Richard Mawburne and Christopher Thompson

Richard Mawburne brought an ecclesiastical defamation cause against Christopher Thompson concerning alleged witchcraft language. Thompson denied calling him a sorcerer, conjurer, witch or wizard, while referring to a letter attributed to Mawburne and addressed to Thompson’s sister Mary Coulton. John Taylor said he had heard none of the alleged words. Edward Hunsley described a narrower conversation in which Thompson reported a conditional threat attributed to that letter. On 8 December 1698 Henry Watkinson dismissed Thompson from the suit for failure of proof and condemned Mawburne in litigation costs.

Scope

All independent text represented in seven saved repository images; three catalogued pieces, six documentary units including dockets. Contextual secondary discussion, reading register and evidence gaps retained.

Editorial conventions

Expanded transcription preserving source spelling and practicable manuscript line divisions. Square brackets mark expansions or editorial interventions; question marks identify tentative readings. Cancellations, insertions, damage and unread writing remain explicit. Repository image positions are not archival folios. English translations and modern readings retain the limits of the originals. Dates retain the historical calendar; no Gregorian conversion is applied.

Notes on the edition

Evidence gap: Survival and evidential limits

The libel and Mary Coulton letter are absent from the seven preserved images. Articles five and eight cannot be reconstructed from Thompson’s admissions. Hunsley reports Thompson’s account of a letter; the letter’s authorship, exact text, delivery and performance of any threat are not independently established. No criminal witchcraft verdict, quantified costs or payment is established. The catalogue lists three pieces; seven images include a duplicate and blank surfaces. A precise court division is not supplied by the saved catalogue field. Independent human palaeographic collation and live import acceptance remain pending.

[Procedural endorsement] 4 July 98. [The word may record recognition or confirmation before the official; it remains uncertain.] Christopher Thompson's personal answers to the propositions and articles of the libel presented and exhibited against him on behalf of Richard Mawburne. To the first proposition, he refers himself to the provincial constitution, if there is such a constitution, and otherwise does not believe it to be true in any respect. To the second proposition, he refers himself to the canonical provisions pleaded and to the law, and otherwise does not believe it to be true in any respect. To the third proposition, protesting that he does not intend to defame or injure Richard Mawburne, he says that he does not believe Mawburne was or is a man of honest life and conduct, but that he has been stained with and guilty of several crimes and is so regarded in the parish and places mentioned in the libel. Otherwise he does not believe the proposition to be true in any respect. [An apparently cancelled “ever” has not been adopted into the reading.] To the fourth proposition, he believes that he did not, in any of the alleged months or places, defame or injure Richard Mawburne by any words whatsoever. He never called him a sorcerer, conjurer, witch or wizard, nor said that he dealt or made a contract with the Devil, nor used any of the pleaded words or others to the same effect. Otherwise he does not believe the proposition to be true in any respect. Nevertheless, he says that Mawburne wrote a letter to the Mary Coulton mentioned in the libel, Thompson's sister, which was ready to be produced in this cause. [The connecting clause about diabolical expressions and its alterations is not fully recovered.] Thompson says he read or repeated it to someone and did not otherwise speak to, of or against Mawburne. To the fifth proposition, he believes it to be true. To the sixth proposition, he believes that he never acknowledged having spoken any scandalous words to, of or against Mawburne. Otherwise he does not believe it to be true in any respect. To the seventh proposition, he believes that Mawburne's good name and reputation have not been diminished by any words [the final damaged words cannot yet be translated]. To the eighth proposition, he believes it to be true. Christopher Thompson. Robert Medley.

CP.H.4527 manuscript, Three catalogued pieces; seven repository images. Image positions are not folios., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.H.4527, CP.H.4527; Images 2 and 3 left

Edward Hunsley of Beverley in the diocese of York, a plumber approximately 39 years old, produced as a witness as above, says and deposes as follows. Examined on the third article, he says that he has known Richard Mawburne for the past seven or eight years. Mawburne was and is an honest man for anything the witness knows to the contrary, of good life and conduct. Mawburne served as apprentice to this witness's brother in Beverley for seven years, and the witness never knew or heard anything to the contrary. He knows nothing further to depose. Examined on the fourth article, he says he knows nothing to depose except that, about the previous March, at a date he cannot now remember more precisely, he was in company with Thompson in George Sissons's shop in St Mary's parish in Beverley. They discussed Richard Mawburne. [Some introductory words are altered or unclear.] Among other things the witness said that Mawburne might have become Thompson's brother-in-law. Thompson replied that he believed Mawburne would never marry his sister Mary Coulton, because of a letter from Mawburne. [The words introducing the letter and their alterations are not fully read.] According to Thompson's account, if Mary Coulton would not take Mawburne as her husband, Mawburne would “set his heels to the Devil and torment her as long as she lived”. Those were all the words this witness heard Thompson speak concerning Mawburne. He knows nothing further to depose. He was not examined on the remaining articles, etc. Edward Hunsley.

CP.H.4527 manuscript, Three catalogued pieces; seven repository images. Image positions are not folios., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.H.4527, CP.H.4527; Images 4 right and 5 left

