Jane Kay and Anne Cooke — CP.H.1504 — Witches in Early Modern England

Jane Kay brought a defamation suit against Anne Cooke of Almondbury over alleged witchcraft insults and a claim that she bewitched Parkin’s wife. Cooke denied the central article. Three women described speech at a well or house doors and answered credibility questions. The witnesses’ time references and perspectives differ; the wife’s subsequent condition remains unread. No sentence or outcome is established.

Scope

Six paired units from all six saved images; partial readings and translations explicitly marked.

Editorial conventions

English precedes the original Latin or mixed-language text. Source spelling is retained. Square brackets mark expansions, uncertainty, cancellations and unread writing; gap descriptions are not manuscript wording. English readings are partial where the underlying clauses remain unread. Image positions are not folios. Allegations, denials and reported testimony remain distinct from findings.

Notes on the edition

Comparison of sources: Survival and outcome

Six saved images represent two catalogued pieces. Six paired units cover the libel, docket, three depositions and personal answers. Contracted preliminary clauses, prayer, marginal names and some credibility clauses remain partly unread. The condition word after never is uncertain. No sentence survives in the collected file; no victory, conviction, death or payment is inferred.

Opening: Jane Kay brings a defamation cause against Anne Cooke of Almondbury before the archbishop's spiritual court. [The court style, proctor's name and several preliminary and reservation clauses remain unread and untranslated.] Article 1 pleads Jane Kay's honesty and good reputation in Almondbury and nearby places before the alleged defamation. [Some formula clauses remain unread.] Article 2 places the alleged words within March, April, May, June, July, August, September or October 1621. It alleges that Cooke called Kay a witch and said she bewitched Parkin's wife, who never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards, adding 'go witch as thou art.' [The complete clause about time alternatives and defamation is not yet translated.] Article 3 alleges subsequent acknowledgment of the words. [Its full text is unresolved.] Article 4 pleads injury to Kay's good name among respectable people and risk of future injury. Article 5 pleads Cooke's Almondbury residence and jurisdiction. Article 6 pleads public voice and fame concerning the foregoing. The prayer seeks lawful correction and costs. [The detailed prayer and several linking clauses remain untranslated. These descriptions do not constitute full translation of the gaps.]

CP.H.1504 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.H.1504, CP.H.1504; images 2–3

Docket: Kay and Cooke, 1622. The repository stamp and pencil shelfmark are later archival marks, not the court’s judgment.

[contracted docket] Kay & Cooke 1622 [repository stamp and shelfmark pencil, distinguished from original]

Cooke believes article 1 true, denies article 2, and does not believe herself obliged to answer articles 3 and 4 because they depend on the denied second article. She believes article 5 true. To article 6 she believes what is believed and denies what is denied. She makes her mark. The first article's admission concerns Kay's pleaded reputation; it is not an admission of the defamatory words denied in article 2.

Image Title: CP.H.1504 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 2 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; No sentence Date: 31/5/1622 — 31/5/1622 Parties Mentioned: Jane Kay [Key; Kay], plaintiff, female Anne Cook [Cooke; Coke], defendant, female Witnesses: Anne Meller [Meller], witness, female; 40 Hester Schofield [Scolefeild], witness, female; 21 Sarah Williamson [Williamson], witness, female; 35

CP.H.1504 catalogue, n.d., University of York, saved IIIF manifest metadata for CP.H.1504; retrieved for this edition 27 October 2026. Catalogue range 31 May 1622, court undefined, two pieces, no sentence., CP.H.1504; saved manifest metadata · context

In dei nomine Amen. Coram vobis [contracted judicial style] [approximately five lines of the archbishop's vicar-general and principal-official jurisdiction and invocation, partly unread] [causa] procur[ator] et procuratorio nomine discretae mulieris Janae Kay contra dictam Annam Cooke de Almondbury diocesis Ebor [contracted continuation] [remaining seven-line introduction and reservation partly unread]. [Margin subscription:] Wm [surname contracted and unresolved]. 1. Imprimis [contracted formula] Quod dicta Jana Kay fuit et est mulier honesta bonae famae vitae et conversationis integrae et honestae mulieris [several contracted words] absque aliqua diffamatione vel aliquali [unread] [infractors reservation] [unread clause] status sui et esse [unread] [clause alleging good public reputation] in dicta parochia de Almondbury alijsque locis vicinis [contracted ending]. 2. Item [contracted formula] Quod praemissis non obstantibus dicta Anna Cooke [contracted words] malitiose mensibus Martij Aprilis Maij Junij Julij Augusti Septembris et Octobris Anno Domini 1621 [contracted month-range alternatives] infra parochiam de Almondbury diocesis Ebor [contracted neighbouring-place clause] [approximately six lines alleging defamatory utterance against Kay, partly unresolved] haec verba Anglice sequencia seu alia eis in effectu consimilia videlicet the said Anne Cooke called the said Jane Kay witch and said that she Kay bewitched one Parkins wife and that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after and further said unto her the said Jane Kay goe witche as thou arte [contracted continuation] [three closing formula lines partly unread]. 3. Item [contracted formula] Quod post praemissa dicta Anna Cooke coram [contracted witness/reference clause] Janae Kay [unread] [three further lines alleging acknowledgment of the defamatory words, partly unread] [continues image 3 left:] [unread line and inserted marginal/interlinear words concerning acknowledgment]. 4. Item [contracted formula] Quod per praemissa verba clamores [unread] verba diffamatoria status bona fama et opinio ipsius Janae Kay apud bonos et graves viros [unread clause] prius reputata bonae famae et [clause alleging serious injury and future harm, two partly unread lines]. 5. Item [contracted formula] Quod dicta Anna Cooke fuit et est de Almondbury diocesis Ebor ac sic [jurisdiction clause, partly unread]. 6. Item [contracted formula] Quod de et super praemissis [unread contraction] et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama in dicta parochia de Almondbury diocesis Ebor [unread ending]. Unde facta fide de praemissis quantum de jure sufficit ex parte dictae Janae Kay [unread contracted clause] dictam Annam Cooke pro tanta temeritate sua [prayer continues approximately fifteen lines, for correction and costs, not fully read] [closing reservations and subscription partly unread].

17 Maij 1622 Responsiones personales Annae Cooke factae positionibus et articulis [inserted/contracted words] per partem Janae Kay contra eam exhibitis. Ad primam positionem [contracted response formula] credit eandem esse veram. Ad secundam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem esse veram. Ad tertiam et quartam positiones [contracted response formula] non credit se teneri eisdem respondere quia dependunt ex dicta positione secunda negata. Ad quintam positionem [contracted response formula] credit eandem esse veram. Ad sextam positionem [contracted response formula] credit de creditis et negat de negatis. Signum Anna [mark] Cooke.

Comparison of sources: Documentary and incident dates

The catalogue gives 31 May 1622 only; personal answers are visibly dated 17 May 1622. The libel pleads alternative months in 1621. Feast and seasonal recollections remain relative, and the common-well and doorway accounts are not collapsed into a single precisely dated encounter.

Opening: Jane Kay brings a defamation cause against Anne Cooke of Almondbury before the archbishop's spiritual court. [The court style, proctor's name and several preliminary and reservation clauses remain unread and untranslated.] Article 1 pleads Jane Kay's honesty and good reputation in Almondbury and nearby places before the alleged defamation. [Some formula clauses remain unread.] Article 2 places the alleged words within March, April, May, June, July, August, September or October 1621. It alleges that Cooke called Kay a witch and said she bewitched Parkin's wife, who never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards, adding 'go witch as thou art.' [The complete clause about time alternatives and defamation is not yet translated.] Article 3 alleges subsequent acknowledgment of the words. [Its full text is unresolved.] Article 4 pleads injury to Kay's good name among respectable people and risk of future injury. Article 5 pleads Cooke's Almondbury residence and jurisdiction. Article 6 pleads public voice and fame concerning the foregoing. The prayer seeks lawful correction and costs. [The detailed prayer and several linking clauses remain untranslated. These descriptions do not constitute full translation of the gaps.]

