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''[[England Genealogy|England]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[England Court Records|England Court Records]]'' | |||
Quarter Session records started to be kept as early as the 13th century but most from the 16th century. These records dealt with the everyday man. Court was held four times a year. Anyone with a grievance could complain, no matter their social status. A rich variety of records exist, but not for all places and times. Among the records are: | Quarter Session records started to be kept as early as the 13th century but most from the 16th century. These records dealt with the everyday man. Court was held four times a year. Anyone with a grievance could complain, no matter their social status. A rich variety of records exist, but not for all places and times. Among the records are: | ||
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*An ''indictable offence'' is a serious one that may be tried by jury in a higher court than petty sessions. <br> | *An ''indictable offence'' is a serious one that may be tried by jury in a higher court than petty sessions. <br> | ||
*An ''indictment'' is a formal document accusing one or more persons of a specified indictable offence or offences.<ref>Christensen, Penelope. "England Petty, Borough, and Quarter Sessions | *An ''indictment'' is a formal document accusing one or more persons of a specified indictable offence or offences.<ref>Christensen, Penelope. "England Petty, Borough, and Quarter Sessions - International Institute, " ''The International Institute of Genealogical Studies'' (2012), https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/England_Petty,_Borough,_and_Quarter_Sessions_%28National_Institute%29#Borough_Sessions.</ref> | ||
=== County Administration === | |||
*Appointments, salaries, fees, allowances, dismissals etc. of county officials. | |||
*Coroners reports and accounts. | |||
*County gaols and convict transportation. | |||
*Elections and voters’ lists. | |||
*Enclosure of land and deed, awards and agreements about land. | |||
*Licensing of various trades, non-conformist meeting houses, lunatic asylums, societies, charities, savings banks, printing presses, boats and barges etc., any of which may have been hived off to local licensing courts. | |||
*Militia recruitment training and billeting, also volunteers and navy recruitment and militia storehouses. | |||
*Regulating wages, rates for carriage and prices of staple goods, with establishment of positions such as the inspectors of weights and measures | |||
*Roads, bridges, and turnpike trusts. | |||
*Taxation, for example hearth tax, poor rates and land tax assessments. | |||
*Various oaths for conformity and allegiance. | |||
In 1888 the county councils took the administrative load off the Quarter Sessions but the latter retained their licensing functions. | |||
=== Judicial cases === | === Judicial cases === | ||
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<br>An index is available for Sussex Quarter Sessions criminal convictions 1810-1854 on {{ | <br>An index is available for Sussex Quarter Sessions criminal convictions 1810-1854 on {{FSC|685400|item|disp=films 1657818-21}}. I found five Jupps and the index gives surname, first name, residence, occupation, age, place of offence, victim, court, date, case number, document reference, plea, committing magistrate, offence, sentence and any comments. | ||
Cases were referred from local petty and borough sessions, where they existed, and the Quarter Sessions heard disputes and claims regarding everything from apprenticeships and soldiers’ pensions to public nuisances. Many types of cases were routed to the new police courts during the 19th century but Quarter Session continued to sit as criminal courts for non-capital offences until 1971. Almost anything can be found in Quarter Sessions since they encompass most human failings. However, capital offences such as murder and treason usually went to the Assizes, and divorce, international relations, probate, and shipwrecks at sea went to special courts. | Cases were referred from local petty and borough sessions, where they existed, and the Quarter Sessions heard disputes and claims regarding everything from apprenticeships and soldiers’ pensions to public nuisances. Many types of cases were routed to the new police courts during the 19th century but Quarter Session continued to sit as criminal courts for non-capital offences until 1971. Almost anything can be found in Quarter Sessions since they encompass most human failings. However, capital offences such as murder and treason usually went to the Assizes, and divorce, international relations, probate, and shipwrecks at sea went to special courts. | ||
=== Court Procedure === | === Court Procedure === | ||
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| '''Coventry Quarter Sessions 1822''' {{ | | '''Coventry Quarter Sessions 1822''' {{FSC|439669|item|disp=Film 1067656}}<br>The indictment files show papers concerning the case of grand larceny against Lucy Faulconbridge brought by John Day. If the prosecutor did not show up then the magistrates could dismiss the case. However when the time came for this trial two deponents certify on 14 Oct 1822 that John Day cannot attend because he ''has been dangerously ill of an affliction of the head for upwards of three weeks now last past..... and that the wife of the said John Day was this morning delivered of a male child and is consequently unable to leave her bed.''<br>Where else can you find such family detail? | ||