In the name of God, Amen. Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, vicar general in spiritual matters and principal official of John, by divine providence Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan, has heard, seen, understood and fully and maturely considered the cause. [A contracted line concerning the pleadings and their merits remains unread.] The cause concerns correction and defamation arising from the utterance of reproachful, rash, contemptuous and injurious words. It is pending between Richard Mawburne, the promoting party, and Christopher Thompson of Beverley in the diocese of York, the party proceeded against. The articles and matters exhibited by the promoting party, and delivery to the defending party, are referred to [the exact intervening formula is not fully recovered]. The judge treats the preceding material as read and inserted, and observes everything required by law. [Several contracted formula words concerning judicial knowledge and the appointment for sentence remain unread.] The parties appear through their respective proctors, John Webster and Robert Oates, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal, and ask that sentence be delivered and justice administered. [The allocation of the proctors is not expanded beyond what the uncertain contractions support.] Having reviewed the entire proceedings, invoked the grace of the Holy Spirit, deliberated maturely and consulted legal experts, the judge proceeds to deliver his definitive sentence as follows. In the name of God, Amen. From the acts, proceedings, matters advanced, exhibited, narrated, alleged, proved and confessed in this cause, the judge finds that the promoting party has not sufficiently and fully established or proved the case advanced in the articles previously exhibited, but has entirely failed and does fail in proving them. Therefore the judge, Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, finally dismisses and absolves Christopher Thompson from all further vexation, disturbance, molestation and legal pursuit by Richard Mawburne concerning the matters contained in the articles exhibited in this cause and the present suit. [The inserted operative wording and adjacent contraction are marked in the Latin rather than silently completed.] The judge condemns Richard Mawburne in the litigation expenses incurred and to be incurred on Christopher Thompson's behalf in this cause and pronounces that Mawburne is to be compelled to make due and effective payment to Thompson's side. The judge pronounces, decrees and declares this through his definitive sentence or final decree, which he delivers and promulgates in writing. The final clause reserves a matter concerning assessment of the expenses to the judge or another competent judge. [Its insertion and remaining contractions are uncertain and cannot yet be translated word for word.] 8 December 1698. Robert Medley. Read and delivered by us, Henry Watkinson.

[Upper left] 4to Julij 98. Recognit[a?] coram [flourish; no securely read name]. Responsiones personales Christophori Thompson quibus positionibus et articulis Libelli ex parte Richardi Mawburne con[tra] eum dati et exhibiti. Ad primam positionem respondet refert se ad Constitutionem provincialem (si qua talis sit) et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad s[e]c[un]dam positionem respondet refert se ad Canonicas sanctiones articulatas et ad jus et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad tertiam positionem respondet (sub protestatione tamen de non diffamando aut injuriando eundem Richardum Mawburne) dicit That he this Respond[en]t doth not believe that he the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Mawburne was [deleted: ever?] or is a Man of honest life & Conversation but aspers[e]t with and guilty of Severall Crimes and soe accounted within the parish and places articulate. Et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad quartam positionem respondet Credit That he this Respond[en]t did not in all or any of the moneths articulate in any place wher[e]ever any ways defame or injure the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Mawburne by any words whatsoever. Nor did he ever call him Sorcerer, Conjurer, witch or wizard, or that he dealt or Made some contract with the Devill or any of the words articulate or any to the same effect. Et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Yet this respond[en]t saith That he the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Mawburne having writt a Letter to the articulate Mary Coulton (this Respond[en]ts sister) ready to be produced in this Cause [inserted/corrected words: by the s[ai]d?] Diabolicall expressions wherein [unread short run] he the s[ai]d [inserted: might] this Respond[en]t read or repeated to some person & not otherwise did he speake to of or ag[ain]st the s[ai]d Mawburne. Ad quintam positionem respondet Credit eandem esse veram. Ad sextam positionem respondet Credit That he this Respond[en]t never Owne[d] that he had spoken any scandalous words whatsoever to of or ag[ain]st him the s[ai]d Mawburne. Et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad septimam positionem respondet Credit That the good name & Opinion of him the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Mawburne is not any ways Lessened by any words [edge damaged; connecting text unresolved]. [Image 3 left, continuation] Ad octavam positionem respondet Credit eandem esse veram. Christofer Thompson. Rob: Medley.

Edwardus Hunsley de Beverley in Ebor[acensi] Dioec[esi] aetatis 39 annor[um] vel eo circiter Plumber Testis ut supra productus &c. dicit et deponit prout sequitur. Sup[er] Tertio Art[icu]lo Exam[inatus] dicit That he this Dep[onen]t has known the ar[ticula]te Richard Mawburne for these Seaven or eight yeares last past & he says that he was and is an honest man for any thing that this Dep[onen]t knows to the Contrary of good life and Conversation and that he was apprenticed to this Dep[onen]ts brother in Beverley for Seaven yeares together & he never knew nor heard any thing to the contrary. Et al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] Quarto Art[icu]lo Exam[inatus] dicit quod nescit deponere Praeterquam that about March last past (the more certaine time this Dep[onen]t cannot now remember) he this Dep[onen]t happened to be in Company with the ar[ticula]te Thompson in Geo. Sissons shop in St. Marys P[ari]sh in Beverley, at [which?] [deleted: when] [unread word] there happened some discourse between the ar[ticula]te [inserted: Thompson] & this Dep[onen]t concerning the ar[ticula]te Rich[ar]d Mawburne and this Dep[onen]t (amongst other discourse) happened to Say [deleted: because?] [deleted words approximately 2–3 unread] That he the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Mawburne might have been brother in Law to the ar[ticula]te Thompson. Whereupon he replyed and Said that he believed that he would never marry his Sister Mary Coulton ar[ticula]te for that he [deleted: had?] a Letter [deleted/corrected words unread] him from the s[ai]d Mawburne [deleted: was?] that if [he/she?] the s[ai]d Mary Coulton would not have him to husband he would [Image 5 left] set his heels to the Devill and torment her as long as she lived which were all the words that this Dep[onen]t heard the s[ai]d Thompson speake concerning the s[ai]d Mawburne. Et al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] reliquis non Exam[inatus] &c. Edward Hunsley.

