What follows is an Account of the tyrant Kings response to the request for the reprieve of Alice Lisle
Windsor, August 31. 1685
My lord,
This morning the following Petition was presented to the King from the people of Winchester, which it is reported, was also signed by Lady Lisle herself:
“To the King’s most excellent Majesty; The Humble Petition of Alicia Lisle.
That your Petitioner lie under a sentence of death, for harbouring one John Hicks, and is sentenced to be burnt on Wednesday next. That she is the daughter Sir William Beconshaw, descended of an ancient and honourable family and related to several of the best families of the nobility of this kingdom. Wherefore, your Petitioner humbly begs your Majesty, that execution may be altered from burning to beheading and may be respited for four days. And your Petitioner shall ever pray, &c.”
It is the gossip at court that the Kings response to the brave Lady’s letter from yesterday and the petition was that he had assured Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys that he would not turn the verdict they had both agreed before his departure. I have it on good authority he finished with these words:
“I will not reprieve her one day, but for the altering of the Sentence I would do it, if there were any Precedents for it.”
With some small mercy, later the King was pleased to announce that he had signed the following Warrant:
“To our trusty and well-beloved the High-Sheriff of our county of Hants, and to all others whom it may concern.
Whereas we are informed that Alicia Lisle has received Sentence of death for high treason at the sessions of Oyer and Terminer, and gaol-delivery, held at our city of Winchester, for harbouring of John Hicks a rebel, and that the sentence is to be executed upon the second of September next, by burning her alive. And whereas the said Alicia Lisle has humbly petitioned us to alter the manner of the said execution, by causing her head to be severed from her body. We, being graciously pleased to condescend to her request, have thought fit hereby to signify our will and pleasure is, that you deliver the head and body to her relations to be privately and decently interred. And for so doing this shall be your warrant. Given at our court at Windsor, the 31st day of August 1685, in the first year of our reign.
Sunderland”
It is now plain that the poor Lady Lisle was dead even before the jury had heard the case. In my next, will be an account of Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys at the Salisbury Assize and the final act of murder against Lady Lisle.
You most humble and loyal servant in the cause,
William Savage
The Bloody Assize Timeline:
Salisbury, September 1. 1685
Salisbury, September 1. 1685
An Account of the Western Assize court of Lord Chief Justice Jeffrey at Salisbury.
An Account of the Western Assize court of Lord Chief Justice Jeffrey at Salisbury.
An Account of the Western Assize court of Lord Chief Justice Jeffrey at Salisbury.
Whitehall, September 3. 1685
Whitehall, September 3. 1685
The news in London is that Dame Alicia Lisle was beheaded yesterday in Winchester.
The news in London is that Dame Alicia Lisle was beheaded yesterday in Winchester.
The news in London is that Dame Alicia Lisle was beheaded yesterday in Winchester.
Dorchester, September 4. 1685
Dorchester, September 4. 1685
This being a brief account of the opening of the Dorchester Assize where 337 souls are to be tried.
This being a brief account of the opening of the Dorchester Assize where 337 souls are to be tried.
This being a brief account of the opening of the Dorchester Assize where 337 souls are to be tried.
Dorchester, September 5. 1685
Dorchester, September 5. 1685
An account of the first day at the Dorchester Assize where 29 men have been sentenced to death
An account of the first day at the Dorchester Assize where 29 men have been sentenced to death
An account of the first day at the Dorchester Assize where 29 men have been sentenced to death
Dorchester, September 6. 1685
Dorchester, September 6. 1685
For some sentenced to die tomorrow there is a reprieve as Mr Ketch can only kill and quarter 13 in one day, even with the help of Pascha Rose
For some sentenced to die tomorrow there is a reprieve as Mr Ketch can only kill and quarter 13 in one day, even with the help of Pascha Rose
For some sentenced to die tomorrow there is a reprieve as Mr Ketch can only kill and quarter 13 in one day, even with the help of Pascha Rose
Dorchester, September 7. 1685
Dorchester, September 7. 1685
An account of the thirteen Martyrs executed in Dorchester by Lord Jeffreys
An account of the thirteen Martyrs executed in Dorchester by Lord Jeffreys
An account of the thirteen Martyrs executed in Dorchester by Lord Jeffreys
Dorchester, September 10. 1685
Dorchester, September 10. 1685
A list of the final sentences from the Dorchester Assize as given by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys
A list of the final sentences from the Dorchester Assize as given by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys
A list of the final sentences from the Dorchester Assize as given by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys
Bridport, September 12. 1685
Bridport, September 12. 1685
An account of the nine Martyrs executed in Bridport by Lord Jeffreys
An account of the nine Martyrs executed in Bridport by Lord Jeffreys
An account of the nine Martyrs executed in Bridport by Lord Jeffreys
Lyme, September 12. 1685
Lyme, September 12. 1685
An account of the twelve Martyrs executed in Lyme Regis by Lord Jeffreys
An account of the twelve Martyrs executed in Lyme Regis by Lord Jeffreys
An account of the twelve Martyrs executed in Lyme Regis by Lord Jeffreys
The Exeter Assize
The Exeter Assize
The list of three Martyrs executed in the West after sentencing by Lord Jeffreys
The list of three Martyrs executed in the West after sentencing by Lord Jeffreys
The list of three Martyrs executed in the West after sentencing by Lord Jeffreys
Sherborne, September 15. 1685
Sherborne, September 15. 1685
An account of the executions and a list of the martyrs at Sherborne on the orders of Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys
An account of the executions and a list of the martyrs at Sherborne on the orders of Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys
An account of the executions and a list of the martyrs at Sherborne on the orders of Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys
Weymouth, September 15. 1685
Weymouth, September 15. 1685
Of the twelve Martyrs executed in Weymouth on orders of Lord Jeffreys
Of the twelve Martyrs executed in Weymouth on orders of Lord Jeffreys
Of the twelve Martyrs executed in Weymouth on orders of Lord Jeffreys
The Taunton Assize
The Taunton Assize
An account of the first day of the Taunton Assize court presided over by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys
An account of the first day of the Taunton Assize court presided over by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys
An account of the first day of the Taunton Assize court presided over by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys
Taunton, September 19. 1685
Taunton, September 19. 1685
A letter from Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys to King James II detailing the value of each rebel.
