615 Spencer v Jackson

615 SPENCER V JACKSON

Edward Spencer of St Neots, co. Huntingdon, gent v John Jackson of the same, dyer

February 1640 - December 1640

Abstract

Spencer complained that in Robert Johnson's shop in St Neots, Huntingdonshire and in the street outside close to the bridge, in September 1639, Jackson had given him the lie and called him rascal three times, saying, according to witnesses, 'You are noe gentleman because you bound yourself to be an apprentice: for your binding yourself apprentice doth take of[f] your gentility until such time as you sue out your coate of armes, which any man may doe for forty shillings.' Spencer also maintained that Jackson had said in widow Woodstock's house in St Neots in January 1640, 'I scorne to be a companion with such a fellow, as you are nott fitt company for me; as for your brother (meaning Mr Arnold Spencer) I doe hould him to be a gentleman; as for you, I know not what to make of you.' The first quarrel began when Spencer intervened in an argument between Jackson and John Kempe, a St Neots barber with whom Jackson was engaged in litigation in Kings Bench and the Court of Requests. Jackson allegedly told Spencer to mind his own business because it was he 'that beareth him (Kempe) out.' He then launched into a tirade, accusing Spencer of having 'cozened the country in coales and salt in his measure' and delivering the words cited in the libel. In his defence, Jackson argued that Spencer had first accused him of keeping 'false bushels' and of pointing out that his bushel was 'broken by the clarke of the market.' He also insisted that Spencer had previously been apprenticed to a draper in Cambridge and now lived 'by buyeinge and sellinge as men of other trades doe in the place or towne where he doth live' which, he implied, undermined any claim of his to be regarded as a gentleman.

Proceedings were under way by February 1640 and on 8 April Spencer's witnesses were examined by commissioners Francis Reade, gent, and John Gaule, clerk, in the Cross Keys Inn, in St Neots. They included Robert Payne of Wintringham, near St Neots, esq, a Huntingdonshire J.P., and Rowland Squire of Eaton Socon, Bedfordshire, esq, his stepfather. Payne along with the other witnesses acknowledged that Spencer was a retailer of coal, salt and other commodities and had been an apprentice, but insisted that as the younger son of 'an ancient family' from Cople, Bedfordshire, where his father and elder brother had served as county justices, he was 'commonly accompted, reputed and taken' to be a gentleman. On 30 October 1640 the court moved to hear the sentence at the next sitting, but the case was still undecided at its final session on 4 December.

Initial proceedings

2/55, Plaintiff's bond

5 February 1640

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

Signed by Arn. Spencer

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

2/41, Defendant's bond

10 February 1640

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

Signed by John Jackson.

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

10/11a, Libel

1. The Spencers were an ancient family that had been gentry for up to 100 years.

2. Jackson had said to Spencer, 'You lie like a Rascall (and repeated the wordes three times); you are noe gentleman; I am as good a gentleman as yourself for I can for forty shillings be made a gentleman and have armes *[as an affront]* fame and reputation.'

3. Jackson had also said 'yow, I scorne to be a companion with such a fellow as you, you are nott fitt company for me; as for your brother I know him to be a gentleman, but for you'.

No date.

Signed by William Merrick.

Plaintiff's case

10/11b, Letters commissory for the plaintiff

Addressed to commissioners Francis Reade, Thomas Ponte, John Hooper, gents, and John Gaule, clerk, and also, Sir Robert Osborne, Adam Hill, John Baldwin and John Lofts, to meet in a cause of scandalous words provocative of a duel in the Cross Keys Inn, in St Neots, from 8 to 10 April 1640.

Dr William Lewin assigned Richard Meade as notary public.

Dated 20 February 1640

Signed by William Lewin.

10/11c, First set of defence interrogatories

1. The witnesses were warned of the penalty for perjury and bearing false witness. What was the witness's age, occupation and condition of living? How did they know the parties in this cause?