In Dei nomine Amen Auditis visis intellectis ac plenius et Mature discussis per Nos Henricum Watkinson Legum Doctorem Reverendissimi in Christo Patris et Domini Domini Johannis Providentia Divina Ebor[acensis] Archiepiscopi Angliae Primatis et Metropolitani Vicarium in Spiritualibus Generalem et Officialem principalem [approximately one line of contracted words concerning the libel or pleadings and their merits; not securely read] hujusmodi causae sive Negotii pro prolatione quorundam Verborum opprobriosorum temerariorum contumeliosorum et injuriosorum Correctionis et Diffamationis quae sive quod coram nobis in Judicio inter Richardum Mawburne partem promoventem ex una et Christophorum Thompson de Beverley Ebor[acensis] Dioec[eseos] partem promotam partibus ex altera [unread contraction] vertiturque adhuc et pendet indecisa, Oblatisque et Articulis per dictam partem promoventem [unread contraction] Exhibitis eorumque parti reae tradita Sit [unread] In Dei Nomine Amen. Nos praedicti quos [unread contraction] et [unread] pro hic Lectis et insertis habemus vel haberi volumus Observatis omnibus et Singulis de jure in hac parte Observandis [unread contraction] ad [unread contraction] Scientiam nostram sufficienter in dicta Causa sive Negotio [unread] [unread contracted words] per Nos Judicialiter assignatis [unread contracted words] partibus praedictis [unread] [unread] per Magistrum Johannem Webster procurante vero per Robertum Oates Notarios Publicos eorum respective Procuratores coram Nobis in dicta Curia pro tribunali publice Sedentibus Comparentibus ac Sententiam per Nos ferri et Justitiam Sibi [inserted: ministrari] postulantibus [unread] primitus per Nos toto et integro processu in dicta Causa sive Negotio habito et facto ac diligenter recensito invocata etiam Spiritus Sancti gratia Maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum Consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus in hac parte communicavimus eam Sententiam nostram Definitivam in dicta Causa sive Negotio ferendam prolatamque [unread] duximus procedendum fore et procedimus in hunc qui Sequitur modum In Dei Nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita Exhibita narrata allegata probata pariter et confessata in hac Causa memorata Comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem Promoventem intentionem suam in articulis praedictis (ut praefertur) exhibitis deductam et propositam Sufficienter et ad plenum non fundasse nec probasse sed in probatione eorumdem penitus defecisse et deficere Idcirco Nos Henricus Watkinson Legum Doctor Judex antedictus praefatum Christophorum Thompson ab omni ulteriori vexatione perturbatione Molestatione et impetitione dicti Richardi Mawburne quoad contenta in articulis in hac Causa [Image 7 left] Causa (ut praefertur) Exhibitis et praelata instantia finaliter dimittendum et absolvendum [inserted: [esse?] dimittimus et absolvimus] fore [unread contracted word] per praesentes Nec non dictum Richardum Mawburne in Expensis Litis ex parte et per partem dicti Christophori Thompson in hac Causa factis et fiendis Condemnamus Eundemque ad debitam et Effectualem Solutionem earundem parti dicti Christophori Thompson [unread contraction] cogendum et compellendum fore Pronuntiamus Decernimus et Declaramus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale Decretum quam sive quod ferimus et promulgamus in his Scriptis Expensarum vero [unread or uncertain word] [inserted: earum taxationem?] Nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte Competenti [unread contraction] reservantes [deleted/overwritten: et reservamus?] etiam in his Scriptis. 8vo Decembris 1698vo. Rob: Medley. Lecta et lata per Nos Hen: Watkinson.

Comparison of sources: Reading decisions and corrections

The earlier T012 sentence draft is superseded where it differs from T013. The signature reads Rob: Medley, not Meller. The operative proof clause is in probatione eorumdem, not in prosecutione eorundem; it does not establish a missed procedural act. A supposed reference to university standing is withdrawn and the contracted line remains unread. The sentence docket year 1698 is now represented. The altered pronoun before Mary Coulton is marked [he/she?] rather than silently regularised. The unusual reading set his heels is retained without substituting sell his soul.

[Procedural endorsement] 4 July 98. [The word may record recognition or confirmation before the official; it remains uncertain.] Christopher Thompson's personal answers to the propositions and articles of the libel presented and exhibited against him on behalf of Richard Mawburne. To the first proposition, he refers himself to the provincial constitution, if there is such a constitution, and otherwise does not believe it to be true in any respect. To the second proposition, he refers himself to the canonical provisions pleaded and to the law, and otherwise does not believe it to be true in any respect. To the third proposition, protesting that he does not intend to defame or injure Richard Mawburne, he says that he does not believe Mawburne was or is a man of honest life and conduct, but that he has been stained with and guilty of several crimes and is so regarded in the parish and places mentioned in the libel. Otherwise he does not believe the proposition to be true in any respect. [An apparently cancelled “ever” has not been adopted into the reading.] To the fourth proposition, he believes that he did not, in any of the alleged months or places, defame or injure Richard Mawburne by any words whatsoever. He never called him a sorcerer, conjurer, witch or wizard, nor said that he dealt or made a contract with the Devil, nor used any of the pleaded words or others to the same effect. Otherwise he does not believe the proposition to be true in any respect. Nevertheless, he says that Mawburne wrote a letter to the Mary Coulton mentioned in the libel, Thompson's sister, which was ready to be produced in this cause. [The connecting clause about diabolical expressions and its alterations is not fully recovered.] Thompson says he read or repeated it to someone and did not otherwise speak to, of or against Mawburne. To the fifth proposition, he believes it to be true. To the sixth proposition, he believes that he never acknowledged having spoken any scandalous words to, of or against Mawburne. Otherwise he does not believe it to be true in any respect. To the seventh proposition, he believes that Mawburne's good name and reputation have not been diminished by any words [the final damaged words cannot yet be translated]. To the eighth proposition, he believes it to be true. Christopher Thompson. Robert Medley.

CP.H.4527 manuscript, Three catalogued pieces; seven repository images. Image positions are not folios., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.H.4527, CP.H.4527; Images 2 and 3 left

Edward Hunsley of Beverley in the diocese of York, a plumber approximately 39 years old, produced as a witness as above, says and deposes as follows. Examined on the third article, he says that he has known Richard Mawburne for the past seven or eight years. Mawburne was and is an honest man for anything the witness knows to the contrary, of good life and conduct. Mawburne served as apprentice to this witness's brother in Beverley for seven years, and the witness never knew or heard anything to the contrary. He knows nothing further to depose. Examined on the fourth article, he says he knows nothing to depose except that, about the previous March, at a date he cannot now remember more precisely, he was in company with Thompson in George Sissons's shop in St Mary's parish in Beverley. They discussed Richard Mawburne. [Some introductory words are altered or unclear.] Among other things the witness said that Mawburne might have become Thompson's brother-in-law. Thompson replied that he believed Mawburne would never marry his sister Mary Coulton, because of a letter from Mawburne. [The words introducing the letter and their alterations are not fully read.] According to Thompson's account, if Mary Coulton would not take Mawburne as her husband, Mawburne would “set his heels to the Devil and torment her as long as she lived”. Those were all the words this witness heard Thompson speak concerning Mawburne. He knows nothing further to depose. He was not examined on the remaining articles, etc. Edward Hunsley.

