
one Raph Goodwin an impotent man and aledged therein that he
the said Goodwin had beene resident and dwelt at Bromly aforesaid
during the tyme of six moneths, the last place of his aboade and to
take care for his mayntenance as by the said warrant hereunto annexed
it doeth and may at large appeare.

Nowe may it please your worshipps, the said Raph Goodwyne
neaver inhabyted within them any such tyme as aforesaid, as doeth
appeare under his hand by his certificate hereunto alsoe anexed
and ready upon oath to veriefie his hand or marke thereunto;

The premisses considered your petitioners humbly pray that
your worshipps would please to send the said Raph Goodwin
unto Yoxall from whence he came, where of right he ought
to bee, and not to be burthened with him without cause, as the
said certeficate relateth which is the very truth, and
alsoe humbly pray your warrant to the same effect,

And they shall as in duty are
bownd ever pray for your
worshipps

The inhabitants of Aston. Q/SR/266/11 (1649)

The humble petition of the inhabytants
of the towne of Aston

Humbly sheweth that whereas it pleased God that upon
Tewsday last, Dorrothye Ponson widdowe of Aston afoure
said, did falle from her sences, into distraction and maddnes
and hath continued in the same, for the most part ever since
what was the cause God knoweth and not wee, shee was a very
Godly religious woman, and had excellent gifts both of under=
standing, and memmorye, and verry ready in the scripture, shee
also kept a little scoole teaching children to reede there is
hope of her recoverye againe, if it please God to give blessing
unto her, shee is but poore and hath small frends, and hath two
children the one aboute foure yeares oulde and the other not
two, now our petition and request is that this honnorable court
woulde bee pleased to grante an order directed to the church
warddens and overseers of the poore for the perrish of Stone
that they will see to the releiffe and mentenance of her and her
poore children in this their extremytye, and wee shall pray
etc.

Stephen Aldridge and Edward Ammerton, soldiers. Q/SR/266/12 (1649)

To the honourable and right worshipfull the justices
of the peace for this county of Stafford

The humble peticion of Stephen Aldridge and Edward Ammerton
late soldiers under the command of Thomas Monck.

Sheweth that your petitioners have beene in the Parliamentes und
service under the command aforesaid for the space of 20
moneths, in which tyme the respectively and obediently
behaved themselves. But at disbanding were much in
arreare, though they had suffered many woundes and
maynes, to the disenabling of them to a future
service, or any other labours, whereby to gaine
to themselves any manner of support for their
livelyhood:

Therefore humbly pray the premisses
considered, that your petitioners may have
order to receive an usuall pension
as is now and hath beene formerly
allowed to maymed soldiers.

And your petitioners shall ever pray
for your honours much happines

Richard Wright of Newborough and Hoar Cross, constable. Q/SR/266/13 (1649)

[Com?]
Stafford sessions

To the honourable and right worshipfull the
justices of the peace of this county.

The humble peticion of Richard Wright of Newborough
and Whorecross in this county constable

Humbly sheweth that your peticioner having received a warrant
from Anthony Rudyerd esquire for the apprehension, and bringing
before one or more justices of the peace for this county the body
of one Henry Clarke of Newborough aforesaid weaver for the
unlawfull copulacion and getting with child one Joane Turner
of Alveton, which warrant accordingly your petitioner did execute
and the said Clarke did apprehend, really intending to performe
the commandes of the said warrant, but was thereof prevented
by some soldiers, who forcibly rescowed and forcibly tooke
away the said Clarke from your petitioner soe that the saide
Clarke is fledd out of this county, and his place of abode unto
your petitioner unknowne, by which meanes your petitioner is much
troubled by the daily sollicitacions of the said Joane Turner
who would with out your worshipps releife herein constraine your
petitioner to keepe hir child at his owne proper charge, though the
child was borne at Alveton aforesaid: which your peticioner
is ready to manifest by testimony of two honest neighbours
here present.

