Janet Walker and John Dawson

Janet Walker, wife of Robert Walker, sued John Dawson for defamation in the York consistory court. The libel alleged that he called her a witch and injured her reputation. Dawson’s personal answers of 15 July 1592 invoke a criminal-proposition objection, with several contracted words unresolved. John Gibson’s definitive sentence finds Janet failed to establish and prove her case, dismisses and absolves Dawson from her suit, and awards him expenses against her, reserving assessment. It does not find that Janet was a witch or establish payment of costs.

Scope

All independent text in nine saved images of three catalogued pieces; original and English, contextual discussion and explicit uncertainty. No missing deposition or payment record reconstructed.

Editorial conventions

Expanded provisional transcription retaining source spelling. Brackets mark expansions, unread writing, insertions, cancellations and tentative readings. Paragraphs follow documentary clauses rather than certified physical lines. English precedes the original Latin or mixed-language text. Image numbers are not archival folios. The inserted allegation-month range remains unresolved; no exact incident date is inferred. The sentence ordinal is tentative, with catalogue 2 November 1592 recorded separately.

Notes on the edition

Comparison of sources: Surviving papers and source limits

No witness deposition survives in the collected images. Allegations about admissions before witnesses remain pleaded claims. The English insult, inserted month range, criminal-proposition answer, some legal contractions, docket wording and sentence ordinal remain provisional. Catalogue defendant won is supported by the dismissal, but this is not a criminal acquittal on a witchcraft charge. Brokett corrects earlier Brooke; the subscriber Swinburn is not identified with a particular forename or biography.

[Marginal subscription] Swinburn. In the name of God, Amen. Before the official or deputy of the York consistory court, or another competent judge, the pleading is made on behalf of Janet Walker, wife of Robert Walker, against John Dawson. It says, alleges and proposes in writing, jointly and separately, as follows. [Several contracted titles and connecting formula words remain unread.] 1. Janet Walker was and is an honest woman, of good reputation, life and conduct, unstained by notorious crime, subject to the matters subsequently pleaded. She has been and is publicly held, called and reputed as such in Huddersfield parish, in the diocese of York, and neighbouring places. [Some descriptive and formula words are unresolved.] This is pleaded jointly, separately and concerning each part. 2. Notwithstanding that, Dawson is alleged maliciously and intending to defame and injure Janet Walker to have uttered reproachful, injurious, quarrelsome, contemptuous and defamatory words to or about her in Huddersfield and neighbouring places. The manuscript contains an extended and inserted range of months around the year written 1591; that range has not been fully read and is not replaced with a guessed single incident date. It particularly alleges that Dawson called Janet Walker a witch, a [naughty?] witch, and said she was [unread] a witch, or used words to the same effect. [The precise wording of the embedded English report and connecting time-and-place reservation remain unresolved; the original transcription follows.] 3. Dawson is alleged to have acknowledged and confessed repeatedly, or at least once, before trustworthy witnesses, both in Janet's presence and outside it, that he had uttered and proclaimed these defamatory and injurious words about her. [Several connecting words are unresolved.] This is pleaded as above. 4. Through these words, Janet Walker's standing, good reputation and estimation among respectable people who previously regarded her favourably are alleged to have been unlawfully and grievously harmed and diminished, with further harm likely. This is pleaded as above. 5. Dawson was and is within the diocese of York and [the contracted jurisdiction clause is not fully read]. This is pleaded as above. 6. Public report and reputation concerning all these matters existed and exist in Huddersfield parish and neighbouring places. This is pleaded as above. On legally sufficient proof, Janet's side asks that Dawson be ecclesiastically corrected and punished for his alleged misconduct and condemned in her expenses in the cause, and compelled to pay them. [Several further formula words about relief and the final sentence remain unresolved.] Her side does not bind itself to prove every alleged point or assume a superfluous burden of proof; it asks for relief to the extent that it proves its case, with the benefit of law always reserved, and invokes the judge's office. Saving rights, etc.; the party protests, etc.

CP.G.2647 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647. Libel images 2–3, docket 4, answers 5, sentence 6–7; covered duplicates 1 and 9, blank reverse 8., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2647, CP.G.2647; images 2–3

15 July 1592. John Dawson's personal answers to the propositions and articles of the libel exhibited against him by Janet Walker's side. To the first proposition, he believes it to be true, saving the matters objected against her. To the second, [the contracted clause invoking protection from answering a criminal proposition is not fully read; it cannot yet receive a secure word-for-word translation]. To the third and fourth, [the answer links them to the second proposition, but its complete Latin wording remains unresolved]. To the fifth, he believes it to be true. To the sixth, [he believes the admitted matters?] and denies the denied matters. John Gibson.

In the name of God, Amen. John Gibson, Doctor of Laws and official or deputy of the York consistory court, has heard, seen, understood and fully considered the merits and circumstances of the defamation cause pending between Jana Walker, wife of Robert Walker, plaintiff, and John Dawson, defendant. The libel was exhibited by the plaintiff and a copy delivered to the defendant; it is treated as read and inserted. [The exact contracted title and several connecting words remain unresolved.] The legal requirements have been observed and the appointed occasion for the definitive sentence has arrived. The parties appear through their respective proctors: John Brokett for the plaintiff and William Fothergill for the defendant, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal at York's cathedral and metropolitan church. They ask for sentence and justice. Having invoked the grace of the Holy Spirit, deliberated maturely and consulted legal experts [some connecting words unread], the judge proceeds to his definitive sentence. From the acts, proceedings, matters advanced, exhibited, alleged, narrated, proved and confessed, the judge finds that the plaintiff has not sufficiently established and proved the case put forward in her libel, but has failed in [proof?; the final contracted wording remains uncertain]. Therefore he dismisses and absolves John Dawson from the plaintiff's suit and legal pursuit, and condemns Jana Walker in the defendant's litigation expenses incurred and [a modifier is uncertain] to be incurred. He decrees that she is to be compelled to pay those expenses effectively to Dawson through this definitive sentence or final decree, delivered and promulgated in writing. He reserves assessment of the expenses to himself or another competent judge. Delivered on the [second?] of November 1592. The catalogue supplies 2 November; the manuscript's contracted ordinal remains flagged, rather than silently certified from the catalogue.