Cooke believes article 1 true, denies article 2, and does not believe herself obliged to answer articles 3 and 4 because they depend on the denied second article. She believes article 5 true. To article 6 she believes what is believed and denies what is denied. She makes her mark. The first article's admission concerns Kay's pleaded reputation; it is not an admission of the defamatory words denied in article 2.

31 May 1622: Anna Mellor of Almondbury, about 40, has known Kay [seven, provisional numeral] years and Cooke eight years. Produced, admitted, sworn and examined for Kay against Cooke, before Christopher Holdsworth. She is not examined on article 1 because the defendant admits it. To article 2: About last St Peter the Apostle's feast, at a time she cannot more precisely remember, she came to draw water at a common well in Almondbury town gate. She found Cooke and Kay quarrelling and exchanging angry words. She heard Cooke tell Kay, 'away witch, for thou bewitched Parkin's wife that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after.' [The closing witness-presence insertion is unresolved.] She knows nothing further. To article 3 she knows nothing beyond her previous deposition. To article 4 she refers to the law and knows nothing further. Article 5 is not examined because admitted. To article 6 she affirms her prior evidence and answers credibility questions [the detailed abbreviated clauses about instruction, payment, relationship and hostility remain unresolved].

Hestera Scolefeild [catalogue Hester Schofield] of Huddersfield, about 21, likewise examined, knows Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. Article 1 is admitted, so not examined. Her name is read provisionally from this cause; variant headings in related proceedings are not silently substituted. To article 2: Between Easter and Whitsuntide last, at a time she cannot specify more closely, she stood at Jane Kay's house door in Almondbury. She heard the women quarrelling. Cooke said to Kay, 'go thy way witch as thou art.' Asked by Kay how she was a witch, Cooke replied that Kay bewitched Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards. Sara was present with others [inserted names unresolved]. She knows nothing further. To article 3 she knows nothing beyond that. To article 4 she refers to the law. Article 5 is admitted. To article 6 she affirms her testimony and answers the usual credibility questions [contracted text unresolved].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Kay from her own childhood and Cooke for the same period. Likewise examined; article 1 admitted. To article 2: Between Easter and Whitsuntide last, at a time she cannot specify more closely, she sat working at her husband's house door in Almondbury. She heard and saw Cooke and Kay exchanging angry speech. Cooke called Kay a witch, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art,' and further that Kay bewitched Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards. Kay called on witnesses and asked this witness and others to remember the words. Hester Scolefeild [provisional surname] was present with others. [One verb and a few contracted words remain unresolved.] To article 3 she knows nothing beyond that. To article 4 she refers to the law. Article 5 is admitted. To article 6 she affirms her testimony and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses remain unresolved].

Image Title: CP.H.1504 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 2 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; No sentence Date: 31/5/1622 — 31/5/1622 Parties Mentioned: Jane Kay [Key; Kay], plaintiff, female Anne Cook [Cooke; Coke], defendant, female Witnesses: Anne Meller [Meller], witness, female; 40 Hester Schofield [Scolefeild], witness, female; 21 Sarah Williamson [Williamson], witness, female; 35

In dei nomine Amen. Coram vobis [contracted judicial style] [approximately five lines of the archbishop's vicar-general and principal-official jurisdiction and invocation, partly unread] [causa] procur[ator] et procuratorio nomine discretae mulieris Janae Kay contra dictam Annam Cooke de Almondbury diocesis Ebor [contracted continuation] [remaining seven-line introduction and reservation partly unread]. [Margin subscription:] Wm [surname contracted and unresolved]. 1. Imprimis [contracted formula] Quod dicta Jana Kay fuit et est mulier honesta bonae famae vitae et conversationis integrae et honestae mulieris [several contracted words] absque aliqua diffamatione vel aliquali [unread] [infractors reservation] [unread clause] status sui et esse [unread] [clause alleging good public reputation] in dicta parochia de Almondbury alijsque locis vicinis [contracted ending]. 2. Item [contracted formula] Quod praemissis non obstantibus dicta Anna Cooke [contracted words] malitiose mensibus Martij Aprilis Maij Junij Julij Augusti Septembris et Octobris Anno Domini 1621 [contracted month-range alternatives] infra parochiam de Almondbury diocesis Ebor [contracted neighbouring-place clause] [approximately six lines alleging defamatory utterance against Kay, partly unresolved] haec verba Anglice sequencia seu alia eis in effectu consimilia videlicet the said Anne Cooke called the said Jane Kay witch and said that she Kay bewitched one Parkins wife and that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after and further said unto her the said Jane Kay goe witche as thou arte [contracted continuation] [three closing formula lines partly unread]. 3. Item [contracted formula] Quod post praemissa dicta Anna Cooke coram [contracted witness/reference clause] Janae Kay [unread] [three further lines alleging acknowledgment of the defamatory words, partly unread] [continues image 3 left:] [unread line and inserted marginal/interlinear words concerning acknowledgment]. 4. Item [contracted formula] Quod per praemissa verba clamores [unread] verba diffamatoria status bona fama et opinio ipsius Janae Kay apud bonos et graves viros [unread clause] prius reputata bonae famae et [clause alleging serious injury and future harm, two partly unread lines]. 5. Item [contracted formula] Quod dicta Anna Cooke fuit et est de Almondbury diocesis Ebor ac sic [jurisdiction clause, partly unread]. 6. Item [contracted formula] Quod de et super praemissis [unread contraction] et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama in dicta parochia de Almondbury diocesis Ebor [unread ending]. Unde facta fide de praemissis quantum de jure sufficit ex parte dictae Janae Kay [unread contracted clause] dictam Annam Cooke pro tanta temeritate sua [prayer continues approximately fifteen lines, for correction and costs, not fully read] [closing reservations and subscription partly unread].

17 Maij 1622 Responsiones personales Annae Cooke factae positionibus et articulis [inserted/contracted words] per partem Janae Kay contra eam exhibitis. Ad primam positionem [contracted response formula] credit eandem esse veram. Ad secundam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem esse veram. Ad tertiam et quartam positiones [contracted response formula] non credit se teneri eisdem respondere quia dependunt ex dicta positione secunda negata. Ad quintam positionem [contracted response formula] credit eandem esse veram. Ad sextam positionem [contracted response formula] credit de creditis et negat de negatis. Signum Anna [mark] Cooke.

Ultimo die mensis Maij 1622 Chr: Holdsworth Anna Mellor de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xl annorum seu circiter testis super positionibus et articulis libelli [unread contraction] per partem Janae Kay contra Annam Coke exhibitis producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per [vij; provisional numeral] annos et eandem Annam Coke per octo Annos seu circiter. Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That aboute the feast of St Peter the Apostle now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate Comming to drawe water [altered/insertion:] at a common well in the towne gate of Almondbury articulated found the articulate Anne Coke and Jane Kay chiding together and att angry speaches thone against thother where and [deleted word] when she this examinate did heare the said Anne Coke say unto the said Jane Kay away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after there being [unread contraction] this examinate & the [inserted witness-presence clause partly unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Hestera Scolefeild [provisional surname] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per undecim annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus bene novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. [Image 5 left:] Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That betweene Easter and whitsontide now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate being standing in Jane Kayes house doore situate in the towne of Almondbury articulate when this party articulate did heare the said Jane Kay and the articulate Anne Coke att Chiding and angrie wordes together where & when the said Anne Coke (amongst other angrie speaches) said unto the articulate Jane Kay goe thy way witche as thou arte and she the said Jane asking her the said Anne Coke wherein she was a witche she the said Anne replied and said that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after there & then being [unread contraction] this examinate and her contest Sara [inserted surname partly unread] and divers [inserted names partly unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay [deleted: contracted word] de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted oath words] et primo de notitia partium [contracted words] dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay a pueritia ipsius deponentis et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. [Image 5 right:] Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That betweene Easter and whitsontide now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate being sitting & working att her husbands house doore situate in Almondbury articulate when this party [unread contraction] did heare & see the articulate Jane Kay and Anne Coke having & att angry speaches together where and when the said Anne Coke did call the said Jane Kay witche saying unto her go thy way witche as thou arte and said further that she the said Jane had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after Upon speaking of which wordes the said Jane Kay tooke witnes & [deleted word, inserted:] desired this examinate unto them & desired her & other witnesses then & there [word uncertain: able?] to remember her wordes then & there being [unread contraction] this examinate & her Contest Hester Scolefeild [provisional surname] with others Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Comparison of sources: Witness names and relationships

Native headings support ages 40, 21 and 35. Hestera’s surname is provisionally Scolefeild, compared with catalogue Schofield; the earlier working Stol reading is superseded. Sara’s alias Kay does not establish kinship with the plaintiff. Related causes CP.H.1505 and CP.H.1506 remain distinct records; their text is not substituted here.

