363 Lawrence v Hillyard

363 LAWRENCE V HILLYARD

John Lawrence of Thorneton College, co. Lincoln, gent v Robert Hillyard of South Frodingham, co. Lincoln, gent

November 1637

Abstract

Lawrence complained that between December and January 1637, Hillyard had said, 'Where is that rogue Lawrence'? He added that between May and August 1637, in public court before many persons, in Winestead parish, co. York, Hillyard had insulted him further and challenged him to fight. This was a counter suit to cause 296 brought at the same time. No indication of sentence survives.

Initial proceedings

17/3t, Libel

1. Lawrence's family had been reputed gentry for up to 100 years.

2. In December and January 1637, Hillyard had said: 'Where is that rogue Lawrence'?

3. Between May and August 1637 in Winestead parish, co. York, in public court before many persons Hillyard had insulted Lawrence and challenged him to fight.

4. Hillyard's actions had been provocative of a duel.

Unsigned.

Dated 28 November 1637.

Notes

Robert Hildyard (b. c.1611), was the son of Sir Christopher Hildyard, and a lieutenant-colonel of horse in the royalist Northern Horse in the civil wars. He married Jane, daughter of Christopher Constable of Hatfield, co. York, esq [See causes 123-4]. The earl of Newcastle knighted him on the field for his courage in 1644 after he had killed a Scots officer in single combat. He was created a baronet in 1660.

P. R. Newman, Royalist Officers in England and Wales, 1642-1660: A biographical dictionary (London, 1981), p. 191; R. Davies (ed.), The Visitation of the County of Yorke begun in 1665 and finished in 1666, by William Dugdale (Surtees Society, 36, 1859), p. 144.

Documents

• Initial proceedings
  • Libel: 17/3t (28 Nov 1637)

People mentioned in the case

• Cavendish, William, earl of Newcastle
• Constable, Christopher, esq
• Constable, Jane
• Hillyard, Christopher, knight (also Hilliard, Hildiard, Hiliard, Hildyard)
• Hillyard, Jane (also Hilliard, Hildiard, Hiliard, Hildyard)
• Hillyard, Robert, gent (also Hilliard, Hildiard, Hiliard, Hildyard)
• Lawrence, John, gent

Places mentioned in the case

• Lincolnshire
  • South Frodingham
  • Thorneton
  • Thorneton College

Topics of the case

• challenge to duel