Image Title: CP.G.2647 Court: Consistory Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 3 Pieces; No deposition; Has libel; Has sentence Outcome: defendant won Date: 15/7/1592 — 2/11/1592 Parties Mentioned: Janet Walker [Walker; Walkar], plaintiff, female; wife of Robert Walker John Dawson [Dawsonne; Dawson], defendant, male Other individuals: John Brocket [Brokett], prosecution proctor, male William Fothergill [Fothergill], defence proctor, male

York Cause Papers catalogue CP.G.2647, n.d., Saved York repository manifest CP.G.2647; three pieces, no deposition, libel and sentence present; defendant won;15 July–2 November 1592., CP.G.2647; saved manifest metadata · context

[Margin] Swinburn. In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis Venerabili viro domino Officiali almae Curiae Cons[istorialis] Ebor[acensis] [contracted title unread] deputato sive alio Judice in hac parte competenti [unread words] honestae mulieris Janet Walker uxor[is] Rob[er]ti Walker con[tra] et adversus Johannem Dawson ac [unread contracted phrase] pro eodem coram vobis in Judicio [unread] dicit allegat et in hiis scriptis conjunctim et divisim in Jure proponit prout sequitur. 1. In primis ponit et art[icu]lat quod dicta Janet Walker fuit et est mulier honesta bonae famae vitae et conversac[ionis] honestae nulloque crimine (saltem notorio) [aspersa?] vel [unread] (Salvis infra dicendis) Ac pro tali et ut talis [unread contraction] dicta [unread] habita vocata et reputata palam publice et notorie in parochia de Huddersfield Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] aliisque locis vicinis Et ponit [unread contractions] de quolibet. 2. Item ponit et art[icu]lat quod dictus Johannes Dawson praemissis non obstantibus sed verius [unread] in aliquo mensibus Augusti [inserted months: Septembris, Octobris, Novembris, Decembris, Januarii, Februarii, Martii, Aprilis?] et [unread] 1591 [unread] et [unread] [insertions and repeated date-range words unresolved] infra parochiam de Huddersfield aliisque loca Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] malitiose ac animo diffamandi et injuriandi eandem Janetam Walker diffamavit et injuriavit nonnullaque verba opprobriosa injuriosa rixosa contumeliosa et diffamatoria eidem Janet Walker seu de eadem emisit dixit protulit et praedicavit Et praecipue haec verba in anglicis sequentia seu alia eis in effectu consimilia: [connecting words] “called the said Janet Walker witch, a [noughtie?] witche, and said she were [unread word] a witche” [unread connecting phrase] per dictum Johannem Dawson prolatorum de tali loco et [tempore?] [unread words] [unread] Et ponit conjunctim divisim et de quolibet. 3. Item ponit et art[icu]lat quod dictus Johannes Dawson coram testibus fide dignis tam in praesentia dictae Janet Walker [unread] quam extra hujusmodi [praesentiam?] hujusmodi verba diffamatoria et injuriosa eidem Janet et de eadem emisisse dixisse tulisse et praedicasse saepius et iteratis vicibus seu saltem semel recognovit et confessus fuit et est Et ponit ut supra. 4. Item ponit et art[icu]lat quod praetextu [unread] hujusmodi verborum status bona fama et opinio ipsius Janet Walker apud bonos et graves [unread] quos prius extiterat bonae famae et opinionis illicite graviter et enormiter laeduntur et diminuuntur ac de verisimili plus laedentur in futurum Et ponit ut supra. 5. Item quod dictus J[ohannes] Dawson fuit et est Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] [unread] notorie [jurisdictionis?] Et ponit ut supra. 6. Item quod de et super praemissis omnibus et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama in dicta parochia de Huddersfield Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] aliisque locis vicinis Et ponit ut supra. [Image 3 left] Unde facta fide quantum sufficit de praemissis petit pars dictae Janet Walker praefatum J[ohannem] Dawson pro tanto temeritatis suae excessu in praemissis et [deleted words unread] (pro merito arbitrio) ecclesiastice corrigi et puniri Nec non in expensis ex parte dictae Janet Walker in hac causa factis et praestandis de [unread] condemnari condemnandumque ad debitam solutionem [unread] efficaciter cogi et compelli ac [unread] ulterius omnibus [unread] et singulis [unread] et ministrari [unread] [unread clause concerning final sentence]. Quod et fieri petit pars dictae Janet Walker conjunctim et divisim Non arctans se ad omnia et singula praemissa probanda nec ad onus superfluae probationis de quo protestatur sed [quantum?] probavit in praemissis tantum obtineat in petitis juris beneficio in omnibus semper Salvo vestrum officium domine Judex antedicte humiliter implorando. Salvo Jure &c. Et protestatur &c. [Image 3 right blank.]

15o Julij 1592 [initial or flourish below date] Responsa personalia Johannis Dawson positionibus et articulis Libelli per partem Janet Walker con[tra] eum exhibiti. Ad primam positionem respondendo credit eandem esse veram savinge for such matter as is objected agaynst her. Ad 2am positionem respondendo credit quod de mero [unread short phrase] eidem respondere quia est positio criminalis. Ad 3am et quartam positiones respondendo credit quod de mero [unread] eidem respondere quia dependent ex 2a positione [unread contractions] non [unread]. Ad 5am positionem respondendo credit eandem esse veram. Ad 6am positionem respondet [credit credita?] et negat negata. Jo: Gibson.

In dei nomine Amen. Auditis visis intellectis ac plenarie discussis per nos Johannem Gibson Legum doctor[em] almae Curiae cons[istorialis] Ebor[acensis] Officialem [contracted title] deputatum meritis et circumstantiis hujusmodi causae diffamationis quae coram nobis in dicta Curia inter Janam Walker uxorem Rob[er]ti Walker Ebor[acensis] dioc[eseos] partem actricem ex una et Johannem Dawson dictae dioc[eseos] partem ream et defendentem partibus ex altera vertitur et pendet indecis[a] oblato Libello per dictam partem actricem [unread connecting words] ejusdem parti reae tradit[a] in haec verba. In dei nomine Amen coram vobis &c. Quem Libellum habemus pro hic lecto et inserto observatisque omnibus et singulis de Jure in hac parte observandis Terminoque ad audiendam Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta causa ferendam praefatis partibus per nos judicialiter assignatis et ipso Termino adveniente, partibus praedictis actrice vid[elicet] per [Magistrum?] Johannem Brokett, rea vero per [Magistrum?] Will[ielmum] Fothergill Notarios publicos eorum respective Procuratores coram nobis [unread phrase] [in?] dicta [unread] Cathedrali et Metropolit[ana] Ebor[acensi] judicialiter pro tribunali publice sedent[ibus] praesentibus ac sententiam per nos ferri et Justitiam fieri instanter postulant[ibus], invocata Spiritus Sancti gratia maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum consilio Jurisperitorum [unread] quibus in hac parte [unread] ad Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa ferendam prolatamque [unread contraction] duximus procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum. In dei nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita exhibita allegata narrata probata et confessata in causa memorata comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem actricem intentionem suam in dicto suo Libello deductam et propositam sufficienter non fundasse et probasse sed in [probatione?] [unread contracted words] defecisse. Idcirco nos Johannes Gibson Legum doctor Officialis antedictus praefatum Johannem Dawson partem defendentem [unread contraction] ab instantia et [impetitione?] praefatae partis actricis dimittimus et absolvimus praefatamque Janam Walker partem actricem adversam in expensis ex dictae partis [Image 7 left] defendentis in hac causa factis et [unread] faciendis condemnamus Et ad solutionem earundem expensarum praefato ipsi [unread contraction] Johanni Dawson efficaciter cogendam et compellendam fore decernimus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale decretum quod sive quam ferimus et promulgamus in hiis scriptis. Taxationem vero hujusmodi expensarum nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte competenti [unread contraction] reservantes et reservamus etiam in hiis scriptis. Lata sec[un]do [reading to be checked] novembris 1592. [Image 7 right blank. Image 8 blank reverse with stains and show-through. Image 9 pink photographic cover; no separate continuous text visible.]