In the name of God, Amen. Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, vicar general in spiritual matters and principal official of John, by divine providence Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan, has heard, seen, understood and fully and maturely considered the cause. [A contracted line concerning the pleadings and their merits remains unread.] The cause concerns correction and defamation arising from the utterance of reproachful, rash, contemptuous and injurious words. It is pending between Richard Mawburne, the promoting party, and Christopher Thompson of Beverley in the diocese of York, the party proceeded against. The articles and matters exhibited by the promoting party, and delivery to the defending party, are referred to [the exact intervening formula is not fully recovered]. The judge treats the preceding material as read and inserted, and observes everything required by law. [Several contracted formula words concerning judicial knowledge and the appointment for sentence remain unread.] The parties appear through their respective proctors, John Webster and Robert Oates, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal, and ask that sentence be delivered and justice administered. [The allocation of the proctors is not expanded beyond what the uncertain contractions support.] Having reviewed the entire proceedings, invoked the grace of the Holy Spirit, deliberated maturely and consulted legal experts, the judge proceeds to deliver his definitive sentence as follows. In the name of God, Amen. From the acts, proceedings, matters advanced, exhibited, narrated, alleged, proved and confessed in this cause, the judge finds that the promoting party has not sufficiently and fully established or proved the case advanced in the articles previously exhibited, but has entirely failed and does fail in proving them. Therefore the judge, Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, finally dismisses and absolves Christopher Thompson from all further vexation, disturbance, molestation and legal pursuit by Richard Mawburne concerning the matters contained in the articles exhibited in this cause and the present suit. [The inserted operative wording and adjacent contraction are marked in the Latin rather than silently completed.] The judge condemns Richard Mawburne in the litigation expenses incurred and to be incurred on Christopher Thompson's behalf in this cause and pronounces that Mawburne is to be compelled to make due and effective payment to Thompson's side. The judge pronounces, decrees and declares this through his definitive sentence or final decree, which he delivers and promulgates in writing. The final clause reserves a matter concerning assessment of the expenses to the judge or another competent judge. [Its insertion and remaining contractions are uncertain and cannot yet be translated word for word.] 8 December 1698. Robert Medley. Read and delivered by us, Henry Watkinson.

Mawburne against Thompson. 1698.

CP.H.4527 manuscript, Three catalogued pieces; seven repository images. Image positions are not folios., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.H.4527, CP.H.4527; Image 6 left

[Upper left] 4to Julij 98. Recognit[a?] coram [flourish; no securely read name]. Responsiones personales Christophori Thompson quibus positionibus et articulis Libelli ex parte Richardi Mawburne con[tra] eum dati et exhibiti. Ad primam positionem respondet refert se ad Constitutionem provincialem (si qua talis sit) et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad s[e]c[un]dam positionem respondet refert se ad Canonicas sanctiones articulatas et ad jus et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad tertiam positionem respondet (sub protestatione tamen de non diffamando aut injuriando eundem Richardum Mawburne) dicit That he this Respond[en]t doth not believe that he the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Mawburne was [deleted: ever?] or is a Man of honest life & Conversation but aspers[e]t with and guilty of Severall Crimes and soe accounted within the parish and places articulate. Et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad quartam positionem respondet Credit That he this Respond[en]t did not in all or any of the moneths articulate in any place wher[e]ever any ways defame or injure the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Mawburne by any words whatsoever. Nor did he ever call him Sorcerer, Conjurer, witch or wizard, or that he dealt or Made some contract with the Devill or any of the words articulate or any to the same effect. Et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Yet this respond[en]t saith That he the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Mawburne having writt a Letter to the articulate Mary Coulton (this Respond[en]ts sister) ready to be produced in this Cause [inserted/corrected words: by the s[ai]d?] Diabolicall expressions wherein [unread short run] he the s[ai]d [inserted: might] this Respond[en]t read or repeated to some person & not otherwise did he speake to of or ag[ain]st the s[ai]d Mawburne. Ad quintam positionem respondet Credit eandem esse veram. Ad sextam positionem respondet Credit That he this Respond[en]t never Owne[d] that he had spoken any scandalous words whatsoever to of or ag[ain]st him the s[ai]d Mawburne. Et al[ite]r non Credit eandem esse veram in aliquo. Ad septimam positionem respondet Credit That the good name & Opinion of him the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Mawburne is not any ways Lessened by any words [edge damaged; connecting text unresolved]. [Image 3 left, continuation] Ad octavam positionem respondet Credit eandem esse veram. Christofer Thompson. Rob: Medley.

Edwardus Hunsley de Beverley in Ebor[acensi] Dioec[esi] aetatis 39 annor[um] vel eo circiter Plumber Testis ut supra productus &c. dicit et deponit prout sequitur. Sup[er] Tertio Art[icu]lo Exam[inatus] dicit That he this Dep[onen]t has known the ar[ticula]te Richard Mawburne for these Seaven or eight yeares last past & he says that he was and is an honest man for any thing that this Dep[onen]t knows to the Contrary of good life and Conversation and that he was apprenticed to this Dep[onen]ts brother in Beverley for Seaven yeares together & he never knew nor heard any thing to the contrary. Et al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] Quarto Art[icu]lo Exam[inatus] dicit quod nescit deponere Praeterquam that about March last past (the more certaine time this Dep[onen]t cannot now remember) he this Dep[onen]t happened to be in Company with the ar[ticula]te Thompson in Geo. Sissons shop in St. Marys P[ari]sh in Beverley, at [which?] [deleted: when] [unread word] there happened some discourse between the ar[ticula]te [inserted: Thompson] & this Dep[onen]t concerning the ar[ticula]te Rich[ar]d Mawburne and this Dep[onen]t (amongst other discourse) happened to Say [deleted: because?] [deleted words approximately 2–3 unread] That he the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Mawburne might have been brother in Law to the ar[ticula]te Thompson. Whereupon he replyed and Said that he believed that he would never marry his Sister Mary Coulton ar[ticula]te for that he [deleted: had?] a Letter [deleted/corrected words unread] him from the s[ai]d Mawburne [deleted: was?] that if [he/she?] the s[ai]d Mary Coulton would not have him to husband he would [Image 5 left] set his heels to the Devill and torment her as long as she lived which were all the words that this Dep[onen]t heard the s[ai]d Thompson speake concerning the s[ai]d Mawburne. Et al[ite]r nescit deponere. Sup[er] reliquis non Exam[inatus] &c. Edward Hunsley.

