Grace Rayner and John Charlesworth senior

Proceedings were promoted through the judge’s office at Grace Rayner’s instance against John Charlesworth senior of Birstall. The articles alleged he called her a whore and witch and attributed a fall and broken ribs to her witchcraft. His answers declined to answer the criminal propositions. Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith described defamatory speech. On 29 March 1683 Henry Watkinson found Grace’s case proved and ordered ecclesiastical correction, reclamation or reformation of the words, and costs, reserving assessment. No performed penance or payment is established. This is distinct from the junior Charlesworth cause CP.H.4978A.

Scope

All independent text in eight saved images represented in six paired units, with gaps retained, cited contextual discussion and documentary distinctions. No missing performance or payment record reconstructed.

Editorial conventions

Expanded provisional transcription retaining source spelling, brackets for expansions and uncertain readings, and explicit descriptions of unread or cancelled writing. Such descriptions are gaps, not recovered text. English precedes each original. Paragraphs follow documentary clauses; physical line mapping is not certified. Image numbers are not folios. January 1682 as written is retained alongside 1682/3 under the English legal year beginning 25 March. No unrecorded performance of sentence or payment is inferred.

Notes on the edition

Comparison of sources: Source scope and outcome

Eight saved repository images represent four catalogued pieces, including sentence, articles, answers and two depositions. Pale articles, legal contractions and altered witness-presence wording remain incomplete. Manuscript John differs from catalogue Jonathan; Timothy Askwith corresponds to catalogue Asquith [Askwith]. The cover’s later 1681 annotation is not adopted as the incident date. Alleged injury remains attributed speech rather than independently established medical evidence. Sentence proves the defamation finding, not witchcraft or execution of its orders.

In the name of God, Amen. Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, vicar general in spiritual matters and principal official of Richard, by divine providence Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan, has heard, seen, understood and fully and maturely considered the merits and circumstances of a cause of correction concerning scandalous and injurious words allegedly uttered by John Charlesworth senior of Birstall against Grace Rayner contrary to charity and Christianity. It is pending between Grace, the promoting party, and John, the party proceeded against. Articles were exhibited and copies delivered, and are treated as read and inserted. The legal requirements have been observed. [One title phrase and an appointment word remain uncertain.] The parties appear through their respective proctors, John Preston for Grace and Robert Squire for John Charlesworth, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal, and request sentence and justice. After reviewing the whole proceedings, invoking the Holy Spirit, deliberating maturely and consulting legal experts, the judge proceeds to his definitive sentence. From the acts, proceedings and matters advanced, exhibited, narrated, alleged, proved and confessed, he finds that Grace has sufficiently and fully established and proved the case advanced in her articles. Nothing contrary has been alleged or proved to defeat or weaken it. He therefore pronounces that John Charlesworth senior maliciously defamed Grace by repeatedly uttering the insulting and defamatory words pleaded, harming her standing and good reputation contrary to good morals and the rule of charity, as established by the evidence in this cause. He declares that Charlesworth is to be ecclesiastically corrected and punished and compelled to make reclamation and reformation of the utterance of those words [the exact final Latin noun is uncertain]. He condemns Charlesworth in Grace's expenses incurred and to be incurred and orders effective payment. This is his definitive sentence or final decree, delivered in writing; assessment of the expenses is reserved to him or another competent judge. Henry Squire. 29 March 1683. Read and delivered by us, Henry Watkinson.

CP.H.4978 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.H.4978, CP.H.4978; images 2–3

The proceeding is promoted through the judge's office at Grace Rayner's instance against John Charlesworth of Birstall. [The pale contracted opening is not fully recovered and cannot receive a complete word-for-word translation.] 1. The first article pleads the canon-law obligation of those who maliciously utter insulting, scandalous or defamatory words harming someone's standing and good reputation: they are to be corrected and punished and compelled to abstain from such speech in future. [Specific pale words and the final reservation remain unread; this is a contextual rendering of the surviving reading, not a substitute original transcript.] 2. The second pleads a provincial constitution concerning malicious imputation of crime and defamation among respectable people, with major excommunication among the pleaded consequences. [Several clauses of its text remain unread; the precise canon and conditions are not identified or reconstructed.] Its form is reserved to what is proved in the cause. 3. Grace is pleaded to be an honest woman, of good reputation and conduct, unstained by notorious crime, subject to the subsequent allegations, and publicly regarded as such in Birstall and neighbouring places. [Pale connecting wording is incomplete.] 4. Charlesworth senior is alleged, in the months April to September 1682 and the related times pleaded, within Birstall parish or nearby, maliciously to have defamed Grace. The English charge says he called her a whore and a witch and claimed that through her witchcraft she threw him down in a small wood in Liversedge and broke two ribs in his side. The exact time, manner and wording are reserved to proof. 5. He is alleged to have confessed and acknowledged speaking those words before trustworthy witnesses, both in Grace's presence and outside it, repeatedly or at least once. 6. The words are alleged unlawfully and grievously to have harmed Grace's standing, good reputation and estimation among respectable people, with further harm likely. 7. Charlesworth is alleged to be of Birstall parish in the diocese of York and subject to the court's jurisdiction. 8. Public report and reputation about the matters existed and exist in Birstall and nearby places. The prayer seeks ecclesiastical correction and punishment, costs and effective payment. It includes a reservation concerning proving the allegations and preservation of legal rights. [The pale final formula lines remain partly unread and are not presented as a complete literal translation.] Saving rights, etc.; the party protests, etc.

19 November 1682. Recognised before Henry Watkinson. [Catalogue range begins 17 November; this is a separate metadata date.] John Charlesworth senior answers the libel presented on Grace Rayner's behalf. To the first article, he refers himself to the canonical provisions pleaded, if such exist, and otherwise does not believe it true. To the second, he refers himself to the pleaded provincial constitution, if it exists, and otherwise does not believe the matters true. To the third, he does not believe it true. To the fourth and fifth, he says he is not legally bound to answer because they are criminal propositions [a short contracted connecting phrase remains unread]. To the sixth, he does not believe it true. To the seventh, he believes it true. To the eighth, he believes what he has admitted and denies what he has denied. [William?] Savile. John Charlesworth.

10 January 1682, as written [1682/3 when the English legal year began on 25 March; the documentary year is retained]. Repeated or confirmed before Henry Watkinson. Thomas Brooke of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, a clothier approximately 40 years old, produced, admitted, sworn and examined on Grace's articles against Charlesworth senior. He has known Grace for sixteen years and Charlesworth for thirty. “Eliza” was first written and cancelled before Rayner's name. On the fourth article, he says that in both May and July he heard Charlesworth, on several occasions at Cleckheaton, call Grace a whore and a witch and say she threw him down in a little wood near Liversedge and broke two ribs. [The altered witness-presence insertion is partly unread; Timothy Askwith is readable; an inserted reference to Richard [surname unresolved] remains tentative. The whole witness list is not certified.] He knows nothing further to depose. On the fifth, he says that in the week before this examination he heard Charlesworth call Grace a whore, witch and thief and say he could prove her so; he has heard him repeat the words on other occasions. He knows nothing further to depose. On the sixth, he knows nothing to depose. He was not examined on the remaining articles and affirms the truth of his evidence, etc. Thomas Brooke.

Timothy Askwith of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, approximately 26 years old, produced, admitted, sworn and examined as above, says he has known Grace and Charlesworth for ten years. On the fourth article, he says that around May or June of the previous year, as nearly as he remembers, he was with Charlesworth senior at Margaret Willey's house in Cleckheaton. Charlesworth spoke of Grace Rayner and said she was a whore and a witch. Only the witness and household members going about their business were present. He knows nothing further to depose. On the fifth, he knows nothing to depose. On the sixth, he says that the words greatly harmed Grace's good name and reputation and diminished her credit among her neighbours. He knows nothing further to depose, etc. Timothy Askwith's mark.

Image Title: CP.H.4978 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (sexual slander / witchcraft) Details: 4 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; Has sentence Outcome: plaintiff won Date: 17/11/1682 — 29/3/1683 Parties Mentioned: Office, plaintiff, undefined Jonathan Charlesworth [Charlesworth], defendant, male; senior Other individuals: Grace Rayner [Rayner], promoting parties, female; widow John Preston [Preston], prosecution proctor, male Robert Squire [Squire], defence proctor, male Witnesses: Thomas Brook [Brooke], witness, male; 40 Timothy Asquith [Askwith], witness, male; 26 Places: Liversedge (Birstall (YorkshireWestRiding)) - undefined

York Cause Papers catalogue CP.H.4978, n.d., Saved repository manifest CP.H.4978: four pieces; deposition, libel and sentence; plaintiff won; 17 November 1682–29 March 1683. Court field undefined; Office plaintiff, Grace promoting party, Jonathan Charlesworth senior defendant., CP.H.4978; saved manifest metadata · context

In dei nomine Amen Auditis visis intellectis et plenarie et mature discussis per Nos Henricum Watkinson legum Doctorem Reverend[issimi] in Christo patris et Domini Domini Richardi providentia divina Ebor[acensis] Archiepiscopi Angliae Primatis et Metropolitani Vicarium in Spiritualibus generalem et Officialem principalem [unread contracted phrase] Meritis et Circumstantiis hujusmodi Causae sive Negotii Correctionis sive prolationis quorundam verborum scandalosorum et injuriosorum per Johannem Charlesworth seniorem parochiae de Birstall dioc[eseos] Ebor[acensis] in et contra Gratiam Rayner eandem contra Regulam Charitatis et Christianitatis Quae sive quod coram nobis in judicio inter praefatam Gratiam Rayner partem promoventem ex una et dictum Johannem Charlesworth partem promotam ex altera nuper vertebatur vertiturque adhuc et pendet indecis[um], oblatisque Articulis per dictam partem promoventem tum copia eorundem parti promotae tradit[a] sic incipien[te] In Dei nomine Amen nos &c. Quos quidem Articulos pro hic lectis et insertis habemus et haberi volumus, Observatisque omnibus et singulis de jure in hac parte observandis, Terminoque ad audiendam Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa sive negotio perendie [reading uncertain] per nos judicialiter assignato, ac ipso Termino adveniente, partibusque praedictis, promovente vid[elicet] per magistrum Johannem Preston promota vero per magistrum Robertum Squire Notarios Publicos eorum respectivos procuratores coram nobis in dicta Curia Judicialiter pro Tribunali publice sedentibus comparentibus ac Sententiam per nos ferri et justitiam fieri instanter postulantibus. Ruminatoque primitus per nos toto et integro processu in hujusmodi Causa sive negotio habito et facto et diligenter recensito Invocata etiam Spiritus Sancti gratia maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum Consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus in hac parte communicavimus ad Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa sive Negotio ferendam prolatamque [unread contraction] duximus procedendum fore et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum In dei nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita exhibita narrata allegata probata pariter et confessata in hac Causa memorata comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem promoventem intentionem suam in dictis Articulis suis in hac Causa datis [Image 3 left] et exhibitis deductam et propositam sufficienter et ad plenum fundasse pariter et probasse, Nihilque in contrarium allegatum aut probatum fuisse aut esse quod intentionem dictae partis promoventis elideret seu quomodolibet enervaret; Idcirco Nos Henricus Watkinson legum Doctor Judex antedictus praefatum Johannem Charlesworth sic malitiose diffamasse dictam Gratiam Rayner, ac nonnulla verba convitiosa vituperiosa scandalosa et diffamatoria in hac Causa libellata ad infamiam laesionem denigrationem sive diminutionem status et bonae famae dictae Gratiae Rayner, contra bonos mores et fraternam regulam Charitatis regularum et juris exigentiam saepius protulisse et praedicasse juxta probationes [unread contraction] in hac Causa habitas et factas pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus praefatumque Johannem Charlesworth Seniorem pro tanto temeritatis suae excessu in praemissis et ea committendo Ecclesiastice corrigendum et puniendum fore, ac ad Reclamationem et Reformationem dictorum verborum diffamatoriorum Emissionis [reading requires collation] cogendum et compellendum fore pronunciamus etiam decernimus et declaramus; Eundemque Johannem Charlesworth in Expensis Litis ex parte et per partem dictae Gratiae Rayner in hac Causa factis et fiendis condemnamus condemnatumque ad debitam solutionem earundem parti dictae Gratiae Rayner efficaciter cogendum et compellendum fore pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale decretum quam sive quod ferimus et promulgamus in hiis scriptis; Taxationem vero hujusmodi Expensarum nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte competenti [unread contraction] reservantes et reservamus etiam in hiis scriptis. Hen: Squire. 29no die Martij 1683. Lecta et lata per nos Hen: Watkinson. [Image 3 right blank.]

