Love Lost and Found in the Church Courts

To the Interrogatories [In 1-10]

In 6. That he did hear of such a hue and cry or warrant that was made to apprehend Richard and him but he did not see any warrant.

In 10. That Richard did presently tell Margaret, upon the common riding from Newick not above a quarter of a mile from her father's house, that he did carry her away to marry her and she did then rid along with him willingly.

To the second Interrogatories [In (2) 1-8]

In (2) 3. That Richard and Margaret and he rid to Arundel the first night and by that time they came there it was light day.

In (2) 4. That after Margaret did know whither she did go and whereabout she went, viz to be married, she was very willing to go with Richard and was tractable enough to any thing.

In (2) 5. That it was about 9 or 10 of the clock at night when Richard caused him to take Margaret a horseback behind him, and that she did only wear a petticoat or two on and a pair of white linen sleeves; but he did provide her a gown and other things shortly after.

9 Deposition of Edward Newton.[1] Read over 5 February 1602/3.

Of Lewes, woollen draper; born there; aged about 47 years. He is worth £10. Signature.

To the Libel [L1-6]

L1, 2. That about two years and a half ago Richard Bishoppe of Lewes, then being constable, requested him to accompany him to make search what order was kept in inns and alehouses in Lewes in the service time. Which he did upon some Sunday or holy day happening about the time before mentioned; and Edward Newton and Richard Bishoppe, going to divers inns and alehouses, found Richard Tayler and Margaret Osborne at the house of one John Langridge, an innkeeper dwelling at the sign of the Star, in a room there in service time. And Richard Bishoppe asking Richard and Margaret whence they came and what they were and what they made there in the service time, he answered that they came from a place some four miles off from Chichester; and at the first said that Margaret was his sister but afterwards, being further examined by Richard Bishoppe, both Richard and Margaret confessed that they were man and wife before God, and that they came to Lewes to be married. And then and there Margaret said in the presence of witnesses hereinafter named that Richard was her husband before God and that she would never be married to any other but unto him; and Richard confessed the like and said that she was his wife before God and that he would never be married to any other.

L3. That in respect of the premises in the two precedent articles Richard and Margaret are man and wife, if a man and a woman may be man and wife without solemnisation of matrimony in the church.

To the Additional Positions. [AP1-12]

AP 8-10. That he was present at the house of Richard Bishoppe when Richard did write a letter unto George Osborne and therein did certify of his being at Lewes and his daughter with him, and that he should come thither. And he very well remembereth that Richard sent a messenger of purpose with the letter and either paid him or promised him payment. Upon receipt whereof George Osborne not long after came to Lewes, which was during the continuance of Richard and Margaret at Lewes.