Margaret Polley facts for kids

Margaret Polley (who died in July 1555) was an English woman known as a martyr from Popingberry, a village near Rochester, Kent. Her story is written down in a famous book called Foxe's Book of Martyrs.

She lived during a time when England was going through big changes in religion. Margaret Polley was a Protestant, and because of her beliefs, she faced serious challenges.

Who Was Margaret Polley?

Margaret Polley was a brave woman who lived in England during the 1500s. She is remembered for her strong Protestant faith. Her story is part of a larger history of people who stood up for their religious beliefs.

A Time of Change: Religious Beliefs

During Margaret Polley's life, England was ruled by Queen Mary I. The Queen wanted England to return to the Catholic faith. This was different from the Protestant beliefs that had become popular. Because of these differences, there were often conflicts and harsh punishments for those who did not follow the Queen's religious rules.

What is a Protestant?

A Protestant is a Christian who follows the teachings of the Protestant Reformation. This was a big movement in the 1500s. Protestants had different ideas about how to worship and understand the Bible compared to the Catholic Church. Many people became Protestants during this time.

Standing Up for Beliefs

Margaret Polley was questioned by Maurice Griffith, who was the Bishop of Rochester. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the Christian church. She was accused of having beliefs that were different from the official church teachings. For this, she was put in prison for more than a month.

The writer John Foxe wrote about Margaret Polley in his famous book. He described her as being "in the prime of her life." He also said she was a very good person. Foxe wrote that she was "pious, charitable, humane," and "learned in the Scriptures." This means she was very religious, kind to others, and knew a lot about the Bible. She was also "beloved by all who knew her."

Her Legacy

Margaret Polley was executed in Tunbridge in July 1555. This happened on the same day as another person named Christopher Wade. Her story, along with many others, was recorded by John Foxe. His book, Foxe's Book of Martyrs, tells the stories of people who died for their faith. It helped to remember their courage and beliefs for future generations.