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List of Protestant martyrs of the English Reformation facts for kids

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Maidstone martyrs plaque
Plaque in Maidstone, Kent, commemorating those burnt nearby

Protestants were executed in England under heresy laws during the reigns of Henry VIII (1509–1547) and Mary I (1553–1558), and in smaller numbers during the reigns of Edward VI (1547–1553), Elizabeth I (1558–1603), and James I (1603–1625). Protestant theologian and activist John Foxe described "the great persecutions & horrible troubles, the suffering of martyrs, and other such thinges" in his contemporaneously-published Book of Martyrs.

Protestants in England and Wales were executed under legislation that punished anyone judged guilty of heresy against Catholicism. At least 280 people were recognised as burned over the five years of Mary I's reign by contemporary sources.

Historical context

English Reformation

The English Reformation had put a stop to Catholic ecclesiastical governance in England, asserted royal supremacy over the English Church and dissolved some church institutions, such as monasteries and chantries.

An important year in the English Reformation was 1547, when Protestantism became a new force under the child-king Edward VI, England's first Protestant ruler. Edward died at age 15 in 1553. His relative Lady Jane Grey claimed the throne but was deposed by Edward's Catholic half-sister, Mary I.

Persecution of Protestants under Mary I (1553–1558)

Marian martyrs memorial cotham church
Marian martyrs memorial: Cotham Church, Bristol

The relationship between the English church and Rome was restored at the accession of Queen Mary I to the English throne in 1553. With her repeal of all religious legislation passed under Edward VI, Protestants faced a choice: exile, reconciliation/conversion, or punishment. Many people were exiled, and hundreds of dissenters were executed, earning her the nickname of "Bloody Mary". The number of people executed for their faith during the persecutions is thought to be at least 287, including 56 women. Thirty others died in prison.

Although the so-called "Marian Persecutions" began with four clergymen, relics of Edwardian England's Protestantism, Foxe's Book of Martyrs offers an account of the executions, which extended well beyond the anticipated targets – high-level clergy. Tradesmen were also executed, as well as married men and women, sometimes in unison, "youths". The figure of 300 victims of the Marian Persecutions was given by Foxe and later by Thomas Brice in his poem, "The Regester".

English Inquisition and the judicial process

However bloody the end, the trials of Protestant heretics were judicial affairs, presided by bishops (most notably Bishop Bonner) adhering to a strict legal protocol under the privy council, with Parliament's blessing. Mary had difficulty forming an efficient Privy Council, which eventually numbered over 40 and never worked as a source of political advice, though it effectively pursued police work and enforcement of religious uniformity. During the session that restored the realm to papal obedience Parliament reinstated the heresy laws. From 20 January 1555, England could legally punish those judged guilty of heresy against the Roman Catholic faith.

Thus it became a matter of establishing the guilt or innocence of an accused heretic in open court – a process which the lay authorities employed to reclaim "straying sheep" and to set a precedent for authentic Catholic teaching. If found guilty, the accused were first excommunicated, then handed over to the secular authorities for execution. The official records of the trials are limited to formal accusations, sentences, and so forth; the documents to which historians look for context and detail are those written by the accused or their supporters.

John Rogers' execution

Before Mary's ascent to the throne, John Foxe, one of the few clerics of his day who was against the burning of even obstinate heretics, had approached the Royal Chaplain and Protestant preacher, John Rogers to intervene on behalf of Joan Bocher, a female Anabaptist who was sentenced to death by burning in 1550. Rogers refused to help, as he supported the burning of heretics. Rogers claimed that the method of execution was "sufficiently mild" for a crime as grave as heresy. Later, after Mary I came to power and restored England to Catholicism, John Rogers spoke quite vehemently against the new order and was himself burnt as a heretic.

Legacy

Throughout the course of the persecutions, Foxe lists 312 individuals who were executed their faith, or died or sickened in prison. Three of these people are commemorated with a gothic memorial in Oxford, England, but there are many other memorials across England. They are known locally as the "Marian Martyrs".