31 May 1622: Anna Mellor of Almondbury, about 40, has known Kay [seven, provisional numeral] years and Cooke eight years. Produced, admitted, sworn and examined for Kay against Cooke, before Christopher Holdsworth. She is not examined on article 1 because the defendant admits it. To article 2: About last St Peter the Apostle's feast, at a time she cannot more precisely remember, she came to draw water at a common well in Almondbury town gate. She found Cooke and Kay quarrelling and exchanging angry words. She heard Cooke tell Kay, 'away witch, for thou bewitched Parkin's wife that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after.' [The closing witness-presence insertion is unresolved.] She knows nothing further. To article 3 she knows nothing beyond her previous deposition. To article 4 she refers to the law and knows nothing further. Article 5 is not examined because admitted. To article 6 she affirms her prior evidence and answers credibility questions [the detailed abbreviated clauses about instruction, payment, relationship and hostility remain unresolved].

Hestera Scolefeild [catalogue Hester Schofield] of Huddersfield, about 21, likewise examined, knows Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. Article 1 is admitted, so not examined. Her name is read provisionally from this cause; variant headings in related proceedings are not silently substituted. To article 2: Between Easter and Whitsuntide last, at a time she cannot specify more closely, she stood at Jane Kay's house door in Almondbury. She heard the women quarrelling. Cooke said to Kay, 'go thy way witch as thou art.' Asked by Kay how she was a witch, Cooke replied that Kay bewitched Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards. Sara was present with others [inserted names unresolved]. She knows nothing further. To article 3 she knows nothing beyond that. To article 4 she refers to the law. Article 5 is admitted. To article 6 she affirms her testimony and answers the usual credibility questions [contracted text unresolved].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Kay from her own childhood and Cooke for the same period. Likewise examined; article 1 admitted. To article 2: Between Easter and Whitsuntide last, at a time she cannot specify more closely, she sat working at her husband's house door in Almondbury. She heard and saw Cooke and Kay exchanging angry speech. Cooke called Kay a witch, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art,' and further that Kay bewitched Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards. Kay called on witnesses and asked this witness and others to remember the words. Hester Scolefeild [provisional surname] was present with others. [One verb and a few contracted words remain unresolved.] To article 3 she knows nothing beyond that. To article 4 she refers to the law. Article 5 is admitted. To article 6 she affirms her testimony and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses remain unresolved].

Image Title: CP.H.1504 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 2 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; No sentence Date: 31/5/1622 — 31/5/1622 Parties Mentioned: Jane Kay [Key; Kay], plaintiff, female Anne Cook [Cooke; Coke], defendant, female Witnesses: Anne Meller [Meller], witness, female; 40 Hester Schofield [Scolefeild], witness, female; 21 Sarah Williamson [Williamson], witness, female; 35

Ultimo die mensis Maij 1622 Chr: Holdsworth Anna Mellor de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xl annorum seu circiter testis super positionibus et articulis libelli [unread contraction] per partem Janae Kay contra Annam Coke exhibitis producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per [vij; provisional numeral] annos et eandem Annam Coke per octo Annos seu circiter. Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That aboute the feast of St Peter the Apostle now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate Comming to drawe water [altered/insertion:] at a common well in the towne gate of Almondbury articulated found the articulate Anne Coke and Jane Kay chiding together and att angry speaches thone against thother where and [deleted word] when she this examinate did heare the said Anne Coke say unto the said Jane Kay away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after there being [unread contraction] this examinate & the [inserted witness-presence clause partly unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Hestera Scolefeild [provisional surname] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per undecim annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus bene novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. [Image 5 left:] Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That betweene Easter and whitsontide now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate being standing in Jane Kayes house doore situate in the towne of Almondbury articulate when this party articulate did heare the said Jane Kay and the articulate Anne Coke att Chiding and angrie wordes together where & when the said Anne Coke (amongst other angrie speaches) said unto the articulate Jane Kay goe thy way witche as thou arte and she the said Jane asking her the said Anne Coke wherein she was a witche she the said Anne replied and said that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after there & then being [unread contraction] this examinate and her contest Sara [inserted surname partly unread] and divers [inserted names partly unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay [deleted: contracted word] de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted oath words] et primo de notitia partium [contracted words] dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay a pueritia ipsius deponentis et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. [Image 5 right:] Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That betweene Easter and whitsontide now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate being sitting & working att her husbands house doore situate in Almondbury articulate when this party [unread contraction] did heare & see the articulate Jane Kay and Anne Coke having & att angry speaches together where and when the said Anne Coke did call the said Jane Kay witche saying unto her go thy way witche as thou arte and said further that she the said Jane had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after Upon speaking of which wordes the said Jane Kay tooke witnes & [deleted word, inserted:] desired this examinate unto them & desired her & other witnesses then & there [word uncertain: able?] to remember her wordes then & there being [unread contraction] this examinate & her Contest Hester Scolefeild [provisional surname] with others Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Context: Reading admissions and witness formulas

The Borthwick guide explains that personal answers address separate positions and admitted matters may not require witness proof. Here the recurring non-examination of admitted articles corresponds to Cooke’s answers. This is a procedural reading of the represented documents, not a recovered judgment or proof of witchcraft.

Cooke believes article 1 true, denies article 2, and does not believe herself obliged to answer articles 3 and 4 because they depend on the denied second article. She believes article 5 true. To article 6 she believes what is believed and denies what is denied. She makes her mark. The first article's admission concerns Kay's pleaded reputation; it is not an admission of the defamatory words denied in article 2.

31 May 1622: Anna Mellor of Almondbury, about 40, has known Kay [seven, provisional numeral] years and Cooke eight years. Produced, admitted, sworn and examined for Kay against Cooke, before Christopher Holdsworth. She is not examined on article 1 because the defendant admits it. To article 2: About last St Peter the Apostle's feast, at a time she cannot more precisely remember, she came to draw water at a common well in Almondbury town gate. She found Cooke and Kay quarrelling and exchanging angry words. She heard Cooke tell Kay, 'away witch, for thou bewitched Parkin's wife that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after.' [The closing witness-presence insertion is unresolved.] She knows nothing further. To article 3 she knows nothing beyond her previous deposition. To article 4 she refers to the law and knows nothing further. Article 5 is not examined because admitted. To article 6 she affirms her prior evidence and answers credibility questions [the detailed abbreviated clauses about instruction, payment, relationship and hostility remain unresolved].

