Canterbury Martyrs facts for kids
The Canterbury Martyrs were a group of English Protestants from the 1500s. They were put to death for their religious beliefs in Canterbury, Kent. These were the last Protestants to be burnt during the time of Queen Mary I. Their stories are written down in a famous book called Foxe's Book of Martyrs.
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The Canterbury Martyrs
During the 1500s, England went through big changes in religion. King Henry VIII had broken away from the Roman Catholic Church. Later, his daughter, Queen Mary I, wanted England to become Catholic again. This led to a difficult time for Protestants.
What Happened to Them?
Many people who held Protestant beliefs were seen as going against the Queen's laws. They were accused of "heresy," which meant having religious views that were different from the official church. Because of this, many Protestants were arrested and put on trial. If found guilty, they faced harsh punishments, including being burnt at the stake. The Canterbury Martyrs were some of these people. They chose to stick to their faith, even when it meant losing their lives.
The Years of Persecution
The executions of the Canterbury Martyrs happened over several years. Each year, more people were put to death for their Protestant faith.
1555: The First Group
In 1555, several people were put to death in Canterbury.
- On July 12, John Bland, who was a rector (a church leader) from Adesham, was burnt. John Frankesh, Nicholas Sheterden, and Humphrey Middleton were also burnt with him. Stories say they were very brave and prayed as they faced their end.
- On August 23, six more people were burnt. Their names were William Coker, William Hopper, Henry Laurence, Richard Collier, Richard Wright, and William Stere.
- On September 6, five people from different parts of Kent were burnt. They included George Catmer and Robert Streater from Hythe, Anthony Burward, George Brodbridge, and James Tutty.
- On November 30, John Webbe, George Roper, and Gregory Parke were burnt.
1556: A Monument to Remember
On January 31, 1556, five people were burnt in Wincheap, Canterbury. They were John Lomas of Tenterden, Agnes Snoth of Smarden, Anne Wright, Joan Sole of Horton, and Joan Catmer of Hythe. Today, a monument stands on 'Martyrs Field Road' to remember them.
1557: More People Suffer
In 1557, more Protestants were put to death.
- On January 15, six men were burnt. They were Stephen Kempe of Canterbury, William Waterer of Biddenden, William Prowting of Thornham, William Lowick of Cranbrooke, Thomas Hudson of Selling, and William Hay of Hythe.
- On June 19, seven people were burnt. This group included John Fishcock, Nicholas White, Nicholas Pardue, Barbara Final, and three women known as Bradbridge's Widow, Mistress Wilson, and Alice Benden.
1558: The Last Martyrs
The last group of Canterbury Martyrs were put to death on November 15, 1558. They were John Corneford of Wrotham, Christopher Brown of Maidstone, John Herst of Ashford, Kent, Alice Snoth, and Katherine Knight. Queen Mary I died just two days later, bringing an end to these religious persecutions.
See also