All which being considered your peticioner humbly
praies that your worshipps would bee
pleased to free him your petitioner from the
intended burthen, and to charge the
parish of Alveton with the releife
and necessary maintenance of the said
child: and your petitioner shall ever
pray for your worshipps

The inhabitants of Mucklestone. Q/SR/266/14 (1649)

Stafford

The humble pittition off the inhabitance
of Mouckleston

Humbly shewinge unto the wright worshipfull of this
worthy bench the greate wronges and charges that wee
have received from one Sammuell Renaldes whoe as
hee sayth is an atturney at law: yet wee are able
to prove sence Trenietie terme was 12 mounthes hee
never was at any terme at London and wee at Easter
last did accordinge to our costume did present him
to finde one suffecient man to sarve the office of a
constable in regard hit came to his house by course to
finde one and accordinge to our ancient custome which
was never broken in the memory of man: the last
tyme before now when the said office of a constable
came to that house where in the said Sammuell Renalds now
liveth then stood boyes and noe sufficient person liveed
in it then wee presented Sir John Offley knight beinge
landlord of it to finde one to sarve the office of a constable
and hee caused one to bee hired to sarve in regard hee
would not seecke by any meanes to breake or overthroe
our custome now the said Sammuell denieth to sarve
in regard hee saith hee hath a writ of previlige being
an attorney as hee him selfe saith but wee are not
sure whether hee bee or noe but for his practice is very
small of late tyme and for his previlidge wee hope
cannot breake our custome soe our humble and ernest
requestes unto your good worshipes is that you will bee
pleased to eayd and and assist us with all the lawfull
favour you can and not to let us suffer or bee over
swayed with the rigor of the law in this our just cause
but let us wee beseeke you receive the mercie
of justice to bee gyded by and to that wee onely and wholy
appeale unto desireinge to abyde abyde the censure
of it: ever more prayinge for you:

• John Adames
• Humphrey Smyth
• William Phillipes
• Hugh Barlowe
• Thomas Snape
• William Lowe
• William Hollins
• John Podmor
• Thomas Podmor
• Richard Lyon


• Edward Snape

Darnygoulde Bycar. Q/SR/266/16 (1649)

To the honourrable bentche at this quarter session for the
county of Stafford

The humble petetion of Darnygoulde Bycar humbly sheweth that whereas
John Clarke an apprentice to John Leese a carpenter dwellinge in Penckriche
parishe, was abused by unlawefull correction forced to goe from his saide
master and lieinge in the colde in time of colde winter when he was founde
was sente to his saide master, who let him lie on the colde harthe all nighte without
fire, and refused to give him entertainement and on the morrowe brought him
in the colde feild and lefte him there and a neighbour comeinge that way, founde
his masters sonne beateinge him who acquainted his neighbours of his lamentable
estate, two or three neighbours caused him to be brought to his aunt Thomas
Mores wife, upon that his neighbors comeinge and seeinge him in that miserable estate his
aunte wanteinge skill to cure him nor haveinge maintenance to releive him wente
to his dame his master not beinge at home shee refused to give any releife his
aunte acquainted her neighbours with it. Upon that the overseers and neighbours
did speake to John Leese his master to take some order with him upon that John
Leese his saide master did agrree with the overseers and other of our neighbours
to take him home againe beinge paide two shillinges a weecke which moneys
beinge paide his master and dame refused to keepe him any longer, by consente
of his master the overseers and some of our neighbours, sente the boys aunte to
Cannocke to your poore petitioner makeinge me acquainted what lamentable
state he was in I came a longe with the boys aunte to his masters house
then seeinge what miserable state he was in his leggs and feete beinge soe sweld and
numbd with his beinge forced to lie in the extreame cold, beeinge starke dead and like to perish
your petetioner dwellinge soe farr could not come to dresse him so ofte as need required his said
master the overseers and some of our neighbours agreed with me for 3 shillings - 6 pence a weecke for his
diet bed washeinge and ringeinge untill the nexte monthly meeteinge upon that John Leese
hired a carte to bringe him to Cannocke to me not sendeinge his cloathes that he should use and
denieth yet to let him have them your petetioner doeinge what shee could to cure him his
feete did rott and perrishe from him within a fortnighte and seeinge his heade and bodie in such
pittifull order I asked him howe the came to be soe sore who answeared and saide his [master?]
had spurned and beaten him and did lay two rodes in stale and commanded me to goe to bed [illegible]
lieinge naked my master came and pluckte me out of bed and tooke his garter and tied both
my handes behinde me and whipte me up and downe the house, until I bled from the head
downeward, which the said John Leese confessed before sufficient wittnes after whiping
me, my master set him downe to reste him I smarteinge soe cruelly went up the stares to my
bed my master sente his sonne with a cloathe to drie me wheron the overseer caused the
said John Leese his master to come before Master Moreton the next monethly meeteinge, which upon
that it was ordered the saide John Leese his master should pay the said 3 shillings - 6 pence a
weecke untill the nexte quarter sessions which nowe refuseth to pay it and the
men that did sett him to me, which hath caused me many a dayes journey I beinge
not able to stay soe longe withoute it your petetioner beinge forced to borrowe it nowe
maketh me complaine to this honourrable bentche I beinge not able to keepe him any
longer I humbly intreate and desire your worships furtherance and assistance in this my
greate need, that I may have that which is due and unpaide to mee soe prayeinge to
God for your happines I reste

Your humble petetioner to her power.