Hestera Scolefeild [catalogue Hester Schofield] of Huddersfield, about 21, likewise examined, knows Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. Article 1 is admitted, so not examined. Her name is read provisionally from this cause; variant headings in related proceedings are not silently substituted. To article 2: Between Easter and Whitsuntide last, at a time she cannot specify more closely, she stood at Jane Kay's house door in Almondbury. She heard the women quarrelling. Cooke said to Kay, 'go thy way witch as thou art.' Asked by Kay how she was a witch, Cooke replied that Kay bewitched Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards. Sara was present with others [inserted names unresolved]. She knows nothing further. To article 3 she knows nothing beyond that. To article 4 she refers to the law. Article 5 is admitted. To article 6 she affirms her testimony and answers the usual credibility questions [contracted text unresolved].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Kay from her own childhood and Cooke for the same period. Likewise examined; article 1 admitted. To article 2: Between Easter and Whitsuntide last, at a time she cannot specify more closely, she sat working at her husband's house door in Almondbury. She heard and saw Cooke and Kay exchanging angry speech. Cooke called Kay a witch, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art,' and further that Kay bewitched Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards. Kay called on witnesses and asked this witness and others to remember the words. Hester Scolefeild [provisional surname] was present with others. [One verb and a few contracted words remain unresolved.] To article 3 she knows nothing beyond that. To article 4 she refers to the law. Article 5 is admitted. To article 6 she affirms her testimony and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses remain unresolved].

Editorial paraphrase of the archival guide: personal answers accept or deny individual positions; admitted points need not be proved through witnesses. Witness evidence responds to articles and may be tested by additional questions. These are general procedural descriptions, not proof that every step survives in CP.H.1504.

What are the cause papers, University of York, n.d., Borthwick Institute for Archives, What are the cause papers?, sections Admission by the defendant and The Sentence; search-accessed guide text 25 October 2026; direct page returned 403., Borthwick guide; Admission, Depositions and Interrogatories sections · context

17 Maij 1622 Responsiones personales Annae Cooke factae positionibus et articulis [inserted/contracted words] per partem Janae Kay contra eam exhibitis. Ad primam positionem [contracted response formula] credit eandem esse veram. Ad secundam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem esse veram. Ad tertiam et quartam positiones [contracted response formula] non credit se teneri eisdem respondere quia dependunt ex dicta positione secunda negata. Ad quintam positionem [contracted response formula] credit eandem esse veram. Ad sextam positionem [contracted response formula] credit de creditis et negat de negatis. Signum Anna [mark] Cooke.

Ultimo die mensis Maij 1622 Chr: Holdsworth Anna Mellor de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xl annorum seu circiter testis super positionibus et articulis libelli [unread contraction] per partem Janae Kay contra Annam Coke exhibitis producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per [vij; provisional numeral] annos et eandem Annam Coke per octo Annos seu circiter. Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That aboute the feast of St Peter the Apostle now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate Comming to drawe water [altered/insertion:] at a common well in the towne gate of Almondbury articulated found the articulate Anne Coke and Jane Kay chiding together and att angry speaches thone against thother where and [deleted word] when she this examinate did heare the said Anne Coke say unto the said Jane Kay away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after there being [unread contraction] this examinate & the [inserted witness-presence clause partly unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Hestera Scolefeild [provisional surname] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per undecim annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus bene novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. [Image 5 left:] Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That betweene Easter and whitsontide now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate being standing in Jane Kayes house doore situate in the towne of Almondbury articulate when this party articulate did heare the said Jane Kay and the articulate Anne Coke att Chiding and angrie wordes together where & when the said Anne Coke (amongst other angrie speaches) said unto the articulate Jane Kay goe thy way witche as thou arte and she the said Jane asking her the said Anne Coke wherein she was a witche she the said Anne replied and said that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after there & then being [unread contraction] this examinate and her contest Sara [inserted surname partly unread] and divers [inserted names partly unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay [deleted: contracted word] de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted oath words] et primo de notitia partium [contracted words] dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay a pueritia ipsius deponentis et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. [Image 5 right:] Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That betweene Easter and whitsontide now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate being sitting & working att her husbands house doore situate in Almondbury articulate when this party [unread contraction] did heare & see the articulate Jane Kay and Anne Coke having & att angry speaches together where and when the said Anne Coke did call the said Jane Kay witche saying unto her go thy way witche as thou arte and said further that she the said Jane had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after Upon speaking of which wordes the said Jane Kay tooke witnes & [deleted word, inserted:] desired this examinate unto them & desired her & other witnesses then & there [word uncertain: able?] to remember her wordes then & there being [unread contraction] this examinate & her Contest Hester Scolefeild [provisional surname] with others Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Context: Angry speech and the shaping of testimony

Fay Bound’s publisher abstract stresses the role of procedure in shaping narratives of anger in York slander litigation, c.1660–c.1760. That later-period argument offers a methodological comparison: these 1622 statements should be read as recorded answers to articles, not unmediated transcripts of a quarrel. The abstract does not discuss Kay or Cooke; the full article was not consulted.

31 May 1622: Anna Mellor of Almondbury, about 40, has known Kay [seven, provisional numeral] years and Cooke eight years. Produced, admitted, sworn and examined for Kay against Cooke, before Christopher Holdsworth. She is not examined on article 1 because the defendant admits it. To article 2: About last St Peter the Apostle's feast, at a time she cannot more precisely remember, she came to draw water at a common well in Almondbury town gate. She found Cooke and Kay quarrelling and exchanging angry words. She heard Cooke tell Kay, 'away witch, for thou bewitched Parkin's wife that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after.' [The closing witness-presence insertion is unresolved.] She knows nothing further. To article 3 she knows nothing beyond her previous deposition. To article 4 she refers to the law and knows nothing further. Article 5 is not examined because admitted. To article 6 she affirms her prior evidence and answers credibility questions [the detailed abbreviated clauses about instruction, payment, relationship and hostility remain unresolved].

Hestera Scolefeild [catalogue Hester Schofield] of Huddersfield, about 21, likewise examined, knows Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. Article 1 is admitted, so not examined. Her name is read provisionally from this cause; variant headings in related proceedings are not silently substituted. To article 2: Between Easter and Whitsuntide last, at a time she cannot specify more closely, she stood at Jane Kay's house door in Almondbury. She heard the women quarrelling. Cooke said to Kay, 'go thy way witch as thou art.' Asked by Kay how she was a witch, Cooke replied that Kay bewitched Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards. Sara was present with others [inserted names unresolved]. She knows nothing further. To article 3 she knows nothing beyond that. To article 4 she refers to the law. Article 5 is admitted. To article 6 she affirms her testimony and answers the usual credibility questions [contracted text unresolved].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Kay from her own childhood and Cooke for the same period. Likewise examined; article 1 admitted. To article 2: Between Easter and Whitsuntide last, at a time she cannot specify more closely, she sat working at her husband's house door in Almondbury. She heard and saw Cooke and Kay exchanging angry speech. Cooke called Kay a witch, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art,' and further that Kay bewitched Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards. Kay called on witnesses and asked this witness and others to remember the words. Hester Scolefeild [provisional surname] was present with others. [One verb and a few contracted words remain unresolved.] To article 3 she knows nothing beyond that. To article 4 she refers to the law. Article 5 is admitted. To article 6 she affirms her testimony and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses remain unresolved].

Editorial paraphrase of the publisher abstract: Bound stresses that legal procedure shaped narratives of anger in later York slander litigation. This provides a methodological comparison for reading reported angry speech, not evidence about Kay or Cooke.

