Cheshire Quarter Sessions: 1638

John Heye and Thomas Towrould. QJF 66/4/17 (1638)

To the right honourable bench his majesties justices of peace
assembled at the quarter sessions for this countye of
Chester.

The humble petition of John Heye and Thomas
Towrould.

Shewing that whereas one Thomas Heye
appearing before your honours at the quarter sessions next after
midsomer last past, and their accused by one Jane
Leighe to be the father of her childe, which he then
denyed, and theiruppon your petitionors entered into recogn=
uzaunc with the said Thomas Heye to appeare before
your honoures at the last quarter sessions, but before the said
day of apparaunc the said Thomas Heye agreed
with the said Jane Leighe and tooke the said childe
and hath quitt and discharged her of it, by reason
whereof your petitionores not doubting anie daunger for default
of apparaunc and the said Thomas Heye at the same time
being sore sicke and in great daunger of death did not then
appeare, but now your petitionores fearing the daunger of the
penaltie in default of the said apparaunc lest the
same should be imposed uppon them to their utter
undoeing

In tender consideracion of the premisses may it their=
fore please your honoures to cause your petitioneres to be discharged
from the said recognuzaunc soe that the same may
may not anie waies be prejudiciall unto them and
your petitionors shall be ever bounden to pray for your honours in
all health and happines long to contineue.

Robert Wooddall. QJF 66/4/18 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of peace
at his present sessions assembled

The humble petition of Robert Wooddall

Sheweth that about thyrteene yeares and an halfe last past one
Thomas Dutton of Frodsham being the reputed father of a bastard
chyld begotten on the body of one Margrett Wryght of Sale did
contract and agree with your petitioner for the educatinge of the sayd
bastard till the child should accomplish the age of ten yeares which
your sayde peticioner performed and hath ever since the expiration of
that tyme maynetayned the sayde chyld without any allowance at all
notwithstanding the sayd Thomas Dutton is a man of greate suffycyencye
by reason whereof your sayd peticioner is much oppressed, and althoughe
he hath dyvers tymes gently required the sayd Thomas Dutton to
disburthen him and the parishe of Cheadle of the sayd chyld yet the
said Dutton hath refused, as this petitioner conceyves contrary both to
lawe and equitye

Maye your worships be therefore pleased the premisses
considered for the releyfe of your peticioner to order
the sayd Thomas Dutton to take the sayde
bastard chyld and thereof discharge the sayde
peticioner and the sayd parish of Cheadle and
lykewise to allowe him a resonable exhibition
for the tyme past, after and above the tyme
contracted as in your discretions shall seeme
fytt, and your peticioner will ever praye for your
good worships health longe to contynewe

John Cottingham the younger, Richard Heath and Richard Blinston. QJF 66/4/21 (1638)

To the right worshipfull the Kinges majesties justices
of peace assembled at this present quarter
sessions held for the county of Chester.

The humble peticion and informacion of John
Cottingham the younger Richard Heath and
Richard Blinston for of Frodsham in this county
for and on the behalf of them selves, and others the
inhabitantes of the said towne.

Most humbly sheweinge and informinge your worships that
there are diverse severall inmates of bad liffe and
conversacion inhabittinge and dwellinge in the said towne
which are harbored and kept by diverse of the inhabitantes
thereof to the great hindrance of us the peticioners,
and informars, and contrary to the lawes and
statutes of this realme and albeit that the keepers
and harborers of the same inmates have ben often
tyme presented and fyned at the lords courtes for such
there abuses and kepeing yett nevertheles there is noe
redresse therein had by reason whereof the peticioners
and others the inhabitantes receave great prejudice
by such oppression.

May it therefore please your worships soe to comisserate
the causes and estates of us the said peticioners
and the rest of the said inhabitantes, as to be
pleased soe to order at this present sessions, that
the said harborers and b may be enjoyed
upon a certaine paine to putt out the said
inmates by a certaine day, and not hereafter
to admitt of any such like persons, and the
peticioners will day pray for your worships healthes

The names of the severall persons that kepe theise in inmates
videlicet John Hatton of the Bach, Elizabeth Bradley wydow, Richard Hocknull
Robert [Wrig...en?], Ellin Smith wydow. Joane Dale wydow, Thomas
Werrall Cicely Alverson wydow. Richard Smith, [illegible] Thomas Hall. Thomas
Banner Richard Symcock Raffe Picken, and William Hough.

The parishioners of Plemstoe parish. QJF 66/4/22 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices att this present sessions

The humble peticion of the perishioners of Plemstoe parish unto your good worships
most humbly sheawinge.

That where as Troughfoord bridge is agreate throughfare and very
convenient and commodioues for all the countrey which bridge hath
benn far out of repayre, and hath benn repayred by the sayd parishioneres
which was greate chardges unto them, now the sayd bridge is far out
of repayre againe, and very like to fall downe unlesse present remedy bee
had for the repayringe of the same, the chardge will amount to fifty
pownds att least which will bee very burthomsom and chardgable unto your peticioners
without the ayd and assistantes of the countrey:

The premises considered that it may please
your worships to take into consideration and that
they may have assistances towardes they
repayre of the sayd bridge and and they
will pray for all your prosperities.

Elizabeth Webster. QJF 66/4/23 (1638)

To the right worippfull Sir Willyam Brereton knight Sir
Thomas Smith knight and the rest of his majesties justices
for the county pallatine of Chester

The humble petition of Elizabeth Webster a poore distressed
woman

Most humbly sheweth to your worshipps that your poore petitioner
beinge by the subtill [illegible] wayes meanes promisses inticementes
and false alurementes of the divell and one Thomas [Warrys?]
of Dodleston in this county, committed the greeveous
sinne of fornicacion and by whom your petitioner hath stood
is nowe greate with child to your poore petitioners utter
overthrowe without some speedy helpe bee with
speed extended the said Thomas [Warrys?] as the
country well knowes beinge an ill liver and att
this tyme doeth keepe a whore in his howse and
hitherto hath ledd a most ungratious life in that and
all respectes, and nowe under your worshipps good favor
doth turne your poore petitioner off in a most pittyfull
manner, still maynteyneing his whore att home
whereby without speedy releiffe as aforesaid your
poore petitioner and her infant are like to perish beinge
layd upon the said towne of Dodleston who will not
releeve your poore petitioner

May it therefore for Godes cause pleas your worshipps
to order that the said Thomas [Warrys?] may
releeve your petitioner in this her extremity and
may bee ordered to keepe the child and
your petitioner wilbee ever bound to pray for your
worshipps prosperity.

John Ellam of Stockton in Appleton, freemason. QJF 66/4/24 (1638)

To the honourable and right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace at this
quarter sessions assembled.

The humble peticion of John Ellam of Stockton in Appleton
freemason

Sheweth that your poore peticioner, hath hitherunto lived in good creditt
and estimacion amoungst his neighbours, and meyneteyned him selfe his wief and three
children by his industry and paines takeinge, without beinge burthensome unto
any, but beinge destitute of a howse or habitacion, of his owne for him
selfe his saide wiefe and children wherein to harbor, and beinge nowe denyed
of the former favour hee obteyned from some of his neighbours, who nowe bee
gin, to growe wearye of your saide peticioner by reason of his saide charge of
wief and children, they are likely therefore to lye with out doares and perish
for want of harbor, unless this honourable and worshipfull bench bee pleased in
charity to give order for some releefe therein,

Your peticioner therefore humbly praieth the premisses considered
yow would bee pleased for charitye sake to give order that
your poore peticioner may have a cottage erectted in Apple
ton aforesaide in some convenient place uppon the wast
for your peticioner his saide wiefe and children to harbor
and dwell in, who doubt not, but to obteyne the consent
of the cheefe lord and owner of the saide wast for that end
wherein your peticioner his saide wiefe and children will ever
pray for your health and happines longe to continue of

William Hesketh. QJF 66/4/25 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties
justices of peace assembled att
att this sessions att Chester

Humblie sheweth your poore petitioner William Hesket
Hesketh being bound to the peace and to appear
att this sessions not knowing that yester daie
was the daie neglected to appeere upon his
cale

Maie it please your good worships not
to deale soe strictly with your poore
petitioner being but apoore servant at
husbanddrie as to take ani advantage
of his suertyes but accept his appa=
ranc, this daie the sessions being
not ended and to take the matter into
consideration being smale and proceeding
more of mallis then matter and disscherg
your peticioner and his suertyes and this
for Godes love and justic sake

Richard Dickenson. QJF 66/4/30 (1638)

To the worshipfull Master Henerye
Bunberie justice of peace and
justice of coram within the countie
of Chester.

The complainte of Richard Dickenson of
[Sanchan?] sheweth whereas your worshipp
did grante him a warrant to the cunstabels
of [Sanchan?] for to take the bodies of Ellis
Owin and Jane his wiffe, the counstables
did take them but did let them ago againe
without any sureties taken of them for to
appeare before your worshipps accordinge
to your directione. Therefore my request
herein is to entreat your worshipp to doe me
justice in this behalfe for they have stolne
and kild my goodes to my knowledge and
I stand in more feare now then I did stand
in before and I have towe wittnesses to
justifie that they saide they would kill
them the witnesses are Robert Bridge and
John Cooke

Richard Sucley. QJF 66/4/32 (1638)

The humble peticion of Richard Sucley
To the right honorable and worshipfull justices
of the benche.

This peticioner beinge borne in Spurstawe craveth
that he may have a place of habitacion
theare or els he must be driven from
place to place beinge a good workman and
and no place to worke in so he wilbe
bond to pray for your helths and happines
long to continue: beine a soldier twyse
out of the land.

Cuthbert Carting. QJF 66/4/34 (1638)

To the honorable and right worshipfull his
majesties justices of peace and quorum at
this present sessions

Lamantablely complaineing Cuthbert Carting
to, it pleased the justices att the sessions hou
lden, the 7th of Julie 1635 to certefie my pore
estate to the lordes of his majesties most honourable
privie counsell who being solicited by justis
ces, of peace of my one cunterie it seemes by
his letter that without the judges certificate
my fine will not be remitted:

Now sinc my distresse is not unknown
to you and that now I have exceeded my im
prissonment and that in regard of your charitie
I am a charge unto the county be pleased
for Godes love to graunt me your charri
table letter to the judg intreating him
theire by to joyne with you in your certificate
which I hope will put an end to my troble
and this for charities sake

Hughe Calveley, gentleman. QJF 67/1/22 (1638)

To the right honourable and right worshipfull his majesties justices of
the peace of the countye of Chester

The humble peticion of Hughe Calveley gentleman.

Humbly sheweth that whereas your peticioner did about halfe a yeere last past
take to wife on Anne Dutton widdowe by force whereof your peticioner was and became
possessed of divers goodes monyes cattle and specialtyes of dett and your peticioners said
wife liveing since her said marriage at her former house in Handley in this countye
where the same goodes and cattle weare and shee happening to dye on Easter eve last,
one John Dutton her sonne and one John Batha of the Holt in the countie of Denbighe
being a man of bad carriage accompanyed with divers others to your peticoner unknowen
did in a riotous manner enter into the said house and rifle and take away the said goods
moneys cattle and specialtyes and have caried the same away to places unknowen
and detayne the same from your peticioner and not only soe but when your
peticioner after the death of his said wife did come to the said house where his wife
dyed intending to have her buryed in a decent manner, the said riotous persons
resisted your peticioner therein and would not soe much as suffer your peticioner
to come into the said house but have and still doe keepe the said house from
your peticioner togeather with the said goodes and have of themselves buryed
her in an obscure way, some of which persons haveing beene arrested and brought
before Master Doctor Snell stande bounde to appeare at this quarter sessiouns where
your peticoner hopeth and humbly desireth that such order may bee taken with
them as their haynous misdeameanors doe deserve and your peticioner may
finde redresse in his said wronges: soe shall your peticioner pray for your
lordshipps and worrshipps health and happinesse.

Jane Barton of Wydford, widow. QJF 67/1/23 (1638)

To all and singluer his magistis justises of the pease but more
espechally To the right worshipfull Master Hyde of Northbry one
of his magistis justes of the pease

The umble petishon of Jane Barton of
Wydford widowe humbley sheweth

That whereas the said Jane Barton having a greate portion of
goodes left hor by hor late husband Frances Barton and halfe a
living lying in Wydford and your petishner Jane out of hor
naturall love and afection to wardes hor chilldren called them
to gether on a certen tyme after hor husbandes deces and devided
all hor said goodes amongst them equally and laft nothing for hor
mentinances but onely hor said ground and living and hor elldest
son William Barton being disobediant and unnaturall at the
intreatie of some for quiatnes sacke her was agried to give hor a
certen som of mony for hor ground much lease then it was
worth to maintaine hor withall and now the said William denyeth
to pay the mony but what hee listeth whereas for lacke of the
same your pore petishner is lyke to com to great lacke or want
now she is not able to goe stand or ryde if som couerse be not taken
presently with the said William for now a new yeare is comen and
som couerse should be taken for seting of the said ground and
the said William haveing goton poshi posseshion of the same
saith that who soever taketh this ground of your petishner hee
will make them wery of there parte and giveth out such wordes
that your said petishner dare not bargin with aney man for fere of
morther therefore your pore petishner umbley prayeth for God sacke
that not onely a warant of good behaviour may be granted hor
agenst the said William but allso that som couerse may be
taken for your petishneres good and quiate for tyme to com that
she may set or let hor said ground to whom soever she will with
out danger of morthir hor late husband laft one frend in tenant
with hor and the said William gives him many rayling spiches and
is soe creuell and vement both to your petishner and otheres that
no man dare deall with your petishner for fere of greate trobell
and she of soden morder therfor she umbleth prayeth you for the
Lord his sacke to consider of hor condishon and grife she is in
and your petishner is bounden prayes Jeneuarii 5th 1637

Your petishner hath hard this red three tymes
over and spiketh more largly agenst the said
William then is contained in this information
before Richard Pristnall Richard Barton
Frances Pristnall Philip Wyatt and others

The churchwardens and overseers of the poor for Nether Peever. QJF 67/1/25 (1638)

The humble peticion of the churchwardens of overseers of the
poore of the chapilrye or Nether Peever.