English Saints and Martyrs of the Reformation Era are remembered in the Church of England with a Lesser Festival on 4 May.

Martyrs executed

Order of death. Name Residence Description Date of execution Place of execution References
Protestants executed under Henry VIII
1. Thomas Hitton Martham, Norfolk clergyman – priest burnt 23 February 1530 Maidstone, Kent
2. Thomas Benet Exeter, Devon teacher burnt 15 January 1531 Exeter, Devon
3. Thomas Bilney Taken at Norwich, Norfolk clergyman – priest burnt 19 August 1531 Lollards Pit, Norwich, Norfolk
4. Richard Bayfield Taken at Mark Lane, London monk – Benedictine (former) and chamberlain of Bury St Edmunds Abbey burnt 27 November 1531 Smithfield, London
5. John Tewkesbury St Michael-le-Querne Parish, Paternoster Row, London leatherseller burnt December 1531 Smithfield, London
6. 'An old man' Buckinghamshire burnt 1531
7. Davy Foster Yorkshire poor artificer burnt 1531
8. James Bainham Middle Temple, London lawyer burnt 30 April 1532 Smithfield, London
9. John Bent Urchfont, Wiltshire burnt in or before April 1532 Devizes, Wiltshire
10. ... Trapnel burnt in or before April 1532 Bradford, Wiltshire
11. Thomas Harding Chesham, Buckinghamshire 'aged father' his brains were dashed out with a billet of wood while he was being burnt at the stake, May 1532 Chesham, Buckinghamshire
12. John Frith Westerham, then Sevenoaks, Kent – Taken after he had been preaching at Bow Lane, London clergyman – canon at Cardinal College, Oxford burnt 4 July 1533 Smithfield, London
13. Andrew Hewet Watling Street, London (born in Faversham, Kent) apprentice to a tailor burnt 4 July 1533 Smithfield, London
14.–23. Ten Dutchmen counted for Anabaptists – Segor, Derycke, Symon, Runa, Derycke, Dominicke, Dauid, Cornelius, Elken and Milo burnt 1535 'sundry places of the realm'
24. Robert Pakington Cheapside, London mercer murdered 13 November 1536 Cheapside, London
25. William Cowbridge Wantage, Berkshire clergyman (purported) – 'exercised the office of a priest, in teaching and administering of the sacraments, but being no priest indeed' burnt after – probably shortly after – 22 July 1538 Oxford, Oxfordshire
26. John Lambert The Stocks – a market for meat and fish in the City of London clergyman – priest, and teacher of Greek and Latin burnt 22 November 1538 Smithfield, London
27. ... Puttedew Suffolk burnt in or before 1538 Suffolk
28. William Leiton or Leyton Eye Priory, Eye, Suffolk monk – Benedictine burnt in or before 1538 Norwich, Norfolk
29. -30 Two Anabaptists, a man and a woman Dutch burnt 29 November 1538 Smithfield, London
31. Giles Germane burnt 1539 St Giles in the Fields, outside London
32. Launcelot ... servant of the king burnt 1539 St Giles in the Fields, outside London
33. John ... painter burnt 1539 St Giles in the Fields, outside London
34.–36. Three Anabaptists – ... Mandeville, ... Collins and another burnt 29 April 1539 Newington Causeway, outside London
37. William Collins London lawyer and gentleman burnt 7 July 1540 Smithfield, London or Southwark
38. Robert Barnes Austin Friary, Cambridge (until 1528) monk – Augustinian burnt 30 July 1540 Smithfield, London
39. Thomas Gerrard (or Gerard, Garret or Garrard) All Hallows Honey Lane Parish, London clergyman – rector of All Hallows Honey Lane burnt 30 July 1540 Smithfield, London