[Margin] Hen: Squire. In dei nomine Amen [contracted official/judicial introduction, approximately four pale lines, partly read: Richardi ... Eboracensi Archiepiscopi Angliae Primatis et Metropolitani ... in Spiritualibus generalis et Officialis principalis ...] dicit Johann[es] Charlesworth de parochia de Birstall Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] [unread connecting words] omnia et singula infrascripta in eorum [unread] saltem ex amore [or another reading; uncertain] reformationem per officium [unread] promoventem Gratiam Rayner [unread] [pale connecting phrase] in Scriptis [unread] ad [unread] suo corporali. 1. Imprimis dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod omnes et singuli qui convitia vituperia verbaque contumeliosa scandalosa et diffamatoria ad infamiam seu diminutionem status et bonae famae alicujus personae honestatis [unread] malitiose ex causa [unread] et contra bonos mores et Charitatis Regulam de aliquo dicunt proferunt praedicant seu quoquomodo in lucem edunt unde ejus bona fama et opinio in aliquo laedatur vel gravetur fuerunt juxta juris exigentiam canonice corrigendi et puniendi et ut ab hujusmodi verborum prolatione in posterum abstineant per canonicas Sanctiones [unread] coercendi et compellendi [unread reservation of mode and form to what is proved] conjunctim divisim et de quolibet. 2. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod fuit et est quaedam constitutio provincialis [unread] [article pleads its text, with pale contracted clauses not securely recovered] in qua quidem Constitutione continetur et habetur quod omnes et singuli qui gratia odii [unread] aut alia quacunque de causa crimen alicui malitiose imponunt unde apud bonos et graves diffamatur [unread] majoris excom[municationis] [unread] Et ponitur de tali et tanto modo et forma Constitutionis provincialis praedictae quod et quantum in eventu hujus litis probabitur conjunctim divisim et de quolibet. 3. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod dicta Gratia Rayner fuit et est mulier valde honesta bonae famae et conversationis [integra?] nulloque crimine (saltem notorio) aspersa diffamata seu aliqua [unread] [Image 5 left] [unread] (infra dicendis salvis) [unread] Et ut talis fuit et est communiter dicta habita nominata et reputata palam publice et notorie in dicta parochia de Birstall praedicta aliisque locis vicinis Et [unread formula] de quolibet. 4. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod praemissis non obstantibus praefatus Johannes Charlesworth Senior [unread contracted words] Mensibus Aprilis Maij Junij Julij Augusti et Septembris Anno domini 1682 [unread time-range reservation] infra parochiam de Birstall praedictam aliisque loca vicina malitiose et animo diffamandi et injuriandi eandem Gratiam Rayner ipsam diffamavit et injuriavit nonnullaque verba opprobriosa contumeliosa convitiosa injuriosa scandalosa et diffamatoria eidem Gratiae Rayner seu de eadem dixit protulit et praedicavit et praecipue haec verba Anglica sequentia seu alia eis in effectu consimilia vid[elicet]: “You the said John Charlesworth the elder speaking to and of the said Grace Rayner said & reported (licet falso) That she the said Grace Rayner was a Whore & a Witch and that by her Witchcraft she fling you downe in a little wood in Liversidge and broke two ribbs in your side.” Et [unread reservation of precise mode, time and wording to proof] conjunctim divisim et de quolibet. 5. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod post praemissa omnia et singula praefatus Johannes Charlesworth Senior coram testibus fidedignis tam in praesentia ipsius Gratiae Rayner [unread] quam extra hujus verba diffamatoria et injuriosa eidem Gratiae Rayner seu de eadem emisisse dixisse protulisse et praedicasse saepius et iteratis vicibus seu saltem semel confessus fuit et est ac recognovit Et [unread] ut supra. 6. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod praetextu [unread] hujus verborum injuriosorum et diffamatoriorum praedictorum status bona fama et opinio ipsius Gratiae Rayner apud bonos et graves penes quos prius extiterat bonae famae et opinionis illicite graviter et enormiter laeduntur et diminuuntur ac de verisimili plus laedi possunt in futuro Et [unread] ut supra. 7. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod praefatus Johannes Charlesworth senior fuit et est de parochia de Birstall praedicta dioc[eseos] Ebor[acensis] ac [unread] Curiae [unread] Jurisdictioni et subjectus Et [unread] ut supra. 8. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod de et super praemissis omnibus et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama infra eandem parochiam de Birstall aliasque loca vicina Et [unread] ut supra. [Image 5 right prayer] Unde facta fide quantum de jure sufficit [unread] praefatum Johannem Charlesworth [unread] [pale formula words concerning ecclesiastical correction and punishment] Nec non in expensis ex parte et per partem dictae Gratiae Rayner in hac causa factis et fiendis condemnandum condemnatumque ad debitam solutionem earundem parti dictae Gratiae Rayner efficaciter cogendum et compellendum [unread] [remainder of approximately eight pale formula lines unresolved, including non arctans ... ad omnia et singula praemissa probanda ... juris beneficio ... in omnibus semper salvis]. Salvo jure &c. Et protestatur &c.

19no Die Nov[embris] 1682. Recognit[ae] Coram Hen: Watkinson. Responsiones personales Johannis Charlesworth Sen[ior] factae positionibus et articulis sive Libelli ex parte et pro parte Gratiae Rayner con[tra] eum dati et exhibiti. Ad primam positionem respondendo refert se ad Canonicas sanctiones articulatas (si quae tales sint) Et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad secundam positionem respondendo refert se ad Constitutionem provincialem articulatam (si quae talis est) Et al[ite]r non Credit praedicta esse vera in aliquo. Ad tertiam positionem respondendo non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad quartam et quintam positiones respondendo Credit quod de jure non tenetur [unread contracted words] respondere quia sunt positiones Criminales. Ad sextam positionem respondendo non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad septimam positionem respondendo Credit eandem esse veram. Ad octavam positionem respondendo Credit Credita et negat negata. W[illia]m Savile [subscription reading provisional]. Jn: Charlesworth.

[Image 7 left blank reverse.] 10th Janu[arij] 1682 [year as written]. Repetit[us]. Hen: Watkinson. Thomas Brooke de Cleckheaton in Com[itatu] Ebor[acensi] aetatis 40 annor[um] Clothier testis super positionibus et articulis [unread contraction] ex parte et pro parte Gratiae Rayner con[tra] Johannem Charlesworth senior[em] dat[is] et exhibit[is] productus admissus juratus et Exa[minatus] et primo de notitia partium Exa[minatus] dicit quod dictam [deleted: Elizam] Rayner per sexdecem annos novit dictum vero Charlesworth per triginta annos novit. Sup[er] quarto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] That in [inserted: both] the monethes of May and July [deleted/altered words unread] he this Exa[minate] has diverse & sundry times [inserted: in Cleckheaton afores[ai]d] heard the ar[ticula]te John Charlesworth call the ar[ticula]te Grace Rayner a whore and witch and said that she threw him downe in [deleted: Liversidge] a little wood neere Liversidge and breake two ribbs in his side there being p[rese]nt [inserted: at the speaking] [inserted words naming witnesses/place partly unread] the said words in May last the coexaminates [to wit?] Timothy Askwith & [unread] [deleted run] & al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] quinto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit that the very last weeke before his [inserted: now?] Examination [deleted words] heard the ar[ticula]te Charlesworth call the said Rayner a whore, witch & theif & said he was able to prove her soe; diverse other times has heard the same words repeated by him Et al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] sexto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit quod Nescit deponere. Sup[er] reliquis non Exa[minatus] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera &c. Thomas Brooke.

Timothy Askwith de Cleckheaton in Com[itatu] Ebor[acensi] aetatis 26 annor[um] testis ut supra productus admissus juratus et Exa[minatus] et primo de notitia partium Exa[minatus] dicit quod dictam Rayner per decem annos novit praefatum Johannem Charlesworth per idem tempus novit. [Image 8 left] Sup[er] quarto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit that in or about the moneth of May or June [inserted: last] as neare as this Exa[minate] remembers he this Exa[minate] was in company with the ar[ticula]te John Charlesworth sen[ior] in one Margarett Willeys house scituate in Cleckheaton when & where the said Charlesworth speake of the s[ai]d Grace Rayner said & reported that she was a whore & a witch there being none p[rese]nt but this Exa[minate] & the houshold going about their occasions about the house Et al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] quinto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit quod nescit deponere. Sup[er] sexto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit that by reason of the words praedeposed the good name & fame of her the s[ai]d Grace Rayner is much impaired & hurt & her credit is much gone amongst her neighbours Et al[ite]r nescit deponere dicit &c. Timothy [mark] Askwith his m[a]rke. [Image 8 right blank.]

Comparison of sources: Name corrections and separate causes

John Preston corrects working Webster, supported by the sentence and catalogue. Timothy Askwith corrects Askeworth; catalogue Asquith [Askwith] remains attributed. John/Johannes senior is the manuscript name, while catalogue Jonathan is retained as a conflict, not silently expanded. This cause is CP.H.4978; the junior defendant and allegations from CP.H.4978A require a separate edition. A cancelled Eliza in Brooke’s identification is a scribal cancellation, not a new person.

In the name of God, Amen. Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, vicar general in spiritual matters and principal official of Richard, by divine providence Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan, has heard, seen, understood and fully and maturely considered the merits and circumstances of a cause of correction concerning scandalous and injurious words allegedly uttered by John Charlesworth senior of Birstall against Grace Rayner contrary to charity and Christianity. It is pending between Grace, the promoting party, and John, the party proceeded against. Articles were exhibited and copies delivered, and are treated as read and inserted. The legal requirements have been observed. [One title phrase and an appointment word remain uncertain.] The parties appear through their respective proctors, John Preston for Grace and Robert Squire for John Charlesworth, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal, and request sentence and justice. After reviewing the whole proceedings, invoking the Holy Spirit, deliberating maturely and consulting legal experts, the judge proceeds to his definitive sentence. From the acts, proceedings and matters advanced, exhibited, narrated, alleged, proved and confessed, he finds that Grace has sufficiently and fully established and proved the case advanced in her articles. Nothing contrary has been alleged or proved to defeat or weaken it. He therefore pronounces that John Charlesworth senior maliciously defamed Grace by repeatedly uttering the insulting and defamatory words pleaded, harming her standing and good reputation contrary to good morals and the rule of charity, as established by the evidence in this cause. He declares that Charlesworth is to be ecclesiastically corrected and punished and compelled to make reclamation and reformation of the utterance of those words [the exact final Latin noun is uncertain]. He condemns Charlesworth in Grace's expenses incurred and to be incurred and orders effective payment. This is his definitive sentence or final decree, delivered in writing; assessment of the expenses is reserved to him or another competent judge. Henry Squire. 29 March 1683. Read and delivered by us, Henry Watkinson.