Sheweth that whereas your peticioners at the last monethes meetinge addressed
there complaintes to the justices that one Roberte Moores of Nether Tabley, had received
and taken into his possession the goodes and personall estate of Phillip Moores his brother late
of Peever aforesaide (deceased) and doth not dispose and imploye the same for the
use of the sayd deceadtes children, to whome the same of right belongeth, but
doth mispend and endanger the same, soe that the sayde children were likely to fall
uppon the parish charge, beinge foure children in number, whereuppon the sayde justi
ces thought fitt and did soe order, that the sayde Roberte Moores should give an to
accompt to your peticioners; of the sayde deceadtes estate by him received, but deliver over
the same unto your peticioners, for the use of the sayde infantes, and discharge of
the parish, as the sayde Roberte Moores would answer the contrary at his
perill, and further as by the sayd order may apeare.

Nowe for as much as the sayde Moores hath obstinately contemned
and neclectted to performe the sayde order; your peticioners may have farther
order by this bench, to receive and take such goodes of the sayde deceadtes
as are remayneinge in the custodye of the sayde Roberte Moores, and
likewise to compell him thereby to make his accomptes of the re
maynder of the sayde goodes before the justices of the hundred
of Bucklow at there next monethes meetinge, inregard hee doth
not performe the trust reposed and pretended; in the behaulfe of
the sayde infantes, but will expose them to the parish charge
and for releefe herein your peticioners will ever pray etc.

William Vawdrye. QJF 67/1/29 (1638)

Chester.

To the honourable and right worshipfull the Kinges majesties justices of the peace within the said
countie at this presente sessions assembled.

The humble peticion of William Vawdrye.

Humblie shewinge that whereas your peticioner William Vawdrie sonne of William Vawdrie late of Holley in
Somerford in the said countie deceased havinge lived in good fassion and mayntayned him selfe
and his familie in good sorte for divers yeares heretofore and havinge holden a smale tenement
under Master Edmund Swetenham of Somerforde upon a deare racke and yearlie rent, which
rent he nowe will doth cause and inhaunce insomuch that your peticioner (havinge a poore blynde
wyfe and a sonne to mayntaine) is in noe waies able to paie the same rent soe inhaunced
and soe beinge thrust forth of the same tenement is altogither destitute and unprovided of
anie habitacion or dwellinge to the great greefe and distresse of him your said peticioner and his poore
afflicted wyfe.

The premisses tenderlie considered your peticioner humblie praieth that you would
to pleased to give waie for his ereccion of a cottage with some appurtences in
and upon the commons of Somerford aforesaid where your peticioner was borne
and for the most parte hath lived. And your peticioner (as nevertheles) will
daylie praie for continuall heathes and happines.

Randulph Cartwright. QJF 67/1/30 (1638)

To the right honourable his majesties justices of the peace
at the quarter cessions houlden at Knottesford
this present daie.

The humble peticion of Randulph
Cartwright.

Humbly sheweth unto your honnours that where as your poore peticioner
haveinge indited Thomas Wilddigge for a common barreter,
and haveinge a good behaviour against him, hath broken the
same for he hathe foughte and stroke a woeman in the
church yarde at the Nantwiche and furthermore I have
the woeman to testifie of the same as a wittnes upon her
oathe, and still doth threaten your peticioner and hee and
one Robert Collie together, which is his suretie, doth stirre
upp suites and striffes against theire neighbours, I desire,
your aide and helpe herein that we may all live in quiett

May it there fore please yow to take it into your honnours consideracions
that he may have better sufficient sureties, in regard
of his breache, and soe to order and decree of the same
as yow in in your clemencie and wisdome shall thinke
fittinge. And as I have beene ever soe shall I be
still bound to pray for your honours longe life happines
with lastinge peace.

Richard Coppocke, John Worthington and Edmund Higginson. QJF 67/1/31 (1638)

To the right honourable his majesties justices of the peace
at the quarter cessiouns houlden at Neither Knottesford
this present daie April 3 1638

The humble peticioner of Richard
Coppocke John Worthington and
Edmunnd Higginson.

Humbly sheweth unto your honnours that your peticioners with the
consente of the towneshippe of Morley within the libertie
of Pawnall Fee, that one John Rylance of Morley afore
said, houldinge an [intacke?], taken in by his auncestours upon,
the said Morley Greene, doth not make a sufficient pave=
ment, or causey for the churche and markett waie, which
the inhabitantes of the place doe finde much faulte,
therein which waie is soe ill in the winter tyme, and soe,
straitt, that we cannot passe in the winter tyme therefore,
we desire the assistance of this worthie benche herein

May it therefore please your honnours soe to take it into
your consideracions to order and decree of the same,
as yow in your clemency and wisdome shall thinke
fittinge: and we shalbe ever bee bound to pray for
your healthe and happines with lastinge peace.

Ellizabeth Morris of Gropenhall, widow. QJF 67/1/33 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace at this quarter sessions
assembled at Nether Knutsford the third April etc 1638

The humble peticion of Ellizabeth Morris of Gropenhall wydowe

Sheweth that whereas William Morris gentleman (deceased) her late husband did
in his liefetyme, about thirtye yeares last past give libertie to one Jefferye Pillinge
(deceased) to erect and sett up a cottage in Gropenhall aforesaide uppon the inhe
ritance of the saide William in right of his saide wiefe, onely in charitye for the
saide Jefferye Pillinge his wiefe and children to harbor and dwell in; beinge desti
tute of abode, the erecttinge of which cottage was afterwardes by the justices in
open sestions allowed and appointed to stande untill [al?] the saide Pillinges childr
en beinge sixe in number weare able to gett there owne liveinge and for as much
as the youngest of the saide children is about the adge of xxiii yeares and all of
them of good abillitye to worke for there liveinge, which some of them doe, and are not
burthensome to any, but 3 of them (videlicet) Raphe Thomas and Kather who hath borne
2 basterdes, will not remove from the place aforesaide, but there continue and
live in idlenes, to the great prejudice of your peticioner, who hath them in suspicioun
for the stealeinge of her corne and other goodes in the night tyme liveinge neare
unto her; for that one of them was taken in her barne lately, with an intent to
steale one pecke of corne thence, as apeared by his owne confession before Sir
George Booth knight and barronett, who ordered him to be whipped for the same. And
inregard your peticioner hath not onely of her owne but her sonnes corne and mault
stowlne from her saide howse divers tymes before, to there great loss and hinderaunce
and have noe other in suspicion for the same.

Your peticioner there fore humbly prayeth the premises
considered this worshipfull bench would bee pleased
to give order for the better releefe of your peticioner
herein that the saide cottage bee forthwith pulled
downe to the grounde for the reasons aforesaide, and
not stand areceptacle for such leawde and dangerous
persons, of whome she this informer standes in continuall
feare and in soe doinge your peticioner will ever pray etc.

John Venne. QJF 67/1/34 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of
peace at this present sessions assembled.

The humble peticion of John Venne

Sheweth that your peticioner havinge lived in the parish of Willmslowe
for the space of twelve yeares last past and uppwardes hee and
his wife (a decrepite and lame woman) beeinge of late [destitute?]
of harbor was compelled to peticion to his majesties justices of peace
of this county [neere resiant?] theereunto who in commiseracion of his and
his said wives desolate condicion weere pleased to enjoyne the
churchwardens and overseers of the poore of the said parish to provide
for them as the lawe requires, [illegible] soe it is may it please your
worships that they have hitherto [neglected?] the same by reason [wherof?]
your peticioner and his said wife are utterly harborless and in great
daunger to bee starved unless this [bench?] bee pleased to administer reliefe
herein

May it therefore please your worships to enjoyne the
sayd churchwardens and overseeres of the poore
under a paine to make provision for your [say?]
peticioner and his sayd wife within some short tyme
or take some other course such as in your discrecions
seemes fitt

And your peticioner will ever pray etc

Roger Wilkinson. QJF 67/1/36 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of peace
at this present sessions of the peace
assembled

The humble peticion of Roger Wilkinson

Sheweth to your worships that whereas Ellen
Browne nowe prisoner in the howse of correccion
beinge a woeman of evill fame and name and hath
latelie borne (as your petitioner hath heard) a child
begotten in fornicacion and endeavoreth to father
the child upon your petitioner who is an aged
mann of threescore yeares or more thereaboutes
and very poore and weake both in bodie and estate
and further your petitioner can proove that the said Ellen
Browne hath confessed before credible persons
that Thomas Henshall the younger of Plumley
was father of her child, and that the
said Ellen never fathered her said child
uponn your petitioner in tyme of the birth in such
manner as the statute prescribeth

Therefore prayeth this honourable bench will
take the premisses into there grave consideracion
and not to punish examynn the truth
of the premisses; whereuponn your petitioner
hopeth the court will descharge your
petitioner from this her unjust informacion
in and order the same as to justice
shall apperteyne

William Plassye. QJF 67/1/39 (1638)

I am abused by one Daggatt who cominge into Ledsham
a lordship of mine lived as a servant and married and hath
children and the inhabitants att my cort presented
him for an inmate and those that entertayned
him beinge fined by my steward Master Wilson outed
him yett there beinge a [coever?] kylne in the towne
free for my selfe and my tenantes hee in the night time
enters into yt with his wife and familie and there
stayeth against my will iff itt please you as to move the
bench to remove him forth out of the towne and to appoint
some place in the parish out of my lordship and my tenants
will joyne with the parish for the maynteynge of his wife
and children, and there Master Wilson wilbee alsoe who
knoweth the busines and will fully informe you of itt
and aswell therein as for Master Wilsons busines I pray
your favour and assistance and I shall ever be att your
service to command

Pobbingtonn the 2th of
Aprill 1638.

William [Plassye?]

William Hesketh. QJF 67/1/40 (1638)

To the honourable and right woorshipfull
his majesties justices of peace att
Knutsford assembled

Humblie sheweth your poore peticioner William
Hesketh apoore servant att husbandrie
being envied by on Robert Farall who
upon some unjust pretenc hath caused your pe
ticioner, bound [illegible] to the peace, and your
peticioner hath onc apeered to his greate
cost and charge your peticioner humblie prayeth
that he maie be now disscharged unlesse hee
shew just cause to the conterarie and
this for justice sake and the more rather
for that your poore peticioner is heereby pre
vented of servis to his utter ruen and
undoing and this for justic sake

Raphe Battridge, Richard Standbridge, Margeret Owen and Katherine Rowland. QJF 67/1/41 (1638)

To the honorable and right worshipful
his majesties justices of the peace
and quorum, at ther sessions at Knutsford:

The humble petition of Raphe Battridge [illegible] Richard
Standbridge, Margeret Owen
widdowe and Katherine Rowland
of the parish of Barrowe.

Humblye sheweth unto [illegible] this honourable bench that your
poore petitioners have (without any just cause) beene
bound to appeare (this day) in this court, to answer some
pretended misdemeanours of riottes, and [illegible] reskues that your
poore supplicantes, should make upon the under sheriffe and
his bailiffes in the parish of Barrowe when hee had served
a replevye upon certaine cattell of Master Fittons of
Barrow aforesaid: to which pretended misdemeanours your
humble [illegible] supplicantes pleades not guiltye, and that ther troble
and chardge is meerely vexatious and causeles:

Your humble oratour Standbridge beinge that daye and
tyme not out of the dores of his owne house, nor ever in the
veiwe, or sight, or companye of any that made any riot, or reskue
or ever did knowe of any, or consent to any but was in
his owne house, which is almost a quarter of a mile remote from
the place wher the pretended reskue was committed: and
your humble supplicant Standbridge hath made a tender
of witnesses, to testifye upon oath, wher that daye hee was: not being
neare unto that pretended reskue and this tender of witnesses
hath been to some of his majesties justices, upon this honourable
bench: whoe pittied your poore petitioners cause, but could not
releeve it:

And your poore and aged petitioners Margaret Owen
and Katherine Rowland [illegible] doe shewe to this honourable
bench that they are causleslye vexed and trobled
whoe did but come to see the the cattell driven awaye
(Master Fitton beinge our master, and landlord,) and
not offeringe any injurye, or makinge any reskue,
wee your poore supplicantes are [illegible], poore, and aged
live upon the charitye of our [illegible] neighbours
have nothinge wherwith to dischardge any fees

And humbly (therfore praies) to bee dismissed
this court, and wee shall ever praye etc.

Margaret Maddor, on behalf of herself and her children. QJF 67/1/42 (1638)

To the honourable Sir George Booth knight and
barronet, and to other his majesties justices
of the peace.

The humble peticion of Margaret Maddor of
Moberley, in the behalfe of her selfe and her three small
children.