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Nominal indexes do exist for whole sessions but these may only refer to the main names such as the plaintiffs and defendants. Some examples include: | Nominal indexes do exist for whole sessions but these may only refer to the main names such as the plaintiffs and defendants. Some examples include: | ||
*Surrey Quarter Sessions papers 1700-1799 nominal index on {{ | *Surrey Quarter Sessions papers 1700-1799 nominal index on {{FSC|648008|item|disp=fiche 6036505(3)}}, place index on 6036506(3). <br> | ||
*[http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mrawson/ West Kent Quarter Sessions] order papers 1758-1804 (this is a model of what can be done co-operatively online).<br> | *[http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mrawson/ West Kent Quarter Sessions] order papers 1758-1804 (this is a model of what can be done co-operatively online).<br> | ||
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*Hertfordshire Quarter Sessions 1833-1843 by Le Hardy (1957).<br> | *Hertfordshire Quarter Sessions 1833-1843 by Le Hardy (1957).<br> | ||
*East Sussex Quarter Sessions 1810-1854 by the Friends of the East Sussex Record Office.<ref>Christensen, Penelope. "England Quarter Session Records | *East Sussex Quarter Sessions 1810-1854 by the Friends of the East Sussex Record Office.<ref>Christensen, Penelope. "England Quarter Session Records - International Institute, " ''The International Institute of Genealogical Studies'' (2012), https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/England_Quarter_Session_Records_%28National_Institute%29.</ref> | ||
=== Location of Records === | === Location of Records === | ||
Records are housed in county or council offices in England. Few have been indexed but they are usually arranged by date. Some are on film in the | Records are housed in county or council offices in England. Few have been indexed but they are usually arranged by date. Some are on film in the FamilySearch Library. Search for your county of interest in the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] for:<br> | ||
ENGLAND - [NAME OF COUNTY] - COURT RECORDS.<br> | ENGLAND - [NAME OF COUNTY] - COURT RECORDS.<br> | ||
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'''A wiki article describing an online collection is found at:''' | '''A wiki article describing an online collection is found at:''' | ||
[[England, Kent, Quarter Sessions and Court Files | [[England, Kent, Quarter Sessions and Court Files - FamilySearch Historical Records|England, Kent, Quarter Sessions and Court Files - FamilySearch Historical Records]] | ||
== Examples == | == Examples == | ||
=== Sessions Cases === | === Sessions Cases === | ||
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| '''Essex Quarter Sessions 1828''' {{ | | '''Essex Quarter Sessions 1828''' {{FSC|110265|item|disp=Film 0853352}}<br>''William James Edwards an apprentice to Richard Lamprell carpenter<br>of Chelmsford has absconded and his master requests assistance in<br>having him returned. ''<br> | ||
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| '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1804''' {{ | | '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1804''' {{FSC|265658|item|disp=Film 0088146}}<br>''John Haggerd the younger of Tilehurst labourer for begetting Ann Stacy of Tilehurst (wife of Caleb Stacy a private in the 26th Regt of Light Dragoons) with child.''<br> | ||
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Malefactors would be confined in the village lock-up, and punishments meted out in the ''stocks'' or ''pillory'', whilst stray animals were impounded, i.e. kept in the ''village pound'' or ''pinfold''; Tate (''The Parish Chest''. Phillimore, Chichester, West Sussex.) has illustrations of surviving examples of each of these. | Malefactors would be confined in the village lock-up, and punishments meted out in the ''stocks'' or ''pillory'', whilst stray animals were impounded, i.e. kept in the ''village pound'' or ''pinfold''; Tate (''The Parish Chest''. Phillimore, Chichester, West Sussex.) has illustrations of surviving examples of each of these. | ||
Nash (Naked Fury in Regency Frome. The Greenwood Tree (Somerset and Dorset Family History Society) Vol 28 #2, page 39) describes the journal of a constable in Frome, Somerset 1813-1818, Price’s (''The Wigginton [Oxfordshire] Constables’ Book 1691-1836''. Banbury Historical Society Volume 11. [Reviewed in Genealogists’ Magazine Vol 17 #5, page 248-249]) transcription of a ''constable’s book'' gives a good idea of his duties and Bennett (''Constables’ Accounts #26 in Short Guides to Records'' edited by Kathryn M. Thompson. Historical Association. {{ | Nash (Naked Fury in Regency Frome. The Greenwood Tree (Somerset and Dorset Family History Society) Vol 28 #2, page 39) describes the journal of a constable in Frome, Somerset 1813-1818, Price’s (''The Wigginton [Oxfordshire] Constables’ Book 1691-1836''. Banbury Historical Society Volume 11. [Reviewed in Genealogists’ Magazine Vol 17 #5, page 248-249]) transcription of a ''constable’s book'' gives a good idea of his duties and Bennett (''Constables’ Accounts #26 in Short Guides to Records'' edited by Kathryn M. Thompson. Historical Association. {{FSC|424409|item|disp=FS Catalog book 942 A3 v2 and film 0990062}} has a useful guide to constables accounts. | ||
