277 Harewell v Reynolds

277 HAREWELL V REYNOLDS

Robert Harewell of London, gent v William Reynolds of the same, clothworker

August - November 1640

Abstract

Harewell complained that Reynolds had said to him, 'Thou lyest like a knave'. On 31 October 1640 Dr Exton presented the libel and on 20 November Dr Merrick was required to respond. No further proceedings survive.

Initial proceedings

5/136, Petition

'William Reynolds, clothworker, (amongst other provoking language) upbraiding the petitioner with supposed injury done to one Clayton, and your petitioner justifying himself and alleging that Reynolds might well take Cleyton's part for he had sold him [goods] at 50s a peece, Reynolds hereupon in publique and disgracefull manner replyed to the petitioner saying, Thou lyest like a knave, with other reproachfull words, to the petitioner's great disparagement and provocation.'

Petitioned that Reynolds be brought to answer.

Maltravers granted process, 6 August 1640

5/135, Plaintiff's bond

12 August 1640

Bound to 'appear in the court in the Painted Chamber within the Pallace of Westminster'.

Signed by Robert Harewell.

Sealed, subscribed and delivered in the presence of John Longland.

5/146, Defendant's bond

10 October 1640

Bound to 'appear in the court in the Painted Chamber within the Pallace of Westminster'.

Signed by William Reynolds.

Sealed, subscribed and delivered in the presence of John Watson.

Summary of proceedings

Dr Exton acted as counsel for Harewell and Dr Merrick for Reynolds. Reynolds was warned to appear in October 1640.On 31 October Dr Exton presented the libel and on 20 November 1640 Dr Merrick was required to respond. Dr Exton was given until the first session of next term to prove the libel.

Notes

Robert Harewell of London, merchant, freeman of the company of clothworkers, was the son of Richard Harewell of Worcester and Alice, daughter of one Smith of Worcester. Robert Harewell married Dorothy, daughter of Robert Brooke of co. Suffolk.

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. 348.

Documents

• Initial proceedings
  • Petition: 5/136 (6 Aug 1640)
  • Plaintiff's bond: 5/135 (12 Aug 1640)
  • Defendant's bond: 5/146 (10 Oct 1640)
• Proceedings
  • Proceedings: 1/11, fos. 56r-64v (10 Oct 1640)
  • Proceedings: 1/11, fos. 73r-78v (10 Oct 1640)
  • Proceedings before Stafford: 1/11, fos. 41r-44v (24 Oct 1640)
  • Proceedings before Maltravers: 1/11, fos. 19r-30v (30 Oct 1640)
  • Proceedings: 1/11, fos. 5r-9r (20 Nov 1640)

People mentioned in the case

• Brooke, Dorothy
• Brooke, Robert
• Clayton (also Cleyton)
• Exton, Thomas, lawyer
• Harewell, Alice
• Harewell, Dorothy
• Harewell, Richard
• Harewell, Robert, gent
• Howard, Henry, baron Maltravers
• Howard, William, baron Stafford
• Longland, John
• Merrick, William, lawyer
• Reynolds, William, clothworker
• Smith, Alice
• Watson, John

Places mentioned in the case

• Middlesex
  • Westminster
• Suffolk
  • Stow
• Worcestershire
  • Worcester

Topics of the case

• giving the lie