Sheweth

That whereas your peticioner, did about fifteene yeares since
marrie one Thomas Burges, by whom shee had three small
children, which were borne, in the house of one Joane Walton
with whom they did cohabit, till the said Joane died, after whose
death, this peticioner, was persuaded by one William Burges
to keepe the posession, of the house and ground, which she did
accordingly, against Master Hough, to whome of right it did
belong, untill by reason thereof, she had spent all her estate

Now forasmuch, as the said Margaret Maddor, and her three
small children, for want of releife, are like to perish

May it therefore please your good worshipps that the churchwardens
and overseers of the poore may make such provision as is by
the lawes and statutes of this kingdome provided, and that for
charities sake, and your peticioner, shall pray for your worshipps
in health and prosperitie long to continue.

Peter Lawrenson. QJF 67/1/44 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of peace at this
present sessions of the peace assembled

The humble peticion of Peter Lawrenson.

Sheweth to your worships that one Thomas Hutchyn of Aston neare Greate
Budworth husbandman hath latelie pracktised and combyned him selfe
with one Jane Leighe and earnestly sollicited her to come before some
justice of peace of this countie, to geve informacion against your peticioner
not only to disgrace your peticioner in his good name amongst his
neighbours, but likewise to [illegible] bringe your peticioners life in question, by
and through her false and malicious informacion, in soe much that
your peticioner is nowe bound over to this sessions to answere such matters
as shall nowe bee objected, unto which informacion your petitioner is readie to
answere and to submitt himself to the judgment of the court yet
withall your peticioner humblie prayeth that this honourable bench would
take into consideracion the condicion and quallitie of his accusers
first the said Hutchyn (as your petitioner dowtes not to proove) hath
for a yeare past forborne the receaveing of the holy communion
in respect of his malice borne to your petitioner, and hath heretofore
questioned his creditt, (and not only soe) but his life likewise, and
yet not satisfied but persistes to disquiett your petitioner by [prack...?]
with the said Jane Leigh, who is a woeman by her owne confession
whome the said Hutchyn in the woods neere to Arly [reared?] to a tree
and as she hath confessed (as your petitioner dowtes not to proove) said hee
would have his pleasure on her and thereupon threwe downe his
staffe and that she (the said Jane cast aside her hatt, and soe
went forward etc besides the said Jane Leigh is publiquely
reputed to bee an arrant whore, and worse then soe, for that
she voluntarily hath offered herself to your petitioner Lawrenson to sweare what
hee would have sworne against the said Hutchyn to bee revenged
on him, which your petitioner refused expressing his dislike of her offer
but although she was rejected by your petitioner, she hath found entert
entertaynement with the said Hutchyn (who as your petitioner dowtes not to
proove hath geven her rewardes) or at least promised her.

May it therefore please your worships (the premisses
considered as also the condicion and quallity of
his abusers that the premisses may bee
examined by your worships on both sides, and that
your petitioner may bee releeved against his
accusers as to justice shall appurteyne and
your petitioner shall daylie pray etc.

Richard Burrowes, on behalf of himself, wife and children. QJF 67/1/45 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of peace
att this presente sessions of peace assembled

The humble peticion of Richard Burrowes
on the behalfe of himself his wyfe and fyve small
children.

Shewinge

That he and his wyfe and chilldren were all borne in
Runcorne parrish and have lived att Stocken
in that parrish allmost 3 yeares (he beinge born
in that towne)

That he hath hitherto mayntayned himselfe wyfe and
chilldren by his pynefull labour without any charge
or burden to the towne or parrish and behaved
themselves honestlie amongst there neighbours.

That hee with wyfe and chilldren are att this presente
destitute of habitacion, for want whereof they
are inforced eyther to become wanderers against the
lawe (which they would avoyd) or otherwyse they wilbe
enforced to starve.

May it therefore please your good worshipps to be soe
gracious and pittifull towardes your poore peticioners as
to give order to the overseers of the poor to provyde
some competent and convenyent habitacion for them
to give them lycense to erect a cottage uppon the waste in regard
your peticioner hath obtained license from the lord of the waste
whereby they may be able to gett there liveinge as
formerlie they have and will (as in duty bound)
ever praie for your worshipps.

Richard Daggott. QJF 67/1/46 (1638)

To the honourable right worshipfull and worshipfull his majesties justices of
peace att the quarter sessions att Knottesford nowe
assembled.

The humble peticion of Richard Daggott.

Sheweth
Thatt your poore peticioner, heretofore, inhabittinge with his wife and three small
children in the towne of Leadsham, in the hundred of Worrall and
parish of Neston within this county; and of late beinge turned forth and
wantinge habitacion was upon his complaint and peticion, to his majesties justices
of peace of thatt hundred att their moneth meeteinge att Wolliston the 1[illegible]th
of February last some whatt releeved and by the said justices the churchwardens
and overseers of the poore of the said parish were ordered to provide a habitacion
some where within the said parish for your peticioner his wife and children [illegible]
till such tymes as they had caused a house built for them.

Now for thatt your peticioner is exceedinge poore and
the said churchwardens and overseers very backwardes
to provide for your peticioner accordinge to thee said
order; and the warrant thereof to them directed

Your peticioners humble request is that you would be pleased
to releeve your peticioner further herein and to grauntt an order
of this sessions to confirme the other justices former order
and thatt your peticioner may be provided for, who otherwise is like
to perish for wantt of harbor; and this for Godes sake
and your peticioner will ever pray etc.

William Barton of Norbury, yeoman. QJF 67/1/48 (1638)

To the honourable and right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace att this quarter
sessions assembled

The humble peticion of William Barton of Norburye yeoman

Sheweth that your peticioner hath formerly received many injuries and wronges from
Richard Barton of Widford cunstable, brother to your peticioner, against whome by his
malicious plottes and divises, hee hath procured your peticioner bound to the good abearinge and
apearance this day before this bench and the rather your peticioner is perswaded soe to thinke
for that after hee was bound accordinglye, and obteyned a [sepersedeas?] from the honourable
Sir George Booth, to cirtifye the same, the sayde Richard Barton, knowinge thereof, and
thoughe him selfe sworne to preserve and keepe his majesties peace, did contrarily provoke
and seeke to cause your peticioner, to strike and make an assault uppon him, and for that end
offered your peticioner his staff, and bade him strike him therewith, which your peticioner re
fused, beinge bound as aforesayde, for feare of trouble in to which the saide Richard
Barton maliciouslye practiseth to bringe your peticioner without any just cause and
for further agreevacion, intendeth privilye to prefer some indictment against your
peticioner (as hee is informed,

Your peticioner therefore humbly prayeth the premisses considered this
honourable and worshipfull bench would bee pleased to give order that the
saide Richard Barton may bee bound to the good behaveour, for the
reasons aforesaide, and your peticioner released, and that if any bill
of indictment bee at this tyme preferred against your peticioner, the same
may bee openlye heard, and your peticioner admitted to pleade thereunto
in his owne defence, both for the satisfaccion of this bench and
clearinge himselfe, of any false suggestions that may bee
aledged, wherein your peticioner will ever pray for your health and
happines lounge to continue.

William Higham of Adlington, yeoman. QJF 67/1/49 (1638)

To the honourable his majesties justices of the peace at the quarter
sessions of the holden at Knottesford in the countie
palatine of Chester.

The humble peticion of William Higham of Adlington in
the said countie yoman.

Sheweth unto your lordships that whereas your peticioner being indebted
was enforced to absent himselfe for divers yeares out of the
contrey leaving his tenement to discharge his debtes. But
upon his returne home, not doubting but his wief had
discharged the same. [illegible] she not onely had neglected
the payment of the said debt, but had a bastard by one
Richard Barlowe a maried man, which though he cannot
deny to be the father of it, yet refuseth to take the
child, soe as your peticioner though he receaved too much
injurie already by the fact, he is forced to keepe and
maintayne the child still

Prayeth. That some order may be taken for redresse
hereof either by this bench or otherwise by neighbour
justices as in your wisdomes shall seeme meetest to
appoint for the relief of your poore peticioner

And your peticioner as in all dutie bounden
will duly pray for your much increase of
honour in this life and the reward of an immortall
crowne of glorie in the life to come.

Thomas Hutchins of Aston, yeoman. QJF 67/1/98 (1638)

To the right worshipfull Thomas Mallorye deane of Chester and Richard
Brereton esquier, and the rest of his majesties justices of the peace at this
quarter sessions assembled.

The humble peticion of Thomas Hutchins of Aston aforesaide yeoman

Sheweth that whereas formerlye there hath beene severall differences and
variences betwixt your peticioner and the saide Lawrenson, which beinge referd to the arbitra
ment of freindes, were ended, and thereby your peticioner and the saide Lawreson became good
freindes (as your peticioner conceived) but the saide Lawrenson, harboringe malice in his
hart against him, as since which tyme it hath apeared, by severall informations taken before
Sir George Booth uppon oath nowe in court tendinge to your peticioners utter overthrowe (if his wicked
practices and conspiracies had taken effect) and for as much as the saide Lawrenson
standes bound to the good abearinge for the same, and apearance before this worshipfull bench this
day.

Your peticioner therefore humbly prayeth the premises considered
this worshipfull bench would bee pleased not onely to continue
the saide Lawrenson to his good behaveor, but likewise to
give order that Anne his wiefe may bee bound alsoe
together with John Nickson of Marton her father who joyne
maliciouslye in practize against your peticioner (as hee doubteth
not to prove, for that the saide John Nickson, offered to
swere the peace lately against your peticioner, for and in the be
haulfe of his saide daughter, wiefe of the sayde Lawrenson
who at that tyme was many myles distant, and for ought
your peticioner hath heard, desired then noe such thinge, and
the same beinge conceived malice was denyde, and the
matter referd to rec bublique hereinge before your worships and the
rest this day, from whome your peticioner hopeth to have
order for the purpose aforesaide for his future peace and
quitt, wherein your peticioner will ever pray etc.

The inhabitants of the parish of Bunbury. QJF 67/2/41 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the
peace of the countie of Chester at this sessions
assembled.

The humble petition of diverse of the inhabitantes of the
parish of Bunburie in the countie aforesaid.

Humbly sheweth that notwithstanding a statute made in the thirde
yeare of the raigne of our late soveraigne lord King James
prohibitinge every popish recusant convict, or any other
whose wife is or shalbe a popish recusant convict to keepe
in his or their howses or lodginges any alter pix beades
pictures crucifix or any other popish relique whatsoever
which in the opinion of any two justices of the peace shalbe
thought unmeete for such recusantes as aforesaid to have or
use. Yet nevertheless may it please this honorable bench
to understand that so it is, that one Richard Brock of the
parish of Bunburie in the countie aforesaid aleseller
and Joane his wife a recusant convict do keepe in their
alehowse (which is not fully fyve roodes distant from the
chancell doore of the parish church of Bunburie) diverse
pictures images and other popish reliques and namely one
great crucifix of brasse or copper fayrely guilded which the
said Brock audaciously and in contempt of the said statute
sometymes bringeth forth and openly setteth the same upp
before such as come to drinke at his howse; and sometymes
usinge these or wordes to the like effect videlicet: now God
be thanked all thinges begin to come well on, and in tyme
no doubt will come to good end.

The premisses considered and forasmuch as diverse alehowses in
Bunburie aforesaid were lately suppressed by Sir John
Bridgman knight then chiefe justice of Chester for the great
number that then were thought to be in so little a village towne
and for the much disorder in those alehowses used; synce when
the said Richard Brock to augment the number is crept in
to keepe a common alehowse.

May it therefore please this honourable bench to take into
consideracion the said act of Parliament the order made
by Sir John Bridgman upon the like petition, which
order is hereunto fyled under the teste of the courte
and the insolent behaviour of the said Brock to breede
distraction in people heartes and thereupon to order
as in your good discretions shalbe thought fytting and
the parishoners shall ever pray to God for your healths and
happines longe to contynue.

The inhabitants and parishioners of Bunbury. QJF 67/2/42 (1638)

To the honourable Sir John Bridgeman
knight cheefe justice of Chester.

The humble peticion of divers the inhabitantes
and parishioners of Bunbury in the county of Chester

Humbly sheweth unto your lordshippe that the towne of Bunbury
being a poore village and no throughfare towne is opressed
with seven alehouses videlicet Anne Brocke Randulfe Hitchinson
Robert Brocke Richard Farron William Betteley Randulfe
[Povore?] and George Massie whereas in truth one or two
at the most were sufficient for so poore a towne and
none of these keepe lodgeing and victualling but onely Anne
Brocke (it being a house of some repute) as also Hitchinson
and Farron and the rest keeping disorder harboring bad
persons concealing men's children and servantes in the
night season whereby much evill riseth and Godes creatures
abused and consumed.

May it please your lordshipp to take the premisses
into your honours consideracion for the suppresing
of so many as your lordshipp shall thinke fitte and
the parishioneres shall ever pray for your lordshipp.

Alice Charley wife of James Charley of Alderley, butcher. QJF 67/2/45 (1638)

To the honourable his majesties justices of the peace in
the county of Chester.

The humble peticion of Alice Charley wife
of James Charley of Alderley butcher.

Beseechen
that whereas your peticioner about the first day of
May last past was by vertue of a warrant of good
behaviour attached and brought before Sir Thomas
Smith knight and Henry Berkened esquier twoe of
his majesties justices of peace of this county, before
whom her said husband with suerties became
bound to his majesty in a recognizance, that shee
your peticioner should personally appere before your worshipes
at this presente sessions and in the meane time to
be of the good abearinge towardes his majesties leige
people.

The peticioner her humble request is
that in case noe just cause be nowe
alledged to the contrary her said husband
and his suerties may be discharged from
the said recognizance, and shee as in duty
shee is bound will pray for your worships
prosperities longe to contynue.