2. Did the witness live of their own or depend upon another?How much were they worth in goods with their debts paid?

3. Was the witness related to Spencer and if so by what degree? Whom did they favour in this cause and to whom would they give the victory if it were within their power?

4. How had the witness come to testify? Had they been compelled? Had the received or been promised expenses?

5. Had there been any discord or controversy between the witnesses and John Jackson the defendant?

6. Had the 'pretended witness' had communication with any other witnesses? If yes, which, and to what purpose?Had the witness been directed or instructed how to depose? If yes, when and by whom, and who else was present?

7. If the witness deposed that Jackson did give Spencer the lie, they should be asked what words Spencer spoke to provoke him. Did Spencer say to Jackson 'that he kept false bushels' or that his bushel was 'broken by the clarke of the market'? Was there any bushel of Jackson's broke by the 'clarke of the market or by some other and by whose direction and procurement'?

8. How far away did the witnesses stand in relation to Jackson at the pretended speaking of the words? Who else was present? Were they standing nearer to Jackson than the witnesses were?

9. Exactly when did Jackson speak the pretended words and 'what was the first cause that moved him thereunto'?

10. Did Edward Spencer 'usually deal and trade in buying and selling of coales and salt and other commodities'? Did Spencer 'live in the nature, waye or manner of a tradesman and is soe comonlie accompted, reputed and taken to be in the parish towne and place where he liveth; and doth mayntayne himselfe by buyeing and sellinge as men of other trades doe in the place or towne where he doth live, and whether he was an apprentice to that or any other trade'?

11. Had Spencer been tythingman, constable or churchwarden where he lived?

12. Whether Jackson 'did onely saye that he could for fortie shillings have his armes searched.'

No date.

Signed by Giles Sweit.

10/11d, Second set of defence interrogatories

To ask Edward Spencer's brother, Mr Arnold Spencer:

'Whether he hath animated or incoraged his brother Edward Spencer in the commencing or prosecution of this suite; whether he hath layed forth all the mony or any parte or any some of mony about the suite; or whether any other used perswacons to him, and his brother and incouraged him and his brother Edward Spencer to prosequte this suite'? If yes, what were their names?

No date.

Signed by John Jackson.

10/11e, Plaintiff's depositions

Taken before commissioners Francis Reade, gent, and John Gaule, clerk in the inn called the Cross Keys, in St Neots, on 8 April 1640, with Richard Meade as notary public.

(Witness 1), Robert Johnson of St Neots, co. Huntingdon, saddler, born there, had known Spencer for 20 years, aged about 63

To Spencer's libel:

2. In September 1639, Edward Spencer and John Jackson, sometimes in the street of St Neots and sometimes in Johnson's shop in St Neots, 'fell into a talke about cole bushels and, att that tyme and place, John Jackson speaking unto Mr Edward Spencer gave him the lye and sayed, That is a lye, or you lye twice or thrice, in an angry and disgracefull manner'. Jackson then said in a 'contumelious and disgracefull manner', 'You are noe gentleman, because you bound yourself an apprentice: for your binding yourself apprentice doth take of your gentility, until such time as you sue out your coate of armes, which any man may doe for forty shillings'. Johnson's son Thomas, Clement Carnebrooke, and several others were also present.

To Jackson's first set of interrogatories:

2. 'He liveth by his trade of a sadler, and doth believe that he is not bound by lawe to expresse what his estate is.'

4. 'He cometh to testify in this cause upon a noate shewed unto him to require him to appeare att this commission on Spencer's behalfe.'

7. 'Mr Edward Spencer beinge chardged by John Jackson that he had a false bushel which was broken by the clarke of the market, replyed and speakinge to John Jackson sayed that You (meaning Jackson) had a bushel which was broken too; and thereupon Jackson gave him the lye'.

8. He 'was soe neere John Jackson that he heard the speeches [referred to] and he sayeth that all such as were present att the tyme and place predeposed were neere his shop doore and in his shop.'

