The County Court: the petition of Sarah Bott, widow

Practice reading this petition:

She humbly shows

That the husband of your poor petitioner did voluntarily buy a horse and armour out of his own money and fight for parliament for two whole years. In this service it pleased God that after a great battle he died, leaving your petitioner with five small children in a very sad and dreadful condition, completely without any money to live on.

Your humble petitioner therefore makes bold humbly to address herself unto your worships humbly begging your worships for help, so that by the blessing of God and your worship’s kindness she may be able to live and look after her children. She will pray to God who blesses widows and the fatherless children.

We the neighbours of this petitioner know her to be honest and hard working and recommend that your worships grant her some money in our names.
John Fuller Vicar
John Sorell Churchwarden

You can see what the original petition looked like here.