Agnes Brand sued Isabel Raffles for defamation in St Mary’s parish, Beverley, in 1587. Her libel alleged witch and papist insults. Raffles answered with allegations about Catholic ceremonies, predictive speech and pieces of parchment described as papal pardons. Richard Willmote and Agnes’s husband Thomas reported witch and witch’s daughter words; Elena Dompson reported a claim that Agnes had bewitched Raffles’s daughter. The witnesses discussed Agnes’s reputation and answered questions about partiality and expenses. No sentence survives in the collected file; neither witchcraft nor the religious allegations are established as fact.
Scope
Six paired documentary units from all nine saved images; partial readings and translations explicitly marked.
Editorial conventions
English precedes the Latin or mixed-language original. Source spelling is retained; square brackets mark supplied expansions, uncertainty, cancellations and unread writing. Descriptions of gaps are not manuscript text. Partial English renderings are labelled as such. Image positions are not folios. Allegations, testimony and modern interpretation remain distinct. No missing judgment or precise incident date is reconstructed.
Notes on the edition
Comparison of sources: Survival and outcome
Nine saved images represent four catalogued pieces. Six paired units cover answers, interrogatories, libel and three witness examinations with credibility answers. Several legal formulas, names, numeral expansions and overwritten clauses remain partly unread. Image 1 is a covered duplicate; image 6 is a verso with reference and year, not a judgment. Catalogue Helen Donnyson differs from manuscript Elena Dompson. An absence of a surviving sentence is not proof that Agnes lost.
To article 1 Raffles qualifies her admission of Brand's reputation with allegations about children before marriage and sympathy for Catholic ceremonies. [Several words and clauses remain unread; these allegations cannot yet be fully translated or converted into biographical assertions.] To article 2 she describes an encounter between Michaelmas and Martinmas 1586 at her house door in St Mary's parish, Beverley. Brand allegedly showed two pieces of parchment with an image or other Catholic device written or painted in blood [precise imagery and contractions uncertain] to Raffles, her daughter and others, describing them as papal pardons from Rome sent through a relative imprisoned in York Castle for religion. Raffles says she called the objects witchcraft and papistry and warned Brand about believing in them. The answer also refers to Mass at Hemingbrough and a missed visit at Howden fair time [place and intervening words provisional]. [Names, the precise warning and several clauses remain unread.] She says she subsequently reported the matter to authorities for her own discharge. To article 3 she denies the position except that she told Brand's words to Beverley's mayor and St Mary's vicar. She admits articles 4 and 5 and believes what is believed and denies what is denied in article 6.
Brand pleads an honest reputation. The libel places the alleged slander in September, October, November, December or January within its stated 1586 dating formula [precise year application requires review]. It alleges that Raffles called Brand a witch and papist and said to her husband Thomas that his wife was a witch [additional insult unresolved]. It pleads acknowledgment, injury to reputation, jurisdiction in St Mary Beverley and public fame, and seeks correction and costs. [The detailed Latin opening, articles and prayer remain partly unread; this is a contextual rendering, not a complete translation.]
The witness, Richard [Willmote; surname altered; catalogue Willmot], a Beverley bricklayer, aged twenty-eight, has known Agnes ten years and Raffles twenty-one years. The examination heading dates the proceedings 1 June 1587 [full commissioning formula unread]. He considers Agnes honest and reputable, never accused of notorious crime except as he will describe. On a Saturday about three weeks or a fortnight before last Christmas, between four and five in the afternoon, he came home from work, ate supper and sat at his door. Thomas Brand passed toward [destination altered and unread]. Raffles called Thomas over and said his wife was a witch and a witch's daughter. These words were spoken at Raffles' door in the presence of the witness, Thomas and other persons whose names/alterations are not yet fully read. He knows nothing further to article 3 beyond his prior deposition. Articles 4 and 5 are admitted and not examined. He affirms his evidence and answers credibility questions [some contractions unresolved]. In answer to the interrogatories he favours the producing party, came at Agnes' request and expense, and expressly says Agnes was absent when the words were spoken. [Kinship and remaining answers partly unread.]
Thomas Brand of Beverley, tailor, aged forty-eight, is Agnes' husband. He appears to give twenty-eight years’ acquaintance with Agnes [numeral provisional]; his other acquaintance duration remains partly uncertain. He describes her as honest and reputable except for what he is about to relate. On a Saturday about three weeks or a fortnight before Christmas, between four and five, he was passing Raffles' door on an errand [destination altered and unread]. She called him over and said, 'hearest thou Thomas, thy wife is a witch and witch's daughter.' Agnes was absent. Richard, [Williamott name uncertain], and a woman Dompson were among those present [full name alterations unresolved]. He knows nothing further to article 3; articles 4 and 5 are admitted. He confirms the evidence, identifies himself as the producing party's husband, favours her success and bears his own expenses [the altered exact wording remains partly unread]. He refers to his deposition for remaining questions.
Elena Dompson [catalogue Helen Donnyson] of Beverley, singlewoman, aged twenty-two [amended numeral; catalogue agrees], with acquaintance durations provisionally ten and twelve years respectively, likewise describes Agnes as honest and reputable, except for the present allegation. On the same broadly dated Saturday afternoon she was sent on an errand to borrow a bottle [the revised account of whose house and aunt remains partly unread]. Passing Raffles' door, she heard Raffles call Thomas Brand: 'come hither Thomas ... thy wife is a witch and hath bewitched my daughter.' Thomas, Richard and Richard's father and mother were present, according to her account. She knows nothing further to article 3; articles 4 and 5 admitted. She affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions, favours the producing party, came at her request and expense, and says Agnes was absent. [The precise altered clauses and family names remain unresolved.]
Image Title: CP.G.2456 Court: Consistory Case: Defamation (religious & witchcraft) Details: 4 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; No sentence Date: 6/5/1587 — 1/6/1587 Abstract: Agnes accused Isabel of defaming her in the parish of St Mary in Beverley by calling her ‘witche and papiste.’ Isabel responded by claiming that Agnes had born children in fornication before she was married, and that she was known to favour the Romish religion and ceremonies and also to predict the lifespan of children. Isabel further claimed that Agnes had shown her some parchments that she said had devices painted on them in blood, and which Agnes said were papal pardons. Isabel said that she had called these documents witchcraft and papistry and had warned Agnes that she would be in danger if she believed in them. Isabel further alleged that Agnes had admitted to her that she had attended Mass where it was said in Hemingbrough. Isabel issued interrogatories to be put to Agnes’s witnesses. These witnesses testified to Agnes’s good character, and to having heard Isabel tell Agnes’s husband that she was a witch and a papist. Parties Mentioned: Agnes Brand [Brande], plaintiff, female Isabel Raffles [Raffles; Raffells], defendant, female; widow Witnesses: Richard Willmot [Willmote], witness, male; 28 Thomas Brand [Brand], witness, male; 48; husband of Agnes Brand Helen Donnyson [Donnyson], witness, female; 22; singlewoman Places: York Castle (York, The Castle (Yorkshire)) - undefined Hemingbrough (Hemingbrough (YorkshireEastRiding)) - ecclesiastical parish Howden (Howden (YorkshireEastRiding)) - ecclesiastical parish Newbegin (Beverley, St John (YorkshireEastRiding)) - undefined
York Cause Papers catalogue CP.G.2456, n.d., University of York, saved manifest CP.G.2456: Consistory; religious and witchcraft defamation; four pieces; deposition and libel, no sentence; 6 May–1 June 1587. Witnesses Richard Willmot 28, Thomas Brand 48, Helen Donnyson 22., CP.G.2456; saved manifest metadata · context
Sexto Maij 1587. Responsiones personales Isabellae Raffles positionibus et articulis per partem Agnetis Brande contra eam exhibitis. Ad primam positionem respondendo credit that Agnes Brande [contracted verb: had?] one or two children in fornication before she was married and that shewed her selfe a liker and favourer of popishe ceremonies and will have and often speake wordes as if she could tell howe longe children should live and what fortune they should have and especiallie she hath said that if [name unread] would [unread] to [unread place] [insertion and remaining clause concerning Masses and revenge partly unread] Et aliter credit positionem esse veram. Ad secundam positionem respondendo credit that betwene Michaelmas and Martinmas last past 1586 the said Agnes Brande at this respondents house dore in Saint Maries parish in Beverley of her owne accord shewed unto this respondent doughter and her selfe and divers others then and there present two peeces of parchment thone having [an image?] and the other some other popishe devise written or painted upon them with blood [contracted words] she said came from Rome and were popes pardons and that she had them sent from a sister and [kinsman?] of hers which were in prison in York castell for religion by one [name unread] [unread clause] from them in [unread] woodes Whereupon this respondent said they were witchcraftes and papistrie and if you believe in them you will be in Longleys [unread word] quoth she and to them that be in Hemingbroughe [partly unread clause] where masse is said [unread] a place [partly unread clause concerning Longley] and [unread] she said she had bene divers tymes her selfe and that she should goe some att [unread: terme?] [Howden?] faire tyme last but that she would not lose her supper Whereof this respondent willed her to take heede and use no more suche fashions which then made this respondent doe utter to the [unread office/name] for her discharge [remaining line partly unread]. Ad tertiam credit eandem non esse veram Saving that for her discharge she hath tolde the said speaches of the said Agnes to the Maior of Beverley and the vicar of Saint Maries. Ad quartam credit eandem esse veram. Ad quintam credit eandem esse veram. Ad sextam credit de creditis et negat de negatis.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; image 2 (Latin and English)
In dei nomine amen. Coram [partly unread judicial style] [approximately seven contracted preliminary lines: proctor for Agnes Brand against Isabel Raffles, St Mary Beverley; not fully read]. [Margin:] Swinburn[e]. 1. Imprimis [contracted formula] Quod dicta Agnes Brand fuit et est mulier honesta [contracted good-reputation clause, approximately five lines, partly unread]. 2. Item [contracted formula] Quod praemissis non obstantibus dicta Isabella Raffles [contracted words] mensibus Septembris Octobris Novembris Decembris et Januarij Anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo octogesimo sexto [remaining Latin month/place/defamation clauses partly unread] [English pleaded words:] the said Isabell Raffles called the said Agnes Brande witche and papiste and said to Thomas Brande husband of the said Agnes Brande thy wyfe is a witche [unread clause] [remaining proof formula partly unread]. 3. Item [contracted formula] Quod post praemissa [remaining article, about four lines, alleging acknowledgment before witnesses, partly unread]. 4. Item [contracted formula] Quod [remaining article, about five lines, alleging injury to Brand's good name and possible future damage, partly unread]. 5. Item [contracted formula] Quod dicta Isabella Raffles fuit et est parochiae Sanctae Mariae Beverlacum Ebor diocesis [unread jurisdiction ending]. 6. Item [contracted formula] Quod de et super praemissis omnibus et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama in dicta parochia Sanctae Mariae Beverlacum alijsque locis vicinis Et [contracted ending]. Unde facta fide de praemissis [prayer, approximately seven lines on image 4 and seven on image 5 left, seeking correction and costs, partly unread]. Salvo jure [contracted ending]. Et protestamur [contracted ending].
