Robert Brerewood and Richard Bavand, Mayors, and Richard Birkenhead, Recorder

ZQSF/49

Robert Brerewood and Richard Bavand, Mayors, and Richard Birkenhead, Recorder

1600-1

Badly damaged, repaired at PRO.

1. Precept. Endorsed: executed by the Sheriffs, Edward Button and Edward Bennett. Incomplete and mainly illegible.

2. ?Crownmote: Panel.

3. Precept. Endorsed: executed by the Sheriffs as in 1. Seal: Privy seal of the Mayor. Mainly illegible.

4. ?Crownmote: Panel.

5. Indictment that ?Jane... of... co. Denbigh on... at Chester stole a purse worth 2d. containing... belonging to ... Billa vera. Mainly illegible.

6. Indictment that Anna Johnes of Llansinfryed [Llansantffraid] co. Denbigh, imprisoned during the mayoralty of Henry Hardware, and in the custody of Randle Throppe, deputy keeper of the gaol, on 20 May 1600 had ?escaped from custody. Billa vera. Mainly illegible.

7. Examination of ?John Preston of Warington [Warrington], Lancs. concerning a case against Ellen Good, including a reference to Oliver Walker, father in law to the said John Preston. Incomplete and partially illegible. Belongs to QSF/48

8. 14 April 1600 Writ of habeas corpus, witnessed by Henry Hardware, Mayor, to the Sheriffs to bring Richard Croftes of York, clothier, to the next Crownmote court on 26 May 1600, and to enquire what goods the said Richard had in Chester and to take possession of the same. Endorsed: executed by the Sheriffs John Owen and John Moyle. Seal: ?signet seal of the Mayor: A sword between two garbs. Partially illegible. Belongs to QSF/48

9. 3 March 1559/1600 Writ of habeas corpus, witnessed by Henry Hardware, Mayor, to the Sheriffs to bring Richard Croftes of York, clothier, to the next Crownmote court on 14 April 1600, and to enquire what goods the said Richard had in Chester and to take possession of same. Endorsed: executed by the Sheriffs as in 8. Belongs to QSF/48. Seal: ?signet seal of the Mayor: a sword between two garbs.

10. Indictment that Hugh Lewes of Henlam [Henllan], co. Denbigh, yeoman imprisoned [date missing] by Robert Brerewood, Mayor, in the Northgate gaol on suspicion of stealing a purse worth 2d. containing 5s. 11d. in money belonging to Thomas Yewde, and in the custody of Randle Throppe, deputy keeper of the gaol, on [date missing] had escaped from custody. Incomplete and partially illegible.

11. [5th Sept.1600] Examination of William ?Dand of... Anglesey and Owen Phillips of Landeg... [?Llandegfan] in Anglesey, concerning the theft by the said Owen of 10s. from the said William during the previous night when they shared a bed at a house in the city. Incomplete and partially ellegible. Belongs to QSF/48

12. 6 Sept. 1600 Examination of John Swan servant to William Grosvenor of Bellaporte [Bellaport Hall], Shropshire, esq., concerning arms etc. bought from captains and lieutenants in charge of the last two thousand foot soldiers passing through the port of Chester en route for Ireland. With details of arms purchased from Captain Yelverton and Captain Berkley. Incomplete. Belongs to file QSF/48

13. 9 Sept. 1600 Examination of John Locker of Chester, cutler, concerning the same. Belongs to file QSF/48

14. 3 Aug. 1600 Examination of Richard Kelley, clerk of Captain ?York concerning the accusation by Thomas Dalby that Ellis Williams, Clerk of The Pentice 'was an asse' and obtained his office by ' a greate lordes favor'. see AB/1/259v. and 260. Belongs to file QSF/48

15. - Sept. 1600 Examination of Elizabeth wife of Thomas Cowper of Chester, Francis Blount, Mathew Wright and John Jerom, concerning the theft of a possenet, a pewter plate and a linen sheet from the said Elizabeth, by the said Francis Blunt and Mathew Wright, they and the said John Jerom being soldiers levied in the city of London, and the said Francis and Mathew being lodgers in the house of the said Elizabeth. Incomplete. Belongs to file QSF/48

16. 1600 Examination of John Llord of Denbigh concerning money paid by soldiers in the Queen's service to obtain their discharge.

