In 1669 the churchwardens of Arrow Church felt constrained to inform their Bishop of a scandalous situation, though it will be noticed that they are relying on hearsay. What the Bishop did, we are not informed.

We thought good to acquaint you that there is A NAUGHTY buisnes fald out in our parish of Arrow. That is, Mary Measey, widow, hath kept a younge man Company for these two years together and as it is reported have lyene together severall times'.

The wardens continue that everybody had thought these two people had been married but quite recently
'she is married to another without lycence or being published: he that she is married to now lately his name is Henry Tomes'

The wardens go on,
'He that kept her company soe longe would very fame know how they were married for he doth intend to sue for halfe her portion: and besides they will not pay theire dues neither to the minister nor Clerke although they were married in another parish.'

The wardens seem to think that Mary Measey had no morals either in things sexual or financial.

Most of the wardens' annual presentments to the Bishop concerned Catholics or nonconformists who missed Sunday church or had unbaptised children.

As we have seen, other issues occasionally needed mentioning: not until 1749 was marital infidelity again included. In that year 'John Bruton and his pretended wife are to prove their marriage and if not, for living incontinently together, having had a child.'

The wardens were not always helped by other church officers; in 1674 the presentments said 'Our clark cannot write' , which was not helpful for the parish records. The vicar must have helped to write the presentments, for they also say 'Our wardens take not notice who are absent from Divine Service'.

Winter 1993 Index