Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    R6/63/33/1
  • Title
    From: Daniel Newcome, Vicar of Woburn To: Mrs.Cruttenden at Mrs.Howland's, Streatham [Surrey]
  • Date free text
    18 Sep 1711
  • Production date
    From: 1711 To: 1711
  • Scope and Content
    From: Daniel Newcome, Vicar of Woburn To: Mrs.Cruttenden at Mrs.Howland's, Streatham [Surrey] "I am afraid you will now begin to think me troublesome with Letters, but this morning my neighbour Turner has inform'd me of a case, that obliges me to write. The Archdeacon, you know, has formerly made Pretences to a Jurisdiction in Woburn, & accordingly he is now vigorously exerting himself in it. He has cited Mr.Turner into his court & forced him to appear with Measures of Excommunication upon the Account of an Executorship & has sent us notice that he will warn in the Church Wardens to be sworn at his Visitation, which was never suffer'd to be done in my Lord Duke's time, by His Grace's Strict Commands, I always forbade them to obey any such Citation. The exempt Jurisdiction of Woburn is a valuable Right in the noble Family, but is now in Danger to be infring'd, unless my Lady Duchess be pleased to interpose. So that I desire, you will take some opportunity to acquaint her Grace of the Archdeacon's proceedings. There is indeed one thing wanting toward preserving a full Jurisdiction in Woburn, and that is a Court for proving of wills and granting Letters of Administration; for which of which, the parishioners can not help going to the Archdeacon's Court & from that Handle he makes a claim to as full power here, as he exercises in any other part of the county. But perhaps if her Grace's council were consulted they could advise a proper way, now that power might be delegated to some Agent or Courtholder to be substituted under her Grace's Authority & during her Grace's pleasure to do the Office of the Archdeacon to all intents & purposes. Madam I am very sensible how all unnecessary Application to my good Lady Duchess ought to be forborne as much as is possible, under the Grief her Grace is in, and the vast multiplicity of business, which must find time to come for her Grace's Direction. Yet I humbly hope the sincere desires I have to do the most faithful service in my power will excuse this trouble. I beg my most humble Duty may be preported to her Grace, my Lord Duke, Madam Howland, Lord John & the little Ladies".
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