Jane Kay and Anne Cooke — CP.H.1506 — Witches in Early Modern England

Anne Cooke answers Jane Kay’s additional articles, and three women testify about the credit of opposing witnesses and the provocation preceding Kay’s reply to a witchcraft accusation. Their attacks on poverty, infirmity and reputation remain attributed testimony; no judgment or supernatural causation is established.

Scope

Five paired units from all five 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: Scope and outcome

Five saved images represent two catalogued pieces: personal answers, a docket and three witness examinations. Image 1 is a covered duplicate of image 2; image 5 right is blank. Five paired units cover the collected writing. Contracted Latin, deleted words, part of answer 7 and a condition word in reported speech remain unresolved; corresponding English readings are partial. No libel or sentence survives in this file. No witness exclusion, conviction, death or case outcome is established.

Anne Cooke’s personal answers to additional articles brought by Jane Kay, 17 May 1622. [The heading and some linking formulas remain partly unread.] To article 1 she refers to the witnesses' statements and depositions and the answers on those positions; the complete concluding formula is unread. To article 2 she believes Peter Bateman lives at Holmfirth, twenty miles from Almondbury, near the chapel within Kirkburton parish's liberties; otherwise she does not believe the position true. To article 3 she does not believe it true in any respect. To article 4 she believes Richard Wood is her father [the contracted respondent word is provisionally read; a deleted clause remains unread]. To article 5 she believes Thomas Candie lives at Wakefield and attends or is retained by a man described as a justice of the peace [name/style partly unread]. Otherwise she does not believe the position true. To article 6 she refers to the witnesses' depositions [remaining contracted clause unread]. To article 7 she denies the position [the following English qualification about faults, the administered matter and belief remains partly unread and untranslated]. To article 8 she refers to the witnesses' statements and depositions and otherwise disbelieves it. To article 9 she believes what is believed and denies what is denied. Anne Cooke makes her mark.

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, CP.H.1506; image 2; image 1 covered duplicate

Anna Mellor of Almondbury, York diocese, about 40, is produced, admitted, sworn and examined on Jane Kay's articles against Anne Cooke. She has known Kay seven years and Cooke eight years. Chr: Holdsworth is subscribed beside the examination. To article 1 she refers to the witnesses' depositions. She knows Richard Wood and Anne Crosland, witnesses in the cause, and believes them unworthy of credit. To article 2 she knows nothing further than the defendant admits. To article 3 she knows nothing to depose. To article 4 she knows Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing, to her knowledge and belief; she has heard him described as ill-behaved and suspected of many misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond her earlier deposition and what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 6 she knows nothing beyond that admission and hearsay. To article 7 she adds that Cooke provoked Kay to speak through defamatory words against her. She otherwise refers to earlier testimony and the admission. To article 8: Cooke and Kay were quarrelling in Almondbury town gate. Cooke said, 'away witch, for thou bewitched Parkin's wife that it never [unread word] after.' Kay replied, '[interjection partly unread] thou look more like a witch than I.' The unread word prevents any secure assertion here about the wife's subsequent condition or death. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her prior deposition as true and answers the usual credibility questions [the contracted conclusion is partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] of Huddersfield, York diocese, about 21, likewise examined, has known Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. [The surname is provisionally read; catalogue Hester Schofield.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people whom she believes unworthy of credit on oath and of little credit and standing among their neighbours. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 4 she regards Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and has heard of his bad behaviour and suspected misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further; the cancelled preliminary phrase remains unread. To article 7 she says Cooke moved and provoked Kay to speak through slanderous and provoking speech against her. She otherwise refers to the depositions. To article 8 Cooke abused Kay in Almondbury, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art' and accusing her of bewitching Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word] afterwards. Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [the interjection immediately before 'looks' is uncertain]. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Jane Kay from childhood and Anne Cooke for the same period. [Some contracted wording remains unread.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people of little credit, whom she believes unworthy of credit and without standing among their neighbours, according to what she has heard. One descriptor immediately before 'words' remains uncertain. She refers to the depositions. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing. To article 4 she believes Wood weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and otherwise knows nothing beyond her earlier testimony and the defendant's admission. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond that admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 7 Cooke had called Kay a witch and accused her of bewitching Parkin's wife before Kay spoke against Cooke. To article 8 Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [one preceding word unresolved]. She otherwise refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her deposition and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Docket: Kay and Cooke. The repository stamp and pencil shelfmark are later archival marks, not testimony.

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, CP.H.1506; image 3 left

Image Title: CP.H.1506 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 2 Pieces; Has deposition; No libel; No sentence Date: 17/5/1622 — 31/5/1622 Parties Mentioned: Jane Kay [Kay], plaintiff, female Anne Cook [Coke; Coakes], defendant, female Witnesses: Peter Bateman [Batman], witness, male Richard Wood [Wood], witness, male Richard Wood [Wood], witness, male Thomas Candy [Candy], witness, male Anne Crossland [Crosland], witness, female Anne Meller [Meller], witness, female; 40 Hester Schofield [Scolefeild], witness, female; 21 Sarah Williamson [Williamson], witness, female; 35 Places: Almondbury (Almondbury (YorkshireWestRiding)) - undefined Liberty of the Dean and Chapter of York (Yorkshire) - liberty

CP.H.1506 catalogue, n.d., University of York, CP.H.1506, saved IIIF manifest catalogue metadata, 17–31 May 1622; court undefined, two pieces, no libel or sentence. Richard Wood appears twice in the witness list., CP.H.1506; saved manifest metadata · context

17 Maij 1622 Responsiones personales Annae Cooke super positionibus et articulis alijs in [contracted words] ex parte Janae Kay contra eam data [contracted clause] fiunt. Ad primam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum et ad responsiones super eisdem positionibus factas et aliter [unread words] credit positionem hujus [unread] veram in aliquo. Ad secundam positionem [contracted response formula] credit that Peter Bateman articulated doth dwell at Holmfirth xx myles distant from Almondburie articulated, and neare unto ye Chappell within the liberties of Kirkburton aforesaid [insertion: parish articulated], Et aliter non credit positionem [contracted ending] veram in aliquo. Ad tertiam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad quartam positionem [contracted response formula] [deleted word] credit that tharte Richard Wood [deleted words] is father of this [respondent?; contracted word] Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram. Ad quintam positionem [contracted response formula] credit that Thomas Candie articulated dwells at Wakefield and is attendant or retainer to one Mr [name/style partly unread] a Justice of Peace Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram. Ad sextam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum [unread contracted clause] [unread clause] et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram in aliquo. Ad septimam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem [unread words] that she this parte Anne Cooke should have made anie such [word uncertain] as to the [unresolved word] administred in this cause by the partie of the said Jane Kay articulated yet she this [respondent?] doth [unresolved verb] beleive the same [unresolved word] to be true. Ad octavam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum et [unread word] vera Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram in aliquo. Ad nonam positionem [contracted response formula] credit de creditis et negat de negatis. Signum Anna [mark] Cooke [damaged lower-right docket remnants partly unread; no additional person identified]

Ultimo die mensis Maij 1622 Chr: Holdsworth Anna Mellor de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xl annorum seu circiter testis super positionibus et articulis allegatorum per partem Janae Kay contra Annam Coke factis et exhibitis producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per vij annos, et eandem Annam Coke per octo annos seu circiter. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere Saving she saith that she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced in this cause as is articulated which persons are not worthey Cred[it] as she beleiveth [partly unread] perswaded. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that she this examinate well knoweth the articulate Richard Wood who is a man of weake understanding & very ill of hearing to this examinate best knowledge and as she is veralie perswaded & a man of bad behaviour & vehemently suspected of many misdemeanors of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit Et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur et ex auditu. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur Saving she saith that the said Anne Cooke did provoke the said Jane Kay to speake by reason of the diffamatorie wordes spoken by the said Anne against the said Jane as is articulated. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That the articulate Anne Cooke & Jane Kay being chiding together in Almondbury towne gate, and the said Anne Coke saying unto the said [image 4 left continues:] Jane Kay away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wyfe that it never [unread word] after, the said Jane Kay replied & said to the said Anne Coke [interjection partly unread] thou lookes more like a witche then I. Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. [Deleted: an abbreviated heading] Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath/examination words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay per undecim Annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses articulated to be very poore persons, not worthey Cred[it] in either of their Oathes of doubtfull Cred[it] & of small Cred[it] & estimation amongst their neighbours as she is veralie perswaded Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et [deleted: quarto] tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood a witnes produced in this cause as is articulate whoe is a man of infirm & weake understanding as she is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing and one that hath bene accompted of lewd behaviour and vehemently suspected of divers misdemeanours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere [unread contraction] quam pars rea fatetur. [image 4 right:] Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit [deleted words] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That the said Anne Coke did move & provoke the said Jane Kay to speake & utter some wordes against the said Anne Coke by reason of some slaunderous & provoking speach she the said Anne used & spoke against the said Jane Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That tharte Anne Coke abusing the said Jane Kay in Almondbury & saying unto her go thy way witch as thou art and that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word] after, she the said Jane Kay replied & said but the said Anne Coke god [?thou] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay a pueritia [unread contraction] et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate doth well know the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced as is articulate whoe are [image 5 left continues:] very poore persons of very litle [insertion:] cred[it] not worthey Cred[it] in [doubtfull?] wordes as she is veralie perswaded and of noe Cred[it] or estimation amongst their neighbours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Richard Wood is a man infirme & weak in his understanding as she this examinate is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That before the said Jane Kay gave any speaches to the said Anne Coke she the said Anne Coke had called her witch and charged her that she the said Jane had bewitched one Parkins wiffe Et [unread contraction] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That after the articulate Anne Coke had called the said Jane Kay witche & telling her that she had bewitched one Parkins wiffe, she the said Jane replied & said but she the said Anne Coke god [unread word] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

[contracted docket] Kay & Cooke [repository stamp and pencil shelfmark, not original testimony]

Comparison of sources: Corrected readings and retained gaps

Native images support Peter Bateman, Thomas Candie at Wakefield, Richard Wood and Anne Crosland. Earlier John Batman, Christopher Rawdy/Huddersfield and Owslame readings are withdrawn. Ages 40,21,35 and Mellor’s seven/eight years are read from headings and compared with the catalogue. The justice’s name, some Latin contractions, answer 7 and the word after never remain unresolved.