George Hayes. QJF 67/2/46 (1638)

To the honourable his majesties justices of the peace in the countie of Chester

The humble peticion of George Hayes

Shewinge
that where Margarett Comberbach widowe and Roger Comberbache put to this peticioner
a childe of John Comberbache sonne of the said Margaret and brother to the said [illegible]
Roger to nurse, and paid him iii pounds x shillings for the laste yeres keepinge and have denyed
to paye for the keeping the said childe since the anuncyacion last and endevor to
charge this peticioner with the keeping of the same childe.

The peticioners humble request is that your worships would be pleased
to take suche course by sendinge the said childe to the father whoe
is nowe prisoner in London for debte or els by orderinge the
grandmother to keepe the same childe that the peticioner being
a verie poore man maye be freed from the keepinge of the
same childe.

Thomas Beckett. QJF 67/2/47 (1638)

To the honourable his majesties justices of the peace
in the countie of Chester.

The humble peticion of Thomas Beckett

Beseechinge
your honours that where the peticioner his wyfe and chil
dren, beinge borne and brought upp in the parish of
Acton in this countie and ever, or for the moste parte
lived in the said parish by his dayly labour, and is nowe
growne aged, and thereby not able to mentayne him
selfe, and his wyfe and children.

The peticioners humble requeste is that your honours
would bee pleased to graunte the peticioner licence to
erecte a cottage, in some conveniente place, eyther in
Faddeley, Burlond, or Brindley for his habitacion

Thomas Shetwall of Newbold Atburie, yeoman. QJF 67/2/49 (1638)

To the right honourable and right wurshipfull his majesties justices of peace for the countie of
Chester att these present sessions assembled.

The humble peticion of Thomas Shetwall of Newbold Atburie in the said countie yoman
against one whome formerlie called herselfe by the [man?] of Katherine Starkaye and nowe by
the name of Katherin St Fryth a wanderinge person and hath noe certeyne place of
aboade or dwellinge.

Humblie shewinge that the said Katherine (upon her owne report) hath had fyve severall bastard
children by fyve severall persons one of which was borne in Rushton in the countie of Stafford
about 2 yeares since and a halfe for the mayntenance wherof one Thomas Hall of
Bidulphe of in the said countie of Chester Stafford as the peticioner hopeth to prove
did compound and agree with the said Katherine and gave her a certeyne summe of money
for mayntenance of the said chylde. And likewise entred into bond to discharge the
towneshipp of Rushton and parishe of Leeke in the said countie of Stafford where the
said chyld was borne from the mayntenance of the said bastard, and to free and [discharge?]
one John Skelhorne (att whose house the said bastard was borne) from all [damages?]
he should susteyne by reason of keepinge the said Katherine and bastard.

That the said Katherine since hath given forth in speeches that the peticioner should be father to the said
basterde, and therupon caused the peticioner to be bound over to the said sessions intendinge
therby to give her annother composicion for the mayntenance of the said bastard

That for asmuch as the peticioners witnesses are all Staffordshire men and cannot be
brought into these sessions to declare the truth in the premisses for the clearinge
of the peticioner. The peticioner humblie prayes the examinacion of the premisses [maie?]
be referred to the examinacion and endinge of Sir William Bowyer knight and some other [justices?]
of peace of the countie of Stafford next adjoyninge to the place wheare the said
bastard was borne accordinge to the statute lawes in such cases provyded and the
peticioner will daylie praye for the preservacions of your honours and worshipps

The supervisor for highways and inhabitants of Hartford. QJF 67/2/53 (1638)

[Com?] Cestria

To the honourable bench of his majesties justices of peace
assigned for this countie and assembled at this sessions

The humble peticion of the supervisor for the repayre of the heigh
wayes, and the rest of thinhabitantes of Hartforde neare
Northwich in this countie.

Sheweth that John Partington of Northwich aforesayd was
earnest suter to the sayd inhabitantes to grant him libertie to
make a marle pitt in the narrowe and straite of the waye in
Hartforde above Northwich beinge the great bade way from
thence to Chester to marle some land of the sayd Partingtons
which the sayd inhabitantes were loth to grant in regard the same
would annoy and spoyle the way yet nevertheles to a worke of
that nature and uppon the faythfull promise of the sayd
Partington, to make good the repayre thereof agayne, that
the same should not anoy the waye the sayd inhabitantes
consented. But soe it is that the sayd Partington hath not
made good his promise, but by the sayd marle pitt the sayd
roade waye is soe narrowed and worne out to the claye
and quicksandes that the same in the winter is not passable
without great danger; for diverse passengers strangers,
have fallen into the same to the great hazard and perill
of there lyves, had not speedie help bene readie, and likewise
diverse laden horses overthrowen and spoyled to the great
damage of the owners, and to the annoyance of the whole
countrey that travayle that waye in the in the generall. Where=
uppon the sayd inhabitantes are threatned to be troubled
and indited.

Maye it therefore please this honourable bench to take the
premisses into consideracion, and to order the sayd Partington
to make good the speedie repayre thereof, and the rather for
that your peticioner will be forced to be att the charge of fyve markes for the
makinge of a pavement which might have bene saved if
the sayd marle [illegible] pitt had not bene. And for that the sayd
Partington hath bene amercyed fyned and pened at
severall court leetes yet noe performance had (he havinge
dispensed and shufled of the fynes and penalties on him
imposed) and for that the sayd Partington hath by the
marle there gotten bettered and improved his land that
was at vi pounds per annum to be worth at least 24 pounds per annum to
his great benefitt and profitt and your peticioner will
dayelie praye for this honourable bench in health and all
happines longe to contynue.

Margerie Walton. QJF 67/2/54 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices
of peace assembled at this quarter
sessions.

The humble peticion of Margerie Walton

Humbly sheweth unto your good worships that whereas
your peticioner hath had the hard fortune to be begotten
with child by one Thomas Gibbons late of this
towne of Namptwich who is departed farther of
this countie and since his departure your said
peticioner was brought to bed in this said towne,
where she had formerly dweld for the space of
sixe years, and ever since her deliverie she hath
keept the said child in the parish of Midlewich
(without any burthen either to the said parish or
this towne) for the space of one yeare) and a quarter
to the utter impoverishment of your peticioner, and now
not being further or longer able to beare the
said burthen herselfe your peticioner humbly intreath
your good worships to order John Gibbons grandfather
to the said child, who is of sufficient abillity to
keepe the said child and to free the said parish from
the burthen thereof; soe confident your good worships
taking the premisses into your most worthy consideracion
and deallinge therein according to law and
equitie your peticioner shalbe ever bound for your to
pray for your worshipps helth and happines etc.

Henry Rydinges of Stockport, husbandman. QJF 67/2/55 (1638)

To the right honourable his majesties justices of peace
for the county of Chester, att the quarter sessiones.

The humble peticion of Henry Rydinges of Stockport
in the said county husbandman.

Humbly sheweth your honors that about Michelmas last paste
your supliant hired on John Hudson to leade him some
corne unto his house in Stockport, and beinge come with
a cartloade of corne unto your supliantes house dore, one
Thomas Chorlton and William his sonne did offer to areaste
the said Hudson with a [cap?] from [illegible] manor court beinge
spetiall baliffes where uppon the said Hudson run into
the house and did take up a hedginge bill in his handes and
your supliantes wyfe hearinge a noyes in her house did come
in and findinge Hudson standinge with a bill in his handes
and knowinge him to be a dangerouse man, and seeinge the
said baliffes standinge in the house over against him,
cryed out sainge in the name of God John Hudson take
heede what thou [doest?] wilt thou be hanged, heare hath
bine murder done tow latly where uppon Hudson stept
into a roome and shutt the dore uppon him, uppon that
the baliffes went awaye; att which tyme your poore [supllant?]
was in his barne uppon the backe side of his house and did
nothinge att all against them, nether did your supplicantes wyfe
anie thinge but as above saide. This Hudson was leadinge corne
in the towne all that daye where the might have taken him if
the durst, but seeinge they durst not adventure the returned
a rescowe, to the ende they might gett theire feesse
though the brought troble appon your poore supliantes.

In tender consideracion whereof and for that your poore supliantes
are verie poore and have no waye offended the lawe
nor done anie thinge against theise [lei...e?] baliffes
it may please your honers to comiserate theire
wrongfull vexacion and this for Godes sake.

William Bennett of Great Neston. QJF 67/2/56 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices
of the peace at this sessions assembled

The humble peticion of William Bennett
of Great Nestonn.

Whearas your peticioner upon some displeasure conceived
against him by William Whitmore of Leighton esquier was
bound to his good behaviour and to appeare at Chrismas
sessions, and from thence was bound anew till Easter
sessions last and from thence till this sessions.
All which hath beene to the great charge and hinderance
of your poore peticioner.

Your peticoner hath not to his knowledge
given any offence to Master Whitmore, nor
will not doe hereafter, and for that
this is the therd sessions which hee
hath been bound over and hath appeared
accordingly, humbly prayeth that hee
may bee now released, and hee will
ever pray for your worshipps health and
happines etc.

Margaret Coulthurst, widow. QJF 67/2/57 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of peace for
the county of Chester at this sessions assembled

The humble peticion of Margaret Coulthurst widowe

Shewinge
that John Hollinshead late of Sandlebridge in this county for his noto=
rious misdemenours and abusive cariage to your peticioner and her servantes (as by exa=
minacions returned into this court appeareth) was bound by recognizance
with 2 suerties aswell for his appearance at this sessions as for his
good behaviour in the meane tyme that notwithstandinge the said recognizance
he still persisteth in his violent courses and uttereth thretninge speeches against
your peticioner in so much that she dare not goe or send her children or
servantes to her owne house, nor about her busines there for feare
of vyolence to be offred them by the said Hollinshead, and in further
prejudice and terror to your said peticioner he giveth out in speeches that
he will by force and stronge hand cause the grasse growinge upon your
peticioners land to be cutt and will take the same to his owne use
though he hath noe right nor colour of tytle therunto.
May it therfore please your good worships (the premises
considered) and for the safety of your peticioner her children
and servantes, to order the said John Hollinshead to continue
bound and that he fynd very good suerties for his good
behaviour and your peticioner will ever pray etc

The inhabitants of several townships. QJF 67/2/58 (1638)

To the right worshipfull Sir Richard Wilbraham knight and barronet, one of his majesties justices of the peace, within this county of
Chester, and, to the rest of his majesties justices of the peace within this county which shalbee att the quarter session
of the peace for this county houlden att Namptwich etc.

The humble peticion of the inhabitantes of the severall towneshipps of Stoake, Hurleston, Wordhull
Cholmondeston, Pooles, Aston, and Warleston within this county.

That whereas your worshipps sayd peticioners have urgent and lawfull occasions (att all lawfull and convenient times) to travell both on foote and
horsebacke and with horses cartes and waynes loaden and unloaden, to the towne of Namptwich and in, to, throughe and from the highe
and open streetes within the said towne of Namptwich (beinge a throughe fare) which are reputed and taken to bee his majesties highe
wayes for all his majesties subjectes to travell and passe in and throughe as occasion shalbee offred both for his majesties service and carriage
(which your worshipps said peticioners verye lately have beene and are like to bee further charged withall to carry to the sayd towne and into and
throughe the same more then for many yeares now last past they have beene, and for the carriage of wichwood and other necessary
provision for the benefitt of the inhabitantes of the sayd towne of Namptwich and alsoe for theire owne severall occasions both on the
markett day and att all other tymes, as aforesaid in manner aforesaid and forasmuch as the sayd streetes within the sayd towne of
Namptwich in divers and sundry places the pavement is broken upp and gone to soe greate decay and ruyne that the same are almost
unpassable in some parts thereof where in and throughe his majesties subjectes with loaden horses and with loaden cartes and waynes
cannot travell and passe without greate danger of overthrowinge theire loades and hazardinge of theire owne lives and theire cattles
(the inhabitantes of the said towne of Namptwich beinge very backeward and negligent in amendinge and redressinge the same) which sayd
neglecte of the performance of a matter of soe greate consequence hath beene, is, and doth tend to the greate and dangerous annoyance
of his majesties subjectes unlesse some speedy course bee taken for the present amendement and new paveinge of all such decayed places within
the said severall streetes where such need requires for prevention of future danger

May yt therefore please your worshipps the premisses tenderly considered to take such speedy course and to make
such order in the premisses accordinge to his majesties lawes and statutes in such case provided and as your worshipps in
your grave wisdomes shall thinke most fitt and convenient and your worshipps sayd peticioners as in dutyfull
manner they are bound shall pray for your worshipps prosperities.

Richard Worrall, a head constable of the hundred of Bucklowe. QJF 67/2/60 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices at this sessions assembled.

The humble peticion of Richard Worrall one of the
headconstables for the hundred of Bucklowe.

Humblie sheweth unto your good worships that your peticioner coming into the house of
Raphe of Lawrenson of Barterton inkeeper by meere accident; found the
said Lawrenson striking of his owne wife in such sort as your peticioner did
conceive shee was in great perill of her life, whereupon your peticioner
endeavoring to preserve life did [illegible] comand him in his majesties name
to forbeare, which the said Lawrenson did not only neglect but did
likewise assault and strike your peticioner, in such manner as your peticioner
did suddenly fall sick by the space of three monthes together, and
the said Lawrenson perceiving this did mocion an agreement which your
peticioner yealded unto: since which time of agreement the said
Lawrenson hath declared unto some of his companions with a
piece that he would shoote at your peticioner with a piece.

