- Call number
- Pforz Ms
- Physical description
- 1 page (single sheet)
- Preferred Citation
- Order of penance to be performed by Robert Law, shoemaker of Blackburn, for fornication, Carl H. Pforzheimer Collection of Shelley and His Circle, The New York Public Library
- Repository
- Carl H. Pforzheimer Collection of Shelley and His Circle
- Access to materials
- Restricted access. Request an in-person research appointment.
Printed document accomplished in manuscript ordering Robert Law of Blackburn to publicly repent for an act of fornication with Susanah Baron of Blackburn. The printed statement begins, "An Order or Declaration of Pennance Enjoyned to be perform'd by"; the rest of the paragraph is filled out in ink: "Robert Law of Blackburn within the Chapry of Darwen in the County of Lanc.e Diocess of Chester, Shoemaker." On or before December 25, Law is to appear at the Chapel of Darwen, "bareheaded, barefooted barelegged having a white Rod or Wand in his Hand and covered with a white Sheet from the Shoulders to the Feet in the Presence of the whole Congregation" and recite an oath of repentance. At the bottom of the document it is recorded that Law performed the order on November 27 1737. The document bears the printed signature of "Robert Herbert, Notary Publick" and the manuscript signatures of "Tho. Whitaker" (dated 15 Nov 1737), "John Holds" (Minster), and "Rob.t Whitacre" (Warden). In two places where Robert Law's name has been written, it replaces the cancelled name of "William Lightbound of Eccleshill.".
Using the collection
Location
Carl H. Pforzheimer Collection of Shelley and His CircleStephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018-2788
Third Floor, Room 319