Darnygoulde Bycar

Richard Momford of Aston. Q/SR/267/3 (1649)

To the honorable worshipfull the Justices of the peace
and quorum for the county of Stafford.

The humble peticion of Richard
Momford of Aston

Sheweth

That your peticioner served the office of Constable in
the parish of Trentham in the yeare 1647 and did
well and faithfully execute that office duringe all the
time of his being therein, and at his discontinuance
did give up a perfect accompt unto the parishioners
there, which was well approved of, and by which
accompt it appeareth that your peticioner was out
of purse for the service of the same parish 1li.-11s.-6d.
which somme soe due unto your peticioner he hath often demanded
of the Inhabitantes of Trentham whoe shold properly paye
the same, but as yet cannot procure the same, to the
prejudice of your peticioner

Therefore humbly prayeth this Court to take the
premisses into your consideracion and to take such course
therein that your peticioner may receive and have
satisfaction for his disbursments aforesaid
as to your wisedomes shall seem meete

And he shall ever pray etc

The inhabitants of Eccleshall. Q/SR/267/5 (1649)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace for this
countie of Stafford at their meeting at Stableford Bridge.

We the inhabitants of the parish of Eccleshall whose names are
underwritten doe hereby humbly certifie your worships that Symon
Tilsley of Aspley is a very poore impotent blind man altoge=
ther destitute of any meanes of his owne to relieve and main=
taine him, and soe hath been for divers yeares last past,
having had little or noe reliefe but what James Meeson
our neighbour hath in charitie afforded unto him: may it
therefore please your good worships to grant make your
order and grant your warrant unto the present church=
wardens and overseers for the poore of our parish, them
requiring to allowe unto the said Symon Tilsley the
summe of twoe shillings weekely for and towardes the
payment of his house rent and finding him meate drink
and apparell convenient for him, and to [illegible] be allow=
ed him from the 13th day of Januarie last past, and
to be henceforth continued soe long as his necessity
shall require, all which we conceive fitt and reasonable
and soe rest [illegible]

Your worships humble [servantes?]

• John Hancocke
• Charles [Landar?]
• John Blest senior
• Thomas Blest of the [hough?]
• Jeffery Grimes William Loveatt
• William Kyrke Thomas Evans
• James [Waddey?]
• Richard Bushopp
• John Howell
• William Bagnot
• William Richards
• William [illegible]
• John Tilsley


• Francis Steedman
• John Woollams
• John Steed Sutton
• Johns Hanley
• Thomas Chaulton
• John Shropshire
• Robart Walker
• Robert Berkin
• Thomas Gratewood
• John Milward
• William Bagnold
• John [Hancocke?]

Richard Walthow of Eccleshall. Q/SR/267/7 (1649)

To the right worshipfull bench the Justices of Peace at the quarter Sessions for the
County of Stafford the humble petition of Richard Walthow of Ecleshall

Humbly sheweth

That wheras your petitioner is a very poore disconsolate man and one that hath
almost noe comford in this world lefft unto him in regard it hath pleased god
to take away his wife from him to his utter ruine and undoeing and that
in regard of the great charge of children which it hath pleased god to bestowe
upon him which your petitioner takes as great blessing at the hands of all
might god: but in regard of his great poverty and nessescity they are
unto him a greate affliction of sperit: to have them cry for bread and
as the case now stands left him wherby to gett bread for them by reason
another the eldest of them being not above 12 years of age besides the
scarcyty of the times ocationed cheifely by the hardnes of peeoples
hartes.

