Dorchester, September 6. 1685

For some sentenced to die tomorrow there is a reprieve, as even with the help of Pascha Rose, Mr Ketch can only kill and quarter 13 men in a day

My lord,

For all the zeal and hunger for death shown by Lord Jeffreys, they may be a small reprieve for some of those sentenced to die at Dorchester tomorrow.  For Jack Ketch and his assistant, the butcher, Pascha Rose do complain that they can only do 13 executions a day.

They say there is considerable effort and time involved to hang the man; then gut him whilst he is still alive; remove his head; then cut his body into four quarters; before boiling and taring each quarter. This will take over an hour per victim. Yet, if it was just hanging, they could do all 29 or even more in the day.

Therefore, the Lord Chief Justice has agreed to distribute the guilty across the towns of Dorset, to be dispatched by the dozen.  Jeffrey, will now sentence all on the last day of this Assize, by list approved by the King. Now gallows have been ordered for Lyme, Bridport, Melcombe, Weymouth, Sherborne, Poole and Wareham. Those that came with the late Duke from Holland, will die where they landed in Rebellion.

This will surely be a bloody stain on this tyrant King forever.

Yours in the cause,

William Savage

The Bloody Assize Timeline:
Salisbury, September 1. 1685
Salisbury, September 1. 1685
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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

previous arrow
next arrow

Please pass comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.