Short Fiction · Chapter
Martin's Close explained
The narrator, staying with a rector in the West, learns from estate carpenter John Hill about a small hedged enclosure called Martin's Close, where a murderer named George Martin is buried.
What happens
The narrator, staying with a rector in the West, learns from estate carpenter John Hill about a small hedged enclosure called Martin's Close, where a murderer named George Martin is buried. Martin was hanged on Holy Innocents' Day by the 'bloody judge' Jeffreys for cutting a young woman's throat and casting her body into a pond. The narrator later discovers a manuscript of the trial, which includes testimony about the ghost of Ann Clark appearing after her death, and the trial before Judge Jeffreys at the Old Bailey.
Themes in this chapter
Supernatural and the Uncanny
The ghost of Ann Clark appears after her death, tormenting Martin and being seen by witnesses, as recounted in the trial and local legend.
The Curse of Knowledge
The manuscript's secret history and the deciphering of shorthand reveal hidden truths about the murder and trial, suggesting knowledge comes with a burden.
Decay and Mortality
The murder, the corpse in the pond, and Martin's execution on Holy Innocents' Day underscore themes of death and the decay of the body.
Characters to notice
- John Hill
Estate carpenter and general handy man who tells the narrator about Martin's Close and the local legend of George Martin's murder and hanging.
- Squire Martin
George Martin, the prisoner tried for murdering Ann Clark; described as a young gentleman of a good estate, hanged for the crime.
- Ann Clark
The victim, a spinster whose throat was cut and body thrown into a pond; her spirit reportedly tormented Martin before his execution.
- Lord Chief Justice
Sir George Jeffreys, the 'bloody judge' who presided over Martin's trial and sentenced him to death.
- Mrs. Simpson
Sarah Arscott, keeper of the New Inn, who testifies about Martin's acquaintance with Ann Clark and a song she sang to provoke him.
Key passages
“Old Mr. Saunders, he told a history regarding a cupboard down yurr in the New Inn. According to what he related, this young woman’s sperit come out of this cupboard: but I don’t racollact the matter.”
Old Mr. Saunders recounted a story about a cupboard at the New Inn from which Ann Clark's spirit emerged, though John Hill could not remember the details.
John Hill's recollection of the local legend about the ghost appearing from a cupboard.
“I shall show you, gentlemen, that Ann Clark’s body was found in the month of June, in a pond of water, with the throat cut: that a knife belonging to the prisoner was found in the same water: that he made efforts to recover the said knife from the water”
The prosecution will present evidence that Ann Clark's body was discovered in June in a pond with her throat cut, along with Martin's knife, which he tried to retrieve.
The Attorney's opening statement summarizing the key evidence against George Martin.
“She was a very short thick-made woman: I do not know what else you would have me say. ... She had a great face and hanging chops and a very bad colour like a puddock.”
Sarah Arscott described Ann Clark as short and stout, with a large face, drooping jowls, and a complexion like a toad.
Testimony from the innkeeper about Ann Clark's uncomely appearance, using the local term 'puddock' for toad.