10 January 1682, as written [1682/3 when the English legal year began on 25 March; the documentary year is retained]. Repeated or confirmed before Henry Watkinson. Thomas Brooke of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, a clothier approximately 40 years old, produced, admitted, sworn and examined on Grace's articles against Charlesworth senior. He has known Grace for sixteen years and Charlesworth for thirty. “Eliza” was first written and cancelled before Rayner's name. On the fourth article, he says that in both May and July he heard Charlesworth, on several occasions at Cleckheaton, call Grace a whore and a witch and say she threw him down in a little wood near Liversedge and broke two ribs. [The altered witness-presence insertion is partly unread; Timothy Askwith is readable; an inserted reference to Richard [surname unresolved] remains tentative. The whole witness list is not certified.] He knows nothing further to depose. On the fifth, he says that in the week before this examination he heard Charlesworth call Grace a whore, witch and thief and say he could prove her so; he has heard him repeat the words on other occasions. He knows nothing further to depose. On the sixth, he knows nothing to depose. He was not examined on the remaining articles and affirms the truth of his evidence, etc. Thomas Brooke.

Timothy Askwith of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, approximately 26 years old, produced, admitted, sworn and examined as above, says he has known Grace and Charlesworth for ten years. On the fourth article, he says that around May or June of the previous year, as nearly as he remembers, he was with Charlesworth senior at Margaret Willey's house in Cleckheaton. Charlesworth spoke of Grace Rayner and said she was a whore and a witch. Only the witness and household members going about their business were present. He knows nothing further to depose. On the fifth, he knows nothing to depose. On the sixth, he says that the words greatly harmed Grace's good name and reputation and diminished her credit among her neighbours. He knows nothing further to depose, etc. Timothy Askwith's mark.

Image Title: CP.H.4978 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (sexual slander / witchcraft) Details: 4 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; Has sentence Outcome: plaintiff won Date: 17/11/1682 — 29/3/1683 Parties Mentioned: Office, plaintiff, undefined Jonathan Charlesworth [Charlesworth], defendant, male; senior Other individuals: Grace Rayner [Rayner], promoting parties, female; widow John Preston [Preston], prosecution proctor, male Robert Squire [Squire], defence proctor, male Witnesses: Thomas Brook [Brooke], witness, male; 40 Timothy Asquith [Askwith], witness, male; 26 Places: Liversedge (Birstall (YorkshireWestRiding)) - undefined

In dei nomine Amen Auditis visis intellectis et plenarie et mature discussis per Nos Henricum Watkinson legum Doctorem Reverend[issimi] in Christo patris et Domini Domini Richardi providentia divina Ebor[acensis] Archiepiscopi Angliae Primatis et Metropolitani Vicarium in Spiritualibus generalem et Officialem principalem [unread contracted phrase] Meritis et Circumstantiis hujusmodi Causae sive Negotii Correctionis sive prolationis quorundam verborum scandalosorum et injuriosorum per Johannem Charlesworth seniorem parochiae de Birstall dioc[eseos] Ebor[acensis] in et contra Gratiam Rayner eandem contra Regulam Charitatis et Christianitatis Quae sive quod coram nobis in judicio inter praefatam Gratiam Rayner partem promoventem ex una et dictum Johannem Charlesworth partem promotam ex altera nuper vertebatur vertiturque adhuc et pendet indecis[um], oblatisque Articulis per dictam partem promoventem tum copia eorundem parti promotae tradit[a] sic incipien[te] In Dei nomine Amen nos &c. Quos quidem Articulos pro hic lectis et insertis habemus et haberi volumus, Observatisque omnibus et singulis de jure in hac parte observandis, Terminoque ad audiendam Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa sive negotio perendie [reading uncertain] per nos judicialiter assignato, ac ipso Termino adveniente, partibusque praedictis, promovente vid[elicet] per magistrum Johannem Preston promota vero per magistrum Robertum Squire Notarios Publicos eorum respectivos procuratores coram nobis in dicta Curia Judicialiter pro Tribunali publice sedentibus comparentibus ac Sententiam per nos ferri et justitiam fieri instanter postulantibus. Ruminatoque primitus per nos toto et integro processu in hujusmodi Causa sive negotio habito et facto et diligenter recensito Invocata etiam Spiritus Sancti gratia maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum Consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus in hac parte communicavimus ad Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa sive Negotio ferendam prolatamque [unread contraction] duximus procedendum fore et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum In dei nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita exhibita narrata allegata probata pariter et confessata in hac Causa memorata comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem promoventem intentionem suam in dictis Articulis suis in hac Causa datis [Image 3 left] et exhibitis deductam et propositam sufficienter et ad plenum fundasse pariter et probasse, Nihilque in contrarium allegatum aut probatum fuisse aut esse quod intentionem dictae partis promoventis elideret seu quomodolibet enervaret; Idcirco Nos Henricus Watkinson legum Doctor Judex antedictus praefatum Johannem Charlesworth sic malitiose diffamasse dictam Gratiam Rayner, ac nonnulla verba convitiosa vituperiosa scandalosa et diffamatoria in hac Causa libellata ad infamiam laesionem denigrationem sive diminutionem status et bonae famae dictae Gratiae Rayner, contra bonos mores et fraternam regulam Charitatis regularum et juris exigentiam saepius protulisse et praedicasse juxta probationes [unread contraction] in hac Causa habitas et factas pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus praefatumque Johannem Charlesworth Seniorem pro tanto temeritatis suae excessu in praemissis et ea committendo Ecclesiastice corrigendum et puniendum fore, ac ad Reclamationem et Reformationem dictorum verborum diffamatoriorum Emissionis [reading requires collation] cogendum et compellendum fore pronunciamus etiam decernimus et declaramus; Eundemque Johannem Charlesworth in Expensis Litis ex parte et per partem dictae Gratiae Rayner in hac Causa factis et fiendis condemnamus condemnatumque ad debitam solutionem earundem parti dictae Gratiae Rayner efficaciter cogendum et compellendum fore pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale decretum quam sive quod ferimus et promulgamus in hiis scriptis; Taxationem vero hujusmodi Expensarum nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte competenti [unread contraction] reservantes et reservamus etiam in hiis scriptis. Hen: Squire. 29no die Martij 1683. Lecta et lata per nos Hen: Watkinson. [Image 3 right blank.]

[Image 7 left blank reverse.] 10th Janu[arij] 1682 [year as written]. Repetit[us]. Hen: Watkinson. Thomas Brooke de Cleckheaton in Com[itatu] Ebor[acensi] aetatis 40 annor[um] Clothier testis super positionibus et articulis [unread contraction] ex parte et pro parte Gratiae Rayner con[tra] Johannem Charlesworth senior[em] dat[is] et exhibit[is] productus admissus juratus et Exa[minatus] et primo de notitia partium Exa[minatus] dicit quod dictam [deleted: Elizam] Rayner per sexdecem annos novit dictum vero Charlesworth per triginta annos novit. Sup[er] quarto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] That in [inserted: both] the monethes of May and July [deleted/altered words unread] he this Exa[minate] has diverse & sundry times [inserted: in Cleckheaton afores[ai]d] heard the ar[ticula]te John Charlesworth call the ar[ticula]te Grace Rayner a whore and witch and said that she threw him downe in [deleted: Liversidge] a little wood neere Liversidge and breake two ribbs in his side there being p[rese]nt [inserted: at the speaking] [inserted words naming witnesses/place partly unread] the said words in May last the coexaminates [to wit?] Timothy Askwith & [unread] [deleted run] & al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] quinto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit that the very last weeke before his [inserted: now?] Examination [deleted words] heard the ar[ticula]te Charlesworth call the said Rayner a whore, witch & theif & said he was able to prove her soe; diverse other times has heard the same words repeated by him Et al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] sexto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit quod Nescit deponere. Sup[er] reliquis non Exa[minatus] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera &c. Thomas Brooke.

Timothy Askwith de Cleckheaton in Com[itatu] Ebor[acensi] aetatis 26 annor[um] testis ut supra productus admissus juratus et Exa[minatus] et primo de notitia partium Exa[minatus] dicit quod dictam Rayner per decem annos novit praefatum Johannem Charlesworth per idem tempus novit. [Image 8 left] Sup[er] quarto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit that in or about the moneth of May or June [inserted: last] as neare as this Exa[minate] remembers he this Exa[minate] was in company with the ar[ticula]te John Charlesworth sen[ior] in one Margarett Willeys house scituate in Cleckheaton when & where the said Charlesworth speake of the s[ai]d Grace Rayner said & reported that she was a whore & a witch there being none p[rese]nt but this Exa[minate] & the houshold going about their occasions about the house Et al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] quinto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit quod nescit deponere. Sup[er] sexto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit that by reason of the words praedeposed the good name & fame of her the s[ai]d Grace Rayner is much impaired & hurt & her credit is much gone amongst her neighbours Et al[ite]r nescit deponere dicit &c. Timothy [mark] Askwith his m[a]rke. [Image 8 right blank.]

Comparison of sources: Dates and court identification

The cover’s later 1681 annotation is not substituted for documentary dates. Answers read 19 November 1682; catalogue begins 17 November. Deposition 10 January 1682 as written is retained with 1682/3 interpretation under the English year beginning 25 March, before sentence 29 March 1683. No Gregorian day conversion is performed. Catalogue Court is undefined; the record itself identifies Watkinson’s vicar-general and principal-official jurisdiction. Grace promotes an office cause; Office is not an individual.

19 November 1682. Recognised before Henry Watkinson. [Catalogue range begins 17 November; this is a separate metadata date.] John Charlesworth senior answers the libel presented on Grace Rayner's behalf. To the first article, he refers himself to the canonical provisions pleaded, if such exist, and otherwise does not believe it true. To the second, he refers himself to the pleaded provincial constitution, if it exists, and otherwise does not believe the matters true. To the third, he does not believe it true. To the fourth and fifth, he says he is not legally bound to answer because they are criminal propositions [a short contracted connecting phrase remains unread]. To the sixth, he does not believe it true. To the seventh, he believes it true. To the eighth, he believes what he has admitted and denies what he has denied. [William?] Savile. John Charlesworth.

10 January 1682, as written [1682/3 when the English legal year began on 25 March; the documentary year is retained]. Repeated or confirmed before Henry Watkinson. Thomas Brooke of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, a clothier approximately 40 years old, produced, admitted, sworn and examined on Grace's articles against Charlesworth senior. He has known Grace for sixteen years and Charlesworth for thirty. “Eliza” was first written and cancelled before Rayner's name. On the fourth article, he says that in both May and July he heard Charlesworth, on several occasions at Cleckheaton, call Grace a whore and a witch and say she threw him down in a little wood near Liversedge and broke two ribs. [The altered witness-presence insertion is partly unread; Timothy Askwith is readable; an inserted reference to Richard [surname unresolved] remains tentative. The whole witness list is not certified.] He knows nothing further to depose. On the fifth, he says that in the week before this examination he heard Charlesworth call Grace a whore, witch and thief and say he could prove her so; he has heard him repeat the words on other occasions. He knows nothing further to depose. On the sixth, he knows nothing to depose. He was not examined on the remaining articles and affirms the truth of his evidence, etc. Thomas Brooke.

