Not rape if you wear a wig!!

 

Processing a selection of the Bastardy returns for Hartland, N. Devon they are mainly of the Pro Forma style that is a set format of accepting a child born mainly to single women is likely to become a cost on the parish. To offset this it is common for benefactors to come forward and become bound to the parish to cover the costs of such children up until the age of seven. Archives are full of such documents although often ignored by family historians. On occasions the task of processing the images is made lighter when a document contains fuller information and below is one such example.

The lady Jane Trick could not provide information as to who the father of her illegitimate child was her reason being that the unidentified male wore a wig and it was dark. We are not really told if this was consensual or forced, but could assume that for her defence she was indicating that it was not the result of her choosing. We do not have an accompanying document to know if a benefactor came forward to cover the costs for the parish. however Jane has track record for in 1721 - Jane had illegitimate twins - John Coule was declared the the father he and John Trick (her brother) and Henry Parsons stood warranty for the child. Again in 1749 Jane had an illegitimate son - this time a John Mabin was declared the father and the overseers had him called before the Justices to indemnify the parish.

An interesting comparison could be made with society today and that of 300 years ago?

"The examination of Jane Trick of Hartland singlewoman taken before me John Benson Esq one of His Majesties Justices of the Peace for the said county this 5th day of October a.d.1731

This examination on her oath saith that about a fortnight after Easter past as this examinant was returning to Hartland from Bideford markett she was mett in the highway leading to Hartland between Knapp Mill and Woolfardisworthy Cross within the parish of Woolfardisworthy by two men unknown to the examinant mounted on two horses One of which men was wearing a wig did at the time and place above enter and had carnall knowledge of the body of the said exaninant by which means she the examinant is quick and big with child and she the said examinant on her oath said that she doth not know who the said person that lay with her was nor where he lived neither can this examinant tell what manner of clothes he had on, it being dark when she the examinant mett him and that no other person is the father of the said bastard child save the person above mentioned. The mark of 'x' Jane Trick"