The manner of the cruell outragious murther of William Storre Mast. of Art, minister, and preacher at Market Raisin in the county of Lincolne committed by Francis Cartwright one of his parishioners, the 30. day of August anno. 1602.

THE MANNER OF THE CRVELL OVTRAGIOVS MVRTHER OF WILLIAM STORRE Mast . of Art , Minister , and Preacher at Market Raisin in the County of Lincolne :

COMMITTED By Francis Cartwright one of his parishioners , the 30. day of August Anno. 1602.

printer's or publisher's device AC : OX

AT OXFORD , Printed by Ioseph Barnes . 1603.

ABout Lammas last viz. Ann. 1602. there happened some controversie betweene the Lords and the rest of the Inhabitants of Market Raisin in the county of Lincolne , concerning their commons & liberty in the Towne-Fields , and the matter beeing moved by one of them in the Church immediatly after evening praier , on a Sabboth day , divers hot intemperate speaches passed among them . Wherevpon their Minister , whose name was M. Storre , much disliking so indiscreete a course , willed them to haue respect both to the time , and place where they were . And further advised ; seeing the cause in hand concerned a multitude , amongst whom some of the least government , would alwaies bee the readiest to speake : that they would therefore make choice of two or three of the fittest , and most substantiall men to answere , and vndertake for all the rest . This motion seemed to please them well , and therevpon they intreated him , that he would , as a man indifferent , speake first what he thought concerning the cause . But he not willing to intermeddle in that matter , twise , or thrise denied their request . And the rather for that there was present one Francis Cartwright , a young man of an vnbridled humor : the only sonne , & heire to one of the same Lords of the Towne , betwixt whom , & himselfe there was growne no small vnkindnesse . Yet in the ende being pressed thervnto by their importunity , with the consent of both the parties , he delivered his opinion , vsing therein such discretion , and reasons to confirme the same , that they coulde not directly except against him . Notwithstanding seeing him incline more to the right of the free-holders , and the rest of the commons , than to favour their intended purpose , they seemed to dislike his speeches and to cavill at the same .

Young Cartwright standing by , not able any longer to containe himselfe , tooke occasion herevpon to break forth abruptly into these words . The Priest deserveth a good fee , he speaketh so like a Lawyer , M. Storre having often aforetime had experience of his hot stomacke , & hastinesse aswell towards others as himselfe , thought it best to reply little against him for that present . But the other respecting neither the time , nor place , nor yet the dutifull regard he should haue had to his fathers presence , vttered manie moe such base & odious tearmes , that for modestie sake , I forbeare to rehearse them . The next morning as Mr Storre , & some others of his neighbours were talking with the elder Cartwright about these his sonnes abuses , hee came vnto them , where they were , interrupting their conference , & fell into the like outragious railing as he vsed the night afore . The Minister seeing this second incursion more violent then the former , replied to some of his words , retorting them backe againe , as more properly to be applied to himselfe .

This reply he tooke in such high disgrace , that had not his father hindred it , he had there presently with his dagger effected some part of that mischiefe , which afterward he putt in practise . But being not suffered to do what he would , he departed from them into the open market place , & there proclaimed , That Storre was a scurvy , lowsie , paltrie priest : that whosoever said he was his friend , or spake in his cause , was a rogue , & a rascall : that he would ( but for the law ) cut his throat , tear out his hart , & hang his quarters on the maypole .

These speeches , & many moe of the same quality being dayly giuen out , occasioned Mr Storre to thinke it now high time to provide for his owne safetie , & therfore he went to some Iustices neere adioyning : acquainted them with these proceedings , & desired the good behaviour against the said Cartwright . But they doubting whether they might grant the same in this case , or not , offered him for his present safegard the peace , and the other at the next quarter sessions , if occasion so required .

He not resolved what were best to bee done , whether to except of this offer , or to complaine himselfe before the high commissioners , came home , & the next Sabaoth tooke his text out of Isaah Chap. 1. vers. 9. in these words . Except the Lord of Hostes had reserved vnto vs , even a small remnant , we had bin as Sodom , and like vnto Gomorah . The which words by the generall report , even of his enemies that hard him , he handled verie learnedly , and delivered out of the same many points of necessary doctrine . yong Cartwright seemed to note it diligently with his pen , but as the stomake filled with rawe humors corrupteth all good nourishment that commeth therin , so this mans mind fraught with rancour , & malice , wrested al things he heard into the worse sense , as purposely spoken against him , and after that , more , and more thirsted for revenge .

About a weeke after , hee espied Mr. Storre walking about eight of the clock in the morning alone by the south side of the towne in his cloake , went to a cutlers shoppe , tooke out of the same a short sword , which he had formerly provided , and made very sharp , & presently overtooke him . The other hearing one at his heeles looked backe , & sawe him drawing his sword as he came : noting also by the palenes of his visage , how mightely he was incensed to mischiefe , & seeing no means either to escape , or to defend himselfe , was greatly agast , & purposed to vse some speeches ( if it were possible ) somewhat to asswage his passions .

