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Cid Episode 15293/22/2021
As to Sir John, the Earl of Northumberland intervened, sending a friend to put him in mind what he had done how grievously hee had offended his maker in committing so detestable murders, as also in laying violent handes upon himselfe, and withal persuading him to repent He agreed to give 100 to Mrs Alley and so, being of gentle birth, and presumably with the agreement of the Rev Thomas Goose, the Vicar, he was buried beneath the chancel of St Marys church on 10 August.The Bloudie Booke, its title page illustrated here was published in blackletter type and couched in typically dramatic language.It has been used as the principal source of the following narrative.Family background Sir John Fitz was the only son of John (1529-90) and Mary, of Fitzford House near Tavistock in Devon, a family settled there from the 15th century.
His father, a retired lawyer, died in 1590 and he inherited extensive estates and considerable wealth. Although enjoying comelinese of personage increasing with his yeares, he appears to have undergone some sort of personality change following marriage, so gaining a reputation for drunken violence. In 1599, following a disagreement, he killed his friend Nicholas Slanning of Bickleigh and fled to France in order to escape arrest. He returned to England some months later, having obtained a pardon from Queen Elizabeth, with the help of his wifes family. Resuming life in Tavistock, he turned his wife and children out of the house and embarked on various riotous escapades in the company of a number of violent associates, terrorising the inhabitants of the town. However, on the accession of James I in 1603, John was knighted, apparently on account of his social standing and wealth rather than for any particular service to his new Monarch. Towards the end of July he travelled towards London with a servant, apparently in a state of growing psychotic paranoia, perhaps induced by alcohol abuse, believing that he was being pursued by members of his wifes and Slannings family, intent on revenge. Arriving at Kingston upon Thames he put up at an inn but on retiring to bed was unable to sleep. He left the inn and the servant who had accompanied him, and crossed the bridge to Hampton Wick. Continuing towards Twickenham he lost his way, wandered about on Hounslow Heath, and sought entry to a large, unnamed, house. He was turned away and, continuing his journey, came on the Anchor Inn. Alley shared the house with his wife, three children, a maid and a lodger named Robert Goddard. At the Anchor Inn It was now about 2.00am; Sir Johnservant had caught up with him, and between them they managed to raise Daniel who, after some conversation, let him in, vacated his and his wifes bed, changed the sheets and, his wife having gone next door to the children, sat with him until he fell into a restless sleep. ![]() There wasnt much rest for the household and, about 5.00 in the morning, Daniel prepared to start his days work: in a field, with Goddard where they were to cut hay. Sir John woke, disturbed and, his delusions having multiplied, attacked Daniel, running him through with his sword. Goddard made good his escape but Daniels wife, Agnes was not so fortunate and was wounded in her arm. Brought somewhat to his senses by what he had done, he set the hilt of his sword against a wall and impaled himself, twice. Daniel died, but Sir John lingered for 48 hours before finally expiring. At the Coroners Inquest on the following Thursday, 4 August, he was still alive. Daniel was buried, probably in St Marys churchyard, on 6 August.
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