Agnes Broadley and Anthony Mason
1701–1704 · Latin and English
Manuscript reading with unresolved passages and relative dates.
Edition details and citation
Sources
University of York, Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56
Texts included
Libel and prayer, two witness depositions, personal answers and reverse dockets.
Edition
1.0
Prepared
2026-10-25
Reading conventions
Square brackets mark expansions, missing text or editorial descriptions; question marks mark tentative readings. Original text and English readings remain separate.
Suggested citation
Witches in Early Modern England, Agnes Broadley and Anthony Mason, reading edition, 27 October 2026, section title and repository image number.
Source rights
Repository and published-source rights remain with their respective holders; no blanket reuse licence is assigned.
Libel opening and marginal name
University of York Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56, repository image 2, opening and left margin; image numbers are photograph positions, not certified folios
Expanded manuscript transcription; unresolved readings marked.
English translation
In the name of God, Amen. Before the venerable Henry Watkinson, Doctor of Laws, Principal Official of the York Consistory Court, [appointment or deputy wording unresolved], or his surrogate or another judge in this matter, the party of Agnes Broadley, widow, proceeds against Anthony Mason of Calverley parish, York diocese. [Some intervening procedural wording is unresolved.] Her party sets out the following allegations in writing, jointly, separately and article by article, using the available legal forms to obtain their consequences in law and fact. [Margin] Rob: Medley.
Latin transcription
In Dei Nomine Amen Coram vobis ven[erabili] viro Henrico Watkinson Legum Doctore Almae Curiae Cons[istorialis] Ebor[acensis] offi[cia]li princi- [unclear appointment/deputy wording] sive Surrogato aut alio Judice in hac parte quocumq[ue] pars discret[a]e mulieris Agnetis Broadley vid[uae] con[tra] et adversus Anthonium Mason p[arochi]a[e?] de Calverley Ebor[acensis] dioc[esis] [unclear procedural words] coram vobis in Judicio [unclear] interveniend[?] ad omnem tam Juris quam facti effectum exinde quovis modo sequi valen[tem] o[mni]bus melioribus via modo et Juris forma quibus melius aut efficacius de Jure potuit aut potest debuitve aut debet dicit allegat et in hiis scriptis in Jure proponit Conj[uncti]m Div[isi]m et art[iculat]im prout sequitur [Margin] Rob: Medley
Article one on the reputation of Agnes Broadley
University of York Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56, repository image 2, article 1; image numbers are photograph positions, not certified folios
Expanded manuscript transcription; unresolved readings marked.
English translation
First, Agnes’s party alleges that she was and is a very honest woman of good reputation and upright life and conduct, not previously [antea?] defamed or implicated [precise adverb uncertain] in any crime, at least a notorious one, subject to the matters stated below. She has publicly and commonly been regarded as such in Calverley and neighbouring places. The allegations are made jointly, separately and as to each matter.
Latin transcription
Impr[imis] Ponit et artic[ulat] quod d[i]cta Agnes Broadley vidua fuit et est mulier valde honesta bonae famae vitaeq[ue] et conversat[i]onis integrae null[o]q[ue] Crimin[e] (saltem notorio) [antea?] diffamata seu [aliqualiter?] [involuta?] (infradicendis salvis) proq[ue] tali et ut talis fuit et est communiter dicta tenta habita nominata et reputata palam publice et notorie infra p[arochi]am de Calverley p[rae]d[ictam] aliaq[ue] loca vicina Et ponit [deleted word] Conj[uncti]m Div[isi]m et de quol[ibet]
Article two on the alleged defamatory words
University of York Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56, repository image 2–3, article 2 from image 2 foot through image 3 left; image numbers are photograph positions, not certified folios
Expanded manuscript transcription; unresolved readings marked.
English translation and modern reading
Despite the foregoing, Agnes alleges that Anthony Mason, led by a malicious spirit of [deceit?], defamed her during the specified months: July through March in the year written as 1700, and [also?] March, April, May and June in 1701. [Cancelled, inserted and detailed time wording remains unresolved.] Within Calverley and surrounding places he allegedly uttered grievous, reproachful, insulting and defamatory words about or to her. In English, or in substantially similar words, he allegedly reported—although falsely, as the pleading says—that Agnes was a whore and a witch; that he would prove her both; that she had bewitched his wife to death; and that he would swear to it. He allegedly spoke and [repeated?] these and other defamatory words on several occasions, at least once before credible witnesses. Testifying concerning such and so great defamatory words, time, place, manner and form of the foregoing, as and to the extent that will be proved during this suit [closing contractions unresolved].
