‹ E-CIPM 22-226: RALPH ›

The jurors say that Ralph was born at Oldbury on the Hill, baptised in the church there and was aged 21 years on 11 November last. They know well for the following reasons. John Rook , aged 53 years and more, says Joan his wife gave birth to a son named John, baptised in the same church on that day [Martinmas]. Robert Page , 49 years and more, carried a torch from the manor [of Oldbury] to the church before Ralph and held it while Ralph was baptised. John Smyth , 60 years and more, carried from the manor two silver pots with malmsey and clary (vinum malmesia et claria) and four silver goblets to the church for the godfathers and godmother and others there to drink the day that Ralph was baptised. John Norman , 60 years and more, says that Margery his wife broke her right arm that feast day. Robert Cole , 59 years and more, says that Katherine his daughter was espoused to Robert Mildenhale and he was at the espousals at Oldbury on the Hill the same day that Ralph was baptised. John Colet , 60 years and more, says that John clerk of the church broke the church’s great bell by ringing it the same feast day that Ralph was baptised. Thomas Townesende , 60 years and more, was taken ill that day and was laid up for a year, and very many of his neighbours related to him that Ralph was born at Oldbury on the Hill and baptised in the church there. John Heyner , 49 years and more, says that William his son was born at Oldbury on the Hill the same day that Ralph was born. John Sadeler , 49 years and more, was sent immediately after Ralph’s birth for Ellen Slanne to act as Ralph’s godparent and name him. John Draper , 59 years and more, saw Kenelm, parson of Oldbury on the Hill church, godfather, give Ralph a silver goblet with a cover soon after he was baptised and his nurse 6s. 8d. John Scot , 60 years and more, says Katherine his daughter broke her neck that day. Thomas Serche , 59 years and more, that day had a son named Richard born without a nose and baptised in the same church.