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 4–5 (Latin and English)
[Latin examination heading referring to commission, official and date: primo Junij 1587; several words unread] Richardus [Willmote; surname altered] villae Beverlacensis in com[itatu] Ebor Bricklayer aetatis suae xxviij annorum testis super positionibus et articulis libelli per partem Agnetis Brand contra Isabellam Raffles exhibiti productus admissus juratus et examinatus et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod Agnetem Brand per decem Annos et ultra Isabellam Raffles per xxj annos bene novit. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and accompted of amongst her neighbours and so fare as this [unread contraction] hath heard she was never detected of any notorious crime Saving as he is to declare after [contracted] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit that on a satterday about three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and [unread word] betwene foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day this [unread contraction] beinge come home to his owne house [unread words] worke to supper and after he had supped he came forth of his house and satt downe att his owne dore and shortly after came by Thomas Brand husband to the articulate Agnes Brand whoe was going towards the [altered place:] [unread] in [unread] Beverley [unread contraction] the said Thomas Brand was going the articulate Isabell Raffles did call upon him and said come hither Thomas come hither I [unread word] speake with you whoe came unto her the articulate Isobell [deleted word] and she said Thomas thy wyfe is a witche and witches doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isabell Raffles then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] his precontest Thomas Brand and an other woman whose name he knoweth not one [name unread, altered] and [unread deleted words] [inserted witness name unread] and no more so fare as this [unread contraction] remembreth Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto et quinto articulis [contracted] non examinatus quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera et de sua fama laborare in locis articulatis Et aliter nescit deponere. Et dicit quod non est doctus instructus aut salariatus neque est consanguineus aut affinis partis eum producentis nec trahit [unread] praevaleat in causa modo fiat justitia. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod vellet dare victoriam parti eum producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium [unread] partis est. Ad quartum respondet quod venit huc ad rogatum et expensas dictae Agnetis Brand et per [unread] produc[unread]. Ad quintum respondet quod nescit deponere quam primo deposuit Savinge that the said [deleted word] Agnes Brand was not there att the speaking of the wordes by him deposed [unread contraction]. Ad sextum refert se [unread clause] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 7–8 (Latin and English)
Thomas Brand villae Beverlacensis in com[itatu] Ebor Taylor aetatis suae xlviij annorum testis ut supra productus admissus juratus et examinatus et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod novit Agnetem Brand ejus uxorem per xxviij [provisional numeral] annos et Isabellam Raffles [contracted] bene novit Et dicit. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and so suche a one is commonly accompted and taken amongst her neighbours and never detected of any notorious crime Saving as he is to depose Et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit that this [unread contraction] havinge occasion to goe to [deleted word, inserted:] a [unread place] wh[ich] he hath in [unread place] Standing or adjoining next in the towne of Beverley and going thither upon a satterday [deleted time clause] [inserted/revised date clause:] about three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and betwene the houres of foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day the articulate Isobell Raffles [inserted words unread] standing att her owne dore and as this [unread contraction] was going by her she called upon him and said come hither Thomas [insertion:] & [unread] [unread words] with you unto whom this [unread contraction] then went her the articulate Isobell Raffles then said hearest thou Thomas thy wyfe is a witche and witches doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isobell Raffles and in the absence of the articulate Agnes Brand then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] Richard [surname unread] [unread] well Willamott and one Dompson a woman his contest and no more to this [unread contraction] remembrance Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere [unread ending]. Super quarto et quinto articulis [deleted words] non examinatus quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera et de sua fama [contracted wording] et aliter nescit deponere Et dicit quod non est doctus instructus aut salariatus in hac causa [deleted words] et quod est maritus istius Agnetis et non [unread] [remaining two lines concerning preference for justice partly unread]. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod vellet dare victoriam parti eum producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium respondet quod est maritus partis eum producentis. Ad quartum respondet [deleted words] that he this [unread contraction] beinge husband to the partie him producing doth beare his [inserted words unread]. Ad quintum respondet [deleted clause] [unread final words]. Ad sextum respondet quod refert se ad dicta et deposita sua supra [deleted words] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; image 8 (Latin and English)
Elena Dompson de Beverley in com[itatu] Ebor singlewoman aetatis suae viginti [duorum; amended numeral] annorum testis ut supra producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod novit Agnetem Brand per x [provisional numeral] annos et Isabellam Raffles per xij [provisional numeral] annos bene novit Et dicit. Super primo et secundo articulis [contracted] dicit that she the [unread contraction] Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and for suche a one is accompted amongst her neighbours so fare as this [unread contraction] hath heard and never detected of any notorious crime Saving that the articulate Isobell Raffles upon a satterday about [deleted numeral] three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and betwene the houres of foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day this [unread contraction] [deleted words] beinge sent by [revised clause:] the articulate [unread name] her aunt Richarde [surname unread] house to the house of Thomas Brand [deleted/insertion words unread] to borowinge a bottle being in the said Thomas Brand [deleted clause] [altered clause about her coming from Brand's house in Beverley] by the dore of the articulate Isobell Raffles then and there [unread] [unread] him and she heard the said Isobell Raffles call the said Thomas Brand and said come hither Thomas come hither hearest thou Thomas thy wyfe [image 9 left:] is a witche and hath bewitched my doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isobell Raffles then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] her contest Thomas Brand Richard [surname unread] the father and the mother of the said Richard [surname unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere [unread ending]. Super quarto et quinto articulis non examinata quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eam sunt vera et de sua fama laborare in locis [contracted] et aliter nescit deponere et [contracted] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata neque est consanguinea aut affinis partis eam producentis nec curat quis praevaleat in causa modo fiat justitia. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod pars eam producens habuit et vellet dare victoriam parti eam producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium [deleted words] satisfactum est. Ad quartum respondet quod venit huc ad rogatum et expensas partis eam producentis Et quod [deleted word] illa [unread] pro [unread] in hac causa. Ad quintum respondet quod nescit deponere quam primo deposuit Savinge that the wordes by her deposed of was spoken in the absence of the articulate Agnes Brand. Ad sextum [deleted wording] refert se ad dicta et deposita sua [deleted words] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 8–9 (Latin and English)
Comparison of sources: Different reported words
The libel’s witch and papist wording differs from Richard and Thomas’s witch and witch’s daughter and Elena’s alleged bewitching of Raffles’s daughter. These statements are not harmonised. The catalogue abstract compresses them. Raffles’s religious-object account is a defensive account, not independent proof of Agnes’s religion or magical practice.
To article 1 Raffles qualifies her admission of Brand's reputation with allegations about children before marriage and sympathy for Catholic ceremonies. [Several words and clauses remain unread; these allegations cannot yet be fully translated or converted into biographical assertions.] To article 2 she describes an encounter between Michaelmas and Martinmas 1586 at her house door in St Mary's parish, Beverley. Brand allegedly showed two pieces of parchment with an image or other Catholic device written or painted in blood [precise imagery and contractions uncertain] to Raffles, her daughter and others, describing them as papal pardons from Rome sent through a relative imprisoned in York Castle for religion. Raffles says she called the objects witchcraft and papistry and warned Brand about believing in them. The answer also refers to Mass at Hemingbrough and a missed visit at Howden fair time [place and intervening words provisional]. [Names, the precise warning and several clauses remain unread.] She says she subsequently reported the matter to authorities for her own discharge. To article 3 she denies the position except that she told Brand's words to Beverley's mayor and St Mary's vicar. She admits articles 4 and 5 and believes what is believed and denies what is denied in article 6.
Brand pleads an honest reputation. The libel places the alleged slander in September, October, November, December or January within its stated 1586 dating formula [precise year application requires review]. It alleges that Raffles called Brand a witch and papist and said to her husband Thomas that his wife was a witch [additional insult unresolved]. It pleads acknowledgment, injury to reputation, jurisdiction in St Mary Beverley and public fame, and seeks correction and costs. [The detailed Latin opening, articles and prayer remain partly unread; this is a contextual rendering, not a complete translation.]
The witness, Richard [Willmote; surname altered; catalogue Willmot], a Beverley bricklayer, aged twenty-eight, has known Agnes ten years and Raffles twenty-one years. The examination heading dates the proceedings 1 June 1587 [full commissioning formula unread]. He considers Agnes honest and reputable, never accused of notorious crime except as he will describe. On a Saturday about three weeks or a fortnight before last Christmas, between four and five in the afternoon, he came home from work, ate supper and sat at his door. Thomas Brand passed toward [destination altered and unread]. Raffles called Thomas over and said his wife was a witch and a witch's daughter. These words were spoken at Raffles' door in the presence of the witness, Thomas and other persons whose names/alterations are not yet fully read. He knows nothing further to article 3 beyond his prior deposition. Articles 4 and 5 are admitted and not examined. He affirms his evidence and answers credibility questions [some contractions unresolved]. In answer to the interrogatories he favours the producing party, came at Agnes' request and expense, and expressly says Agnes was absent when the words were spoken. [Kinship and remaining answers partly unread.]
Thomas Brand of Beverley, tailor, aged forty-eight, is Agnes' husband. He appears to give twenty-eight years’ acquaintance with Agnes [numeral provisional]; his other acquaintance duration remains partly uncertain. He describes her as honest and reputable except for what he is about to relate. On a Saturday about three weeks or a fortnight before Christmas, between four and five, he was passing Raffles' door on an errand [destination altered and unread]. She called him over and said, 'hearest thou Thomas, thy wife is a witch and witch's daughter.' Agnes was absent. Richard, [Williamott name uncertain], and a woman Dompson were among those present [full name alterations unresolved]. He knows nothing further to article 3; articles 4 and 5 are admitted. He confirms the evidence, identifies himself as the producing party's husband, favours her success and bears his own expenses [the altered exact wording remains partly unread]. He refers to his deposition for remaining questions.
Elena Dompson [catalogue Helen Donnyson] of Beverley, singlewoman, aged twenty-two [amended numeral; catalogue agrees], with acquaintance durations provisionally ten and twelve years respectively, likewise describes Agnes as honest and reputable, except for the present allegation. On the same broadly dated Saturday afternoon she was sent on an errand to borrow a bottle [the revised account of whose house and aunt remains partly unread]. Passing Raffles' door, she heard Raffles call Thomas Brand: 'come hither Thomas ... thy wife is a witch and hath bewitched my daughter.' Thomas, Richard and Richard's father and mother were present, according to her account. She knows nothing further to article 3; articles 4 and 5 admitted. She affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions, favours the producing party, came at her request and expense, and says Agnes was absent. [The precise altered clauses and family names remain unresolved.]