17. 7 Oct. 1600 Examination of Hugh Harvy of Chester, glover, and Ellen Elman of Chester, spinster, concerning the theft from the said Hugh by the said Ellen of two women's ruff bands worth 10s. 6d. and a linen tablecloth, three yards long worth 6s. Belongs to file QSF/48

18. 6 Oct. 1600 Examination of ?John Bennett of Willeson [Willaston] Cheshire, husbandman, concerning the theft from the said John Bennett by Ralph Ball of 12d. and a rapierin Tarperley [Tarporley] upon the pretext that the said Ralph had a writ to serve on the said John Bennett. Belongs to file QSF/18

19. 2 Oct. 1600 Examination of Phillip Yoinge of Brinley [Brindley], Cheshire, gent., and Edward Ithell of Acton, Cheshire, yeoman, concerning an assault by Randle Newton, gent., upon John Whicksteed, gent., in the row on the east side of Bridge Street in Chester. Belongs to file QSF/19

20. List containing the names of John Poole of Capenhurst, esq., Reginald Poole, gent., Richard Corder, gent., and George Bale, yeoman, headed 'These are the partyes to be examyned'.

21. 23 Oct. 1600 Examination of John Leicester concerning the theft of silk from John Pulford, and a heading for the examination of Lewes Jones of Chester, silkweaver, on the same day, concerning the same.

22. 25 Oct. 1600 Examination of John Pymrose of Chester, taylor, concerning the theft of a horse from Katherine Thomson, including a reference to the 'colepittes' at Saltney.

23. 29 April [1600] Examination of Alice Criple, and William Criple of Chester, her husband, concerning the part played by William Criple in the quarrel between Henry Hamnnet of Chester, draper, and Thomas Fletcher, alderman, relating to a field near Vicars Cross, Includes a reference to Thomas Fletcher as Alderman of the ward in which the said William lived, and that therefore he was reluctant to offend him, but that the said Henry Hamnnet promised the said William Criple, that if Fletcher would not let him live in his ward, he would find another house for him. Incomplete. Belongs to file QSF/48

24. 3 Nov. 1600 Examination of William Shaw, servant to Mr. Trevis, and William Blundell of Formeby [Formby] co. Lancaster conerning 24 'kilderkins' of butter, some containing 80 pounds and others containing 100 pounds, which the said William Shaw had exchanged at Laughfoile [Loch Foyle] for beef and pork, and with which butter the said William Shaw then embarked to return to his master in Dublin, but as the boat contained many passengers and horses bound for the north of England, he had therefore come to Chester. William Blundell, owner of the ship bringing the said William Shaw to Chester, stated that William Shaw had bought the butter at Laughfoile from a Flemish ship, and had agreed to pay him 40s. for transporting the same to Dublin. Memorandum added that William Blundell had undertaken to deliver the butter to Dublin and not elsewhere, and to bring a certificate relating to the same to the Mayor.

25. 8 [?Aug.] 1600 Examination of Ellen Sherington of Chester, spinster, aged 30 years, and Margery Sherington of Chester, her sister, concerning an assault made on the said Ellen by Edward [Alexander servant to Captain Hart and his lieutenant, who were then lodging in the house of the Widow Burgess, sister of the said Ellen and Margery. Includes a reference to the Crown where the said Captain Hart and his lieutenant were staying on the night of the assault, and that the night watchman, hearing the screams of the said Ellen had taken the said Edward to the Northgate gaol. Belongs to file QSF/48

26. Aug. 1600 Examination of William Massy of Chester, hosier, concerning a fight near Castle Lane with Richard Lee, servant of Mr. Waynewright. Also examination of Robert Dodd of Chester, shoemaker, on 23 Aug. 1600, concerning the same. Incomplete. Belongs to file QSF/48