Anne Cooke’s personal answers to additional articles brought by Jane Kay, 17 May 1622. [The heading and some linking formulas remain partly unread.] To article 1 she refers to the witnesses' statements and depositions and the answers on those positions; the complete concluding formula is unread. To article 2 she believes Peter Bateman lives at Holmfirth, twenty miles from Almondbury, near the chapel within Kirkburton parish's liberties; otherwise she does not believe the position true. To article 3 she does not believe it true in any respect. To article 4 she believes Richard Wood is her father [the contracted respondent word is provisionally read; a deleted clause remains unread]. To article 5 she believes Thomas Candie lives at Wakefield and attends or is retained by a man described as a justice of the peace [name/style partly unread]. Otherwise she does not believe the position true. To article 6 she refers to the witnesses' depositions [remaining contracted clause unread]. To article 7 she denies the position [the following English qualification about faults, the administered matter and belief remains partly unread and untranslated]. To article 8 she refers to the witnesses' statements and depositions and otherwise disbelieves it. To article 9 she believes what is believed and denies what is denied. Anne Cooke makes her mark.

Anna Mellor of Almondbury, York diocese, about 40, is produced, admitted, sworn and examined on Jane Kay's articles against Anne Cooke. She has known Kay seven years and Cooke eight years. Chr: Holdsworth is subscribed beside the examination. To article 1 she refers to the witnesses' depositions. She knows Richard Wood and Anne Crosland, witnesses in the cause, and believes them unworthy of credit. To article 2 she knows nothing further than the defendant admits. To article 3 she knows nothing to depose. To article 4 she knows Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing, to her knowledge and belief; she has heard him described as ill-behaved and suspected of many misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond her earlier deposition and what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 6 she knows nothing beyond that admission and hearsay. To article 7 she adds that Cooke provoked Kay to speak through defamatory words against her. She otherwise refers to earlier testimony and the admission. To article 8: Cooke and Kay were quarrelling in Almondbury town gate. Cooke said, 'away witch, for thou bewitched Parkin's wife that it never [unread word] after.' Kay replied, '[interjection partly unread] thou look more like a witch than I.' The unread word prevents any secure assertion here about the wife's subsequent condition or death. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her prior deposition as true and answers the usual credibility questions [the contracted conclusion is partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] of Huddersfield, York diocese, about 21, likewise examined, has known Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. [The surname is provisionally read; catalogue Hester Schofield.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people whom she believes unworthy of credit on oath and of little credit and standing among their neighbours. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 4 she regards Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and has heard of his bad behaviour and suspected misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further; the cancelled preliminary phrase remains unread. To article 7 she says Cooke moved and provoked Kay to speak through slanderous and provoking speech against her. She otherwise refers to the depositions. To article 8 Cooke abused Kay in Almondbury, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art' and accusing her of bewitching Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word] afterwards. Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [the interjection immediately before 'looks' is uncertain]. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Jane Kay from childhood and Anne Cooke for the same period. [Some contracted wording remains unread.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people of little credit, whom she believes unworthy of credit and without standing among their neighbours, according to what she has heard. One descriptor immediately before 'words' remains uncertain. She refers to the depositions. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing. To article 4 she believes Wood weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and otherwise knows nothing beyond her earlier testimony and the defendant's admission. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond that admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 7 Cooke had called Kay a witch and accused her of bewitching Parkin's wife before Kay spoke against Cooke. To article 8 Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [one preceding word unresolved]. She otherwise refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her deposition and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Image Title: CP.H.1506 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 2 Pieces; Has deposition; No libel; No sentence Date: 17/5/1622 — 31/5/1622 Parties Mentioned: Jane Kay [Kay], plaintiff, female Anne Cook [Coke; Coakes], defendant, female Witnesses: Peter Bateman [Batman], witness, male Richard Wood [Wood], witness, male Richard Wood [Wood], witness, male Thomas Candy [Candy], witness, male Anne Crossland [Crosland], witness, female Anne Meller [Meller], witness, female; 40 Hester Schofield [Scolefeild], witness, female; 21 Sarah Williamson [Williamson], witness, female; 35 Places: Almondbury (Almondbury (YorkshireWestRiding)) - undefined Liberty of the Dean and Chapter of York (Yorkshire) - liberty

17 Maij 1622 Responsiones personales Annae Cooke super positionibus et articulis alijs in [contracted words] ex parte Janae Kay contra eam data [contracted clause] fiunt. Ad primam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum et ad responsiones super eisdem positionibus factas et aliter [unread words] credit positionem hujus [unread] veram in aliquo. Ad secundam positionem [contracted response formula] credit that Peter Bateman articulated doth dwell at Holmfirth xx myles distant from Almondburie articulated, and neare unto ye Chappell within the liberties of Kirkburton aforesaid [insertion: parish articulated], Et aliter non credit positionem [contracted ending] veram in aliquo. Ad tertiam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad quartam positionem [contracted response formula] [deleted word] credit that tharte Richard Wood [deleted words] is father of this [respondent?; contracted word] Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram. Ad quintam positionem [contracted response formula] credit that Thomas Candie articulated dwells at Wakefield and is attendant or retainer to one Mr [name/style partly unread] a Justice of Peace Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram. Ad sextam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum [unread contracted clause] [unread clause] et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram in aliquo. Ad septimam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem [unread words] that she this parte Anne Cooke should have made anie such [word uncertain] as to the [unresolved word] administred in this cause by the partie of the said Jane Kay articulated yet she this [respondent?] doth [unresolved verb] beleive the same [unresolved word] to be true. Ad octavam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum et [unread word] vera Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram in aliquo. Ad nonam positionem [contracted response formula] credit de creditis et negat de negatis. Signum Anna [mark] Cooke [damaged lower-right docket remnants partly unread; no additional person identified]

Ultimo die mensis Maij 1622 Chr: Holdsworth Anna Mellor de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xl annorum seu circiter testis super positionibus et articulis allegatorum per partem Janae Kay contra Annam Coke factis et exhibitis producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per vij annos, et eandem Annam Coke per octo annos seu circiter. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere Saving she saith that she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced in this cause as is articulated which persons are not worthey Cred[it] as she beleiveth [partly unread] perswaded. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that she this examinate well knoweth the articulate Richard Wood who is a man of weake understanding & very ill of hearing to this examinate best knowledge and as she is veralie perswaded & a man of bad behaviour & vehemently suspected of many misdemeanors of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit Et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur et ex auditu. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur Saving she saith that the said Anne Cooke did provoke the said Jane Kay to speake by reason of the diffamatorie wordes spoken by the said Anne against the said Jane as is articulated. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That the articulate Anne Cooke & Jane Kay being chiding together in Almondbury towne gate, and the said Anne Coke saying unto the said [image 4 left continues:] Jane Kay away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wyfe that it never [unread word] after, the said Jane Kay replied & said to the said Anne Coke [interjection partly unread] thou lookes more like a witche then I. Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. [Deleted: an abbreviated heading] Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath/examination words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay per undecim Annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses articulated to be very poore persons, not worthey Cred[it] in either of their Oathes of doubtfull Cred[it] & of small Cred[it] & estimation amongst their neighbours as she is veralie perswaded Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et [deleted: quarto] tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood a witnes produced in this cause as is articulate whoe is a man of infirm & weake understanding as she is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing and one that hath bene accompted of lewd behaviour and vehemently suspected of divers misdemeanours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere [unread contraction] quam pars rea fatetur. [image 4 right:] Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit [deleted words] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That the said Anne Coke did move & provoke the said Jane Kay to speake & utter some wordes against the said Anne Coke by reason of some slaunderous & provoking speach she the said Anne used & spoke against the said Jane Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That tharte Anne Coke abusing the said Jane Kay in Almondbury & saying unto her go thy way witch as thou art and that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word] after, she the said Jane Kay replied & said but the said Anne Coke god [?thou] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay a pueritia [unread contraction] et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate doth well know the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced as is articulate whoe are [image 5 left continues:] very poore persons of very litle [insertion:] cred[it] not worthey Cred[it] in [doubtfull?] wordes as she is veralie perswaded and of noe Cred[it] or estimation amongst their neighbours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Richard Wood is a man infirme & weak in his understanding as she this examinate is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That before the said Jane Kay gave any speaches to the said Anne Coke she the said Anne Coke had called her witch and charged her that she the said Jane had bewitched one Parkins wiffe Et [unread contraction] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That after the articulate Anne Coke had called the said Jane Kay witche & telling her that she had bewitched one Parkins wiffe, she the said Jane replied & said but she the said Anne Coke god [unread word] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Comparison of sources: Credit, dependence and reported speech

The women’s descriptions of poverty, hearing, understanding, behaviour and reputation are partisan evidence. Their accounts present Kay’s reply as provoked by Cooke. Neither those assessments nor the charge of bewitching Parkin’s wife becomes an established fact through repetition. Sara’s alias does not establish kinship; a repeated catalogue entry does not establish two Richard Woods.