{| width="600" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" | {| width="600" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" | ||
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| '''Constable’s Assault Complaint and Receipt Of Fine<br>Liberty of St. Peter, York 1835''' {{ | | '''Constable’s Assault Complaint and Receipt Of Fine<br>Liberty of St. Peter, York 1835''' {{FSC|527491|item|dis=Film 1545354}} | ||
To all Constables in the said Liberty, and to each and every<br>of them.<br>WHEREAS ''Ann the wife of John Webster of Bedem(?) in the said<br>Liberty combmaker'' hath this Day made Information and Complaint, upon Oath, before me, one of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for the said Liberty, That ''Martha Caltry singlewoman, Sarah Campey singlewoman and Ruth Caltry widow did on the 4th instant violently assault and strike the said Ann Webster and Eliza her daughter.'' THESE are therefore to authorize and require you, and each of you, to apprehend the said ''Martha Caltry, Sarah Campey'' and ''Ruth Caltry'' and bring them before me, or some other of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for the said Liberty, to answer to the said Complaint, and to be dealt with according to Law.<br>Given under my hand and seal the 5th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five.<br>[signed] ''Danson R. Currer'' <br> | To all Constables in the said Liberty, and to each and every<br>of them.<br>WHEREAS ''Ann the wife of John Webster of Bedem(?) in the said<br>Liberty combmaker'' hath this Day made Information and Complaint, upon Oath, before me, one of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for the said Liberty, That ''Martha Caltry singlewoman, Sarah Campey singlewoman and Ruth Caltry widow did on the 4th instant violently assault and strike the said Ann Webster and Eliza her daughter.'' THESE are therefore to authorize and require you, and each of you, to apprehend the said ''Martha Caltry, Sarah Campey'' and ''Ruth Caltry'' and bring them before me, or some other of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for the said Liberty, to answer to the said Complaint, and to be dealt with according to Law.<br>Given under my hand and seal the 5th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five.<br>[signed] ''Danson R. Currer'' <br> | ||
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The coroner worked with a jury of from 12-24 ''good and lawful men'', although numbers were reduced to 7-11 in 1926. Fees were paid but coroners were not given salaries until 1860. The inquests were held at any suitable local building, often a local inn. The parish beadle summoned witnesses who would include the local doctor, friends, neighbours and any relevant officials such as nurses or prison officers. | The coroner worked with a jury of from 12-24 ''good and lawful men'', although numbers were reduced to 7-11 in 1926. Fees were paid but coroners were not given salaries until 1860. The inquests were held at any suitable local building, often a local inn. The parish beadle summoned witnesses who would include the local doctor, friends, neighbours and any relevant officials such as nurses or prison officers. | ||
Hopwood (''The Coroners Courts''. Family and Local History Handbook 5th edition page 36-39) describes the court process in detail with many examples and illustrations, Gandy (''Looking Through Their Eyes: Coroners’ Inquests''. Practical Family History #46 page 7) has a number of examples of cases, Cole and Rogers (''Coroners’ Inquest Records. #46 in Short Guides to Records'' edited by Kathryn M. Thompson. Historical Association. {{ | Hopwood (''The Coroners Courts''. Family and Local History Handbook 5th edition page 36-39) describes the court process in detail with many examples and illustrations, Gandy (''Looking Through Their Eyes: Coroners’ Inquests''. Practical Family History #46 page 7) has a number of examples of cases, Cole and Rogers (''Coroners’ Inquest Records. #46 in Short Guides to Records'' edited by Kathryn M. Thompson. Historical Association. {{FSC|424409|item|dis=FS Catalog book 942 A3 v2 and film 0990062}} has useful background, and Harvey (HARVEY, Roger. 2003. ''Date of Death in Genealogical Miscellany'' by WOOD, Tom. Family Tree magazine Vol 19 #4, page 17) discusses the subject of decomposition of the body from the coroner’s point of view. | ||