Comparison of sources: Names and the proctor correction

The sentence reads Brokett rather than the older working Brooke. Catalogue John Brocket [Brokett] supports that reading without replacing manuscript evidence. Janet/Janet Walkar and Jana are kept together within this cause; no cross-case identity merger is made. Swinburn has no securely supplied forename.

[Marginal subscription] Swinburn. In the name of God, Amen. Before the official or deputy of the York consistory court, or another competent judge, the pleading is made on behalf of Janet Walker, wife of Robert Walker, against John Dawson. It says, alleges and proposes in writing, jointly and separately, as follows. [Several contracted titles and connecting formula words remain unread.] 1. Janet Walker was and is an honest woman, of good reputation, life and conduct, unstained by notorious crime, subject to the matters subsequently pleaded. She has been and is publicly held, called and reputed as such in Huddersfield parish, in the diocese of York, and neighbouring places. [Some descriptive and formula words are unresolved.] This is pleaded jointly, separately and concerning each part. 2. Notwithstanding that, Dawson is alleged maliciously and intending to defame and injure Janet Walker to have uttered reproachful, injurious, quarrelsome, contemptuous and defamatory words to or about her in Huddersfield and neighbouring places. The manuscript contains an extended and inserted range of months around the year written 1591; that range has not been fully read and is not replaced with a guessed single incident date. It particularly alleges that Dawson called Janet Walker a witch, a [naughty?] witch, and said she was [unread] a witch, or used words to the same effect. [The precise wording of the embedded English report and connecting time-and-place reservation remain unresolved; the original transcription follows.] 3. Dawson is alleged to have acknowledged and confessed repeatedly, or at least once, before trustworthy witnesses, both in Janet's presence and outside it, that he had uttered and proclaimed these defamatory and injurious words about her. [Several connecting words are unresolved.] This is pleaded as above. 4. Through these words, Janet Walker's standing, good reputation and estimation among respectable people who previously regarded her favourably are alleged to have been unlawfully and grievously harmed and diminished, with further harm likely. This is pleaded as above. 5. Dawson was and is within the diocese of York and [the contracted jurisdiction clause is not fully read]. This is pleaded as above. 6. Public report and reputation concerning all these matters existed and exist in Huddersfield parish and neighbouring places. This is pleaded as above. On legally sufficient proof, Janet's side asks that Dawson be ecclesiastically corrected and punished for his alleged misconduct and condemned in her expenses in the cause, and compelled to pay them. [Several further formula words about relief and the final sentence remain unresolved.] Her side does not bind itself to prove every alleged point or assume a superfluous burden of proof; it asks for relief to the extent that it proves its case, with the benefit of law always reserved, and invokes the judge's office. Saving rights, etc.; the party protests, etc.

In the name of God, Amen. John Gibson, Doctor of Laws and official or deputy of the York consistory court, has heard, seen, understood and fully considered the merits and circumstances of the defamation cause pending between Jana Walker, wife of Robert Walker, plaintiff, and John Dawson, defendant. The libel was exhibited by the plaintiff and a copy delivered to the defendant; it is treated as read and inserted. [The exact contracted title and several connecting words remain unresolved.] The legal requirements have been observed and the appointed occasion for the definitive sentence has arrived. The parties appear through their respective proctors: John Brokett for the plaintiff and William Fothergill for the defendant, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal at York's cathedral and metropolitan church. They ask for sentence and justice. Having invoked the grace of the Holy Spirit, deliberated maturely and consulted legal experts [some connecting words unread], the judge proceeds to his definitive sentence. From the acts, proceedings, matters advanced, exhibited, alleged, narrated, proved and confessed, the judge finds that the plaintiff has not sufficiently established and proved the case put forward in her libel, but has failed in [proof?; the final contracted wording remains uncertain]. Therefore he dismisses and absolves John Dawson from the plaintiff's suit and legal pursuit, and condemns Jana Walker in the defendant's litigation expenses incurred and [a modifier is uncertain] to be incurred. He decrees that she is to be compelled to pay those expenses effectively to Dawson through this definitive sentence or final decree, delivered and promulgated in writing. He reserves assessment of the expenses to himself or another competent judge. Delivered on the [second?] of November 1592. The catalogue supplies 2 November; the manuscript's contracted ordinal remains flagged, rather than silently certified from the catalogue.

Image Title: CP.G.2647 Court: Consistory Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 3 Pieces; No deposition; Has libel; Has sentence Outcome: defendant won Date: 15/7/1592 — 2/11/1592 Parties Mentioned: Janet Walker [Walker; Walkar], plaintiff, female; wife of Robert Walker John Dawson [Dawsonne; Dawson], defendant, male Other individuals: John Brocket [Brokett], prosecution proctor, male William Fothergill [Fothergill], defence proctor, male

[Margin] Swinburn. In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis Venerabili viro domino Officiali almae Curiae Cons[istorialis] Ebor[acensis] [contracted title unread] deputato sive alio Judice in hac parte competenti [unread words] honestae mulieris Janet Walker uxor[is] Rob[er]ti Walker con[tra] et adversus Johannem Dawson ac [unread contracted phrase] pro eodem coram vobis in Judicio [unread] dicit allegat et in hiis scriptis conjunctim et divisim in Jure proponit prout sequitur. 1. In primis ponit et art[icu]lat quod dicta Janet Walker fuit et est mulier honesta bonae famae vitae et conversac[ionis] honestae nulloque crimine (saltem notorio) [aspersa?] vel [unread] (Salvis infra dicendis) Ac pro tali et ut talis [unread contraction] dicta [unread] habita vocata et reputata palam publice et notorie in parochia de Huddersfield Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] aliisque locis vicinis Et ponit [unread contractions] de quolibet. 2. Item ponit et art[icu]lat quod dictus Johannes Dawson praemissis non obstantibus sed verius [unread] in aliquo mensibus Augusti [inserted months: Septembris, Octobris, Novembris, Decembris, Januarii, Februarii, Martii, Aprilis?] et [unread] 1591 [unread] et [unread] [insertions and repeated date-range words unresolved] infra parochiam de Huddersfield aliisque loca Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] malitiose ac animo diffamandi et injuriandi eandem Janetam Walker diffamavit et injuriavit nonnullaque verba opprobriosa injuriosa rixosa contumeliosa et diffamatoria eidem Janet Walker seu de eadem emisit dixit protulit et praedicavit Et praecipue haec verba in anglicis sequentia seu alia eis in effectu consimilia: [connecting words] “called the said Janet Walker witch, a [noughtie?] witche, and said she were [unread word] a witche” [unread connecting phrase] per dictum Johannem Dawson prolatorum de tali loco et [tempore?] [unread words] [unread] Et ponit conjunctim divisim et de quolibet. 3. Item ponit et art[icu]lat quod dictus Johannes Dawson coram testibus fide dignis tam in praesentia dictae Janet Walker [unread] quam extra hujusmodi [praesentiam?] hujusmodi verba diffamatoria et injuriosa eidem Janet et de eadem emisisse dixisse tulisse et praedicasse saepius et iteratis vicibus seu saltem semel recognovit et confessus fuit et est Et ponit ut supra. 4. Item ponit et art[icu]lat quod praetextu [unread] hujusmodi verborum status bona fama et opinio ipsius Janet Walker apud bonos et graves [unread] quos prius extiterat bonae famae et opinionis illicite graviter et enormiter laeduntur et diminuuntur ac de verisimili plus laedentur in futurum Et ponit ut supra. 5. Item quod dictus J[ohannes] Dawson fuit et est Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] [unread] notorie [jurisdictionis?] Et ponit ut supra. 6. Item quod de et super praemissis omnibus et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama in dicta parochia de Huddersfield Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] aliisque locis vicinis Et ponit ut supra. [Image 3 left] Unde facta fide quantum sufficit de praemissis petit pars dictae Janet Walker praefatum J[ohannem] Dawson pro tanto temeritatis suae excessu in praemissis et [deleted words unread] (pro merito arbitrio) ecclesiastice corrigi et puniri Nec non in expensis ex parte dictae Janet Walker in hac causa factis et praestandis de [unread] condemnari condemnandumque ad debitam solutionem [unread] efficaciter cogi et compelli ac [unread] ulterius omnibus [unread] et singulis [unread] et ministrari [unread] [unread clause concerning final sentence]. Quod et fieri petit pars dictae Janet Walker conjunctim et divisim Non arctans se ad omnia et singula praemissa probanda nec ad onus superfluae probationis de quo protestatur sed [quantum?] probavit in praemissis tantum obtineat in petitis juris beneficio in omnibus semper Salvo vestrum officium domine Judex antedicte humiliter implorando. Salvo Jure &c. Et protestatur &c. [Image 3 right blank.]

