Sermon on Psalms 111:2

Sermon on the murder of Elizabeth Dorrocott committed by William Dillon. The text is Psalms 111:2, and the sermon occupies ff. 1r-21r. It appears to be written in two secretary hands; the second begins at f. 12r.

The report of the murder of Elizabeth is detailed, and names the house where it occurred, those who witnessed it. Apparently William Dillon stabbed her in the heart in the house of Mr Hugh Fortescue, between 12:00 and 1:00 o’clock. Elizabeth was his sister’s maid. He then slit his own throat, but didn’t die immediately. He lived for 15 days, having nothing to eat during that time. What follows is a report of his questioning by authorities and the answers he gave, ff. 21r-28v.