The record from the coroner’s court lists the names of the jurors as well as the verdict. The coroner’s bill (or voucher) for his expenses may be more informative, often including the name of the deceased, the date and place of inquest, cause of death and verdict. In York in 1831-1834 the records were named ''coroners’ inquisitions'' (film 1545354) and the one for John Epworth is signed by 14 jurymen, with their verdict: | The record from the coroner’s court lists the names of the jurors as well as the verdict. The coroner’s bill (or voucher) for his expenses may be more informative, often including the name of the deceased, the date and place of inquest, cause of death and verdict. In York in 1831-1834 the records were named ''coroners’ inquisitions'' (film 1545354) and the one for John Epworth is signed by 14 jurymen, with their verdict: | ||
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Many coroners’ records have been destroyed with most surviving ones from 1750 being at county archives, often with the Quarter Sessions records, and there is a 75-year (formerly 100 years) closure period. Harrison (''Did She Fall or Was She Pushed?'' Genealogists’ Magazine Vol 20 #8, page 280-281) and Beech (''Coroners’ Records''. Genealogists’ Magazine Vol 20 #9, page 618) both provide refreshing insight into obtaining coroners’ records. Gibson and Rogers have provided a finding aid which has an excellent introduction. Local newspapers are often more available and frequently give more detail since witness statements usually no longer exist, although there are many at the City of London Record Office (Clippingdale). Records of inquests handed to the assize justices, those for the Palatinates of Chester and Lancaster, and those for prisoners who died in Kings Bench Prison (mostly debtors) or the Millbank Penitentiary are at TNA. There are some indexes, for example for Sussex 1485-1688 by Hunnisett (''Sussex Coroners’ Inquests 1485-1558.'' Sussex Record Society).<ref>Christensen, Penelope. "England Examples of Quarter Sessions Cases | Many coroners’ records have been destroyed with most surviving ones from 1750 being at county archives, often with the Quarter Sessions records, and there is a 75-year (formerly 100 years) closure period. Harrison (''Did She Fall or Was She Pushed?'' Genealogists’ Magazine Vol 20 #8, page 280-281) and Beech (''Coroners’ Records''. Genealogists’ Magazine Vol 20 #9, page 618) both provide refreshing insight into obtaining coroners’ records. Gibson and Rogers have provided a finding aid which has an excellent introduction. Local newspapers are often more available and frequently give more detail since witness statements usually no longer exist, although there are many at the City of London Record Office (Clippingdale). Records of inquests handed to the assize justices, those for the Palatinates of Chester and Lancaster, and those for prisoners who died in Kings Bench Prison (mostly debtors) or the Millbank Penitentiary are at TNA. There are some indexes, for example for Sussex 1485-1688 by Hunnisett (''Sussex Coroners’ Inquests 1485-1558.'' Sussex Record Society).<ref>Christensen, Penelope. "England Examples of Quarter Sessions Cases - International Institute, " ''The International Institute of Genealogical Studies'' (2012), https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/England_Examples_of_Quarter_Sessions_Cases_%28National_Institute%29.</ref> | ||
=== Gaols === | === Gaols === | ||
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| '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1785''' {{ | | '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1785''' {{FSC|265658|item|disp=Film 0088144}}<br>''Elizabeth Prince, widow of John Prince deceased, late keeper of<br>his Majesties Bridewell at Abingdon ... be appointed to keep the<br>said Bridewell.<br>There were numerous tradesmen named for doing building and repair work on the gaol.<br>{{FSC|265658|item|disp=Film 0088146}} In 1810 Mrs Elizabeth Prince was<br>awarded £10 annually in consideration of the long services of her<br>late husband and herself as keepers of the Bridewell in Abingdon.<br>{{FSC|265658|item|disp=Film 0088147}} In 1815 Elizabeth Prince the former<br>Bridewell keeper of Abingdon having applied for a further<br>allowance, ordered that she be paid £10 per annum in addition to<br>her present allowance. ''<br> | ||
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| '''Notice Regarding Upcoming Special Petty Sessions for Licensing 1832 Liberty of Saint Peter of York''' {{ | | '''Notice Regarding Upcoming Special Petty Sessions for Licensing 1832 Liberty of Saint Peter of York''' {{FSC|527519|item|disp=Film 1545354}}<br>'''Notice is Hereby Given'''<br>That his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for the Liberty of Saint Peter of York, assembled at the last General Annual Licensing Meeting held in and for the said Liberty, did appoint Five Special Petty Sessions to be holden in and for the said Liberty, at the Sessions-House in the Minster-Yard, in the City of York, and within the said Liberty, at the hour of Twelve at Noon, on the several Saturdays following in the present and the year next ensuing, that is to say - the Twentieth day of October in the present year; and the Fifth day of January, the Fifth day of April, the Fifth day of July, and the Sixth day of September, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three, for the purpose of Licensing Persons intending to keep Inns, Alehouses, and Victualling Houses, theretofore kept by other Persons being about to remove therefrom; and granting Licences in the other Cases, in the manner and for the time directed by the Act of Parliament for regulating the granting of Ale Licences.<br>Date the [blank] day of October, 1832.<br>[unsigned copy] Constable | ||