May it therefore please this worshipfull assembly to take it into
consideracion, and to suppresse the said Lawrenson for selling
brewing to sell ale or beere, or to keepe victualling
being a man verie unfitt for that purpose, because he
is a man of verie lewde and rude behaviour both in his
owne house, and for himselfe, keeping drinking upon
a sabboath day verie often at the time of divine service
and himselfe hath strocken the pettie constable of
Barterton in the execution of his office, and Richard
Robinson of Dutton as alsoe Margarett the wife
Thomas Massie of Barterton, all which your peticioner
prayeth you in your grave wisdome to t consider of
and to yeild grant his request, and in soe doing your
peticioner shall have daily to cause to pray for your
health and happines.

Roger Moores of Northerne. QJF 67/2/61 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace att this present
sessions assembled etc.

The humble petition of Roger Moores of Northerne.

Sheweth unto your good worshipp that whereas one William Tomlynson of Northern within this
countye hath, by the abetment and procurement of one Ellyn Tomlinson and John [Shelmerene?] convayed your said
petitioners wiffe from him, into another countye and there doth not only abuse him by
makinge use of his wiffe, but dailye threaten and menace to kill your said petitioner
whensoever either hee or the said Ellyn Tomlinson or John [Shelmerene?] mette with him therefore your
petitioner is enforced and compelled to hide his head for feare of murther soe that
hee is in great povertye by reason hee is not dare not followe his vocation wherby
by his labour hee mayntayned himselfe.

The premises therefore considered your petitioner desireth your good worshippes to be pleased
to grant unto him your warrant of good behaviour thereby to apprehend and
take the said William Tomlynson John Shelmerdyne Ellen Tomlynson and Jane
Moores your petitioners wiffe to thend there may be such order taken with them
that hee may peacably and quyetly followe his labours as formerly hee hath
done. And your said petitioner (shall accordinge to bounden duty) daily pray
etc.

William Poole and Raphe Poole, churchwardens of p. Audlem. QJF 67/2/62 (1638)

To the right worshipfull George Cotton esquire one of the justices
of his majesties peace for this countie of Chester.

The humble peticion of William Poole and Raphe Poole
churchwardines of the parishe of Audlem for and on the behalfe
of the whole parishe

Humbly sheweth that whereas one Anne Barnes of Audlem aforesaid hath
heretofore byne delivered of one bastard child within the said parishe and
hath in her payne and travell of childbearth confessed to those
persones which weare with her at the tyme of child bearth that one
Richard Preston of Hadderton in the said countie of Chester was the father
of the said bastard child and since she beinge brought before your worship
hath upon her oathe deposed that one Lawrence Podmore of Audlem aforesaid
beinge a maried man is the right father of the same and that she hath
byne hyred and threatened by blowes or otherwayes by the said
Lawrence Podmore to father the said child wrongfully upon the said
Richard Preston as by her examinacion upon oathe appeareth and hath allsoe
procured some wittnesses before your worshipe for that purpose the said parties
beinge boath of them able and sufficient as your peticioners conceave to
keepe the said child and to dischardge the parishe from the same and
from any further trouble about the same

Your peticioners humbly pray that your worshipe will be pleased
to consider the estate of the said parishe in regard the said Anne
Barnes hath heretofore byne a verie lewde woman and hath had a
bastard by an other maried mane and the parishe hath byne chardged
with the same child and allsoe with her the said Anne Barnes
shee beinge kepte on the almes of the said parishe and nowe
she havinge chardged boath the above named persones with the
same wee the said parishoners are verie doubtfull for lest the
same should fall chardgeable upon us unlesse your worshipe will be pleased
to directe some course for the avoydinge of the same and to take order
that the right father may take the same and dischardge the parishe
and that some condigne punishment may be inflicted upon her the
said Anne Barnes to the ensample of others in the lyke case
offendinge and your peticioners as ever bound will dayly pray for
your worshipes health etc.

Anne Barne of Audlem. QJF 67/2/63 (1638)

To the right worshipfull George Cotton esquire one of his majesties justices of the peace
and the rest of his majesties justices of the peace att this worshipfull bench
and assessions assembled.

The humble petition of Anne Barnes of Audlem

Shew unto your good worshipps that whereas it was your petitioners hard fortune to have a bastard
child by one Lawrence Podmore of Audlem aforesaid within this countye of Chester
who hath ever since the byrth of the same child mayntayned it without havinge or
receyvinge any releife or maynteynance for it from the said Lawrence Podmore
althoughe shee your said petitioner hath often tymes requyred the said Podmore either to
take the said child from her or to allowe her maynteynance to keepe it or to
take it away from her, by reason shee was a poore woeman and not able of herselfe
to doe the same; which the said Podmore hitherto hath denyed to doe.

The premises therefore tenderly considered your poore petitioner humbly craveth
your good worshipps to be pleased to contynewe your accustomed goodnes and to call the said Lawrence
Podmore before you who is here present and to enjoyne him either to take the
child into his owne keepinge or ells to allowe unto your said petitioner sufficyent
maynteynance for the same child. And your petitioner shall (accordinge
to her bounden duty) daily pray etc.

The churchwardens and overseers for the poor of Nantwich. QJF 67/2/64 (1638)

The petition of the churchwardens and over
seeres for the poore of the towne of Namptwich.

Wheareas Elizabeth Alnaston daughter of Mathew Alnaston
of this towne was late servant in the towne of Shrosbury
and synce with Master Yonge of [illegible] Pimley within the libertie theirof
for this xii monethes now last past and haveing had noe aboade
at all hear for this foure or five yeares. And beinge now begott
with childe is returned to our towne of Namptwich theire to be
delivered theirof. Theise theirfore are to entreat this worship=
full bench to graunt your worships warrant for sending hir back
againe to the place from whence shee came from constable
to constable.

William Smith, constable of Minshull Vernon. QJF 67/2/65 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace in the countye of
Chester

The humble peticion of William Smith constable of
Minshull Vernon. paratext[Jur?]

Shewing
That where your peticioner by vertue of a warrant directed to
your peticioner for the gathering of a certeine summe of money
for his majesties use for shipping your peticioner by vertue
thereof did demaund of John Wilson [illegible] husbandman
the summe hee was assessed to paye which the said Wilson
denyed soe that your peticioner did seise the goodes of the sayd
Wilson and thereupon the said Wilson did locke your peticioner
in his house and violently with the helpe of his wife
John his sonne and Elizabeth his daughter did take the
same goodes from your peticioner and still deteyneth the same
soe that your peticioner was compelled to paye the sayd
money the said Wilson was assessed to paye and
his said sonne John then divers tymes moved your
peticioner to meete him in the field to fight which your
peticioner did refuse.

The peticioners humble request is that your worships would
commaund the said Wilson to paye your peticioner the
summe of xii pence which your peticioner hath soe disbursed
as aforsaid and that yow would bee pleased to
graunte a warrant of good abeareing against
the said John Wilson and his sonne for theire
misdemeanor and your peticioner as hee is bound
will dayely praie for your healths and prosperitye
longe to continue.

John Relton and Jane his wife. QJF 67/2/66 (1638)

To the Reverend Doctor Byrom one of the Kinges majesties
justice of peace, and to the rest of his fellowe justices
of peace.

The humble petition of John Relton and Jane his wiffe

Most humbly shewing unto your good worships that [your?]
poore petitioners having lived in Frodshamm parish the tyme
and space of xxii yeares, and now growing in age, the said
Jane Relton being aged threescore and sixteene yeares
and not having a howse to putt their head in and nothing
to helpe themselves withall your poore petitioners doe most
humbly intreat your favour to admitt them to erect a place
for them to lodge in during their lives, Mistris Turner
hath given themm an old sheepe coate to make themm a place
to be in if it may please your good worships to give consent;

The premisses most tenderly considered your poore petitioners
doe humbly intreat and earnestly desire your worships consents
that they may have this poore place to lodge in during
their lives, in regard of their miserable and lamentable
estate, (they which they doubt not but that you will commi=
serate, and they will ever, as in duty they are bound pray for
your worships health and happinnes long to continue.

John Bebington, Alice Bebington, Margrett Cappur, Joane Dod, Thomas Stockton and Randle Piggott. QJF 67/2/67 (1638)

To the right worshipfull Sir George Booth knight and barronett
Sir Richard Wilbraham knight and barronett
George Cotton esquire and the rest of his
majesties justices of the peace att this
generall sessions.

The humble peticon of John Bebington, Alice Bebington
Margrett Cappur, Joane Dod, Thomas Stockton, and
Randle Piggott constable of Harthill.

In all humilitie sheweth unto the worshipfull bench. That whereas there hath
bynne some difference of late betwixt Alice Bebington one of your peticioners
and Joane Dod togeather with the two daughters of Richard Dod of Harthill
who not long since att one of our monethly meetings before Sir Thomas
Brereton knight Doctor Snell and Hugh Wilbraham esquire examinacions being
taken on both sides the afforesaid Dods of Harthill were then bound to their
good behaviour.

For which cause and none other as your peticioners verilie beleive Richard Dod
hath sworne the peace not only of Alice Bebington their then opposer
but also of John Bebington her husband: Thomas Stockton her brother:
Margrett Cappur her sister: Joane Dod: and Randle Pigott the then
constable who served them with the justices warrant: soe that your peticioners
being bound to the peace (who never lived otherwise then peaceably amongst
all our neighbours) are for the present altogeather remediles without assistance
from this worshipfull bench for our further freedome, and therefore

Humblie prayes in all submissive manner the premises considered
that juste cause may bee shewed att this sessions why wee are
all bound to the peace, or els that wee may bee discharged:
being alltogeather ignorant for what wee are bound, more
then the malitious spleene of our prosecutor. This being taken
into the grave consideracion of the right worshipfull bench wee hope
will gayne our release; and your peticioners shall have great cause to
pray not only for the happie successe of all your proceedings but
alsoe for your worships prosperitie in all health and happines
long to continue

The inhabitants of the township of Wettenall. QJF 67/2/68 (1638)

The humble petition of us the inhabitaunce of the township of
Wettenall to this right honarable benche
as followeth.

Wheras wee the inhabitaunce of the towneship of
Wettenall beinge of late very grevieousely opprested
by diverse poore people, who have cast them selves uppon
us of late, whereby wee are sore burdened and not any
way able to releive there wantes, sum of them who have
sould there meanes and willfully spent and made a way there
there estate and under the pretence of seekeing for there one
wright, have thrust themselves uppon the towne to the greate
burdening of us the inhabitauntes and the great discouragment of
divers in the towne who have greate famielies of there one
to provide for and unable to releive theise poore as will
be exspected from them by reason of there one great charg
which the of there [illegible] to provide for

And whereas this defect hath growne by reason of many whoe
have tennementes and cottages in the towne whoe in there one parson
do not inhabbit with in the towne but let and passe over there
houses unto poore people wich are unable to releive there one
wants but be come burdensum to the town whereby we stand
in greate danger to be still further burdened in future time
we doe therfore hunbly beseeche this honarble benche that the will
be pleased to take in to consideration this case of extemitie
where unto wee are now fallen and we doe humbly beseech
this honorable benche to releive us as you discetion shall
thinke fitt, and shall be bound to pray for your health
wealth and prosperytie for ever

Youre humble petitioners

• Thomas Wilkinson church warden
• George Lightfoote over seer of the poore
• John Wilkinson
• Thomas Falkner
• John Cappar
• Randulph Oulton
• Robbart Oulton
• Robbart Wilkinsone
• Richard Tottie
• Thomas Lanckrocke

Roberte Barlowe, James Mosse, Henrye Shalcross, Thomas Massey, John Royle and Ellen Ashton. QJF 67/2/69 (1638)

To the right worshipfull Sir George Booth knight and barronett and Richard Brereton esquire

The humble peticion and complaint of Roberte Barlowe James Mosse Henrye
Shalcross Thomas Massey John Royle and Ellen Ashton of Sale.

Sheweth that about the xith day of April 1637 one John Moores of Sale thelder
charged the aforsaide Roberte Barlowe then cunstable, in his majesties name, to aprehend John
Moores the younger, sonne of the saide John, for fellonye, affirminge his saide sonne had
broken open his chest, stowlne the lease of his howse, one brass pott and other goodes, and required
the saide cunstable likewise to provyde and bringe some able persons to assist him, therein, for
the bringinge of his said sonne before a justice of peace to answere the premisses; and
thereuppon the sayde Barlowe charged the rest of the peticioners mencioned in his majesties
name to assist him; and goinge to the howse of the sayd John Moores the father, they there
found John his saide sonne, and makeinge knowne unto him his fathers complaint and charge
requiringe him in his majesties name to keepe the peace and obey the sayde cunstable, hee the
saide Moores the younger, not onely peremtorily denyed soe to doe, but assaulted and strucke
him the saide cunstable, with a stowle, and the same beinge taken from him, tooke up an iron
coulter, to strike therewith, and endangered all your peticioners there by, hurt the cunstable
and the said John Royle to the loss of his bloode, and soe escaped from them into his owne howse
which ocasioned the saide John Moores the father to send for the other cunstable, who came
and brought with him more ayde; to assist the rest before named; and at his and there comeinge, the
saide John Moores the younger had gott a pykill in his handes, and with many vowes and oathes
threatned to kill the said cunstables or any one that should come nere him; who seeinge
him soe desperately bent, for feare of there lives left him of; who likewise vowed and
threatned revenge against the saide cunstables and all that assisted them for which cause your
worships granted a warrant of good behaveour against the saide Moores the younger, who since which
tyme accordinge to his exprest malice and threatninge, together with John his said father have
joyned and combynde, for the indictinge of all your peticioners, uppon a pretended royett, to there
great prejudice injurye and undoinge of some of your petitioners, not dareinge to goe without doares in
this busye tyme, for feare of the sheriffes bayliffes, who have warrantes against them; whose
bodyes must suffer, there wiefes and children undone (if they bee taken, by reason of there
povertye and unabillity to pay moneys.