A letter from Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys to King James II detailing the value of each rebel.
A letter from Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys to King James II detailing the value of each rebel.
Taunton, September 21. 1685
Taunton, September 21. 1685
The four martyrs that died at Taunton and the final list of verdicts from the Assize court.
The four martyrs that died at Taunton and the final list of verdicts from the Assize court.
The four martyrs that died at Taunton and the final list of verdicts from the Assize court.
Poole, September 21. 1685
Poole, September 21. 1685
Of the eleven Martyrs executed in Poole on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the eleven Martyrs executed in Poole on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the eleven Martyrs executed in Poole on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Wareham, September 22. 1685
Wareham, September 22. 1685
Of the Six Martyrs executed in Wareham and Wells on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the Six Martyrs executed in Wareham and Wells on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the Six Martyrs executed in Wareham and Wells on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
The Wells Assize
The Wells Assize
Of the 543 men at Wells awaiting this bloody Assize Court of Judge Jeffreys
Of the 543 men at Wells awaiting this bloody Assize Court of Judge Jeffreys
Of the 543 men at Wells awaiting this bloody Assize Court of Judge Jeffreys
Weymouth, September 25. 1685
Weymouth, September 25. 1685
Of the 93 men transported to Barbados on the Happy Return from Weymouth
Of the 93 men transported to Barbados on the Happy Return from Weymouth
Of the 93 men transported to Barbados on the Happy Return from Weymouth
Taunton, September 30. 1685
Taunton, September 30. 1685
Of the 18 Martyrs executed in Taunton on the orders of King James II
Of the 18 Martyrs executed in Taunton on the orders of King James II
Of the 18 Martyrs executed in Taunton on the orders of King James II
Wellington, October 1. 1685
Wellington, October 1. 1685
Of the 3 Martyrs executed in Wellington on the orders of King James II
Of the 3 Martyrs executed in Wellington on the orders of King James II
Of the 3 Martyrs executed in Wellington on the orders of King James II
Glastonbury & Colyton, October 6. 1685
Glastonbury & Colyton, October 6. 1685
Of the Seven Martyrs executed in the West on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the Seven Martyrs executed in the West on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the Seven Martyrs executed in the West on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Bristol, October 9. 1685
Bristol, October 9. 1685
Of the Martyrs executed in Bristol on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the Martyrs executed in Bristol on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the Martyrs executed in Bristol on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Happy Return, September 25. 1685
Happy Return, September 25. 1685
The 93 men transported on the Happy Return from Weymouth to Barbados by Sir William Booth
The 93 men transported on the Happy Return from Weymouth to Barbados by Sir William Booth
The 93 men transported on the Happy Return from Weymouth to Barbados by Sir William Booth
Axminster, October 14. 1685
Axminster, October 14. 1685
Of those Martyred in Axminster and Ottery St Mary on orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of those Martyred in Axminster and Ottery St Mary on orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of those Martyred in Axminster and Ottery St Mary on orders of Judge Jeffreys
Somerton, October 1685
Somerton, October 1685
Of the seven Martyrs executed in Somerton on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the seven Martyrs executed in Somerton on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the seven Martyrs executed in Somerton on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Old Bailey, October 19. 1685
Old Bailey, October 19. 1685
A true account of the trails of Mr Ring, Mr Fernley, Mr Cornish and Mrs Gaunt at the Old Bailey
A true account of the trails of Mr Ring, Mr Fernley, Mr Cornish and Mrs Gaunt at the Old Bailey
A true account of the trails of Mr Ring, Mr Fernley, Mr Cornish and Mrs Gaunt at the Old Bailey
Indeavour, October 20. 1685
Indeavour, October 20. 1685
97 men are transported on the Indeavour from Bristol to St Kitts & Nevis by Sir William Stapleton
97 men are transported on the Indeavour from Bristol to St Kitts & Nevis by Sir William Stapleton
97 men are transported on the Indeavour from Bristol to St Kitts & Nevis by Sir William Stapleton
Rebecca, October 21. 1685
Rebecca, October 21. 1685
The 14 men transported on the Rebecca from Bristol to Barbados by Mr Jerome Nipho.
