1655 BILL OF INDICTMENT FOR STEALING A BIBLE

(BIBLE). Bill of Indictment for Theft of a Bible. Rye, Kent, 1655. One vellum leaf, measuring 1-1/2 by 12 inches; handsomely framed, entire piece measures 5-1/2 by 16 inches. $1200.

Manuscript indictment on vellum from 1655 for the theft of a Bible, handsomely framed.

This piece indicts John Christian for stealing Henry Rogers' bible. Rogers has endorsed the verso; the piece shows evidence of having been attached to an arrest warrant (not present). A later annotation notes that John Christian was "found guilty… not good to be whipped." The text reads: "The jurors for the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland & Ireland upon their oathes do complain that John Christian, late of Rye in the County of Kent aforesaid this tenth day of June in the year of our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred Fifty and Six with force… Rye aforesaid in the County of Kent aforesaid one Bible of the value of three shillings of the goods & chattels of one Henry Rogers then & there being found then & there did feloniously steale, take and bear away against the public peace."

A handsome item.