Anna Mellor of Almondbury, York diocese, about 40, is produced, admitted, sworn and examined on Jane Kay's articles against Anne Cooke. She has known Kay seven years and Cooke eight years. Chr: Holdsworth is subscribed beside the examination. To article 1 she refers to the witnesses' depositions. She knows Richard Wood and Anne Crosland, witnesses in the cause, and believes them unworthy of credit. To article 2 she knows nothing further than the defendant admits. To article 3 she knows nothing to depose. To article 4 she knows Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing, to her knowledge and belief; she has heard him described as ill-behaved and suspected of many misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond her earlier deposition and what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 6 she knows nothing beyond that admission and hearsay. To article 7 she adds that Cooke provoked Kay to speak through defamatory words against her. She otherwise refers to earlier testimony and the admission. To article 8: Cooke and Kay were quarrelling in Almondbury town gate. Cooke said, 'away witch, for thou bewitched Parkin's wife that it never [unread word] after.' Kay replied, '[interjection partly unread] thou look more like a witch than I.' The unread word prevents any secure assertion here about the wife's subsequent condition or death. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her prior deposition as true and answers the usual credibility questions [the contracted conclusion is partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] of Huddersfield, York diocese, about 21, likewise examined, has known Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. [The surname is provisionally read; catalogue Hester Schofield.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people whom she believes unworthy of credit on oath and of little credit and standing among their neighbours. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 4 she regards Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and has heard of his bad behaviour and suspected misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further; the cancelled preliminary phrase remains unread. To article 7 she says Cooke moved and provoked Kay to speak through slanderous and provoking speech against her. She otherwise refers to the depositions. To article 8 Cooke abused Kay in Almondbury, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art' and accusing her of bewitching Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word] afterwards. Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [the interjection immediately before 'looks' is uncertain]. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Jane Kay from childhood and Anne Cooke for the same period. [Some contracted wording remains unread.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people of little credit, whom she believes unworthy of credit and without standing among their neighbours, according to what she has heard. One descriptor immediately before 'words' remains uncertain. She refers to the depositions. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing. To article 4 she believes Wood weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and otherwise knows nothing beyond her earlier testimony and the defendant's admission. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond that admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 7 Cooke had called Kay a witch and accused her of bewitching Parkin's wife before Kay spoke against Cooke. To article 8 Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [one preceding word unresolved]. She otherwise refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her deposition and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Image Title: CP.H.1506 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 2 Pieces; Has deposition; No libel; No sentence Date: 17/5/1622 — 31/5/1622 Parties Mentioned: Jane Kay [Kay], plaintiff, female Anne Cook [Coke; Coakes], defendant, female Witnesses: Peter Bateman [Batman], witness, male Richard Wood [Wood], witness, male Richard Wood [Wood], witness, male Thomas Candy [Candy], witness, male Anne Crossland [Crosland], witness, female Anne Meller [Meller], witness, female; 40 Hester Schofield [Scolefeild], witness, female; 21 Sarah Williamson [Williamson], witness, female; 35 Places: Almondbury (Almondbury (YorkshireWestRiding)) - undefined Liberty of the Dean and Chapter of York (Yorkshire) - liberty

Ultimo die mensis Maij 1622 Chr: Holdsworth Anna Mellor de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xl annorum seu circiter testis super positionibus et articulis allegatorum per partem Janae Kay contra Annam Coke factis et exhibitis producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per vij annos, et eandem Annam Coke per octo annos seu circiter. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere Saving she saith that she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced in this cause as is articulated which persons are not worthey Cred[it] as she beleiveth [partly unread] perswaded. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that she this examinate well knoweth the articulate Richard Wood who is a man of weake understanding & very ill of hearing to this examinate best knowledge and as she is veralie perswaded & a man of bad behaviour & vehemently suspected of many misdemeanors of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit Et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur et ex auditu. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur Saving she saith that the said Anne Cooke did provoke the said Jane Kay to speake by reason of the diffamatorie wordes spoken by the said Anne against the said Jane as is articulated. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That the articulate Anne Cooke & Jane Kay being chiding together in Almondbury towne gate, and the said Anne Coke saying unto the said [image 4 left continues:] Jane Kay away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wyfe that it never [unread word] after, the said Jane Kay replied & said to the said Anne Coke [interjection partly unread] thou lookes more like a witche then I. Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. [Deleted: an abbreviated heading] Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath/examination words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay per undecim Annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses articulated to be very poore persons, not worthey Cred[it] in either of their Oathes of doubtfull Cred[it] & of small Cred[it] & estimation amongst their neighbours as she is veralie perswaded Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et [deleted: quarto] tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood a witnes produced in this cause as is articulate whoe is a man of infirm & weake understanding as she is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing and one that hath bene accompted of lewd behaviour and vehemently suspected of divers misdemeanours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere [unread contraction] quam pars rea fatetur. [image 4 right:] Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit [deleted words] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That the said Anne Coke did move & provoke the said Jane Kay to speake & utter some wordes against the said Anne Coke by reason of some slaunderous & provoking speach she the said Anne used & spoke against the said Jane Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That tharte Anne Coke abusing the said Jane Kay in Almondbury & saying unto her go thy way witch as thou art and that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word] after, she the said Jane Kay replied & said but the said Anne Coke god [?thou] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay a pueritia [unread contraction] et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate doth well know the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced as is articulate whoe are [image 5 left continues:] very poore persons of very litle [insertion:] cred[it] not worthey Cred[it] in [doubtfull?] wordes as she is veralie perswaded and of noe Cred[it] or estimation amongst their neighbours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Richard Wood is a man infirme & weak in his understanding as she this examinate is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That before the said Jane Kay gave any speaches to the said Anne Coke she the said Anne Coke had called her witch and charged her that she the said Jane had bewitched one Parkins wiffe Et [unread contraction] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That after the articulate Anne Coke had called the said Jane Kay witche & telling her that she had bewitched one Parkins wiffe, she the said Jane replied & said but she the said Anne Coke god [unread word] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Comparison of sources: Related but distinct proceedings

CP.H.1504 contains the defamation libel and testimony on the words; CP.H.1505 contains additional articles and July testimony; CP.H.1506 contains these answers and witness-credit examinations. Shared parties, three matching deponents with matching ages and localities, the named challenged witnesses and the specific Parkin-wife accusation support shared identities without merging the proceedings. No missing libel or sentence is reconstructed.

Anne Cooke’s personal answers to additional articles brought by Jane Kay, 17 May 1622. [The heading and some linking formulas remain partly unread.] To article 1 she refers to the witnesses' statements and depositions and the answers on those positions; the complete concluding formula is unread. To article 2 she believes Peter Bateman lives at Holmfirth, twenty miles from Almondbury, near the chapel within Kirkburton parish's liberties; otherwise she does not believe the position true. To article 3 she does not believe it true in any respect. To article 4 she believes Richard Wood is her father [the contracted respondent word is provisionally read; a deleted clause remains unread]. To article 5 she believes Thomas Candie lives at Wakefield and attends or is retained by a man described as a justice of the peace [name/style partly unread]. Otherwise she does not believe the position true. To article 6 she refers to the witnesses' depositions [remaining contracted clause unread]. To article 7 she denies the position [the following English qualification about faults, the administered matter and belief remains partly unread and untranslated]. To article 8 she refers to the witnesses' statements and depositions and otherwise disbelieves it. To article 9 she believes what is believed and denies what is denied. Anne Cooke makes her mark.