Sexto Maij 1587. Responsiones personales Isabellae Raffles positionibus et articulis per partem Agnetis Brande contra eam exhibitis. Ad primam positionem respondendo credit that Agnes Brande [contracted verb: had?] one or two children in fornication before she was married and that shewed her selfe a liker and favourer of popishe ceremonies and will have and often speake wordes as if she could tell howe longe children should live and what fortune they should have and especiallie she hath said that if [name unread] would [unread] to [unread place] [insertion and remaining clause concerning Masses and revenge partly unread] Et aliter credit positionem esse veram. Ad secundam positionem respondendo credit that betwene Michaelmas and Martinmas last past 1586 the said Agnes Brande at this respondents house dore in Saint Maries parish in Beverley of her owne accord shewed unto this respondent doughter and her selfe and divers others then and there present two peeces of parchment thone having [an image?] and the other some other popishe devise written or painted upon them with blood [contracted words] she said came from Rome and were popes pardons and that she had them sent from a sister and [kinsman?] of hers which were in prison in York castell for religion by one [name unread] [unread clause] from them in [unread] woodes Whereupon this respondent said they were witchcraftes and papistrie and if you believe in them you will be in Longleys [unread word] quoth she and to them that be in Hemingbroughe [partly unread clause] where masse is said [unread] a place [partly unread clause concerning Longley] and [unread] she said she had bene divers tymes her selfe and that she should goe some att [unread: terme?] [Howden?] faire tyme last but that she would not lose her supper Whereof this respondent willed her to take heede and use no more suche fashions which then made this respondent doe utter to the [unread office/name] for her discharge [remaining line partly unread]. Ad tertiam credit eandem non esse veram Saving that for her discharge she hath tolde the said speaches of the said Agnes to the Maior of Beverley and the vicar of Saint Maries. Ad quartam credit eandem esse veram. Ad quintam credit eandem esse veram. Ad sextam credit de creditis et negat de negatis.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; image 2 (Latin and English)
In dei nomine amen. Coram [partly unread judicial style] [approximately seven contracted preliminary lines: proctor for Agnes Brand against Isabel Raffles, St Mary Beverley; not fully read]. [Margin:] Swinburn[e]. 1. Imprimis [contracted formula] Quod dicta Agnes Brand fuit et est mulier honesta [contracted good-reputation clause, approximately five lines, partly unread]. 2. Item [contracted formula] Quod praemissis non obstantibus dicta Isabella Raffles [contracted words] mensibus Septembris Octobris Novembris Decembris et Januarij Anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo octogesimo sexto [remaining Latin month/place/defamation clauses partly unread] [English pleaded words:] the said Isabell Raffles called the said Agnes Brande witche and papiste and said to Thomas Brande husband of the said Agnes Brande thy wyfe is a witche [unread clause] [remaining proof formula partly unread]. 3. Item [contracted formula] Quod post praemissa [remaining article, about four lines, alleging acknowledgment before witnesses, partly unread]. 4. Item [contracted formula] Quod [remaining article, about five lines, alleging injury to Brand's good name and possible future damage, partly unread]. 5. Item [contracted formula] Quod dicta Isabella Raffles fuit et est parochiae Sanctae Mariae Beverlacum Ebor diocesis [unread jurisdiction ending]. 6. Item [contracted formula] Quod de et super praemissis omnibus et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama in dicta parochia Sanctae Mariae Beverlacum alijsque locis vicinis Et [contracted ending]. Unde facta fide de praemissis [prayer, approximately seven lines on image 4 and seven on image 5 left, seeking correction and costs, partly unread]. Salvo jure [contracted ending]. Et protestamur [contracted ending].
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 4–5 (Latin and English)
[Latin examination heading referring to commission, official and date: primo Junij 1587; several words unread] Richardus [Willmote; surname altered] villae Beverlacensis in com[itatu] Ebor Bricklayer aetatis suae xxviij annorum testis super positionibus et articulis libelli per partem Agnetis Brand contra Isabellam Raffles exhibiti productus admissus juratus et examinatus et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod Agnetem Brand per decem Annos et ultra Isabellam Raffles per xxj annos bene novit. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and accompted of amongst her neighbours and so fare as this [unread contraction] hath heard she was never detected of any notorious crime Saving as he is to declare after [contracted] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit that on a satterday about three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and [unread word] betwene foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day this [unread contraction] beinge come home to his owne house [unread words] worke to supper and after he had supped he came forth of his house and satt downe att his owne dore and shortly after came by Thomas Brand husband to the articulate Agnes Brand whoe was going towards the [altered place:] [unread] in [unread] Beverley [unread contraction] the said Thomas Brand was going the articulate Isabell Raffles did call upon him and said come hither Thomas come hither I [unread word] speake with you whoe came unto her the articulate Isobell [deleted word] and she said Thomas thy wyfe is a witche and witches doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isabell Raffles then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] his precontest Thomas Brand and an other woman whose name he knoweth not one [name unread, altered] and [unread deleted words] [inserted witness name unread] and no more so fare as this [unread contraction] remembreth Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto et quinto articulis [contracted] non examinatus quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera et de sua fama laborare in locis articulatis Et aliter nescit deponere. Et dicit quod non est doctus instructus aut salariatus neque est consanguineus aut affinis partis eum producentis nec trahit [unread] praevaleat in causa modo fiat justitia. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod vellet dare victoriam parti eum producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium [unread] partis est. Ad quartum respondet quod venit huc ad rogatum et expensas dictae Agnetis Brand et per [unread] produc[unread]. Ad quintum respondet quod nescit deponere quam primo deposuit Savinge that the said [deleted word] Agnes Brand was not there att the speaking of the wordes by him deposed [unread contraction]. Ad sextum refert se [unread clause] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 7–8 (Latin and English)
Thomas Brand villae Beverlacensis in com[itatu] Ebor Taylor aetatis suae xlviij annorum testis ut supra productus admissus juratus et examinatus et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod novit Agnetem Brand ejus uxorem per xxviij [provisional numeral] annos et Isabellam Raffles [contracted] bene novit Et dicit. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and so suche a one is commonly accompted and taken amongst her neighbours and never detected of any notorious crime Saving as he is to depose Et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit that this [unread contraction] havinge occasion to goe to [deleted word, inserted:] a [unread place] wh[ich] he hath in [unread place] Standing or adjoining next in the towne of Beverley and going thither upon a satterday [deleted time clause] [inserted/revised date clause:] about three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and betwene the houres of foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day the articulate Isobell Raffles [inserted words unread] standing att her owne dore and as this [unread contraction] was going by her she called upon him and said come hither Thomas [insertion:] & [unread] [unread words] with you unto whom this [unread contraction] then went her the articulate Isobell Raffles then said hearest thou Thomas thy wyfe is a witche and witches doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isobell Raffles and in the absence of the articulate Agnes Brand then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] Richard [surname unread] [unread] well Willamott and one Dompson a woman his contest and no more to this [unread contraction] remembrance Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere [unread ending]. Super quarto et quinto articulis [deleted words] non examinatus quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera et de sua fama [contracted wording] et aliter nescit deponere Et dicit quod non est doctus instructus aut salariatus in hac causa [deleted words] et quod est maritus istius Agnetis et non [unread] [remaining two lines concerning preference for justice partly unread]. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod vellet dare victoriam parti eum producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium respondet quod est maritus partis eum producentis. Ad quartum respondet [deleted words] that he this [unread contraction] beinge husband to the partie him producing doth beare his [inserted words unread]. Ad quintum respondet [deleted clause] [unread final words]. Ad sextum respondet quod refert se ad dicta et deposita sua supra [deleted words] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; image 8 (Latin and English)
Elena Dompson de Beverley in com[itatu] Ebor singlewoman aetatis suae viginti [duorum; amended numeral] annorum testis ut supra producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod novit Agnetem Brand per x [provisional numeral] annos et Isabellam Raffles per xij [provisional numeral] annos bene novit Et dicit. Super primo et secundo articulis [contracted] dicit that she the [unread contraction] Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and for suche a one is accompted amongst her neighbours so fare as this [unread contraction] hath heard and never detected of any notorious crime Saving that the articulate Isobell Raffles upon a satterday about [deleted numeral] three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and betwene the houres of foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day this [unread contraction] [deleted words] beinge sent by [revised clause:] the articulate [unread name] her aunt Richarde [surname unread] house to the house of Thomas Brand [deleted/insertion words unread] to borowinge a bottle being in the said Thomas Brand [deleted clause] [altered clause about her coming from Brand's house in Beverley] by the dore of the articulate Isobell Raffles then and there [unread] [unread] him and she heard the said Isobell Raffles call the said Thomas Brand and said come hither Thomas come hither hearest thou Thomas thy wyfe [image 9 left:] is a witche and hath bewitched my doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isobell Raffles then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] her contest Thomas Brand Richard [surname unread] the father and the mother of the said Richard [surname unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere [unread ending]. Super quarto et quinto articulis non examinata quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eam sunt vera et de sua fama laborare in locis [contracted] et aliter nescit deponere et [contracted] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata neque est consanguinea aut affinis partis eam producentis nec curat quis praevaleat in causa modo fiat justitia. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod pars eam producens habuit et vellet dare victoriam parti eam producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium [deleted words] satisfactum est. Ad quartum respondet quod venit huc ad rogatum et expensas partis eam producentis Et quod [deleted word] illa [unread] pro [unread] in hac causa. Ad quintum respondet quod nescit deponere quam primo deposuit Savinge that the wordes by her deposed of was spoken in the absence of the articulate Agnes Brand. Ad sextum [deleted wording] refert se ad dicta et deposita sua [deleted words] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 8–9 (Latin and English)
Comparison of sources: Witness names and numerals
Native headings correct the working Anna or Anne to Elena Dompson, age 22; catalogue Helen Donnyson is retained as a variant. Richard’s age is 28 and Thomas’s 48. Thomas’s acquaintance with Agnes appears 28 years, not the earlier 8; expansion remains provisional. Altered surname and errand clauses remain qualified.
The witness, Richard [Willmote; surname altered; catalogue Willmot], a Beverley bricklayer, aged twenty-eight, has known Agnes ten years and Raffles twenty-one years. The examination heading dates the proceedings 1 June 1587 [full commissioning formula unread]. He considers Agnes honest and reputable, never accused of notorious crime except as he will describe. On a Saturday about three weeks or a fortnight before last Christmas, between four and five in the afternoon, he came home from work, ate supper and sat at his door. Thomas Brand passed toward [destination altered and unread]. Raffles called Thomas over and said his wife was a witch and a witch's daughter. These words were spoken at Raffles' door in the presence of the witness, Thomas and other persons whose names/alterations are not yet fully read. He knows nothing further to article 3 beyond his prior deposition. Articles 4 and 5 are admitted and not examined. He affirms his evidence and answers credibility questions [some contractions unresolved]. In answer to the interrogatories he favours the producing party, came at Agnes' request and expense, and expressly says Agnes was absent when the words were spoken. [Kinship and remaining answers partly unread.]
Thomas Brand of Beverley, tailor, aged forty-eight, is Agnes' husband. He appears to give twenty-eight years’ acquaintance with Agnes [numeral provisional]; his other acquaintance duration remains partly uncertain. He describes her as honest and reputable except for what he is about to relate. On a Saturday about three weeks or a fortnight before Christmas, between four and five, he was passing Raffles' door on an errand [destination altered and unread]. She called him over and said, 'hearest thou Thomas, thy wife is a witch and witch's daughter.' Agnes was absent. Richard, [Williamott name uncertain], and a woman Dompson were among those present [full name alterations unresolved]. He knows nothing further to article 3; articles 4 and 5 are admitted. He confirms the evidence, identifies himself as the producing party's husband, favours her success and bears his own expenses [the altered exact wording remains partly unread]. He refers to his deposition for remaining questions.
Elena Dompson [catalogue Helen Donnyson] of Beverley, singlewoman, aged twenty-two [amended numeral; catalogue agrees], with acquaintance durations provisionally ten and twelve years respectively, likewise describes Agnes as honest and reputable, except for the present allegation. On the same broadly dated Saturday afternoon she was sent on an errand to borrow a bottle [the revised account of whose house and aunt remains partly unread]. Passing Raffles' door, she heard Raffles call Thomas Brand: 'come hither Thomas ... thy wife is a witch and hath bewitched my daughter.' Thomas, Richard and Richard's father and mother were present, according to her account. She knows nothing further to article 3; articles 4 and 5 admitted. She affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions, favours the producing party, came at her request and expense, and says Agnes was absent. [The precise altered clauses and family names remain unresolved.]