In dei nomine Amen. Auditis visis intellectis ac plenarie discussis per nos Johannem Gibson Legum doctor[em] almae Curiae cons[istorialis] Ebor[acensis] Officialem [contracted title] deputatum meritis et circumstantiis hujusmodi causae diffamationis quae coram nobis in dicta Curia inter Janam Walker uxorem Rob[er]ti Walker Ebor[acensis] dioc[eseos] partem actricem ex una et Johannem Dawson dictae dioc[eseos] partem ream et defendentem partibus ex altera vertitur et pendet indecis[a] oblato Libello per dictam partem actricem [unread connecting words] ejusdem parti reae tradit[a] in haec verba. In dei nomine Amen coram vobis &c. Quem Libellum habemus pro hic lecto et inserto observatisque omnibus et singulis de Jure in hac parte observandis Terminoque ad audiendam Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta causa ferendam praefatis partibus per nos judicialiter assignatis et ipso Termino adveniente, partibus praedictis actrice vid[elicet] per [Magistrum?] Johannem Brokett, rea vero per [Magistrum?] Will[ielmum] Fothergill Notarios publicos eorum respective Procuratores coram nobis [unread phrase] [in?] dicta [unread] Cathedrali et Metropolit[ana] Ebor[acensi] judicialiter pro tribunali publice sedent[ibus] praesentibus ac sententiam per nos ferri et Justitiam fieri instanter postulant[ibus], invocata Spiritus Sancti gratia maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum consilio Jurisperitorum [unread] quibus in hac parte [unread] ad Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa ferendam prolatamque [unread contraction] duximus procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum. In dei nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita exhibita allegata narrata probata et confessata in causa memorata comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem actricem intentionem suam in dicto suo Libello deductam et propositam sufficienter non fundasse et probasse sed in [probatione?] [unread contracted words] defecisse. Idcirco nos Johannes Gibson Legum doctor Officialis antedictus praefatum Johannem Dawson partem defendentem [unread contraction] ab instantia et [impetitione?] praefatae partis actricis dimittimus et absolvimus praefatamque Janam Walker partem actricem adversam in expensis ex dictae partis [Image 7 left] defendentis in hac causa factis et [unread] faciendis condemnamus Et ad solutionem earundem expensarum praefato ipsi [unread contraction] Johanni Dawson efficaciter cogendam et compellendam fore decernimus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale decretum quod sive quam ferimus et promulgamus in hiis scriptis. Taxationem vero hujusmodi expensarum nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte competenti [unread contraction] reservantes et reservamus etiam in hiis scriptis. Lata sec[un]do [reading to be checked] novembris 1592. [Image 7 right blank. Image 8 blank reverse with stains and show-through. Image 9 pink photographic cover; no separate continuous text visible.]

Comparison of sources: What dismissal establishes

The operative sentence says the plaintiff did not sufficiently establish and prove her intention and dismisses and absolves the defendant from her suit. It awards expenses against Janet with assessment reserved. This establishes the defamation result, not the truth of the accusation, a criminal acquittal on witchcraft, or actual payment. The requested correction in the libel is not an awarded punishment.

[Marginal subscription] Swinburn. In the name of God, Amen. Before the official or deputy of the York consistory court, or another competent judge, the pleading is made on behalf of Janet Walker, wife of Robert Walker, against John Dawson. It says, alleges and proposes in writing, jointly and separately, as follows. [Several contracted titles and connecting formula words remain unread.] 1. Janet Walker was and is an honest woman, of good reputation, life and conduct, unstained by notorious crime, subject to the matters subsequently pleaded. She has been and is publicly held, called and reputed as such in Huddersfield parish, in the diocese of York, and neighbouring places. [Some descriptive and formula words are unresolved.] This is pleaded jointly, separately and concerning each part. 2. Notwithstanding that, Dawson is alleged maliciously and intending to defame and injure Janet Walker to have uttered reproachful, injurious, quarrelsome, contemptuous and defamatory words to or about her in Huddersfield and neighbouring places. The manuscript contains an extended and inserted range of months around the year written 1591; that range has not been fully read and is not replaced with a guessed single incident date. It particularly alleges that Dawson called Janet Walker a witch, a [naughty?] witch, and said she was [unread] a witch, or used words to the same effect. [The precise wording of the embedded English report and connecting time-and-place reservation remain unresolved; the original transcription follows.] 3. Dawson is alleged to have acknowledged and confessed repeatedly, or at least once, before trustworthy witnesses, both in Janet's presence and outside it, that he had uttered and proclaimed these defamatory and injurious words about her. [Several connecting words are unresolved.] This is pleaded as above. 4. Through these words, Janet Walker's standing, good reputation and estimation among respectable people who previously regarded her favourably are alleged to have been unlawfully and grievously harmed and diminished, with further harm likely. This is pleaded as above. 5. Dawson was and is within the diocese of York and [the contracted jurisdiction clause is not fully read]. This is pleaded as above. 6. Public report and reputation concerning all these matters existed and exist in Huddersfield parish and neighbouring places. This is pleaded as above. On legally sufficient proof, Janet's side asks that Dawson be ecclesiastically corrected and punished for his alleged misconduct and condemned in her expenses in the cause, and compelled to pay them. [Several further formula words about relief and the final sentence remain unresolved.] Her side does not bind itself to prove every alleged point or assume a superfluous burden of proof; it asks for relief to the extent that it proves its case, with the benefit of law always reserved, and invokes the judge's office. Saving rights, etc.; the party protests, etc.

