A full and authentic report of the trial of Jonathan Martin at the Castle of York, on Tuesday, March 31, 1829, for setting fire to York Minister; with an account of the life of the lunatic. The destruction of the choir of York Cathedral, on the second of February, 1829; the flight and apprehension of the incendiary; his examination and commitment to York city gaol; the proceedings at public meetings held at York, in consequence of the fire; embellished with a striking likeness of Martin and a ground plan of the minister.

Date:: 1829

Credit: A full and authentic report of the trial of Jonathan Martin at the Castle of York, on Tuesday, March 31, 1829, for setting fire to York Minister; with an account of the life of the lunatic. The destruction of the choir of York Cathedral, on the second of February, 1829; the flight and apprehension of the incendiary; his examination and commitment to York city gaol; the proceedings at public meetings held at York, in consequence of the fire; embellished with a striking likeness of Martin and a ground plan of the minister. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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Michael Fryer was called by Mr, Archbold, but he could not identify Martin. Thomas Walls, by Mr. Archbold.—Is a class leader of the Wesleyan Methodists in York; I do not recollect having seen the prisoner at the bar before. Francis Barker, by Mr. Archbold.—I reside in York, and recollect going to a class meeting about a month or more back; Martin was in the class when I got there. I heard him pray. The class leader not being there, Martin led the meeting. He prayed aloud. There was nothing absurd in his prayer; he prayed correctly, as far as I know. George Thorpe, by Mr. Strickland.—I live in York. I was at a clas3 meeting. I can't swear the prisoner was there. John Quia, by Mr. Alderson.—I live at Leeds, and am a weaver. Martin came with his wife to lodge at my house. They brought a box and portmanteau. They came on the 28th January last. On the follow- ing day he got up, got his breakfast, and went out to sell his book. He said he should stop a month or five weeks. He came in generally at 5 o'clock ; and used to read his Bible, and spend the remainder of the even- ing in singing hymns. At 9 o'clock we had prayer. The prayers were such as any other religious or rational man would offer. I saw nothing to lead me to think he was insane. He asked for Ann Carr, at the Kanters' meeting. He went away on the morning of the 31st January. I understood he was going to the neighbourhood of Tadcaster, and would be back by Monday morning. By Mr. Brougham.—I never saw Martin before then. Isaac Sharp, by Mr. Archbold.—I saw Jonathan Martin at a meeting of the Primitive Methodists in Leeds, on the evening of the 31st of January. He put up a very solemn prayer indeed; and being a stranger I took particular notice, and felt much interested. Geo. Champney, Esq., by Mr. Alderson.—Is a 6urgeon at York. Is surgeon to the jail. Has visited Jonathan Martin four or five times. Has conversed with him several times, and considers him capable of distinguishing between right and wrong. By Mr. Brougham.—I have no connexion with a lunatic asylum, but have had private patients. By Mr. Alderson.—I have had many private patients, though I have not given that department my particular study. Mr. Alderson.—That is my case my Lord. Mr. Baron Hullock.—Prisoner, if you wish to say any thing in you? defence, now is your time. Martin with much vehemence of manner, then spoke in the following rambling, incoherent style. The first impression that I had, was by two particular dreams, sir; and after I had written five letters to warn the clergy. I think the last I wrote was a very severe one. I believe I wrote in it all the curses of the Scripture, to warn them, and likewise signed my name to every letter, and the place I lodg- ed at, No. 60, Altlgate. I never received any letters, which I was anxious to have from these clergymen, to speak to them by mouth, but there was found none among them that dared to answer me. I prayed to the Lord what I was to do. The next night I dreamt that a wonderful thick cloud came from heaven, and rested upon the Minster. [Here the prisoner gave a long account of his dream, mentioned before, and about the cloud resting over the house. He continued.—] The house was so shook that it awoke me from sleep. I was astonished, and btgan to ask the Lord what it meant? I felt a voice inwardly

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