In the name of God, Amen. Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, vicar general in spiritual matters and principal official of Richard, by divine providence Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan, has heard, seen, understood and fully and maturely considered the merits and circumstances of a cause of correction concerning scandalous and injurious words allegedly uttered by John Charlesworth senior of Birstall against Grace Rayner contrary to charity and Christianity. It is pending between Grace, the promoting party, and John, the party proceeded against. Articles were exhibited and copies delivered, and are treated as read and inserted. The legal requirements have been observed. [One title phrase and an appointment word remain uncertain.] The parties appear through their respective proctors, John Preston for Grace and Robert Squire for John Charlesworth, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal, and request sentence and justice. After reviewing the whole proceedings, invoking the Holy Spirit, deliberating maturely and consulting legal experts, the judge proceeds to his definitive sentence. From the acts, proceedings and matters advanced, exhibited, narrated, alleged, proved and confessed, he finds that Grace has sufficiently and fully established and proved the case advanced in her articles. Nothing contrary has been alleged or proved to defeat or weaken it. He therefore pronounces that John Charlesworth senior maliciously defamed Grace by repeatedly uttering the insulting and defamatory words pleaded, harming her standing and good reputation contrary to good morals and the rule of charity, as established by the evidence in this cause. He declares that Charlesworth is to be ecclesiastically corrected and punished and compelled to make reclamation and reformation of the utterance of those words [the exact final Latin noun is uncertain]. He condemns Charlesworth in Grace's expenses incurred and to be incurred and orders effective payment. This is his definitive sentence or final decree, delivered in writing; assessment of the expenses is reserved to him or another competent judge. Henry Squire. 29 March 1683. Read and delivered by us, Henry Watkinson.

Image Title: CP.H.4978 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (sexual slander / witchcraft) Details: 4 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; Has sentence Outcome: plaintiff won Date: 17/11/1682 — 29/3/1683 Parties Mentioned: Office, plaintiff, undefined Jonathan Charlesworth [Charlesworth], defendant, male; senior Other individuals: Grace Rayner [Rayner], promoting parties, female; widow John Preston [Preston], prosecution proctor, male Robert Squire [Squire], defence proctor, male Witnesses: Thomas Brook [Brooke], witness, male; 40 Timothy Asquith [Askwith], witness, male; 26 Places: Liversedge (Birstall (YorkshireWestRiding)) - undefined

19no Die Nov[embris] 1682. Recognit[ae] Coram Hen: Watkinson. Responsiones personales Johannis Charlesworth Sen[ior] factae positionibus et articulis sive Libelli ex parte et pro parte Gratiae Rayner con[tra] eum dati et exhibiti. Ad primam positionem respondendo refert se ad Canonicas sanctiones articulatas (si quae tales sint) Et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad secundam positionem respondendo refert se ad Constitutionem provincialem articulatam (si quae talis est) Et al[ite]r non Credit praedicta esse vera in aliquo. Ad tertiam positionem respondendo non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad quartam et quintam positiones respondendo Credit quod de jure non tenetur [unread contracted words] respondere quia sunt positiones Criminales. Ad sextam positionem respondendo non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad septimam positionem respondendo Credit eandem esse veram. Ad octavam positionem respondendo Credit Credita et negat negata. W[illia]m Savile [subscription reading provisional]. Jn: Charlesworth.

[Image 7 left blank reverse.] 10th Janu[arij] 1682 [year as written]. Repetit[us]. Hen: Watkinson. Thomas Brooke de Cleckheaton in Com[itatu] Ebor[acensi] aetatis 40 annor[um] Clothier testis super positionibus et articulis [unread contraction] ex parte et pro parte Gratiae Rayner con[tra] Johannem Charlesworth senior[em] dat[is] et exhibit[is] productus admissus juratus et Exa[minatus] et primo de notitia partium Exa[minatus] dicit quod dictam [deleted: Elizam] Rayner per sexdecem annos novit dictum vero Charlesworth per triginta annos novit. Sup[er] quarto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] That in [inserted: both] the monethes of May and July [deleted/altered words unread] he this Exa[minate] has diverse & sundry times [inserted: in Cleckheaton afores[ai]d] heard the ar[ticula]te John Charlesworth call the ar[ticula]te Grace Rayner a whore and witch and said that she threw him downe in [deleted: Liversidge] a little wood neere Liversidge and breake two ribbs in his side there being p[rese]nt [inserted: at the speaking] [inserted words naming witnesses/place partly unread] the said words in May last the coexaminates [to wit?] Timothy Askwith & [unread] [deleted run] & al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] quinto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit that the very last weeke before his [inserted: now?] Examination [deleted words] heard the ar[ticula]te Charlesworth call the said Rayner a whore, witch & theif & said he was able to prove her soe; diverse other times has heard the same words repeated by him Et al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] sexto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit quod Nescit deponere. Sup[er] reliquis non Exa[minatus] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera &c. Thomas Brooke.

In dei nomine Amen Auditis visis intellectis et plenarie et mature discussis per Nos Henricum Watkinson legum Doctorem Reverend[issimi] in Christo patris et Domini Domini Richardi providentia divina Ebor[acensis] Archiepiscopi Angliae Primatis et Metropolitani Vicarium in Spiritualibus generalem et Officialem principalem [unread contracted phrase] Meritis et Circumstantiis hujusmodi Causae sive Negotii Correctionis sive prolationis quorundam verborum scandalosorum et injuriosorum per Johannem Charlesworth seniorem parochiae de Birstall dioc[eseos] Ebor[acensis] in et contra Gratiam Rayner eandem contra Regulam Charitatis et Christianitatis Quae sive quod coram nobis in judicio inter praefatam Gratiam Rayner partem promoventem ex una et dictum Johannem Charlesworth partem promotam ex altera nuper vertebatur vertiturque adhuc et pendet indecis[um], oblatisque Articulis per dictam partem promoventem tum copia eorundem parti promotae tradit[a] sic incipien[te] In Dei nomine Amen nos &c. Quos quidem Articulos pro hic lectis et insertis habemus et haberi volumus, Observatisque omnibus et singulis de jure in hac parte observandis, Terminoque ad audiendam Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa sive negotio perendie [reading uncertain] per nos judicialiter assignato, ac ipso Termino adveniente, partibusque praedictis, promovente vid[elicet] per magistrum Johannem Preston promota vero per magistrum Robertum Squire Notarios Publicos eorum respectivos procuratores coram nobis in dicta Curia Judicialiter pro Tribunali publice sedentibus comparentibus ac Sententiam per nos ferri et justitiam fieri instanter postulantibus. Ruminatoque primitus per nos toto et integro processu in hujusmodi Causa sive negotio habito et facto et diligenter recensito Invocata etiam Spiritus Sancti gratia maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum Consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus in hac parte communicavimus ad Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa sive Negotio ferendam prolatamque [unread contraction] duximus procedendum fore et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum In dei nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita exhibita narrata allegata probata pariter et confessata in hac Causa memorata comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem promoventem intentionem suam in dictis Articulis suis in hac Causa datis [Image 3 left] et exhibitis deductam et propositam sufficienter et ad plenum fundasse pariter et probasse, Nihilque in contrarium allegatum aut probatum fuisse aut esse quod intentionem dictae partis promoventis elideret seu quomodolibet enervaret; Idcirco Nos Henricus Watkinson legum Doctor Judex antedictus praefatum Johannem Charlesworth sic malitiose diffamasse dictam Gratiam Rayner, ac nonnulla verba convitiosa vituperiosa scandalosa et diffamatoria in hac Causa libellata ad infamiam laesionem denigrationem sive diminutionem status et bonae famae dictae Gratiae Rayner, contra bonos mores et fraternam regulam Charitatis regularum et juris exigentiam saepius protulisse et praedicasse juxta probationes [unread contraction] in hac Causa habitas et factas pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus praefatumque Johannem Charlesworth Seniorem pro tanto temeritatis suae excessu in praemissis et ea committendo Ecclesiastice corrigendum et puniendum fore, ac ad Reclamationem et Reformationem dictorum verborum diffamatoriorum Emissionis [reading requires collation] cogendum et compellendum fore pronunciamus etiam decernimus et declaramus; Eundemque Johannem Charlesworth in Expensis Litis ex parte et per partem dictae Gratiae Rayner in hac Causa factis et fiendis condemnamus condemnatumque ad debitam solutionem earundem parti dictae Gratiae Rayner efficaciter cogendum et compellendum fore pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale decretum quam sive quod ferimus et promulgamus in hiis scriptis; Taxationem vero hujusmodi Expensarum nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte competenti [unread contraction] reservantes et reservamus etiam in hiis scriptis. Hen: Squire. 29no die Martij 1683. Lecta et lata per nos Hen: Watkinson. [Image 3 right blank.]

Comparison of sources: What the sentence establishes

Sufficienter et ad plenum fundasse pariter et probasse establishes the promoting party’s case was found proved. The dispositive clauses condemn defamatory speech and order correction and costs. They do not independently establish the alleged magical fall or medically prove broken ribs. Assessment of expenses is reserved. No prescribed public-penance text, performance certificate or payment receipt is supplied.

In the name of God, Amen. Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, vicar general in spiritual matters and principal official of Richard, by divine providence Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan, has heard, seen, understood and fully and maturely considered the merits and circumstances of a cause of correction concerning scandalous and injurious words allegedly uttered by John Charlesworth senior of Birstall against Grace Rayner contrary to charity and Christianity. It is pending between Grace, the promoting party, and John, the party proceeded against. Articles were exhibited and copies delivered, and are treated as read and inserted. The legal requirements have been observed. [One title phrase and an appointment word remain uncertain.] The parties appear through their respective proctors, John Preston for Grace and Robert Squire for John Charlesworth, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal, and request sentence and justice. After reviewing the whole proceedings, invoking the Holy Spirit, deliberating maturely and consulting legal experts, the judge proceeds to his definitive sentence. From the acts, proceedings and matters advanced, exhibited, narrated, alleged, proved and confessed, he finds that Grace has sufficiently and fully established and proved the case advanced in her articles. Nothing contrary has been alleged or proved to defeat or weaken it. He therefore pronounces that John Charlesworth senior maliciously defamed Grace by repeatedly uttering the insulting and defamatory words pleaded, harming her standing and good reputation contrary to good morals and the rule of charity, as established by the evidence in this cause. He declares that Charlesworth is to be ecclesiastically corrected and punished and compelled to make reclamation and reformation of the utterance of those words [the exact final Latin noun is uncertain]. He condemns Charlesworth in Grace's expenses incurred and to be incurred and orders effective payment. This is his definitive sentence or final decree, delivered in writing; assessment of the expenses is reserved to him or another competent judge. Henry Squire. 29 March 1683. Read and delivered by us, Henry Watkinson.

The proceeding is promoted through the judge's office at Grace Rayner's instance against John Charlesworth of Birstall. [The pale contracted opening is not fully recovered and cannot receive a complete word-for-word translation.] 1. The first article pleads the canon-law obligation of those who maliciously utter insulting, scandalous or defamatory words harming someone's standing and good reputation: they are to be corrected and punished and compelled to abstain from such speech in future. [Specific pale words and the final reservation remain unread; this is a contextual rendering of the surviving reading, not a substitute original transcript.] 2. The second pleads a provincial constitution concerning malicious imputation of crime and defamation among respectable people, with major excommunication among the pleaded consequences. [Several clauses of its text remain unread; the precise canon and conditions are not identified or reconstructed.] Its form is reserved to what is proved in the cause. 3. Grace is pleaded to be an honest woman, of good reputation and conduct, unstained by notorious crime, subject to the subsequent allegations, and publicly regarded as such in Birstall and neighbouring places. [Pale connecting wording is incomplete.] 4. Charlesworth senior is alleged, in the months April to September 1682 and the related times pleaded, within Birstall parish or nearby, maliciously to have defamed Grace. The English charge says he called her a whore and a witch and claimed that through her witchcraft she threw him down in a small wood in Liversedge and broke two ribs in his side. The exact time, manner and wording are reserved to proof. 5. He is alleged to have confessed and acknowledged speaking those words before trustworthy witnesses, both in Grace's presence and outside it, repeatedly or at least once. 6. The words are alleged unlawfully and grievously to have harmed Grace's standing, good reputation and estimation among respectable people, with further harm likely. 7. Charlesworth is alleged to be of Birstall parish in the diocese of York and subject to the court's jurisdiction. 8. Public report and reputation about the matters existed and exist in Birstall and nearby places. The prayer seeks ecclesiastical correction and punishment, costs and effective payment. It includes a reservation concerning proving the allegations and preservation of legal rights. [The pale final formula lines remain partly unread and are not presented as a complete literal translation.] Saving rights, etc.; the party protests, etc.

