Young vs Kershaw
and
Young vs Young



In July 1899, Rev Hamilton Young brought an action – Young vs Kershaw – for libel against his father-in-law, Richard Kershaw, who had written a letter to T. S. Noble, secretary to the Archbishop of York, accusing Young of immoral intercourse with a Miss Barton of Alne, a teacher at his Sunday School. The indiscretion was said to have started at a dance in February 1897.

On 16th May 1900 – Young vs YoungRev Hamilton Young sought a divorce, accusing his wife – Sarah Elizabeth Kershaw, – of adultery with Thomas John Mintoft, churchwarden at Alne.

She denied the adultery and made counter-charges of adultery and cruelty.

The Jury found that adultery had been committed, and that Rev Young had not been guilty of adultery with Miss Barton or cruelty to his wife, and assessed the damages at £4,000.

Rev Young and Miss Barton were awarded damages of £100 and £1,000 respectively.

Sarah Elizabeth's father paid the £20,000 costs for the court battle



© Malcolm Bull 2021
Revised 17:58 / 11th June 2021 / 3098

Page Ref: K9_2

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