Editorial Principles

The deposition records presented here were selected for their compelling content and are mainly concerned with examinations of witnesses in defamation litigation. They are not intended to provide a representative sample of every kind of litigation found in the deposition books of the Bishop of Hereford, which would include conflicts over wills, tithes, and breaking of trust amongst other business. They do provide an interesting window into the quarrels and troubles of Herefordshire people in the late sixteenth century.

Transcriptions: The transcription is semi-diplomatic. Expansions in the Latin transcription are indicated by italics. Insertions are enclosed in forward and backward slashes (e.g., \the article/). Lacunae in the text due to damage are indicated in angle brackets and speculative readings enclosed within them (e.g., pr<iest>). 

Translations: The English translation renders the Latin passages (indicated with italics) and a modernized English version of the English passages, including modern spellings and punctuation. Wherever possible the word order is preserved, unless it makes the syntax too difficult to follow. Occasional editorial insertions are indicated in square brackets and archaic words or expressions are explained in the notes.