The 14 men transported on the Rebecca from Bristol to Barbados by Mr Jerome Nipho.
The 14 men transported on the Rebecca from Bristol to Barbados by Mr Jerome Nipho.
London, October 23. 1685
London, October 23. 1685
The Martyrdoms of Mrs Elisabeth Gaunt at Tyburn and Mr Henry Cornish at Cheapside
The Martyrdoms of Mrs Elisabeth Gaunt at Tyburn and Mr Henry Cornish at Cheapside
The Martyrdoms of Mrs Elisabeth Gaunt at Tyburn and Mr Henry Cornish at Cheapside
John Friggat, October 24. 1685
John Friggat, October 24. 1685
The 90 men transported on the John Friggat from Bristol to Barbados by Sir William Booth.
The 90 men transported on the John Friggat from Bristol to Barbados by Sir William Booth.
The 90 men transported on the John Friggat from Bristol to Barbados by Sir William Booth.
Port Royal Merchant, October 25. 1685
Port Royal Merchant, October 25. 1685
The 172 men transported on the Port Royal Merchant from Weymouth to Jamaica and 26 that escaped.
The 172 men transported on the Port Royal Merchant from Weymouth to Jamaica and 26 that escaped.
The 172 men transported on the Port Royal Merchant from Weymouth to Jamaica and 26 that escaped.
Westminster, October 27. 1685
Westminster, October 27. 1685
A brief account of the trial of Captain Richard Nelthorp and Colonel John Ayloff for High Treason
A brief account of the trial of Captain Richard Nelthorp and Colonel John Ayloff for High Treason
A brief account of the trial of Captain Richard Nelthorp and Colonel John Ayloff for High Treason
London, October 30. 1685
London, October 30. 1685
This day Captain Richard Nelthorp is martyred before Grays Inns and Colonel John Ayloff martyred at Temple Gate
This day Captain Richard Nelthorp is martyred before Grays Inns and Colonel John Ayloff martyred at Temple Gate
This day Captain Richard Nelthorp is martyred before Grays Inns and Colonel John Ayloff martyred at Temple Gate
Constant Richard, October 31. 1685
Constant Richard, October 31. 1685
84 men are transported on the Constant Richard to Jamaica by White & Heywood
84 men are transported on the Constant Richard to Jamaica by White & Heywood
84 men are transported on the Constant Richard to Jamaica by White & Heywood
Nether Stowey & Stogursey, November 1. 1685
Nether Stowey & Stogursey, November 1. 1685
Of the three Martyrs executed in Nether Stowey & Stogursey on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the three Martyrs executed in Nether Stowey & Stogursey on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the three Martyrs executed in Nether Stowey & Stogursey on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Chewton Mendip & Bath, November 18. 1685
Chewton Mendip & Bath, November 18. 1685
Of the eight Martyrs executed in Bath & Chewton Mendip on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the eight Martyrs executed in Bath & Chewton Mendip on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the eight Martyrs executed in Bath & Chewton Mendip on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Betty, November 25. 1685
Betty, November 25. 1685
The 80 men transported on the Betty from Weymouth to Barbados
The 80 men transported on the Betty from Weymouth to Barbados
The 80 men transported on the Betty from Weymouth to Barbados
Dulverton & Stogumber, December 8. 1685
Dulverton & Stogumber, December 8. 1685
Of the five Martyrs executed in Stogumber & Dulverton on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the five Martyrs executed in Stogumber & Dulverton on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the five Martyrs executed in Stogumber & Dulverton on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Dunster & Porlock, December 8. 1685
Dunster & Porlock, December 8. 1685
Of the five Martyrs executed in Porlock & Dunster on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the five Martyrs executed in Porlock & Dunster on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the five Martyrs executed in Porlock & Dunster on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Minehead, December 8. 1685
Minehead, December 8. 1685
Of the three Martyrs executed in Minehead on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the three Martyrs executed in Minehead on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Of the three Martyrs executed in Minehead on the orders of Judge Jeffreys
Jamaica Merchant, December 9. 1685
Jamaica Merchant, December 9. 1685
The 182 transported on the Jamaica Merchant from Weymouth to Barbados
The 182 transported on the Jamaica Merchant from Weymouth to Barbados
The 182 transported on the Jamaica Merchant from Weymouth to Barbados
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