Fay Bound, Bound 2003, vol. 56.1, 2003, Fay Bound, “An Angry and Malicious Mind? Narratives of Slander at the Church Courts of York, c.1660–c.1760,” History Workshop Journal 56.1 (Autumn 2003), 59–77, DOI 10.1093/hwj/56.1.59. Publisher abstract only consulted, 27 October 2026., Bound 2003, publisher abstract; article pp. 59–77 · context

Ultimo die mensis Maij 1622 Chr: Holdsworth Anna Mellor de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xl annorum seu circiter testis super positionibus et articulis libelli [unread contraction] per partem Janae Kay contra Annam Coke exhibitis producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per [vij; provisional numeral] annos et eandem Annam Coke per octo Annos seu circiter. Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That aboute the feast of St Peter the Apostle now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate Comming to drawe water [altered/insertion:] at a common well in the towne gate of Almondbury articulated found the articulate Anne Coke and Jane Kay chiding together and att angry speaches thone against thother where and [deleted word] when she this examinate did heare the said Anne Coke say unto the said Jane Kay away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after there being [unread contraction] this examinate & the [inserted witness-presence clause partly unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Hestera Scolefeild [provisional surname] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per undecim annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus bene novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. [Image 5 left:] Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That betweene Easter and whitsontide now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate being standing in Jane Kayes house doore situate in the towne of Almondbury articulate when this party articulate did heare the said Jane Kay and the articulate Anne Coke att Chiding and angrie wordes together where & when the said Anne Coke (amongst other angrie speaches) said unto the articulate Jane Kay goe thy way witche as thou arte and she the said Jane asking her the said Anne Coke wherein she was a witche she the said Anne replied and said that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after there & then being [unread contraction] this examinate and her contest Sara [inserted surname partly unread] and divers [inserted names partly unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay [deleted: contracted word] de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted oath words] et primo de notitia partium [contracted words] dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay a pueritia ipsius deponentis et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. [Image 5 right:] Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That betweene Easter and whitsontide now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate being sitting & working att her husbands house doore situate in Almondbury articulate when this party [unread contraction] did heare & see the articulate Jane Kay and Anne Coke having & att angry speaches together where and when the said Anne Coke did call the said Jane Kay witche saying unto her go thy way witche as thou arte and said further that she the said Jane had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after Upon speaking of which wordes the said Jane Kay tooke witnes & [deleted word, inserted:] desired this examinate unto them & desired her & other witnesses then & there [word uncertain: able?] to remember her wordes then & there being [unread contraction] this examinate & her Contest Hester Scolefeild [provisional surname] with others Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Comparison of sources: About this case and its sources

Reference: CP.H.1504

Repository: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York

Court: York ecclesiastical cause; catalogue court field undefined

Case: Witchcraft defamation

Record dates: 17 and 31 May 1622 in represented documents; catalogue range 31 May 1622 only; pleaded months March–October 1621

Surviving material: Two catalogued pieces; six images. Libel, docket, depositions and personal answers. No surviving sentence recorded.

Languages: Latin and English

Parties: Jane Kay [Key; Kay], plaintiff; Anne Cook [Cooke; Coke], defendant, according to catalogue

Other people: Anna Mellor [catalogue Anne Meller], Hestera Scolefeild [catalogue Hester Schofield] and Sara Williamson alias Kay [catalogue Sarah Williamson], witnesses; Chr: Holdsworth, subscription; William, marginal subscriber with unread surname; Parkin and unnamed wife; Sara’s unnamed husband

Outcome: Unknown; no sentence in the collected file

Coverage: Six saved images represent two catalogued pieces. Six paired units cover the libel, docket, three depositions and personal answers. Contracted preliminary clauses, prayer, marginal names and some credibility clauses remain partly unread. The condition word after never is uncertain. No sentence survives in the collected file; no victory, conviction, death or payment is inferred.

Edition: 27 October 2026, version 1.0; available-source edition for review

Reading conventions: English precedes the original Latin or mixed-language text. Source spelling is retained. Square brackets mark expansions, uncertainty, cancellations and unread writing; gap descriptions are not manuscript wording. English readings are partial where the underlying clauses remain unread. Image positions are not folios. Allegations, denials and reported testimony remain distinct from findings.

Suggested citation: Jane Kay against Anne Cooke, CP.H.1504, reading edition version 1.0, 27 October 2026; Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York.

Cooke believes article 1 true, denies article 2, and does not believe herself obliged to answer articles 3 and 4 because they depend on the denied second article. She believes article 5 true. To article 6 she believes what is believed and denies what is denied. She makes her mark. The first article's admission concerns Kay's pleaded reputation; it is not an admission of the defamatory words denied in article 2.

Opening: Jane Kay brings a defamation cause against Anne Cooke of Almondbury before the archbishop's spiritual court. [The court style, proctor's name and several preliminary and reservation clauses remain unread and untranslated.] Article 1 pleads Jane Kay's honesty and good reputation in Almondbury and nearby places before the alleged defamation. [Some formula clauses remain unread.] Article 2 places the alleged words within March, April, May, June, July, August, September or October 1621. It alleges that Cooke called Kay a witch and said she bewitched Parkin's wife, who never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards, adding 'go witch as thou art.' [The complete clause about time alternatives and defamation is not yet translated.] Article 3 alleges subsequent acknowledgment of the words. [Its full text is unresolved.] Article 4 pleads injury to Kay's good name among respectable people and risk of future injury. Article 5 pleads Cooke's Almondbury residence and jurisdiction. Article 6 pleads public voice and fame concerning the foregoing. The prayer seeks lawful correction and costs. [The detailed prayer and several linking clauses remain untranslated. These descriptions do not constitute full translation of the gaps.]

31 May 1622: Anna Mellor of Almondbury, about 40, has known Kay [seven, provisional numeral] years and Cooke eight years. Produced, admitted, sworn and examined for Kay against Cooke, before Christopher Holdsworth. She is not examined on article 1 because the defendant admits it. To article 2: About last St Peter the Apostle's feast, at a time she cannot more precisely remember, she came to draw water at a common well in Almondbury town gate. She found Cooke and Kay quarrelling and exchanging angry words. She heard Cooke tell Kay, 'away witch, for thou bewitched Parkin's wife that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after.' [The closing witness-presence insertion is unresolved.] She knows nothing further. To article 3 she knows nothing beyond her previous deposition. To article 4 she refers to the law and knows nothing further. Article 5 is not examined because admitted. To article 6 she affirms her prior evidence and answers credibility questions [the detailed abbreviated clauses about instruction, payment, relationship and hostility remain unresolved].

Hestera Scolefeild [catalogue Hester Schofield] of Huddersfield, about 21, likewise examined, knows Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. Article 1 is admitted, so not examined. Her name is read provisionally from this cause; variant headings in related proceedings are not silently substituted. To article 2: Between Easter and Whitsuntide last, at a time she cannot specify more closely, she stood at Jane Kay's house door in Almondbury. She heard the women quarrelling. Cooke said to Kay, 'go thy way witch as thou art.' Asked by Kay how she was a witch, Cooke replied that Kay bewitched Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards. Sara was present with others [inserted names unresolved]. She knows nothing further. To article 3 she knows nothing beyond that. To article 4 she refers to the law. Article 5 is admitted. To article 6 she affirms her testimony and answers the usual credibility questions [contracted text unresolved].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Kay from her own childhood and Cooke for the same period. Likewise examined; article 1 admitted. To article 2: Between Easter and Whitsuntide last, at a time she cannot specify more closely, she sat working at her husband's house door in Almondbury. She heard and saw Cooke and Kay exchanging angry speech. Cooke called Kay a witch, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art,' and further that Kay bewitched Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards. Kay called on witnesses and asked this witness and others to remember the words. Hester Scolefeild [provisional surname] was present with others. [One verb and a few contracted words remain unresolved.] To article 3 she knows nothing beyond that. To article 4 she refers to the law. Article 5 is admitted. To article 6 she affirms her testimony and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses remain unresolved].

Docket: Kay and Cooke, 1622. The repository stamp and pencil shelfmark are later archival marks, not the court’s judgment.