Image Title: CP.G.2456 Court: Consistory Case: Defamation (religious & witchcraft) Details: 4 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; No sentence Date: 6/5/1587 — 1/6/1587 Abstract: Agnes accused Isabel of defaming her in the parish of St Mary in Beverley by calling her ‘witche and papiste.’ Isabel responded by claiming that Agnes had born children in fornication before she was married, and that she was known to favour the Romish religion and ceremonies and also to predict the lifespan of children. Isabel further claimed that Agnes had shown her some parchments that she said had devices painted on them in blood, and which Agnes said were papal pardons. Isabel said that she had called these documents witchcraft and papistry and had warned Agnes that she would be in danger if she believed in them. Isabel further alleged that Agnes had admitted to her that she had attended Mass where it was said in Hemingbrough. Isabel issued interrogatories to be put to Agnes’s witnesses. These witnesses testified to Agnes’s good character, and to having heard Isabel tell Agnes’s husband that she was a witch and a papist. Parties Mentioned: Agnes Brand [Brande], plaintiff, female Isabel Raffles [Raffles; Raffells], defendant, female; widow Witnesses: Richard Willmot [Willmote], witness, male; 28 Thomas Brand [Brand], witness, male; 48; husband of Agnes Brand Helen Donnyson [Donnyson], witness, female; 22; singlewoman Places: York Castle (York, The Castle (Yorkshire)) - undefined Hemingbrough (Hemingbrough (YorkshireEastRiding)) - ecclesiastical parish Howden (Howden (YorkshireEastRiding)) - ecclesiastical parish Newbegin (Beverley, St John (YorkshireEastRiding)) - undefined
York Cause Papers catalogue CP.G.2456, n.d., University of York, saved manifest CP.G.2456: Consistory; religious and witchcraft defamation; four pieces; deposition and libel, no sentence; 6 May–1 June 1587. Witnesses Richard Willmot 28, Thomas Brand 48, Helen Donnyson 22., CP.G.2456; saved manifest metadata · context
[Latin examination heading referring to commission, official and date: primo Junij 1587; several words unread] Richardus [Willmote; surname altered] villae Beverlacensis in com[itatu] Ebor Bricklayer aetatis suae xxviij annorum testis super positionibus et articulis libelli per partem Agnetis Brand contra Isabellam Raffles exhibiti productus admissus juratus et examinatus et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod Agnetem Brand per decem Annos et ultra Isabellam Raffles per xxj annos bene novit. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and accompted of amongst her neighbours and so fare as this [unread contraction] hath heard she was never detected of any notorious crime Saving as he is to declare after [contracted] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit that on a satterday about three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and [unread word] betwene foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day this [unread contraction] beinge come home to his owne house [unread words] worke to supper and after he had supped he came forth of his house and satt downe att his owne dore and shortly after came by Thomas Brand husband to the articulate Agnes Brand whoe was going towards the [altered place:] [unread] in [unread] Beverley [unread contraction] the said Thomas Brand was going the articulate Isabell Raffles did call upon him and said come hither Thomas come hither I [unread word] speake with you whoe came unto her the articulate Isobell [deleted word] and she said Thomas thy wyfe is a witche and witches doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isabell Raffles then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] his precontest Thomas Brand and an other woman whose name he knoweth not one [name unread, altered] and [unread deleted words] [inserted witness name unread] and no more so fare as this [unread contraction] remembreth Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto et quinto articulis [contracted] non examinatus quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera et de sua fama laborare in locis articulatis Et aliter nescit deponere. Et dicit quod non est doctus instructus aut salariatus neque est consanguineus aut affinis partis eum producentis nec trahit [unread] praevaleat in causa modo fiat justitia. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod vellet dare victoriam parti eum producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium [unread] partis est. Ad quartum respondet quod venit huc ad rogatum et expensas dictae Agnetis Brand et per [unread] produc[unread]. Ad quintum respondet quod nescit deponere quam primo deposuit Savinge that the said [deleted word] Agnes Brand was not there att the speaking of the wordes by him deposed [unread contraction]. Ad sextum refert se [unread clause] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 7–8 (Latin and English)
Thomas Brand villae Beverlacensis in com[itatu] Ebor Taylor aetatis suae xlviij annorum testis ut supra productus admissus juratus et examinatus et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod novit Agnetem Brand ejus uxorem per xxviij [provisional numeral] annos et Isabellam Raffles [contracted] bene novit Et dicit. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and so suche a one is commonly accompted and taken amongst her neighbours and never detected of any notorious crime Saving as he is to depose Et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit that this [unread contraction] havinge occasion to goe to [deleted word, inserted:] a [unread place] wh[ich] he hath in [unread place] Standing or adjoining next in the towne of Beverley and going thither upon a satterday [deleted time clause] [inserted/revised date clause:] about three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and betwene the houres of foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day the articulate Isobell Raffles [inserted words unread] standing att her owne dore and as this [unread contraction] was going by her she called upon him and said come hither Thomas [insertion:] & [unread] [unread words] with you unto whom this [unread contraction] then went her the articulate Isobell Raffles then said hearest thou Thomas thy wyfe is a witche and witches doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isobell Raffles and in the absence of the articulate Agnes Brand then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] Richard [surname unread] [unread] well Willamott and one Dompson a woman his contest and no more to this [unread contraction] remembrance Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere [unread ending]. Super quarto et quinto articulis [deleted words] non examinatus quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera et de sua fama [contracted wording] et aliter nescit deponere Et dicit quod non est doctus instructus aut salariatus in hac causa [deleted words] et quod est maritus istius Agnetis et non [unread] [remaining two lines concerning preference for justice partly unread]. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod vellet dare victoriam parti eum producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium respondet quod est maritus partis eum producentis. Ad quartum respondet [deleted words] that he this [unread contraction] beinge husband to the partie him producing doth beare his [inserted words unread]. Ad quintum respondet [deleted clause] [unread final words]. Ad sextum respondet quod refert se ad dicta et deposita sua supra [deleted words] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; image 8 (Latin and English)
Elena Dompson de Beverley in com[itatu] Ebor singlewoman aetatis suae viginti [duorum; amended numeral] annorum testis ut supra producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod novit Agnetem Brand per x [provisional numeral] annos et Isabellam Raffles per xij [provisional numeral] annos bene novit Et dicit. Super primo et secundo articulis [contracted] dicit that she the [unread contraction] Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and for suche a one is accompted amongst her neighbours so fare as this [unread contraction] hath heard and never detected of any notorious crime Saving that the articulate Isobell Raffles upon a satterday about [deleted numeral] three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and betwene the houres of foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day this [unread contraction] [deleted words] beinge sent by [revised clause:] the articulate [unread name] her aunt Richarde [surname unread] house to the house of Thomas Brand [deleted/insertion words unread] to borowinge a bottle being in the said Thomas Brand [deleted clause] [altered clause about her coming from Brand's house in Beverley] by the dore of the articulate Isobell Raffles then and there [unread] [unread] him and she heard the said Isobell Raffles call the said Thomas Brand and said come hither Thomas come hither hearest thou Thomas thy wyfe [image 9 left:] is a witche and hath bewitched my doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isobell Raffles then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] her contest Thomas Brand Richard [surname unread] the father and the mother of the said Richard [surname unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere [unread ending]. Super quarto et quinto articulis non examinata quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eam sunt vera et de sua fama laborare in locis [contracted] et aliter nescit deponere et [contracted] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata neque est consanguinea aut affinis partis eam producentis nec curat quis praevaleat in causa modo fiat justitia. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod pars eam producens habuit et vellet dare victoriam parti eam producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium [deleted words] satisfactum est. Ad quartum respondet quod venit huc ad rogatum et expensas partis eam producentis Et quod [deleted word] illa [unread] pro [unread] in hac causa. Ad quintum respondet quod nescit deponere quam primo deposuit Savinge that the wordes by her deposed of was spoken in the absence of the articulate Agnes Brand. Ad sextum [deleted wording] refert se ad dicta et deposita sua [deleted words] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 8–9 (Latin and English)
Comparison of sources: Papal pardons and alleged religious connections
The parchments are described in Raffles’s answer as papal pardons from Rome, linked to imprisoned relatives. They are objects in a reported religious dispute, not grants of a royal pardon and not authenticated surviving objects. No offence, imprisonment or religious affiliation is independently established by this file.
To article 1 Raffles qualifies her admission of Brand's reputation with allegations about children before marriage and sympathy for Catholic ceremonies. [Several words and clauses remain unread; these allegations cannot yet be fully translated or converted into biographical assertions.] To article 2 she describes an encounter between Michaelmas and Martinmas 1586 at her house door in St Mary's parish, Beverley. Brand allegedly showed two pieces of parchment with an image or other Catholic device written or painted in blood [precise imagery and contractions uncertain] to Raffles, her daughter and others, describing them as papal pardons from Rome sent through a relative imprisoned in York Castle for religion. Raffles says she called the objects witchcraft and papistry and warned Brand about believing in them. The answer also refers to Mass at Hemingbrough and a missed visit at Howden fair time [place and intervening words provisional]. [Names, the precise warning and several clauses remain unread.] She says she subsequently reported the matter to authorities for her own discharge. To article 3 she denies the position except that she told Brand's words to Beverley's mayor and St Mary's vicar. She admits articles 4 and 5 and believes what is believed and denies what is denied in article 6.
Sexto Maij 1587. Responsiones personales Isabellae Raffles positionibus et articulis per partem Agnetis Brande contra eam exhibitis. Ad primam positionem respondendo credit that Agnes Brande [contracted verb: had?] one or two children in fornication before she was married and that shewed her selfe a liker and favourer of popishe ceremonies and will have and often speake wordes as if she could tell howe longe children should live and what fortune they should have and especiallie she hath said that if [name unread] would [unread] to [unread place] [insertion and remaining clause concerning Masses and revenge partly unread] Et aliter credit positionem esse veram. Ad secundam positionem respondendo credit that betwene Michaelmas and Martinmas last past 1586 the said Agnes Brande at this respondents house dore in Saint Maries parish in Beverley of her owne accord shewed unto this respondent doughter and her selfe and divers others then and there present two peeces of parchment thone having [an image?] and the other some other popishe devise written or painted upon them with blood [contracted words] she said came from Rome and were popes pardons and that she had them sent from a sister and [kinsman?] of hers which were in prison in York castell for religion by one [name unread] [unread clause] from them in [unread] woodes Whereupon this respondent said they were witchcraftes and papistrie and if you believe in them you will be in Longleys [unread word] quoth she and to them that be in Hemingbroughe [partly unread clause] where masse is said [unread] a place [partly unread clause concerning Longley] and [unread] she said she had bene divers tymes her selfe and that she should goe some att [unread: terme?] [Howden?] faire tyme last but that she would not lose her supper Whereof this respondent willed her to take heede and use no more suche fashions which then made this respondent doe utter to the [unread office/name] for her discharge [remaining line partly unread]. Ad tertiam credit eandem non esse veram Saving that for her discharge she hath tolde the said speaches of the said Agnes to the Maior of Beverley and the vicar of Saint Maries. Ad quartam credit eandem esse veram. Ad quintam credit eandem esse veram. Ad sextam credit de creditis et negat de negatis.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; image 2 (Latin and English)
Context: Dawson on reputation and community
Amanda Dawson discusses this case as an appeal to neighbours’ testimony and proposes a possible cunning-woman interpretation of the papers. That occupational identification remains her hypothesis. The surviving text supports reported religious objects and character testimony; it supplies no magical-service business or sentence. Her broad account does not replace the differing witness words. Reference: Intersections 8.1 (Spring 2025), pp. 9–10, papal-papers and reputation discussion; accessed 27 October 2026.
Dawson interprets Brand’s appeal to neighbours as a defence of reputation and suggests a possible cunning-woman identity. This is a modern hypothesis; the surviving file does not establish an occupation in magical services or a successful judgment.
Amanda Dawson, An Honest Woman: Witchcraft Accusations and the Role of Community in English Ecclesiastical Courts, vol. 8.1, 2025, Amanda Dawson, An Honest Woman: Witchcraft Accusations and the Role of Community in English Ecclesiastical Courts, Intersections 8.1(Spring 2025),pp 9–10; PDF pages 13–14 (zero-based 12–13), especially papal papers and community discussion. Accessed 27 October 2026., Dawson2025,pp9–10; papal papers and community discussion · context
Comparison of sources: About this case and its sources
Reference: CP.G.2456
Repository: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York
Court: Consistory, according to catalogue
Case: Religious and witchcraft defamation
Record dates: 6 May–1 June 1587; pleaded alternative months under 1586 formula retained separately
Surviving material: Four catalogued pieces, nine images: personal answers, interrogatories, libel and witness depositions. No surviving sentence recorded.