Anna Mellor of Almondbury, York diocese, about 40, is produced, admitted, sworn and examined on Jane Kay's articles against Anne Cooke. She has known Kay seven years and Cooke eight years. Chr: Holdsworth is subscribed beside the examination. To article 1 she refers to the witnesses' depositions. She knows Richard Wood and Anne Crosland, witnesses in the cause, and believes them unworthy of credit. To article 2 she knows nothing further than the defendant admits. To article 3 she knows nothing to depose. To article 4 she knows Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing, to her knowledge and belief; she has heard him described as ill-behaved and suspected of many misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond her earlier deposition and what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 6 she knows nothing beyond that admission and hearsay. To article 7 she adds that Cooke provoked Kay to speak through defamatory words against her. She otherwise refers to earlier testimony and the admission. To article 8: Cooke and Kay were quarrelling in Almondbury town gate. Cooke said, 'away witch, for thou bewitched Parkin's wife that it never [unread word] after.' Kay replied, '[interjection partly unread] thou look more like a witch than I.' The unread word prevents any secure assertion here about the wife's subsequent condition or death. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her prior deposition as true and answers the usual credibility questions [the contracted conclusion is partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] of Huddersfield, York diocese, about 21, likewise examined, has known Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. [The surname is provisionally read; catalogue Hester Schofield.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people whom she believes unworthy of credit on oath and of little credit and standing among their neighbours. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 4 she regards Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and has heard of his bad behaviour and suspected misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further; the cancelled preliminary phrase remains unread. To article 7 she says Cooke moved and provoked Kay to speak through slanderous and provoking speech against her. She otherwise refers to the depositions. To article 8 Cooke abused Kay in Almondbury, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art' and accusing her of bewitching Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word] afterwards. Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [the interjection immediately before 'looks' is uncertain]. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Jane Kay from childhood and Anne Cooke for the same period. [Some contracted wording remains unread.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people of little credit, whom she believes unworthy of credit and without standing among their neighbours, according to what she has heard. One descriptor immediately before 'words' remains uncertain. She refers to the depositions. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing. To article 4 she believes Wood weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and otherwise knows nothing beyond her earlier testimony and the defendant's admission. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond that admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 7 Cooke had called Kay a witch and accused her of bewitching Parkin's wife before Kay spoke against Cooke. To article 8 Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [one preceding word unresolved]. She otherwise refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her deposition and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

17 Maij 1622 Responsiones personales Annae Cooke super positionibus et articulis alijs in [contracted words] ex parte Janae Kay contra eam data [contracted clause] fiunt. Ad primam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum et ad responsiones super eisdem positionibus factas et aliter [unread words] credit positionem hujus [unread] veram in aliquo. Ad secundam positionem [contracted response formula] credit that Peter Bateman articulated doth dwell at Holmfirth xx myles distant from Almondburie articulated, and neare unto ye Chappell within the liberties of Kirkburton aforesaid [insertion: parish articulated], Et aliter non credit positionem [contracted ending] veram in aliquo. Ad tertiam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad quartam positionem [contracted response formula] [deleted word] credit that tharte Richard Wood [deleted words] is father of this [respondent?; contracted word] Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram. Ad quintam positionem [contracted response formula] credit that Thomas Candie articulated dwells at Wakefield and is attendant or retainer to one Mr [name/style partly unread] a Justice of Peace Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram. Ad sextam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum [unread contracted clause] [unread clause] et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram in aliquo. Ad septimam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem [unread words] that she this parte Anne Cooke should have made anie such [word uncertain] as to the [unresolved word] administred in this cause by the partie of the said Jane Kay articulated yet she this [respondent?] doth [unresolved verb] beleive the same [unresolved word] to be true. Ad octavam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum et [unread word] vera Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram in aliquo. Ad nonam positionem [contracted response formula] credit de creditis et negat de negatis. Signum Anna [mark] Cooke [damaged lower-right docket remnants partly unread; no additional person identified]

Ultimo die mensis Maij 1622 Chr: Holdsworth Anna Mellor de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xl annorum seu circiter testis super positionibus et articulis allegatorum per partem Janae Kay contra Annam Coke factis et exhibitis producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per vij annos, et eandem Annam Coke per octo annos seu circiter. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere Saving she saith that she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced in this cause as is articulated which persons are not worthey Cred[it] as she beleiveth [partly unread] perswaded. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that she this examinate well knoweth the articulate Richard Wood who is a man of weake understanding & very ill of hearing to this examinate best knowledge and as she is veralie perswaded & a man of bad behaviour & vehemently suspected of many misdemeanors of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit Et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur et ex auditu. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur Saving she saith that the said Anne Cooke did provoke the said Jane Kay to speake by reason of the diffamatorie wordes spoken by the said Anne against the said Jane as is articulated. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That the articulate Anne Cooke & Jane Kay being chiding together in Almondbury towne gate, and the said Anne Coke saying unto the said [image 4 left continues:] Jane Kay away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wyfe that it never [unread word] after, the said Jane Kay replied & said to the said Anne Coke [interjection partly unread] thou lookes more like a witche then I. Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. [Deleted: an abbreviated heading] Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath/examination words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay per undecim Annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses articulated to be very poore persons, not worthey Cred[it] in either of their Oathes of doubtfull Cred[it] & of small Cred[it] & estimation amongst their neighbours as she is veralie perswaded Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et [deleted: quarto] tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood a witnes produced in this cause as is articulate whoe is a man of infirm & weake understanding as she is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing and one that hath bene accompted of lewd behaviour and vehemently suspected of divers misdemeanours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere [unread contraction] quam pars rea fatetur. [image 4 right:] Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit [deleted words] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That the said Anne Coke did move & provoke the said Jane Kay to speake & utter some wordes against the said Anne Coke by reason of some slaunderous & provoking speach she the said Anne used & spoke against the said Jane Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That tharte Anne Coke abusing the said Jane Kay in Almondbury & saying unto her go thy way witch as thou art and that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word] after, she the said Jane Kay replied & said but the said Anne Coke god [?thou] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay a pueritia [unread contraction] et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate doth well know the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced as is articulate whoe are [image 5 left continues:] very poore persons of very litle [insertion:] cred[it] not worthey Cred[it] in [doubtfull?] wordes as she is veralie perswaded and of noe Cred[it] or estimation amongst their neighbours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Richard Wood is a man infirme & weak in his understanding as she this examinate is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That before the said Jane Kay gave any speaches to the said Anne Coke she the said Anne Coke had called her witch and charged her that she the said Jane had bewitched one Parkins wiffe Et [unread contraction] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That after the articulate Anne Coke had called the said Jane Kay witche & telling her that she had bewitched one Parkins wiffe, she the said Jane replied & said but she the said Anne Coke god [unread word] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Context: Witness objections required proof

The Borthwick procedural guide explains exceptions to witnesses as challenges requiring proof. The surviving credit testimony is therefore distinguished from an order excluding witnesses or a judgment accepting the objections.

Anna Mellor of Almondbury, York diocese, about 40, is produced, admitted, sworn and examined on Jane Kay's articles against Anne Cooke. She has known Kay seven years and Cooke eight years. Chr: Holdsworth is subscribed beside the examination. To article 1 she refers to the witnesses' depositions. She knows Richard Wood and Anne Crosland, witnesses in the cause, and believes them unworthy of credit. To article 2 she knows nothing further than the defendant admits. To article 3 she knows nothing to depose. To article 4 she knows Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing, to her knowledge and belief; she has heard him described as ill-behaved and suspected of many misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond her earlier deposition and what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 6 she knows nothing beyond that admission and hearsay. To article 7 she adds that Cooke provoked Kay to speak through defamatory words against her. She otherwise refers to earlier testimony and the admission. To article 8: Cooke and Kay were quarrelling in Almondbury town gate. Cooke said, 'away witch, for thou bewitched Parkin's wife that it never [unread word] after.' Kay replied, '[interjection partly unread] thou look more like a witch than I.' The unread word prevents any secure assertion here about the wife's subsequent condition or death. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her prior deposition as true and answers the usual credibility questions [the contracted conclusion is partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] of Huddersfield, York diocese, about 21, likewise examined, has known Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. [The surname is provisionally read; catalogue Hester Schofield.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people whom she believes unworthy of credit on oath and of little credit and standing among their neighbours. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 4 she regards Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and has heard of his bad behaviour and suspected misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further; the cancelled preliminary phrase remains unread. To article 7 she says Cooke moved and provoked Kay to speak through slanderous and provoking speech against her. She otherwise refers to the depositions. To article 8 Cooke abused Kay in Almondbury, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art' and accusing her of bewitching Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word] afterwards. Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [the interjection immediately before 'looks' is uncertain]. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Jane Kay from childhood and Anne Cooke for the same period. [Some contracted wording remains unread.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people of little credit, whom she believes unworthy of credit and without standing among their neighbours, according to what she has heard. One descriptor immediately before 'words' remains uncertain. She refers to the depositions. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing. To article 4 she believes Wood weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and otherwise knows nothing beyond her earlier testimony and the defendant's admission. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond that admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 7 Cooke had called Kay a witch and accused her of bewitching Parkin's wife before Kay spoke against Cooke. To article 8 Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [one preceding word unresolved]. She otherwise refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her deposition and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Editorial paraphrase: the Borthwick guide explains that parties could challenge witnesses’ credibility, including dependence, kinship or hostility, and that such objections themselves needed proof. An objection is not a judgment accepting it.