In the name of God, Amen. John Gibson, Doctor of Laws and official or deputy of the York consistory court, has heard, seen, understood and fully considered the merits and circumstances of the defamation cause pending between Jana Walker, wife of Robert Walker, plaintiff, and John Dawson, defendant. The libel was exhibited by the plaintiff and a copy delivered to the defendant; it is treated as read and inserted. [The exact contracted title and several connecting words remain unresolved.] The legal requirements have been observed and the appointed occasion for the definitive sentence has arrived. The parties appear through their respective proctors: John Brokett for the plaintiff and William Fothergill for the defendant, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal at York's cathedral and metropolitan church. They ask for sentence and justice. Having invoked the grace of the Holy Spirit, deliberated maturely and consulted legal experts [some connecting words unread], the judge proceeds to his definitive sentence. From the acts, proceedings, matters advanced, exhibited, alleged, narrated, proved and confessed, the judge finds that the plaintiff has not sufficiently established and proved the case put forward in her libel, but has failed in [proof?; the final contracted wording remains uncertain]. Therefore he dismisses and absolves John Dawson from the plaintiff's suit and legal pursuit, and condemns Jana Walker in the defendant's litigation expenses incurred and [a modifier is uncertain] to be incurred. He decrees that she is to be compelled to pay those expenses effectively to Dawson through this definitive sentence or final decree, delivered and promulgated in writing. He reserves assessment of the expenses to himself or another competent judge. Delivered on the [second?] of November 1592. The catalogue supplies 2 November; the manuscript's contracted ordinal remains flagged, rather than silently certified from the catalogue.

[Margin] Swinburn. In dei nomine Amen Coram vobis Venerabili viro domino Officiali almae Curiae Cons[istorialis] Ebor[acensis] [contracted title unread] deputato sive alio Judice in hac parte competenti [unread words] honestae mulieris Janet Walker uxor[is] Rob[er]ti Walker con[tra] et adversus Johannem Dawson ac [unread contracted phrase] pro eodem coram vobis in Judicio [unread] dicit allegat et in hiis scriptis conjunctim et divisim in Jure proponit prout sequitur. 1. In primis ponit et art[icu]lat quod dicta Janet Walker fuit et est mulier honesta bonae famae vitae et conversac[ionis] honestae nulloque crimine (saltem notorio) [aspersa?] vel [unread] (Salvis infra dicendis) Ac pro tali et ut talis [unread contraction] dicta [unread] habita vocata et reputata palam publice et notorie in parochia de Huddersfield Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] aliisque locis vicinis Et ponit [unread contractions] de quolibet. 2. Item ponit et art[icu]lat quod dictus Johannes Dawson praemissis non obstantibus sed verius [unread] in aliquo mensibus Augusti [inserted months: Septembris, Octobris, Novembris, Decembris, Januarii, Februarii, Martii, Aprilis?] et [unread] 1591 [unread] et [unread] [insertions and repeated date-range words unresolved] infra parochiam de Huddersfield aliisque loca Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] malitiose ac animo diffamandi et injuriandi eandem Janetam Walker diffamavit et injuriavit nonnullaque verba opprobriosa injuriosa rixosa contumeliosa et diffamatoria eidem Janet Walker seu de eadem emisit dixit protulit et praedicavit Et praecipue haec verba in anglicis sequentia seu alia eis in effectu consimilia: [connecting words] “called the said Janet Walker witch, a [noughtie?] witche, and said she were [unread word] a witche” [unread connecting phrase] per dictum Johannem Dawson prolatorum de tali loco et [tempore?] [unread words] [unread] Et ponit conjunctim divisim et de quolibet. 3. Item ponit et art[icu]lat quod dictus Johannes Dawson coram testibus fide dignis tam in praesentia dictae Janet Walker [unread] quam extra hujusmodi [praesentiam?] hujusmodi verba diffamatoria et injuriosa eidem Janet et de eadem emisisse dixisse tulisse et praedicasse saepius et iteratis vicibus seu saltem semel recognovit et confessus fuit et est Et ponit ut supra. 4. Item ponit et art[icu]lat quod praetextu [unread] hujusmodi verborum status bona fama et opinio ipsius Janet Walker apud bonos et graves [unread] quos prius extiterat bonae famae et opinionis illicite graviter et enormiter laeduntur et diminuuntur ac de verisimili plus laedentur in futurum Et ponit ut supra. 5. Item quod dictus J[ohannes] Dawson fuit et est Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] [unread] notorie [jurisdictionis?] Et ponit ut supra. 6. Item quod de et super praemissis omnibus et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama in dicta parochia de Huddersfield Ebor[acensi] dioc[esi] aliisque locis vicinis Et ponit ut supra. [Image 3 left] Unde facta fide quantum sufficit de praemissis petit pars dictae Janet Walker praefatum J[ohannem] Dawson pro tanto temeritatis suae excessu in praemissis et [deleted words unread] (pro merito arbitrio) ecclesiastice corrigi et puniri Nec non in expensis ex parte dictae Janet Walker in hac causa factis et praestandis de [unread] condemnari condemnandumque ad debitam solutionem [unread] efficaciter cogi et compelli ac [unread] ulterius omnibus [unread] et singulis [unread] et ministrari [unread] [unread clause concerning final sentence]. Quod et fieri petit pars dictae Janet Walker conjunctim et divisim Non arctans se ad omnia et singula praemissa probanda nec ad onus superfluae probationis de quo protestatur sed [quantum?] probavit in praemissis tantum obtineat in petitis juris beneficio in omnibus semper Salvo vestrum officium domine Judex antedicte humiliter implorando. Salvo Jure &c. Et protestatur &c. [Image 3 right blank.]

In dei nomine Amen. Auditis visis intellectis ac plenarie discussis per nos Johannem Gibson Legum doctor[em] almae Curiae cons[istorialis] Ebor[acensis] Officialem [contracted title] deputatum meritis et circumstantiis hujusmodi causae diffamationis quae coram nobis in dicta Curia inter Janam Walker uxorem Rob[er]ti Walker Ebor[acensis] dioc[eseos] partem actricem ex una et Johannem Dawson dictae dioc[eseos] partem ream et defendentem partibus ex altera vertitur et pendet indecis[a] oblato Libello per dictam partem actricem [unread connecting words] ejusdem parti reae tradit[a] in haec verba. In dei nomine Amen coram vobis &c. Quem Libellum habemus pro hic lecto et inserto observatisque omnibus et singulis de Jure in hac parte observandis Terminoque ad audiendam Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta causa ferendam praefatis partibus per nos judicialiter assignatis et ipso Termino adveniente, partibus praedictis actrice vid[elicet] per [Magistrum?] Johannem Brokett, rea vero per [Magistrum?] Will[ielmum] Fothergill Notarios publicos eorum respective Procuratores coram nobis [unread phrase] [in?] dicta [unread] Cathedrali et Metropolit[ana] Ebor[acensi] judicialiter pro tribunali publice sedent[ibus] praesentibus ac sententiam per nos ferri et Justitiam fieri instanter postulant[ibus], invocata Spiritus Sancti gratia maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum consilio Jurisperitorum [unread] quibus in hac parte [unread] ad Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa ferendam prolatamque [unread contraction] duximus procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum. In dei nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita exhibita allegata narrata probata et confessata in causa memorata comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem actricem intentionem suam in dicto suo Libello deductam et propositam sufficienter non fundasse et probasse sed in [probatione?] [unread contracted words] defecisse. Idcirco nos Johannes Gibson Legum doctor Officialis antedictus praefatum Johannem Dawson partem defendentem [unread contraction] ab instantia et [impetitione?] praefatae partis actricis dimittimus et absolvimus praefatamque Janam Walker partem actricem adversam in expensis ex dictae partis [Image 7 left] defendentis in hac causa factis et [unread] faciendis condemnamus Et ad solutionem earundem expensarum praefato ipsi [unread contraction] Johanni Dawson efficaciter cogendam et compellendam fore decernimus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale decretum quod sive quam ferimus et promulgamus in hiis scriptis. Taxationem vero hujusmodi expensarum nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte competenti [unread contraction] reservantes et reservamus etiam in hiis scriptis. Lata sec[un]do [reading to be checked] novembris 1592. [Image 7 right blank. Image 8 blank reverse with stains and show-through. Image 9 pink photographic cover; no separate continuous text visible.]

