The 1641 Protestation Return

for the Cornish Parish of St Stithians

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        In May of 1641 it was agreed and ordered that every Member of the House of Commons and the House of Lords should make a protestation (declaration of loyalty) to the crown. The Protestation was printed and then distributed by the Members to their counties.

        The Protestation was to be made by everyone.  The Rectors, Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor, had to appear before the Justices of the Peace, in their Hundred, to make their protestation and, on returning to their parishes, any two of them were to witness the taking of the Protestation Oath by all males over the age of 18 years. All names were listed and anyone who refused was to be noted.

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