But he being double armed both with force , & fury , would abide no parly , but presently at the first blow cutt his lefte legge almost of , & then making at his head , the other casting vp his armes to defend it ( for other weapon had he none ) he gaue him two mortal wounds on the forepart therof thorow the brain-pan : cut of three of his fingers : & gaue him other two grievous wounds on the outside of either arme , betweene the elbow , & the hand , the one to the middest of the arme , & the other more than halfe in sunder , deviding the maine bone aboue two ynches one part from another . Thus massacred he fell backward into a puddle of water , and striving to recover himselfe , the splinter bone of his legge halfe cut thorow afore , knapt in two , & his heele doubled back to the calfe of his legge . Cartright not yet satisfied with the bloud , which he had already gotten , continued his rage , still more feircely vpon him , & gaue him another gash on the outside of the right thigh to the very bone . And again on the left knee , his legge being bended , as he lay , he cut him the fashion , & compasse of an horse shoe battring in pieces the whirlbone , & the nether part of the thighe bone , that it was most grievous even to behold . Some smaler wounds he had , & sundry other blowes which came not to his skin , as appeared by the mangling of his apparel .

A maide comming that way by occasion of busines cried out , whervpon he fled , and many of the neighbors came presently to the place , and behoulding this woefull spectacle , their Minister thus wallowed in the mire , and his bloude so extreamely , gushing out , ranne some of them into the towne with such a confused noyse , and outcrie of murther , that others hearing it , supposed on the sudden there had beene fire , and went with all speede to towle the bells . Thus was all suddenly in an vproare , yet fewe , or none could tell what the matter was . The rest of more discretion tooke vp the wounded man , carried him to the next house , where one of the constables dwelt , and made very good , and speedy meanes to bind vp his wounds , and to stanch his bloud .

Against the next day was provided a bone-setter , and three or foure of the best surgeons thereabout , who when they came to dresse him , were of opinion , that , if hee died not at the opening of his wounds , and forcing togither of his bones , he would at the least be verie subiect to often sounding . Yet hee beyond all their expectation indured all extremities , which necessitie in that case imposed on him to abide , for three houres space at the least , and never fainted , or changed colour . The which thinge induced them to alter their minde , and to hope ( as it were ) past all hope , that he would escape it . But the deadly blowes had so perished his braines , and let out so great a quantitie of his bloud in other partes of his body , that it was not possible he should recover . So that after he had languished in verie great paine from monday morning till the nexte Sunday after midnight , which was at the change of the moone , he ended his life .

The time that he thus continued , he spent much to the profitte of himselfe , and to no lesse comfort of those that came to visite him . For besides many divine meditations he daily vttered , & thanks to God for his so mercifull a visitation , in giving him both such time , and memory to prepare himselfe , hee also hartely forgaue , & continuallie praied for his greatest , & deadly enemy , whom he esteemed now in worse state , and more miserable then himselfe .

Now to leave the dead man ( as no doubt hee is ) with the Lord : it is not amisse breifely to declare by what meanes the offender escaped .

Presently after hee had committed this cruelty , hee posted home to his fathers house , on the backside , and the truth of his fact being now knowne , many that were already assembled , & knewe not at the first about what matter ; came to apprehend the fellon . But his father fearing least in that desperate heate he should doe some more mischiefe , did what hee could to pacifie the tumult vntill the constables came , and then delivered him . They sending for three or foure of such as they thought best , which had some of them seene the wounds , aswell as one of the constables himselfe had done , carried him to a Iustice . Where either for lacke of their due information of the truth , or by the corrupt , and favourable affection of the magistrate , or both , there was a very slender baile taken , and the malefactor by this sleight sent away .

To the Reader .

FOr that some of Cartwrights favourites wanting colour to excuse altogither the fowlenesse of his fact , doe yet indevour to qualifie the same in what measure they can , affirming that he being a young man , was provoked , and stirred vp by evill words to commit that in the heat of his bloud which otherwaies he would neuer haue committed : And some others beeing themselues either of a loose conversation , or at the least enemies to the Ministerie of the Gospel , would seeme to extenuate the crime , by imputing it , as a iust reward due , not only to the party murthered , but also to the most of his calling for their over-bold checking , and ( as they tearme it ) domineering over their betters , because indeede , they reproue the generall corruptions that so abound in every corner : And least also it might happily be surmised by some indifferently affected , that many things in this relation might partially proceede in favour of the dead man from some of his friendes , it is therefore thought fit for the better satisfying of the later sorte , to assure them that there is nothing set downe , but that which is to bee iustified by very sufficient proofe : and for the better answering of the former scandalls , and such like , here be annexed the testimony ( as it were ) of fowre substantiall Iuries , which speake of their credit what they knew concerning the man . The first doth consist of the better sort of his parishioners where hee remained : the second of the chiefe of such Ministers among whom he conversed : the thirde of the worshipfull in the countrey to whom hee was best knowne : and the fourth , of the learned in the Vniversitie where he was brought vp .