In dei nomine Amen Auditis visis intellectis et plenarie et mature discussis per Nos Henricum Watkinson legum Doctorem Reverend[issimi] in Christo patris et Domini Domini Richardi providentia divina Ebor[acensis] Archiepiscopi Angliae Primatis et Metropolitani Vicarium in Spiritualibus generalem et Officialem principalem [unread contracted phrase] Meritis et Circumstantiis hujusmodi Causae sive Negotii Correctionis sive prolationis quorundam verborum scandalosorum et injuriosorum per Johannem Charlesworth seniorem parochiae de Birstall dioc[eseos] Ebor[acensis] in et contra Gratiam Rayner eandem contra Regulam Charitatis et Christianitatis Quae sive quod coram nobis in judicio inter praefatam Gratiam Rayner partem promoventem ex una et dictum Johannem Charlesworth partem promotam ex altera nuper vertebatur vertiturque adhuc et pendet indecis[um], oblatisque Articulis per dictam partem promoventem tum copia eorundem parti promotae tradit[a] sic incipien[te] In Dei nomine Amen nos &c. Quos quidem Articulos pro hic lectis et insertis habemus et haberi volumus, Observatisque omnibus et singulis de jure in hac parte observandis, Terminoque ad audiendam Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa sive negotio perendie [reading uncertain] per nos judicialiter assignato, ac ipso Termino adveniente, partibusque praedictis, promovente vid[elicet] per magistrum Johannem Preston promota vero per magistrum Robertum Squire Notarios Publicos eorum respectivos procuratores coram nobis in dicta Curia Judicialiter pro Tribunali publice sedentibus comparentibus ac Sententiam per nos ferri et justitiam fieri instanter postulantibus. Ruminatoque primitus per nos toto et integro processu in hujusmodi Causa sive negotio habito et facto et diligenter recensito Invocata etiam Spiritus Sancti gratia maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum Consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus in hac parte communicavimus ad Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa sive Negotio ferendam prolatamque [unread contraction] duximus procedendum fore et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum In dei nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita exhibita narrata allegata probata pariter et confessata in hac Causa memorata comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem promoventem intentionem suam in dictis Articulis suis in hac Causa datis [Image 3 left] et exhibitis deductam et propositam sufficienter et ad plenum fundasse pariter et probasse, Nihilque in contrarium allegatum aut probatum fuisse aut esse quod intentionem dictae partis promoventis elideret seu quomodolibet enervaret; Idcirco Nos Henricus Watkinson legum Doctor Judex antedictus praefatum Johannem Charlesworth sic malitiose diffamasse dictam Gratiam Rayner, ac nonnulla verba convitiosa vituperiosa scandalosa et diffamatoria in hac Causa libellata ad infamiam laesionem denigrationem sive diminutionem status et bonae famae dictae Gratiae Rayner, contra bonos mores et fraternam regulam Charitatis regularum et juris exigentiam saepius protulisse et praedicasse juxta probationes [unread contraction] in hac Causa habitas et factas pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus praefatumque Johannem Charlesworth Seniorem pro tanto temeritatis suae excessu in praemissis et ea committendo Ecclesiastice corrigendum et puniendum fore, ac ad Reclamationem et Reformationem dictorum verborum diffamatoriorum Emissionis [reading requires collation] cogendum et compellendum fore pronunciamus etiam decernimus et declaramus; Eundemque Johannem Charlesworth in Expensis Litis ex parte et per partem dictae Gratiae Rayner in hac Causa factis et fiendis condemnamus condemnatumque ad debitam solutionem earundem parti dictae Gratiae Rayner efficaciter cogendum et compellendum fore pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale decretum quam sive quod ferimus et promulgamus in hiis scriptis; Taxationem vero hujusmodi Expensarum nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte competenti [unread contraction] reservantes et reservamus etiam in hiis scriptis. Hen: Squire. 29no die Martij 1683. Lecta et lata per nos Hen: Watkinson. [Image 3 right blank.]

[Margin] Hen: Squire. In dei nomine Amen [contracted official/judicial introduction, approximately four pale lines, partly read: Richardi ... Eboracensi Archiepiscopi Angliae Primatis et Metropolitani ... in Spiritualibus generalis et Officialis principalis ...] dicit Johann[es] Charlesworth de parochia de Birstall Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] [unread connecting words] omnia et singula infrascripta in eorum [unread] saltem ex amore [or another reading; uncertain] reformationem per officium [unread] promoventem Gratiam Rayner [unread] [pale connecting phrase] in Scriptis [unread] ad [unread] suo corporali. 1. Imprimis dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod omnes et singuli qui convitia vituperia verbaque contumeliosa scandalosa et diffamatoria ad infamiam seu diminutionem status et bonae famae alicujus personae honestatis [unread] malitiose ex causa [unread] et contra bonos mores et Charitatis Regulam de aliquo dicunt proferunt praedicant seu quoquomodo in lucem edunt unde ejus bona fama et opinio in aliquo laedatur vel gravetur fuerunt juxta juris exigentiam canonice corrigendi et puniendi et ut ab hujusmodi verborum prolatione in posterum abstineant per canonicas Sanctiones [unread] coercendi et compellendi [unread reservation of mode and form to what is proved] conjunctim divisim et de quolibet. 2. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod fuit et est quaedam constitutio provincialis [unread] [article pleads its text, with pale contracted clauses not securely recovered] in qua quidem Constitutione continetur et habetur quod omnes et singuli qui gratia odii [unread] aut alia quacunque de causa crimen alicui malitiose imponunt unde apud bonos et graves diffamatur [unread] majoris excom[municationis] [unread] Et ponitur de tali et tanto modo et forma Constitutionis provincialis praedictae quod et quantum in eventu hujus litis probabitur conjunctim divisim et de quolibet. 3. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod dicta Gratia Rayner fuit et est mulier valde honesta bonae famae et conversationis [integra?] nulloque crimine (saltem notorio) aspersa diffamata seu aliqua [unread] [Image 5 left] [unread] (infra dicendis salvis) [unread] Et ut talis fuit et est communiter dicta habita nominata et reputata palam publice et notorie in dicta parochia de Birstall praedicta aliisque locis vicinis Et [unread formula] de quolibet. 4. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod praemissis non obstantibus praefatus Johannes Charlesworth Senior [unread contracted words] Mensibus Aprilis Maij Junij Julij Augusti et Septembris Anno domini 1682 [unread time-range reservation] infra parochiam de Birstall praedictam aliisque loca vicina malitiose et animo diffamandi et injuriandi eandem Gratiam Rayner ipsam diffamavit et injuriavit nonnullaque verba opprobriosa contumeliosa convitiosa injuriosa scandalosa et diffamatoria eidem Gratiae Rayner seu de eadem dixit protulit et praedicavit et praecipue haec verba Anglica sequentia seu alia eis in effectu consimilia vid[elicet]: “You the said John Charlesworth the elder speaking to and of the said Grace Rayner said & reported (licet falso) That she the said Grace Rayner was a Whore & a Witch and that by her Witchcraft she fling you downe in a little wood in Liversidge and broke two ribbs in your side.” Et [unread reservation of precise mode, time and wording to proof] conjunctim divisim et de quolibet. 5. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod post praemissa omnia et singula praefatus Johannes Charlesworth Senior coram testibus fidedignis tam in praesentia ipsius Gratiae Rayner [unread] quam extra hujus verba diffamatoria et injuriosa eidem Gratiae Rayner seu de eadem emisisse dixisse protulisse et praedicasse saepius et iteratis vicibus seu saltem semel confessus fuit et est ac recognovit Et [unread] ut supra. 6. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod praetextu [unread] hujus verborum injuriosorum et diffamatoriorum praedictorum status bona fama et opinio ipsius Gratiae Rayner apud bonos et graves penes quos prius extiterat bonae famae et opinionis illicite graviter et enormiter laeduntur et diminuuntur ac de verisimili plus laedi possunt in futuro Et [unread] ut supra. 7. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod praefatus Johannes Charlesworth senior fuit et est de parochia de Birstall praedicta dioc[eseos] Ebor[acensis] ac [unread] Curiae [unread] Jurisdictioni et subjectus Et [unread] ut supra. 8. Item dicit [unread contraction] et articulat Quod de et super praemissis omnibus et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama infra eandem parochiam de Birstall aliasque loca vicina Et [unread] ut supra. [Image 5 right prayer] Unde facta fide quantum de jure sufficit [unread] praefatum Johannem Charlesworth [unread] [pale formula words concerning ecclesiastical correction and punishment] Nec non in expensis ex parte et per partem dictae Gratiae Rayner in hac causa factis et fiendis condemnandum condemnatumque ad debitam solutionem earundem parti dictae Gratiae Rayner efficaciter cogendum et compellendum [unread] [remainder of approximately eight pale formula lines unresolved, including non arctans ... ad omnia et singula praemissa probanda ... juris beneficio ... in omnibus semper salvis]. Salvo jure &c. Et protestatur &c.

Context: Context on mediated testimony

James Brown discusses witchcraft allegations as a subject of ecclesiastical defamation litigation and stresses mediation by “the legal procedures of courts and clerks”. His Grace Rayner and Richard Blackborn example is not imported as evidence in this senior Charlesworth cause. Modern interpretation does not corroborate an alleged supernatural event. Reference: Getting Sued By A Witch and paragraph beginning As is now well established, 31 October 2016; retrieved 26 October 2026.

the legal procedures of courts and clerks

James Brown, Margaret Alcock’s Evil Eye: Witchcraft Defamations in Early Modern England, 2016-10-31, James Brown, Margaret Alcock’s Evil Eye: Witchcraft Defamations in Early Modern England, Inner Lives, 31 October 2016; section The Bewitching of Richard Malham and paragraphs beginning Mary’s husband, Although Mary, And saith, As is now well established and As is so often. Retrieved 26 October 2026., Brown 2016; paragraph beginning As is now well established · context

Comparison of sources: Scope of contextual research

Public searches for Grace Rayner with Charlesworth, witchcraft, 1682 and CP.H.4978 on 26 October 2026 did not identify a senior-cause-specific scholarly discussion. Unrelated genealogy and modern names were excluded; this bounded search does not establish absence of scholarship. No family or cross-cause identity is supplied from name similarity.

Comparison of sources: About this case and its sources

Reference: CP.H.4978

Repository: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York

Court: Vicar general in spiritual matters and principal official of the Archbishop of York, as styled in the sentence; catalogue court field undefined

Case: Office cause promoted by Grace Rayner concerning sexual slander and witchcraft defamation

Record dates: Answers 19 November 1682; catalogue range begins 17 November. Depositions 10 January 1682 as written, interpreted 1682/3; sentence 29 March 1683. Later cover annotation 1681 retained separately.

Surviving material: Four catalogued pieces represented in eight images: sentence, articles, answers and two depositions; later cover and blank faces included.