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; Exceptions against Witnesses and their Statements · 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 allegatorum per partem Janae Kay contra Annam Coke factis et exhibitis producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per vij annos, et eandem Annam Coke per octo annos seu circiter. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere Saving she saith that she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced in this cause as is articulated which persons are not worthey Cred[it] as she beleiveth [partly unread] perswaded. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that she this examinate well knoweth the articulate Richard Wood who is a man of weake understanding & very ill of hearing to this examinate best knowledge and as she is veralie perswaded & a man of bad behaviour & vehemently suspected of many misdemeanors of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit Et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur et ex auditu. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur Saving she saith that the said Anne Cooke did provoke the said Jane Kay to speake by reason of the diffamatorie wordes spoken by the said Anne against the said Jane as is articulated. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That the articulate Anne Cooke & Jane Kay being chiding together in Almondbury towne gate, and the said Anne Coke saying unto the said [image 4 left continues:] Jane Kay away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wyfe that it never [unread word] after, the said Jane Kay replied & said to the said Anne Coke [interjection partly unread] thou lookes more like a witche then I. Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. [Deleted: an abbreviated heading] Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath/examination words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay per undecim Annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses articulated to be very poore persons, not worthey Cred[it] in either of their Oathes of doubtfull Cred[it] & of small Cred[it] & estimation amongst their neighbours as she is veralie perswaded Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et [deleted: quarto] tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood a witnes produced in this cause as is articulate whoe is a man of infirm & weake understanding as she is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing and one that hath bene accompted of lewd behaviour and vehemently suspected of divers misdemeanours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere [unread contraction] quam pars rea fatetur. [image 4 right:] Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit [deleted words] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That the said Anne Coke did move & provoke the said Jane Kay to speake & utter some wordes against the said Anne Coke by reason of some slaunderous & provoking speach she the said Anne used & spoke against the said Jane Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That tharte Anne Coke abusing the said Jane Kay in Almondbury & saying unto her go thy way witch as thou art and that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word] after, she the said Jane Kay replied & said but the said Anne Coke god [?thou] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay a pueritia [unread contraction] et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate doth well know the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced as is articulate whoe are [image 5 left continues:] very poore persons of very litle [insertion:] cred[it] not worthey Cred[it] in [doubtfull?] wordes as she is veralie perswaded and of noe Cred[it] or estimation amongst their neighbours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Richard Wood is a man infirme & weak in his understanding as she this examinate is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That before the said Jane Kay gave any speaches to the said Anne Coke she the said Anne Coke had called her witch and charged her that she the said Jane had bewitched one Parkins wiffe Et [unread contraction] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That after the articulate Anne Coke had called the said Jane Kay witche & telling her that she had bewitched one Parkins wiffe, she the said Jane replied & said but she the said Anne Coke god [unread word] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Context: Economic standing and the credit of witnesses

Shepard relates assessments of credibility to economic worth, dependence and personal obligations. This supplies context for the attacks on poverty and reputation here; it does not verify them. Alexandra Shepard, “Worthless Witnesses?” Journal of British Studies 58(2019),720–721, PDF 4–5, DOI 10.1017/jbr.2019.85.

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] of Huddersfield, York diocese, about 21, likewise examined, has known Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. [The surname is provisionally read; catalogue Hester Schofield.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people whom she believes unworthy of credit on oath and of little credit and standing among their neighbours. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 4 she regards Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and has heard of his bad behaviour and suspected misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further; the cancelled preliminary phrase remains unread. To article 7 she says Cooke moved and provoked Kay to speak through slanderous and provoking speech against her. She otherwise refers to the depositions. To article 8 Cooke abused Kay in Almondbury, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art' and accusing her of bewitching Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word] afterwards. Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [the interjection immediately before 'looks' is uncertain]. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Jane Kay from childhood and Anne Cooke for the same period. [Some contracted wording remains unread.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people of little credit, whom she believes unworthy of credit and without standing among their neighbours, according to what she has heard. One descriptor immediately before 'words' remains uncertain. She refers to the depositions. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing. To article 4 she believes Wood weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and otherwise knows nothing beyond her earlier testimony and the defendant's admission. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond that admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 7 Cooke had called Kay a witch and accused her of bewitching Parkin's wife before Kay spoke against Cooke. To article 8 Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [one preceding word unresolved]. She otherwise refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her deposition and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Editorial paraphrase: Shepard connects court assessments of witness credibility with economic worth, dependence and personal obligations. Witness selection could prompt allegations of bias and perjury. This contextualises the attacks in these articles without verifying their truth.

Alexandra Shepard, Shepard 2019, vol. 58, 2019, Alexandra Shepard, “Worthless Witnesses? Marginal Voices and Women’s Legal Agency in Early Modern England,” Journal of British Studies 58 (October 2019), 717–734, especially 720–721 (PDF pages 4–5), DOI 10.1017/jbr.2019.85. Published open-access version in University of Glasgow repository; consulted 27 October 2026., Shepard 2019, pp. 720–721; PDF pages 4–5 · context

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath/examination words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay per undecim Annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses articulated to be very poore persons, not worthey Cred[it] in either of their Oathes of doubtfull Cred[it] & of small Cred[it] & estimation amongst their neighbours as she is veralie perswaded Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et [deleted: quarto] tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood a witnes produced in this cause as is articulate whoe is a man of infirm & weake understanding as she is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing and one that hath bene accompted of lewd behaviour and vehemently suspected of divers misdemeanours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere [unread contraction] quam pars rea fatetur. [image 4 right:] Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit [deleted words] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That the said Anne Coke did move & provoke the said Jane Kay to speake & utter some wordes against the said Anne Coke by reason of some slaunderous & provoking speach she the said Anne used & spoke against the said Jane Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That tharte Anne Coke abusing the said Jane Kay in Almondbury & saying unto her go thy way witch as thou art and that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word] after, she the said Jane Kay replied & said but the said Anne Coke god [?thou] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay a pueritia [unread contraction] et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate doth well know the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced as is articulate whoe are [image 5 left continues:] very poore persons of very litle [insertion:] cred[it] not worthey Cred[it] in [doubtfull?] wordes as she is veralie perswaded and of noe Cred[it] or estimation amongst their neighbours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Richard Wood is a man infirme & weak in his understanding as she this examinate is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That before the said Jane Kay gave any speaches to the said Anne Coke she the said Anne Coke had called her witch and charged her that she the said Jane had bewitched one Parkins wiffe Et [unread contraction] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That after the articulate Anne Coke had called the said Jane Kay witche & telling her that she had bewitched one Parkins wiffe, she the said Jane replied & said but she the said Anne Coke god [unread word] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Comparison of sources: About this case and its sources

Reference: CP.H.1506

Repository: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York

Court: York ecclesiastical cause; catalogue court undefined

Case: Defamation (witchcraft); personal answers and witness-credit examinations

Record dates: 17–31 May 1622; answers 17 May, examinations 31 May

Surviving material: Two catalogued pieces; five saved images. Personal answers, docket and three examinations; no libel or sentence. Image 1 covered duplicate, image 5 right blank.

Languages: Latin and English

Parties: Jane Kay, plaintiff; Anne Cooke [Coke; Coakes], defendant, following catalogue and these article headings

Witnesses: Anna Mellor [catalogue Anne Meller],40, Almondbury; Hestera Scolefeild [provisional; catalogue Hester Schofield],21, Huddersfield; Sara Williamson alias Kay [catalogue Sarah Williamson],35, Almondbury. Challenged or mentioned witnesses: Peter Bateman, Richard Wood, Thomas Candie [catalogue Candy], Anne Crosland [catalogue Crossland]. Catalogue repeats Wood; no second identity inferred.

Other people: Chr: Holdsworth, subscription; Parkin and unnamed wife in reported accusation; justice of the peace whose name remains unread

Outcome: Unknown; no surviving sentence

Coverage: Five saved images represent two catalogued pieces: personal answers, a docket and three witness examinations. Image 1 is a covered duplicate of image 2; image 5 right is blank. Five paired units cover the collected writing. Contracted Latin, deleted words, part of answer 7 and a condition word in reported speech remain unresolved; corresponding English readings are partial. No libel or sentence survives in this file. No witness exclusion, conviction, death or case outcome is established.

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 and Anne Cooke, CP.H.1506, reading edition version 1.0,27 October 2026; Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York.

Anne Cooke’s personal answers to additional articles brought by Jane Kay, 17 May 1622. [The heading and some linking formulas remain partly unread.] To article 1 she refers to the witnesses' statements and depositions and the answers on those positions; the complete concluding formula is unread. To article 2 she believes Peter Bateman lives at Holmfirth, twenty miles from Almondbury, near the chapel within Kirkburton parish's liberties; otherwise she does not believe the position true. To article 3 she does not believe it true in any respect. To article 4 she believes Richard Wood is her father [the contracted respondent word is provisionally read; a deleted clause remains unread]. To article 5 she believes Thomas Candie lives at Wakefield and attends or is retained by a man described as a justice of the peace [name/style partly unread]. Otherwise she does not believe the position true. To article 6 she refers to the witnesses' depositions [remaining contracted clause unread]. To article 7 she denies the position [the following English qualification about faults, the administered matter and belief remains partly unread and untranslated]. To article 8 she refers to the witnesses' statements and depositions and otherwise disbelieves it. To article 9 she believes what is believed and denies what is denied. Anne Cooke makes her mark.