Languages: Latin and English
Parties: Agnes Brand [Brande], plaintiff; Isabel Raffles [Raffells], defendant, catalogue widow
Other people: Richard Willmote [catalogue Willmot], Thomas Brand and Elena Dompson [catalogue Helen Donnyson], witnesses; Swinburne, marginal subscriber; unnamed daughter and relatives, mayor and vicar, and Richard’s parents in reported connections
Outcome: Unknown; no surviving sentence in collected file
Coverage: Nine saved images represent four catalogued pieces. Six paired units cover answers, interrogatories, libel and three witness examinations with credibility answers. Several legal formulas, names, numeral expansions and overwritten clauses remain partly unread. Image 1 is a covered duplicate; image 6 is a verso with reference and year, not a judgment. Catalogue Helen Donnyson differs from manuscript Elena Dompson. An absence of a surviving sentence is not proof that Agnes lost.
Edition: 27 October 2026 version 1.0; available-source edition for review
Reading conventions: English precedes the Latin or mixed-language original. Source spelling is retained; square brackets mark supplied expansions, uncertainty, cancellations and unread writing. Descriptions of gaps are not manuscript text. Partial English renderings are labelled as such. Image positions are not folios. Allegations, testimony and modern interpretation remain distinct. No missing judgment or precise incident date is reconstructed.
Suggested citation: Agnes Brand against Isabel Raffles, CP.G.2456,1587, reading edition version 1.0,27 October 2026; Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York.
Image Title: CP.G.2456 Court: Consistory Case: Defamation (religious & witchcraft) Details: 4 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; No sentence Date: 6/5/1587 — 1/6/1587 Abstract: Agnes accused Isabel of defaming her in the parish of St Mary in Beverley by calling her ‘witche and papiste.’ Isabel responded by claiming that Agnes had born children in fornication before she was married, and that she was known to favour the Romish religion and ceremonies and also to predict the lifespan of children. Isabel further claimed that Agnes had shown her some parchments that she said had devices painted on them in blood, and which Agnes said were papal pardons. Isabel said that she had called these documents witchcraft and papistry and had warned Agnes that she would be in danger if she believed in them. Isabel further alleged that Agnes had admitted to her that she had attended Mass where it was said in Hemingbrough. Isabel issued interrogatories to be put to Agnes’s witnesses. These witnesses testified to Agnes’s good character, and to having heard Isabel tell Agnes’s husband that she was a witch and a papist. Parties Mentioned: Agnes Brand [Brande], plaintiff, female Isabel Raffles [Raffles; Raffells], defendant, female; widow Witnesses: Richard Willmot [Willmote], witness, male; 28 Thomas Brand [Brand], witness, male; 48; husband of Agnes Brand Helen Donnyson [Donnyson], witness, female; 22; singlewoman Places: York Castle (York, The Castle (Yorkshire)) - undefined Hemingbrough (Hemingbrough (YorkshireEastRiding)) - ecclesiastical parish Howden (Howden (YorkshireEastRiding)) - ecclesiastical parish Newbegin (Beverley, St John (YorkshireEastRiding)) - undefined
York Cause Papers catalogue CP.G.2456, n.d., University of York, saved manifest CP.G.2456: Consistory; religious and witchcraft defamation; four pieces; deposition and libel, no sentence; 6 May–1 June 1587. Witnesses Richard Willmot 28, Thomas Brand 48, Helen Donnyson 22., CP.G.2456; saved manifest metadata · context
To article 1 Raffles qualifies her admission of Brand's reputation with allegations about children before marriage and sympathy for Catholic ceremonies. [Several words and clauses remain unread; these allegations cannot yet be fully translated or converted into biographical assertions.] To article 2 she describes an encounter between Michaelmas and Martinmas 1586 at her house door in St Mary's parish, Beverley. Brand allegedly showed two pieces of parchment with an image or other Catholic device written or painted in blood [precise imagery and contractions uncertain] to Raffles, her daughter and others, describing them as papal pardons from Rome sent through a relative imprisoned in York Castle for religion. Raffles says she called the objects witchcraft and papistry and warned Brand about believing in them. The answer also refers to Mass at Hemingbrough and a missed visit at Howden fair time [place and intervening words provisional]. [Names, the precise warning and several clauses remain unread.] She says she subsequently reported the matter to authorities for her own discharge. To article 3 she denies the position except that she told Brand's words to Beverley's mayor and St Mary's vicar. She admits articles 4 and 5 and believes what is believed and denies what is denied in article 6.
Brand pleads an honest reputation. The libel places the alleged slander in September, October, November, December or January within its stated 1586 dating formula [precise year application requires review]. It alleges that Raffles called Brand a witch and papist and said to her husband Thomas that his wife was a witch [additional insult unresolved]. It pleads acknowledgment, injury to reputation, jurisdiction in St Mary Beverley and public fame, and seeks correction and costs. [The detailed Latin opening, articles and prayer remain partly unread; this is a contextual rendering, not a complete translation.]
The witness, Richard [Willmote; surname altered; catalogue Willmot], a Beverley bricklayer, aged twenty-eight, has known Agnes ten years and Raffles twenty-one years. The examination heading dates the proceedings 1 June 1587 [full commissioning formula unread]. He considers Agnes honest and reputable, never accused of notorious crime except as he will describe. On a Saturday about three weeks or a fortnight before last Christmas, between four and five in the afternoon, he came home from work, ate supper and sat at his door. Thomas Brand passed toward [destination altered and unread]. Raffles called Thomas over and said his wife was a witch and a witch's daughter. These words were spoken at Raffles' door in the presence of the witness, Thomas and other persons whose names/alterations are not yet fully read. He knows nothing further to article 3 beyond his prior deposition. Articles 4 and 5 are admitted and not examined. He affirms his evidence and answers credibility questions [some contractions unresolved]. In answer to the interrogatories he favours the producing party, came at Agnes' request and expense, and expressly says Agnes was absent when the words were spoken. [Kinship and remaining answers partly unread.]
Thomas Brand of Beverley, tailor, aged forty-eight, is Agnes' husband. He appears to give twenty-eight years’ acquaintance with Agnes [numeral provisional]; his other acquaintance duration remains partly uncertain. He describes her as honest and reputable except for what he is about to relate. On a Saturday about three weeks or a fortnight before Christmas, between four and five, he was passing Raffles' door on an errand [destination altered and unread]. She called him over and said, 'hearest thou Thomas, thy wife is a witch and witch's daughter.' Agnes was absent. Richard, [Williamott name uncertain], and a woman Dompson were among those present [full name alterations unresolved]. He knows nothing further to article 3; articles 4 and 5 are admitted. He confirms the evidence, identifies himself as the producing party's husband, favours her success and bears his own expenses [the altered exact wording remains partly unread]. He refers to his deposition for remaining questions.
Elena Dompson [catalogue Helen Donnyson] of Beverley, singlewoman, aged twenty-two [amended numeral; catalogue agrees], with acquaintance durations provisionally ten and twelve years respectively, likewise describes Agnes as honest and reputable, except for the present allegation. On the same broadly dated Saturday afternoon she was sent on an errand to borrow a bottle [the revised account of whose house and aunt remains partly unread]. Passing Raffles' door, she heard Raffles call Thomas Brand: 'come hither Thomas ... thy wife is a witch and hath bewitched my daughter.' Thomas, Richard and Richard's father and mother were present, according to her account. She knows nothing further to article 3; articles 4 and 5 admitted. She affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions, favours the producing party, came at her request and expense, and says Agnes was absent. [The precise altered clauses and family names remain unresolved.]
Sexto Maij 1587. Responsiones personales Isabellae Raffles positionibus et articulis per partem Agnetis Brande contra eam exhibitis. Ad primam positionem respondendo credit that Agnes Brande [contracted verb: had?] one or two children in fornication before she was married and that shewed her selfe a liker and favourer of popishe ceremonies and will have and often speake wordes as if she could tell howe longe children should live and what fortune they should have and especiallie she hath said that if [name unread] would [unread] to [unread place] [insertion and remaining clause concerning Masses and revenge partly unread] Et aliter credit positionem esse veram. Ad secundam positionem respondendo credit that betwene Michaelmas and Martinmas last past 1586 the said Agnes Brande at this respondents house dore in Saint Maries parish in Beverley of her owne accord shewed unto this respondent doughter and her selfe and divers others then and there present two peeces of parchment thone having [an image?] and the other some other popishe devise written or painted upon them with blood [contracted words] she said came from Rome and were popes pardons and that she had them sent from a sister and [kinsman?] of hers which were in prison in York castell for religion by one [name unread] [unread clause] from them in [unread] woodes Whereupon this respondent said they were witchcraftes and papistrie and if you believe in them you will be in Longleys [unread word] quoth she and to them that be in Hemingbroughe [partly unread clause] where masse is said [unread] a place [partly unread clause concerning Longley] and [unread] she said she had bene divers tymes her selfe and that she should goe some att [unread: terme?] [Howden?] faire tyme last but that she would not lose her supper Whereof this respondent willed her to take heede and use no more suche fashions which then made this respondent doe utter to the [unread office/name] for her discharge [remaining line partly unread]. Ad tertiam credit eandem non esse veram Saving that for her discharge she hath tolde the said speaches of the said Agnes to the Maior of Beverley and the vicar of Saint Maries. Ad quartam credit eandem esse veram. Ad quintam credit eandem esse veram. Ad sextam credit de creditis et negat de negatis.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; image 2 (Latin and English)
In dei nomine amen. Coram [partly unread judicial style] [approximately seven contracted preliminary lines: proctor for Agnes Brand against Isabel Raffles, St Mary Beverley; not fully read]. [Margin:] Swinburn[e]. 1. Imprimis [contracted formula] Quod dicta Agnes Brand fuit et est mulier honesta [contracted good-reputation clause, approximately five lines, partly unread]. 2. Item [contracted formula] Quod praemissis non obstantibus dicta Isabella Raffles [contracted words] mensibus Septembris Octobris Novembris Decembris et Januarij Anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo octogesimo sexto [remaining Latin month/place/defamation clauses partly unread] [English pleaded words:] the said Isabell Raffles called the said Agnes Brande witche and papiste and said to Thomas Brande husband of the said Agnes Brande thy wyfe is a witche [unread clause] [remaining proof formula partly unread]. 3. Item [contracted formula] Quod post praemissa [remaining article, about four lines, alleging acknowledgment before witnesses, partly unread]. 4. Item [contracted formula] Quod [remaining article, about five lines, alleging injury to Brand's good name and possible future damage, partly unread]. 5. Item [contracted formula] Quod dicta Isabella Raffles fuit et est parochiae Sanctae Mariae Beverlacum Ebor diocesis [unread jurisdiction ending]. 6. Item [contracted formula] Quod de et super praemissis omnibus et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama in dicta parochia Sanctae Mariae Beverlacum alijsque locis vicinis Et [contracted ending]. Unde facta fide de praemissis [prayer, approximately seven lines on image 4 and seven on image 5 left, seeking correction and costs, partly unread]. Salvo jure [contracted ending]. Et protestamur [contracted ending].