27. 13 Aug. 1600 Examination of Richard Trott of Curland, co. Somerset, Thomas Crewe of Frode [?Frome] co. Somerset, and John Russell of Lovington, co. Somerset, all soldiers in the charge of Captain Ralph Bentley, concerning the making of counterfeit passports by the said Richard Trott, so that soldiers could leave the service. Includes references to 13s. 6d. and 6s. being paid for such passports, that another member of their company, [ ] Tompkins, who had helped to obtain the passports, told Thomas Crewe that he had been offered 20s. for such passports, and had also told him that many more would run away when they came to Ireland. Belongs to file QSF/48

28. 8 Aug. 1600 Examination of Edward Alexander, servant to Captain Henry Hart, concerning his assault on Ellen Sherington as in 25.

29. 8 July 1600 Examination of Robert Browne of Chester of Chippinge [Chipping], co. Lancaster, concerning clothes stolen in Chester belonging to Mr. Fitton, Includes a reference to Browne having served in the Irish wars, and a reference to the lodging of the said Brown, while he was in Chester, as near the White Horse. Incomplete.

30. 24 July 1600 Examination of Richard Lewis, servant to Widow Alice Barker concerning Susan wife of Jeremy Smith, who stayed at the house of his mistress and went with him on a journey to Northoppe [Northop, co. Flint.]

31. 15 June 1600 Examination of Thomas Jones of Pengwerne c. Denbigh [Pengwern, co. Flint] concerning the attempt by Ralph Hulock to pick his pockets.

32. 16 June 1600 Examination of [W. B.] of York, shoemaker, concerning his attempted theft of a purse from the house of Godfrey Wynnes in 'the Rowe', but he denied having previously robbed Widow Fysher of St. Warburge Lane of a purse containing 3s. and also linen from a chest.

33. 29? May 1600 Examination of Ralph Graunge of Chester, carrier, concerning the identity of the person in London, who gave him a letter to be delivered to Thomas Wilbraham, esq.

34. Indictment that Edward Ball of Chester, on ?10 May 1601 at Chester, assaulted John Smith of Chester. Billa vera Partially illegible.

35. Indictment that William Hinkes of Chester, butcher, on 21 July 1601 at Chester assaulted William Bird of Chester, butcher. Billa vera

36. Indictment that Humphrey Dale of Chester, innholder, Grace, his wife, and other unknown persons, on 11 May 1603 at Chester disseised John Bafford, shoemaker, and Elizabeth Davies, widow, of a messuage with a garden and appurtenances in Foregate Street. Billa vera Partially illegible.

37. Indictment that Robert Bellin of Brinston [?Brimstaye], Cheshire, on [date illegible 43 Elizabeth 1600-1] at Chester in the Pentice Court before Edward Button and Thomas Wright, Sheriffs, ?gave false evidence relating to certain charters, writings and other documents in a case between [Henry Hamnet] and [name missing] to the injury of the said Henry Hamnet. Reference also to Edward Green of Poulton Launcelyn [Poulton cum Spital], Cheshire, gent., and Roger Lea. Partially illegible.

38. 31 July 1601 Constables presentments for [St. Oswald's] ward.

39. Constables presentments for [St. Olave's]ward.

40. Constables presentments for [St. Bridget's]ward

41. Constables presentments for [St. Martin's] ward. Includes a reference to events in April 1601.

42. Constables presentments for St. Giles's ward. Includes a reference to events in July 1601.

43. Constables presentments for St. Thomas's ward.

44. ?Jurors presentments of affrays in March and July 1601.

45. Constables presentments for Eastgate ward. Includes a reference to events in August.

46. Constables presentments for St. Michael's ward.

47. Constables presentments for St. Mary's ward. Includes a reference to events in July 1601.

48. Constables presentments for Northgate ward,

49. Constables presentments for Eastgate ward,

50. Constables presentments for Trinity ward.

51. Constables presentments for St. John's ward. Includes reference to events in July [1601].

52. Constables presentments for St. Olave's ward. Includes a reference to events in May and July [1601].

53. 30 October 1600 Sessions: Precept witnessed by Robert Brerewood, Mayor, to the Sheriffs to summon a jury of 12 men on Friday 31 July, who were unknown to William Hockenhull. Seal of red wax on tongue, defaced.

54. Panel in a case concerning William Hockenhull. Heading illegible.

55-56. 9 March 1600/1 Examination of witnesses relating to a watercourse in dispute between Ralphe Tongue and William Hockenhull, the witnesses being Jane, wife of Ralph Mort, sadler, aged 37 years, Ellen Ry [rest of name missing], Ralph Mort, sadler, aged 75 years.

57. Constables presentments for St. Giles's ward.

58. Constables presentments for [St. Bridget's ward].

59. Constables presentments for Northgate ward.

60. Constables presentments for Handbridge ward.

61. Constables presentments for St. Thomas's ward.

62. Constables presentments for St. Martin's ward.

63. Constables presentments for Trinity ward.

64. Constables presentments for St. Oswald's ward.

65. Constables presentments for St. Michael's ward.

66. Constables presentments for St. Olave's ward.

67. 15 Oct 1601. Inquisition post mortem held at Chester before Paul Chauntrell and Philip Phillipes, coroners, on the body of Alice Higgenson, who fell into the R. Dee and was drowned on 15 Oct. 1601, and that the said Alice Heggenson possessed goods and chattels worth 2s.

68. [date illegible]. Crownmote: Precept to the Sheriffs for the delivery of Northgate gaol and to summon a jury of 24 men on 23 Nov. 1601. Endorsed: executed by the Sheriffs John Lucas and Owen Harris. Belongs to QSF/50

69. Crownmote: panel. Belongs to QSF/50

70. [date illegible]. Crownmote: Precept to the Sheriffs for the delivery of Northgate gaol and to summon a jury of 24 men on 4 Jan. 1601/2. Endorsed: executed by the Sheriffs as in 68. Belongs to QSF/50

71. Crownmote: panel. Belongs to QSF/50

72. Indictment that Ralph Bebington of Chorley, Cheshire, yeoman, on 24 September 1601 at Chester broke into the house of Nicholas Hove and stole a box with certain charters and writings, worth 5s. and more, belonging to the said Nicholas and Joan his wife. Similar indictments of Ralph Johnson of Chester, blacksmith, for the same, and for helping the said Ralph Bebington, crossed through. Billa vera

73. Indictment that Henry Baker of Warmeston [?Warminster], co. Wilts. tayler, on 26 Sept. 1601 at Chester stole a purse worth 2d. containing a gold angel worth 10s. and a yard and a half of bone lace worth 9d. belonging to Margaret Edowe, spinster. Billa vera

74. 11 July 1600 Inquisition post mortem held at Chester upon Paul Chauntrell and Philip Phillipes, Coroners, on the body of Henry Houghton, killed in a fight between the said Henry Houghton and Robert Kelly of Chester, sherman, on 8 July 1600 at a place between the fulling mills and the Dee Bridge in Chester. Memorandum that this case was heard at the Crownmote court on 18 ?Aug. 1600. Incomplete and partially illegible. Belongs to QSF/48

75. Examination of William Massie [age missing], Robert Lyniell, aged 21, Hector Modsley [age missing], Richard Crane, aged 28 and Thomas [surname and age missing] concerning quarrels between Henry Houghton and Robert Calley [?Kelly]. Belongs to QSF/48

76. 19 April 1601 Inquisition post mortem held at Chester before Paul Chauntrell and Philip Phillipes, Coroners, upon the body of Richard Huxley, who on 17 April 1601 in Bridgegatestreete in Chester was shot by Richard Roe of Chester, yeoman, with a gun called a calliver or muskett, and died from wounds on the left side of the head. Memorandum that this case was heard at the Crownmote court on 8 [illegible]. Incomplete and partially illegible.

77. 21 July 1601 Examination of Edward Holte, 'beinge condemned to dye' concerning the impeachment of persons suspected of murder, in his examination Holte stated that he had no information to give, but had made this allegation in court to gain a delay in the execution of his own sentence. Damaged and incomplete.

78. - Oct. 1601 Examination of Henry Baker of Warmeston [?Warminster], co. Wilts, taylor, concerning the theft of a purse etc. as in 73. Refers to military service in Flanders and also in Ireland under Sir Henry Dockwra, but came to Chester not as a private soldier, but steward of a ship. Damaged and incomplete.

79. 1601 Examination of Ralph Johnson concerning the theft of a box with certain charters and writings as in 72.

80. Sept. 1601 Examination of Ralph Bebington concerning the same as in 72.

81. Aug. 1601 Examination of AnneBarton of ?Garston [?co.Lancs.] conerning the theft of clothes from William Ryder. Also examinations on 22 Sept. 1601 of Isabel Abraham, and Henry Philips of Chester, taylor, and a further examination of Anne Barton, then a prisoner in the Northgate, concerning the same.

82. 24 Aug. 1601 Examination of John Sudlowe of Halsall co. Lancs., 'preacher of godes word', recently a prisoner in the Northgate gaol at the suit of William Powell, gent., concerning another prisoner [William] Leake imprisoned on suspicion of being a seminary priest. Sudlowe stated that Leake had no pen, ink or paper with him, and spoke to no one except Lewis Tudder, clerk, imprisoned for a misdemeanour, but that the said William Poewll came to talk to the said Leake on religious matters, but was denied access by the Keeper until he had obtained permission from the Mayor.

83. Letter from William Clerk to Mr. Stamford referring to Mr. Stamford's 'good happ in the late troublesome daungers', and also to Aesop's fable of the town and country mouse, inviting him to 'play the countrie mouse a while'.

84. 19 Aug. 1601 Examination of Edward Burne of Dublin, aged 40, concerning William Leake, who he stated was formerly schoolmaster to the children of Adam Loftwich [Adam Loftus, Archbishop of Armagh, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, and later, with the consent of the Earl of Kildare, was preferred to the living of Mynouth in Ireland, before which event, he preached a sermon in Christ's Church, Dublin.

85. 16 and 17 Aug. 1601 Examination of Robert Atkinson of Dublin gent., aged 34 years concerning Thomas Leeke suspected of being a seminary priest, who he had seen on 16 Aug. 1601 riding between Chester and Boughton, together with nine or ten other persons whom he knew to be recusants. Also stated that it was Thomas not William Leeke who was parson of Mynouth, and that afterwards he preached in St. Patrick's church in Dublin. On 17 Aug. 1601 Robert Atkinson stated that Thomas Leeke was born in Staffordshire, that he had often said masses in ?Tiddogh, and that one Ball, then Sheriff of Dublin, had told him so often, and asked him to help to have Leeke apprehended.

86. 3 Oct. [1601] Examination of Thomas Patricke of Sutton under Whistoncliffe [Sutton under Whitestone Cliffe, co. Yorks.] Lieutenant to Captain Harman, and Timothy Foxley and Thomas Allanbie, soldiers, concerning the forging of false passports by the said Thomas Patricke. Thomas Patricke in the examination stated that he left Ireland with a passport signed by Captain Flowers, Sergeant Major of Munster, he denied forging passports, but referred to a passport ordered to be made by Captain Harman 'at the bargue side at the Newe Key'.

87. 28 Sept. 1601 Examination of Anne wife of Robert ap Thomas of Llanelwaie [Llanelwy] co. Flint, Lewis ap Robson, son of Robert ap Thomas, and the said Robert ap Thomas Vaughan concerning their activities in Chester on a visit to the city to buy knives to sell again.

88. [date missing ?1601] Examination of Edward Medcalf of [missing], Anne Barton of [missing], co. Lancaster, and Robert Medcalf of Preston, co. Lancaster concerning the movements of the said Anne Barton in the city, and a certain horseman who drank a health to the said Anne in a house at Boughton. Edward Metcalf stated that he was bethrothed to the said Anne, and that they were living as man and wife until he could procure a licence, Anne stated that she was the wife of Robert Walworth of Preston by whom she had had a son about a year since, who died after about a month, and Robert Medcalf stated that the said Anne had had a son by him about a year since, which was still living in the care of Robert Walworth of Whitfield [White field] co. Lancaster. Robert Medcalf also stated that he was skilled 'at the newe cutt on the cardes' and had hoped to have made some money at this 'among the horsemen' in the city.

89. 2 Aug. 1601 Examination of Richard Wareton, aged 40, master of a bargue called the 'Phoenix of Liverpool, of which the owner was John Bird, Mayor of Liverpool, and of Richard Bird, aged 27, purser to the said ship, concerning the service done for the Queen by the said ship in Ireland. Wareton stated the ship had been impressed by Sir Henry Dockwra, the Queen's colonel in Chief, Commander of her Highnesses forces at Loughfoile [Loch Foyle] to carry supplies from Derry [Londonderry] in Loughfoile to be Queen's Garrison called Ramollan [Ramelton] in Loughswilley [Loch Swilly], with a description of the dates of the ship until it was released from service and returned to Liverpool.

90. Memorandum that David ap Robert of Hartes Heath [Hartsheath] cp. Flint, and David Persivall of Ab Owen [? ], co. Flint, that they had been told that morning that a bay nag and a black nag were at Treythen [?Ruthin co. Denbigh] and that David Lloyd of Treythen could give further information.

91. 19 Sept. 1601 Examination of Timothy Foxley of St. Terke [St. Erth], Cornwall, Thomas Allanby of Rippon [Ripon] co. York, John Holland of Denbigh, Thomas Johnson of Chesterfield, Co. Derby and Thomas Dalbie of Rutland, soldiers, concerning the forging of passports by Thomas Patricke of Yorkshire. Timothy Foxley stated that he was a soldier 'for a supply' under Captain Harman, and that after the soldiers were embarked, he left the city without a passport, but with his captain's licence. Thomas Allanby stated that he served under Captain Grymes but that when the soldiers were embarked, as he had a sore leg and was unfit for service, he compounded with Captain Grymes's lieutenant for which he paid 45s. John Holland stated that he was a soldier 'for a supply' under Captain Yelverton, and received 15s. to go 'in another man's place', but because he asked for his 'cassocke' from the captain, he was imprisoned for mutiny and was later refused permission to go. Thomas Johnson stated that he was a soldier under Captain Hansand, and had twice run away from the city and been recaptured. Thomas Dalbie stated that he had left the service of Captain Holcrofte without passport or licence before the soldiers embarked in the Wirral.

92. 24 Sept. 1601 Examination of John Weston of the Isle of Wight, Robert Wood of St. Andrewes [St. Andrews] in Scotland, and Richard Aughie, servant of the said John Weston, concerning the behaviour of the said John Weston while crossing from Ireland in a bargue belonging to one Lynaker. Weston stated that certain merchants were on board with packs of money, and that he had ordered the sailors to strike sail so that these might be searched according to the recent statute, but denied drawing any weapon or causing any other disturbance. Richard Aughie stated that the said merchants gave his master some money, but did not know the amount.

93. 8 Oct. 1601 Examination of Jane wife of Thomas Twist, concerning goods suspected of being stolen by her from the house of John Quicke, and her recent imprisonment in the Northgate.

94. 22 Aug. 1601 Examination of Martin Fernes and William Potts, soldiers from Nottingham, concerning the hiring of the said Martin Fernes by Jane Williamson, wife of John Williamson, skinner, and Ellen Lunt, her maid, to go into the cellar of Randle Jewet and 'swager' with Randle Jewet and break his pots and to do him any injury he could. Martin Fernes stated that he said Ellen had given him 2d. and the said Jane had promised him 4d. and that he had promised to give the said Jewet 'a kinde of powlder' to drink which would 'much annoy him'.

95. - Sept. 1601 Examination of Thomas Lowther of Dunnham [Dunham], Cheshire, yeoman, aged 60, father of Robert Lowther, concerning the death of Thomas Clough said to have been killed by the said Robert. Thomas Lowther stated that his son had come to his house in Dunham that day with a wounded hand which he said had been caused while reaping, but that later a crowd of people came to his house with staves in their hands to apprehend the said Thomas, after which he and his son had come to Chester to see Lady Talbot, his mistress, then on her way to the Wirral to travel to Ireland.

96. 4 Sept. 1601 Examination of Jane Twist of Ripley, co. York, wife of Thomas Twist concerning her stay in the city where she lodged first in Watergate Street and then in Boughton, after which she was arrested upon suspicion of stealing from an old woman at Boughton where she had stayed and committed to the stocks, where she had stayed all that night.

97. 18 Aug, 1601. Examination of William Lea of Chester, yeoman, aged 24, concerning a horse stolen out of Cheshire, and that one William Cooke had told him that he had a horse for sale which was then in Boughton.

98. 25 June 1601 Examination of Anne wife of John Wilson, a soldier in Ireland, concerning money, linen and other goods found in her possession. Anne stated that she had come to Chester to receive a letter from her husband in Ireland and that the girdle keys, purse, knife, scarf and linen clothes shown to her were her own.

99. 21 Aug. 1601 Examination of Thomas Richardson of Boughton, Cheshire, yeoman, aged 28, concerning the supposed purchase of a horse by William Cooke from Richard Hall.

100. 17 Aug. 1601 Examination of Bartholomew Brookesbie of Frisbye uppon Wreke [Frisby on the Wreak] co. Leicester, gent. aged 36, Gregory Brooksbie, aged 16, eldest child of the said Bartholomew, and Mathew Greene, servant of the said Martholomew concerning prayers supposed to have been said at the Saracens Head in Chester by the said Bartholomew. Bartholomew Brookesbie stated that he was the son of Thomas Brookesbie, esq., and that until his father's death five years previously had lived at Marton Abbey in Surrey, but since then at Frisby uppon Wreke, that he had set out from home with his son Gregory Brookesbie and servant Mathew Greene, staying one night at the house of Thomas Reynes in co. Nottingham, and one night in Newcastle co. Stafford at the house of Mr. Beardmore, Mayor of Newcastle, and from there via Chester to a well called Halliwell [Holywell] co. Flint and so back to Chester. Refers to conversation with persons en route concerning Sir John Peter, and stated that he had not attended church or received communion for two years, but that he owned the two books found with him, one called 'amethod to meditate on the psalter of our blessed lady' and the other called 'palestra hominis catholice', both of which he used in his prayers. Gregory Brookesbie stated that he had not attended church or received communion for twelve months, but that he owned the book found with him called 'modus orandi deo', and that on the previous Sunday morning he said private prayers to himself in his room at the Saracens Head in Chester. Mathew Greene confirmed the statement of his master, and stated that he himself had attended church service during the previous fortnight and received communion at Easter, and was not present at any prayers said by his master at the Saracens Head.