In Dei nomine Amen Auditis visis intellectis ac plenius et Mature discussis per Nos Henricum Watkinson Legum Doctorem Reverendissimi in Christo Patris et Domini Domini Johannis Providentia Divina Ebor[acensis] Archiepiscopi Angliae Primatis et Metropolitani Vicarium in Spiritualibus Generalem et Officialem principalem [approximately one line of contracted words concerning the libel or pleadings and their merits; not securely read] hujusmodi causae sive Negotii pro prolatione quorundam Verborum opprobriosorum temerariorum contumeliosorum et injuriosorum Correctionis et Diffamationis quae sive quod coram nobis in Judicio inter Richardum Mawburne partem promoventem ex una et Christophorum Thompson de Beverley Ebor[acensis] Dioec[eseos] partem promotam partibus ex altera [unread contraction] vertiturque adhuc et pendet indecisa, Oblatisque et Articulis per dictam partem promoventem [unread contraction] Exhibitis eorumque parti reae tradita Sit [unread] In Dei Nomine Amen. Nos praedicti quos [unread contraction] et [unread] pro hic Lectis et insertis habemus vel haberi volumus Observatis omnibus et Singulis de jure in hac parte Observandis [unread contraction] ad [unread contraction] Scientiam nostram sufficienter in dicta Causa sive Negotio [unread] [unread contracted words] per Nos Judicialiter assignatis [unread contracted words] partibus praedictis [unread] [unread] per Magistrum Johannem Webster procurante vero per Robertum Oates Notarios Publicos eorum respective Procuratores coram Nobis in dicta Curia pro tribunali publice Sedentibus Comparentibus ac Sententiam per Nos ferri et Justitiam Sibi [inserted: ministrari] postulantibus [unread] primitus per Nos toto et integro processu in dicta Causa sive Negotio habito et facto ac diligenter recensito invocata etiam Spiritus Sancti gratia Maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum Consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus in hac parte communicavimus eam Sententiam nostram Definitivam in dicta Causa sive Negotio ferendam prolatamque [unread] duximus procedendum fore et procedimus in hunc qui Sequitur modum In Dei Nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita Exhibita narrata allegata probata pariter et confessata in hac Causa memorata Comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem Promoventem intentionem suam in articulis praedictis (ut praefertur) exhibitis deductam et propositam Sufficienter et ad plenum non fundasse nec probasse sed in probatione eorumdem penitus defecisse et deficere Idcirco Nos Henricus Watkinson Legum Doctor Judex antedictus praefatum Christophorum Thompson ab omni ulteriori vexatione perturbatione Molestatione et impetitione dicti Richardi Mawburne quoad contenta in articulis in hac Causa [Image 7 left] Causa (ut praefertur) Exhibitis et praelata instantia finaliter dimittendum et absolvendum [inserted: [esse?] dimittimus et absolvimus] fore [unread contracted word] per praesentes Nec non dictum Richardum Mawburne in Expensis Litis ex parte et per partem dicti Christophori Thompson in hac Causa factis et fiendis Condemnamus Eundemque ad debitam et Effectualem Solutionem earundem parti dicti Christophori Thompson [unread contraction] cogendum et compellendum fore Pronuntiamus Decernimus et Declaramus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale Decretum quam sive quod ferimus et promulgamus in his Scriptis Expensarum vero [unread or uncertain word] [inserted: earum taxationem?] Nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte Competenti [unread contraction] reservantes [deleted/overwritten: et reservamus?] etiam in his Scriptis. 8vo Decembris 1698vo. Rob: Medley. Lecta et lata per Nos Hen: Watkinson.

Mawburne contra Thompson. 1698.

Comparison of sources: Catalogue and manuscript comparison

The catalogue’s defendant won agrees with the sentence’s dismissal and costs. It lists three pieces; the images include a slip-covered duplicate and blank reverses. No libel survives in the represented bundle. Taylor’s 43 and Hunsley’s 39 agree with the headings. Proctor sides are supplied by the catalogue, not silently expanded from contracted Latin. Gentleman is a catalogue description of Thompson. The saved Court field is undefined; a precise division is not inferred.

CP.H.4527. Defamation (witchcraft). 3 Pieces; Has deposition; No libel; Has sentence. Outcome: defendant won. Dates: 4/7/1698–8/12/1698. Richard Mawburne, plaintiff; Christopher Thompson, defendant, gentleman. John Webster, prosecution proctor; Robert Oade [Oates], defence proctor. John Taylor, witness, 43; Edward Hunsley, witness, 39. Beverley, St Mary, ecclesiastical parish. Court field: undefined.

