List of people executed in Smithfield facts for kids
Smithfield was a very important place in London long ago. It was where many people faced serious punishments in public, especially during the medieval times and later.
People Who Faced Punishment at Smithfield
Smithfield was known for two main types of serious punishments: for people accused of treason and for people accused of heresy.
What is Treason?
Treason means betraying your country or its ruler. In the past, this was seen as one of the worst crimes someone could commit. People accused of treason at Smithfield included:
- William Wallace (in 1305)
- Wat Tyler (in 1381)
- Sir John Bulmer (in 1537)
- Edward Arden (in 1583). He faced a very severe punishment.
What is Heresy?
Heresy meant having beliefs that were different from the official religion of the time. During certain periods in English history, especially in the 1500s, disagreeing with the Church could lead to very harsh punishments. Many people were punished at Smithfield for their religious beliefs.
Some of the people accused of heresy included:
- William Sawtrey (in 1401)
- John Badby (in 1410)
- Anne Askew (in 1546)
- John Rogers (in 1555)
- John Bradford (in 1555)
- John Philpot (in 1555)
- Bartholomew Legate (in 1612)
Many other people also faced punishment at Smithfield for similar reasons during these times.