Original transcription in Latin and English
Item Ponit et artic[ulat] quod p[rae]missis non obstantibus p[rae]fatus Anthonius Mason spiritu [versutiae?] ductus maligno mensibus Julij et Augusti Septembris Octobris Novembris Decembris Januarij Februarij et Martij Anno D[omi]ni Millesimo Septingentesimo [deletion/interlinear insertion not fully resolved] [necnon?] Mensibus Martij Aprilis Maij et Junij Anno D[omi]ni Millesimo Septingentesimo primo [unclear time words] eorund[em] eorundemq[ue] mensium [unclear] quol[ibet] uno [deletions] [deleted word] infra p[arochi]am de Calverley p[rae]dict[am] aliaq[ue] loca vicina et circumvicina malitiose animo diffamandi et injuriandi [eandem?] Agnetem Broadley ipsam diffamavit et injuriavit nonnullaq[ue] verba atrocia opprobriosa convitiosa contumeliosa odiosa et diffamatoria [deletion] eius Agneti Broadley seu de ead[em] Emisit dixit asseruit protulit et p[rae]dicavit Et [praeprimis?] haec verba Anglice loquendo seu alia eis in effectu consimilia (vizt) the said Anthony Mason speaking to of or against the said Agnes Broadley said & reported (licet falso) that she the s[ai]d Agnes Broadley was a whore & a witch & that he would prove her a whore & a witch & that she bewitched his the s[ai]d Anthony Mason's wife to Death & that he would swear that she bewitched his s[ai]d wife to death with diverse other scandalous & defamatory words he the s[ai]d Anthony Mason spoke & [reitterated?] Diverse & sundry times & once at the least in the p[re]sence & hearing of diverse & sundry Credible Witnesses Contestantes de talibus et tantis verbis diffamatorijs ac de tali et tanto tempore loco modo et forma p[rae]missor[um?] quod et quant[um] in eventu huius litis probabitur cui Conj[uncti]m Div[isi]m et de quol[ibet]
Article three on an alleged acknowledgment
University of York Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56, repository image 3 left, article 3; image numbers are photograph positions, not certified folios
Expanded manuscript transcription; unresolved readings marked.
English translation
Agnes further alleges that Mason later admitted and acknowledged before trustworthy witnesses, both in her presence—she [accepting it?; ending uncertain]—and outside it, that he had repeatedly, or at least once, uttered such abusive and defamatory words to her or about her. She alleges this as above.
Latin transcription
Item ponit et artic[ulat] quod post p[rae]missa p[rae]fatus Anthonius Mason coram testibus fidedignis tam in p[rae]sentia ipsius Agnetis Broadley id acceptan[tis?] quam extra se huiusmo[di] verba convitiosa et diffamatoria eius Agneti Broadley [deleted words] seu de ead[em] Emisisse dixisse asseruisse protulisse et p[rae]dicasse sepius et iteratis vicibus seu semel fassus est et recognovit Et ponit ut supra
Article four on reputational injury
University of York Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56, repository image 3 left–right, article 4 across the spread; image numbers are photograph positions, not certified folios
Expanded manuscript transcription; unresolved readings marked.
English translation
Agnes alleges that the words have gravely injured and diminished her standing, good reputation and esteem, previously unimpaired among respectable and serious people, and are likely to cause further injury. She alleges this as above.
Latin transcription
Item ponit et artic[ulat] quod ratione p[rae]dictorum verborum convitiosorum et diffamatoriorum p[rae]dict[us?] status bona fama et opinio ipsius Agnetis Broadley (apud bonos et graves penes quos prius extiterat illaesa) graviter et enormiter laeduntur et diminuuntur ac de verisimili plus laedi possunt in futurum Et ponit ut supra
Article five on parish and jurisdiction
University of York Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56, repository image 3 right, article 5; image numbers are photograph positions, not certified folios
Expanded manuscript transcription; unresolved readings marked.