York Cause Papers catalogue CP.H.4527, n.d., Saved source_manifest.json metadata, CP.H.4527; dates 4/7/1698–8/12/1698. Current live manifest not newly confirmed., Saved manifest metadata CP.H.4527 · context

In the name of God, Amen. Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, vicar general in spiritual matters and principal official of John, by divine providence Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan, has heard, seen, understood and fully and maturely considered the cause. [A contracted line concerning the pleadings and their merits remains unread.] The cause concerns correction and defamation arising from the utterance of reproachful, rash, contemptuous and injurious words. It is pending between Richard Mawburne, the promoting party, and Christopher Thompson of Beverley in the diocese of York, the party proceeded against. The articles and matters exhibited by the promoting party, and delivery to the defending party, are referred to [the exact intervening formula is not fully recovered]. The judge treats the preceding material as read and inserted, and observes everything required by law. [Several contracted formula words concerning judicial knowledge and the appointment for sentence remain unread.] The parties appear through their respective proctors, John Webster and Robert Oates, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal, and ask that sentence be delivered and justice administered. [The allocation of the proctors is not expanded beyond what the uncertain contractions support.] Having reviewed the entire proceedings, invoked the grace of the Holy Spirit, deliberated maturely and consulted legal experts, the judge proceeds to deliver his definitive sentence as follows. In the name of God, Amen. From the acts, proceedings, matters advanced, exhibited, narrated, alleged, proved and confessed in this cause, the judge finds that the promoting party has not sufficiently and fully established or proved the case advanced in the articles previously exhibited, but has entirely failed and does fail in proving them. Therefore the judge, Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, finally dismisses and absolves Christopher Thompson from all further vexation, disturbance, molestation and legal pursuit by Richard Mawburne concerning the matters contained in the articles exhibited in this cause and the present suit. [The inserted operative wording and adjacent contraction are marked in the Latin rather than silently completed.] The judge condemns Richard Mawburne in the litigation expenses incurred and to be incurred on Christopher Thompson's behalf in this cause and pronounces that Mawburne is to be compelled to make due and effective payment to Thompson's side. The judge pronounces, decrees and declares this through his definitive sentence or final decree, which he delivers and promulgates in writing. The final clause reserves a matter concerning assessment of the expenses to the judge or another competent judge. [Its insertion and remaining contractions are uncertain and cannot yet be translated word for word.] 8 December 1698. Robert Medley. Read and delivered by us, Henry Watkinson.

In Dei nomine Amen Auditis visis intellectis ac plenius et Mature discussis per Nos Henricum Watkinson Legum Doctorem Reverendissimi in Christo Patris et Domini Domini Johannis Providentia Divina Ebor[acensis] Archiepiscopi Angliae Primatis et Metropolitani Vicarium in Spiritualibus Generalem et Officialem principalem [approximately one line of contracted words concerning the libel or pleadings and their merits; not securely read] hujusmodi causae sive Negotii pro prolatione quorundam Verborum opprobriosorum temerariorum contumeliosorum et injuriosorum Correctionis et Diffamationis quae sive quod coram nobis in Judicio inter Richardum Mawburne partem promoventem ex una et Christophorum Thompson de Beverley Ebor[acensis] Dioec[eseos] partem promotam partibus ex altera [unread contraction] vertiturque adhuc et pendet indecisa, Oblatisque et Articulis per dictam partem promoventem [unread contraction] Exhibitis eorumque parti reae tradita Sit [unread] In Dei Nomine Amen. Nos praedicti quos [unread contraction] et [unread] pro hic Lectis et insertis habemus vel haberi volumus Observatis omnibus et Singulis de jure in hac parte Observandis [unread contraction] ad [unread contraction] Scientiam nostram sufficienter in dicta Causa sive Negotio [unread] [unread contracted words] per Nos Judicialiter assignatis [unread contracted words] partibus praedictis [unread] [unread] per Magistrum Johannem Webster procurante vero per Robertum Oates Notarios Publicos eorum respective Procuratores coram Nobis in dicta Curia pro tribunali publice Sedentibus Comparentibus ac Sententiam per Nos ferri et Justitiam Sibi [inserted: ministrari] postulantibus [unread] primitus per Nos toto et integro processu in dicta Causa sive Negotio habito et facto ac diligenter recensito invocata etiam Spiritus Sancti gratia Maturaque deliberatione praehabita de et cum Consilio Jurisperitorum cum quibus in hac parte communicavimus eam Sententiam nostram Definitivam in dicta Causa sive Negotio ferendam prolatamque [unread] duximus procedendum fore et procedimus in hunc qui Sequitur modum In Dei Nomine Amen Quia per acta inactitata deducta proposita Exhibita narrata allegata probata pariter et confessata in hac Causa memorata Comperimus hucusque et invenimus dictam partem Promoventem intentionem suam in articulis praedictis (ut praefertur) exhibitis deductam et propositam Sufficienter et ad plenum non fundasse nec probasse sed in probatione eorumdem penitus defecisse et deficere Idcirco Nos Henricus Watkinson Legum Doctor Judex antedictus praefatum Christophorum Thompson ab omni ulteriori vexatione perturbatione Molestatione et impetitione dicti Richardi Mawburne quoad contenta in articulis in hac Causa [Image 7 left] Causa (ut praefertur) Exhibitis et praelata instantia finaliter dimittendum et absolvendum [inserted: [esse?] dimittimus et absolvimus] fore [unread contracted word] per praesentes Nec non dictum Richardum Mawburne in Expensis Litis ex parte et per partem dicti Christophori Thompson in hac Causa factis et fiendis Condemnamus Eundemque ad debitam et Effectualem Solutionem earundem parti dicti Christophori Thompson [unread contraction] cogendum et compellendum fore Pronuntiamus Decernimus et Declaramus per hanc nostram Sententiam definitivam sive hoc nostrum finale Decretum quam sive quod ferimus et promulgamus in his Scriptis Expensarum vero [unread or uncertain word] [inserted: earum taxationem?] Nobis aut alii Judici in hac parte Competenti [unread contraction] reservantes [deleted/overwritten: et reservamus?] etiam in his Scriptis. 8vo Decembris 1698vo. Rob: Medley. Lecta et lata per Nos Hen: Watkinson.

Context: Defamation and the mediation of testimony

Brown distinguishes ecclesiastical defamation litigation from secular prosecution of witchcraft. He stresses the shaping of testimony by witnesses and court procedure. His worked example concerns Margaret Alcock in 1632, not Mawburne. This context supports careful separation of Thompson’s denial, Taylor’s non-hearing and Hunsley’s reported conversation; it supplies no independent evidence that Mawburne wrote the missing letter or threatened Coulton.

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

Context: Personal answers and the definitive sentence

The archive’s guide explains personal answers as a defendant’s response to claims based on the libel and distinguishes definitive from interlocutory sentences. These descriptions help identify the represented documents; they cannot supply the lost libel or the judge’s unrecorded reasons. The sentence itself establishes dismissal and costs, while the saved catalogue reports defendant won.