Languages: Latin legal formulas with English accusations and witness testimony

Parties: Grace Rayner, promoting party, catalogue widow; John Charlesworth senior [manuscript Johannes/John; catalogue Jonathan], defendant. Office is the procedural plaintiff, not a person.

Other people: Henry Watkinson, judge; Richard, Archbishop of York, judicial title only; John Preston and Robert Squire, proctors; Henry Squire and William Savile, subscribers; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith [catalogue Asquith], witnesses; Margaret Willey, named householder; Richard, tentative witness reference with surname unresolved

Outcome: Grace’s case found proved; Charlesworth senior ordered to receive ecclesiastical correction and punishment and to reform or reclaim the words, with costs and assessment reserved. Performance and payment not established.

Coverage: Six paired source units; pale clauses, altered writing and uncertain identities retained. Senior and junior causes remain separate.

Edition: 26 October 2026 version 1.0; prepared for editorial review

Reading conventions: Expanded provisional transcription retaining source spelling, brackets for expansions and uncertain readings, and explicit descriptions of unread or cancelled writing. Such descriptions are gaps, not recovered text. English precedes each original. Paragraphs follow documentary clauses; physical line mapping is not certified. Image numbers are not folios. January 1682 as written is retained alongside 1682/3 under the English legal year beginning 25 March. No unrecorded performance of sentence or payment is inferred.

Suggested citation: Grace Rayner against John Charlesworth senior, CP.H.4978, 1682–1683, reading edition version 1.0, 26 October 2026; Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York.

Image Title: CP.H.4978 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (sexual slander / witchcraft) Details: 4 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; Has sentence Outcome: plaintiff won Date: 17/11/1682 — 29/3/1683 Parties Mentioned: Office, plaintiff, undefined Jonathan Charlesworth [Charlesworth], defendant, male; senior Other individuals: Grace Rayner [Rayner], promoting parties, female; widow John Preston [Preston], prosecution proctor, male Robert Squire [Squire], defence proctor, male Witnesses: Thomas Brook [Brooke], witness, male; 40 Timothy Asquith [Askwith], witness, male; 26 Places: Liversedge (Birstall (YorkshireWestRiding)) - undefined

In the name of God, Amen. Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, vicar general in spiritual matters and principal official of Richard, by divine providence Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan, has heard, seen, understood and fully and maturely considered the merits and circumstances of a cause of correction concerning scandalous and injurious words allegedly uttered by John Charlesworth senior of Birstall against Grace Rayner contrary to charity and Christianity. It is pending between Grace, the promoting party, and John, the party proceeded against. Articles were exhibited and copies delivered, and are treated as read and inserted. The legal requirements have been observed. [One title phrase and an appointment word remain uncertain.] The parties appear through their respective proctors, John Preston for Grace and Robert Squire for John Charlesworth, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal, and request sentence and justice. After reviewing the whole proceedings, invoking the Holy Spirit, deliberating maturely and consulting legal experts, the judge proceeds to his definitive sentence. From the acts, proceedings and matters advanced, exhibited, narrated, alleged, proved and confessed, he finds that Grace has sufficiently and fully established and proved the case advanced in her articles. Nothing contrary has been alleged or proved to defeat or weaken it. He therefore pronounces that John Charlesworth senior maliciously defamed Grace by repeatedly uttering the insulting and defamatory words pleaded, harming her standing and good reputation contrary to good morals and the rule of charity, as established by the evidence in this cause. He declares that Charlesworth is to be ecclesiastically corrected and punished and compelled to make reclamation and reformation of the utterance of those words [the exact final Latin noun is uncertain]. He condemns Charlesworth in Grace's expenses incurred and to be incurred and orders effective payment. This is his definitive sentence or final decree, delivered in writing; assessment of the expenses is reserved to him or another competent judge. Henry Squire. 29 March 1683. Read and delivered by us, Henry Watkinson.

19 November 1682. Recognised before Henry Watkinson. [Catalogue range begins 17 November; this is a separate metadata date.] John Charlesworth senior answers the libel presented on Grace Rayner's behalf. To the first article, he refers himself to the canonical provisions pleaded, if such exist, and otherwise does not believe it true. To the second, he refers himself to the pleaded provincial constitution, if it exists, and otherwise does not believe the matters true. To the third, he does not believe it true. To the fourth and fifth, he says he is not legally bound to answer because they are criminal propositions [a short contracted connecting phrase remains unread]. To the sixth, he does not believe it true. To the seventh, he believes it true. To the eighth, he believes what he has admitted and denies what he has denied. [William?] Savile. John Charlesworth.

10 January 1682, as written [1682/3 when the English legal year began on 25 March; the documentary year is retained]. Repeated or confirmed before Henry Watkinson. Thomas Brooke of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, a clothier approximately 40 years old, produced, admitted, sworn and examined on Grace's articles against Charlesworth senior. He has known Grace for sixteen years and Charlesworth for thirty. “Eliza” was first written and cancelled before Rayner's name. On the fourth article, he says that in both May and July he heard Charlesworth, on several occasions at Cleckheaton, call Grace a whore and a witch and say she threw him down in a little wood near Liversedge and broke two ribs. [The altered witness-presence insertion is partly unread; Timothy Askwith is readable; an inserted reference to Richard [surname unresolved] remains tentative. The whole witness list is not certified.] He knows nothing further to depose. On the fifth, he says that in the week before this examination he heard Charlesworth call Grace a whore, witch and thief and say he could prove her so; he has heard him repeat the words on other occasions. He knows nothing further to depose. On the sixth, he knows nothing to depose. He was not examined on the remaining articles and affirms the truth of his evidence, etc. Thomas Brooke.

Timothy Askwith of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, approximately 26 years old, produced, admitted, sworn and examined as above, says he has known Grace and Charlesworth for ten years. On the fourth article, he says that around May or June of the previous year, as nearly as he remembers, he was with Charlesworth senior at Margaret Willey's house in Cleckheaton. Charlesworth spoke of Grace Rayner and said she was a whore and a witch. Only the witness and household members going about their business were present. He knows nothing further to depose. On the fifth, he knows nothing to depose. On the sixth, he says that the words greatly harmed Grace's good name and reputation and diminished her credit among her neighbours. He knows nothing further to depose, etc. Timothy Askwith's mark.

In dei nomine Amen Auditis visis intellectis et plenarie et mature discussis per Nos Henricum Watkinson legum Doctorem Reverend[issimi] in Christo patris et Domini Domini Richardi providentia divina Ebor[acensis] Archiepiscopi Angliae Primatis et Metropolitani Vicarium in Spiritualibus generalem et Officialem principalem [unread contracted phrase] Meritis et Circumstantiis hujusmodi Causae sive Negotii Correctionis sive prolationis quorundam verborum scandalosorum et injuriosorum per Johannem Charlesworth seniorem parochiae de Birstall dioc[eseos] Ebor[acensis] in et contra Gratiam Rayner eandem contra Regulam Charitatis et Christianitatis Quae sive quod coram nobis in judicio inter praefatam Gratiam Rayner partem promoventem ex una et dictum Johannem Charlesworth partem promotam ex altera nuper vertebatur vertiturque adhuc et pendet indecis[um], oblatisque Articulis per dictam partem promoventem tum copia eorundem parti promotae tradit[a] sic incipien[te] In Dei nomine Amen nos &c. Quos quidem Articulos pro hic lectis et insertis habemus et haberi volumus, Observatisque omnibus et singulis de jure in hac parte observandis, Terminoque ad audiendam Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa sive negotio perendie [reading uncertain] per nos judicialiter assignato, ac ipso Termino adveniente, partibusque praedictis, promovente vid[elicet] per magistrum Johannem Preston promota vero per magistrum Robertum Squire Notarios Publicos eorum respectivos procuratores coram nobis in dicta Curia Judicialiter pro Tribunali publice sedentibus comparentibus ac Sententiam per nos ferri et justitiam fieri instanter postulantibus. Ruminatoque primitus per nos toto et integro processu in hujusmodi Causa sive negotio habito et facto et diligenter recensito Invocata etiam Spiritus Sancti gratia maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum Consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus in hac parte communicavimus ad Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa sive Negotio ferendam prolatamque [unread contraction] duximus procedendum fore et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum In dei nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita exhibita narrata allegata probata pariter et confessata in hac Causa memorata comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem promoventem intentionem suam in dictis Articulis suis in hac Causa datis [Image 3 left] et exhibitis deductam et propositam sufficienter et ad plenum fundasse pariter et probasse, Nihilque in contrarium allegatum aut probatum fuisse aut esse quod intentionem dictae partis promoventis elideret seu quomodolibet enervaret; Idcirco Nos Henricus Watkinson legum Doctor Judex antedictus praefatum Johannem Charlesworth sic malitiose diffamasse dictam Gratiam Rayner, ac nonnulla verba convitiosa vituperiosa scandalosa et diffamatoria in hac Causa libellata ad infamiam laesionem denigrationem sive diminutionem status et bonae famae dictae Gratiae Rayner, contra bonos mores et fraternam regulam Charitatis regularum et juris exigentiam saepius protulisse et praedicasse juxta probationes [unread contraction] in hac Causa habitas et factas pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus praefatumque Johannem Charlesworth Seniorem pro tanto temeritatis suae excessu in praemissis et ea committendo Ecclesiastice corrigendum et puniendum fore, ac ad Reclamationem et Reformationem dictorum verborum diffamatoriorum Emissionis [reading requires collation] cogendum et compellendum fore pronunciamus etiam decernimus et declaramus; Eundemque Johannem Charlesworth in Expensis Litis ex parte et per partem dictae Gratiae Rayner in hac Causa factis et fiendis condemnamus condemnatumque ad debitam solutionem earundem parti dictae Gratiae Rayner efficaciter cogendum et compellendum fore pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale decretum quam sive quod ferimus et promulgamus in hiis scriptis; Taxationem vero hujusmodi Expensarum nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte competenti [unread contraction] reservantes et reservamus etiam in hiis scriptis. Hen: Squire. 29no die Martij 1683. Lecta et lata per nos Hen: Watkinson. [Image 3 right blank.]

19no Die Nov[embris] 1682. Recognit[ae] Coram Hen: Watkinson. Responsiones personales Johannis Charlesworth Sen[ior] factae positionibus et articulis sive Libelli ex parte et pro parte Gratiae Rayner con[tra] eum dati et exhibiti. Ad primam positionem respondendo refert se ad Canonicas sanctiones articulatas (si quae tales sint) Et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad secundam positionem respondendo refert se ad Constitutionem provincialem articulatam (si quae talis est) Et al[ite]r non Credit praedicta esse vera in aliquo. Ad tertiam positionem respondendo non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad quartam et quintam positiones respondendo Credit quod de jure non tenetur [unread contracted words] respondere quia sunt positiones Criminales. Ad sextam positionem respondendo non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad septimam positionem respondendo Credit eandem esse veram. Ad octavam positionem respondendo Credit Credita et negat negata. W[illia]m Savile [subscription reading provisional]. Jn: Charlesworth.