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 4–5 (Latin and English)
[Latin examination heading referring to commission, official and date: primo Junij 1587; several words unread] Richardus [Willmote; surname altered] villae Beverlacensis in com[itatu] Ebor Bricklayer aetatis suae xxviij annorum testis super positionibus et articulis libelli per partem Agnetis Brand contra Isabellam Raffles exhibiti productus admissus juratus et examinatus et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod Agnetem Brand per decem Annos et ultra Isabellam Raffles per xxj annos bene novit. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and accompted of amongst her neighbours and so fare as this [unread contraction] hath heard she was never detected of any notorious crime Saving as he is to declare after [contracted] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit that on a satterday about three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and [unread word] betwene foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day this [unread contraction] beinge come home to his owne house [unread words] worke to supper and after he had supped he came forth of his house and satt downe att his owne dore and shortly after came by Thomas Brand husband to the articulate Agnes Brand whoe was going towards the [altered place:] [unread] in [unread] Beverley [unread contraction] the said Thomas Brand was going the articulate Isabell Raffles did call upon him and said come hither Thomas come hither I [unread word] speake with you whoe came unto her the articulate Isobell [deleted word] and she said Thomas thy wyfe is a witche and witches doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isabell Raffles then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] his precontest Thomas Brand and an other woman whose name he knoweth not one [name unread, altered] and [unread deleted words] [inserted witness name unread] and no more so fare as this [unread contraction] remembreth Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto et quinto articulis [contracted] non examinatus quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera et de sua fama laborare in locis articulatis Et aliter nescit deponere. Et dicit quod non est doctus instructus aut salariatus neque est consanguineus aut affinis partis eum producentis nec trahit [unread] praevaleat in causa modo fiat justitia. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod vellet dare victoriam parti eum producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium [unread] partis est. Ad quartum respondet quod venit huc ad rogatum et expensas dictae Agnetis Brand et per [unread] produc[unread]. Ad quintum respondet quod nescit deponere quam primo deposuit Savinge that the said [deleted word] Agnes Brand was not there att the speaking of the wordes by him deposed [unread contraction]. Ad sextum refert se [unread clause] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 7–8 (Latin and English)
Thomas Brand villae Beverlacensis in com[itatu] Ebor Taylor aetatis suae xlviij annorum testis ut supra productus admissus juratus et examinatus et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod novit Agnetem Brand ejus uxorem per xxviij [provisional numeral] annos et Isabellam Raffles [contracted] bene novit Et dicit. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and so suche a one is commonly accompted and taken amongst her neighbours and never detected of any notorious crime Saving as he is to depose Et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit that this [unread contraction] havinge occasion to goe to [deleted word, inserted:] a [unread place] wh[ich] he hath in [unread place] Standing or adjoining next in the towne of Beverley and going thither upon a satterday [deleted time clause] [inserted/revised date clause:] about three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and betwene the houres of foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day the articulate Isobell Raffles [inserted words unread] standing att her owne dore and as this [unread contraction] was going by her she called upon him and said come hither Thomas [insertion:] & [unread] [unread words] with you unto whom this [unread contraction] then went her the articulate Isobell Raffles then said hearest thou Thomas thy wyfe is a witche and witches doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isobell Raffles and in the absence of the articulate Agnes Brand then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] Richard [surname unread] [unread] well Willamott and one Dompson a woman his contest and no more to this [unread contraction] remembrance Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere [unread ending]. Super quarto et quinto articulis [deleted words] non examinatus quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera et de sua fama [contracted wording] et aliter nescit deponere Et dicit quod non est doctus instructus aut salariatus in hac causa [deleted words] et quod est maritus istius Agnetis et non [unread] [remaining two lines concerning preference for justice partly unread]. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod vellet dare victoriam parti eum producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium respondet quod est maritus partis eum producentis. Ad quartum respondet [deleted words] that he this [unread contraction] beinge husband to the partie him producing doth beare his [inserted words unread]. Ad quintum respondet [deleted clause] [unread final words]. Ad sextum respondet quod refert se ad dicta et deposita sua supra [deleted words] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; image 8 (Latin and English)
Elena Dompson de Beverley in com[itatu] Ebor singlewoman aetatis suae viginti [duorum; amended numeral] annorum testis ut supra producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod novit Agnetem Brand per x [provisional numeral] annos et Isabellam Raffles per xij [provisional numeral] annos bene novit Et dicit. Super primo et secundo articulis [contracted] dicit that she the [unread contraction] Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and for suche a one is accompted amongst her neighbours so fare as this [unread contraction] hath heard and never detected of any notorious crime Saving that the articulate Isobell Raffles upon a satterday about [deleted numeral] three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and betwene the houres of foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day this [unread contraction] [deleted words] beinge sent by [revised clause:] the articulate [unread name] her aunt Richarde [surname unread] house to the house of Thomas Brand [deleted/insertion words unread] to borowinge a bottle being in the said Thomas Brand [deleted clause] [altered clause about her coming from Brand's house in Beverley] by the dore of the articulate Isobell Raffles then and there [unread] [unread] him and she heard the said Isobell Raffles call the said Thomas Brand and said come hither Thomas come hither hearest thou Thomas thy wyfe [image 9 left:] is a witche and hath bewitched my doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isobell Raffles then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] her contest Thomas Brand Richard [surname unread] the father and the mother of the said Richard [surname unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere [unread ending]. Super quarto et quinto articulis non examinata quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eam sunt vera et de sua fama laborare in locis [contracted] et aliter nescit deponere et [contracted] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata neque est consanguinea aut affinis partis eam producentis nec curat quis praevaleat in causa modo fiat justitia. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod pars eam producens habuit et vellet dare victoriam parti eam producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium [deleted words] satisfactum est. Ad quartum respondet quod venit huc ad rogatum et expensas partis eam producentis Et quod [deleted word] illa [unread] pro [unread] in hac causa. Ad quintum respondet quod nescit deponere quam primo deposuit Savinge that the wordes by her deposed of was spoken in the absence of the articulate Agnes Brand. Ad sextum [deleted wording] refert se ad dicta et deposita sua [deleted words] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 8–9 (Latin and English)
Comparison of sources: Edition references and source inventory
Findings and surviving sources
Primary source edition
Secondary discussion and source comparison
People and documentary events
Uncertainty and limits
Nine saved images represent four catalogued pieces. Six paired units cover answers, interrogatories, libel and three witness examinations with credibility answers. Several legal formulas, names, numeral expansions and overwritten clauses remain partly unread. Image1 is a covered duplicate; image6 is a verso with reference and year, not a judgment. Catalogue Helen Donnyson differs from manuscript Elena Dompson. An absence of a surviving sentence is not proof that Agnes lost.
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Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456; image 2
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456; image 3
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456; images 4–5
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456; images 7–8
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456; image 8
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456; images 8–9
Survival and outcome: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; image 2 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; images 4–5 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; images 7–8 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; image 8 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; images 8–9 | University of York, saved manifest CP.G.2456: Consistory; religious and witchcraft defamation; four pieces; deposition and libel, no sentence; 6 May–1 June 1587. Witnesses Richard Willmot 28, Thomas Brand 48, Helen Donnyson 22.; CP.G.2456; saved manifest metadata
Different reported words: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; image 2 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; images 4–5 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; images 7–8 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; image 8 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; images 8–9
Witness names and numerals: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; images 7–8 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; image 8 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; images 8–9 | University of York, saved manifest CP.G.2456: Consistory; religious and witchcraft defamation; four pieces; deposition and libel, no sentence; 6 May–1 June 1587. Witnesses Richard Willmot 28, Thomas Brand 48, Helen Donnyson 22.; CP.G.2456; saved manifest metadata
Papal pardons and alleged religious connections: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; image 2
Dawson on reputation and community: Amanda Dawson, An Honest Woman: Witchcraft Accusations and the Role of Community in English Ecclesiastical Courts, Intersections 8.1(Spring 2025),pp 9–10; PDF pages 13–14 (zero-based 12–13), especially papal papers and community discussion. Accessed 27 October 2026.; Dawson2025,pp9–10; papal papers and community discussion
About this case and its sources: University of York, saved manifest CP.G.2456: Consistory; religious and witchcraft defamation; four pieces; deposition and libel, no sentence; 6 May–1 June 1587. Witnesses Richard Willmot 28, Thomas Brand 48, Helen Donnyson 22.; CP.G.2456; saved manifest metadata | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; image 2 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; images 4–5 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; images 7–8 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; image 8 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.; CP.G.2456; images 8–9
Evidence: CP.G.2456; images 4–5, CP.G.2456; image 2, CP.G.2456; images 7–8, CP.G.2456; image 8, CP.G.2456; images 8–9
Evidence: CP.G.2456; image 2, CP.G.2456; images 4–5, CP.G.2456; images 7–8, CP.G.2456; image 8, CP.G.2456; images 8–9
Evidence: CP.G.2456; images 7–8
Evidence: CP.G.2456; image 8
Evidence: CP.G.2456; images 8–9
Evidence: CP.G.2456; image 2
Evidence: CP.G.2456; image 2
Evidence: CP.G.2456; image 2
Evidence: CP.G.2456; image 2
Evidence: CP.G.2456; image 2
Evidence: CP.G.2456; images 8–9
Evidence: CP.G.2456; images 8–9
Evidence: CP.G.2456; images 4–5
Evidence: CP.G.2456; images 8–9
Agnes Brand against Isabel Raffles
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence.
https://discover.york.ac.uk/collections/york-cause-papers/?manifest=CP_G_2456&canvas=CP_G_2456_0001
York Cause Papers catalogue CP.G.2456
University of York, saved manifest CP.G.2456: Consistory; religious and witchcraft defamation; four pieces; deposition and libel, no sentence; 6 May–1 June 1587. Witnesses Richard Willmot 28, Thomas Brand 48, Helen Donnyson 22.
https://discover.york.ac.uk/ark:/36941/CP_G_2456/presentation/3/manifest
An Honest Woman: Witchcraft Accusations and the Role of Community in English Ecclesiastical Courts
Amanda Dawson, An Honest Woman: Witchcraft Accusations and the Role of Community in English Ecclesiastical Courts, Intersections 8.1(Spring 2025),pp 9–10; PDF pages 13–14 (zero-based 12–13), especially papal papers and community discussion. Accessed 27 October 2026.
https://cha-shc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Intersections_8.1.pdf
Image Title: CP.G.2456 Court: Consistory Case: Defamation (religious & witchcraft) Details: 4 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; No sentence Date: 6/5/1587 — 1/6/1587 Abstract: Agnes accused Isabel of defaming her in the parish of St Mary in Beverley by calling her ‘witche and papiste.’ Isabel responded by claiming that Agnes had born children in fornication before she was married, and that she was known to favour the Romish religion and ceremonies and also to predict the lifespan of children. Isabel further claimed that Agnes had shown her some parchments that she said had devices painted on them in blood, and which Agnes said were papal pardons. Isabel said that she had called these documents witchcraft and papistry and had warned Agnes that she would be in danger if she believed in them. Isabel further alleged that Agnes had admitted to her that she had attended Mass where it was said in Hemingbrough. Isabel issued interrogatories to be put to Agnes’s witnesses. These witnesses testified to Agnes’s good character, and to having heard Isabel tell Agnes’s husband that she was a witch and a papist. Parties Mentioned: Agnes Brand [Brande], plaintiff, female Isabel Raffles [Raffles; Raffells], defendant, female; widow Witnesses: Richard Willmot [Willmote], witness, male; 28 Thomas Brand [Brand], witness, male; 48; husband of Agnes Brand Helen Donnyson [Donnyson], witness, female; 22; singlewoman Places: York Castle (York, The Castle (Yorkshire)) - undefined Hemingbrough (Hemingbrough (YorkshireEastRiding)) - ecclesiastical parish Howden (Howden (YorkshireEastRiding)) - ecclesiastical parish Newbegin (Beverley, St John (YorkshireEastRiding)) - undefined
York Cause Papers catalogue CP.G.2456, n.d., University of York, saved manifest CP.G.2456: Consistory; religious and witchcraft defamation; four pieces; deposition and libel, no sentence; 6 May–1 June 1587. Witnesses Richard Willmot 28, Thomas Brand 48, Helen Donnyson 22., CP.G.2456; saved manifest metadata · context
To article 1 Raffles qualifies her admission of Brand's reputation with allegations about children before marriage and sympathy for Catholic ceremonies. [Several words and clauses remain unread; these allegations cannot yet be fully translated or converted into biographical assertions.] To article 2 she describes an encounter between Michaelmas and Martinmas 1586 at her house door in St Mary's parish, Beverley. Brand allegedly showed two pieces of parchment with an image or other Catholic device written or painted in blood [precise imagery and contractions uncertain] to Raffles, her daughter and others, describing them as papal pardons from Rome sent through a relative imprisoned in York Castle for religion. Raffles says she called the objects witchcraft and papistry and warned Brand about believing in them. The answer also refers to Mass at Hemingbrough and a missed visit at Howden fair time [place and intervening words provisional]. [Names, the precise warning and several clauses remain unread.] She says she subsequently reported the matter to authorities for her own discharge. To article 3 she denies the position except that she told Brand's words to Beverley's mayor and St Mary's vicar. She admits articles 4 and 5 and believes what is believed and denies what is denied in article 6.
