Lyford

Rev. John Lyford came to Plymouth in 1624. He was ordained in the Church of England. Governor Bradford caught Lyford writing letters to England insulting the Pilgrims.

Lyford's wife, Sarah, also complained that her husband was a cheater.

According to Bradford, Sarah reported

how he (Lyford) had wronged her, as first he had a bastard by another before they were married, and she having some inkling of some ill carriage that way, when he was a suitor to her, she tould him what she heard, and deneyd him; but she not certainly knowing the thing, other wise then by some darke and secrete muterings, he not only stifly denied it, but to satisfie her tooke a solemne oath ther was no shuch matter. Upon which she gave consente, and married with him; but afterwards it was found true, and the bastard brought home to them. She then charged him with his oath, but he prayed pardon, and said he should els not have had her. And yet afterwards she could keep no maids but he would be medling with them, and some time she hath taken him in the maner, as they lay at their beds feete, with shuch other circumstances as I am ashamed to relate.[2] 

DECISION: What should happen to Rev. Lyford?

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