Context: Context on mediated legal evidence

James Brown’s discussion of witchcraft defamation distinguishes ecclesiastical reputation litigation from prosecution of witchcraft and notes the shaping effect of “the legal procedures of courts and clerks”. His 2016 article concerns other causes, especially Alcock–Atkinson; it is contextual scholarship and supplies no independent evidence about Walker–Dawson. Exact reference: Getting Sued By A Witch and paragraph beginning As is now well established, retrieved 26 October 2026.

the legal procedures of courts and clerks

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

Comparison of sources: Case specific scholarship search

Public searches for Janet Walker with Dawson and witchcraft, CP.G.2647, and 1592 on 26 October 2026 did not locate an identifiable case-specific scholarly discussion. Unrelated Scottish records and modern people were excluded; absence from these results is not proof no scholarship exists.

York Cause Papers catalogue CP.G.2647, n.d., Saved York repository manifest CP.G.2647; three pieces, no deposition, libel and sentence present; defendant won;15 July–2 November 1592. · context

Comparison of sources: About this case and its sources

Reference: CP.G.2647

Repository: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York

Court: York Consistory, supported by record and catalogue

Case: Defamation concerning alleged witchcraft insults

Record dates: Personal answers 15 July 1592; sentence November 1592, catalogue 2 November, manuscript ordinal tentative. Inserted allegation months around 1591 remain partly unread.

Surviving material: Three catalogued pieces; libel, personal answers and sentence, no deposition. Nine images include covered duplicates and blank reverses.

Languages: Latin with embedded English insult and answer reservation

Parties: Janet [Jana; catalogue Walkar] Walker, wife of Robert Walker, plaintiff; John Dawson [catalogue Dawsonne], defendant

Other people: Robert Walker, named husband; John Gibson, judge; John Brokett [catalogue Brocket], plaintiff’s proctor; William Fothergill, defendant’s proctor; Swinburn, marginal subscriber with unknown forename

Outcome: Plaintiff failed to establish the defamation case; Dawson dismissed and absolved from her suit; Janet ordered to pay defendant’s expenses, assessment reserved. Payment not established.

Coverage: All independent collected text represented in four units; unresolved writing explicitly marked. No witness deposition supplied.

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

Reading conventions: Expanded provisional transcription retaining source spelling. Brackets mark expansions, unread writing, insertions, cancellations and tentative readings. Paragraphs follow documentary clauses rather than certified physical lines. English precedes the original Latin or mixed-language text. Image numbers are not archival folios. The inserted allegation-month range remains unresolved; no exact incident date is inferred. The sentence ordinal is tentative, with catalogue 2 November 1592 recorded separately.

Suggested citation: Janet Walker against John Dawson, CP.G.2647,1592, reading edition version 1.0,26 October 2026; Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York.

Image Title: CP.G.2647 Court: Consistory Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 3 Pieces; No deposition; Has libel; Has sentence Outcome: defendant won Date: 15/7/1592 — 2/11/1592 Parties Mentioned: Janet Walker [Walker; Walkar], plaintiff, female; wife of Robert Walker John Dawson [Dawsonne; Dawson], defendant, male Other individuals: John Brocket [Brokett], prosecution proctor, male William Fothergill [Fothergill], defence proctor, male

In the name of God, Amen. John Gibson, Doctor of Laws and official or deputy of the York consistory court, has heard, seen, understood and fully considered the merits and circumstances of the defamation cause pending between Jana Walker, wife of Robert Walker, plaintiff, and John Dawson, defendant. The libel was exhibited by the plaintiff and a copy delivered to the defendant; it is treated as read and inserted. [The exact contracted title and several connecting words remain unresolved.] The legal requirements have been observed and the appointed occasion for the definitive sentence has arrived. The parties appear through their respective proctors: John Brokett for the plaintiff and William Fothergill for the defendant, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal at York's cathedral and metropolitan church. They ask for sentence and justice. Having invoked the grace of the Holy Spirit, deliberated maturely and consulted legal experts [some connecting words unread], the judge proceeds to his definitive sentence. From the acts, proceedings, matters advanced, exhibited, alleged, narrated, proved and confessed, the judge finds that the plaintiff has not sufficiently established and proved the case put forward in her libel, but has failed in [proof?; the final contracted wording remains uncertain]. Therefore he dismisses and absolves John Dawson from the plaintiff's suit and legal pursuit, and condemns Jana Walker in the defendant's litigation expenses incurred and [a modifier is uncertain] to be incurred. He decrees that she is to be compelled to pay those expenses effectively to Dawson through this definitive sentence or final decree, delivered and promulgated in writing. He reserves assessment of the expenses to himself or another competent judge. Delivered on the [second?] of November 1592. The catalogue supplies 2 November; the manuscript's contracted ordinal remains flagged, rather than silently certified from the catalogue.