9. These words 'were spoken in a fore noone of a day happening in the tyme predeposed.'

10. Edward Spencer 'doth usually deale and trade in buying and selling of coales and salt; and as he believeth liveth by tradeing, and is called by the tytle of Mr Spenser, and is accompted a gentleman descended of an ancient familie.'

Signed by Robert Johnson and by the two commissioners.

(Witness 2), Thomas Johnson of St Neots, co. Huntingdon, sadler, born there, had known Spencer for 4 years and Jackson for 12 years, aged about 26

To Spencer's libel:

2. In September 1639, Edward Spencer and John Jackson were in or near his father's shop, 'having some speeches about their bushels'. He heard Jackson give Spencer the lie 'in a disgracefull, angry and reproachfull manner'. Jackson said 'I can be as good a gentleman as you are, and I can sue out my coate of armes for forty shillings'. Johnson thought these words 'were spoken in the disgrace and reproache of Mr Edward Spencer'. His father Robert Johnson, John Kempe and several others were also present and within hearing.

To Jackson's first set of interrogatories:

2. He resided with his father Robert Johnson, and lived by his work as a saddler, 'but for his estate he believeth that he is not bound by lawe to declare it.'

3. He knew Spencer and Jackson equally, and 'wisheth right may take place.'

8. Spencer and Jackson 'were in or neere the shop of his father', and the witnesses 'were in the shop or att the shop doore'. He 'was two or three yards or thereabouts distant from John Jackson att the speaking of the words [referred to].'

9. The words 'were spoken in a fore noone.'

10. Spencer 'doth deale and trade in buying and selling of coales and salt; but he doth believe that Edward Spencer is a gentleman of an ancient family and soe is accompted, reputed and taken: and doth believe that he doth gett money by buying and selling as other men doe.'

11. Edward Spencer 'hath not borne any of the offices in the parish where he *now* liveth'.

Signed by Thomas Johnson and by the two commissioners.

(Witness 3), Joanna Kempe wife of John Kempe of St Neots, co. Huntingdon, barber, born at Sutton, co. Bedford, had known Spencer for about 4 years and Jackson for about 15 years, aged 50 or more

To Spencer's libel:

2. 'About the latter end of summer last Jackson seeing Mr Spencer stand *in the streete* neere unto a pale scituate nere the bridge of St Neots, and in the parish of St Neots, and there having beene some difference betwixt her husband and Jackson, Jackson said unto her husband, You roague, here is your bearer (meaning Mr Spencer)'. Whereupon Spencer replied 'Mr Jackson, I wonder you cannot lett me goe to and fro in quiet, and be at peace for I doe neither make nor meddle with anie thing or difference betwixt you and any other man)'. Jackson replied 'and swore Gods wounds you lye like a rascall, and I care not a fart for thee Spencer, nor ever a one of you'. These words 'were spoken in an angry, disgracefull and reproachfull manner, and with an intent *as she conceiveth* to disgrace Mr Spencer and there were present and within hearing of the words this witness and her husband John Kempe'. Spencer then went into Johnson's shop in St Neots, and Jackson followed him inside.

To Jackson's first set of interrogatories:

2. 'Her husband mayntayneth her.'

5. 'There is a suite, *or suits,* or some differences betwixt her husband and Jackson about some goods which Jackson did take from her husband and about a battery; but in what courts they depend she <knoweth>*understandeth* not.'

6. 'She did not know until this morning that she should be examined in this cause.'

7. 'Jackson did after the speaking of the words say unto Mr Edward Spencer that Mr Spencer did keep false bushels and did cozen the country in coales and salt and that he would mayntayne it.'

8. She 'stood at the entry doore of Mr Roger Doleman *his house* scituate in St Neots' next door to Johnson's shop on one side and next door to her husband's house on the other. Jackson 'was in the streete of St Neots over against Roger Doleman his doore, and she stoode in the streete.'