English translation
Agnes alleges that Anthony Mason was and is of Calverley parish and is subject to the court’s jurisdiction in this matter. She alleges this as above.
Latin transcription
Item ponit et artic[ulat] quod p[rae]fatus Anthonius Mason fuit et est p[arochi]ae de Calverley p[rae]dict[ae] ac sit in hac parte Jurisdic[tion]i subditus et subjectus Et ponit ut supra
Article six on public report
University of York Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56, repository image 3 right, article 6; image numbers are photograph positions, not certified folios
Expanded manuscript transcription; unresolved readings marked.
English translation
Agnes alleges that public report and reputation have circulated and continue to circulate about all and each of these matters in the places named and neighbouring places. She alleges this as above.
Latin transcription
Item ponit et artic[ulat] quod de et sup[er] o[mn]ibus et singulis fuit et est publica vox et fama in locis p[rae]dictis aliisq[ue] locis vicinis Et ponit ut supra
Prayer for relief and reservation
University of York Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56, repository image 3 right, closing prayer and reservation; image numbers are photograph positions, not certified folios
Expanded manuscript transcription; unresolved readings marked.
English translation
Once the foregoing is established to the extent sufficient in law, Agnes’s party asks the judge to pronounce that Mason should be corrected and punished ecclesiastically for this misconduct, condemned in costs already incurred and to be incurred on her behalf, and compelled ecclesiastically to pay them duly and effectively. She requests a definitive pronouncement, decree and declaration. She proposes the matters jointly and separately without binding herself to prove every allegation or undertake unnecessary proof; she asks to obtain relief to the extent of what she proves, reserving the benefit of law and humbly invoking the judge’s office. Rights and the right of protesting are reserved, etc.
Latin transcription
Unde facta fide de p[rae]missis quantum de Jure sufficit petit pars ista p[rae]fatum Anthonium [deleted: Broadley?] Mason pro tanto temeritatis suae excessu in p[rae]missis et ea concernen[tibus] Eccl[esiast]ice corrigend[um] et puniend[um] necnon in expensis ex parte et p[er] partem dictae Agnetis Broadley in hac Causa fact[is] et fiend[is] Condemnari Condemnatumq[ue] ad debitam et effectualem solutionem earum parti dictae Agnetis Broadley Eccl[esiast]ice cogend[um] et compellend[um] fore pronunciari decerni et declarari p[er] vos et v[est]ram s[ente]ntiam diffinitivam D[omi]ne Judex antedict[e] Quae proponit et fieri petit pars ista Conj[uncti]m et Div[isi]m non arctans se ad o[mn]ia et singula p[rae]missa proband[a] nec ad onus superfluae probationis de quo protestatur sed quatenus probaverit in p[rae]missis eat[in]us obtineat in petitis Juris beneficio in o[mn]ibus semp[er] salvo v[est]rum officium D[omi]ne Judex antedict[e] humiliter implorans Salvo Jure etc. Et protestandi
Deposition of John Pearson
University of York Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56, repository image 5, witness heading, narrative, procedural close and subscription; image numbers are photograph positions, not certified folios
Expanded manuscript transcription; unresolved readings marked.
English translation and modern reading
The marginal endorsement is dated 9 August 1704 and reads [formally repeated?] before Henry Watkinson. John Pearson, of Bagley in Calverley parish, York county [abbreviated case ending uncertain], aged about 33, clothier, is produced and examined as a witness to the articles of Agnes Broadley’s libel against Anthony Mason. On articles two and three he says that around the middle of the preceding March he happened to be at Mason’s house at Rodley, Calverley parish. Agnes was also there. He heard Mason call her an old witch and a [Grave?] witch, accuse her of bewitching his wife to death, say he would prove her a witch and swear that she had bewitched his wife to death, or use similar expressions. He reports these words spoken and repeated before himself, a daughter of Mason, and a young girl of one Jeremy [Cooper?; surname uncertain]. Otherwise he knows nothing further to depose. Asked about article four, he does not know what to depose. He was not brought forward on the remaining articles. The subscription is represented as Sig. Jo: Pearson.
