Some Cases from the Defamation Jurisdiction of the Archdeaconry of Richmond

Abstract

Unusually, the archdeaconry of Richmond had two consistory courts, one in Chester and one in Richmond. This may well be the first study to be based upon the Richmond records. The mid-sixteenth century ‘explosion’ in the ecclesiastical defamation workload which other commentators have identified was being felt later, possibly by as much as a century, in Richmond than anywhere else in the country. The Richmond records provide the first firm evidence that the ecclesiastical courts were prepared to countenance defamation actions based upon the wrongful imputation of murder. Allegations of sexual irregularity were by far the most common subject of ecclesiastical defamation actions. Women were most likely to complain about allegations concerning their constancy; men for those touching upon their probity.