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'''Selection from list on {{ | '''Selection from list on {{FSC|527519|item|disp=Film 1545354}}<br>A List of persons to whom Licences to keep Inns, Alehouses or Victualling Houses within the Liberty of St. Peter of York were granted at the General Annual Licensing Meeting held for the said Liberty on Saturday the tenth day of September 1836. ''' | ||
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Details of surviving victuallers’ licences and other records by county are given by Gibson and Hunter (''Victuallers’ Licences''. Federation of Family History Societies, 1997). In one incomplete series I examined for Abingdon, Berkshire Henry Prince renewed his annual licence each autumn in 1803, 1806, 1807, 1810 for the ''Plough'' and 1811 for the ''New Plough''. There are further details about pubs and publicans in the | Details of surviving victuallers’ licences and other records by county are given by Gibson and Hunter (''Victuallers’ Licences''. Federation of Family History Societies, 1997). In one incomplete series I examined for Abingdon, Berkshire Henry Prince renewed his annual licence each autumn in 1803, 1806, 1807, 1810 for the ''Plough'' and 1811 for the ''New Plough''. There are further details about pubs and publicans in the International Institute of Genealogical Studies course English: Occupations Professions and Trades. <br> | ||
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| 265658 | |''Quarter session records, 1703-1853'' {{FSC|265658|item|disp=Film 0088144}}<br>''Charles Driscoll convicted of obstinately standing mute and refusing to plead to a bill of indictment preferred against him by William Clemers for having in his possession more than 6lbs weight of tea, the duty not having been paid for same. ''<br> | ||
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| | |''Essex Quarter Session 1761'' {{FSC|549241|item|disp=Film 1702790}}<br>''9 May 1761 The dwelling house of John South in Steeple Bumpstead is licensed as a Methodist meeting house. ''<br> | ||
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| '''Faversham Borough Sessions undated''' {{ | | '''Faversham Borough Sessions undated''' {{FSC|323607|item|disp=Film 1851039}}<br>The Overseer of the parish of Faversham presents to the Court of<br>Sessions the following complaints, praying that the Court will<br>inflict punishment on the offenders as they may think expedient.<br> | ||
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| '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1790''' {{ | | '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1790''' {{FSC|265658|item|disp=Film 0088144}}<br>''The King and Aaron Mearing, for administering a potion to cause an<br>abortion. He was sent to the pillory and then solitary confinement. ''<br> | ||
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| '''East Sussex Quarter Sessions 1842''' {{ | | '''East Sussex Quarter Sessions 1842''' {{FSC|685400|item|disp=Film 1657819}}<br>''17 Sep 1842. Henry Dertnall of Keymer, labourer, conviction of<br>trespassing on a railway was filed at this session. ''<br> | ||
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| '''Frant, Sussex Magistrates Warrant 1815''' {{ | | '''Frant, Sussex Magistrates Warrant 1815''' {{FSC|497141|item|disp=Film 364155}}<br>''Warrant to the constable of the hundred of Rotherfield and to the<br>churchwardens and overseers of Frant and also to the<br>churchwardens and overseers of Wadhurst to apprehend Edward<br>Batnup of Wadhurst, who frequently goeth at large in Frant<br>disordered by Lunacy and dangerous, and to keep him locked up in<br>the Poor House of Wadhurst so long as such lunacy shall continue<br>and no longer. ''<br> | ||
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| '''East Sussex Quarter Sessions 1842''' {{ | | '''East Sussex Quarter Sessions 1842''' {{FSC|685400|item|disp=Film 1657819}}<br>''4 Jul 1844 Conviction filed for William Augustus Dashwood<br>for being an idle and disorderly person.''<br> | ||
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| '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1788''' {{ | | '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1788''' {{FSC|265658|item|disp=Film 0088144}}<br>''John Hobbs in keeping a dog of a very fierce and furious nature to<br>the great danger of the public.''<ref>Christensen, Penelope. "England Further Examples of Quarter Sessions Cases - International Institute, " ''The International Institute of Genealogical Studies'' (2012), https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/England_Further_Examples_of_Quarter_Sessions_Cases_%28National_Institute%29.</ref> | ||
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<br> | |||
=== Parish Officers === | === Parish Officers === | ||
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| '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1795''' {{ | | '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1795''' {{FSC|265658|item|disp=Film 0088145}}<br>''John Elisha of Shinfield, farmer, is appointed one of the Chief<br>Constables of the Hundred of Charlton in the room of [taking over<br>from] Thomas Toms.''<br> | ||
