The trial sessions of the London court of law and prison called the Old Bailey are now on line, reporting from the late 17 th C. to about 1834. Searchable in several key words. http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/ Ashley A sample below, and shades of Supreme Court confirmation hearings echo around this one: Man, sexual offences: rape, 29 Apr 1674. The Proceedings of the Old Bailey Ref: t16740429-4 Homepage » Search » Results » Session Text Trial Summary: Crime(s): sexual offences : rape, Verdict: Not Guilty, Other trials on 29 Apr 1674 Original Text: There was a French Man also tryed for a Rape; pretended to be Committed on his Maid-Servant, upon the Tryal she gave Evidence that she was one Morning about her business, and her Master arose and as she said took her Virginity from her, being askt what she meant by that, she answered her Maidenhead; but it appearing to the Court, that she had not acquainted any one of it till three days after it was pretended to be done, nor had not accused her Master for it till above three weeks after, he was found not Guilty, and so acquitted.