John Hallam (died 1537) facts for kids

John Hallam (died 1537) was a well-known and liked person from Cawkill, Yorkshire. He was involved in secret plans against the king.

John Hallam: A Rebel's Story

John Hallam was a strong supporter of the Pope and the old Catholic ways. He strongly disagreed with King Henry VIII becoming the head of the church in England. He also opposed the king closing down many monasteries.

Standing Up for Old Traditions

In August 1536, a new rule was made that stopped some traditional holidays. When a priest in Kilnskill announced that the king had stopped celebrating St. Wilfrid's Day, Hallam became very angry. He convinced the villagers to celebrate the holiday anyway.

Joining the Pilgrimage of Grace

When news arrived about a large protest called the Pilgrimage of Grace in Lincolnshire in 1536, Hallam was in Beverley. He read a message from Robert Aske. This message told people in the East Riding to bring back the old Catholic religion and reopen the monasteries. Hallam joined this protest movement himself.

He became one of the leaders of the protesting group between Beverley and Duffield. He marched with a group from Beverley, led by William Stapleton, to take control of Hull. Hallam stayed in Hull to manage it.

The Second Protest and Capture

When the main protest was stopped, the mayor of Hull, Rogers, and Alderman Eland removed Hallam from his position. They were even made knights for their actions. Hallam was forgiven along with many others.

However, in January 1537, Hallam, along with Sir Francis Bigod and others, planned another protest. This was known as the second pilgrimage. Their main base was in Settrington. Bigod marched to Beverley, and Hallam went to Hull. Hallam and his followers entered Hull on market day, pretending to be farmers. They were found out and chased. Hallam was caught and pulled inside the Beverley gate just as Bigod's group arrived. He was quickly judged, found guilty, and executed by hanging in January 1537.