40. William Jerome Stepney, London clergyman – vicar of St Dunstan's, Stepney burnt 30 July 1540 Smithfield, London
41.–42. Valentine Freese and his wife burnt 1540 York, Yorkshire
43. Richard Mekins 'a child that passed not the age of fifteen years' burnt 30 July 1541
44. Richard Spenser clergyman (former) – 'a ... Priest ... who leaving his papistry, had married a wife, and became a player in interludes' Burnt about 1541/2 Salisbury, Wiltshire
45. John Ramsey player in interludes burnt about 1541/2 Salisbury, Wiltshire
46. Thomas Bernard burnt about 1541 Lincoln Diocese
47. James Morton burnt about 1541 Lincoln Diocese
48. Adam Damlip (also known as George Bucker) Calais clergyman – former chaplain to Bishop John Fisher executed 22 May 1543 Calais
Windsor Martyrs
49. Robert Testwood City of London (originally) musician in the college at Windsor burnt 28 July 1543 Windsor, Berkshire
50. Anthony Pearson clergyman – priest of Windsor; popular preacher burnt 28 July 1543 Windsor, Berkshire
51. Henry Filmer churchwarden of St John the Baptist Church, Windsor burnt 28 July 1543 Windsor, Berkshire
52. Unknown man Calais poor labouring man burnt 1540 Calais
53. ... Dodd Calais – a Scotsman burnt 1541 Calais
54. [Forename unknown] ... Henry burnt 1545 or 1546 Colchester, Essex
55. Unknown man servant of ... Henry burnt 1545 or 1546 Colchester, Essex
56. [Forename unknown] ... Kerby burnt 1546 Ipswich, Suffolk
57. Roger Clarke Mendlesham, Suffolk burnt 1546 Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
58. Anne Askew Stallingborough, Lincolnshire wife of Master Thomas Kyme, a farmer and landowner of Friskney, Lincolnshire burnt 16 July 1546 Smithfield, London
59. Nicholas Belenian Shropshire clergyman – priest burnt 16 July 1546 Smithfield, London
60. John Adams Colchester, Essex tailor burnt 16 July 1546 Smithfield, London
61. John Lassells Gateford, Nottinghamshire courtier burnt 16 July 1546 Smithfield, London
62. ... Rogers Norfolk burnt 1546 Norfolk
63. Oliver Richardine Whitchurch parish, Shropshire burnt 1546 Hartford West
Radical Protestants executed under Edward VI
1. Joan Bocher (or Butcher, or as Joan Knell) Kent (perhaps Romney Marsh) 2 May 1550 Smithfield, London
2. George van Parris Dutchman 1551
Protestants executed under Mary I
1. John Rogers City of London clergyman – preacher, biblical translator, lecturer at St. Paul's Cathedral burnt 4 February 1555 Smithfield, London
2. Lawrence Saunders City of London clergyman – preacher, Rector of All Hallows Bread Street, London burnt 8 February 1555 Coventry, Warwickshire
3. John Hooper Gloucester and Worcester clergyman – Bishop of Gloucester and Worcester under Edward VI burnt 9 February 1555 Gloucester, Gloucestershire
4. Rowland Taylor Hadleigh, Suffolk clergyman – Rector of Hadleigh, Suffolk burnt 9 February 1555 Aldham Common, Nr Hadleigh, Suffolk
5. Rawlins White Cardiff, Glamorgan fisherman burnt March 1555 Cardiff, Glamorgan
6. Thomas Tomkins Shoreditch, London weaver burnt 16 March 1555 Smithfield, London
7. Thomas Causton Horndon on the Hill or Thundersby, Essex gentleman burnt 26 March 1555 Rayleigh, Essex
8. Thomas Higbed Horndon on the Hill or Thundersby, Essex gentleman burnt 26 March 1555 Horndon-on-the-Hill, Essex
9. William Hunter Coleman Street Parish, London apprentice burnt 27 March 1555 (or 26 according to Foxe) Brentwood, Essex