Brand pleads an honest reputation. The libel places the alleged slander in September, October, November, December or January within its stated 1586 dating formula [precise year application requires review]. It alleges that Raffles called Brand a witch and papist and said to her husband Thomas that his wife was a witch [additional insult unresolved]. It pleads acknowledgment, injury to reputation, jurisdiction in St Mary Beverley and public fame, and seeks correction and costs. [The detailed Latin opening, articles and prayer remain partly unread; this is a contextual rendering, not a complete translation.]
The witness, Richard [Willmote; surname altered; catalogue Willmot], a Beverley bricklayer, aged twenty-eight, has known Agnes ten years and Raffles twenty-one years. The examination heading dates the proceedings 1 June 1587 [full commissioning formula unread]. He considers Agnes honest and reputable, never accused of notorious crime except as he will describe. On a Saturday about three weeks or a fortnight before last Christmas, between four and five in the afternoon, he came home from work, ate supper and sat at his door. Thomas Brand passed toward [destination altered and unread]. Raffles called Thomas over and said his wife was a witch and a witch's daughter. These words were spoken at Raffles' door in the presence of the witness, Thomas and other persons whose names/alterations are not yet fully read. He knows nothing further to article 3 beyond his prior deposition. Articles 4 and 5 are admitted and not examined. He affirms his evidence and answers credibility questions [some contractions unresolved]. In answer to the interrogatories he favours the producing party, came at Agnes' request and expense, and expressly says Agnes was absent when the words were spoken. [Kinship and remaining answers partly unread.]
Thomas Brand of Beverley, tailor, aged forty-eight, is Agnes' husband. He appears to give twenty-eight years’ acquaintance with Agnes [numeral provisional]; his other acquaintance duration remains partly uncertain. He describes her as honest and reputable except for what he is about to relate. On a Saturday about three weeks or a fortnight before Christmas, between four and five, he was passing Raffles' door on an errand [destination altered and unread]. She called him over and said, 'hearest thou Thomas, thy wife is a witch and witch's daughter.' Agnes was absent. Richard, [Williamott name uncertain], and a woman Dompson were among those present [full name alterations unresolved]. He knows nothing further to article 3; articles 4 and 5 are admitted. He confirms the evidence, identifies himself as the producing party's husband, favours her success and bears his own expenses [the altered exact wording remains partly unread]. He refers to his deposition for remaining questions.
Elena Dompson [catalogue Helen Donnyson] of Beverley, singlewoman, aged twenty-two [amended numeral; catalogue agrees], with acquaintance durations provisionally ten and twelve years respectively, likewise describes Agnes as honest and reputable, except for the present allegation. On the same broadly dated Saturday afternoon she was sent on an errand to borrow a bottle [the revised account of whose house and aunt remains partly unread]. Passing Raffles' door, she heard Raffles call Thomas Brand: 'come hither Thomas ... thy wife is a witch and hath bewitched my daughter.' Thomas, Richard and Richard's father and mother were present, according to her account. She knows nothing further to article 3; articles 4 and 5 admitted. She affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions, favours the producing party, came at her request and expense, and says Agnes was absent. [The precise altered clauses and family names remain unresolved.]
Sexto Maij 1587. Responsiones personales Isabellae Raffles positionibus et articulis per partem Agnetis Brande contra eam exhibitis. Ad primam positionem respondendo credit that Agnes Brande [contracted verb: had?] one or two children in fornication before she was married and that shewed her selfe a liker and favourer of popishe ceremonies and will have and often speake wordes as if she could tell howe longe children should live and what fortune they should have and especiallie she hath said that if [name unread] would [unread] to [unread place] [insertion and remaining clause concerning Masses and revenge partly unread] Et aliter credit positionem esse veram. Ad secundam positionem respondendo credit that betwene Michaelmas and Martinmas last past 1586 the said Agnes Brande at this respondents house dore in Saint Maries parish in Beverley of her owne accord shewed unto this respondent doughter and her selfe and divers others then and there present two peeces of parchment thone having [an image?] and the other some other popishe devise written or painted upon them with blood [contracted words] she said came from Rome and were popes pardons and that she had them sent from a sister and [kinsman?] of hers which were in prison in York castell for religion by one [name unread] [unread clause] from them in [unread] woodes Whereupon this respondent said they were witchcraftes and papistrie and if you believe in them you will be in Longleys [unread word] quoth she and to them that be in Hemingbroughe [partly unread clause] where masse is said [unread] a place [partly unread clause concerning Longley] and [unread] she said she had bene divers tymes her selfe and that she should goe some att [unread: terme?] [Howden?] faire tyme last but that she would not lose her supper Whereof this respondent willed her to take heede and use no more suche fashions which then made this respondent doe utter to the [unread office/name] for her discharge [remaining line partly unread]. Ad tertiam credit eandem non esse veram Saving that for her discharge she hath tolde the said speaches of the said Agnes to the Maior of Beverley and the vicar of Saint Maries. Ad quartam credit eandem esse veram. Ad quintam credit eandem esse veram. Ad sextam credit de creditis et negat de negatis.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; image 2 (Latin and English)
In dei nomine amen. Coram [partly unread judicial style] [approximately seven contracted preliminary lines: proctor for Agnes Brand against Isabel Raffles, St Mary Beverley; not fully read]. [Margin:] Swinburn[e]. 1. Imprimis [contracted formula] Quod dicta Agnes Brand fuit et est mulier honesta [contracted good-reputation clause, approximately five lines, partly unread]. 2. Item [contracted formula] Quod praemissis non obstantibus dicta Isabella Raffles [contracted words] mensibus Septembris Octobris Novembris Decembris et Januarij Anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo octogesimo sexto [remaining Latin month/place/defamation clauses partly unread] [English pleaded words:] the said Isabell Raffles called the said Agnes Brande witche and papiste and said to Thomas Brande husband of the said Agnes Brande thy wyfe is a witche [unread clause] [remaining proof formula partly unread]. 3. Item [contracted formula] Quod post praemissa [remaining article, about four lines, alleging acknowledgment before witnesses, partly unread]. 4. Item [contracted formula] Quod [remaining article, about five lines, alleging injury to Brand's good name and possible future damage, partly unread]. 5. Item [contracted formula] Quod dicta Isabella Raffles fuit et est parochiae Sanctae Mariae Beverlacum Ebor diocesis [unread jurisdiction ending]. 6. Item [contracted formula] Quod de et super praemissis omnibus et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama in dicta parochia Sanctae Mariae Beverlacum alijsque locis vicinis Et [contracted ending]. Unde facta fide de praemissis [prayer, approximately seven lines on image 4 and seven on image 5 left, seeking correction and costs, partly unread]. Salvo jure [contracted ending]. Et protestamur [contracted ending].
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 4–5 (Latin and English)
[Latin examination heading referring to commission, official and date: primo Junij 1587; several words unread] Richardus [Willmote; surname altered] villae Beverlacensis in com[itatu] Ebor Bricklayer aetatis suae xxviij annorum testis super positionibus et articulis libelli per partem Agnetis Brand contra Isabellam Raffles exhibiti productus admissus juratus et examinatus et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod Agnetem Brand per decem Annos et ultra Isabellam Raffles per xxj annos bene novit. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and accompted of amongst her neighbours and so fare as this [unread contraction] hath heard she was never detected of any notorious crime Saving as he is to declare after [contracted] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit that on a satterday about three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and [unread word] betwene foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day this [unread contraction] beinge come home to his owne house [unread words] worke to supper and after he had supped he came forth of his house and satt downe att his owne dore and shortly after came by Thomas Brand husband to the articulate Agnes Brand whoe was going towards the [altered place:] [unread] in [unread] Beverley [unread contraction] the said Thomas Brand was going the articulate Isabell Raffles did call upon him and said come hither Thomas come hither I [unread word] speake with you whoe came unto her the articulate Isobell [deleted word] and she said Thomas thy wyfe is a witche and witches doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isabell Raffles then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] his precontest Thomas Brand and an other woman whose name he knoweth not one [name unread, altered] and [unread deleted words] [inserted witness name unread] and no more so fare as this [unread contraction] remembreth Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto et quinto articulis [contracted] non examinatus quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera et de sua fama laborare in locis articulatis Et aliter nescit deponere. Et dicit quod non est doctus instructus aut salariatus neque est consanguineus aut affinis partis eum producentis nec trahit [unread] praevaleat in causa modo fiat justitia. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod vellet dare victoriam parti eum producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium [unread] partis est. Ad quartum respondet quod venit huc ad rogatum et expensas dictae Agnetis Brand et per [unread] produc[unread]. Ad quintum respondet quod nescit deponere quam primo deposuit Savinge that the said [deleted word] Agnes Brand was not there att the speaking of the wordes by him deposed [unread contraction]. Ad sextum refert se [unread clause] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 7–8 (Latin and English)
Thomas Brand villae Beverlacensis in com[itatu] Ebor Taylor aetatis suae xlviij annorum testis ut supra productus admissus juratus et examinatus et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod novit Agnetem Brand ejus uxorem per xxviij [provisional numeral] annos et Isabellam Raffles [contracted] bene novit Et dicit. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and so suche a one is commonly accompted and taken amongst her neighbours and never detected of any notorious crime Saving as he is to depose Et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit that this [unread contraction] havinge occasion to goe to [deleted word, inserted:] a [unread place] wh[ich] he hath in [unread place] Standing or adjoining next in the towne of Beverley and going thither upon a satterday [deleted time clause] [inserted/revised date clause:] about three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and betwene the houres of foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day the articulate Isobell Raffles [inserted words unread] standing att her owne dore and as this [unread contraction] was going by her she called upon him and said come hither Thomas [insertion:] & [unread] [unread words] with you unto whom this [unread contraction] then went her the articulate Isobell Raffles then said hearest thou Thomas thy wyfe is a witche and witches doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isobell Raffles and in the absence of the articulate Agnes Brand then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] Richard [surname unread] [unread] well Willamott and one Dompson a woman his contest and no more to this [unread contraction] remembrance Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere [unread ending]. Super quarto et quinto articulis [deleted words] non examinatus quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera et de sua fama [contracted wording] et aliter nescit deponere Et dicit quod non est doctus instructus aut salariatus in hac causa [deleted words] et quod est maritus istius Agnetis et non [unread] [remaining two lines concerning preference for justice partly unread]. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod vellet dare victoriam parti eum producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium respondet quod est maritus partis eum producentis. Ad quartum respondet [deleted words] that he this [unread contraction] beinge husband to the partie him producing doth beare his [inserted words unread]. Ad quintum respondet [deleted clause] [unread final words]. Ad sextum respondet quod refert se ad dicta et deposita sua supra [deleted words] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; image 8 (Latin and English)
Elena Dompson de Beverley in com[itatu] Ebor singlewoman aetatis suae viginti [duorum; amended numeral] annorum testis ut supra producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod novit Agnetem Brand per x [provisional numeral] annos et Isabellam Raffles per xij [provisional numeral] annos bene novit Et dicit. Super primo et secundo articulis [contracted] dicit that she the [unread contraction] Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and for suche a one is accompted amongst her neighbours so fare as this [unread contraction] hath heard and never detected of any notorious crime Saving that the articulate Isobell Raffles upon a satterday about [deleted numeral] three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and betwene the houres of foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day this [unread contraction] [deleted words] beinge sent by [revised clause:] the articulate [unread name] her aunt Richarde [surname unread] house to the house of Thomas Brand [deleted/insertion words unread] to borowinge a bottle being in the said Thomas Brand [deleted clause] [altered clause about her coming from Brand's house in Beverley] by the dore of the articulate Isobell Raffles then and there [unread] [unread] him and she heard the said Isobell Raffles call the said Thomas Brand and said come hither Thomas come hither hearest thou Thomas thy wyfe [image 9 left:] is a witche and hath bewitched my doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isobell Raffles then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] her contest Thomas Brand Richard [surname unread] the father and the mother of the said Richard [surname unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere [unread ending]. Super quarto et quinto articulis non examinata quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eam sunt vera et de sua fama laborare in locis [contracted] et aliter nescit deponere et [contracted] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata neque est consanguinea aut affinis partis eam producentis nec curat quis praevaleat in causa modo fiat justitia. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod pars eam producens habuit et vellet dare victoriam parti eam producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium [deleted words] satisfactum est. Ad quartum respondet quod venit huc ad rogatum et expensas partis eam producentis Et quod [deleted word] illa [unread] pro [unread] in hac causa. Ad quintum respondet quod nescit deponere quam primo deposuit Savinge that the wordes by her deposed of was spoken in the absence of the articulate Agnes Brand. Ad sextum [deleted wording] refert se ad dicta et deposita sua [deleted words] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456; images 8–9 (Latin and English)
Comparison of sources: Adverse allegations and conflicting formulations
Raffles’s birth, religious and predictive-speech allegations remain attributed. Recovered article 1 clauses are rendered separately, with gaps intact. Elena’s bewitching-my-daughter formulation differs from the witch’s-daughter wording of other accounts. No mother is inferred, and no cunning occupation, client service or fulfilled prediction is established.