Definitive sentences are those which are intended to be permanent and which end the case.

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., The Sentence; definition of definitive sentences · context

Evidence gap: Bounded public source search

Public searches on 25 October 2026 for Mawburne with Thompson and witchcraft, and Mawburne with Coulton, produced no securely identified new case-specific scholarly discussion in the inspected results. Brown and the Borthwick guide are contextual. This is not an exhaustive archival or literature search. The preserved manifest and seven images, rather than an inaccessible fresh live viewer, supply the case evidence.

Comparison of sources: Edition catalogue record

Reference: CP.H.4527

Repository: Borthwick Institute for Archives University of York

Court and case: York ecclesiastical defamation cause concerning witchcraft language; precise division not supplied by the saved catalogue

Record dates: 4 July to 8 December 1698; reported March conversation is earlier and imprecisely dated

Languages: Latin and English

Surviving material: Three catalogued pieces; personal answers, depositions and sentence. No libel in the saved catalogue. Seven images include a duplicate and blank surfaces.

Parties: Richard Mawburne, plaintiff; Christopher Thompson, defendant, described as gentleman in the catalogue

Witnesses: John Taylor, approximately 43; Edward Hunsley, plumber, approximately 39

Other people: Mary Coulton, Thompson’s sister; Geo. Sissons, whose shop is named; Hunsley’s unnamed brother; John Webster and Robert Oade [Oates], proctors; Henry Watkinson, judge; Rob: Medley, subscriber; John, Archbishop of York, office invoked

Outcome: Thompson dismissed from the defamation suit; Mawburne ordered to pay litigation costs. No amount or payment is established.

Coverage: Six text units including dockets represent all independent writing in the seven preserved images. Alterations, damage and unresolved contractions remain marked.

Edition: 25 October 2026 version 1.0

Reading conventions: Expanded transcription preserving source spelling and practicable manuscript line divisions. Square brackets mark expansions or editorial interventions; question marks identify tentative readings. Cancellations, insertions, damage and unread writing remain explicit. Repository image positions are not archival folios. English translations and modern readings retain the limits of the originals. Dates retain the historical calendar; no Gregorian conversion is applied.

Suggested citation: Richard Mawburne against Christopher Thompson, 1698, CP.H.4527, reading edition version 1.0, 25 October 2026; Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York.

CP.H.4527. Defamation (witchcraft). 3 Pieces; Has deposition; No libel; Has sentence. Outcome: defendant won. Dates: 4/7/1698–8/12/1698. Richard Mawburne, plaintiff; Christopher Thompson, defendant, gentleman. John Webster, prosecution proctor; Robert Oade [Oates], defence proctor. John Taylor, witness, 43; Edward Hunsley, witness, 39. Beverley, St Mary, ecclesiastical parish. Court field: undefined.

In the name of God, Amen. Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, vicar general in spiritual matters and principal official of John, by divine providence Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan, has heard, seen, understood and fully and maturely considered the cause. [A contracted line concerning the pleadings and their merits remains unread.] The cause concerns correction and defamation arising from the utterance of reproachful, rash, contemptuous and injurious words. It is pending between Richard Mawburne, the promoting party, and Christopher Thompson of Beverley in the diocese of York, the party proceeded against. The articles and matters exhibited by the promoting party, and delivery to the defending party, are referred to [the exact intervening formula is not fully recovered]. The judge treats the preceding material as read and inserted, and observes everything required by law. [Several contracted formula words concerning judicial knowledge and the appointment for sentence remain unread.] The parties appear through their respective proctors, John Webster and Robert Oates, notaries public, before the judge sitting publicly as a tribunal, and ask that sentence be delivered and justice administered. [The allocation of the proctors is not expanded beyond what the uncertain contractions support.] Having reviewed the entire proceedings, invoked the grace of the Holy Spirit, deliberated maturely and consulted legal experts, the judge proceeds to deliver his definitive sentence as follows. In the name of God, Amen. From the acts, proceedings, matters advanced, exhibited, narrated, alleged, proved and confessed in this cause, the judge finds that the promoting party has not sufficiently and fully established or proved the case advanced in the articles previously exhibited, but has entirely failed and does fail in proving them. Therefore the judge, Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, finally dismisses and absolves Christopher Thompson from all further vexation, disturbance, molestation and legal pursuit by Richard Mawburne concerning the matters contained in the articles exhibited in this cause and the present suit. [The inserted operative wording and adjacent contraction are marked in the Latin rather than silently completed.] The judge condemns Richard Mawburne in the litigation expenses incurred and to be incurred on Christopher Thompson's behalf in this cause and pronounces that Mawburne is to be compelled to make due and effective payment to Thompson's side. The judge pronounces, decrees and declares this through his definitive sentence or final decree, which he delivers and promulgates in writing. The final clause reserves a matter concerning assessment of the expenses to the judge or another competent judge. [Its insertion and remaining contractions are uncertain and cannot yet be translated word for word.] 8 December 1698. Robert Medley. Read and delivered by us, Henry Watkinson.

Comparison of sources: Preserved image inventory

page_01.jpg 1724 × 2605 pixels. Slip-covered duplicate of personal answers; text represented from image 2.

page_02.jpg 1703 × 2605 pixels. Uncovered personal answers.

page_03.jpg 3303 × 2590 pixels. Left: answers continuation, signatures and rotated docket. Right: Taylor deposition.

page_04.jpg 3245 × 2597 pixels. Left: blank reverse/show-through. Right: Hunsley deposition begins.

page_05.jpg 3216 × 2597 pixels. Left: Hunsley conclusion and signature. Right: blank.

page_06.jpg 3310 × 2605 pixels. Left: sentence docket including 1698. Right: sentence begins.

page_07.jpg 3253 × 2597 pixels. Left: sentence conclusion, date and subscriptions. Right: blank.