Anna Mellor of Almondbury, York diocese, about 40, is produced, admitted, sworn and examined on Jane Kay's articles against Anne Cooke. She has known Kay seven years and Cooke eight years. Chr: Holdsworth is subscribed beside the examination. To article 1 she refers to the witnesses' depositions. She knows Richard Wood and Anne Crosland, witnesses in the cause, and believes them unworthy of credit. To article 2 she knows nothing further than the defendant admits. To article 3 she knows nothing to depose. To article 4 she knows Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing, to her knowledge and belief; she has heard him described as ill-behaved and suspected of many misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond her earlier deposition and what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 6 she knows nothing beyond that admission and hearsay. To article 7 she adds that Cooke provoked Kay to speak through defamatory words against her. She otherwise refers to earlier testimony and the admission. To article 8: Cooke and Kay were quarrelling in Almondbury town gate. Cooke said, 'away witch, for thou bewitched Parkin's wife that it never [unread word] after.' Kay replied, '[interjection partly unread] thou look more like a witch than I.' The unread word prevents any secure assertion here about the wife's subsequent condition or death. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her prior deposition as true and answers the usual credibility questions [the contracted conclusion is partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] of Huddersfield, York diocese, about 21, likewise examined, has known Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. [The surname is provisionally read; catalogue Hester Schofield.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people whom she believes unworthy of credit on oath and of little credit and standing among their neighbours. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 4 she regards Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and has heard of his bad behaviour and suspected misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further; the cancelled preliminary phrase remains unread. To article 7 she says Cooke moved and provoked Kay to speak through slanderous and provoking speech against her. She otherwise refers to the depositions. To article 8 Cooke abused Kay in Almondbury, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art' and accusing her of bewitching Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word] afterwards. Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [the interjection immediately before 'looks' is uncertain]. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Jane Kay from childhood and Anne Cooke for the same period. [Some contracted wording remains unread.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people of little credit, whom she believes unworthy of credit and without standing among their neighbours, according to what she has heard. One descriptor immediately before 'words' remains uncertain. She refers to the depositions. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing. To article 4 she believes Wood weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and otherwise knows nothing beyond her earlier testimony and the defendant's admission. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond that admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 7 Cooke had called Kay a witch and accused her of bewitching Parkin's wife before Kay spoke against Cooke. To article 8 Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [one preceding word unresolved]. She otherwise refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her deposition and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Docket: Kay and Cooke. The repository stamp and pencil shelfmark are later archival marks, not testimony.

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, CP.H.1506; image 3 left

Image Title: CP.H.1506 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 2 Pieces; Has deposition; No libel; No sentence Date: 17/5/1622 — 31/5/1622 Parties Mentioned: Jane Kay [Kay], plaintiff, female Anne Cook [Coke; Coakes], defendant, female Witnesses: Peter Bateman [Batman], witness, male Richard Wood [Wood], witness, male Richard Wood [Wood], witness, male Thomas Candy [Candy], witness, male Anne Crossland [Crosland], witness, female Anne Meller [Meller], witness, female; 40 Hester Schofield [Scolefeild], witness, female; 21 Sarah Williamson [Williamson], witness, female; 35 Places: Almondbury (Almondbury (YorkshireWestRiding)) - undefined Liberty of the Dean and Chapter of York (Yorkshire) - liberty

17 Maij 1622 Responsiones personales Annae Cooke super positionibus et articulis alijs in [contracted words] ex parte Janae Kay contra eam data [contracted clause] fiunt. Ad primam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum et ad responsiones super eisdem positionibus factas et aliter [unread words] credit positionem hujus [unread] veram in aliquo. Ad secundam positionem [contracted response formula] credit that Peter Bateman articulated doth dwell at Holmfirth xx myles distant from Almondburie articulated, and neare unto ye Chappell within the liberties of Kirkburton aforesaid [insertion: parish articulated], Et aliter non credit positionem [contracted ending] veram in aliquo. Ad tertiam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad quartam positionem [contracted response formula] [deleted word] credit that tharte Richard Wood [deleted words] is father of this [respondent?; contracted word] Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram. Ad quintam positionem [contracted response formula] credit that Thomas Candie articulated dwells at Wakefield and is attendant or retainer to one Mr [name/style partly unread] a Justice of Peace Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram. Ad sextam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum [unread contracted clause] [unread clause] et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram in aliquo. Ad septimam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem [unread words] that she this parte Anne Cooke should have made anie such [word uncertain] as to the [unresolved word] administred in this cause by the partie of the said Jane Kay articulated yet she this [respondent?] doth [unresolved verb] beleive the same [unresolved word] to be true. Ad octavam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum et [unread word] vera Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram in aliquo. Ad nonam positionem [contracted response formula] credit de creditis et negat de negatis. Signum Anna [mark] Cooke [damaged lower-right docket remnants partly unread; no additional person identified]

Ultimo die mensis Maij 1622 Chr: Holdsworth Anna Mellor de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xl annorum seu circiter testis super positionibus et articulis allegatorum per partem Janae Kay contra Annam Coke factis et exhibitis producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per vij annos, et eandem Annam Coke per octo annos seu circiter. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere Saving she saith that she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced in this cause as is articulated which persons are not worthey Cred[it] as she beleiveth [partly unread] perswaded. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that she this examinate well knoweth the articulate Richard Wood who is a man of weake understanding & very ill of hearing to this examinate best knowledge and as she is veralie perswaded & a man of bad behaviour & vehemently suspected of many misdemeanors of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit Et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur et ex auditu. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur Saving she saith that the said Anne Cooke did provoke the said Jane Kay to speake by reason of the diffamatorie wordes spoken by the said Anne against the said Jane as is articulated. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That the articulate Anne Cooke & Jane Kay being chiding together in Almondbury towne gate, and the said Anne Coke saying unto the said [image 4 left continues:] Jane Kay away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wyfe that it never [unread word] after, the said Jane Kay replied & said to the said Anne Coke [interjection partly unread] thou lookes more like a witche then I. Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. [Deleted: an abbreviated heading] Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath/examination words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay per undecim Annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses articulated to be very poore persons, not worthey Cred[it] in either of their Oathes of doubtfull Cred[it] & of small Cred[it] & estimation amongst their neighbours as she is veralie perswaded Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et [deleted: quarto] tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood a witnes produced in this cause as is articulate whoe is a man of infirm & weake understanding as she is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing and one that hath bene accompted of lewd behaviour and vehemently suspected of divers misdemeanours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere [unread contraction] quam pars rea fatetur. [image 4 right:] Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit [deleted words] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That the said Anne Coke did move & provoke the said Jane Kay to speake & utter some wordes against the said Anne Coke by reason of some slaunderous & provoking speach she the said Anne used & spoke against the said Jane Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That tharte Anne Coke abusing the said Jane Kay in Almondbury & saying unto her go thy way witch as thou art and that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word] after, she the said Jane Kay replied & said but the said Anne Coke god [?thou] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay a pueritia [unread contraction] et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate doth well know the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced as is articulate whoe are [image 5 left continues:] very poore persons of very litle [insertion:] cred[it] not worthey Cred[it] in [doubtfull?] wordes as she is veralie perswaded and of noe Cred[it] or estimation amongst their neighbours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Richard Wood is a man infirme & weak in his understanding as she this examinate is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That before the said Jane Kay gave any speaches to the said Anne Coke she the said Anne Coke had called her witch and charged her that she the said Jane had bewitched one Parkins wiffe Et [unread contraction] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That after the articulate Anne Coke had called the said Jane Kay witche & telling her that she had bewitched one Parkins wiffe, she the said Jane replied & said but she the said Anne Coke god [unread word] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

[contracted docket] Kay & Cooke [repository stamp and pencil shelfmark, not original testimony]

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 1715 × 2595 pixels. Repository image position1; independent units described in source references.

page_02.jpg 1731 × 2579 pixels. Repository image position2; independent units described in source references.

page_03.jpg 3357 × 2533 pixels. Repository image position3; independent units described in source references.

page_04.jpg 3350 × 2540 pixels. Repository image position4; independent units described in source references.

page_05.jpg 3318 × 2595 pixels. Repository image position5; independent units described in source references.

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506; image 2; image 1 covered duplicate

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506; image 3 left

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506; images 3 right–4 left

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506; image 4 left–right

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506; images 4 right–5 left

Scope and outcome: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; image 2; image 1 covered duplicate | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; images 3 right–4 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; image 4 left–right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; images 4 right–5 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; image 3 left | University of York, CP.H.1506, saved IIIF manifest catalogue metadata, 17–31 May 1622; court undefined, two pieces, no libel or sentence. Richard Wood appears twice in the witness list.; CP.H.1506; saved manifest metadata

Corrected readings and retained gaps: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; image 2; image 1 covered duplicate | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; images 3 right–4 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; image 4 left–right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; images 4 right–5 left | University of York, CP.H.1506, saved IIIF manifest catalogue metadata, 17–31 May 1622; court undefined, two pieces, no libel or sentence. Richard Wood appears twice in the witness list.; CP.H.1506; saved manifest metadata

Credit, dependence and reported speech: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; images 3 right–4 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; image 4 left–right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; images 4 right–5 left | University of York, CP.H.1506, saved IIIF manifest catalogue metadata, 17–31 May 1622; court undefined, two pieces, no libel or sentence. Richard Wood appears twice in the witness list.; CP.H.1506; saved manifest metadata

Related but distinct proceedings: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; image 2; image 1 covered duplicate | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; images 3 right–4 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; image 4 left–right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; images 4 right–5 left

Witness objections required proof: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; images 3 right–4 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; image 4 left–right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; images 4 right–5 left | 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; Exceptions against Witnesses and their Statements

Economic standing and the credit of witnesses: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; image 4 left–right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; images 4 right–5 left | Alexandra Shepard, “Worthless Witnesses? Marginal Voices and Women’s Legal Agency in Early Modern England,” Journal of British Studies 58 (October 2019), 717–734, especially 720–721 (PDF pages 4–5), DOI 10.1017/jbr.2019.85. Published open-access version in University of Glasgow repository; consulted 27 October 2026.; Shepard 2019, pp. 720–721; PDF pages 4–5