In her answer to article one, Isabel Raffles alleges that Agnes Brand [had?] one or two children in fornication before marriage, showed herself a supporter of Catholic ceremonies, and often spoke as if she could tell how long children would live and what fortune they would have. The contracted verb before the children allegation remains uncertain. The following particular prediction, names, places and altered clause concerning Masses/revenge remain unread; no fulfilled prediction or magical service is established.
Elena Dompson [catalogue Helen Donnyson] of Beverley, singlewoman, aged twenty-two [amended numeral; catalogue agrees], with acquaintance durations provisionally ten and twelve years respectively, likewise describes Agnes as honest and reputable, except for the present allegation. On the same broadly dated Saturday afternoon she was sent on an errand to borrow a bottle [the revised account of whose house and aunt remains partly unread]. Passing Raffles' door, she heard Raffles call Thomas Brand: 'come hither Thomas ... thy wife is a witch and hath bewitched my daughter.' Thomas, Richard and Richard's father and mother were present, according to her account. She knows nothing further to article 3; articles 4 and 5 admitted. She affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions, favours the producing party, came at her request and expense, and says Agnes was absent. [The precise altered clauses and family names remain unresolved.]
Ad primam positionem respondendo credit that Agnes Brande [contracted verb: had?] one or two children in fornication before she was married and that shewed her selfe a liker and favourer of popishe ceremonies and will have and often speake wordes as if she could tell howe longe children should live and what fortune they should have and especiallie she hath said that if [name unread] would [unread] to [unread place] [insertion and remaining clause concerning Masses and revenge partly unread] Et aliter credit positionem esse veram.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456 image2 article1 (Latin and English)
Elena Dompson de Beverley in com[itatu] Ebor singlewoman aetatis suae viginti [duorum; amended numeral] annorum testis ut supra producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium [contracted] dicit quod novit Agnetem Brand per x [provisional numeral] annos et Isabellam Raffles per xij [provisional numeral] annos bene novit Et dicit. Super primo et secundo articulis [contracted] dicit that she the [unread contraction] Agnes Brand was and is an honest woman of good lyfe and conversation and for suche a one is accompted amongst her neighbours so fare as this [unread contraction] hath heard and never detected of any notorious crime Saving that the articulate Isobell Raffles upon a satterday about [deleted numeral] three weekes or a fortnight before Christmas last past and betwene the houres of foure and five of the clocke in the after noone the same day this [unread contraction] [deleted words] beinge sent by [revised clause:] the articulate [unread name] her aunt Richarde [surname unread] house to the house of Thomas Brand [deleted/insertion words unread] to borowinge a bottle being in the said Thomas Brand [deleted clause] [altered clause about her coming from Brand's house in Beverley] by the dore of the articulate Isobell Raffles then and there [unread] [unread] him and she heard the said Isobell Raffles call the said Thomas Brand and said come hither Thomas come hither hearest thou Thomas thy wyfe [image 9 left:] is a witche and hath bewitched my doughter which wordes were spoken att the dore of the said Isobell Raffles then and there beinge present this [unread contraction] her contest Thomas Brand Richard [surname unread] the father and the mother of the said Richard [surname unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere [unread ending]. Super quarto et quinto articulis non examinata quia pars fatetur eadem esse vera. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod praedeposita per eam sunt vera et de sua fama laborare in locis [contracted] et aliter nescit deponere et [contracted] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata neque est consanguinea aut affinis partis eam producentis nec curat quis praevaleat in causa modo fiat justitia. Ad inter[rogatoria]. Ad primum satisfactum est. Ad secundum respondet quod pars eam producens habuit et vellet dare victoriam parti eam producenti si in sua esset potestate. Ad tertium [deleted words] satisfactum est. Ad quartum respondet quod venit huc ad rogatum et expensas partis eam producentis Et quod [deleted word] illa [unread] pro [unread] in hac causa. Ad quintum respondet quod nescit deponere quam primo deposuit Savinge that the wordes by her deposed of was spoken in the absence of the articulate Agnes Brand. Ad sextum [deleted wording] refert se ad dicta et deposita sua [deleted words] et aliter nescit deponere.
CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456, CP.G.2456 Elena deposition (Latin and English)
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The full English-first reading-edition body is supplied in the linked edition source’s full_text field. Original texts, English renderings, citations, uncertainty and source-layer distinctions are retained. This source is the project reading edition, not a newly recovered primary manuscript. Database storage does not by itself certify publication.
Brand–Raffles · reading edition, Witching reading edition; prepared 2026-10-28; edition version 1.1; reading identifier brand_raffles-reading-v1. · context
People
- Agnes Brand: Plaintiff and Thomas’s wife.
- Elena Dompson: Singlewoman aged 22; manuscript Elena Dompson, catalogue Helen Donnyson.
- Isabel Raffles: Defendant, catalogue widow.
- Mayor of Beverley: Mayor of Beverley, unnamed recipient of Raffles’s alleged report.
- Richard Willmote: Beverley bricklayer aged 28.
- Swinburne: Marginal Swinburne subscription on the libel, with final letter provisionally expanded.
- Thomas Brand: Beverley tailor aged 48, Agnes’s husband.
- Unnamed daughter of Isabel Raffles: Daughter mentioned in Raffles’s account of the parchment encounter.
- Unnamed daughter of Isabel Raffles in the bewitching allegation: Daughter named by relationship in the reported bewitching allegation.
- Unnamed father of Richard Willmote: Richard’s unnamed father, reported present in Elena’s account; no independent deposition supplied.
- Unnamed mother of Richard Willmote: Richard’s unnamed mother, reported present in Elena’s account; no independent deposition supplied.
- Unnamed relative of Agnes Brand: Unnamed relative in the same imprisonment account; precise kinship word remains uncertain.
- Unnamed sister of Agnes Brand: Unnamed sister reportedly imprisoned at York Castle for religion in Raffles’s account of the pardons.
- Vicar of St Mary’s Beverley: Vicar of St Mary’s Beverley, unnamed recipient of Raffles’s alleged report.
Events
- Raffles alleges that Agnes Brand spoke as if she could predict children’s lifespans and fortunes. The particular prediction remains partly unread; no fulfilled prophecy, magical service, fee or practitioner occupation is established.
- Elena Dompson reports Raffles telling Thomas Brand that Agnes was a witch and had bewitched Raffles’s daughter. Other witnesses report a witch’s-daughter insult instead; these formulations are not silently combined. No illness, injury, death or actual bewitchment is established.
- Raffles alleges that Agnes Brand showed pieces of parchment described as papal pardons from Rome, with imagery or a device written or painted in blood. Raffles says she called them witchcraft and papistry. This preserves the adverse description and claimed objects; no magical operation, authentication of the parchments or verified blood material is established.
- 1587: Libel alleges witch and papist insults, including words to Thomas about his wife, within alternative months September through January under a 1586 dating formula. Precise year application remains qualified. It seeks correction and costs.
- 1587-05-06: On 6 May 1587 Raffles answers with allegations about children before marriage, Catholic sympathies, predictive speech and parchments called papal pardons. Her reported recourse to mayor and vicar is not an independent conviction or finding. Papal pardon objects are not royal pardons. Raffles also attributes to Brand a report that her sister and another relative were imprisoned at York Castle for religion. Their imprisonment and the claimed origin of the objects are not independently verified. The reported imprisonment concerns unnamed relatives said to be held at York Castle for religion; this does not establish Agnes or Isabel was imprisoned. (a documentary entry)
- 1587-06-01: Examinations dated 1 June 1587 record reputation testimony and recollections of speech at Raffles’s door. Richard and Thomas report witch and witch’s daughter; Elena reports witch and hath bewitched my daughter. Interrogatories test partiality, kinship, expenses and observation. Their differing formulations are retained.
Sources
- CP.G.2456 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2456: answers image 2; interrogatories 3; libel 4–5; examinations 7–9. Covered duplicate 1 and verso 6 also inspected. Nine images, four catalogued pieces; no sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2456 (court record)
- York Cause Papers catalogue CP.G.2456, n.d., University of York, saved manifest CP.G.2456: Consistory; religious and witchcraft defamation; four pieces; deposition and libel, no sentence; 6 May–1 June 1587. Witnesses Richard Willmot 28, Thomas Brand 48, Helen Donnyson 22. (catalogue)
- Amanda Dawson, An Honest Woman: Witchcraft Accusations and the Role of Community in English Ecclesiastical Courts, vol. 8.1, 2025, Amanda Dawson, An Honest Woman: Witchcraft Accusations and the Role of Community in English Ecclesiastical Courts, Intersections 8.1(Spring 2025),pp 9–10; PDF pages 13–14 (zero-based 12–13), especially papal papers and community discussion. Accessed 27 October 2026. (scholarship) (later scholarship)
- Brand–Raffles · reading edition, Witching reading edition; prepared 2026-10-28; edition version 1.1; reading identifier brand_raffles-reading-v1. (edition)
Credit
Witches in Early Modern England research edition. Human editorial and review credits await confirmation.