Now these are therfore humbly to desire the Worshipfull Bench to take
your petitioners most sadd and deplorable condition into your most grave and
seriouse concideration and withall to cause the parish to make such
provition for [illegible] him and his children as you in your wisdoms shall thinke
meete that they may not starve in a land of plenty and of this his most
humble petition the primises concidered hee doubts not but to have a
gratiouse and worshipfull answer and your petitioner shall ever
pray as in duty hee is bound for your worships helth and happines
heare in this world and your eternall glory in the world which is to
come

Thomas Coton, constable of Kibleston. Q/SR/267/8 (1649)

To the Right Honorable his Majesties the Justices
of Assisses for the Countye of
Stafford

The humble petition of Thomas Coton
constable of Kibleston within this
countie

Sheweth

That whereas your petitioner hath many warrantes directed unto
him for the payment of severall imposicions upon the aforesaid
constablewicke and hath given warninge unto them to meete
to lay lewnes for the payment thereof, but the inhabytantes
in generall denie to meete or consent thereunto, neither will
allowe unto your petitioner such raisonable charges as heretofore
hath beene allowed unto former constables there, the aforesaid
constablewicke beinge large and the [illegible] halfe aboute 2 parts of of a division, which
causeth much expence and labour in the execution of his said office.

Therefore your petitioner humbly prayeth your good honnors
to be pleased seriously to consider of the premisses, that your
petitioner may have the constablewicke inforced to come
and meete and pay lewnes as they have formerlie, and not to
apose your petitioner as heretofore they have as Jonay
Pencell the son of William Pencell latelie did your petitioner
being inforced to distraine for non payment of lewnes and
having assistance by twoe souldiers resisted and offerred to
abuse your petitioner soe that he said he could find in his
hart to knocke out his braynes Your petitioner thereby
being utterly disabled to execute his said office, for which
abuse your petitioner had a warrant from Justice Crompton
being served therewith denyed to obey the same

And your honnors goodnes and releife herein
he shall as in dutie is bownd to er pray
etc

He desireth that the former
constables may bringe in
theire accountes

Edward Goldsmith, a Sheriff's Officer. Q/SR/267/9 (1649)

To the worshipfull Justices of the Peace for the
County of Stafford

The humble petition of Edward
Goldsmith one of the Sherriffes
Officers

Sheweth that whereas your petitioner having a warrant putt into
his hand and under the hand and seale of office of the Heigh Sherriffe
of this County of Stafford to execute against severall persons therein
named for theire appearence at this generall Sessions of the
Peace upon Inditement, wherein was Georg Sare of Penckrich
and arresting him, Marie the wife of the said George came in
a verie voyolent way, and said if she could but come at him
wold stove him to the hart with a knife, but if she could doe it
hereafter she would with many uncevell and threatninge wordes

The premisses considered your petitioner humbly prayeth your worshipps
to be pleased to graunt the good behaviour against the said Marie
Sare soe that hereafter the service and sherriffes warrantes accordinge
to lawe may bee more quietly executed and not to bee in danger
to be slayne by such lewd and wicked people.

And your petitioner shall ever be
bownd to pray for your worshipps

William Bebe of Abbots Bromley, minister. Q/SR/267/14 (1649)

To the Honorable Bench
The humble peticion of
William Bebe Minister
of Abetts Breomley

Sheweth

That whereas the vicarig of the place
aforesaid with severall apertainances there
unto were conferd and setled uppon your
peticoner by an order from the Comittee
for Plundred Ministers sequestred from
Anthony Hucesley delinquent sinch your peticioner
had posesion of the aforesaid place
the aforesaid Anthony Hucksley hath reen
tered the vicaridg house gethered the
dues belonging to your peticioner and with
much molistation of the honest partie in
the towne doth still keepe possesion

In consideration of the premises your peticioners
humble request is that some spedy
course maye be taken for the releife of
your peticoner according us your in your wisdoms
shall think fitt

and your peticioner shall pray etc.