10. Stephen Knight barber burnt 28 March 1555 Maldon, Essex
11. William Pygot (or Pigot) butcher burnt 28 March 1555 Braintree, Essex
12. William Dighel burnt 28 March 1555 Banbury, Oxfordshire
13. John Lawrence (or Laurence) clergyman – priest and former Blackfriar at Sudbury, Suffolk burnt 29 March 1555 Colchester, Essex
14. Robert Ferrar St David's, Pembrokeshire clergyman – Bishop of St David's under Edward VI burnt 30 March 1555 Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire
15. George Marsh Dean, Lancashire clergyman – curate to Laurence Saunders and minister at Dean, Lancashire burnt 24 April 1555 Boughton, Cheshire
16. William Flower Lambeth, London surgeon and teacher burnt 24 April 1555 Westminster
17. John Cardmaker Wells, Somerset clergyman – prebendary of Wells Cathedral burnt 30 May 1555 Smithfield, London
18. John Warne Walbrook, London upholsterer burnt 30 May 1555 Smithfield, London
19. Thomas Hawkes (or Haukes) Essex gentleman burnt 10 June 1555 Coggeshall, Essex
20. Thomas Watts (or Wattes) Billericay, Essex linen draper burnt 10 June 1555 Chelmsford, Essex
21. John Ardeley (or Ardite) Wigborough, Essex husbandman burnt 30 May 1555 (or 'about 10 June', according to Foxe) Rayleigh, Essex
22. John Simson Wigborough, Essex husbandman burnt 30 May 1555 (or 'about 10 June', according to Foxe) Rochford, Essex
23. Nicholas Chamberlain (or Chamberlaine) Coggeshall, Essex weaver burnt 14 June 1555 Colchester, Essex
24. William Bamford (or Butler) Coggeshall, Essex weaver burnt 15 June 1555 Harwich, Essex
25. Thomas Ormond (or Osmande) Coggeshall, Essex fuller burnt 15 June 1555 Manningtree, Essex
26. John Bradford City of London clergyman – prebendary of St Paul's Cathedral burnt 1 July 1555 Smithfield, London
27. John Leaf (or Jhon Least) Christ Church Greyfriars, London (born in Kirkby Moorside, Yorkshire) apprentice tallow chandler burnt 1 July 1555 Smithfield, London
Canterbury Martyrs of July 1555
28. John Bland (or Blande) Rolvenden, Kent clergyman – vicar of Rolvenden, Kent burnt 12 July 1555 Canterbury, Kent
29. Nicholas Shetterden (or Shitterdun) burnt 12 July 1555 Canterbury, Kent
30. John Frankesh Adisham, Kent clergyman – parson of Adisham, Kent burnt 12 July 1555 Canterbury, Kent
31. Humphrey Middleton Ashford, Kent burnt 12 July 1555 Canterbury, Kent
32. Nicholas Hall Dartford, Kent bricklayer burnt 19 July 1555 Rochester, Kent
33. Christopher Wade Dartford, Kent linen-weaver burnt July 1555 Dartford, Kent
34. Margaret (or Margery) Polley Pepeling, Calais widow burnt 17 July 1555 Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
35. Dirick Carver (also spelt Deryk; also known as Dirick Harman) Brighthelmstone (now Brighton), Sussex beer-brewer burnt 22 July 1555, Lewes, East Sussex
36. John Launder Godstone, Surrey husbandman burnt 23 July 1555 Steyning, West Sussex
37. Thomas Euerson (or Iueson, Iverson or Iveson) Godstone, Surrey carpenter burnt (day unknown) July 1555 Chichester, West Sussex
38. Richard Hook (or Hooke) lame man burnt unknown date in July 1555 Chichester, West Sussex
39. James Abbess Stoke-by-Nayland, Suffolk shoemaker burnt 2 August 1555 Thetford, Norfolk (or Bury, according to Foxe)
40. John Denley Maidstone, Kent gentleman burnt 8 August 1555 Uxbridge, Middlesex