[contracted docket] Kay & Cooke 1622 [repository stamp and shelfmark pencil, distinguished from original]

Image Title: CP.H.1504 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 2 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; No sentence Date: 31/5/1622 — 31/5/1622 Parties Mentioned: Jane Kay [Key; Kay], plaintiff, female Anne Cook [Cooke; Coke], defendant, female Witnesses: Anne Meller [Meller], witness, female; 40 Hester Schofield [Scolefeild], witness, female; 21 Sarah Williamson [Williamson], witness, female; 35

17 Maij 1622 Responsiones personales Annae Cooke factae positionibus et articulis [inserted/contracted words] per partem Janae Kay contra eam exhibitis. Ad primam positionem [contracted response formula] credit eandem esse veram. Ad secundam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem esse veram. Ad tertiam et quartam positiones [contracted response formula] non credit se teneri eisdem respondere quia dependunt ex dicta positione secunda negata. Ad quintam positionem [contracted response formula] credit eandem esse veram. Ad sextam positionem [contracted response formula] credit de creditis et negat de negatis. Signum Anna [mark] Cooke.

In dei nomine Amen. Coram vobis [contracted judicial style] [approximately five lines of the archbishop's vicar-general and principal-official jurisdiction and invocation, partly unread] [causa] procur[ator] et procuratorio nomine discretae mulieris Janae Kay contra dictam Annam Cooke de Almondbury diocesis Ebor [contracted continuation] [remaining seven-line introduction and reservation partly unread]. [Margin subscription:] Wm [surname contracted and unresolved]. 1. Imprimis [contracted formula] Quod dicta Jana Kay fuit et est mulier honesta bonae famae vitae et conversationis integrae et honestae mulieris [several contracted words] absque aliqua diffamatione vel aliquali [unread] [infractors reservation] [unread clause] status sui et esse [unread] [clause alleging good public reputation] in dicta parochia de Almondbury alijsque locis vicinis [contracted ending]. 2. Item [contracted formula] Quod praemissis non obstantibus dicta Anna Cooke [contracted words] malitiose mensibus Martij Aprilis Maij Junij Julij Augusti Septembris et Octobris Anno Domini 1621 [contracted month-range alternatives] infra parochiam de Almondbury diocesis Ebor [contracted neighbouring-place clause] [approximately six lines alleging defamatory utterance against Kay, partly unresolved] haec verba Anglice sequencia seu alia eis in effectu consimilia videlicet the said Anne Cooke called the said Jane Kay witch and said that she Kay bewitched one Parkins wife and that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after and further said unto her the said Jane Kay goe witche as thou arte [contracted continuation] [three closing formula lines partly unread]. 3. Item [contracted formula] Quod post praemissa dicta Anna Cooke coram [contracted witness/reference clause] Janae Kay [unread] [three further lines alleging acknowledgment of the defamatory words, partly unread] [continues image 3 left:] [unread line and inserted marginal/interlinear words concerning acknowledgment]. 4. Item [contracted formula] Quod per praemissa verba clamores [unread] verba diffamatoria status bona fama et opinio ipsius Janae Kay apud bonos et graves viros [unread clause] prius reputata bonae famae et [clause alleging serious injury and future harm, two partly unread lines]. 5. Item [contracted formula] Quod dicta Anna Cooke fuit et est de Almondbury diocesis Ebor ac sic [jurisdiction clause, partly unread]. 6. Item [contracted formula] Quod de et super praemissis [unread contraction] et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama in dicta parochia de Almondbury diocesis Ebor [unread ending]. Unde facta fide de praemissis quantum de jure sufficit ex parte dictae Janae Kay [unread contracted clause] dictam Annam Cooke pro tanta temeritate sua [prayer continues approximately fifteen lines, for correction and costs, not fully read] [closing reservations and subscription partly unread].

Ultimo die mensis Maij 1622 Chr: Holdsworth Anna Mellor de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xl annorum seu circiter testis super positionibus et articulis libelli [unread contraction] per partem Janae Kay contra Annam Coke exhibitis producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per [vij; provisional numeral] annos et eandem Annam Coke per octo Annos seu circiter. Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That aboute the feast of St Peter the Apostle now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate Comming to drawe water [altered/insertion:] at a common well in the towne gate of Almondbury articulated found the articulate Anne Coke and Jane Kay chiding together and att angry speaches thone against thother where and [deleted word] when she this examinate did heare the said Anne Coke say unto the said Jane Kay away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after there being [unread contraction] this examinate & the [inserted witness-presence clause partly unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Hestera Scolefeild [provisional surname] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per undecim annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus bene novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. [Image 5 left:] Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That betweene Easter and whitsontide now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate being standing in Jane Kayes house doore situate in the towne of Almondbury articulate when this party articulate did heare the said Jane Kay and the articulate Anne Coke att Chiding and angrie wordes together where & when the said Anne Coke (amongst other angrie speaches) said unto the articulate Jane Kay goe thy way witche as thou arte and she the said Jane asking her the said Anne Coke wherein she was a witche she the said Anne replied and said that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after there & then being [unread contraction] this examinate and her contest Sara [inserted surname partly unread] and divers [inserted names partly unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay [deleted: contracted word] de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted oath words] et primo de notitia partium [contracted words] dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay a pueritia ipsius deponentis et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. [Image 5 right:] Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That betweene Easter and whitsontide now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate being sitting & working att her husbands house doore situate in Almondbury articulate when this party [unread contraction] did heare & see the articulate Jane Kay and Anne Coke having & att angry speaches together where and when the said Anne Coke did call the said Jane Kay witche saying unto her go thy way witche as thou arte and said further that she the said Jane had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after Upon speaking of which wordes the said Jane Kay tooke witnes & [deleted word, inserted:] desired this examinate unto them & desired her & other witnesses then & there [word uncertain: able?] to remember her wordes then & there being [unread contraction] this examinate & her Contest Hester Scolefeild [provisional surname] with others Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

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 1778 × 2579 pixels. Repository image position 1; independent text coverage described in source-unit references.

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Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504; images 2–3

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504; image 4 left

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504; image 4 right

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504; images 4 right–5 left

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504; image 5

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504; image 6 right

Survival and outcome: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; images 2–3 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 4 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 6 right | University of York, saved IIIF manifest metadata for CP.H.1504; retrieved for this edition 27 October 2026. Catalogue range 31 May 1622, court undefined, two pieces, no sentence.; CP.H.1504; saved manifest metadata

Documentary and incident dates: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; images 2–3 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 6 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 4 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; images 4 right–5 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 5 | University of York, saved IIIF manifest metadata for CP.H.1504; retrieved for this edition 27 October 2026. Catalogue range 31 May 1622, court undefined, two pieces, no sentence.; CP.H.1504; saved manifest metadata

Witness names and relationships: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 4 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; images 4 right–5 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 5 | University of York, saved IIIF manifest metadata for CP.H.1504; retrieved for this edition 27 October 2026. Catalogue range 31 May 1622, court undefined, two pieces, no sentence.; CP.H.1504; saved manifest metadata

Reading admissions and witness formulas: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 6 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 4 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; images 4 right–5 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 5 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, What are the cause papers?, sections Admission by the defendant, Production of Witnesses and Depositions, and Interrogatories. Indexed page text retrieved 27 October 2026; direct fetch returned 403.; Borthwick guide; Admission, Depositions and Interrogatories sections

Angry speech and the shaping of testimony: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 4 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; images 4 right–5 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 5 | Fay Bound, “An Angry and Malicious Mind? Narratives of Slander at the Church Courts of York, c.1660–c.1760,” History Workshop Journal 56.1 (Autumn 2003), 59–77, DOI 10.1093/hwj/56.1.59. Publisher abstract only consulted, 27 October 2026.; Bound 2003, publisher abstract; article pp. 59–77

About this case and its sources: University of York, saved IIIF manifest metadata for CP.H.1504; retrieved for this edition 27 October 2026. Catalogue range 31 May 1622, court undefined, two pieces, no sentence.; CP.H.1504; saved manifest metadata | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 6 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; images 2–3 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 4 right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; images 4 right–5 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 5 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.; CP.H.1504; image 4 left

Evidence: CP.H.1504; images 2–3, CP.H.1504; image 4 right, CP.H.1504; images 4 right–5 left, CP.H.1504; image 5, CP.H.1504; image 6 right