Samuel Johnston and William Eire, constables of Leek. Q/SR/267/16 (1649)

To the Worshippfull the Justices of the peace
for this County of Stafford the petcion
of Samuel Johnson and William Eire
late Constables of Leeke Anno 1648

Humbly shewes

That whereas your petconer by order from Major Generall Lambert in his march this way upon
pursuit of the Scotes Anno Domini 1648, August 23 were enjoyned to quarter 700 men and
horse for one night upon the charge of the whole constablewicke, Your humble
petconers [illegible] acviateing to the said Major Generall upon the cominge in (on the next daye)
of many maimed souldiers and tired horses, that this towne of Leeke was but
the sixt part of the constablewicke, and had beene much overcharged, the said
General worthily ordered that the said maimed souldieres, tired and maimed horses
come in, or to come for some dayes followinge, should bee here quartered
att the charge of the whole constablewicke, till they were able to march; the which beinge performed by the petconers (upon the sudden) [illegible] with
moneyes, and engagementes, besides other necessitated charges, to the value of
eight poundes, as may appeare by your petconers accountes, seene, and approved,
att our next court leete followinge, upon which your petconers issueinge out
warrantes for the raisinge of the said summe were rejected; Your petconers
beinge now sued for the said engagementes, and haveinge no other refuge
neare att hand, doe humblie betake themselves to your Worships

Humbly desireinge (the premises considered) that this Worshipfull
Bench would bee pleased to grant out their warrant to the
Constable and Headboroughes of Leeke for the assessinge
and collectinge of such moneyes as by the said accountes
of your petconers shall appeare due, and your petconers shall pray etc.

Wee whose names are here under subscribed, beinge called in for advice
by the aboved named petconers (then Constables) for better dispose of so sudden
a buisinesse, doe certifie that wee advised unanimously, accordinge
to the order of the said Major General to quarter the aforesaid men and horses att
several Innes and houses, upon the charge of the whole constablewicke

• Thomas Jodrell
• Richard Thomson Thomas Hamersley Thomas Fynney
• Thomas Wallton [illegible] gentleman Lawrence Brindle John Davemporte
• John Tooke Adam Jackson
• Ed: Craddocke John Horsley John Jackson [illegible]

Elinor Bromwich, wife of Thomas Bromwich. Q/SR/267/19 (1649)

To the right worshipfull the Justices of Peace
of the Countie of Stafford

The humble peticion of Elnor Bromwich the wiefe
of Thomas Bromwich

Shewinge that her said husband, by frequentinge of lewd company
hath of late withdrawne his affeccon from her, and her children
and hath used her most barbarously, against the covenant he
made to her in marriage (at which tyme he receaved a competent
marriage porcion of her father) hath beaten her and put her liefe
in danger, So as she dare not dwell with him

She most humbley beseecheth your Worships to take
commiseracion of her myseries, And (uppon the articles
annexed) such order for her saftie and mayntenance
for her and her three children by yearly allowance
out of his land as to your wisdoms shall seeme
consonant to equitie and justice

And soe she and her children shall daylie
pray for you.

Anne Wilkes of Bilston, widow. Q/SR/267/21 (1649)

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

The humble peticion of Anne Wilkes of Bildeston widdow

Humbly sheweth That your petitioner being a very poore woeman, and the more
to aggravate hir misery hath six children in these tymes of dearth
unimployed in any many of labours whereby either to releive
themselves in parte, or any waies assist there aged mother
who having noe way to releive hirself but the charitable
benevolence of some few good people within the parish of
Wolverhampton. And being now driven to the uttmost
of extremityes as being refused by those of the said
parish for a requisite releife for myhirself and poore children
hath noe other way but to have recourse unto your Worshipps
the onely meanes left mee hir for a future subsistency.

Which being taken into your worshipps consideracions
my humble praier is that you would be pleased
to order that your petitioner and hir poore children may
have some releife either paid them out of
the said parish or some other waie as your
worshipps shall conceive most meete and
your petitioner as in duety bound shall ever praye
for your honors.
etc.

Mr Bendy

John Banage of Gnosall. Q/SR/267/22 (1649)

To the Righte worshipefull the Justices of the peace
for this Countie of Stafford

This is to certiefie your good worshipes that whereas your poore
petitioner John Bassage of Wassall builded builded a cottage this twenty
sixe yeares agoe and about two acers of grownd lying to it and
I have lived quietly and peaceably in it all my life time: and
now am presented by William Pallmer for erecting a cottage
contrary to the statute: Therefore I would intreate your
good worshipes that you would bee pleased to take some pittie
upon your poore petitioner in distresse that I may live
quietly amongst my neighboures as hearetofore I have
donne: and I beeseeche your good worshipes that you
would bee pleased to take it to consideration and to grant
mee some redresse for this presentment thus
hoping that your good worshipes wilbee pleased to take pittie
upon a poore man in distresse and soe with my prayers to god
for your good successe I rest

Your poore petitioner
John Bassage
paratext

not and because not troubled