John Bold was one of Wigan’s naughtier historical residents. According to the records of Wigan’s Court Leet, he appeared several times before local magistrates during the late 17th century. Bold was twice sued for assault, first by Robert Casson in 1669 and again by William Scott three years later. In 1670 Bold was bound over and ordered to behave appropriately, after residents testified that he had assaulted Peter Leigh and abused Richard Markland and his wife.

Bold was also accused of swearing ten times at the Mayor of Wigan. He appeared again in 1671, after four witnesses testified that:

“John Bold, gentleman, did in a very rude, foul and beastly manner abuse the stone well in the Wallgate by pissing in the same, to the great loss and detriment of the neighbourhood…”

Source: Leet Records, Wigan, rolls 32-34 (1669-72). Content on this page is © Alpha History 2019-23. Content may not be republished without our express permission. For more information please refer to our Terms of Use or contact Alpha History.