9. The words 'were spoken in a fore noone of a day happening within the time in the libel.'

10. 'Edward Spenser doth usually deale and trade in buying and selling of sault and doth believe he doth maynetayne himself by buying and selling... saving that she hath heard Jackson say that Mr Spencer was an apprentice.'

Signed by Joanna Kempe [her mark], and by the two commissioners.

(Witness 4), Robert Payne of Wintringham in the parish of St Neots, co. Huntingdon, esq, J.P., born there, had known Spencer for about 20 years, aged about 66

To Spencer's libel:

1. He had known Edward's father, Robert Spencer of Cople co. Bedford for over 40 years, who was always accounted an esquire of an ancient family of gentry, who 'did *usually* write himselfe esqr. and was written and tytled by the title of esquire in diverse deeds made by Robert Spenser to this witness's father, which deeds are now in his custody'. Robert Spencer's eldest son, Nicholas, after the death of Robert Spencer, was an esquire and J.P. for co. Bedford. Nicholas's son, Nicholas Spencer 'is now an Esquire and soe <commonly accompted reputed and taken>'. He believed that Edward Spencer was the son of Robert Spencer, 'brother to Nicholas Spencer esq. now living at Cople'. He believed that Edward Spencer was 'a gentleman, and descended and propagated of an ancient family of gentlemen and esqrs.'

To Jackson's first set of interrogatories:

10. He had heard that Edward Spencer 'doth trade in coales and salts, but sayeth that he knoweth that Edward Spencer liveth in the fashion of a gentleman, and is soe commonly accompted, reputed and taken and is called by the name of Mr Spencer in the parish where he liveth; and he sayeth that *Edward Spencer* did live in Cambridge with one Mr Craddocke a man of good noate and repute, but whether as an apprentice or not he knoweth not.'

Signed by Ro. Pain and by the two commissioners.

(Witness 5), Rowland Squire of Eaton Socon, co. Bedford, esq, born in the parish of St Vedast's, Foster Lane, London, had known Spencer for about 10 years and Jackson for about 20 years, aged about 64

To Spencer's libel:

1. About ten years ago Squire's son married with Alice, eldest daughter of Nicholas Spencer, late of Cople, co. Bedford, esq., deceased.He had seen several deeds in which Nicholas Spencer was before his death 'written and tytled by the tytle of esq., and soe he was commonly reputed as he hath heard'. He hath also heard that the ancestors and predecessors of Nicholas Spencer were gentlemen of an auncient family, and soe commonly reputed and taken... He knoweth Nicholas Spencer now of Cople, the eldest son of Nicholas Spencer deceased, and he is called and titled by the tytle of esqr. and soe commonly accompted, reputed and taken'. Edward Spencer 'was brother to Nicholas Spencer esqr., now of Cople, and believeth that Mr Edward Spencer is a gentleman descended of an ancient family of gentlemen, and soe *is* commonly accompted, reputed and taken where he liveth... for that he, this witness, married the widdowe of Nicholas Spencer esq, deceased.'

To Jackson's first set of interrogatories:

10. 'Mr Edward Spencer doth deale and trade in coles and salt as a marchant as he conceiveth; and doth alsoe sell coales and salt by retayle and doth live in the repute of a gentleman and never heard him esteemed otherwise, *but as a gentleman* by gentlemen of worth which knowe him.'

Signed by Rowland Squire and by the two commissioners.

(Witness 6), John Kempe of St Neots, co. Huntingdon, barber, born there, had known Spencer for about 30 years, aged about 68

To Spencer's libel:

1. He had known Edward's father, Mr Robert Spencer of Cople, co. Bedford, esq, fifty years, who for all that time was titled an esquire, 'and did write himselfe esq and was soe commonly accompted, reputed and taken'. He also well knew Nicholas Spencer late of Cople, esq., deceased, the eldest son of Robert Spencer, and brother to Edward Spencer. After the death of his father Nicholas Spencer 'was called and titled by the title of esq. and soe commonly accompted, reputed and taken'. Mr Edward Spencer 'is <and hath been always accompted> a gentleman of an ancient family and soe commonly accompted, reputed and taken'. He knew this 'because he hath always lived neere the family of the Spencers and hath well knowne them for all the tyme predeposed.'

