499 Palmer v Reston

The Court of Chivalry 1634-1640.

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'499 Palmer v Reston', in The Court of Chivalry 1634-1640, (, ) pp. . British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/court-of-chivalry/499-palmer-reston [accessed 24 March 2024]

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499 PALMER V RESTON

William Palmer of Southwell, co. Nottingham, esq v Henry Reston of the same

August 1640

Abstract

Palmer complained that Reston had said that 'my credit was not worth twopence, and that my word would not be taken for twopence, and whatsoever I spake was a lye', that 'if I, William, swore I would perjure myself', and that he 'cared not a fart for me'. Palmer entered bond to prosecute the cause on 14 August 1640 and there were proceedings on 10 October, but nothing further survives.

Initial proceedings

5/159, Plaintiff's bond

14 August 1640

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

Signed by William Palmer.

Sealed, subscribed and delivered in the presence of John Rainshaw, notary public.

12/4a, Libel

1. William Palmer's family had been ancient gentry for up to 200 years, and William was the son of Matthew Palmer of Southwell.

2. William Palmer complained that Reston said that 'my credit was not worth twopence and that my word would not be taken for twopence and whatsoever I spake was a lye, and if I, William, swore I would perjure myself'.

3. Palmer complained that Reston said he 'cared not a fart for me, William Palmer'

4. Reston's insults to Palmer's honour were provocative of a duel.

No date.

No signatures.

Summary of proceedings

There were proceedings in this cause on 10 October 1640 with Dr Duck as counsel.

Notes

William Palmer of Southwell, esq (d.1653) was the son of Sir Matthew Palmer of Southwell, knt (d.1647) and Mary Price. William married Mary, daughter of John Digby of Mansfield Woodhouse, esq.

G. D. Squibb (ed.), The Visitation of Nottinghamshire begun in 1662 and finished in 1664 (Publications of the Harleian Society, new series, 5, 1986), p.109.

Documents

  • Initial proceedings
    • Plaintiff's bond: 5/159 (14 Aug 1640)
    • Libel: 12/4a (no date)
  • Proceedings
    • Proceedings: 1/11, fos. 56r-64v (10 Oct 1640)

People mentioned in the case

  • Digby, John, esq
  • Digby, Mary
  • Duck, Arthur, lawyer
  • Palmer, Mary
  • Palmer, Matthew, knight
  • Palmer, William, esq
  • Rainshaw, John, notary public
  • Reston, Henry

Places mentioned in the case

  • Middlesex
    • Westminster
  • Nottinghamshire
    • Mansfield Woodhouse
    • Southwell

Topics of the case

  • allegation of perjury
  • giving the lie
  • scatological insult