(Or ST. WILLIAM OF ROCHESTER). Martyr, born at Perth; died about
1201. Practically all that is known of this martyr comes from
the "Nova legenda Anglie", and that is little. In youth he had
been somewhat wild, but on reaching manhood he devoted himself
wholly to the service of God. A baker by trade, he was
accustomed to set aside every tenth loaf for the poor. He went
to Mass daily, and one morning, before it was light, found on
the threshold of the church an abandoned child, whom he adopted
and to whom he taught his trade. Later he took a vow to visit
the Holy Places, and, having received the consecrated wallet and
staff, set out with his adopted son, whose name is given as
"Cockermay Doucri", which is said to be Scots for "David the
Foundling". They stayed three days at Rochester, and purposed to
proceed next day to Canterbury, but instead David wilfully
misled his benefactor and, with robbery in view, felled him with
a blow on the head and cut his throat. The body was discovered
by a mad woman, who plaited