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| '''Kingston, Surrey Quarter Sessions 1793''' {{ | | '''Kingston, Surrey Quarter Sessions 1793''' {{FSC|323607|item|disp=Film 0993053}}<br>''Persons qualified to serve the office of Tithingman for the parish of Windlesham in the stead of James Lane''. <br> | ||
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| '''Bromley Petty Sessions 3<sup>rd</sup> May 1784<br>Present: John Cator esq., Benj. Harene esq.''' {{ | | '''Bromley Petty Sessions 3<sup>rd</sup> May 1784<br>Present: John Cator esq., Benj. Harene esq.''' {{FSC|991848|item|disp=Film 2145577}} | ||
The persons whose names are hereunder written were appointed<br>Overseers of the Poor of the respective parishes under which they are hereafter named (viz) <br> | The persons whose names are hereunder written were appointed<br>Overseers of the Poor of the respective parishes under which they are hereafter named (viz) <br> | ||
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| '''Parish Officers’ Reports Faversham Borough Session Files {{ | | '''Parish Officers’ Reports Faversham Borough Session Files {{FSC|649641|item|disp=Film 1851039}}<br>October 14 1794<br>John Benstead made diligent survey of meats and found them sweat and good for mans body and not very fatt at times in the market<br> Presenter of Butchers John Benstead.''' | ||
1798<br>Wee the Ale Conners have made sirch and found on Sep 11 at the<br>House of W<sup>m</sup> Feakens at the Flowerdeluce, the Bear [sic - beer]<br>very week stale and thick, not fit for the body of men.<br>Likewise in Sep 12 at the House of Wm Black at the Herliquin the<br>bear was so week thick and sower wee could not drinck it at all.<br>Heny Anderson, Tho<sup>s</sup> Haywood X his mark | 1798<br>Wee the Ale Conners have made sirch and found on Sep 11 at the<br>House of W<sup>m</sup> Feakens at the Flowerdeluce, the Bear [sic - beer]<br>very week stale and thick, not fit for the body of men.<br>Likewise in Sep 12 at the House of Wm Black at the Herliquin the<br>bear was so week thick and sower wee could not drinck it at all.<br>Heny Anderson, Tho<sup>s</sup> Haywood X his mark | ||
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| '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1799''' {{ | | '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1799''' {{FSC|265658|item|disp=Film 0088145}}<br>''Philip Mate of Thatcham, keeper of a turnpike gate fined 40/- for<br>taking a greater toll than he was authorized.''<br> | ||
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| '''Essex Quarter Sessions 1827''' {{ | | '''Essex Quarter Sessions 1827''' {{FSC|110265|item|disp=Film 0853352}}<br>''It is ordered by the Court that the treasurers of this County or one<br>of them do pay to Mr Matthew Gardner the sum of seventeen<br>pounds fourteen shillings and six pence being the amount of his<br>late Bill for repairing the Bridge called Long Bridge situate in<br>Little Coggeshall in the said County, which Bill hath been now<br>produced to and allowed by this Court.''<ref>Christensen, Penelope. "England Additional Examples of Quarter Sessions Cases - International Institute, " ''The International Institute of Genealogical Studies'' (2012), https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/England_Additional_Examples_of_Quarter_Sessions_Cases_%28National_Institute%29.</ref> | ||
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Some of the cases which the justices had to scratch their heads about in 1784 in Bromley, Kent are given below. | Some of the cases which the justices had to scratch their heads about in 1784 in Bromley, Kent are given below. | ||
'''Chart: Petty Sessions Settlement Exams<br>Bromley, Kent 3rd May 1784''' {{ | '''Chart: Petty Sessions Settlement Exams<br>Bromley, Kent 3rd May 1784''' {{FSC|991848|item|disp=Film 2145577}}<br> | ||
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Anne Cole (1990) describes her favourite settlement examination:<br>''James Thompson, born in North America came to England in 1777<br>and was pressed into the Royal Navy in 1782. He was discharged<br>and admitted to Greenwich Hospital as an out-pensioner and lived<br>in London. However, he was apprehended as a ‘rogue and<br>vagabond’ in Sleaford, Lincolnshire in 1784 explaining that<br>someone had tried to apply for his semi-annual pension in<br>Gainsborough, Lincolnshire but by the time he got there the bills<br>had been returned to London, so he needed a pass back there.''<ref>Christensen, Penelope. "England Quarter Session Settlements and Removals | Anne Cole (1990) describes her favourite settlement examination:<br>''James Thompson, born in North America came to England in 1777<br>and was pressed into the Royal Navy in 1782. He was discharged<br>and admitted to Greenwich Hospital as an out-pensioner and lived<br>in London. However, he was apprehended as a ‘rogue and<br>vagabond’ in Sleaford, Lincolnshire in 1784 explaining that<br>someone had tried to apply for his semi-annual pension in<br>Gainsborough, Lincolnshire but by the time he got there the bills<br>had been returned to London, so he needed a pass back there.''<ref>Christensen, Penelope. "England Quarter Session Settlements and Removals - International Institute, " ''The International Institute of Genealogical Studies'' (2012), https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/England_Quarter_Session_Settlements_and_Removals_%28National_Institute%29.</ref> | ||