About this case and its sources: University of York, CP.H.1506, saved IIIF manifest catalogue metadata, 17–31 May 1622; court undefined, two pieces, no libel or sentence. Richard Wood appears twice in the witness list.; CP.H.1506; saved manifest metadata | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; image 2; image 1 covered duplicate | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; images 3 right–4 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; image 4 left–right | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; images 4 right–5 left | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.; CP.H.1506; image 3 left

Evidence: CP.H.1506; image 2; image 1 covered duplicate, CP.H.1506; images 3 right–4 left, CP.H.1506; image 4 left–right, CP.H.1506; images 4 right–5 left

Evidence: CP.H.1506; images 3 right–4 left

Evidence: CP.H.1506; image 4 left–right

Evidence: CP.H.1506; images 4 right–5 left

Evidence: CP.H.1506; images 3 right–4 left, CP.H.1506; image 4 left–right, CP.H.1506; images 4 right–5 left

Evidence: CP.H.1506; image 2; image 1 covered duplicate

Evidence: CP.H.1506; image 2; image 1 covered duplicate, CP.H.1506; images 3 right–4 left, CP.H.1506; image 4 left–right, CP.H.1506; images 4 right–5 left

Evidence: CP.H.1506; images 3 right–4 left, CP.H.1506; image 4 left–right, CP.H.1506; images 4 right–5 left

Evidence: CP.H.1506; image 2; image 1 covered duplicate

Kay–Cooke witness-credit proceedings CP.H.1506
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.1506, 17–31 May 1622.
https://discover.york.ac.uk/collections/york-cause-papers/?manifest=CP_H_1506&canvas=CP_H_1506_0001

York Cause Papers catalogue CP.H.1506
University of York, CP.H.1506, saved IIIF manifest catalogue metadata, 17–31 May 1622; court undefined, two pieces, no libel or sentence. Richard Wood appears twice in the witness list.
https://discover.york.ac.uk/ark:/36941/CP_H_1506/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/

Worthless Witnesses? Marginal Voices and Women’s Legal Agency in Early Modern England
Alexandra Shepard, “Worthless Witnesses? Marginal Voices and Women’s Legal Agency in Early Modern England,” Journal of British Studies 58 (October 2019), 717–734, especially 720–721 (PDF pages 4–5), DOI 10.1017/jbr.2019.85. Published open-access version in University of Glasgow repository; consulted 27 October 2026.
https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/199966/1/199966.pdf

Anne Cooke’s personal answers to additional articles brought by Jane Kay, 17 May 1622. [The heading and some linking formulas remain partly unread.] To article 1 she refers to the witnesses' statements and depositions and the answers on those positions; the complete concluding formula is unread. To article 2 she believes Peter Bateman lives at Holmfirth, twenty miles from Almondbury, near the chapel within Kirkburton parish's liberties; otherwise she does not believe the position true. To article 3 she does not believe it true in any respect. To article 4 she believes Richard Wood is her father [the contracted respondent word is provisionally read; a deleted clause remains unread]. To article 5 she believes Thomas Candie lives at Wakefield and attends or is retained by a man described as a justice of the peace [name/style partly unread]. Otherwise she does not believe the position true. To article 6 she refers to the witnesses' depositions [remaining contracted clause unread]. To article 7 she denies the position [the following English qualification about faults, the administered matter and belief remains partly unread and untranslated]. To article 8 she refers to the witnesses' statements and depositions and otherwise disbelieves it. To article 9 she believes what is believed and denies what is denied. Anne Cooke makes her mark.

Anna Mellor of Almondbury, York diocese, about 40, is produced, admitted, sworn and examined on Jane Kay's articles against Anne Cooke. She has known Kay seven years and Cooke eight years. Chr: Holdsworth is subscribed beside the examination. To article 1 she refers to the witnesses' depositions. She knows Richard Wood and Anne Crosland, witnesses in the cause, and believes them unworthy of credit. To article 2 she knows nothing further than the defendant admits. To article 3 she knows nothing to depose. To article 4 she knows Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing, to her knowledge and belief; she has heard him described as ill-behaved and suspected of many misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond her earlier deposition and what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 6 she knows nothing beyond that admission and hearsay. To article 7 she adds that Cooke provoked Kay to speak through defamatory words against her. She otherwise refers to earlier testimony and the admission. To article 8: Cooke and Kay were quarrelling in Almondbury town gate. Cooke said, 'away witch, for thou bewitched Parkin's wife that it never [unread word] after.' Kay replied, '[interjection partly unread] thou look more like a witch than I.' The unread word prevents any secure assertion here about the wife's subsequent condition or death. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her prior deposition as true and answers the usual credibility questions [the contracted conclusion is partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] of Huddersfield, York diocese, about 21, likewise examined, has known Kay eleven years and Cooke for the same time. [The surname is provisionally read; catalogue Hester Schofield.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people whom she believes unworthy of credit on oath and of little credit and standing among their neighbours. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing beyond the defendant's admission. To article 4 she regards Wood as weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and has heard of his bad behaviour and suspected misdemeanours. She knows nothing further beyond what the defendant admits. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond the admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further; the cancelled preliminary phrase remains unread. To article 7 she says Cooke moved and provoked Kay to speak through slanderous and provoking speech against her. She otherwise refers to the depositions. To article 8 Cooke abused Kay in Almondbury, saying 'go thy way witch as thou art' and accusing her of bewitching Parkin's wife so that it never [unread word] afterwards. Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [the interjection immediately before 'looks' is uncertain]. She refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her evidence and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Sara Williamson alias Kay of Almondbury, about 35, knows Jane Kay from childhood and Anne Cooke for the same period. [Some contracted wording remains unread.] To article 1 she knows Wood and Crosland as very poor people of little credit, whom she believes unworthy of credit and without standing among their neighbours, according to what she has heard. One descriptor immediately before 'words' remains uncertain. She refers to the depositions. To articles 2 and 3 she knows nothing. To article 4 she believes Wood weak in understanding and very hard of hearing and otherwise knows nothing beyond her earlier testimony and the defendant's admission. To article 5 she knows nothing beyond that admission. To article 6 she refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 7 Cooke had called Kay a witch and accused her of bewitching Parkin's wife before Kay spoke against Cooke. To article 8 Kay replied that Cooke looked more like a witch than she did [one preceding word unresolved]. She otherwise refers to the depositions and knows nothing further. To article 9 she affirms her deposition and answers the credibility questions [contracted clauses partly unread; the legible clause denies being coached, instructed or paid].

Docket: Kay and Cooke. The repository stamp and pencil shelfmark are later archival marks, not testimony.

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, CP.H.1506; image 3 left

Image Title: CP.H.1506 Court: undefined Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 2 Pieces; Has deposition; No libel; No sentence Date: 17/5/1622 — 31/5/1622 Parties Mentioned: Jane Kay [Kay], plaintiff, female Anne Cook [Coke; Coakes], defendant, female Witnesses: Peter Bateman [Batman], witness, male Richard Wood [Wood], witness, male Richard Wood [Wood], witness, male Thomas Candy [Candy], witness, male Anne Crossland [Crosland], witness, female Anne Meller [Meller], witness, female; 40 Hester Schofield [Scolefeild], witness, female; 21 Sarah Williamson [Williamson], witness, female; 35 Places: Almondbury (Almondbury (YorkshireWestRiding)) - undefined Liberty of the Dean and Chapter of York (Yorkshire) - liberty

17 Maij 1622 Responsiones personales Annae Cooke super positionibus et articulis alijs in [contracted words] ex parte Janae Kay contra eam data [contracted clause] fiunt. Ad primam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum et ad responsiones super eisdem positionibus factas et aliter [unread words] credit positionem hujus [unread] veram in aliquo. Ad secundam positionem [contracted response formula] credit that Peter Bateman articulated doth dwell at Holmfirth xx myles distant from Almondburie articulated, and neare unto ye Chappell within the liberties of Kirkburton aforesaid [insertion: parish articulated], Et aliter non credit positionem [contracted ending] veram in aliquo. Ad tertiam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad quartam positionem [contracted response formula] [deleted word] credit that tharte Richard Wood [deleted words] is father of this [respondent?; contracted word] Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram. Ad quintam positionem [contracted response formula] credit that Thomas Candie articulated dwells at Wakefield and is attendant or retainer to one Mr [name/style partly unread] a Justice of Peace Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram. Ad sextam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum [unread contracted clause] [unread clause] et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram in aliquo. Ad septimam positionem [contracted response formula] non credit eandem [unread words] that she this parte Anne Cooke should have made anie such [word uncertain] as to the [unresolved word] administred in this cause by the partie of the said Jane Kay articulated yet she this [respondent?] doth [unresolved verb] beleive the same [unresolved word] to be true. Ad octavam positionem [contracted response formula] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum et [unread word] vera Et aliter non credit positionem hujus esse veram in aliquo. Ad nonam positionem [contracted response formula] credit de creditis et negat de negatis. Signum Anna [mark] Cooke [damaged lower-right docket remnants partly unread; no additional person identified]