In dei nomine Amen. Auditis visis intellectis ac plenarie discussis per nos Johannem Gibson Legum doctor[em] almae Curiae cons[istorialis] Ebor[acensis] Officialem [contracted title] deputatum meritis et circumstantiis hujusmodi causae diffamationis quae coram nobis in dicta Curia inter Janam Walker uxorem Rob[er]ti Walker Ebor[acensis] dioc[eseos] partem actricem ex una et Johannem Dawson dictae dioc[eseos] partem ream et defendentem partibus ex altera vertitur et pendet indecis[a] oblato Libello per dictam partem actricem [unread connecting words] ejusdem parti reae tradit[a] in haec verba. In dei nomine Amen coram vobis &c. Quem Libellum habemus pro hic lecto et inserto observatisque omnibus et singulis de Jure in hac parte observandis Terminoque ad audiendam Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta causa ferendam praefatis partibus per nos judicialiter assignatis et ipso Termino adveniente, partibus praedictis actrice vid[elicet] per [Magistrum?] Johannem Brokett, rea vero per [Magistrum?] Will[ielmum] Fothergill Notarios publicos eorum respective Procuratores coram nobis [unread phrase] [in?] dicta [unread] Cathedrali et Metropolit[ana] Ebor[acensi] judicialiter pro tribunali publice sedent[ibus] praesentibus ac sententiam per nos ferri et Justitiam fieri instanter postulant[ibus], invocata Spiritus Sancti gratia maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum consilio Jurisperitorum [unread] quibus in hac parte [unread] ad Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa ferendam prolatamque [unread contraction] duximus procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum. In dei nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita exhibita allegata narrata probata et confessata in causa memorata comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem actricem intentionem suam in dicto suo Libello deductam et propositam sufficienter non fundasse et probasse sed in [probatione?] [unread contracted words] defecisse. Idcirco nos Johannes Gibson Legum doctor Officialis antedictus praefatum Johannem Dawson partem defendentem [unread contraction] ab instantia et [impetitione?] praefatae partis actricis dimittimus et absolvimus praefatamque Janam Walker partem actricem adversam in expensis ex dictae partis [Image 7 left] defendentis in hac causa factis et [unread] faciendis condemnamus Et ad solutionem earundem expensarum praefato ipsi [unread contraction] Johanni Dawson efficaciter cogendam et compellendam fore decernimus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale decretum quod sive quam ferimus et promulgamus in hiis scriptis. Taxationem vero hujusmodi expensarum nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte competenti [unread contraction] reservantes et reservamus etiam in hiis scriptis. Lata sec[un]do [reading to be checked] novembris 1592. [Image 7 right blank. Image 8 blank reverse with stains and show-through. Image 9 pink photographic cover; no separate continuous text visible.]

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 1359 × 1626 pixels. Covered duplicate of first libel sheet.

page_02.jpg 1561 × 2346 pixels. Uncovered libel opening and six articles.

page_03.jpg 2970 × 2378 pixels. Libel prayer left; blank right.

page_04.jpg 1584 × 2339 pixels. Faint outer libel docket,1592.

page_05.jpg 1638 × 1518 pixels. Personal answers dated 15 July 1592 with Gibson subscription.

page_06.jpg 1584 × 2354 pixels. Sentence opening and operative dismissal.

page_07.jpg 3024 × 2354 pixels. Sentence conclusion, expenses and dated endorsement left; blank right.

page_08.jpg 1553 × 2331 pixels. Blank reverse with show-through and stains.

page_09.jpg 1320 × 1580 pixels. Pink photographic cover; no separate continuous text.

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647; images 2–3

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647; image 4

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647; image 5

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647; images 6–7

Surviving papers and source limits: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647. Libel images 2–3, docket 4, answers 5, sentence 6–7; covered duplicates 1 and 9, blank reverse 8.; CP.G.2647; images 2–3 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647. Libel images 2–3, docket 4, answers 5, sentence 6–7; covered duplicates 1 and 9, blank reverse 8.; CP.G.2647; image 5 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647. Libel images 2–3, docket 4, answers 5, sentence 6–7; covered duplicates 1 and 9, blank reverse 8.; CP.G.2647; images 6–7 | Saved York repository manifest CP.G.2647; three pieces, no deposition, libel and sentence present; defendant won;15 July–2 November 1592.; CP.G.2647; saved manifest metadata

Names and the proctor correction: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647. Libel images 2–3, docket 4, answers 5, sentence 6–7; covered duplicates 1 and 9, blank reverse 8.; CP.G.2647; images 2–3 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647. Libel images 2–3, docket 4, answers 5, sentence 6–7; covered duplicates 1 and 9, blank reverse 8.; CP.G.2647; images 6–7 | Saved York repository manifest CP.G.2647; three pieces, no deposition, libel and sentence present; defendant won;15 July–2 November 1592.; CP.G.2647; saved manifest metadata

What dismissal establishes: Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647. Libel images 2–3, docket 4, answers 5, sentence 6–7; covered duplicates 1 and 9, blank reverse 8.; CP.G.2647; images 2–3 | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647. Libel images 2–3, docket 4, answers 5, sentence 6–7; covered duplicates 1 and 9, blank reverse 8.; CP.G.2647; images 6–7

Context on mediated legal evidence: James Brown, Margaret Alcock’s Evil Eye: Witchcraft Defamations in Early Modern England, Inner Lives,31 October 2016; Getting Sued By A Witch and paragraph beginning As is now well established. Retrieved 26 October 2026. Context only; not a discussion of Walker–Dawson.; Brown2016, paragraph beginning As is now well established

Case specific scholarship search: Saved York repository manifest CP.G.2647; three pieces, no deposition, libel and sentence present; defendant won;15 July–2 November 1592.

About this case and its sources: Saved York repository manifest CP.G.2647; three pieces, no deposition, libel and sentence present; defendant won;15 July–2 November 1592.; CP.G.2647; saved manifest metadata | Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647. Libel images 2–3, docket 4, answers 5, sentence 6–7; covered duplicates 1 and 9, blank reverse 8.; CP.G.2647; images 6–7

Evidence: CP.G.2647; images 2–3, CP.G.2647; images 6–7

Evidence: CP.G.2647; images 2–3, CP.G.2647; image 5, CP.G.2647; images 6–7

Evidence: CP.G.2647; images 2–3, CP.G.2647; images 6–7

Evidence: CP.G.2647; image 5, CP.G.2647; images 6–7

Evidence: CP.G.2647; images 6–7

Evidence: CP.G.2647; images 2–3

Janet Walker against John Dawson
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647. Libel images 2–3, docket 4, answers 5, sentence 6–7; covered duplicates 1 and 9, blank reverse 8.
https://discover.york.ac.uk/collections/york-cause-papers/?manifest=CP_G_2647&canvas=CP_G_2647_0001

York Cause Papers catalogue CP.G.2647
Saved York repository manifest CP.G.2647; three pieces, no deposition, libel and sentence present; defendant won;15 July–2 November 1592.
https://discover.york.ac.uk/ark:/36941/CP_G_2647/presentation/3/manifest

Margaret Alcock’s Evil Eye Witchcraft Defamations in Early Modern England
James Brown, Margaret Alcock’s Evil Eye: Witchcraft Defamations in Early Modern England, Inner Lives,31 October 2016; Getting Sued By A Witch and paragraph beginning As is now well established. Retrieved 26 October 2026. Context only; not a discussion of Walker–Dawson.
https://innerlivesblog.wordpress.com/2016/10/31/margaret-alcocks-evil-eye-witchcraft-defamation-suits-in-early-modern-england/

Image Title: CP.G.2647 Court: Consistory Case: Defamation (witchcraft) Details: 3 Pieces; No deposition; Has libel; Has sentence Outcome: defendant won Date: 15/7/1592 — 2/11/1592 Parties Mentioned: Janet Walker [Walker; Walkar], plaintiff, female; wife of Robert Walker John Dawson [Dawsonne; Dawson], defendant, male Other individuals: John Brocket [Brokett], prosecution proctor, male William Fothergill [Fothergill], defence proctor, male