[Image 7 left blank reverse.] 10th Janu[arij] 1682 [year as written]. Repetit[us]. Hen: Watkinson. Thomas Brooke de Cleckheaton in Com[itatu] Ebor[acensi] aetatis 40 annor[um] Clothier testis super positionibus et articulis [unread contraction] ex parte et pro parte Gratiae Rayner con[tra] Johannem Charlesworth senior[em] dat[is] et exhibit[is] productus admissus juratus et Exa[minatus] et primo de notitia partium Exa[minatus] dicit quod dictam [deleted: Elizam] Rayner per sexdecem annos novit dictum vero Charlesworth per triginta annos novit. Sup[er] quarto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] That in [inserted: both] the monethes of May and July [deleted/altered words unread] he this Exa[minate] has diverse & sundry times [inserted: in Cleckheaton afores[ai]d] heard the ar[ticula]te John Charlesworth call the ar[ticula]te Grace Rayner a whore and witch and said that she threw him downe in [deleted: Liversidge] a little wood neere Liversidge and breake two ribbs in his side there being p[rese]nt [inserted: at the speaking] [inserted words naming witnesses/place partly unread] the said words in May last the coexaminates [to wit?] Timothy Askwith & [unread] [deleted run] & al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] quinto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit that the very last weeke before his [inserted: now?] Examination [deleted words] heard the ar[ticula]te Charlesworth call the said Rayner a whore, witch & theif & said he was able to prove her soe; diverse other times has heard the same words repeated by him Et al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] sexto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit quod Nescit deponere. Sup[er] reliquis non Exa[minatus] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera &c. Thomas Brooke.

Timothy Askwith de Cleckheaton in Com[itatu] Ebor[acensi] aetatis 26 annor[um] testis ut supra productus admissus juratus et Exa[minatus] et primo de notitia partium Exa[minatus] dicit quod dictam Rayner per decem annos novit praefatum Johannem Charlesworth per idem tempus novit. [Image 8 left] Sup[er] quarto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit that in or about the moneth of May or June [inserted: last] as neare as this Exa[minate] remembers he this Exa[minate] was in company with the ar[ticula]te John Charlesworth sen[ior] in one Margarett Willeys house scituate in Cleckheaton when & where the said Charlesworth speake of the s[ai]d Grace Rayner said & reported that she was a whore & a witch there being none p[rese]nt but this Exa[minate] & the houshold going about their occasions about the house Et al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] quinto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit quod nescit deponere. Sup[er] sexto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit that by reason of the words praedeposed the good name & fame of her the s[ai]d Grace Rayner is much impaired & hurt & her credit is much gone amongst her neighbours Et al[ite]r nescit deponere dicit &c. Timothy [mark] Askwith his m[a]rke. [Image 8 right blank.]

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

page_01.jpg 1732 × 2532 pixels. Later cover with 1681 annotation; covered sentence.

page_02.jpg 1717 × 2605 pixels. Sentence opening and proof finding.

page_03.jpg 3310 × 2612 pixels. Sentence operative conclusion left, blank right.

page_04.jpg 3317 × 2612 pixels. Articles opening right, blank left.

page_05.jpg 3303 × 2642 pixels. Articles continuation and prayer.

page_06.jpg 3310 × 2619 pixels. Docket left, personal answers right.

page_07.jpg 3310 × 2605 pixels. Blank reverse left; Brooke deposition and Askwith opening right.

page_08.jpg 3267 × 2605 pixels. Askwith conclusion left, blank right.

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978; images 2–3

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978; images 4–5

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978; image 6 left

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978; image 6 right

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978; image 7 right

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978; images 7–8

Source scope and outcome: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; images 2–3 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; images 4–5 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; image 6 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; image 7 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; images 7–8 | Saved repository manifest CP.H.4978: four pieces; deposition, libel and sentence; plaintiff won; 17 November 1682–29 March 1683. Court field undefined; Office plaintiff, Grace promoting party, Jonathan Charlesworth senior defendant.; CP.H.4978; saved manifest metadata

Name corrections and separate causes: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; images 2–3 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; image 7 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; images 7–8 | Saved repository manifest CP.H.4978: four pieces; deposition, libel and sentence; plaintiff won; 17 November 1682–29 March 1683. Court field undefined; Office plaintiff, Grace promoting party, Jonathan Charlesworth senior defendant.; CP.H.4978; saved manifest metadata

Dates and court identification: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; image 6 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; image 7 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; images 2–3 | Saved repository manifest CP.H.4978: four pieces; deposition, libel and sentence; plaintiff won; 17 November 1682–29 March 1683. Court field undefined; Office plaintiff, Grace promoting party, Jonathan Charlesworth senior defendant.; CP.H.4978; saved manifest metadata

What the sentence establishes: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; images 2–3 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; images 4–5

Context on mediated testimony: James Brown, Margaret Alcock’s Evil Eye: Witchcraft Defamations in Early Modern England, Inner Lives, 31 October 2016; Getting Sued By A Witch and paragraph beginning As is now well established. Retrieved 26 October 2026. Context only; its Grace Rayner and Richard Blackborn example is not treated as evidence of this senior Charlesworth cause.; Brown 2016; paragraph beginning As is now well established

Scope of contextual research: Saved repository manifest CP.H.4978: four pieces; deposition, libel and sentence; plaintiff won; 17 November 1682–29 March 1683. Court field undefined; Office plaintiff, Grace promoting party, Jonathan Charlesworth senior defendant.

About this case and its sources: Saved repository manifest CP.H.4978: four pieces; deposition, libel and sentence; plaintiff won; 17 November 1682–29 March 1683. Court field undefined; Office plaintiff, Grace promoting party, Jonathan Charlesworth senior defendant.; CP.H.4978; saved manifest metadata | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; images 2–3 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; image 6 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; image 7 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.; CP.H.4978; images 7–8

Evidence: CP.H.4978; images 4–5, CP.H.4978; images 2–3

Evidence: CP.H.4978; images 4–5, CP.H.4978; image 6 right, CP.H.4978; images 2–3

Evidence: CP.H.4978; images 2–3, CP.H.4978; image 6 right, CP.H.4978; image 7 right

Evidence: CP.H.4978; images 2–3

Evidence: CP.H.4978; images 2–3, CP.H.4978; images 4–5

Evidence: CP.H.4978; image 6 right

Evidence: CP.H.4978; image 7 right

Evidence: CP.H.4978; image 7 right, CP.H.4978; images 7–8

Evidence: CP.H.4978; images 7–8

Evidence: CP.H.4978; image 7 right

Office promoted by Grace Rayner against John Charlesworth senior
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover.
https://discover.york.ac.uk/collections/york-cause-papers/?manifest=CP_H_4978&canvas=CP_H_4978_0001

York Cause Papers catalogue CP.H.4978
Saved repository manifest CP.H.4978: four pieces; deposition, libel and sentence; plaintiff won; 17 November 1682–29 March 1683. Court field undefined; Office plaintiff, Grace promoting party, Jonathan Charlesworth senior defendant.
https://discover.york.ac.uk/ark:/36941/CP_H_4978/presentation/3/manifest

Margaret Alcock’s Evil Eye: Witchcraft Defamations in Early Modern England
James Brown, Margaret Alcock’s Evil Eye: Witchcraft Defamations in Early Modern England, Inner Lives, 31 October 2016; Getting Sued By A Witch and paragraph beginning As is now well established. Retrieved 26 October 2026. Context only; its Grace Rayner and Richard Blackborn example is not treated as evidence of this senior Charlesworth cause.
https://innerlivesblog.wordpress.com/2016/10/31/margaret-alcocks-evil-eye-witchcraft-defamation-suits-in-early-modern-england/

Image Title: CP.H.4978 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (sexual slander / witchcraft) Details: 4 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; Has sentence Outcome: plaintiff won Date: 17/11/1682 — 29/3/1683 Parties Mentioned: Office, plaintiff, undefined Jonathan Charlesworth [Charlesworth], defendant, male; senior Other individuals: Grace Rayner [Rayner], promoting parties, female; widow John Preston [Preston], prosecution proctor, male Robert Squire [Squire], defence proctor, male Witnesses: Thomas Brook [Brooke], witness, male; 40 Timothy Asquith [Askwith], witness, male; 26 Places: Liversedge (Birstall (YorkshireWestRiding)) - undefined

In the name of God, Amen. Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, vicar general in spiritual matters and principal official of Richard, by divine providence Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan, has heard, seen, understood and fully and maturely considered the merits and circumstances of a cause of correction concerning scandalous and injurious words allegedly uttered by John Charlesworth senior of Birstall against Grace Rayner contrary to charity and Christianity. It is pending between Grace, the promoting party, and John, the party proceeded against. Articles were exhibited and copies delivered, and are treated as read and inserted. The legal requirements have been observed. [One title phrase and an appointment word remain uncertain.] The parties appear through their respective proctors, John Preston for Grace and Robert Squire for John Charlesworth, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal, and request sentence and justice. After reviewing the whole proceedings, invoking the Holy Spirit, deliberating maturely and consulting legal experts, the judge proceeds to his definitive sentence. From the acts, proceedings and matters advanced, exhibited, narrated, alleged, proved and confessed, he finds that Grace has sufficiently and fully established and proved the case advanced in her articles. Nothing contrary has been alleged or proved to defeat or weaken it. He therefore pronounces that John Charlesworth senior maliciously defamed Grace by repeatedly uttering the insulting and defamatory words pleaded, harming her standing and good reputation contrary to good morals and the rule of charity, as established by the evidence in this cause. He declares that Charlesworth is to be ecclesiastically corrected and punished and compelled to make reclamation and reformation of the utterance of those words [the exact final Latin noun is uncertain]. He condemns Charlesworth in Grace's expenses incurred and to be incurred and orders effective payment. This is his definitive sentence or final decree, delivered in writing; assessment of the expenses is reserved to him or another competent judge. Henry Squire. 29 March 1683. Read and delivered by us, Henry Watkinson.

19 November 1682. Recognised before Henry Watkinson. [Catalogue range begins 17 November; this is a separate metadata date.] John Charlesworth senior answers the libel presented on Grace Rayner's behalf. To the first article, he refers himself to the canonical provisions pleaded, if such exist, and otherwise does not believe it true. To the second, he refers himself to the pleaded provincial constitution, if it exists, and otherwise does not believe the matters true. To the third, he does not believe it true. To the fourth and fifth, he says he is not legally bound to answer because they are criminal propositions [a short contracted connecting phrase remains unread]. To the sixth, he does not believe it true. To the seventh, he believes it true. To the eighth, he believes what he has admitted and denies what he has denied. [William?] Savile. John Charlesworth.

10 January 1682, as written [1682/3 when the English legal year began on 25 March; the documentary year is retained]. Repeated or confirmed before Henry Watkinson. Thomas Brooke of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, a clothier approximately 40 years old, produced, admitted, sworn and examined on Grace's articles against Charlesworth senior. He has known Grace for sixteen years and Charlesworth for thirty. “Eliza” was first written and cancelled before Rayner's name. On the fourth article, he says that in both May and July he heard Charlesworth, on several occasions at Cleckheaton, call Grace a whore and a witch and say she threw him down in a little wood near Liversedge and broke two ribs. [The altered witness-presence insertion is partly unread; Timothy Askwith is readable; an inserted reference to Richard [surname unresolved] remains tentative. The whole witness list is not certified.] He knows nothing further to depose. On the fifth, he says that in the week before this examination he heard Charlesworth call Grace a whore, witch and thief and say he could prove her so; he has heard him repeat the words on other occasions. He knows nothing further to depose. On the sixth, he knows nothing to depose. He was not examined on the remaining articles and affirms the truth of his evidence, etc. Thomas Brooke.

Timothy Askwith of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, approximately 26 years old, produced, admitted, sworn and examined as above, says he has known Grace and Charlesworth for ten years. On the fourth article, he says that around May or June of the previous year, as nearly as he remembers, he was with Charlesworth senior at Margaret Willey's house in Cleckheaton. Charlesworth spoke of Grace Rayner and said she was a whore and a witch. Only the witness and household members going about their business were present. He knows nothing further to depose. On the fifth, he knows nothing to depose. On the sixth, he says that the words greatly harmed Grace's good name and reputation and diminished her credit among her neighbours. He knows nothing further to depose, etc. Timothy Askwith's mark.