41. Robert Smith Windsor, Berkshire clerk at the college in Windsor, Berkshire and painter burnt 8 August 1555 Uxbridge, Middlesex
Canterbury Martyrs of August 1555
42. William Coker burnt 23 August 1555 Canterbury, Kent
43. William Hopper Cranbrook, Kent burnt 23 August 1555 Canterbury, Kent
44. Henry Laurence burnt 23 August 1555 Canterbury, Kent
45. Richard Collier (or Colliar) burnt 23 August 1555 Canterbury, Kent
46. Richard Wright Ashford, Kent burnt 23 August 1555 Canterbury, Kent
47. William Stere Ashford, Kent burnt 23 August 1555 Canterbury, Kent
48. Elizabeth Warne (or Warren) Walbrook, London widow of John Warne, upholsterer burnt 23 August 1555 Stratford-atte-Bow, London
49. Roger Hues (aliases: Curryer, Corier) St Mary's, Taunton, Somerset burnt 24 August 1555 Taunton, Somerset
50. George Tankerfield London (born in York) cook burnt 26 August 1555 St Albans
51. Patrick Pakingham (aliases: Packingham, Pachingham, Patchingham or Pattenham) burnt 28 August 1555 Uxbridge, Middlesex
52. John Newman Maidstone, Kent pewterer burnt 31 August 1555 Saffron Walden, Essex
53. Robert Samuel (or Samuell) Barfold, Suffolk clergyman – minister at Barfold, Suffolk burnt 31 August 1555 Thetford, Norfolk
54. Stephen Harwood Ware, Hertfordshire brewer burnt 30 August 1555 Stratford in Essex
55. Thomas Fust (or Fusse) hosier, August 1555 In the environs of London or Ware
56. William Hale (or Hailes) Thorpe, Essex, late August 1555 In the environs of Barnet, London
57. William Allen Somerton, Norfolk labourer burnt early September 1555 Walsingham, Norfolk
58. Roger Coe (or Coo or Cooe) Melford, Suffolk shearman burnt date unknown September 1555 Yoxford, Suffolk
59. Thomas Cob Haverhill, Suffolk butcher burnt date unknown September 1555 Thetford, Norfolk
Canterbury Martyrs of September 1555
60. George Catmer (or Painter) Hythe, Kent burnt about 6 September 1555, according to Foxe (or 12 July 1555) Canterbury, Kent
61. Robert Streater (or Streter) Hythe, Kent burnt about 6 September 1555, according to Foxe (or 12 July 1555) Canterbury, Kent
62. Anthony Burward Calete (possibly Calais) burnt about 6 September 1555, according to Foxe (or 12 July 1555) Canterbury, Kent
63. George Brodbridge (or Bradbridge) Bromfield, Kent burnt about 6 September 1555, according to Foxe (or 12 July 1555) Canterbury, Kent
64. James Tutty (or Tuttey) Brenchley, Kent burnt about 6 September 1555, according to Foxe (or 12 July 1555) Canterbury, Kent
65. Robert Glover (or Glouer) Mancetter, Warwickshire gentleman burnt 14 September 1555 Coventry, Warwickshire
66. Cornelius Bongey (or Bungey) capper burnt 20 September 1555 Coventry, Warwickshire
67. Thomas Hayward (or Heywarde) burnt mid September 1555 Lichfield, Staffordshire
68. John Goreway Holy Trinity Parish, Coventry, Warwickshire burnt mid-September 1555 Lichfield, Staffordshire
Ely Martyrs
69. William Wolsey Upwell, Norfolk constable, one of the Ely Martyrs burnt 16 October 1555 Cathedral Green, Ely, Cambridgeshire
70. Robert Pygot (or Pigot) Wisbech, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire painter, also an Ely Martyr burnt 16 October 1555 Cathedral Green, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Oxford Martyrs
71. Hugh Latimer (or Latymer) Baxterley, Warwickshire clergyman – chaplain to King Edward VI burnt 16 October 1555 outside Balliol College, Oxford
