Love Lost and Found in the Church Courts

In (2) 3. That notwithstanding the promise made, Richard and William Hoskin carried her another way and ridd to Arundel that night.

In (2) 4. That she told him that when she perceived that Richard and William Hoskin did carry her a contrary way and not to Court Barn, and that he did not purpose to bring her home again according to his promise, that then she did earnestly entreated [sic] that they would carry her home; and that she was very willing to go home.

In (2) 5. That it was about 9 or 10 o'clock at night when she was carried away; and that she had only two thin petticoats and a pair of thin sheets which was not fit to ride such a journey in by night.

In (2) 6. That the petticoat of Margaret was sent to Ferring by William Hoskin; and that when George went to Lewes he found her in a gown, and asking her some questions would have her put off the gown, which she could not conveniently do by reason her petticoat was sent away.

In (2) 7. That Margaret told him that Richard and William Hoskin did entreat her to speak to him to be good unto them because there was a hue and cry after them, or else they could not tell what to do.

In (2) 8. That Margaret told him that Richard, since the time that he and Margaret and George came from Lewes, did procure her to go with him from his house a little way and one of the maid servants went with her; and then he bid the maid to go into his house. Then Richard stopped the mouth of Margaret because she should not cry out, and took her in his arms and carried her a good way distant from his house by violence, and there drew his dagger and threatened her that, except she would consent to be his wife, he would make an end of himself or of both them; and had procured a horse within one quarter of a mile to have carried away her again.

7 Deposition of Thomasine Osborne.[1] Read over 3 Feb 1602/3.

Wife of George Osborne of West Wittering where she has lived for 20 years; before at East Wittering 7 years; before at Catherington, Hants; born there; aged about 40. She is worth nothing of her own goods because she has a husband. Signs with mark.

To the Libel [L1-6]

L1, 2. That Margaret Osborne had and received a pair of gloves and a purse and other things of Richard Tayler, as Thomasine Osborne hath heard her say, which was in respect that he was Valentine unto her one or two years and not in respect of any token of any marriage.

To the Additional Positions. [AP1-12]

AP 1, 2. That she hath said unto Richard and she does not very well remember whether to any others, that for her part she would be contented, if so be that it were to the liking of Richard and Margaret and to the good liking of George Osborne, that they should be married. And she further saith that she spoke unto her husband at a time when Margaret was sick, and told him that some folks thought that she was sick for the love of Richard, which if it were so he might do well to give his consent that Richard and Margaret ought to be married. Then he answered, 'No sure it is not,' or that matter, and said he would never give his consent. And she further saith that George bid her ask Margaret whether she did take any conceit [?][2] for the love of Richard, which she did accordingly; and she answered, 'No mother I take no thought for him. You are much deceived'.