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'''Frant, Sussex Magistrate Summons 1815''' {{ | '''Frant, Sussex Magistrate Summons 1815''' {{FSC|501667|item|disp=Film 1364155}}<br>''Summons to W<sup>m</sup> Francis Woodgate esqire of Tunbridge, Kent to<br>show cause why he refused to pay £7. 16s Poor Rate. '' | ||
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=== Theft === | |||
The cut-off point between petty and grand larceny was 1/- so many goods were valued at slightly under a shilling, say 10d so they could be dealt with in Quarter Sessions rather than be sent up to the Assizes. Barlow (2004 part 2) quotes a blatant case ''making the crime fit the sessions'' in 1782 in Hampshire where a total value of 10d was placed on 22 silver buttons, one black coarse gown, one pair of stays, one apron, a check shirt, two black silk handkerchiefs and 10 lbs of tallow! | The cut-off point between petty and grand larceny was 1/- so many goods were valued at slightly under a shilling, say 10d so they could be dealt with in Quarter Sessions rather than be sent up to the Assizes. Barlow (2004 part 2) quotes a blatant case ''making the crime fit the sessions'' in 1782 in Hampshire where a total value of 10d was placed on 22 silver buttons, one black coarse gown, one pair of stays, one apron, a check shirt, two black silk handkerchiefs and 10 lbs of tallow! | ||
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| '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1800''' {{ | | '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1800''' {{FSC|265658|item|disp=Film 0088146}}<br>''John Palmer transported for 7 years for stealing 4 cheeses value 10d, property of Ann Hallard widow. [Perhaps not his first offence] ''<br> | ||
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'''Warwickshire Quarter Sessions 1850''' {{ | '''Warwickshire Quarter Sessions 1850''' {{FSC|268200|item|disp=Film 0225170}} There are nine pages of depositions regarding the loss of a duck!''<br>Mary Jeffs on her oath saith: I am a singlewoman and live in the<br>parish of Brailes in the County of Warwick. I am a servant to Mr<br>John Warmington of that Parish farmer. I have been in his Service<br>about a year and a half. From about May last I have had the care<br>of Mr Warmington’s Ducks. It was my custom to fasten up all the<br>Poultry every night. We had four Ducks and a Drake. They were<br>all safe on Saturday morning last, and at night when I went to shut<br>them up one Duck was missing. Two were light coloured ones and<br>one of these was gone. The Duck produced by the Police Officer is<br>the one we lost. I know it by its feathers and from having reared it<br>and had the care of it every since.<br> X the mark of Mary Jeffs<br>Taken and sworn before me, H. Townsend. '' | ||
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'''Essex Quarter Sessions Indictment 1827''' {{ | '''Essex Quarter Sessions Indictment 1827''' {{FSC|110265|item|disp=Film 0853352}}<br>''It is ordered by this Court that the Bill of Indictment which has<br>been preferred and found at this present Session against William<br>Monk, William Dellar and Crane Harris for an Highway Robbery, together with the recognizance now taken in Court for the<br>prosecution of the same (or a transcript or certificate of such<br>recognizance) be transmitted by the Clerk of the Peace to the next<br>Assizes or Gaol Delivery to be holden for the said County in order<br>that the said William Monk, William Dellar and Crane Harris may then take their trial on such Bill of Indictment. '' | ||
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'''East Sussex Quarter Sessions 1842''' {{ | '''East Sussex Quarter Sessions 1842''' {{FSC|685400|item|disp=Film 1657819}} ''29 Jun 1842 Recognizances filed by Levi Jupp late of'' ''Horsham labourer and sureties, for poaching in the night time and'' ''not to offend again for one year.'' | ||
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'''Indictment For Larceny 1842<br>Borough of Faversham in Kent.''' {{ | '''Indictment For Larceny 1842<br>Borough of Faversham in Kent.''' {{FSC|649641|item|disp=Film 1851039}}<br>'''To wit'''. The Jurors for our Sovereign Lady the Queen upon their<br>Oath present, that '''John Hopkins''' (plea Not Guilty) ''late of the<br>parish of Faversham within the Borough of Faversham labourer<br>on the 8th day of January ''in the''fifth'' Year of the Reign of our<br>Sovereign Lady Victoria, by the Grace of God Queen of the United<br>Kingdon of Great Britain and Ireland, at the parish aforesaid, in the borough<br>aforesaid ''was servant to one Joseph'' '''Kingsnorth''' ''and that<br>the said John Hopkins afterwards and whilst he was such servant<br>to the said Joseph Kingsnorth as aforesaid and'' '''William Hopkins'''<br>''(plea not guilty) late of Faversham aforesaid labourer, on the day<br>and year aforesaid at the parish aforesaid and within the borough<br>aforesaid [stole ]'' '''three gallons of peas''' of the value of one ''shilling''<br>of the goods and chattels of ''the said Joseph Kingsnorth master of<br>the said John Hopkins'' then and there being found, feloniously did<br>steal, take and carry away, against the Peace of our said Lady the<br>Queen her Crown and Dignity.<br>'''Verdict: John Hopkins''' - ''Guilty. Sentence - to be imprisoned and<br>kept in solitary confinement at St. Augustine’s Canterbury for<br>seven days.''<br>'''Verdict: Wm Hopkins -''' ''Guilty. Sentence - to be imprisoned and kept in solitary confinement at St. Augustine’s Canterbury for<br>seven days.'' | ||
