Judge Jeffreys and Portsmouth

Portsmouth has a surprising connection with the notorious George Jeffreys. He was made Burgess of Portsmouth on 10 September 1684. From 1685 to 1688 he was Recorder of Portsmouth but it appears that the office was performed during this period by a deputy, William Westbrook, who subsequently succeeded him as Recorder in 1689. Persons who were condemned to death and executed in the Bloody Assize, presided over by Jeffreys, which followed Monmouth’s rebellion in 1685 included John Hicks. Hicks had been minister of the non-conformist congregation at Portsmouth from about 1675 to 1681. This congregation was responsible for the later building the High Street Chapel. Additionally Alice Lady Lisle of Moyles Court near Ringwood was condemned by Jeffreys for giving shelter to Hicks and another man after the Rebellion. Jeffreys died in the Tower of London on 18 April 1689. Following the flight of James II overseas in December 1688, Jeffreys had himself tried to escape but was recognised and imprisoned.