Original transcription in Latin and English
9no Augusti 1704 Repetit[us?] coram Hen: Watkinson Johannes Pearson de Bagley p[arochi]a[e?] de Calverley [deleted: nato?] in Com[itatu] Ebor[aci?] aetat[is] suae 33 annor[um] aut eo circiter Clothier testis sup[er] po[sitio]nibus et Art[icu]lis Libelli ex parte et [per?] partem Agnetis Broadley vid[uae] con[tra] Anthonium Mason dat[i] et exhibit[i] productus ex[aminatus] Dicit et deposuit prout sequitur Sup[er] secundo et tertio Art[icu]lis Exam[inatus] Dicit That ab[ou]t the middle of March last past he this Dep[onen]t happened to be at the ar[ticula]te Anthony Mason's house att Rodley in the p[ar]ish of Calverley ar[ticula]te where [deleted: hee?] he heard the ar[ticula]te Anthony Mason call the ar[ticula]te Agnes Broadley (who was then alsoe at yᵉ s[ai]d Mason's owne house at Rodley aforesaid) [an?] Old witch and [Grave?] Witch and Said that she bewitched his wife to Death and that he would prove her a witch and would Sweare yᵗ shee did bewitch his s[ai]d wife to death with [some?] Such sort of expressions w[hi]ch he then & there spoke & repeated in the p[re]sence of this Dep[onen]t, a Daughter of the s[ai]d Anthony Mason's and a young Girle of one Jeremy [Cooper's?] Et al[ite]r nescit deponere Sup[er] Quarto Art[icu]lo Exam[inatus] dicit q[uod] nescit deponere Sup[er] reliquis Non latus e[st] [Subscription] Sig. Jo: Pearson
Deposition of Anne Hast
University of York Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56, repository image 6, witness heading, narrative, procedural close and mark; image numbers are photograph positions, not certified folios
Expanded manuscript transcription; unresolved readings marked.
English translation and modern reading
Anne, wife of William Hast of Calverley in York county [abbreviated ending uncertain], aged about 30, is produced and examined as a witness as above and says and deposes as follows. Clothier [attachment uncertain]. On articles two and three she says that about the middle of the preceding March she was at Anthony Mason’s own house at Rodley in Calverley parish, in company with Mason and Agnes Broadley. She heard Mason call Agnes a witch and an old witch and say that he [would?] swear she had bewitched his wife to death. He repeated the words in the presence and hearing of Anne and Mason’s daughter, who were all the company in the house [during?] Anne’s stay, according to the deposition. Otherwise she knows nothing further to depose. On article four she does not know what to depose; she was not brought forward on the remaining articles. Henry Watkinson’s name appears in the margin. At the foot are Sig., Anna, a roughly circular mark and Hast.
Original transcription in Latin and English
Anna ux[or] Gulielmi Hast de Calverley in Com[itatu] Ebor[aci?] aetat[is] suae 30 annor[um] aut eo circiter Clothier testis ut supra producta ex[aminata] Dicit et deposuit prout sequitur [Margin] Hen: Watkinson Sup[er] secundo et tertio Art[icu]lis Exam[inata] Dicit That ab[ou]t the middle of March last past she this Dep[onen]t was in the ar[ticula]te Anthony Mason's owne house at Rodley within the p[ar]ish of Calverley ar[ticula]te in Company with the ar[ticula]te Anthony Mason & Agnes Broadley when and where she heard the s[ai]d Mason call the s[ai]d Agnes Broadley Witch: and old witch and Said yᵗ he [would?] be Sworne that she bewitched his wife to death w[hi]ch s[ai]d words he then & there repeated in the p[re]sence and hearing of this Dep[onen]t and the s[ai]d Mason's Daughter who were all the Company that was then in the s[ai]d Mason's house [dureing?] this Dep[onen]ts Stay there Et al[ite]r nescit deponere Sup[er] quarto Art[icu]lo Exam[inata] dicit q[uod] nescit deponere Sup[er] reliquis non lata e[st] [Subscription] Sig. Anna [roughly circular mark] Hast
Personal answers of Anthony Mason
University of York Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56, repository image 7, date, heading, answers to articles 1–6 and subscriptions; image numbers are photograph positions, not certified folios
Expanded manuscript transcription; unresolved readings marked.