Your peticioners therefore humbly pray the premisses considered, your worships would bee pleased
for equityes sake, well knowinge the wicked conversacion of the sayde Moores
the sonne, to move they justices of the peace at the next quarter sessions at
Weich Malbanke, ether to free your peticioners from the saide bill of indictment soe
wrongfully stowlne or the fynes that may thereuppon bee imposed at the saide
sestions, and your peticioners will ever pray for your worships health and happines
longe to continue.

Dat 23th Maye
1638

Robert Sugar, Thomas Sharpe and other inhabitants of the hundred of Worrall. QJF 67/2/70 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justics of the peace at this quarter sessions assembled

The humble petition and complaint of Robert Sugar of Pottington and
Thomas Sharpe of Burton and other inhabitants within the saide severall
townships in the hundred de Worrall.

Sheweth that at the last quarter sessions houlden att Chester in January last
as your peticioners conceive, one Thomas Bennett of Willison a free houlder in the saide
hundred, did present or indict the inhabitants of the saide townships for
nott amendinge their high wayes, as since which tyme itt hath appeared
for that about the 28th of Maye last, foure of the sheriffs bayliffs
videlicit, Anthony Harding Richard Fardow Richard Stoobs William Younge who by
vertue of the sheriffs warrant as they pretended attached eight or ixen
severall persons inhabitants within the saide townships att this sessions to
ansheare the premises and afterwardes three of the same bayliffs
videlicit, Anthony Hardinge Richard Fardon Richard Stoobs came againe in there
drunkennes and by vertue of their former authoritie (as they pretended attached
one Richard Meare of Burton afforesaide servant to the afforesaide Thomas Sharpe
beinge imployde in his masters occations affirminge they would have him bound
over likwise with whom they had nothinge to doe beinge a servant and
likwise in there saide distemper of drunkennes meetinge with one Thomas Moores
of litle Neston livinge in another parish attached him the saide Moores
for the saide occation who perceivinge there error refused to submitt unto
them who thereupon sett him att libertie and that afterwardes the saide bayliffs
came to the counstables of Pottington and Burton aforesaide and command
them by terrifyinge wordes to goe with and direct them where they might
finde and attach more of the inhabitants in Pottington etc for the
aforesaide occation which greately putt them in feare and causeles trouble and vexation

Your peticioners and complainants therefore humbly pray the premises considered
and for that suite which time the wayes in question are and have beene
sufficiently repayred and amended although the saide Thomas Bennett
peremtorily, refused to obey the order of 3 justics of the peace next
adjoyninge who sett downe an order att the meetinge: thereby
directinge that foure out of the aforesaide townships and Willison
adjoyninge should meete the head cunstables of the saide hundred
att a day appoynted and to them declare there severall knowledges
howe and by whom the saide wayes have beene and ought to be amended
who weare to certifie accordingly and the saide Bennett
apposed the same; affirminge hee would spend C pounds before
the township of Willison should joyne or contribute
towardes the repaire of the saide wayes in regard whereof
your peticioners and complainants pray that your worships would nott onely
his order for there releefe herein, soe causlesly molested by
the said bayliffs and the malice of the saide Bennett butt for
the desidinge and endinge of the controversarye for there future
peace and quiet wherein they will ever pray for your worships health
and happines longe to continue.

John Vernon of Pulford. QJF 67/2/71 (1638)

To the honourable benche of justices of peace assembled
at this quarter sessions.

The humble peticion of John Vernon of Pulford.

Humbly sheweth that whereas John Baxter of Pulford was bounde
for his appearaunce at the quarter sessions holden at Chester after
Christmas in anno 1635 to aunswere his neglect (being then constable
of Pulford aforesaid) in servinge of a warraunt to him directed from two
of his majesties justice of peace of this county, for which your peticioner
became his suertie and forasmuche as the said justices of peace have
remitted the faulte and that the said Baxter by reason of sicknes not
being then able to travaile did faile in his appearaunce at the said
sessions whereby your said peticioner is afraide of proces and trouble
to falle upon him.

That this honourable benche wolde bee pleased to free your pore peticioner
from the daunger hee is afraied of by withdrawing of the said
recognizaunce or anie other waye as to your wisdomes shall seeme
meete, and your pore peticioner shall ever pray for your prosperitie
healthe and happines.

Ellen Owen, a poor distressed widow. QJF 67/2/72 (1638)

To his majesties justices of the peace

the most humble petition of Ellen
Owen a poore distresed widdow

Showing unto your worships that your poore
petitioner being left with a great charge of
children and no resting place but forst to flitt
from one barne or pore cote to another which hath
offten brought her into great weaknesse and
[now?] having hir brother in the same parrish of
Wibumbury where she and all the rest weare
borne and he profereth hir ground which he houlds by
leace from Sir Thomas Smyth who is likewise
aquainted with it to put up som pore cote according
to hir abillitie wheare she may by Gods permition
and hir painfull industrie bring up hir charge
as hitherto she hath without charging the parrish
with them wherefore your petitioner doth most
humbly request you even for Godes cause that you
wilbe pleased to give your consents to this deede
of charitie and she and all hirs shalbe bound to
pray for your eternall happinesse

• Morice [illegible]
• William Palmer
• Georg Mainwaringe
• Lawrence Bressie

Randull Granwall of Wettenhall. QJF 67/2/74 (1638)

To the right worshipfull Sir Richard Wilbraham knight and baronett
his majesties justice of the peace etc.

The humble petition of Randull Granwall of Wettenhall.

Sheweth unto your good worshipp that whereas your said petitioner beinge an auncyent tenante to Richard Bruerton
of Wettenhall aforesaid esquire deceased and for many yeares together held and enjoyed to p under him the
messuage or tenemente wherin John Granwall and Thomas Whittingham doe nowe inhabitt and dwell untill
that by [s.ertyshipp?] and wrongfull suites hee was enforced to make sale of the same, thereby to
pay and discharge his tormenting credytours. And to lyve in peace and quyettnes since which
sale your said petitioner hath by his great diligence care and industrie and painestakinge
releived himselfe wiffe and family without being any wise chargable or burthensome; to any of
his neighbours. And although your said petitioner were borne in Wettenhall aforesaid yet the
inhabitantes there, denye to give your said petitioner any entertainment or housroome or att any
other neighbouring towne cannot get any housroome although hee trouble them not for any releife but mayntaineth
him his wiffe and children by his daily labour. Soe that your petitioner is enforced to make a
place in a ditch for him his wiffe and children to lye in; where your said petitioner found in the
bed where the children lay a great blyndworme betwixt them.

The premises therefore tenderly considered your poore petitioner craveth your good worshipp
to be pleased to give way and libertie unto him that hee may sett upp some
postes in any parte or place about the towne of Wettenhall for the erectinge
of a litle cavin or shelter by cloddes or otherwise, where your said worshipp Master Roger
Wilbramm or any of the towne shall appoynt for his better defence from
wynd and weather untill hee can procure a better, and your said petitioner promiseth
not to be any wise chargable to the said towne but shall dailie pray for your
good worshipp in health and happines long to contynewe

And this for Godsake.

John Wilkinson of Wettenhall. QJF 67/2/75 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace att this present
sessions assembled etc.

The humble petition of John Wilkinson of Wettenhall.

Sheweth unto your good worshipps that whereas your said petitioner havinge occation to use money for the takinge
of a newe lease of the messuage and tenement wherin hee latly inhabited att Wettenhall aforesaid did
about vi yeares nowe last past, procure the somme of 40 pounds of one Thomas Capp of Heighcrofte for to
take a lease of the right worshipfull Sir Richard Wilbraham knight and baronnett of the same messuage
and tenement which was effected and your petitioner beinge willinge to give the said Capp satesfaccion
and security for the said 40 pounds disbursed for and towardes the takinge of the said lease did permitt and suffer
the said Capp peacably and quyetly to possesse and enjoy the said premises for the terme of foure
yeares accordinge to the contracte made betwixt them but the said Capp beinge in possession thereof
hath violently enjoyed the same h about the space sixe fyve yeares [illegible] last past under couler of a
false writinge which hee made himselfe; without yeildinge or affoordinge any satisfactory meanes to
your said petitioner. And your said petitioner beinge a very poore man burthened with a wiffe and fyve small
children have byne enforced to travell hither and thither for their lyvinge and maynteynance, but alwaies
expulsed and driven thence to their former dwellinge and place of byrth beinge att Wettenhall aforesaid
and there cannot be releived neither by the said Capp nor by the inhabitantes soe that your said
petitioner his wiffe and children are enforced to lye in the lanes and likely to starve for want of foode
and your petitioner is willinge to give and pay backe the said 40 pounds unto the said Capp by 5 pounds per annum that
hee might but enter upon his said messuage and enjoy the same peacably which the said Capp refuseth
to doe unlese hee might have the said 40 pounds att one payment which your said petitioner cannot performe and
doe.

The premisses therefore tenderly considered your petitioner craveth and desireth your good worshipps to be pleased to [compel?]
the said Capp to receyve and take his said 40 pounds by 5 pounds per annum and to deliver up possession to your said
petitioner, or that the said Capp shall allowe unto your said petitioner maynetaynance forth
of the premises towards the releivinge of him his wiffe and family and your petitioner and
his wiffe and children shall (accordinge to their bounden dutyes) daily pray for your worships in
good health and happines longe to contynewe

And this for Godsake.

Margarett Bennett of Smethwick, spinster. QJF 67/2/76 (1638)

To the right honourable and right worshipfull his majesties justices of peace
for the countie of Chester att these presente quarter sessions
assembled.

The humble peticion of Margarett Bennett of Smethwicke in the countie of Chester spinster
against William Wharmebie of Sutton in the said countie laborer, and Reynold Baxter
constable of Sutton aforsaid.

That the said Wharmebie did begett the peticioner with child and promised her marriage before (which child
is not yett borne)

That the peticioner about Barnabie daye last the peticioner for her releife and better securitie of the educacion
of the child (when ytt should please God to be borne) procured a warrant from Thomas Dodd
doctor in dyvynitie and one of his majesties justices of peace for this countie to put in securitie for his
apparaunce att this sessions to stand unto your honourable and wurshipfull order to be taken for the peticioners
releife in the premisses

That the peticioner accordinge to the directions of the forsaid warrant delivered the same to the said Baxter
(who by vertue therof attached the same Wharmebie and afterwardes left him att libertie without
the peticioners consent so that the peticioners is likelie to be undone for ever unles ytt please this
honorable bench to releeve her.

Humblie prayinge your honours and wurshipps warrant against the said
Baxter to shewe cause before yow or some of yow wherfore
he inlarged the said Wharmebie and that the said
Baxter maie (in respect of his neglect of the said Maste Doddes
warrant.) be ordered (if ytt maie stand with justice) to
give such releife to the poore peticioner (as in your wise
disscreasions shalbe thought fittinge) for her mayntence
and child after the birth therof untill he shall bringe
in the bodye of the said Wharmebie to stand unto and abyde
your order herafter to be taken in the premisses. And the peticioner
will daylie praye for your honours and wurshipps.

The churchwardens and inhabitants of the parish of Bartomley. QJF 67/2/77 (1638)

To the honourable his majesties justices of the peace in the countye of
Chester

The humble peticion of the churchwardens and other the
inhabitantes of the parishe of Bartomley in the countie
aforsaid.

Whereas there is lately come from London into our
parish of Bartomley a poore yonge girle whoe saith that
her name is Elizabeth Tufeneale and that shee was
borne in our said parish being (as shee alsoe saith the
daughter of William Tufneale and Margarett his wife
of London both lately deceased they haveing for the space
of ten or eleavon yeares past at the least dwelled
within the parish of Saint Gyles by Cripplegate in
London.

The peticioners humble request is in regard the
said Elizabeth hath bin dwelling in London by
the space of twelve yeares past and nowe cometh
as a wanderer into the said parishe that your worships
would be pleased to graunt your warrant for the
sending of the said Elizabeth backe to the
place where shee hath soe dwelled.

Thomas Prophett of Mouldesworth, weaver. QJF 67/2/78 (1638)

To the right worshipfull bench the Kinges majesties justices of the peace and quorum

The humble peticion of Thomas Prophett
of Mouldesworth in this countye of Chester
weaver.

Humblye shewinge unto your good worshipps, that I your poore peticioner
have for the tyme of fifteene years now laste paste, inhabited
with one widow Lightfoote of the said Mouldesworth whose daughter
I maried and by her now have three children lyvinge, and my said
mother in law beinge deceased, your poore peticioner is destitute of harbour
the which good Master Hardware cheefe lorde of the said Mouldesworth, seeinge
my distresse and pittiynge the same, is pleased in compation towardes us,
to graunt his good will, that I your poore peticioner may erecte and
sett upp a small cottage in some conveniente place upon the wast
landes of the said Mouldesworth (if that it maye stande with your
good worshipps lykinges) to give your allowances and consentes there
unto: the which I your poore peticioner my wife and children doe moste
humblye beseech your good worshipps for Christe Jesus sake to graunte
unto, consideringe our miserable estate, and wee all your worshipps
peticioners, will daylye upon our knees praye to God to blesse you all
with longe lyfe and happie dayes in this world, and eternall felicity
in the world to come.

