Member-only story
Murder Pamphlet: The Arraignment and Burning of Margaret Fernseed
Margaret Fernseed was born around 1560 and executed in 1608.
Like so many murder pamphlets, The Arraignment and Burning of Margaret Fernseed begins by reminding us that it is “folly” to believe we can conceal our sins and abominations from God and public justice ministers. The message is clear: you cannot trick the justice system.
Margaret and Anthony Fernseed were married, though the length of their marriage is unclear. Their union ended abruptly when Anthony was found murdered.
Anthony, a tailor, was found dead near Lambeth. His throat had been cut, which was a shock to the community because he had been a man “both sober and of very good conversation.” He was holding a knife and had gold rings on his fingers. He also had 40 shillings in his pockets, indicating this was no robbery. Investigators were convinced the man did not die by suicide because his body was already covered with maggots, and he had not been there the day before.
Very quickly, Margaret became the prime suspect in the case. She became suspect when she was informed that her husband had died and officials decided she did not seem very sad about it.
Suspicion mounted when investigators learned that Margaret owned a brothel. The pamphlet makes it clear that neighbors…