The testimony of his Parishioners .

FOrasmuch as some vncharitable people not satisfied with the guiltlesse bloud of M. Storre our late Minister , giue out slanderous speeches against him now dead , as proceeding from vs his parishioners : we therefore willing to cleare our selues from such vntruthes doe giue to vnderstand to whom these presents shall come , that as ( no doubt ) the fact was haynous before God , so is it a thing most grievous vnto vs , aswell in regard of his wife , and fiue small children , whose staffe of bread ( as himselfe said ) by this meanes is broken , as also chiefly that such a man shoulde thus perish among vs , whose learning diligence , and dexteritie in teaching the word of God was equall ( as we are perswaded ) to the better sort of his fellow Ministers : his conversation so answerable to his doctrine , and his carriage such in all his affaires , that ( in our iudgement ) it might haue bin a president to direct a civill , and christian life . Thus having witnessed the truth in the premisses , we cease .

From Market Raisin this 17. of April . 1603. Edmund Wright . Hum. Chapman . Iohn Da●●otte . Iohn Rutter . Rich. Pockley . Alexan. Lāming . Robert Lillie . Tho. Brakes . Mich. Iesoppe . Rich. Wright . Chri. Gyfford . Will . Wright . Christ . Wright . Mich. Hanson . Hen. Parker . Pet. Parker . Thom. Harwicke . William Dannotte . Iohn Cater . William Hansley . Leonard Hill . Iohn Tayler . Iames Robinson . Edw. Fawsitte .

The testimony of Preachers , halfe of them Doctors , & Batchelare of Divinitie , and the rest Masters of Art .

WHereas vpon the late murther of William Storre Mr. of Arts and preacher of market Raisin in the countie of Lincolne , there haue bin sette abroach certaine reports tending to his disgrace in favour ( as it is thought ) of the offender , wee therefore the Ministers to whom he was best knowne either by nearnesse of dwelling , or by conversing with him , doe signifie to all those to whom this our testimony shall come , that we alwaies held , and reputed the saide William Storre , not onely for his learning & sufficiency in his calling , a man farre passing many others : but also of such honest and commendable bearing of himselfe in his life , and conversation , that his greatest adversaries could never while he lived ( as we are verily perswaded ) iustly take exception against him .

In witnesse whereof we haue subscribed our names this present Aprill 1603. Law . Stanton . Greg. Garth . Alex. Southwicke . Iohn Chadwicke . Roger Parker . Rich. Turswell Theo. Tanzey . Tho. Burton . Mich. Reniger . George Eland . Hen. Nelson . William Mason . Iohn Downes . Amos Bedford . Cuth . Dale . Iohn White . David Hatcliffe . Will . Symonds . William Lownd . Hugh Browne . Samuell . Allen , Paul Balgaie . Richard Bateman . Nic. Clarke .

The testimony of Knightes and Esquires ,

BEing requested for some speciall causes to deliver vnder our hands what we knew concerning Mr. Storre late Vicar of market Raisin , we whose names ar subscribed , neighbors somewhat neare adioyning , thought it our Christian duetie to yeeld testimony therein accordingly . And therefore doe signify that as we accompt the manner of his death a part of most barbarouse crueltie , so we much lament that it happened to a man so well approved generally for a good scholler , a painfull preacher , and for many other commendable partes , which ( if by vntimely death he had not bin cutte of ) might otherwaies haue bin greatly beneficiall both to the church , and common wealth .

Given at Lincolne the 29. of Aprill 1603. George St poll . Edward Ayscoghe . Edward Tyrwhitt . Char. Metham . Ric. Rossetter . Fran. Bullingham Phillip Tyrwhitt . Thomas Grantham . Thomas Dalison . Vincent Ful●●●by Richard Ged●ey . Edward Saltmarsh .

The testimonie of Doctors , and Bachelors of Divinitie in the Vniversitie .

FOrasmuch as wee are intreated by certaine ministers of the countie of Lincolne to signifie what opinion we held of William Storre Mr of Arts , & late fellowe of Corpus Christi Colledge , we whose names are vnder-written doe by these presents giue him this testimonie ; that for the time of his aboade in our Vniversitie he shewed himselfe very sober , and honest in his conversation : he was of quiet cariage in his place , studiouse , learned , and religiouse : of great , & speciall hope to prove a worthy member in the Church of Christ .

Oxon. Iune . 29. 1603. Iohn Howson Vicecan . Oxon. Edmond Lillie . Richard Kylby . Raph Kettell . Iohn Aeglionbee . Nicholas Higges . Thomas Luddington Chri. Membry . Chri. Chalfount . Robert Burhill . Iohn Rainolds . Iohn Perin . Iohn Williams . Leon. Hutton . Rich. Crakanthorpe . Sebestian Benfeld , Peter Hooker . Iohn Barcham . Thomas Holland . George Abbott . Henry Asray . William Thorne . Edward Hyrst . Thomas Burton . Henry Hindle . Richard Alleyne . FINIS .