The closing of the trade of brewing to women must have seriously reduced their opportunities for earning an independance; that they had hitherto been extensively engaged in it is shown by frequent references to women who were brewsters; for example, Mrs. Putland was rated 5s. on her brew-house;[524] Jennet Firbank, wife of Steph. Firbank, of Awdbroughe, a recusant, was presented at Richmond for brewing, a side note adding “she to be put down from brueing.”[525] Margaret, the wife of Ambrose Carleton and Marye Barton were presented at Carlisle for “brewing (being foryners) and therefore we doe emercye either of them viˢ 8d.”[526] At Thirske, Widow Harrington, of Hewton, Chr. Whitecake, of Bransbie, Rob. Goodricke, of the same (for his wife’s offence) were presented, all for brewing.[527] And at Malton, a few years later, “Rob. Driffeld, a brewster of Easingwold, was presented for suffering unlawful games att cardes to be used at unlawful times in the night in his house ... and the wife of the said Driffeld for that she will not sell anie of her ale forth of doores except it be to those whom she likes on and makes her ale of 2 or thre sortes, nor will let anie of her poore neighbours have anie of her drincke called small ale, but she saith she will rather give it to her Swyne then play it for them.”[528] Isabell Bagley and Janyt Lynsley “both of Cowburne bruesters” were fined 10s. each “for suffering play at cardes in their houses, &c,”[529] and at Norwich, Judith Bowde, brewer, was fined 2s. 9d.[530] Footnote 524: _Strood Churchwardens’ Accounts_, Add. MSS., 36937, p. 263., 1683. Footnote 525: Atkinson, (J. C.), _Yorks. N. R. Q.S. Records_, Vol. I., p. 95., 1607. Footnote 526: Ferguson, _Carlisle_, p. 280, _Court Leet Rolls_,. October 21, 1625. Footnote 527: Atkinson, (J. C.), _Yorks. N. R. Q.S. Records_, Vol. I., p. 159, 1609. Footnote 528: Atkinson, (J. C.), _Yorks. N. R. Q.S. Records_, Vol. II., pp. 53-54, 1614. Footnote 529: _Ibid._ Vol. I., p. 93, 1607. Footnote 530: Tingey, (J. C.), _Records of City of Norwich_, Vol. I., p. 388, 1676.