2. In the forenoon 'about the latter end of harvest last', he heard loud speeches in a street of St Neots near his house. There he found his wife and John Jackson 'wrangling', whereupon 'he wished Jackson to be quiet and to lett him and his wife live in peace, or else he tould Jackson he would take such an order with him that he and his wife would goe in peace and quiet'. 'Thereupon Jackson called him roage and said that he would make him downe upon his knees and aske him forgivenesse'. Then he told Jackson 'that when he asked the Jacksons forgiveness upon his knees he [Jackson] should kisse his [Kempe's] (Arse); and then Jackson seeing Mr Edward Spencer standing in streete neere the bridge, and neere Jackson and this witness, Jackson pointing to Mr Spencer sayed unto Mr Spencer, Sirah you are he that beareth him (meaning this witness) out'. Mr Spencer replied that 'Jackson did him wrong for he did never meddle or make in any matter' between Jackson and Kempe. Jackson then gave Spencer the lie and said, 'I care not a fart for thee Spencer, nor any of the Spencers'. Then, Mr Spencer went into Robert Johnson's shop. Jackson followed him 'and there began to talke agayne to Mr Spencer; and Mr Spencer requesting him to be quiet and lett him alone saying he had not any thinge to say to him, John Jackson tould Mr Spencer that he cozened the country in coales and salt in his measure and that he would justifie it'. Spencer 'tould Jackson that he did him wrong'. Jackson replied, 'You lye, and repeated the same words a second tyme, saying, You lye, are you a gentleman? If you were a gentleman your father would never have putt you to be an apprentice att Cambridge'. Jackson then said 'I can be as good a gentleman as thou art for forty shillings and have armes'. Mr Spencer replied, 'Can you be a gentleman for forty shillings when Raphe Bromsale (who is a man of great estate) could not be a gentleman'? Jackson spoke the words 'in an angry, disgracefull and reproachfull manner to and of Mr Spencer; and with an intent, as this witness conceiveth, to disgrace him'. There were present 'and within the hearing of the words spoken att the first time and place neere the bridge of St Neots', this witness and his wife Joane Kempe. There were present 'in or neere the shop of Robert Johnson att the second tyme, and within hearing of the words,' this witness, Robert and Thomas Johnson, and several others.

3. He was with Mr Arnold Spencer, Mr Edward Spencer, John Jackson, John Bottome and Tobias Andrewes in an upper roome of the house of the widow Woodstocke in St Neots one day between last Michaelmas and Hilary terms, when Jackson 'rapped out two oaths; and Mr Edward Spencer telling Jackson that there was twoe shillings for Jackson to pay to the poore for swearing, Jackson replyed and swore, God's wounds what have you to doe with it; thou art not worthy to keepe me company; thou art noe gentleman. I knowe your brother (meaning Mr Arnold Spencer then alsoe present) to be a gentleman, but you for none, which words were spoken in a disgracefull slighting, vilifying and angry manner, in the presence and hearing of this witness and the rest of the company'. By speaking these words 'Jackson did *verie much* provoake Mr Edward Spencer and did him much injury.'

To Jackson's first set of interrogatories:

2. 'He liveth of himself by his trade as a barber, and believeth that he is worth five pounds his debts payd.'

5. He had two suits against Jackson, one in King's Bench for assault and battery, and the other in the Court of Requests 'for certayne goods and other things which Jackson detayneth from him.'

7. 'He hath heard that there was a bushel of John Jackson broken in the market place of St Neots a great while agoe.'