In dei nomine Amen Auditis visis intellectis et plenarie et mature discussis per Nos Henricum Watkinson legum Doctorem Reverend[issimi] in Christo patris et Domini Domini Richardi providentia divina Ebor[acensis] Archiepiscopi Angliae Primatis et Metropolitani Vicarium in Spiritualibus generalem et Officialem principalem [unread contracted phrase] Meritis et Circumstantiis hujusmodi Causae sive Negotii Correctionis sive prolationis quorundam verborum scandalosorum et injuriosorum per Johannem Charlesworth seniorem parochiae de Birstall dioc[eseos] Ebor[acensis] in et contra Gratiam Rayner eandem contra Regulam Charitatis et Christianitatis Quae sive quod coram nobis in judicio inter praefatam Gratiam Rayner partem promoventem ex una et dictum Johannem Charlesworth partem promotam ex altera nuper vertebatur vertiturque adhuc et pendet indecis[um], oblatisque Articulis per dictam partem promoventem tum copia eorundem parti promotae tradit[a] sic incipien[te] In Dei nomine Amen nos &c. Quos quidem Articulos pro hic lectis et insertis habemus et haberi volumus, Observatisque omnibus et singulis de jure in hac parte observandis, Terminoque ad audiendam Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa sive negotio perendie [reading uncertain] per nos judicialiter assignato, ac ipso Termino adveniente, partibusque praedictis, promovente vid[elicet] per magistrum Johannem Preston promota vero per magistrum Robertum Squire Notarios Publicos eorum respectivos procuratores coram nobis in dicta Curia Judicialiter pro Tribunali publice sedentibus comparentibus ac Sententiam per nos ferri et justitiam fieri instanter postulantibus. Ruminatoque primitus per nos toto et integro processu in hujusmodi Causa sive negotio habito et facto et diligenter recensito Invocata etiam Spiritus Sancti gratia maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum Consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus in hac parte communicavimus ad Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa sive Negotio ferendam prolatamque [unread contraction] duximus procedendum fore et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum In dei nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita exhibita narrata allegata probata pariter et confessata in hac Causa memorata comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem promoventem intentionem suam in dictis Articulis suis in hac Causa datis [Image 3 left] et exhibitis deductam et propositam sufficienter et ad plenum fundasse pariter et probasse, Nihilque in contrarium allegatum aut probatum fuisse aut esse quod intentionem dictae partis promoventis elideret seu quomodolibet enervaret; Idcirco Nos Henricus Watkinson legum Doctor Judex antedictus praefatum Johannem Charlesworth sic malitiose diffamasse dictam Gratiam Rayner, ac nonnulla verba convitiosa vituperiosa scandalosa et diffamatoria in hac Causa libellata ad infamiam laesionem denigrationem sive diminutionem status et bonae famae dictae Gratiae Rayner, contra bonos mores et fraternam regulam Charitatis regularum et juris exigentiam saepius protulisse et praedicasse juxta probationes [unread contraction] in hac Causa habitas et factas pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus praefatumque Johannem Charlesworth Seniorem pro tanto temeritatis suae excessu in praemissis et ea committendo Ecclesiastice corrigendum et puniendum fore, ac ad Reclamationem et Reformationem dictorum verborum diffamatoriorum Emissionis [reading requires collation] cogendum et compellendum fore pronunciamus etiam decernimus et declaramus; Eundemque Johannem Charlesworth in Expensis Litis ex parte et per partem dictae Gratiae Rayner in hac Causa factis et fiendis condemnamus condemnatumque ad debitam solutionem earundem parti dictae Gratiae Rayner efficaciter cogendum et compellendum fore pronunciamus decernimus et declaramus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale decretum quam sive quod ferimus et promulgamus in hiis scriptis; Taxationem vero hujusmodi Expensarum nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte competenti [unread contraction] reservantes et reservamus etiam in hiis scriptis. Hen: Squire. 29no die Martij 1683. Lecta et lata per nos Hen: Watkinson. [Image 3 right blank.]

19no Die Nov[embris] 1682. Recognit[ae] Coram Hen: Watkinson. Responsiones personales Johannis Charlesworth Sen[ior] factae positionibus et articulis sive Libelli ex parte et pro parte Gratiae Rayner con[tra] eum dati et exhibiti. Ad primam positionem respondendo refert se ad Canonicas sanctiones articulatas (si quae tales sint) Et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad secundam positionem respondendo refert se ad Constitutionem provincialem articulatam (si quae talis est) Et al[ite]r non Credit praedicta esse vera in aliquo. Ad tertiam positionem respondendo non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad quartam et quintam positiones respondendo Credit quod de jure non tenetur [unread contracted words] respondere quia sunt positiones Criminales. Ad sextam positionem respondendo non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad septimam positionem respondendo Credit eandem esse veram. Ad octavam positionem respondendo Credit Credita et negat negata. W[illia]m Savile [subscription reading provisional]. Jn: Charlesworth.

[Image 7 left blank reverse.] 10th Janu[arij] 1682 [year as written]. Repetit[us]. Hen: Watkinson. Thomas Brooke de Cleckheaton in Com[itatu] Ebor[acensi] aetatis 40 annor[um] Clothier testis super positionibus et articulis [unread contraction] ex parte et pro parte Gratiae Rayner con[tra] Johannem Charlesworth senior[em] dat[is] et exhibit[is] productus admissus juratus et Exa[minatus] et primo de notitia partium Exa[minatus] dicit quod dictam [deleted: Elizam] Rayner per sexdecem annos novit dictum vero Charlesworth per triginta annos novit. Sup[er] quarto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] That in [inserted: both] the monethes of May and July [deleted/altered words unread] he this Exa[minate] has diverse & sundry times [inserted: in Cleckheaton afores[ai]d] heard the ar[ticula]te John Charlesworth call the ar[ticula]te Grace Rayner a whore and witch and said that she threw him downe in [deleted: Liversidge] a little wood neere Liversidge and breake two ribbs in his side there being p[rese]nt [inserted: at the speaking] [inserted words naming witnesses/place partly unread] the said words in May last the coexaminates [to wit?] Timothy Askwith & [unread] [deleted run] & al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] quinto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit that the very last weeke before his [inserted: now?] Examination [deleted words] heard the ar[ticula]te Charlesworth call the said Rayner a whore, witch & theif & said he was able to prove her soe; diverse other times has heard the same words repeated by him Et al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] sexto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit quod Nescit deponere. Sup[er] reliquis non Exa[minatus] dicit quod praedeposita per eum sunt vera &c. Thomas Brooke.

Timothy Askwith de Cleckheaton in Com[itatu] Ebor[acensi] aetatis 26 annor[um] testis ut supra productus admissus juratus et Exa[minatus] et primo de notitia partium Exa[minatus] dicit quod dictam Rayner per decem annos novit praefatum Johannem Charlesworth per idem tempus novit. [Image 8 left] Sup[er] quarto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit that in or about the moneth of May or June [inserted: last] as neare as this Exa[minate] remembers he this Exa[minate] was in company with the ar[ticula]te John Charlesworth sen[ior] in one Margarett Willeys house scituate in Cleckheaton when & where the said Charlesworth speake of the s[ai]d Grace Rayner said & reported that she was a whore & a witch there being none p[rese]nt but this Exa[minate] & the houshold going about their occasions about the house Et al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] quinto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit quod nescit deponere. Sup[er] sexto art[icu]lo Exa[minatus] dicit that by reason of the words praedeposed the good name & fame of her the s[ai]d Grace Rayner is much impaired & hurt & her credit is much gone amongst her neighbours Et al[ite]r nescit deponere dicit &c. Timothy [mark] Askwith his m[a]rke. [Image 8 right blank.]

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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.

Rayner–Charlesworth senior · reading edition, Witching reading edition; prepared 2026-10-26; edition version 1.0; reading identifier rayner_charlesworth_senior-reading-v1. · context

People

Grace Rayner: Promoting widow; articles plead good reputation and the sentence finds her defamation case proved.
Henry Squire: Hen Squire subscribes articles and sentence; precise capacity remains qualified..
Henry Watkinson: Doctor of Laws addressed in the libel and named in the procedural endorsement beside the personal answers dated 30 May 1678.
John Charlesworth: Defendant expressly called senior or the elder.
John Preston: Promoter’s proctor named in the sentence..
Margaret Willey: Named as the person whose Cleckheaton house was the setting of Timothy’s reported conversation.
Richard [surname unresolved]: A Richard with unresolved surname appears tentatively in an inserted witness-presence reference in Brooke’s deposition.
Richard, Archbishop of York: Archbishop of York named in the judicial title.
Robert Squire: Defendant’s proctor named in the sentence; separate from Henry Squire..
Thomas Brooke: Cleckheaton clothier aged 40, knew Grace 16 years and junior Charlesworth 20 years.
Timothy Askwith: Cleckheaton witness about 26.
William Savile: Wm Savile subscribes answers; first-name expansion provisional..

Events

Charlesworth senior is alleged to have said Grace Rayner used witchcraft to throw him down near Liversedge and break two ribs. Brooke reports this accusation; Askwith’s evidence supports only the name-calling he describes.
1682: Articles promoted at Grace’s instance allege that Charlesworth senior called her a whore and witch and said she threw him down in a little wood at Liversedge, breaking two ribs. The alternative months April–September 1682 are pleaded, not a certified exact incident date. Correction and costs are requested. Pale opening and prayer clauses remain incomplete. (a documentary entry)
1682-11-19: On 19 November 1682 as read, Charlesworth senior denies the reputation and injury articles and says he is not legally bound to answer articles four and five because they are criminal propositions. He admits jurisdiction. Declining to answer is not transcribed as an admission of the insult or injury. Catalogue range begins 17 November; that is retained separately. (a documentary entry)
1683-01-10: Brooke describes repeated whore and witch insults and an allegation of a fall and broken ribs, with thief added in a later exchange. Askwith describes whore and witch words at Margaret Willey’s house and injury to Grace’s credit among neighbours. They do not independently verify witchcraft or broken ribs. The deposition date is 10 January 1682 as written, treated as 1682/3 in the English March-year sequence. (a documentary entry)
1683-03-29: Henry Watkinson’s sentence of 29 March 1683 finds Grace’s case sufficiently proved and Charlesworth senior to have maliciously defamed her. It orders ecclesiastical correction and punishment, reclamation or reformation concerning the words, and costs, reserving taxation. No performed penance, specific fine or actual payment is supplied. (a documentary entry)

Sources

James Brown, Margaret Alcock’s Evil Eye: Witchcraft Defamations in Early Modern England, 2016-10-31, James Brown, Margaret Alcock’s Evil Eye: Witchcraft Defamations in Early Modern England, Inner Lives, 31 October 2016; section The Bewitching of Richard Malham and paragraphs beginning Mary’s husband, Although Mary, And saith, As is now well established and As is so often. Retrieved 26 October 2026. (scholarship) (later scholarship)
CP.H.4978 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4978. Sentence images 2–3; articles 4–5; docket and answers 6; Thomas Brooke and Timothy Askwith depositions 7–8. Image 1 is the later cover., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.H.4978 (court record)
York Cause Papers catalogue CP.H.4978, n.d., Saved repository manifest CP.H.4978: four pieces; deposition, libel and sentence; plaintiff won; 17 November 1682–29 March 1683. Court field undefined; Office plaintiff, Grace promoting party, Jonathan Charlesworth senior defendant. (catalogue)
Rayner–Charlesworth senior · reading edition, Witching reading edition; prepared 2026-10-26; edition version 1.0; reading identifier rayner_charlesworth_senior-reading-v1. (edition)

Credit

Witches in Early Modern England research edition. Human editorial and review credits await confirmation.