On Thu, 23 May 96 GP. Ferzoco wrote
> Today, 23 May, is the feast of ...
> * William of Rochester, martyr (1201)
>
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> George Ferzoco
George,
I went to school in Rochester and there he is known as St. William of
Perth (canonised in 1256). William Lambarde, however, in his *A
Perambulation of Kent* (pub. 1576) relates "out of *Nova Legenda* it
selfe, what great man this Saint William of Rochester was".
William was a Scot, born in Perth, where he was by trade a baker "in
charitie so aboundant, that he gave to the poore the tenth loafe of
his workmanship: in zeale so fervent, that in vow he promised...to
visite the holy land...." Not far out of Rochester, on the way
towards Canterbury, "his servant...led him (of purpose) out of the
high way, and spoiled him both of his money and life. This done, the
servant escaped, and the Maister (bicause he died in so holy a purpose
of minde) was by the Monkes conveied to Saint Andrewes [i.e. Rochester
Cathedral - MH], laid in the quire, and promoted by the Pope...to a
blessed Martyr".
Lambarde continues thus: "Here (as they say) he moalded miracles
plentifully, but certaine it is, that madde folkes offered unto him
liberally, even untill these latter times...."
Regards.
Mark Harris
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Mark Harris
S-mail: Finance Division, University of London, Room 255, Senate
House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Tel: 0171-636 8000 x 3488
Fax: 0171-637 0692
"The reason of a thing is not to bee inquired after till you are
sure the thing it selfe bee soe. Wee comonly are att *What's
the reason of it?* before wee are sure of the thing."
John Selden (1584-1654), _Table Talk_
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