Even in times of relative peace, the village of Somersham was prone to more than a fair share of violent affray. The initial offer of a pardon seems to have been revoked without much deliberation and judging by the dates, it would seem that the attack was premeditated.
28 September 1573
Pardon for Hugh Warde late of Hemmingfod Co. Huntingdon. It was found on inquisition taken at Somersham co. Huntingdon on 5 July 15 Elizabeth; before Thomas Awder coroner within the liberties of Richard bishop of Ely in his liberty of Somersham on the body of Richard Wolfe that the said Hugh and William Curtys late of Childerly co Cambridge on 5 July 15 Elizabeth at Somersham assaulted Wolfe and Hugh feloniously killed him. At the suit of his brother John Warde the Queen's servant.
24 May 1574
Grant from 5 July in year 15 of Elizabeth to John Warde of Sandcastle county Kent, of the goods of Hugh Warde of Hemyngforde county Huntingdon. The said Hugh was indicted with William Courteys of Childerly county Cambridge, yeoman, at St Neots county Huntingdon on Friday in the second week of Lent in year 16 Elizabeth , before Robert Catlyn, chief justice of the Queen's Bench and Gilbert Gerarde, attourney general, justices of gaol delivery in the county; for that on 5 July in year 15 of Elizabeth, they assaulted Richard Wolfe at Somersham, that Hugh wounded him so that he died there the same day and that Courteys abetted Hugh, Mary Pountesse of Somersham, wife of Thomas Pountesse abetting them on 4th July at Somersham. Hugh has fled and his goods are forfeit.
This extract is taken from the Calendar of Patent Rolls