8. He 'was about two or three yards distant from John Jackson att the speaking of the words in Robert Johnson's shop, and att the speaking of the words neere the bridge he was distant from Jackson a poale or rodd; and his wife was distant from him about two poales or rodds.'

9. 'All the words by him [referred to] were spoken in the fore noone of two respective dayes.'

10. 'Edward Spencer doth trade and deale in coales, salt, deale bordes, reed and thacke roape, and doth live for ought he knoweth by buying and selling of these commodities; and is accompted a gentleman and noe tradesman, and sayeth that he hath heard that Edward Spencer was an apprentice to a draper in Cambridge.'

11. 'Mr Edward Spencer never bore any of the offices to his knowledge in St Neots.'

Signed by John Kempe [his mark], and by the two commissioners.

(Witness 7), Arnold Spencer of St Alban, Woodstreet, London, gent, born at Cople, co. Bedford, had known Edward Spencer since childhood and Jackson for about 16 years, aged about 53

To Spencer's libel:

3. In January 1639/40 he was at widow Woodstocke's house in St Neots with his brother Mr Edward Spencer, John Jackson, Tobias Andrewes and John Kempe, whenJackson in a 'slighting and reproachfull manner', said to Edward Spencer, 'I scorne to be a companion for such a fellowe as you, you are noe fitt company for me, as for your brother (meaning [Arnold Spencer]) I know him to be a gentleman; but for you'.

To Jackson's first set of interrogatories:

2. 'He liveth of himself and believeth he is not bound by lawe to declare his estate.'

3. He was brother to Edward Spencer, and most conversant with him 'in regard he is his brother'. In this cause 'he equally favoureth the partys litigant and that he wisheth the victory to him that hath right, and soe would give it if it were in his power.'

6. This day 'and not before he did speake unto Tobias Andrewes and wished him to speake the truth, and noe more *then the truth*, at the tyme of his examinacon.'

10. 'Mr Edward Spencer doth trade and deale in buying and selling of coales and salt and other commodities as a marchant; and liveth there by as he believeth; and was here to fore an apprentice in Cambridge to a draper as he believeth.'

To Jackson's second set of interrogatories:

1. He 'having heard some injury done unto his brother... and being informed of some other injuryes done unto his brother, and the rest of their family *by John Jackson*, he did wish his brother to take some course to vindicate that aspersion that Jackson had layed upon his brother and theire *whole* family'. He 'hath layed out some money in this suite, with one Mr Nathaniel Styrrope who solliciteth this businesse', for which Edward Spencer had promised to repay him.

Signed by Arnold Spencer, and by the two commissioners.

(Witness 8), Tobias Andrewes of St Neots, co. Huntingdon, tailor, born at Lowick, co. Northampton, had known Edward Spencer for about 20 years and Jackson for about 30 years

To Spencer's libel:

3. One forenoon, 'not long before this suite began,' he was with Mr Arnold Spencer, John Kempe, Mr Edward Spencer, John Jackson, and John Bottome in an upper room of widow Woodstocke's house in St Neots, when Jackson 'did sweare tow or three oaths, and thereupon Mr Edward Spencer told John Jackson that there was twelve pence an oath for Jackson to pay to the poore. Thereupon John Jackson replying *in an angry manner* swore, God's wounds, or the like in effecte, and sayed, What hast thou to doe with me; and farther in a disgracefull and reproachfull manner, John Jackson speaking to Mr Edward Spencer said, You, I scorne to be a companion with such a fellow, as you are not fit company for me; as for your brother (meaning Mr Arnold Spencer) I doe hould him to be a gentleman; as for you I know not what to make of you'. These words were spoken in the 'presence and hearing of the parties abovementioned'.

To Jackson's first set of interrogatories:

8. This witness, John Jackson, Edward Spencer, and the rest of the witnesses were present together in an upper room of widow Woodstock's house.

Signed by Toby Andrews and by the two commissioners.

10/11f, Notary public's certificate

Certificate in Latin signed by Richard Meade, notary public that the above examinations had been completed and were now being returned.

