Quarter Sessions
The Quarter Sessions generally heard crimes that could not be tried summarily by the justices of the peace (magistrates) without a jury. The Quarter Sessions did not have jurisdiction to hear the most serious crimes, most notably those subject to capital punishment or later life imprisonment. These crimes were sent for trial at the periodic Assizes.
The Quarter Sessions were named after the four annual meetings they held in England and Wales from 1388. These days were later settled as Epiphany, Easter, Midsummer and Michaelmas sessions.
Aughton came within the jurisdiction of the East Riding, and the Quarter Sessions records are held at:
East Riding Archives and Local Studies Service
County Hall
Beverley
East Riding of Yorkshire
HU17 9BA
The most useful records include the following:
Insolvent debtors (QSD);
Quarter Sessions files (QSF);
Recognizances (QSR);
Accounts and vouchers (QST);
For pauper lunatics (QAL), see the History section, Poor Law
For alehouse recognizances (QDT), see the History section, Economic History
For Bastardy, including recognizances and orders, volumes and returns (QSU), see the History section, Poor Law.
| Reference | Details | Date |
| QSF/36/B/9 | Indictment of Elizabeth Williamson of Ellerton singlewoman: - theft of 2 folds of hay at Ellerton (property of Matthew Brown). | 1716 |
| QSF/36/C/18 | Recognizance of Matthew Brown of Ellerton farmer: - to answer complaint of Elizabeth Williams of Ellerton singlewoman for theft of several parcels of hay. | 1716 |
| QSF/36/C/28 | Recognizance of Elizabeth Williams and William Cobb tailor both of Ellerton: - Elizabeth Williams to answer complaint of Matthew Brown for theft of hay. | 1716 |
| QSF/36/C/29 | Recognizance of John Brown of Ellerton labourer: - to give evidence against Elizabeth Williams, as QSF/36/C/28. | 1716 |
| QSF/36/D/7 | Examination of John Brown of Ellerton labourer: - theft of hay by Elizabeth Williams of Ellerton from his father's stack. | 1716 |
| QSF/56/B/3 | Indictment of Anthony Brownridge of Ellerton yeoman: - killing pigeons at Ellerton. | 1722 |
| QSF/79/B/11 | Indictment of inhabitants of Ellerton: - non-repair of Watercourse from High Ash Lane to Bubwith Clow between Lathamgang Bridge and Aughton Bridge. | 1727 |
| QSF/91/E/3 | Certificate of the inhabitants of Ellerton: - loss sustained by fire by Dorothy Middleton and George Kelvington. | 1730 |
| QSF/130/C/13 | Recognizance of John Goodall wheelwright, Thomas Copley carpenter both of Wheldrake and John Webster of Ellerton cordwainer: - J.G. in bastardy (Mary Carrack of Wheldrake singlewoman). | 1740 |
| QSF/166/B/3 | Indictment of Robert Cock of Ellerton yeoman: - not entering his servants in the book kept by the Chief Constable of Holme Beacon Division. | 1749 |
| QSF/202/B/5 | Indictment of Thomas Carlill jun., of Ellerton yeoman: - extorting money from Thomas Atkinson. | 1758 |
| QSF/211/C/35 | Recognizance of Thomas Hirton of Ellerton: - to appear and keep peace towards Richard Clark of Ellerton. | 1761 |
| QSF/228/B/16 | Indictment of John Newton, Michael Yeoman, William Brown and John Carr all of Ellerton, yeomen: - cheating Richard Clark at card game called All-Fours. | 1765 |
| QSF/228/C/16 | Recognizance of John Carr and John Newton both of Ellerton, yeomen: - appearance of J.C. | 1765 |
| QSF/228/C/17 | Recognizance of William Brown and Michael Yeoman both of Ellerton yeoman: - appearance of W.B. | 1765 |
| QSF/228/C/18 | Recognizance of Michael Yeoman and John Newton both of Ellerton: - appearance. | 1765 |
| QSF/228/C/19 | Recognizance of John Newton and John Carr both of Ellerton yeomen: - appearance of J.N. | 1765 |
| QSF/228/C/25 | Recognizance of John Newton and George Buttell of Ellerton yeomen: - appearance of J.M. | 1765 |
| QSF/229/C/16 | Recognizance of John Battle (of Ellerton weaver?) and William Burton of Wilberfoss farmer: - J.B. threat on Jane wife of Robert Smouton. | 1765 |
| QSF/231/C/10 | Recognizance of Samuel Kay of Ellerton farmer and John Walker of Cotten-with labourer: - appearance of S.K. | 1766 |
| QSF/231/C/13 | Recognizance of Samuel Kay of Ellerton labourer: - threatening bodily harm to William Beilby of Breighton ferryman. | 1766 |
| QSF/240/C/5 | Recognizance of Francis Jennings of Storwood and Robert Brown of Ellerton farmers: - assault by F.J. on Rebecoa Ridsdale. | 1768 |
| QSF/262/B/1 | Indictment of John Newton of Ellerton yeoman: - assault on Richard Wilkinson. | 1773 |
| QSF/262/C/3 | Recognizance of William Simpson, John Newton and Francis Mosey of Ellerton farmers: - to answer complaint of Richard Wilkinson of Ellerton farmer. | 1773 |
| QSF/262/C/4 | Recognizance of Richard Wilkinson of Ellerton farmer: - to prosecute John Newton and Francis Mosey both of Ellerton farmers. | 1773 |
| QSF/297/C/1 | Recognizance of Richard Hemmingway of Ellerton wheelwright: - to prosecute Joseph and William Young and John Pencock of Ellerton. | 1782 |
| QSF/297/C/5 | Recognizance of Joseph Young shoemaker, William Young and Thomas Boast farmers and John Peacock labourer all of Ellerton and Robert Wilkinson of Aughton farmer: - appearance of J.Y., W.Y., and J.P. | 1782 |
| QSF/321/C/6 | Recognizance of Robert Wright of Ellerton servant to Matthew Brown of Ellerton farmer and M.B.: - R.W. in bastardy (Alice Underwood of Thorganby with Cottingwith singlewoman). | 1788 |
| QSF/342/C/4 | Recognizance of Joseph and John Sherborn both of Ellerton, servants in husbandry :- Joseph S. in bastardy (Margaret Hessey of Ellerton singlewoman). | 1793 |
| QSF/357/B/3 | Indictment of William Atkinson of Ellerton farmer :- obstruction of water course adjoining highway leading from E. end of Causeway Lane in East Cottingwith to Carr Dyke. | 1797 |
| QSF/357/C/2 | Recognizance of William Roundhill of Ellerton and Robert Goodland of Aldbrough :- W.R. in bastardy (Mary Wray of Cottingham singlewoman). | 1797 |
| QSF/357/C/6 | Recognizance of William Atkinson farmer and Charles Hall gentleman both of Ellerton :- W.A. to appear. | 1797 |
| QSF/362/B/11 | Indictment of Samuel Ringrose of Ellerton farmer :- assault on Charlotte Somers at Ellerton. | 1799 |
| QSR/1/11/14 | Recognizance of Robert Watson of Holme upon Spalding Moor and William Simpson of Ellerton:-recognizance of £20 each that Robert Watson shall keep the peace towards George Walker of Holme upon Spalding Moor | 2 Sep 1802 |
| QSF/398/F/9 | Conviction of William Young of Ellerton parish ofAughton, labourer:-keeping and using a greyhound at Aughton on 5 Nov 1806. Fined £5. Informant: Sir Henry Vavasour of Melbourn Hall, Baronet. Witnesses: John Atkinson of Ellerton, labourer | 6 Dec 1806 |
| QSR/1/32/29 | Recognizance of William Atkinson and George Empson, servantmen, William Stephenson and Robert Smith, farmers, all of Ellerton:-recognizance of £40 that William Atkinson and George Empson shall answer charges brought against them by Robert Brown of Ellerton, for a misdemeanour | 3 Jan 1807 |
| QSR/1/32/30 | Recognizance of Thomas Featherstone, labourer, William Stephenson and Robert Smith, farmers, all of Ellerton:-recognizance of £50 that Thomas Featherstone shall answer charges brought against him by Mary Robinson of Ellerton, singlewoman, for an assault | 3 Jan 1807 |
| QSR/1/32/31 | Recognizance of Robert Knutt and William Atlas, servantmen, William Stephenson and Robert Smith, farmers, all of Ellerton:-recognizance of £40 that Robert Knutt and William Atlas shall answer charges brought against them by Robert Brown of Ellerton, for a misdemeanour | 3 Jan 1807 |
| QSR/1/32/32 | Recognizance of Joseph Shirburne, labourer, William Stephenson and Robert Smith, farmers, all of Ellerton:-recognizance of £30 that Joseph Shirburne shall answer charges brought against him by Robert Brown of Ellerton, for a misdemeanour | 3 Jan 1807 |
| QSR/1/32/34 | Recognizance of William Jackson of Ellerton, servantman:-recognizance of £10 to answer charges brought against him by Robert Brown of Ellerton, for a misdemeanour | 6 Jan 1807 |
| QSF/395/B/6 | Indictment of Thomas Featherstone of Ellerton, servant:-assault on Mary Robinson at Ellerton. Witness: Hannah Smith, Robert Brown | 7 Apr 1807 |
| QSR/1/42/4 | Recognizance of Richard Selby, shoemaker, and Launcelot Selby, labourer, both of Ellerton:-recognizance of £20 for Richard Selby and £10 for Launcelot Selby, that Richard Selby keep the peace especially towards Sarah Powell, wife of Samuel Powell of Ellerton, farmer's servant | 24 May 1810 |
| QSR/1/43/10 | Recognizance of Crosby Harrison, labourer, and Robert Smith, farmer, both of Ellerton:-recognizance of £10 each for Crosby Harrison to keep the peace especially towards Robert Brown | 25 Sep 1810 |
| QSF/409/B/1 | Indictment of Richard Selby of Ellerton, labourer:-assault Sarah Powell the wife of Samuel Powell at Ellerton, labourer | 2 Oct 1810 |
| QSR/1/48/27 | Recognizance of John Browne, miller's son, and William Browne, miller, both of Ellerton:-recognizance of £20 each that John Browne keep the peace especially towards Sarah Powell ,after assaulting her by striking her with his fist doubled, once on the breast and twice in the face | 5 Jan 1811 |
| QSR/1/48/28 | Recognizance of Samuel Powell of Ellerton ,farmer's servant:-recognizance of £20 to prefer a bill of indictment against John Browne of Ellerton, miller's son, for assaulting Sarah Powell. wife of Samuel Powell, with his fist doubled, once on the breast and twice in the face | 5 Jan 1811 |
| QSF/411/B/23 | Indictment of John Brown of Ellerton, labourer:-assault on Sarah Powell. House of Correction one week. Witness: Hannah Chapple, Robert Thompson | 23 Apr 1811 |
| QSR/1/62/9 | Recognizance of Richard Cook constable of East Cottingwith Peter Wilson farmer John Williamson servant all of East Cottingwith and William Brown millers servant of Ellerton:-Recognizance of £80 that they prefer one or more bill or bills of indictment against William Jackson for a felony | 25 May 1815 |
| QSR/1/73/26 | Recognizance of Robert Brown, farmer of Ellerton:-Recognizance of £10 to prefer one or more bill or bills of indictment against John Brown, miller and Henry Myers his servant, John Charles, William Martin, George Selby and Thomas Hazlewood all of Ellerton for a misdemeanor | 7 Mar 1818 |
| QSR/1/74/2 | Recognizance of John Brown, miller Henry Myers millers servant, John, Charles and William sons of Thomas Martin, farmer, George son of Richard Selby, shoemaker and Thomas Hazlewood servant to Robert Smith, farmer all of Ellerton:-Recognizance of £60 that John Brown, Henry Myers, John, Charles and William Martin, George Sherburn, George Selby and Thomas Hazlewood shall answer such things that will be objected against them by Robert Brown of Ellerton, yeoman for a misdemeanour | 7 Mar 1818 |
| QSR/1/74/26 | Recognizance of John Wright Renton of Bubwith Toll Bar and William Johnson constable of Ouse and Derwent:-Recognizance of £20 that ---- Wright is to appeal against a conviction made by Preston (clk) and George Palmer for taking from Thomas Richardson of Ellerton farmer the sum of 1 shilling and 6 pence as toll for a narrow wheeled wagon drawn by two oxen this was contrary to the law John Wright incurred a penalty of £5. | 2 Jun 1818 |
| QSR/1/80/14 | Recognizance of John Brown and Matthew Brown both of Ellerton:-Recognizance £40 that they will answer such things that will be objected against them by Mr Robert Brown of Ellerton | 20 Nov 1818 |
| QSF/440/F/1 | Conviction of John Wright, renter of tolls at Bubwith:-illegally taken a toll from Thomas Richardson of Ellerton on 21 May. Fined £5 | 2 Jun 1818 |
| QSF/441/B/9 | Indictment of Joseph Bailey, Henry Myers, John Martin, Charles Martin, William Martin, George Selby, George Sherburn and Thomas Hazlewood all of Ellerton, labourers, John Brown of Ellerton, miller and William Brown of Ellerton, yeoman:-riotous assembly at Ellerton, damaging property of Robert Brown. House of Correction 3 weeks. Witness: Mary Robinson, Elizabeth Thornton, Margaret Clayburn | 31 Mar 1818 |
| QSR/1/91/12 | Recognizance of John Sherburn of Ellerton servant in husbandry to Mr Robert Brown of Ellerton and Thomas Thompson of Bubwith, bricklayer:-Recognizance of £10 each respecting an assault and battery which Henry Green stands charged of | 17 Aug 1822 |
| QSR/1/91/13 | Recognizance of Robert Brown of Ellerton:-Recognizance of £40 to prefer a bill of indictment against Henry Green son of Wilfrid Green of Derington, miller for an assault and battery | 17 Aug 1822 |
| QSR/1/91/16 | Recognizance of Henry Green and Wilfrid Green both of Dorington:-Recognizance of £20 each for Henry Green son of Wilfrid Green to keep the peace especially towards Robert Brown of Ellerton | 23 Aug 1822 |
| QSF/457/B/2 | Indictment of Henry Green of Dunnington:-assault on Robert Brown at Ellerton. Fined 20 shillings or one month in House of Correction. Witness: John Sherburn, Thomas Thompson | 15 Oct 1822 |
| QSF/457/F/30 | Examination of Robert Brown of Ellerton:-in dispute with Wilfred Green and he was ran over by Henry Green, evidence given by John Sherburn, Henry Green and Thomas Thompson of Bubwith, bricklayer | 17 Aug 1822 |
| QSR/1/98/33 | Recognizance of Mark Rowland of Ellerton servant and Mark Cook constable of Bishop ----:-Recognizance of £20 each to prefer a bill of indictment against John Smith, John Parkin, George Wilson and John Chadwick for a felony | 30 May 1824 |
| QSR/1/98/37 | Recognizance of Robert Marflitt of Ellerton servant in husbandry:-Recognizance of £20 to prefer a bill of indictment against John Smith, George Wilson, John Parkins and John Chadwick | 5 Jun 1824 |
| QSR/1/98/38 | Recognizance of Joseph Killingbeck of Ellerton servant in husbandry:-Recognizance of £20 to prefer a bill of indictment against John Smith, George Wilson, John Parkins and John Chadwick for a felony | 5 Jun 1824 |
| QSR/1/98/39 | Recognizance of William Pemberton of Ellerton servant in husbandry:-Recognizance of £20 to prefer a bill of indictment against John Smith, George Wilson, John Parkins and John Chadwick for a felony | 5 Jun 1824 |
| QSR/1/98/40 | Recognizance of Joseph Young of Ellerton innkeeper:-Recognizance of £10 to prefer a bill of indictment against John Smith, George Wilson, John Parkins and John Chadwick for a felony | 5 Jun 1824 |
| QSR/1/99/26 | Recognizance of David Lazenby pinder of Ellerton:-Recognizance of an unknown man who forcibly took from David Lazenby six beasts that he was driving to the pinfold of Ellerton | 21 Sep 1824 |
| QSR/1/99/27 | Recognizance of Walker Watson of Sutton upon Derwent cattle jobber:-Recognizance of £20 for taking six beasts from David Lazenby pinder of Ellerton | 21 Sep 1824 |
| QSF/464/B/2 | Indictment of John Smith, George Wilson, John Chadwick and John Parkins, all of Beverley, labourers:-steal one fustian coat from Joseph Killingbeck at Ellerton. Witness: Joseph Young, Mark Cook, Mark Rowland | 13 Jul 1824 |
| QSF/464/B/5 | Indictment of John Smith, George Wilson, John Parkins and John Chadwick of Beverley, labourers:-steal one coat, one razor, one razor case, 2 books and 2 handkerchiefs, from William Pemberton at Ellerton. Witness: Joseph Young, Mark Cook | 13 Jul 1824 |
| QSF/464/B/7 | ndictment of John Smith, George Wilson, John Parkins and John Chadwick, all of Beverley, labourers:-steal one smock frock and one coat from Robert Marfitt at Ellerton. JS, GW House of Correction 3 months hard labour. Witness: Joseph Young, Mark Cook | 13 Jul 1824 |
| QSF/465/G/3 | Bill not found Robert Harrison of York, labourer:-forcibly remove oxen from the pound at Ellerton against the will of David Lazenby pindar at Ellerton, the oxen belonging to Walker Watson of Sutton upon Derwent, cattle jobber | 19 Oct 1824 |
| QSF/467/G/2 | Bill not found Robert Brown otherwise Robert Richardson of Ellerton, labourer:-assault on Mary Robinson at Ellerton | 12 Apr 1825 |
| QSF/473/F/19 | Conviction of Robert Richardson otherwise Browne of Ellerton:-using a dog and gun to destroy game at Ellerton on 1 Sep. Fined £5. Informant: Robert Denison the younger esquire. Oath: Richard Sowersby of Ellerton, labourer. On the reverse: examination of Richard Sowersby and defence of Robert Richardson | 14 Sep 1826 |
| QSF/473/F/21 | Conviction of John Johnson of Everingham, publican:-using dog and gun to destroy game at Thornton. Fined £5. Informant: Robert Young of Elvington, gardener. Witness: Richard Sowersby of Ellerton, labourer. On the reverse: examination of witness | 3 Oct 1826 |
| QSF/473/F/23 | Conviction of Peter Hatfield of Ellerton, farmer:-using a dog and gun to destroy game at Ellerton on 2 Sep. Fined £10. Informant: Robert Brown of Ellerton, gentleman. On the reverse: examination of Robert Brown and Peter Hatfield | 22 Sep 1826 |
| QSF/475/B/16 | Indictment of Joseph Laverack otherwise Joseph Lavrack of Bubwith, labourer:-steal 2 ducks from William Boast at Ellerton. Witness: William Richardson, James Wake, Francis Eccles, George Richardson, John Richardson | 23 Apr 1827 |
| QSF/475/B/17 | Indictment of Joseph Laverack otherwise Joseph Lavrack of Bubwith, labourer:-steal 2 ducks from James Wake at Ellerton. Witness: William Boast, William Richardson, Francis Eccles, George Richardson, John Richardson | 23 Apr 1827 |
| QSF/477/F/31 | Conviction of Thomas Hodgson of Stonegate in York, plumber and glazier:-using a dog and gun at Ellerton on 18 Sep. Fined £5. Informant: George Evett. Witness: Richard Sowersby of Ellerton, labourer. On the reverse: examination of witnesses including John Jackson junior, of York, plumber and glazier | 4 Oct 1827 |
| QSF/491/F/54 | Letter from James Wharton attached to QSF/491/F/55a,b:-'Dear Sir the Constable of Ellerton tells me Barnard is poor industrious has a family. I therefore wish if possible to save him the expence of a game certificate. The more especially as the Constable thinks Barnard was going to look for wild ducks and not for game. This I should be inclined to believe, because water fowls are abundant on the banks off the Derwent, in all times of frost and of floods and birds of that description do not come within the grasp of the Certificicate Act'. | 3 Feb 1831 |
| QSF/491/F/55a | Information of Joseph Sibary, gamekeeper:-information of gamekeeper to Robert Denison of Kilnwick Percy, against Thomas Barnard of Ellerton, labourer on 26 Jan at Ellerton did use a gun to destroy game. | nd. [1831?] |
| QSF/491/F/55b | Conviction of Thomas Barnard:-destroying game. Informant: Joseph Sibary, gamekeeper. Witness: Richard Sowersby of Ellerton, labourer. | 2 Feb 1831 |
| QSF/502/F/45 | Conviction of George Sherburn of Ellerton:-using a gun without a licence in a field belonging to Mr John . Fined £10 plus 5 shillings costs. | 10 Dec 1832 |
| QSF/502/F/46 | Conviction of Thomas Barnett of Aughton:-using a gun without a certificate on fields in Ellerton belonging to Thomas Blanchard. Fined £10 plus 5s 9d costs. | 10 Dec 1832 |
| QSF/509/F/2 | Conviction of Charles Wilkinson of Bubwith:-trespass in pursuit of game at lands in Ellerton in occupation of Peter Hatfield of Ellerton, farmer and belonging to Sir C C Bethel. Fined £1 plus 15s 4d costs or one month. House of Correction. Complainant: Richard Sowersby of Ellerton | 7 Oct 1835 |
| QSF/526/F/5 | Conviction of Thomas Peacock of Melbourne, surgeon:-commit a trespass in search of game at land at Ellerton occupied by Mrs Elizabeth Hatfield. Fined £2 plus 13s 4d costs or one month in House of Correction. Complainant: Richard Sowerby of Ellerton, labourer | 3 Nov 1838 |
| QSF/541/B/6 | Indictment of Mary Mitchell, wife of Robert Mitchell of Ellerton, labourer:-steal a woollen and silk shawl value 2 shillings, pair of worsted stockings value 6 pence, 2 pairs of silk gloves value one shilling, 100 yards of ribbon value 5 shillings and 50 yards of ribbon value 2 shillings from Peter Marshall and William Hind at Howden. House of Correction 4 months hard labour. Witness: Thirza Marshall, Thomas Read Jenkinson, George Autey | 17 Oct 1843 |
| QSF/543/B/15 | Indictment of Robert Blanchard of Ellerton, labourer:-steal 4 stones of bacon value 10 shillings and 2 stones of wheaten flour value 3 shillings from Richard Dale at Ellerton. House of Correction 6 months hard labour. Witness: John Dsle, Joseph Allison, George Autey | 9 Apr 1844 |
| QSF/545/F/43 | Conviction of James Weldon:-vagrancy and begging at Foggathorpe, Ellerton and Everingham. House of Correction one month hard labour | 29 Aug 1844 |
| QSF/566/G/1 | Bill not found John Carr of Ellerton, labourer:-Steal 25 bushells of potatoes value £4 from William Feartherby in Ellerton. Witness: George Wake | 2 Jan 1849 |
| QSF/605/F/10 | Conviction of John Robinson, Joseph Robinson, William Pickersgill and Richard Kell Skelton:-steal 5 fishes value 5 shillings from John Dale and Richard Dale at Ellerton. John Robinson, Joseph Robinson, 10 days hard labour. Richard Kell Skelton 14 days hard labour. William Pickersgill one months hard labour | 7 Jul 1858 |