The petition of Jane Ouldham of Moston, Lancashire, Midsummer 1650
To the Right Wor[shipfu]ll the Justices of the peace & quoru[m] at the Sessions of the peace houlden at Manchester.
The humble petic[i]on of Jane Ouldham wife of John Ouldham of Mostem Tayleor
Sheweth
That whereas yo[u]r petic[i]oner hath for the space of Fiue years last past or thereabouts inhabited and dwelt within the Towne=ship of Moston at or in the howse of one James Jackson. That yo[u]r petic[i]oners said husband John Ouldham hath inlisted himselfe for a souldier vnder the Comand of Collonell Daniel (who are gone towards the north) and lefte his wife yo[u]r said petic[i]oner and three smale children who haue nothinge to mainteyne themselves with but only the paynefulnes care and industry of yo[u]r said petic[i]oner That yo[u]r petic[i]oner is now destitute of any howse or place for her and her childrens habitac[i]ons, the said James Jackson not permittinge her any longer to stay there who is at present in a Barne belongeinge to the said James by his permission for a few days.
Yo[u]r petic[i]oner therefore humbly praies yo[u]r good worshipps would bee pleased to take her sad Condic[i]on into yo[u]r serious Considerac[i]ons And graunt yo[u]r order that yo[u]r said petic[i]oner may haue some releife for her children and haue some place provided for her or a Cottage erected in some Convenient place in Moston aforesaid or elsewhere as shall seeme & agree with your worshipps pleasures. And yo[u]r petic[i]oner as in duty bound will ever pray for yo[u]r worships healths & prosperities.
<Wee whose names be vnder written doe beleeue & certifie that this Petic[i[on is True.>
<Tho[mas] Chetham>
<Rob[er]te Jenkinson>
<Robert [?Haneth]>
<Henry Hardman>
<Hugh Birch>
<Samuell Taylior>
Ch[urchwardens] & ourseers to p[ro]uide herselfe [illegible] & releeffe.
[Illegible]