No date.

No notary's mark.

Summary of proceedings

Dr Eden acted as counsel for Spencer and Dr Sweit for Jackson. On 10 and 30 October 1640 Dr Sweit was required to send for the examinations of Chapman's witnesses, in which John Gaule and Francis Read had been among the commissioners for Spencer, and Sir Robert Osborne for Jackson. Sentence was to be heard at the next sitting. On 4 December the court required the payment of 40s in expenses.

Notes

For another report on this case, see G. D. Squibb, Reports of Heraldic Cases in the Court of Chivalry, 1623-1732 (London, 1956), p. 46.

Edward Spencer did not appear in the Visitation of Huntingdon of 1684: J. Bedells (ed.), The Visitation of the County of Huntingdon, 1684 (Publications of the Harleian Society, new series, 13, 2000).

The commissioner John Gaule, clerk, was very probably the John Gaule, vicar of Great Staughton, co. Huntingdon, who attacked the witchfinders Matthew Hopkins and John Stearne in his work Select Cases of Conscience touching Witches and Witchcrafts (London, 1646). See also 'John Gaule' Oxford DNB (Oxford, 2004).

Documents

• Initial proceedings
  • Plaintiff's bond: 2/55 (5 Feb 1640)
  • Defendant's bond: 2/41 (10 Feb 1640)
  • Libel: 10/11a (no date)
• Plaintiff's case
  • Letters commissory for the plaintiff: 10/11b (20 Feb 1640)
  • First set of defence interrogatories: 10/11c (no date)
  • Second set of defence interrogatories: 10/11d (no date)
  • Plaintiff depositions: 10/11e (8 Apr 1640)
  • Notary public's certificate: 10/11f (no date)
• Proceedings
  • Proceedings: 1/11, fos. 56r-64v (10 Oct 1640)
  • Proceedings: 1/11, fos. 49r-52r (24 Oct 1640)
  • Proceedings before Maltravers: 1/11, fos. 19r-30v (30 Oct 1640)
  • Proceedings before Maltravers: 1/11, fos. 79r-87v (4 Dec 1640)

People mentioned in the case

• Andrewes, Tobias, tailor
• Baldwin, John
• Bottome, John
• Bromsale, Raphe (also Bromsall)
• Carnebrooke, Clement
• Craddocke, Mr
• Doleman, Roger, Mr
• Eden, Thomas, lawyer
• Jackson, John, dyer
• Kempe, Joanna
• Kempe, John, barber
• Gaule, John, clerk
• Hill, Adam
• Hooper, John, gent
• Howard, Henry, baron Maltravers
• Jackson, John
• Johnson, Robert, saddler
• Johnson, Thomas, saddler
• Lewin, William, lawyer
• Lofts, John
• Meade, Richard, notary public
• Merrick, William, lawyer
• Osborne, Robert, knight
• Payne, Robert, esq (also Pain)
• Ponte, Thomas, gent
• Reade, Francis, gent
• Spencer, Arnold, gent
• Spencer, Edward, gent
• Spencer, Nicholas, esq
• Spencer, Robert, esq
• Squire, Rowland, esq
• Styrrope, Nathaniel, Mr
• Sweit, Giles, lawyer
• Watson, John
• Woodstock, widow

Places mentioned in the case

• Bedfordshire
  • Cople
  • Sutton
• Cambridgeshire
  • Cambridge
  • Eaton Socon
• Huntingdonshire
  • Great Staughton
  • St Neots
  • Wintringham
• London
  • St Alban, Wood Street
  • St Vedast, Foster Lane
• Middlesex
  • Westminster
• Northamptonshire
  • Lowick

Topics of the case

• allegation of cheating
• allegation of tradesman status
• assault
• blasphemy
• calling sirrah
• coat of arms
• comparison
• Court of Requests
• denial of gentility
• giving the lie
• King's Bench
• other courts
• scatological insult