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Occasionally quarter and borough sessions would pass a sentence of death, an example is shown below. | Occasionally quarter and borough sessions would pass a sentence of death, an example is shown below. | ||
'''Chart: Calendar of Crimes and Sentences<br>Faversham Borough Sessions and Gaol Delivery 1824''' {{ | '''Chart: Calendar of Crimes and Sentences<br>Faversham Borough Sessions and Gaol Delivery 1824''' {{FSC|649641|item|disp=Film 1851039}}<br> | ||
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| '''Maidstone Quarter Sessions 1596/7''' {{ | | '''Maidstone Quarter Sessions 1596/7''' {{FSC|561396|item|disp=fiche 6025950}}<br>In January 1596/7 Helen Coppinger and Frances Mountford both of St. George, Southwark, Surrey were convicted of stealing 7s.4d in money from the house of Allan Lewes in Detling, Kent; and Elizabeth Parry of Strood stole clothes from Jane Style from the house of John Miller at Frindsbury. They were sentenced to death, however, there was a loophole for females who could manage to become pregnant before they came to court! Helen, Frances and Elizabeth were separately asked whether they knew any reason why they ought not to be put to death. ''They said they are pregnant and ask for the benefit of their increased wombs. A jury of matrons enquired whether they are pregnant or not and said that they are; therefore judgement is stayed.''<br> | ||
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=== Trade Regulation === | |||
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| '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1790''' {{ | | '''Berkshire Quarter Sessions 1790''' {{FSC|265658|item|disp=Film 0088144}}<br>''Joseph Blagrove of Suttton Courtenay baker, for exercising the<br>trade of baker without having served an apprenticeship of 7 years''.<br> | ||
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'''Kingston, Surrey Quarter Sessions 1756''' {{ | '''Kingston, Surrey Quarter Sessions 1756''' {{FSC|323607|item|disp=Film 0993027}}<br> Copy of printed handbill from the town clerk of Shrewsbury.<br>'''Town of Shrewsbury'''<br>At the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace of our Sovereign<br>Lord the King, held at the Guildhall in and for the Town of<br>Shrewsbury and the Liberties thereof: On Friday the 30th Day of<br>April 1756 being the next General or Quarter Sessions held for the<br>said Town and Liberties after Easter-Day last.<br>[In margin] 112 lb to the C[wt = hundredweight]<br>By virtue of the Act of Parliament in that Case made, the Justices<br>of the Peace assembled at this Sessions, have assessed and rated<br>the Price of all Land Carriage of Goods whatsoever, (except<br>Money, Plate or Jewels) that shall be brought from London to this<br>Town, by any common Waggoner or Carrier, at the Rates and<br>Prices following, (viz.) L..s..d<br>For every Parcel not exceeding 12 lb Weight 0..1..0<br>And for every larger Parcel proportionately<br> By the Hundred (at 112 lb to the Hundred)<br>Between Lady-Day and the first of November 0..7..0<br>Between the first of November and Lady-Day 0..9..0<br>and no more.<br>And it is ordered by this Court, that these Rates be Printed and sent<br>to the several Serjeants at Mace, under-Officers and Constables,<br>within the said Town and Liberties, and affixed up in some publick<br>Places in the said Town and Liberties, to which all Persons may<br>resort for Inspection. And that the common Waggoners and<br>Carriers may not be ignorant of the Law, they are to take Notice,<br>that by the 3 and 4 William and Mary, and the 21 George II, no<br>common Waggoner or Carrier shall take for Carriage to or from<br>London above the Rates so assessed, on pain of forfeiting for every<br>Offence Five Pounds, to the Use of the Party grieved, to be levied<br>by a Warrant of two Justices of the Peace.<br> By the Court<br>''Edwards, Town-Clerk.''<ref>Christensen, Penelope. "England Examples of Quarter Sessions Cases Taxation, Theft, Trade Regulations - International Institute, " ''The International Institute of Genealogical Studies'' (2012), https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/England_Examples_of_Quarter_Sessions_Cases_Taxation,_Theft,_Trade_Regulations_%28National_Institute%29.</ref> | ||
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== References == | == References == | ||
{{reflist}} | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
[[Category:England|Quarter Session Records]] | [[Category:England Court Records|Quarter Session Records]] [[Category:England Court Records]] | ||
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