James Holt of Tottington - Alleged Mistreatment of Apprentice 1744

The two documents transcribed below were found in the DDX1423 collection at Lancashire Archives (Box 19)

Be it rememberd that Henry Hey of Coupe in the Parish of Bury and County of Lancaster Stone-getter will be ready to make Oath when required; that on Saturday the twenty fifth Instant - George Howorth now or late an Apprentice to James Holt of Tottington in the said County the Older said that if he told the Truth his Master James Holt would Kill Him; But if he coud be loose from his Apprenticeship having served the said Holt above Seven Years he woud speak the Truth and at same Time he cry'd and said if he stayd any longer he will kill me.  In witness whereof I the said Henry Hey have hereunto put my Hand this 28th of August 1744

Witnesses

R. Hill
Henry Hey 'H his mark'

Be it remembered that this 28th August 1744, James Holt the Younger of Tottington said before Richd. Hill and Henry Hey that his Father James Holt of Tottington aforesaid has put such Matters and Things to Him that he coud not in Conscience brook - towit - That he has offer'd to make Him take a false Oath That he has sent Him a Message to Mr Symon Dearden as Attorney at Law and thinking it to be improper he told his Father he had better go Himself for he believed it to be a Lie And further that if his Fathers Apprentice would not say and swear what he had them he would beat them and to this will be ready to make Oath when required

James Rothwell
Richard Hill