Walter raleigh last words

Onlookers noted that the condemned man had a curiously jaunty air, a fact which earlier visitors to the Gatehouse prison had also observed. The Dean of Westminster, Dr Tounson, when sent to take the final confession the previous evening had found the inmate unrepentant and inclined to make light of his fate. The prisoner had asked that his execution be in public so that he might make a short address. The prosecutors had reluctantly agreed to this but because they feared his way with words and wanted to limit the crowds, they insisted that the execution take place as early as possible on the next morning after his sentencing.

Some noblemen sat on horses to get a better view while others stood at windows or on balconies overlooking the place of execution. The prisoner was accompanied onto the scaffold by the two sheriffs of London and the Dean of Westminster and after a proclamation for silence he began to speak:. And I do, therefore, first desire the Almighty God to keep sickness from me, that I may have time to deliver my mind; and my next desire unto you all is that if disability in voice or dismayedness in countenance, shall appear, you will ascribe it to sickness rather than to myself.

Then, sensing that some of the nobles standing on a balcony opposite were having difficulty hearing him, the prisoner invited them down onto the scaffold where they all shook hands. He began his speech again by thanking God:. The prisoner then spoke for some twenty-five minutes, rebutting in some detail several accusations made against him and professing his loyalty to his king and country.

At this point the sheriff asked whether he would like to come down from the scaffold for a few moments to warm himself by the fire that had been lit for the occasion, before saying his final prayers. When the scaffold had been cleared the prisoner again spent some time in prayer before taking off his night gown and doublet in preparation for the final act.

He stretched himself across the block with some difficulty, and when his head was in place the executioner ripped his shirt and waistcoat with a knife in order to expose the neck.

Strike man, strike! The gown and its contents were carried away in a black mourning coach, drawn by two white horses. Subscribe to email updates from Tudors Dynasty. Email address:. Robyn News. June 16, at pm. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Join 5, subscribers. Share this:. Click here to cancel reply. Last Words: "I'd hate to die twice.

It's so boring. Last Words: "Why do you weep. Did you think I was immortal? Last Words: "Go on, get out - last words are for fools who haven't said enough. Last Words: "Get my swan costume ready. Last Words: "I knew it. I knew it. Born in a hotel room - and God damn it - died in a hotel room.

November 27, Last Words: "Friends applaud, the comedy is finished.