Transcript of the divorce proceedings of Thomas Grey, 2nd Earl of Stamford

Transcript, probably made in the late 17th century, of the allegations made by Thomas Grey, 2nd Earl of Stamford, against his wife for adultery before the Court of Arches, under 35 articles. Thomas Exton is given as the Dean of Arches. One page is blank except for: 'this side was skipt by the transcribers oversight'.

Thomas Grey, 2nd Earl of Stamford (1653-1720), was married to Elizabeth Harvey, daughter of Sir Daniel Harvey, Ambassador to Constantinople, some time between 1673 and early 1675. They separated for the first time in late 1675, though subsequently went on to have three children together, all of which died in infancy. Grey was imprisoned in the Tower of London for suspected treason from 1685-1686, and his accusations against his wife probably date from this time.
The Court of Arches was the consistory court belonging to the archbishop of Canterbury for the trial of spiritual causes, and heard cases relating to matrimonial affairs, correction of morals, parochial affairs, and defamation.

Single item.

Access to this collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the supervised environment and restrictions of the Library's Palaeography Room. Uncatalogued material may not be seen. Please contact the University Archivist for details.

Provenance unknown; transferred from the Goldsmiths' Library in 1969.

Collection level description.

12" x 7½"

Compiled by Sarah Aitchison as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.

Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.