Richard Williams. QJF 67/2/79 (1638)

To the right worshipfull Sir George Booth knight
and to the rest of the justices of peace at
the quarter sessions, and to the wholle bench

The humble peticion
of Richard Williams

Sheweth that the petitioner is a very poore man, haveing a
wife and many smale children, and noe meanes, nor place
to sojourne in, and forasmuch as he hath the consent
of the charterers, and dwellers in Tilston, to erect a
cote in Tilston, as by this annexed certifficate may
appere as alsoe the consent of the honourable the Lord Brereton
being cheefe lord of the wastes there (as may likewise
appere)

He therefore humbly besecheth your worships, and this
honourable bench, to license him to erect the said cote
accordingly, and he his poore wife and children
will dayly pray for your worships prosperity [etc?]

• Frauncis Fitton
• Essex Clerke Rector
• Richard Allporte
• Randle Tonna.
• Richard Tayler

The inhabitants of Twemlowe. QJF 67/2/80 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of peace
assembled at the quarter sessions.

The humble peticion of the inhabitantes of Twemlowe

Informeth your worshipes your said supplyantes that some of the
inhabitantes of Blackden and Goostry have threatned
to preferre a bill of indictment at this present sessions against
some of the said inhabitantes of Twemlowe for not repayring
of a platt suggested by the said inhabitantes of Blackden and
Goostry to bee in Twemlowe.

That your said peticioners doe conceave and are verie
credibly informed that the place where the said platt ought to
bee made is within Blackden onely, and not within
Twemlowe.

Maie it therefore please your good worships (the premises considered)
to favour your peticioners soe farre as that the said bill of indictment
(if anie such shalbe preferred by the said inhabitantes) maie be
heard openly and the evidence on both sydes to be produced
before your worships; and your said peticioners thereuppon are
and wilbee verie willing to submitt themselves to bee
ordered by your worships as yow in your grave and judicious
consideracions shall thinke meete etc.

Frauncis Haukinson of Audlem. QJF 67/2/82 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace att this present
sessions assembled etc.

The humble petition of Frauncis Haukinson of Audlem.

Sheweth unto your good worshipps that whereas your petitioner beinge in company with some of his acquaintances
att one of his neighbours house, there came into their company one Thomas Poole of Houghe
who without any just cause of quarrell or offence assaulted your said petitioner and ymedyatly drewe
his sword and offered to strike your said petitioner with the same, but that hee was by the company then present
prevented and estopped, soe that your said petitioner willingly for feare of harme and hurt that should be
offered unto him avoyded the roome and att his cominge forth of the same roome the said Thomas
Poole violently (with his sword drawne) thrust att your petitioner; pursuynge him with severall thrustes
but still prevented by the said company; who takinge the sword from the said Poole and hidinge the
same from him thereby to appease his fury, yet notwithstandinge the said Poole seeinge hee
was debarred from his sword hee forthwith drewe his knife and came with it drawne in his
hand into another roome where your petitioner was, which your petitioner espyinge shunned him and
went his way home. And cominge upp the towne aforsaid leadinge a gent horse in his handes
not dreaminge of the said Poole, the said Poole afresh assaulted the said Haukinson your
worshipps petitioner with his sword drawne came in the open streete broke his sword upon the
body of your petitioner yet notwithstandinge after the said Haukinson was againe gone out of
sight the said Poole enquyred upp and downe the towne where the your said petitioner dwelled
protestinge and ventinge out most greivous oathes hee would kill and slaughter your worshipps said
petitioner before he went out of the towne.

The premises therefore tenderly considered your petitioner humbly craveth this worshipfull bench
to be pleased to grant unto your petitioner your worshipps warrant of good behaviour
thereby to take order with the said Poole least hee further molest and trouble
your said petitioner who is in great feare and perill least the said Poole shall
hereafter offer violence against him. And your petitioner shall (accordinge to
his bounden duty) dayly pray etc.

John Kent of Sandbach, glover. QJF 67/2/83 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace
assembled at the quarter sessions.

The humble peticion of John Kent of Sandbach glover.

Humbly informeth your worshipes your said supplyant that uppon the
last daie of Aprill nowe past your said peticioner being in Sandbach
aforsaid in the Kinges majesties highe waie, and standing theire in
Godes peace and the Kinges was presently assaulted with theise persons
following videlicet Henry Smethley, Rychard Parratt, John
Twys, William Boult, John Gylford, John Baylie and
William Late all which did violently lay handes uppon your said
orator and carryed him to the stockes where hee sate with both his
leggs in for the space of a quarter of an houre, all the said parties goeing
about the stockes and laughing your said supplyant to scorne; albeit your
said orator gave noe occation of offense unto them or anie of them.

That your peticioner is a man of good carriage and conversacion
which for your worships better satisfaccion, hee hath procured a certificate
under the handes of divers of his neighbours of good quality within
the said parish of Sandbach and Myddlewyche, and hereunto anexed

The premises considered; maie it please your good worships to inflict
such condigne punnishment uppon the said offendours as your worships in
your grave and judicious consideracions shall thinke most meete.
And your peticioner (as in dutie bound) will ever praie etc.

The inhabitants of the parish of Sandbach in support of John Kent. QJF 67/2/84 (1638)

To the Kinges majesties justices of peace in the county of Chester.

Wee whose names are subscrived, beinge inhabitantes within the parish of Sandbach in the
saide countie, doe, hereby certifey your worships; that one John Kent of Sandbach
aforesaide gloover, was borne in the parish of Midlewich in the saide county which is
the next parish to the saide parish of Sandbach; and to our knowledge he is come of good
parantage and freindes, and hath lived and dwelled in the said parish of Sandbach
for the space of twelve yeares last paste, or thereaboutes, and he is one of good
carriadge behaviour and conversacion, and a verie painfull and laborious man in
the trade he now useth, which is a glover. And thus much wee make boulde to
certifie your worships; and will ever reste your worships humble servauntes.

June xxiiith 1638.

• John Oldfeld
• John Mosse
• William Yorke
• Thomas Royle
• William Stoiner
• Thomas Minshall
• John Wright
• William Whitticars
• William Rathbon
• John Bostocke
  John Bostocke


• [Huon Minshall?]
• Ralph Hulse
• Robert Carter
• William Whittingham
• John Whittingham
• William Yates
• Thomas Shawe
• Charles Mainwaring
• John [Thorne?]

Margarett Colthirste, widow. QJF 67/2/85 (1638)

To the honourable and righte worshipfull his majesties justices of peace
assembled att this presente sessions.

The humble peticion of Margarett Colthirste
vidua.

That whereas one John Hollinshead of Sandle Bridge gentleman beinge a man
of a lewde and dissolute carriage and behavyour and one whose handes hathe byn
ymbrewed in blood and nowe att this instant standeth bounden to his
good abearinge, for his greate abuses and wronges offred towardes your
peticyoner and her servantes and to appeare att this presente sessions.

The petycyoner humblie prayeth that your
woorships wilbe pleased (in regard that shee and
hir servantes (whome hee daylie threatneth)
stand in danger of theire lyves) that
the same Hollinshead maye bee bound over
agayne to his good abearinge and not released
[illegible] and your peticyoner accordinge to hir
bounden duetie will praye etc.

Elizabeth Greaves, wife of Edward Greaves of Pointon, husbandman. QJF 67/2/86 (1638)

To the right honourable and the rest of his majesties justices of the peace, at the
quarter sessions holden at Namptwich in the countie of
Chester the xth day of July 1638.

The humble peticion of Elizabeth Greaves, wife of Edward Greaves
of Pointon in the said countie husbandman.

Sheweth that one Raphe Lea the constable of Pointon aforesaid came to this
informers husbandes howse upon the 30 day of Aprill last, and being
accompanied and assisted with others like himselfe, by force and armes carryed
away divers goodes, and rent and tore in peeces other goodes, and not onely
spoyled such victualls as were then provided for the sustenance of that
poore familie, but also violently broke into the inner roomes of the
howse, and offered to carry away a chest wherein was the lease of the
howse and other wrytinges, which chest, (in stryving to resist them) was broken
and a bonnd of vii pounds was lost or taken away at that tyme; and the said
Lea hath done many other great injuries to your peticioner, without
shewing any warrant or cause for it, which she conceaveth to proceede from
him, because that when he was constable in Pointon formerly he
solicited your peticioner divers tymes to be naught with him, and offered her
xl shillings if she would consent to him, which (by) reason of his importunitie she
was enforced to declare unto her husband for which he then threatned
that he would be revenged on her. And the said Lea is a common
drunkerd, and a great stirrer of debate generally amongest his neighbours

Prayeth that he may be bound to the good behaviour, and that he may be
further punished according to his due demerittes, as it shall be
made apparent by divers other credible persons at this present sessions.

And your poore peticioner (as elshow in all dutie bounden)
will pray for your much increase of honour in this life and
eternall glorie in the life to come.

The churchwardens of the parish of Prestburie. QJF 67/2/93 (1638)

To the honourable and right worshipfull his majesties justices
assembled in there quarter sessions at Wick=Malbanke

The humble peticion of the churchwardens
of the parish of Prestburie

Sheweth
that whereas there was a child lately borne in
the borrough of Macclesfield within the aforesaid
parish, the mother of which child being a wanderer
and afterwards travelling throug Bollington
(another towne of the aforesaid parish) died there.
By reason whereof the towne of Bollington being
then burthened with the said child procured order from
this honourable court that your peticioners under the penaltie
of v pounds should provide for the mayntenance of the child
untill it were further determined what particular towne should be charged
therewith. Which order your petitioners have obeyed, and
now humbly crave to be freed from the same, and
that speciall order may be directed to the particular
overseers for the poore of the said borrough and towne
aforesaid, to one or both as in your wisdomes you shall thinke
most meete. Which request your peticioners conceave to be just
for that the parishioners of Prestburie with a generall
consent doe agree, that the auncient custome of the
said parish hath beene for every towne to keepe there owne
poore, which custome by order from this honourable court hath
beene confirmed, together with another order that in every
particular towne there should be named an overseer
for the poore both which orders are put in execution, and
unto which we humbly pray that you would have respect
in any order you now shall make

And your peticioners shall ever pray for
your health and happines.

Peter Maynwaring. QJF 67/3/12 (1638)

Right worshipfull

at the quarter sessions holden at Wich Malbank in Julie last
your self with the rest of the justices then their present (or the most
of them) sett your handes unto this order touchinge the makinge
of a bridge in Smalwood neare to the house of one Widow Deane
as by this order herein closed maie further expresse, and now
for that the inhabitantes of Smalwood aforesaid hath not
performed the said order in makinge the said bridge, and my
self who formerly moved for the makinge of the said bridge
hath such occasions that I cannot attend at this sessions [illegible]
lest that the [said?] inhabitantes should informe that the said
bridge shoult be made by one Widow Deane, one of the tenantes
of William Lord Brereton, my humble suite unto you is
that if there be any such opposicion, the matter then maie
be referrd to your self and [illegible] for the
examyning of witnesses in respect they are some of
them verie old, for the determyning of the same, and soe
my service ever remembred I rest

Yours ever to be comanded

• Peter Maynwaring

Smalwood the xxviiith
of September 1638

Thomas Tasker, constable of Stublach. QJF 67/3/13 (1638)

To the right worshipfull the Kinges majesties justices of the peace I assembled at
this quarter sessions.

The humble peticion of Thomas Tasker constable of Stublach

Sheweth
that Master Wy Paule Wynnington high constable for the halfe hundred of Northwich
made out his precept for a mise and a half to bee collected towar within the towneship
of Stublach towardes the erecting of a howse of correccion.

And whereas the it appeares by the mise book that the assessement the assessment
for the said towne shipp for a whole mise amounteth but unto 5 shillings 2 pence th
and by the precept from M the said Master Wynnington this peticioner was commanded
to levy vi shillings ii pence which hee conceives then did accordingly and paid the same to
the said Master Wynnington but neverthelesse tould the said Master Wynnington that
it was more then was due to bee paid and demaunded the overplus, which
he the said Wynington refused to restore him.

Now forasmuch as the petitioner conceives this to bee a great wrong to the
said towneship and may proove verie prejudiciall to them hereafter and
for that hee beleives manie other towneshippes are lik have suffered in
the same nature

Hee humbly beseecheth the worshipful bench to referre the examinacion
of the premisses to some of the his majesties justices within this division to examine
the mise booke and to redresse the peticioner herein and other of his
neighbours herein [illegible]

William Barnes and Thomas Shenton, yeomen. QJF 67/3/15 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace
assembled at the quarter sessions

The humble peticion of William Barnes and
Thomas Shenton yeomen.

Humbly sheweth unto your worships your said supplyantes that
whereas your said peticioners were joyntly and severallie taken bound
by recognizance in ten powndes a peice by the right worshipfull
Sir Richard Wilbraham knight and barronet for the personall
apperance of one Alan Cotton chirurgion and practitioner of
phisick before the right reverend father in God John
lord bushop of this diocesse, to shewe what licence hee
the said Alan Cotton had for the practising of phisick etc
as alsoe further to answeare all such matters as shalbee
objected against him by Mistress Margaret Wodenoth widow and
Arthur Wodenoth gentleman.