Ultimo die mensis Maij 1622 Chr: Holdsworth Anna Mellor de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xl annorum seu circiter testis super positionibus et articulis allegatorum per partem Janae Kay contra Annam Coke factis et exhibitis producta admissa jurata et examinata et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit dictam Janam Kay per vij annos, et eandem Annam Coke per octo annos seu circiter. Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere Saving she saith that she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced in this cause as is articulated which persons are not worthey Cred[it] as she beleiveth [partly unread] perswaded. Super secundo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super tertio articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that she this examinate well knoweth the articulate Richard Wood who is a man of weake understanding & very ill of hearing to this examinate best knowledge and as she is veralie perswaded & a man of bad behaviour & vehemently suspected of many misdemeanors of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit Et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur et ex auditu. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur Saving she saith that the said Anne Cooke did provoke the said Jane Kay to speake by reason of the diffamatorie wordes spoken by the said Anne against the said Jane as is articulated. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That the articulate Anne Cooke & Jane Kay being chiding together in Almondbury towne gate, and the said Anne Coke saying unto the said [image 4 left continues:] Jane Kay away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wyfe that it never [unread word] after, the said Jane Kay replied & said to the said Anne Coke [interjection partly unread] thou lookes more like a witche then I. Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. [Deleted: an abbreviated heading] Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Hestera Scolefeild [surname provisionally read] de Huddersfield diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxj annorum seu circiter testis ut supra producta [contracted admission/oath/examination words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay per undecim Annos et Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses articulated to be very poore persons, not worthey Cred[it] in either of their Oathes of doubtfull Cred[it] & of small Cred[it] & estimation amongst their neighbours as she is veralie perswaded Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [contracted words] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et [deleted: quarto] tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate knoweth the articulate Richard Wood a witnes produced in this cause as is articulate whoe is a man of infirm & weake understanding as she is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing and one that hath bene accompted of lewd behaviour and vehemently suspected of divers misdemeanours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter nescit deponere [unread contraction] quam pars rea fatetur. [image 4 right:] Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit [deleted words] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That the said Anne Coke did move & provoke the said Jane Kay to speake & utter some wordes against the said Anne Coke by reason of some slaunderous & provoking speach she the said Anne used & spoke against the said Jane Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That tharte Anne Coke abusing the said Jane Kay in Almondbury & saying unto her go thy way witch as thou art and that she had bewitched Parkins wiffe that it never [unread word] after, she the said Jane Kay replied & said but the said Anne Coke god [?thou] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

Sara Williamson alias Kay de Almondbury diocesis Ebor aetatis suae xxxv annorum seu circiter testis ut supra [contracted admission/oath words] et primo de notitia partium testis dicit quod novit Janam Kay a pueritia [unread contraction] et dictam Annam Coke per idem tempus novit. Chr: Holdsworth Super primo articulo [contracted] dicit That she this examinate doth well know the articulate Richard Wood and Anne Crosland witnesses produced as is articulate whoe are [image 5 left continues:] very poore persons of very litle [insertion:] cred[it] not worthey Cred[it] in [doubtfull?] wordes as she is veralie perswaded and of noe Cred[it] or estimation amongst their neighbours of this examinate certaine hearing Et aliter refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super secundo et tertio articulis [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere. Super quarto articulo [contracted] dicit that the articulate Richard Wood is a man infirme & weak in his understanding as she this examinate is veralie perswaded and very ill of hearing Et aliter nescit deponere quam prius deposuit et pars rea fatetur. Super quinto articulo [contracted] dicit quod nescit deponere aliter quam pars rea fatetur. Super sexto articulo [contracted] dicit Quod refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera Et aliter nescit deponere. Super septimo articulo [contracted] dicit That before the said Jane Kay gave any speaches to the said Anne Coke she the said Anne Coke had called her witch and charged her that she the said Jane had bewitched one Parkins wiffe Et [unread contraction] refert se ad dicta et deposita testium articulorum Et aliter nescit deponere. Super octavo articulo [contracted] dicit That after the articulate Anne Coke had called the said Jane Kay witche & telling her that she had bewitched one Parkins wiffe, she the said Jane replied & said but she the said Anne Coke god [unread word] lookes more like a witche then I Et aliter refert se ad dicta et Deposita testium articulorum Et [unread] vera et aliter nescit deponere. Super nono articulo [contracted] dicit Quod praedeposita sua sunt vera et de sua fama laborare [unread contraction] dicit quod non est docta instructa aut salariata [contracted ending] nec Consanguinea aut affinis [contracted words] nec [contracted words] inimica [contracted ending].

[contracted docket] Kay & Cooke [repository stamp and pencil shelfmark, not original testimony]

Reading register: Full reading edition held on the source record

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–1506 · reading edition, Witching reading edition; prepared 2026-10-27; edition version 1.0; reading identifier kay_cooke_1506-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.
Anne Crosland: Opposing witness named in the additional articles, including the provocation account.
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.
Justice of the peace named in answer5: Man described as a justice of the peace in Thomas Candie’s service connection.
Parkin: Surname used to identify the wife in the reported allegation.
Peter Bateman: Witness challenged by Kay’s articles and named in allegations of procuring testimony.
Richard Wood: Challenged witness alleged to be Anne’s father, dependent on her household and impaired in hearing and understanding.
Sara Williamson alias Kay: Almondbury witness, about 35; catalogue Sarah Williamson.
Thomas Candie: Opposing witness described in article 5 and associated with Bateman in article 6.
Unnamed wife of Parkin: Woman identified only through Parkin in the reported bewitching allegation.

Events

Cooke’s reported words accuse Kay of a particular harmful act: “thou bewitched Parkins wyfe”, followed in Mellor’s version by “that it never [unread word] after” (Borthwick, CP.H.1506, images 3 right–4 left, Mellor, art.8). Scolefeild preserves a comparable unread outcome word; Sara reports Cooke saying Kay “had bewitched one Parkins wiffe” (Borthwick, CP.H.1506, image 4 left–right, Scolefeild, arts.1,7–8) (Borthwick, CP.H.1506, images 4 right–5 left, Williamson, arts.1,7–8). The wife is therefore the alleged affected person, Kay the woman accused, and Cooke the attributed accuser. The source gives the charge a victim but leaves that woman’s experience unavailable: her own words, symptoms, the magical mechanism and the result are not supplied. The unread word cannot be turned into death. This record makes alleged Bewitchment discoverable while linking the accused and affected perspectives to one represented allegation; related proceedings and multiple witnesses do not supply additional proven acts of magic.
1622-05-17: Cooke’s answers of 17 May 1622 accept selected details about the witnesses while resisting Kay’s objections. Bateman lives at “Holmfirth xx myles distant from Almondburie”; Candie is an “attendant or retainer” to “a Justice of Peace”; Wood is provisionally identified as her father (Borthwick, CP.H.1506, image 2, Cooke’s answers, 17 May 1622), answers 2,4–5. Her other responses deny propositions or refer back to the depositions. This matters to the witchcraft quarrel because the dispute turns on whose account of accusation and reply deserves credit. Answer 7’s qualification remains partly unread: Cooke’s limited admissions must not become an admission that she spoke the accusation, that the challenged witnesses lied or that the alleged bewitchment occurred. (a documentary entry)
1622-05-31: “away witche for thou bewitched Parkins wyfe”—then “thou lookes more like a witche then I”. Mellor’s account places this exchange while Cooke and Kay are “chiding together in Almondbury towne gate” (Borthwick, CP.H.1506, images 3 right–4 left, Mellor, art.8). Scolefeild reports “go thy way witch as thou art”, and Sara insists Cooke’s charge preceded Kay’s speech (Borthwick, CP.H.1506, image 4 left–right, Scolefeild, arts.1,7–8) (Borthwick, CP.H.1506, images 4 right–5 left, Williamson, arts.1,7–8). The 31 May 1622 examinations make the order and wording of the accusation part of the argument about provocation. They also challenge who deserves belief: Scolefeild calls Wood and Crosland “very poore persons, not worthey Cred[it] in either of their Oathes” and of “small Cred[it] & estimation amongst their neighbours” (CP.H.1506, image 4 left–right, art.1). Each account combines reported speech with its own assessments, admissions of limited knowledge and reputation evidence. Their shared closing denial of coaching or payment—“non est docta instructa aut salariata”—is a credibility response, not independent proof of impartiality (images 3 right–4 left, art.9). The examination date does not date the earlier quarrel. (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.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)
Alexandra Shepard, Shepard 2019, vol. 58, 2019, Alexandra Shepard, “Worthless Witnesses? Marginal Voices and Women’s Legal Agency in Early Modern England,” Journal of British Studies 58 (October 2019), 717–734, especially 720–721 (PDF pages 4–5), DOI 10.1017/jbr.2019.85. Published open-access version in University of Glasgow repository; consulted 27 October 2026. (scholarship) (later scholarship)
CP.H.1506 catalogue, n.d., University of York, CP.H.1506, saved IIIF manifest catalogue metadata, 17–31 May 1622; court undefined, two pieces, no libel or sentence. Richard Wood appears twice in the witness list. (catalogue) (later scholarship)
Kay–Cooke–1506 · reading edition, Witching reading edition; prepared 2026-10-27; edition version 1.0; reading identifier kay_cooke_1506-reading-v1. (edition)

Credit

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