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

Citty of Chester Ss}The Exaiaīon of Ann Alder Sp.er taken before Will: Bennett Esqr. Mayor of ye said Citty of Chester & John Williams Esqr. Depty Recorder of the Same upon Tuesday the 17.th day of October in ye 15.th year of his Ma.ts Reign King William ye 3.d over Engld &c. Anno dmi 1699.

Ann Alder Spinster Serv.t to Joseph Horton now of ye Citty of Chester and late of ye Citty of London Goldsmith being Exaīed confesseth & saith, yt the said Master Joseph Horton came from his Country Seat att Cotton Hook near Chester on fryday last about 5. or 6. of ye Clock in the Evening to his house in Watergait Street in ye 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) to Cotton 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 abt 8. or 9. of ye Clock in the morneing of the same day and She further Saith yt our Mr Roberts who hath usually lived with the Sd Master for 12. months last past Lodged in the said Masters house on fryday Satturday & Sunday Night last past, and yt the Sd Master & ye Sd Roberts Dined togeather of a Neck of Pork ab.t 12. or 1. of ye Clock yesterday and afterwards ye Sd Roberts went abroad some time in the afternoon but this Exaīant doth not know at what time ꝑticularly he went out or whether he went And this Exaīant further saith between 8. or 9. of ye Clock ye last night she first observed a furnace made and Sett up in ye Sellar of the said house where ye Said Mr Horton was useing Some Melting potts upon a fire but knows not what he was doing therewith nor did she ever observe ye said Furnace there before that time thô she frequently went into the Sd Sellar to draw beer and on other occasions near the place where ye 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