Ann Spalder: The Examination of Ann Spalder, spinster, 17 October 1699

Citty of Chester Ss}The Examination of Ann Alder Spinster taken before Will: Bennett Esquire Mayor of the said Citty of Chester & John Williams Esquire Deputy Recorder of the Same upon Tuesday the 17.th day of October in the 15.th year of his Majesties Reign King William the 3.d over England &c. Anno dmi 1699.

Ann Alder Spinster Servant to Joseph Horton now of the Citty of Chester and late of the Citty of London Goldsmith being Examined confesseth & saith, that the said Master Joseph Horton came from his Country Seat att Cotton Hook near Chester on fryday last about 5. or 6. of the Clock in the Evening to his house in Watergait Street in the Said Citty of Chester and went to his bed there about 9. or 10. a Clock the Same night and went out of Town (to Cotton Hook as he declared) on Satturday last about 8 a clock at night, and returned again on foot as she beleives Yesterday being the 16.th of this Instant October about 8. or 9. of the Clock in the morneing of the same day and She further Saith that our Mr Roberts who hath usually lived with the Said Master for 12. months last past Lodged in the said Masters house on fryday Satturday & Sunday Night last past, and that the Said Master & the Said Roberts Dined togeather of a Neck of Pork about 12. or 1. of the Clock yesterday and afterwards the Said Roberts went abroad some time in the afternoon but this Examinant doth not know at what time Particularly he went out or whether he went And this Examinant further saith between 8. or 9. of the Clock the last night she first observed a furnace made and Sett up in the Sellar of the said house where the Said Mr Horton was useing Some Melting potts upon a fire but knows not what he was doing therewith nor did she ever observe the said Furnace there before that time thô she frequently went into the Said Sellar to draw beer and on other occasions near the place where the Said Furnace was erected. And further Saith not.                                         Ann Alder Capt die et Anno Suprad. coram Wm Bennet Mayor John Williams                 Vera Copia Exami ꝑ Roger Comberbach Cler pacis &c.t