Person:John Spence (1)

John Spence of Menwith, probably son of George of Menwith (though there is a possibility that his father was John Spence of Harefield, b. 1660). Baptized at Hampsthwaite: joined the early Quakers. "In 1682 at a quarter sessions held at Wetherby,on 9th and 10th November, 81 persons summoned thither by warrants appeared and were told by the clerk that they were severally indicted for absence from their Parish Churches and required to traverse the indictment, which they refusing to do, the Court tendered them the Oath of Allegiance, and upon their refusing to take it, committed them to York Castle." Among these was John Spece of Moneth Hill or Menwith. A note in R.S. diary says:- "John Spence of Moneth Hill laid down his life in the Castle of York for the testimony of truth against the oppression of tithes, the 4th day of the 6th month, 1696. Benjamin Holden, priest of Hampsthwaite, being the persecutor." Married at the house of Henry Settles at Harefield, in Nidderdale.

1. ↑ Nidderdale: Hampsthwaite St Thomas (Church of England) baptism records, 1603-1650.
2. ↑ ^2.0 2.1 Frederick Ashby, clerk. Family Tree of Spence & some of the Branches Arising Therefrom.. (Extracted, in part, from the Hampsthwaite Parish Registers).