That your said oratours (not dreading anie danger) at the
instance and importunity of the said Cotton were bount with him
as aforesaid, conceaveing that the said Cotton would have honestly
discharged himself and your said supplyantes from theire
ingagementes.

That your said Cotton verie dishonestly is runne awaie, and
exposed your said peticioners to forfeyte theire recognizance, (except
your worships bee favorably pleased) to geve unto your said oratours
some convenient tyme (as to your worships shalbee thought meete)
for the bringing in of the said Cotton; or otherwyse to yeald unto
your said oratours such further releif (as in your grave and juditious
consideracion) shalbe thought most meete. And your peticioners (as
in dutie bound) will praie etc.

The inhabitants of the township of Bollington. QJF 67/3/17 (1638)

Secundo die Octobris
1638.

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of peace
at this present sessions assembled.

The humble peticion of the inhabitantes of the townshippe of
Bollington in the parish of Prestburie

Shew unto your worships that one Jane Livesley a wanderer comeinge into our township in
Februarie last to a house wherein one Twellin for a short tyme did dwell (she beinge
in extremitie of sicknes) his wyffe gave her lodginge from Sundaie till Wednesday, which
daie she dyed and lefte a yonge child behind her, which child was borne within the towne
of Macclesfeild, and whereas there was agreement made by the parishioners of the said parishe of
Prestburie in August 1636 and confirmed by order at the sessions next after holden at Middlewich
that everie township within the said parishe should mayntayne their owne poore, (which agreement and order
all of us are most willinge to performe) we your peticioners (conceyvinge and perswadinge our
selves, that this child ought not to be made one of our poore, by reason not anie one of us
knoweth or can learne that ever the said Jane lodged in our township before that tyme of her
decease) peticioned the bench at the sessions holden at Knottesford in Aprill last, and
their it was ordered that the churchwardens and overseers of the poore for the whole parish, should
provyde for the child untill it were further orderedd, since which tyme at the sessions
holden at Namptwich upon the peticion of the churchwardens of the said parish, the bench
(as appeareth by their order) much desyringe to be resolved of the lawfullnes of the custome
of the said parish, did therefore intreate Sir Edward Fitton and Sir William Brereton baronettes
and Thomas Stanley and Humfray Davenport esquires to attend my lord cheife baron for
his opinion in this case, and theirupon to order as in their discretions they should thinke
meete, and in the meane tyme the child to be kept at the charge of our township which
order we have sithence obeyed

Your peticioners humble request theirfore is, that your worships would take the
premisses into your consideracions, and give such order theirin, as in your
wisdomes shall seeme meete, and your peticioners (as in all dutie bounden)
will ever pray for your worships etc.

• Richard Normansell
• Thomas Pott
• John Pownall
• John Ecckles
• Thomas Mottershed
• William Jackson
• John [Calrawl?]
• Francis [Daly?]
• Lawrence Clarke


• Robert Brodhurst
• John Simcock
• Jesper Shatwall
• Richard Allen
• William Tealey
• George Dowsone
• John Brondrith

Richard Cane of Darnall, labourer. QJF 67/3/19 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace
assembled at the quarter sessions

The humble peticion of Richard [Cane?] of Darnall laborer

Humbly informeth your worships your said poore supplyant that
hee was borne and brought up in Darnall aforsaid
where hee your said peticioner hath lived from the daie of
his nativitie untill this present tyme with his mother in a
backhowse, where hee cannot now anie longer
resyde.

That your said orator hath a wyfe and sixe small children
which hee hath (by his industrie and paynes taking)
mainteyned hitherto, without anie charge or burden to
the parish [illegible] of Whytegate or inhabitantes of Darnall
where your said peticioner his said wyfe and children doe live

That your worships would bee pleased (the premiss considered)
to permit your said poore supplyant to erect some lyttle
howse uppon the common in Darnall aforsaid for the
releif of him, his said poore wyfe and children; and
hee your said peticioner (as in dutie bound) shall neverthelesse
praie for your good worships in health and happines long
to continewe.

Anne Birkett. QJF 67/3/20 (1638)

To the honourable and right worshipfull his majesties
justices assembled in their quarter sessions
at Middlewich

The humble petition of Anne Birkett

Humbly sheweth
That your peticioners late father William Brickett of
Upton within the parish of Prestburie died about
Michaelmas the last yeare, and left behind him, besides
other children an infant of two yeares old from which
tyme till about midsommer last your peticioner did
maintaine the said infant with some small revercion that
was left after the payment of her fathers debtes, and with
what shee got by her owne labour and industrie, and
when shee was not able any longer to releive it with
needfull maintaineance shee repaired to the justices
of that division in their monethly meeting and obtained
warrant from Sir William Brereton barronet and
Thomas Standley esquier directed to John Barlowe
overseer for the poore for the said towne of
Upton to provide for the said child which hee hath
neglected, and the child is still unreleived

Your peticioner therefore humble prayeth
that some course may be taken for the main=
tainance of the poore child such as in your
wisdomes you shall thinke most meet and
your peticioner shall ever pray for your
and happines

Raphe Reade and Anne his wife. QJF 67/3/21 (1638)

To the honourable and right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace
at this quarter sessions assembled

The humble peticion of Raphe Reade and Anne his wiefe.

Sheweth that your poore peticioners weare borne and brought up in the parish
of Peever, and have last lived in Allostocke within the same for the tyme
of three years, together with there three children lately (deceased) and
for as much as your poore peticioners have not any certeyne place
of habitacion of there owne, more then what formerly they have obteyne
ed for there money gotten by there industry and labour, which beinge nowe
decayed and debard of by the inhabitantes are likely to lye without doares
and by reason of the approchinge season there starve and perish unlesse
some speedye course bee taken in charitye for there releefe

Your poore peticioners therefore humbly pray
the premisses considered this honourable and worshipful bench
would bee pleased to give order, that a cottage
may bee erectted uppon the wast in some conve
nient place for your peticioners to lodge in who
hope to gett the consent of the cheefe lordes
and owners of the wast for that end, wherein
your petitioners will ever pray etc.

William Platt of the parishe of Whitegate. QJF 67/3/22 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the
peace att this present sessions assembled

The humble petition of William Platt of the
parishe of Whitegate

Sheweth unto your worships that whereas your sayd poore petitioner and his
wife haveinge lived in the sayd parish for the space of eighteene
yeres haveinge lived by our theire hand labour and bringinge upp our theire
children without any the cost or charge to the sayd parishe
and growinge ould and somwhat impotent are still desireous
to spend the rest of our theire tyme in the sayd parishe if soe
bee that wee they could have houseinge for our theire money as for
merly and hitherto wee they have had which by some in the parish
is greatly stood against and the persons of whom wee they have
taken houseinge (throw the malice of some persons in the said
parish) are alreadye fyned and the rest threatned that would
sett your sayd petitioner any houseinge soe that your sayd poore
petitioner and his wife by the reason afforesayd are lyke to
starve for wante of harbour this next ensueinge winter
if some other course by your good worships bee not herein
taken for his better releife

May it therfore please your good worships the premisses
considered to give order that your poore petitioner
may eyther have houseinge within the sayd parishe for
his money without the further vexation or trouble of
any whom hee shall take it of, or else that your worships
would bee pleased to give order that your poore
petitioner may erect up some little harbour in some
convenient place of the sayd parish for his futur re
leife in this their ould age and impotencie and your
sayd petitioner and his wife (as theire bounden duetye)
shall dayly pray for your good worships ever felicities

Raphe Prince of Spurstowe, laborer. QJF 67/3/23 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of peace
assembled at the quarter sessions.

The humble peticion of Raphe Prince of Spurstowe
laborer.

Humbly informeth your worships your said poore supplyant that one
Thomas Prince your said orators sonne came about a
three weekes before Whitsontyde last past unto your said peticioners howse, and
there fell sick and dyed about 8 weekes since

That, ymediately after [illegible] the said Prince fell sick Margaret Prince wyfe
unto the deceast and daughter in lawe unto your said oratour
came unto your said supplyantes howse and left 2 of hir
children theire with your said peticioner being grandfather unto
them; and an aged ould man not able to releive himself.
The premises considered; maie it please your good worships
to commiserate your said poore supplyantes cause; soe as the said poore
children maie have releif out of the parish of Bunbury
and towneship of Spurstowe aforsaid, wherein they were
borne, and nowe live, and your said poore orator (as in
dutie bound) will praie etc.

Elizabeth Stretch, spinster. QJF 67/3/25 (1638)

To the right worshipfull Peeter Venables esquire baron
of Kynderton and the rest of his majesties justices assembled at
the quarter sessions.

The humble peticion of Elizabeth Stretch spinster

Humbly informeth your worships, your said poore oratrix, that shea
was bred and borne in the parish of Lower Peever where
shea continewed amoungst hir freindes for the space of
almost 60tie yeres.

That your said peticioner about sixe yeres agone (at the
intreatie of one William Yarwood late of Sproston
deceassed) came to live with him and his wyfe being
cozen germans to your said supplyant, with whome shea
lived for the space of sixe yeares (now past) in Sproston
aforsaid, without anie charge or burden to the parishes of
Peever or Myddlewyche or either of them.

That your said William Yarwood and his said wief being both
dead, and your said peticioner (throughe Godes visitacion fallen
lame and decrepit) is whereby shea is disinabled to
get hir living as formerly; is altogeither destitute of a
place for habitacion, as alsoe for livelyhood; in either the
the said parishes.

Maie it please your good worships (the premises considered) to
commiserate the distressed estate of your said poore supplyant
soe as she maie have releif out of either of the said parishes
as your good worships in your grave consideracions shall thinke
most meete. And your said peticioner (as in dutie bound) will
neverthelesse praie etc.

John Cotton, tailor. QJF 67/3/26 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of peace assembled
at the quarter sessions.

The humble peticion of John Cotton taylour.

Humbly informeth your worships, that your said supplyant, [illegible]
was borne and brought up from his infancy in the
towneship of Cotton within the parish of Sandbach where
your said oratour, his wyfe and fower small children did lately
inhabit, as subtenauntes to one John Broome of Cranage.
That the said Broome is fyned in 18 pounds for enterteyning
your said peticioner and his said wyfe and children into the said howse
in Cotton aforsaid to live theire as inmates for the space of
3 yeres last past, your said oratour not houlding 4 acres of
land belonging to the said cottage, as the statute (in such case
provideth.)

That your said poore peticioner his said wyfe and children have not bene aniewyse burdensome
to the said parish of Sandbache or inhabitantes of Cotton aforsaid, but
hath lived and mainteyned himself and his said family by
his industry and labor in his said trade and calling.

Maie it therefore please your good worships (the premises considered)
to admitt your said supplyant to erect a cottage uppon
the waste within Cotton aforesaid for the releif of your said oratour
and his said family; and your said peticioner (as in duty bound)
shall neverthelesse praie for your good worships in health and
happines long to continewe.

Elizabeth Bradshawe, spinster. QJF 67/3/28 (1638)

To the right worrshipfull his majesties justices at this quarter sessions

The humble peticion of Elizabeth Bradshawe spinster

Sheweth whereas one Raphe Barrowe (beinge the reputed father
of a bastard chylde begotten upon the bodie of your petitioner and
yet unborne) is bound over to this quarter sessions and your petitioner
beinge within a weecke or ten dayes of the tyme of her deliverance
and verie poore and freindles in these partes, and the said Barrowe
of good meanes, and freindes

Maye it therefore please your worships the premisses consider=
ed, so to order that [illegible] the said Raphe Barrowe
may alowe unto your poore petitioner some presente meanes
towardes her presente relieffe and further to order
for takinge of the said childe so soone as it shalbee
borne as your worships in your discrecions shall thinke
meete and your poore petitioner shalbe ever bounden to
praye for your healthes and happines longe to enduer

Richard Litler. QJF 67/3/29 (1638)

To his majesties justices assembled at the quarter
sessions holden at Midlewich the second of
October anno domini 1638.

The humble peticion of Richard Litler.

Humbly shewing unto this honourable bench that whereas your petitioner
was bound to the peace for a batterye against one Richarde
Grandfield, and by his recognisance was to appeare at the next
generall sessions of the peace then next followinge which should
have bene the sessions holden at Chester in January was twelve
month, but being released before Doctor Byrom (who tooke your
petitioner bound) with the full consent of the prosecutor, before the
said sessions came, and by some necligence or oversight was
not discharged in the clarke of the peace his booke.

May it therefore please this honourable bench to give order that
your petitioner may be discharged of the said recognisans
and your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

Johan Duckworth of the parish of Davenham. QJF 67/3/30 (1638)

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of peace
att this present sessions assembled

The humble petition of Johan Duckworth
of the parish of Davenham

Most humbly sheweth unto your worships that wheras your sayd poore petitioner
beinge borne in the said parish and haveinge longe tyme continued there with
out any housing but what she hath taken from yere to yere, but now
by reason of your poore peticioners age and impotencie and the greatnes of
the yerely rentes to bee paid as alsoe the scarcitye of housinge to bee
taken your poore peticioner your is lyke utterly to sterve and perishe for
want of harbour the next ensuinge winter unles your worships most
gracious favour bee further herein to her extended.

May it therefore please your good worships the premisses consider=
ed to commisserate the poore estate of your poore petitioner and to
give order that your poore petitioner may erect up some
little cottage or harbour in some convenient place of
the parish of Davenham for her [illegible] her releife future
releife in this her ould age and impotencie and your said
petitioner (as duetye ever byndes her) will dayly pray for
your good worships ever felicities: