Citations and Monitions

Contains citations and monitions (1601-1758) and mandates (court orders) (1695-1716) and affidavits (declarations) (1753-1754) relating to cases in both Archdeacon and Consistory Court proceedings.

Citations, or summons, are copies of the decrees made by the Judge after the libel has been filed in court, which were sent to individuals involved in causes and were returned with their reply. They name the Judge, day and place of court, the person cited and the accusation, addressed to the officiating minister of the parish and returned to the court with a certificate of the date and place of service. In cases where the defendant failed to answer the decree, the court declared them contumacious (obstinately disobedient) and excommunicate (deprived of the right of church membership) and they were listed in 'excommunications'.

Example of Consistory Court citation:

William Bradley of Deal, Kent is to appear in the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Christ, Canterbury and there to answer to John Daverson of Deal, Kent in a cause of defamation or slander against him. 4 July 1767 (DCb/PRC/35/13).

Example of Consistory Court affidavit of service of citation:

John Cullen of Canterbury, Kent has personally cited Walter Boon of Maidstone, Kent on 20 June 1754 by showing him the citation or compulsory to appear at Cathedral Church of Christ, Canterbury, Kent on 27 June 1754, as a witness in the cause Alicia Nightingale against Stephen Page. Signed by John Cullen. 1 August 1754 (DCb/PRC/35/12).

Monitions are orders of warning issued to the party in the court proceedings, to pay the costs of the bill of legal costs relating to the case. On non-payment, further proceedings could be made by the court proctor (lawyer) in an office cause seeking redress for the failure of payment of the fees and salaries.

Some records are in Latin.

These records are arranged in chronological order.

Some records are fragile and may be unfit for production. Please contact Canterbury Cathedral Archives and Library for further information.