Beheading of Lady Lisle

An Account of the last moments and words of Lady Lisle before she executed in Winchester, September 2, 1685

My lord,

It was at about four when this lady of over seventy years was brought to the scaffold erected in the market-place of Winchester. She mounted the stairs with help from her maid. All around there was great sorrow from her friends and neighbours in the crowd. When asked by the sheriff if she had any last words, this noble lady, shock her head, but handed him a paper that she had written the night before. The sheriff now read her last words to the crowd, parts of which are not without interest and are captured below:

“Gentlemen, Friends, and Neighbours, it may be expected that I should say something at my death, my birth and education being near this place. My parents instructed me in the fear of God and I now die of the reformed religion, always being instructed in that belief, that if Popery should return to this nation, it would be a great judgement….” her words then described the relationship she had with the Lord God almighty.

Then he continued “I did as little expect to come to this place on this occasion as any person in this nation….My crime was entertaining a nonconformist minister, who is since sworn to have been in the late duke of Monmouth’s army. I am told if I had not denied them, it would not have affected me. I have no excuse but surprise and fear, which I believe my jury must use of to excuse their verdict to the world…I have been told that the court ought to be counsel for the prisoner, instead of which there was evidence given from thence; which though it were hearsay, might possibly affect my jury. My defence was such as might be expected from a weal women. But such as it was I did not hear it repeated again to the jury.

But I forgive all persons that have done me wrong, and I desire that God will do so likewise. I forgive colonel Penruddock, though he told me, he could have taken those men before they came to my house.

I acknowledge his majesty’s favour in altering my sentence and I pray God to preserve him, that he may long reign in peace, and the true religion flourish under him.

Two things I have omitted to say, which is, that I forgive him that desired to be taken from the Grand Jury to the petty jury, that he might be the more nearly concerned in my death.

Also, I returned humble thanks to Almighty God, and the reverend clergy that assisted me in my imprisonment.”

Now she prayed with the Minster who attended her, then after removing her white coif, which she handed this to her maid before giving Mr Ketch a coin. Then she knelt with much grace and calmness of spirit, made a simple prayer, before laying her neck on the block.

With this Mr Ketch took her head off with one clean cut, on which the crowd gave out a gasp as one, with her friend fulling into a great rage of sadness. Some dipped there kerchiefs in her blood now pooling on the floor below the scaffold. So passed this god and noble lady from this world. She is to be the first martyr in Jeffreys campaign in the west.

After her execution, her remains where given to her daughters, who carried them back to Moyles Court at Ellington. Where will be entombed the following day. So ended the life of Lady Lisle, in my next I shall give an account of the Assize in Dorchester.

Your in the cause of the righteous.

William Savage

The Bloody Assize timeline:
Trial of Alice Lisle
Trial of Alice Lisle
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A true account of the trial of Alice Lisle in Winchester, given by a witness the justice offered by a tyrant. 

A true account of the trial of Alice Lisle in Winchester, given by a witness the justice offered by a tyrant. 

A true account of the trial of Alice Lisle in Winchester, given by a witness the justice offered by a tyrant. 

Alice Lisle is to Burn
Alice Lisle is to Burn
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This is a true Account of the Sentencing of Lady Alice Lisle by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys on August 28 in Winchester.

This is a true Account of the Sentencing of Lady Alice Lisle by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys on August 28 in Winchester.

This is a true Account of the Sentencing of Lady Alice Lisle by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys on August 28 in Winchester.

Reprieve for Mrs Lisle
Reprieve for Mrs Lisle
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An Account of the letter from the friends of Lady Lisle to the King delivered on August 30. 1685

An Account of the letter from the friends of Lady Lisle to the King delivered on August 30. 1685

An Account of the letter from the friends of Lady Lisle to the King delivered on August 30. 1685

Kings Justice for Lady Lisle
Kings Justice for Lady Lisle
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An Account of the tyrant Kings response to the request for the reprieve of Alice Lisle on Monday, August 31, 1685

An Account of the tyrant Kings response to the request for the reprieve of Alice Lisle on Monday, August 31, 1685

An Account of the tyrant Kings response to the request for the reprieve of Alice Lisle on Monday, August 31, 1685

Salisbury, September 1. 1685
Salisbury, September 1. 1685
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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.

Beheading of Lady Lisle
Beheading of Lady Lisle
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An Account of the last moments and words of Lady Lisle before she executed in Winchester, September 2, 1685

An Account of the last moments and words of Lady Lisle before she executed in Winchester, September 2, 1685

An Account of the last moments and words of Lady Lisle before she executed in Winchester, September 2, 1685

Whitehall, September 3. 1685
Whitehall, September 3. 1685
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

Exeter, September 13. 1685
Exeter, September 13. 1685
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An account of the last words of our friend, Sir John Kidd, martyred at Lyme on September 12, 1685.

An account of the last words of our friend, Sir John Kidd, martyred at Lyme on September 12, 1685.

An account of the last words of our friend, Sir John Kidd, martyred at Lyme on September 12, 1685.

The Exeter Assize
The Exeter Assize
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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