Evidence: CP.H.1504; image 4 right

Evidence: CP.H.1504; images 4 right–5 left, CP.H.1504; image 5

Evidence: CP.H.1504; image 5, CP.H.1504; images 4 right–5 left

Evidence: CP.H.1504; image 4 right, CP.H.1504; images 4 right–5 left, CP.H.1504; image 5

Evidence: CP.H.1504; images 2–3, CP.H.1504; image 4 right, CP.H.1504; images 4 right–5 left, CP.H.1504; image 5

Evidence: CP.H.1504; image 5

Evidence: CP.H.1504; images 2–3

Jane Kay against Anne Cooke: CP.H.1504
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected.
https://discover.york.ac.uk/collections/york-cause-papers/?manifest=CP_H_1504&canvas=CP_H_1504_0001

York Cause Papers catalogue CP.H.1504
University of York, saved IIIF manifest metadata for CP.H.1504; retrieved for this edition 27 October 2026. Catalogue range 31 May 1622, court undefined, two pieces, no sentence.
https://discover.york.ac.uk/ark:/36941/CP_H_1504/presentation/3/manifest

What are the cause papers?
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, What are the cause papers?, sections Admission by the defendant, Production of Witnesses and Depositions, and Interrogatories. Indexed page text retrieved 27 October 2026; direct fetch returned 403.
https://www.york.ac.uk/borthwick/holdings/research-guides/what-are-causepapers/

An Angry and Malicious Mind? Narratives of Slander at the Church Courts of York, c.1660–c.1760
Fay Bound, “An Angry and Malicious Mind? Narratives of Slander at the Church Courts of York, c.1660–c.1760,” History Workshop Journal 56.1 (Autumn 2003), 59–77, DOI 10.1093/hwj/56.1.59. Publisher abstract only consulted, 27 October 2026.
https://doi.org/10.1093/hwj/56.1.59

Cooke believes article 1 true, denies article 2, and does not believe herself obliged to answer articles 3 and 4 because they depend on the denied second article. She believes article 5 true. To article 6 she believes what is believed and denies what is denied. She makes her mark. The first article's admission concerns Kay's pleaded reputation; it is not an admission of the defamatory words denied in article 2.

Opening: Jane Kay brings a defamation cause against Anne Cooke of Almondbury before the archbishop's spiritual court. [The court style, proctor's name and several preliminary and reservation clauses remain unread and untranslated.] Article 1 pleads Jane Kay's honesty and good reputation in Almondbury and nearby places before the alleged defamation. [Some formula clauses remain unread.] Article 2 places the alleged words within March, April, May, June, July, August, September or October 1621. It alleges that Cooke called Kay a witch and said she bewitched Parkin's wife, who never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards, adding 'go witch as thou art.' [The complete clause about time alternatives and defamation is not yet translated.] Article 3 alleges subsequent acknowledgment of the words. [Its full text is unresolved.] Article 4 pleads injury to Kay's good name among respectable people and risk of future injury. Article 5 pleads Cooke's Almondbury residence and jurisdiction. Article 6 pleads public voice and fame concerning the foregoing. The prayer seeks lawful correction and costs. [The detailed prayer and several linking clauses remain untranslated. These descriptions do not constitute full translation of the gaps.]

31 May 1622: Anna Mellor of Almondbury, about 40, has known Kay [seven, provisional numeral] years and Cooke eight years. Produced, admitted, sworn and examined for Kay against Cooke, before Christopher Holdsworth. She is not examined on article 1 because the defendant admits it. To article 2: About last St Peter the Apostle's feast, at a time she cannot more precisely remember, she came to draw water at a common well in Almondbury town gate. She found Cooke and Kay quarrelling and exchanging angry words. She heard Cooke tell Kay, 'away witch, for thou bewitched Parkin's wife that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after.' [The closing witness-presence insertion is unresolved.] She knows nothing further. To article 3 she knows nothing beyond her previous deposition. To article 4 she refers to the law and knows nothing further. Article 5 is not examined because admitted. To article 6 she affirms her prior evidence and answers credibility questions [the detailed abbreviated clauses about instruction, payment, relationship and hostility remain unresolved].

Hestera Scolefeild [catalogue Hester Schofield] of Huddersfield, about 21, likewise examined, knows Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. Article 1 is admitted, so not examined. Her name is read provisionally from this cause; variant headings in related proceedings are not silently substituted. To article 2: Between Easter and Whitsuntide last, at a time she cannot specify more closely, she stood at Jane Kay's house door in Almondbury. She heard the women quarrelling. Cooke said to Kay, 'go thy way witch as thou art.' Asked by Kay how she was a witch, Cooke replied that Kay bewitched Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards. Sara was present with others [inserted names unresolved]. She knows nothing further. To article 3 she knows nothing beyond that. To article 4 she refers to the law. Article 5 is admitted. To article 6 she affirms her testimony and answers the usual credibility questions [contracted text unresolved].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Kay from her own childhood and Cooke for the same period. Likewise examined; article 1 admitted. To article 2: Between Easter and Whitsuntide last, at a time she cannot specify more closely, she sat working at her husband's house door in Almondbury. She heard and saw Cooke and Kay exchanging angry speech. Cooke called Kay a witch, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art,' and further that Kay bewitched Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word; possibly tended] afterwards. Kay called on witnesses and asked this witness and others to remember the words. Hester Scolefeild [provisional surname] was present with others. [One verb and a few contracted words remain unresolved.] To article 3 she knows nothing beyond that. To article 4 she refers to the law. Article 5 is admitted. To article 6 she affirms her testimony and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses remain unresolved].

Docket: Kay and Cooke, 1622. The repository stamp and pencil shelfmark are later archival marks, not the court’s judgment.

[contracted docket] Kay & Cooke 1622 [repository stamp and shelfmark pencil, distinguished from original]

Image Title: CP.H.1504 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 2 Pieces; Has deposition; Has libel; No sentence Date: 31/5/1622 — 31/5/1622 Parties Mentioned: Jane Kay [Key; Kay], plaintiff, female Anne Cook [Cooke; Coke], defendant, female Witnesses: Anne Meller [Meller], witness, female; 40 Hester Schofield [Scolefeild], witness, female; 21 Sarah Williamson [Williamson], witness, female; 35

17 Maij 1622 Responsiones personales Annae Cooke factae positionibus et articulis [inserted/contracted words] per partem Janae Kay contra eam exhibitis. Ad primam positionem [contracted response formula] credit eandem esse veram. Ad secundam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem esse veram. Ad tertiam et quartam positiones [contracted response formula] non credit se teneri eisdem respondere quia dependunt ex dicta positione secunda negata. Ad quintam positionem [contracted response formula] credit eandem esse veram. Ad sextam positionem [contracted response formula] credit de creditis et negat de negatis. Signum Anna [mark] Cooke.