In the name of God, Amen. John Gibson, Doctor of Laws and official or deputy of the York consistory court, has heard, seen, understood and fully considered the merits and circumstances of the defamation cause pending between Jana Walker, wife of Robert Walker, plaintiff, and John Dawson, defendant. The libel was exhibited by the plaintiff and a copy delivered to the defendant; it is treated as read and inserted. [The exact contracted title and several connecting words remain unresolved.] The legal requirements have been observed and the appointed occasion for the definitive sentence has arrived. The parties appear through their respective proctors: John Brokett for the plaintiff and William Fothergill for the defendant, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal at York's cathedral and metropolitan church. They ask for sentence and justice. Having invoked the grace of the Holy Spirit, deliberated maturely and consulted legal experts [some connecting words unread], the judge proceeds to his definitive sentence. From the acts, proceedings, matters advanced, exhibited, alleged, narrated, proved and confessed, the judge finds that the plaintiff has not sufficiently established and proved the case put forward in her libel, but has failed in [proof?; the final contracted wording remains uncertain]. Therefore he dismisses and absolves John Dawson from the plaintiff's suit and legal pursuit, and condemns Jana Walker in the defendant's litigation expenses incurred and [a modifier is uncertain] to be incurred. He decrees that she is to be compelled to pay those expenses effectively to Dawson through this definitive sentence or final decree, delivered and promulgated in writing. He reserves assessment of the expenses to himself or another competent judge. Delivered on the [second?] of November 1592. The catalogue supplies 2 November; the manuscript's contracted ordinal remains flagged, rather than silently certified from the catalogue.

In dei nomine Amen. Auditis visis intellectis ac plenarie discussis per nos Johannem Gibson Legum doctor[em] almae Curiae cons[istorialis] Ebor[acensis] Officialem [contracted title] deputatum meritis et circumstantiis hujusmodi causae diffamationis quae coram nobis in dicta Curia inter Janam Walker uxorem Rob[er]ti Walker Ebor[acensis] dioc[eseos] partem actricem ex una et Johannem Dawson dictae dioc[eseos] partem ream et defendentem partibus ex altera vertitur et pendet indecis[a] oblato Libello per dictam partem actricem [unread connecting words] ejusdem parti reae tradit[a] in haec verba. In dei nomine Amen coram vobis &c. Quem Libellum habemus pro hic lecto et inserto observatisque omnibus et singulis de Jure in hac parte observandis Terminoque ad audiendam Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta causa ferendam praefatis partibus per nos judicialiter assignatis et ipso Termino adveniente, partibus praedictis actrice vid[elicet] per [Magistrum?] Johannem Brokett, rea vero per [Magistrum?] Will[ielmum] Fothergill Notarios publicos eorum respective Procuratores coram nobis [unread phrase] [in?] dicta [unread] Cathedrali et Metropolit[ana] Ebor[acensi] judicialiter pro tribunali publice sedent[ibus] praesentibus ac sententiam per nos ferri et Justitiam fieri instanter postulant[ibus], invocata Spiritus Sancti gratia maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum consilio Jurisperitorum [unread] quibus in hac parte [unread] ad Sententiam nostram definitivam in dicta Causa ferendam prolatamque [unread contraction] duximus procedendum et procedimus in hunc qui sequitur modum. In dei nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita exhibita allegata narrata probata et confessata in causa memorata comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem actricem intentionem suam in dicto suo Libello deductam et propositam sufficienter non fundasse et probasse sed in [probatione?] [unread contracted words] defecisse. Idcirco nos Johannes Gibson Legum doctor Officialis antedictus praefatum Johannem Dawson partem defendentem [unread contraction] ab instantia et [impetitione?] praefatae partis actricis dimittimus et absolvimus praefatamque Janam Walker partem actricem adversam in expensis ex dictae partis [Image 7 left] defendentis in hac causa factis et [unread] faciendis condemnamus Et ad solutionem earundem expensarum praefato ipsi [unread contraction] Johanni Dawson efficaciter cogendam et compellendam fore decernimus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale decretum quod sive quam ferimus et promulgamus in hiis scriptis. Taxationem vero hujusmodi expensarum nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte competenti [unread contraction] reservantes et reservamus etiam in hiis scriptis. Lata sec[un]do [reading to be checked] novembris 1592. [Image 7 right blank. Image 8 blank reverse with stains and show-through. Image 9 pink photographic cover; no separate continuous text visible.]

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Walker–Dawson · reading edition, Witching reading edition; prepared 2026-10-26; edition version 1.0; reading identifier walker_dawson-reading-v1. · context

People

Janet Walker: Plaintiff, named as Robert Walker’s wife.
John Brokett: Plaintiff’s proctor in the sentence.
John Dawson: Defendant in Janet’s defamation cause.
John Gibson: Doctor of Laws and judge named in the sentence; Jo Gibson subscribes the personal answers.
Robert Walker: Named husband of Janet Walker in the libel and sentence.
Swinburn: Marginal subscriber Swinburn on the libel.
William Fothergill: Defendant’s proctor named in the sentence as a notary public alongside the plaintiff’s proctor.

Events

1592: Janet Walker’s libel alleges that John Dawson called her a witch and damaged her reputation at Huddersfield or neighbouring places. The insult and inserted month range remain partly unread. It alleges he acknowledged the words before trustworthy witnesses and requests ecclesiastical correction and costs; there is no independent deposition in the represented file. (a documentary entry)
1592-07-15: Dawson’s answers dated 15 July 1592 admit the first proposition subject to the matter objected against Janet, invoke a partly unread criminal-proposition objection to the second and dependent third/fourth propositions, admit the fifth and conclude with an admission/denial formula. Their unresolved clauses are not turned into a factual admission of the witchcraft insult. (a documentary entry)
1592-11: John Gibson’s sentence finds Janet failed sufficiently to establish and prove the case in her libel. It dismisses and absolves John Dawson from her suit and legal pursuit and condemns Janet in his expenses, reserving taxation. The catalogue dates it 2 November 1592; the written ordinal remains tentative. This is a procedural result in a defamation suit, not proof of witchcraft or of payment. (a documentary entry)

Sources

James Brown, Margaret Alcock’s Evil Eye: Witchcraft Defamations in Early Modern England, 2016-10-31, James Brown, Margaret Alcock’s Evil Eye: Witchcraft Defamations in Early Modern England, Inner Lives, 31 October 2016; section The Bewitching of Richard Malham and paragraphs beginning Mary’s husband, Although Mary, And saith, As is now well established and As is so often. Retrieved 26 October 2026. (scholarship) (later scholarship)
CP.G.2647 manuscript, Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.G.2647. Libel images 2–3, docket 4, answers 5, sentence 6–7; covered duplicates 1 and 9, blank reverse 8., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.G.2647 (court record)
York Cause Papers catalogue CP.G.2647, n.d., Saved York repository manifest CP.G.2647; three pieces, no deposition, libel and sentence present; defendant won;15 July–2 November 1592. (catalogue)
Walker–Dawson · reading edition, Witching reading edition; prepared 2026-10-26; edition version 1.0; reading identifier walker_dawson-reading-v1. (edition)

Credit

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