158 Deyer v Davies

158 DEYER V DAVIES

Alexander Deyer of the city of London, gent v Robert Davies of London

June 1639

Abstract

Deyer complained that Davies insulted him in a public place in the presence of several people, calling him 'a knave and a base knave', and giving him the lie, thereby provoking him to duel. Process was granted on 27 June 1639, but no further proceedings survive.

Initial proceedings

6/79, Petition to Maltravers

Deyer claimed he was 'a gentleman descended of an ancient family', and that Robert Davies of London about a fortnight since did in a publique place very much abuse your petitioner, and before many witnesses of good credit told the petitioner that he was a knave and a base knave, and gave him the lye, thereby very much provoking your petitioner to duell.'

Petitioned that Davies be brought to answer.

Maltravers granted process on 27 June 1639

Notes

Alexander Deyer did not appear in the Visitations, but the defendant may have been the Robert Davies of London, goldsmith, noted in the 1633 visitation, as son of Thomas ap Davyd, gent, and Margaret, daughter of John Lloyd ap William, gent. This Robert Davies married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Maddox of London, merchant tailor.

J. Jackson Howard and J. L. Chester (eds.), The Visitation of London, 1633, 1634 and, 1635, vol. I (Publications of the Harleian Society, 15, 1880), p. 220.

Documents

• Initial proceedings
  • Petition to Maltravers: 6/79 (27 Jun 1639)

People mentioned in the case

• ap Davyd, Margaret
• ap Davyd, Thomas, gent
• Davies, Elizabeth
• Davies, Robert
• Deyer, Alexander, gent
• Howard, Henry, baron Maltravers
• Maddox, Elizabeth
• Maddox, Robert, merchant tailor
• Lloyd ap William, John, gent
• Lloyd ap William, Margaret

Places mentioned in the case

• London

Topics of the case

• denial of gentility
• giving the lie
• provocative of a duel