Bastardy at Quarter Sessions.
by Trevor & Pamela Griffiths
Hi to all,
I have received a copy of a sitting of the Montgomery Quarter Sessions in
1797, for a bastardy bond and on it, it states that William GRIFFITHS of
Lower Broniarth, labourer, and Evan DAVIES of township (unreadable), yeoman
came before the court.
The sum of ten pounds was made against both men, and in the conditions it
states that it was for begetting a child on the body of Mary JONES, single
woman.
My question or query is this : Does this mean that both men had a
relationship with Mary JONES?
Also, my records show that William GRIFFITHS was aged about 17, Evan DAVIES
age unknown, and Mary JONES aged 16.
It seems strange that Evan DAVIES, yeoman, who would have more means than
William a labourer, make an odd couple, maybe they worked together on a
farm.
How would a 17 year old labourer cover the sum of ten pounds?
Any thoughts that people may have, I would be interested in receiving.
All the best from
Trevor Griffiths in wet and cold Bunbury, West Australia.