English translation and modern reading
The margin dates the answers 17 July 1701 and contains a recognit- endorsement [exact expansion uncertain] and Tho: Hooke Sur: [title contraction retained]. These are Anthony Mason’s personal answers to the positions and articles of Agnes Broadley’s libel. He believes the first article true. To the second and third he says that neither within the alleged time and place nor at any other time or place did he speak any of the alleged words, or any other scandalous or defamatory words to, of or against Agnes; nor did he ever own or confess having spoken such words. Otherwise he does not believe the same proposition true in any respect. To the fourth he says Agnes’s good name, fame and repute are not lessened or hurt by any words he spoke; otherwise he does not believe it true in any respect. He believes the fifth article true. To the sixth he affirms what he has affirmed and denies what he has denied. The subscriptions read Tho: Hooke and Anthony mason.
Original transcription in Latin and English
17:o Julij 1701 recognit[ae?] Tho: Hooke Sur: Resp[onsi]ones P[ersona]les Anthonij Mason factae po[sitio]nibus et Art[icu]lis Libelli ex p[ar]te et p[er] partem Agnetis Broadley con[tra] eum dat[i] et Exhibit[i] Ad primum po[…] respondendo Credit Eund[em] esse verum Ad secundum et tertium po[…] respondendo Dicit That he this Respond[en]t did not within the time and place libellate nor in any other time or place speake or say all or any of the words libellate or any other scandalous or diffamatory words to of or against her the said Agnes Broadley, nor did this Respond[en]t ever owne or confess that he had spoken any such words Et al[ite]r non Credit Eund[em] esse verum in aliquo Ad Quartum po[…] respondendo dicit That the good name ffame & repute of the said Agnes Broadley is not lessened or hurt by any words spoke by this Respond[en]t Et al[ite]r non Credit Eund[em] esse verum in aliquo Ad Quintum po[…] respondendo Credit Eund[em] esse verum Ad sextum po[…] respondendo Credit Credita et negat negata [Subscriptions] Tho: Hooke; Anthony mason
Libel reverse docket
University of York Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56, repository image 4, face-up docket and year; image numbers are photograph positions, not certified folios
Expanded manuscript transcription; unresolved readings marked.
English translation and modern reading
Broadley against Mason. 1701.
Original transcription in Latin and English
Broadley con[tra] Mason 1701.
Answers reverse docket
University of York Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56, repository image 8, sideways face-up docket, read after rotation; image numbers are photograph positions, not certified folios
Expanded manuscript transcription; unresolved readings marked.
English translation and modern reading
Personal answers. Mayson against [abbreviated connective uncertain] Broadley.
Original transcription in Latin and English
Resp[onsi]ones P[ersona]les Mayson ads[?] Broadley
About this case and its sources
Reference
University of York, Borthwick Institute, CP.I.56
Record dates
1701–1704
Source languages
Latin and English
Court
Consistory, as described in the York catalogue
Case
Defamation concerning allegations of witchcraft
Surviving papers
Four pieces according to the York catalogue; deposition and libel; no sentence
Parties
Agnes Broadley [catalogue: Agnes Bradley], plaintiff, widow; Anthony Mason, defendant
Witnesses
John Pearson, about 33; Anne Hast, about 30, wife of William Hast
Other people mentioned
Mason’s unnamed wife; William Hast, named as Anne’s husband; unnamed daughter references in Pearson’s and Hast’s separate accounts; a separately listed young girl associated with Jeremy [Cooper?]. The daughter references are not assumed to identify the same person; the girl’s kinship is unresolved.
Outcome
No sentence survives in the catalogued papers; the result is not established
Texts in this edition
Libel and prayer, two witness depositions, personal answers and reverse dockets.
Text status
Manuscript reading with unresolved passages and relative dates.
Edition
27 October 2026 · version 1.1
How to cite
Witches in Early Modern England, Agnes Broadley and Anthony Mason, reading edition, 27 October 2026, section title and repository image number.
Citations attached to the represented texts; saved repository catalogue information where explicitly identified.