101-2. 17 Aug. 1601 Examination of William Leeke of the parish of St. Dunstan in Fleetestreete in the city of London, aged 33 or 34, who stated that he was born at Marston, co. Stafford, and was the son of Richard Leeke and Elizabeth his wife, daughter of one Smith of Brasnell [ ] co. Stafford, but had left home some eleven or twelve years, since when his parents had died. Stated that on leaving home he joined his brother Thomas in Ireland, who was then schoolmaster to the children of Adam Loftwitch [Adam Loftus Lord Chancellor of Ireland, where he had stayed with his brother three or four years, after which he and his brother returned to England, travelling together as far as Coventry, from where his brother went to Cambridge and he went to London, Later he returned to the Lord Chancellor's house in Ireland, where he was joined by his brother with the Lord Chancellor's sons. Later he went to serve Lady Malbie in Dublin where he stayed for two years, but stated that about six years since, he returned to England and had usually stayed in London, but refused to state where for feare of 'troublinge his catholike frendes'. Stated that he was in London a fortnight since from where he travelled to St. Wynefrides well alias Halliwell [Holywell] co. Flint. Stated that on his journey he stayed at Bagnolls house, an inn in Newcastle, where he met one called Brookesbie and that they travelled together staying at Wrights house in Namptwich [Nantwich] and in Chester at ?Cullegnes house, being the sign of the Saracens Head, and from there travelled together to the said well and back again as far as Namptwich. Stated that when John Frauncis the postmaster of Chester came to Brookesbie and himself at Namptwich, he Leeke had a pair of beads and crucifixes and rigs of jet with the picture of Christ upon them, and three books, called 'the romane breviary', 'the romane catichisme' and 'the ? of cares of conscience', but denied that he or his brother were Jesuits, although as he said the were 'catholiquely affected and catholiquely perswaded'. Stated that he found the letter from William Clerk to Mr. Stamford [see 83] among some papers in London, but denied knowing either Clerk or Stamford. Upon further examination stated that he had said private prayers in his room at the Saracens Head, but that nobody was with him.

103. 26 Aug. [1601] Examination of William Locker alais Ricson concerning his attachment of George Goodman on that day in Chester in the house of William Alcock according to a writ of attachment from the Court of the Exchequer at Chester directed to the Sheriffs of Chester for the attachment of John Johnes and George Goodman, gentlemen, as servants and officers of the said Sheriffs.

104. ?28 Aug. 1601 Examination of Richard Massam, servant ot Captain Holcrofte, aged 22, John Seckens, a soldier from co. Nottingham, aged 30, Ralph Harebottle, a soldier from co. Nottingham, aged 26, and Thomas ?Hutton, a soldier from co. Nottingham, aged 21, concerning bribes offered to the said Richard Massam and John Seckens by Jane, wife of John Williamson, and Mary Johnes, her maid, to fall out with and injure Randle Jewet when playing at tables with him

105. 30 ?Aug. 1601 Examination of Anne Barton of Garston co. Lancaster, concerning the theft of an apron and petticoat from the house of William Ryder in Newton where she lodged. Also examination on 22 Sept. 1601 of Isabel Abraham and Henry Pheleppes of Chester, taylor, and a further examination of Anne Barton, the a prisoner in the Northgate, concerning the association of the said Anne Barton with one Medcalffe and the theft of gold rings and a taffeta gown from Roger Holland, then a prisoner in the Castle.

106. 30 June 1601 A list of sheets, napkins, tablecloths etc., and a little cheese found in a bag in the fields on that date, and also a bag of 'hatmakers woole' found on the previous day.

107. [date missing] Examination of Ann Worth, widow, concerning clothes stolen from the room of Randle Jewet, adjoining rooms of John Williamson, skinner, and the activities of the maid of John Williamson relating to the same. Belongs to QSF/50

108. 23 Oct. [1601] Examination of Henry Reade, aged 22, of Leyland, co. Lancaster, servant and apprentice to Richard Rigby of Rannell [Rainhill] co. Lancaster, concerning the association with John Pollet of Bold [co. Lancaster], yeoman, and the robbery of Holme of Deafeholme [ ]. Belongs to QSF/50

109. [date missing] Belongs to QSF/50 Examination of John Taylor, husbandman, Leonard Houseman, a soldier, and John Preston, a soldier, concerning the activities of one Billinges in procuring forged passports for the said Leonard Houseman and John Preston, both Lancashire men, impressed for service in Ireland. Leonard Houseman stated that he was 'a broken man' and had paid Billinges 30s. for his passport, and John

English