Yorkshire Oddities, Incidents, and Strange EventsBaring-Gould, S. (Sabine)
History
Yorkshire Oddities, Incidents, and Strange Events
Baring-Gould, S. (Sabine)
Legends -- England -- Yorkshire; Yorkshire (England) -- Miscellanea
The state of the room and of his person, together with
two bricks being laid in the fire-place, proved the fact that an escape
had been attempted. Indeed, when charged with it, he did not deny it. He
said, if he had been a smaller person he should have effected his
escape; but that it was the "will of God" he should make the attempt,
and be frustrated.
Of course, after this, a closer watch was kept upon the actions of the
prisoner.
On Monday, March 23rd, he was brought before Mr. Justice Bayley at the
Guildhall, and true bills were found against him for arson and
sacrilege. He is described during the examination at the Guildhall as
having been perfectly placid, and as having smiled occasionally.
When the Court adjourned for rest and refreshment to the Mansion House
during the proceedings, he engaged in conversation with the parties near
him, and laughed at their observations. A lady said to him--"In
destroying that beautiful pile of buildings you inflicted no real
punishment on its clergy."
Martin laughed, and answered--"Eh, but it may mak' them stand and
consider their ways. All those who are really converted will think I've
done reight enuff."
The trumpets soon after sounded, heralding the approach of the judge.
The prisoner said--"Hark, how the watchman cries. Oh! attend to the
sound." The crowd was so dense in the hall that it was with difficulty a
passage could be made for his lordship. Martin laughed, and observed to
Mr. Kilby, "They'll have t' ould man down." A gentleman asked him if he
was not afraid. He said, "No, not at all."
The populace entirely filled the hall and part of the yard; and Jonathan
turned his face towards them, frequently laughing, and talking to those
with whom he came immediately in contact. He said he "believed he was
the most righteous man in court"; adding, "I have made as much noise as
Buonaparte ever did. I think this is a very throng day." He then turned
round to the counsel and reporters, and said, "I keep them very busy; I
have given them all a job. I'll put their hands in by-and-bye." When the
judge returned he said, "Here's t' ould man coming again." He seemed
quite pleased at being the object of such universal interest, and
repeatedly laughed at the attempts of the people to get a sight of him.
The trial of Jonathan Martin took place in the Crown Court of York
Castle before Mr. Baron Hullock, on Monday, March 30. The Court was
crowded. When placed at the bar, and the first charge, that of having
feloniously set fire to the Cathedral Church of St. Peter's, York, had
been read to Martin by the clerk of arraigns, and he had been asked the
usual question whether he were "guilty or not guilty," he placed himself
in a theatrical attitude, and said, "It was not me, my lord, but my God
did it. It is quite common to Him to punish to the third and fourth
generation, and to show mercy to all that fear Him and keep His
commandments."
A plea of "Not guilty" was entered.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Yorkshire Oddities, Incidents, and Strange Events — John Shaqi
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account