In dei nomine Amen. Coram vobis [contracted judicial style] [approximately five lines of the archbishop's vicar-general and principal-official jurisdiction and invocation, partly unread] [causa] procur[ator] et procuratorio nomine discretae mulieris Janae Kay contra dictam Annam Cooke de Almondbury diocesis Ebor [contracted continuation] [remaining seven-line introduction and reservation partly unread]. [Margin subscription:] Wm [surname contracted and unresolved]. 1. Imprimis [contracted formula] Quod dicta Jana Kay fuit et est mulier honesta bonae famae vitae et conversationis integrae et honestae mulieris [several contracted words] absque aliqua diffamatione vel aliquali [unread] [infractors reservation] [unread clause] status sui et esse [unread] [clause alleging good public reputation] in dicta parochia de Almondbury alijsque locis vicinis [contracted ending]. 2. Item [contracted formula] Quod praemissis non obstantibus dicta Anna Cooke [contracted words] malitiose mensibus Martij Aprilis Maij Junij Julij Augusti Septembris et Octobris Anno Domini 1621 [contracted month-range alternatives] infra parochiam de Almondbury diocesis Ebor [contracted neighbouring-place clause] [approximately six lines alleging defamatory utterance against Kay, partly unresolved] haec verba Anglice sequencia seu alia eis in effectu consimilia videlicet the said Anne Cooke called the said Jane Kay witch and said that she Kay bewitched one Parkins wife and that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after and further said unto her the said Jane Kay goe witche as thou arte [contracted continuation] [three closing formula lines partly unread]. 3. Item [contracted formula] Quod post praemissa dicta Anna Cooke coram [contracted witness/reference clause] Janae Kay [unread] [three further lines alleging acknowledgment of the defamatory words, partly unread] [continues image 3 left:] [unread line and inserted marginal/interlinear words concerning acknowledgment]. 4. Item [contracted formula] Quod per praemissa verba clamores [unread] verba diffamatoria status bona fama et opinio ipsius Janae Kay apud bonos et graves viros [unread clause] prius reputata bonae famae et [clause alleging serious injury and future harm, two partly unread lines]. 5. Item [contracted formula] Quod dicta Anna Cooke fuit et est de Almondbury diocesis Ebor ac sic [jurisdiction clause, partly unread]. 6. Item [contracted formula] Quod de et super praemissis [unread contraction] et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama in dicta parochia de Almondbury diocesis Ebor [unread ending]. Unde facta fide de praemissis quantum de jure sufficit ex parte dictae Janae Kay [unread contracted clause] dictam Annam Cooke pro tanta temeritate sua [prayer continues approximately fifteen lines, for correction and costs, not fully read] [closing reservations and subscription partly unread].

Ultimo die mensis Maij 1622 Chr: Holdsworth Anna Mellor de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xl annorum seu circiter testis super positionibus et articulis libelli [unread contraction] per partem Janae Kay contra Annam Coke exhibitis producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per [vij; provisional numeral] annos et eandem Annam Coke per octo Annos seu circiter. Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That aboute the feast of St Peter the Apostle now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate Comming to drawe water [altered/insertion:] at a common well in the towne gate of Almondbury articulated found the articulate Anne Coke and Jane Kay chiding together and att angry speaches thone against thother where and [deleted word] when she this examinate did heare the said Anne Coke say unto the said Jane Kay away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after there being [unread contraction] this examinate & the [inserted witness-presence clause partly unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Hestera Scolefeild [provisional surname] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per undecim annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus bene novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. [Image 5 left:] Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That betweene Easter and whitsontide now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate being standing in Jane Kayes house doore situate in the towne of Almondbury articulate when this party articulate did heare the said Jane Kay and the articulate Anne Coke att Chiding and angrie wordes together where & when the said Anne Coke (amongst other angrie speaches) said unto the articulate Jane Kay goe thy way witche as thou arte and she the said Jane asking her the said Anne Coke wherein she was a witche she the said Anne replied and said that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after there & then being [unread contraction] this examinate and her contest Sara [inserted surname partly unread] and divers [inserted names partly unread] Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay [deleted: contracted word] de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted oath words] et primo de notitia partium [contracted words] dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay a pueritia ipsius deponentis et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. [Image 5 right:] Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit That betweene Easter and whitsontide now last past (a more certaine tyme she remembreth not) she this examinate being sitting & working att her husbands house doore situate in Almondbury articulate when this party [unread contraction] did heare & see the articulate Jane Kay and Anne Coke having & att angry speaches together where and when the said Anne Coke did call the said Jane Kay witche saying unto her go thy way witche as thou arte and said further that she the said Jane had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word; possibly tended] after Upon speaking of which wordes the said Jane Kay tooke witnes & [deleted word, inserted:] desired this examinate unto them & desired her & other witnesses then & there [word uncertain: able?] to remember her wordes then & there being [unread contraction] this examinate & her Contest Hester Scolefeild [provisional surname] with others Et aliter nescit deponere. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad jura Et aliter nescit deponere. Super quinto articulo non examinata quia pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted clause] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted clause] nec [contracted clause] inimica [contracted ending].

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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.

Kay–Cooke–1504 · reading edition, Witching reading edition; prepared 2026-10-27; edition version 1.0; reading identifier kay_cooke_1504-reading-v1. · context

People

Anna Mellor: Almondbury witness, about 40; catalogue Anne Meller.
Anne Cooke: Defendant, called Cook, Cooke and Coke across catalogue and manuscript.
Christopher Holdsworth: Subscription Chr: Holdsworth beside the dated examinations.
Hestera Scolefeild: Huddersfield witness, about 21; surname provisional, catalogue Hester Schofield.
Jane Kay: Plaintiff seeking redress for alleged witchcraft defamation.
Parkin: Surname used to identify the wife in the reported allegation.
Sara Williamson alias Kay: Almondbury witness, about 35; catalogue Sarah Williamson.
Unnamed husband of Sara Williamson alias Kay: Husband mentioned as owner or occupier of the house where Sara sat working.
Unnamed wife of Parkin: Woman identified only through Parkin in the reported bewitching allegation.
William, libel subscriber: Libel margin has Wm and an unresolved surname.

Events

Parkin’s unnamed wife is represented as bewitched by Jane Kay in accusations attributed to Anne Cooke, as reported in the libel and the accounts of Mellor, Hestera and Sara. This indexes the historical attribution of bewitchment. Her own testimony, the site or date of the alleged magical act, its method and the precise subsequent condition are unknown; the crucial word after never remains unread. No symptom or death is established.
1622: The libel pleads reputation and injury from witchcraft accusations in alternative months March–October 1621 and seeks correction and costs. The 1622 documentary context does not fix the filing day or the date of an individual exchange. (a documentary entry)
1622-05-17: On 17 May 1622 Cooke admits articles 1 and 5, denies article 2, and declines articles 3–4 as dependent on the denied article. She makes her mark. Admitting reputation is not admitting the alleged insults.
1622-05-31: The examinations record differing accounts of witchcraft accusations and confrontation between Kay and Cooke in Almondbury. Mellor describes a common-well encounter near the town gate; Hestera describes Jane’s house doorway; Sara describes sitting at her husband’s doorway. Their relative dates and vantage points remain separate, not one precisely dated incident. Cooke’s alleged words accuse Kay of bewitching Parkin’s wife; the recorded setting does not establish a water-magic practice. (a documentary entry)

Sources

What are the cause papers, University of York, n.d., Borthwick Institute for Archives, What are the cause papers?, sections Admission by the defendant and The Sentence; search-accessed guide text 25 October 2026; direct page returned 403. (scholarship) (later scholarship)
CP.H.1504 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1504: libel images 2–3; docket and depositions 4–5; answers 6. Six images, two catalogued pieces; no sentence. Covered duplicate image 1 inspected., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.H.1504 (court record)
CP.H.1504 catalogue, n.d., University of York, saved IIIF manifest metadata for CP.H.1504; retrieved for this edition 27 October 2026. Catalogue range 31 May 1622, court undefined, two pieces, no sentence. (catalogue) (later scholarship)
Fay Bound, Bound 2003, vol. 56.1, 2003, Fay Bound, “An Angry and Malicious Mind? Narratives of Slander at the Church Courts of York, c.1660–c.1760,” History Workshop Journal 56.1 (Autumn 2003), 59–77, DOI 10.1093/hwj/56.1.59. Publisher abstract only consulted, 27 October 2026. (scholarship) (later scholarship)
CP.H.1505 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1505: July depositions images 2–3; docket and allegation 4; compulsion request 5 left; additional articles 12 April 1622, images 5 right–7. Seven images, three catalogued pieces; no libel or sentence., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.H.1505 (court record)
CP.H.1506 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.H.1506 (court record)
Kay–Cooke–1504 · reading edition, Witching reading edition; prepared 2026-10-27; edition version 1.0; reading identifier kay_cooke_1504-reading-v1. (edition)

Credit

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