CP.H.4527 manuscript, Three catalogued pieces; seven repository images. Image positions are not folios., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.H.4527 · context

Comparison of sources: Research edition apparatus

The edition includes the personal answers, both depositions and the definitive sentence, with dockets, corresponding English readings, contextual scholarship and a source-linked review export. Uncertain writing remains marked.

page_01.jpg 1724 × 2605 pixels
Slip-covered duplicate of personal answers; text represented from image 2.

page_02.jpg 1703 × 2605 pixels
Uncovered personal answers.

page_03.jpg 3303 × 2590 pixels
Left: answers continuation, signatures and rotated docket. Right: Taylor deposition.

page_04.jpg 3245 × 2597 pixels
Left: blank reverse/show-through. Right: Hunsley deposition begins.

page_05.jpg 3216 × 2597 pixels
Left: Hunsley conclusion and signature. Right: blank.

page_06.jpg 3310 × 2605 pixels
Left: sentence docket including 1698. Right: sentence begins.

page_07.jpg 3253 × 2597 pixels
Left: sentence conclusion, date and subscriptions. Right: blank.

The saved derivatives support the represented readings. Enlarging them cannot restore writing lost to damage or resolve every overwritten stroke. Higher resolution or an independent reader may improve specific contractions; no unseen replacement wording is supplied.

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4527; Images 2 and 3 left

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4527; Image 3 left rotated

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4527; Image 3 right

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4527; Images 4 right and 5 left

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4527; Image 6 left

Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, CP.H.4527; Images 6 right and 7 left

“the legal procedures of courts and clerks”

“Definitive sentences are those which are intended to be permanent and which end the case.”

No securely identified new case-specific scholarly account emerged from the bounded searches recorded in the research log. The contextual works above do not independently corroborate the historical allegations.

The four event accounts above and twelve consolidated person accounts form the review export. Every person has an explicit, source-cited event membership. People named in a document are not thereby treated as physically present. English citations precede their originals; general scholarship remains case context.

The source passages, catalogue comparison, secondary discussion and reading register are retained in the import as passages, case notes and issues. Stable external identifiers provide targets for edition metadata and future database links. Confirmed live routes and IDs are not yet supplied.

CP.H.4527. Defamation (witchcraft). 3 Pieces; Has deposition; No libel; Has sentence. Outcome: defendant won. Dates: 4/7/1698–8/12/1698. Richard Mawburne, plaintiff; Christopher Thompson, defendant, gentleman. John Webster, prosecution proctor; Robert Oade [Oates], defence proctor. John Taylor, witness, 43; Edward Hunsley, witness, 39. Beverley, St Mary, ecclesiastical parish. Court field: undefined.

the legal procedures of courts and clerks

Definitive sentences are those which are intended to be permanent and which end the case.

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.

Mawburne–Thompson · reading edition, Witching reading edition; prepared 2026-10-25; edition version 1.0; reading identifier cp-h-4527-reading-v1. · context

People

Christopher Thompson: Defendant, described as a gentleman in the catalogue and of Beverley in the sentence.
Edward Hunsley: Beverley plumber, approximately 39.
George Sissons: Hunsley located his conversation with Thompson in Geo.
Henry Watkinson: Doctor of Laws addressed in the libel and named in the procedural endorsement beside the personal answers dated 30 May 1678.
John Archbishop of York: Named by given name and archiepiscopal office in the sentence’s statement of Watkinson’s authority.
John Taylor: Beverley witness, approximately 43.
John Webster: Named in the sentence among the parties’ proctors and notaries.
Mary Coulton: Named by Thompson as his sister and the recipient of a letter attributed to Mawburne.
Richard Mawburne: Plaintiff in the defamation cause.
Robert Medley: Rob: Medley subscribes the personal answers and the sentence.
Robert Oates: Named in the sentence among the parties’ proctors and notaries.
Unnamed brother of Edward Hunsley: Hunsley said that Mawburne had been apprenticed to his brother in Beverley for seven years.

Events

Diabolical threat attributed through a reported letter. Edward Hunsley reports that Thompson described a letter attributed to Mawburne: if Mary Coulton would not marry him, he would set his heels to the Devil and torment her as long as she lived. The letter’s authorship and exact connecting words are not independently established here.
Denial of the pleaded diabolical-contract accusation. Thompson’s answers deny calling Mawburne a sorcerer, conjurer, witch or wizard, or saying that he dealt or made a contract with the Devil. This record exposes the subject of the denied charge; it does not establish that a pact existed. (a documentary entry)
1698: Taylor and Hunsley gave favourable reputation evidence about Mawburne. Taylor said he had heard none of the pleaded words. Hunsley reported a narrower conversation and Mawburne’s seven-year apprenticeship to his unnamed brother. Taylor’s endorsement bears 4 July 98; Hunsley’s body has no independent date. (a documentary entry)
1698-03: Hunsley recalled being with Thompson about the previous March in Geo. Sissons shop, St Mary’s parish, Beverley. They discussed whether Mawburne might marry Thompson’s sister Mary Coulton. Thompson reportedly cited a letter in which Mawburne threatened, if refused, to set his heels to the Devil and torment her while she lived. This records Hunsley’s report of Thompson’s account, not an independently inspected letter or a proved threat. (a documentary entry)
1698-07-04: Thompson’s personal answers, endorsed 4 July 98, denied the pleaded witchcraft labels and reputational injury. He disputed Mawburne’s good character and referred to reading or repeating a letter attributed to Mawburne and addressed to his sister Mary Coulton. The altered connecting clause remains incomplete. (a documentary entry)
1698-12-08: On 8 December 1698 Henry Watkinson found Mawburne had failed to establish and prove his pleaded case, finally dismissed and absolved Thompson from this suit, and condemned Mawburne in litigation costs incurred and to be incurred for Thompson. Assessment of costs was reserved in an incompletely read clause. No amount, payment or criminal witchcraft verdict is established. (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)
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.4527 manuscript, Three catalogued pieces; seven repository images. Image positions are not folios., Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York CP.H.4527 (court record)
York Cause Papers catalogue CP.H.4527, n.d., Saved source_manifest.json metadata, CP.H.4527; dates 4/7/1698–8/12/1698. Current live manifest not newly confirmed. (catalogue)
Mawburne–Thompson · reading edition, Witching reading edition; prepared 2026-10-25; edition version 1.0; reading identifier cp-h-4527-reading-v1. (edition)

Credit

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