72. Nicholas Ridley Fulham Palace clergyman – Bishop of London under Edward VI burnt 16 October 1555 outside Balliol College, Oxford
Canterbury Martyrs of November 1555
73. John Webbe (or Web) gentleman burnt 30 November 1555 Canterbury, Kent
74. George Roper burnt 30 November 1555 Canterbury, Kent
75. Gregory Parke (or Paynter) burnt 30 November 1555 Canterbury, Kent
76. John Philpot Winchester, Hampshire clergyman – Archdeacon of Winchester burnt 18 December 1555 Smithfield, London
77. Thomas Whittle (or Whitwell) Essex clergyman – priest or minister burnt 27 January 1556 Smithfield, London
78. Bartlett (or Bartholomew) Green Temple, London – born in Basinghall, London gentleman and lawyer burnt 27 January 1556 Smithfield, London
79. Thomas Brown St Bride's parish, Fleet Street, London – born in Histon, Cambridgeshire burnt 27 January 1556 Smithfield, London
80. John Tudson St Mary Botolph parish, London – born in Ipswich, Suffolk artificer burnt 27 January 1556 Smithfield, London
81. John Went (or Winter or Hunt) Langham, Essex artificer burnt 27 January 1556 Smithfield, London
82. Isobella Forster (or Annis Foster) St Bride's parish, Fleet Street, London – Born in Greystoke, Cumberland wife of John Foster, cutler burnt 27 January 1556 Smithfield, London
83. Joan Lushford (or Jone Lashforde, or Warne) Little Allhallows parish, Thames Street, London maid burnt 27 January 1556 Smithfield, London
Canterbury Martyrs of 1556
84. John Lomas (or Jhon Lowmas) Tenterden, Kent burnt 31 January 1556 Wincheap, Canterbury
85. Annes Snoth (or Annis Snod) Smarden, Kent widow burnt 31 January 1556 Wincheap, Canterbury
86. Anne Wright (or Albright); alias Champnes burnt 31 January 1556 Wincheap,Canterbury
87. Joan (or Jone) Soale Horton, Kent wife burnt 31 January 1556 Wincheap, Canterbury
88. Joan Catmer Hythe, Kent 'wife (as it should seem) of George Catmer', burnt in 1555 burnt 31 January 1556 Wincheap, Canterbury
Ipswich Martyrs of 1556
89. Agnes Potten Ipswich, Suffolk wife of Robert Potten burnt 19 February 1556 Ipswich, Cornhill
90. Joan Trunchfield Ipswich, Suffolk wife of Michael Trunchfield, a shoemaker burnt 19 February 1556 Ipswich, Cornhill
91. Thomas Cranmer Lambeth Palace clergyman – Archbishop of Canterbury (former) burnt 21 March 1556 outside Balliol College, Oxford
92. John Maundrel Beckhampton, Wiltshire – brought up in Rowde, Wiltshire husbandman burnt 24 March 1556 outside Salisbury, Wiltshire
93. William Coberly Wiltshire tailor burnt 24 March 1556 outside Salisbury, Wiltshire
94. John Spicer (or Spencer) Winston, Suffolk freemason or bricklayer burnt 24 March 1556 outside Salisbury, Wiltshire
95. John Harpole (or Hartpoole) St Nicholas Parish, Rochester, Kent burnt 1 April 1556 Rochester, Kent
96. Joan Beach Tunbridge Wells, Kent widow burnt 1 April 1556 Rochester, Kent
97. John Hullier (or Hulliarde) Babraham, Cambridgeshire clergyman – curate of Babraham, Cambridgeshire burnt 16 April 1556 Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
98. William Tyms (or Timmes) Hockley, Essex clergyman – curate of Hockley, Essex burnt 24 April 1556 Smithfield, London
99. Robert Drake Thundersley, Essex clergyman – minister or parson of Thundersley, Essex burnt 24 April 1556 Smithfield, London
100. Richard Spurge Bocking, Essex shearman burnt 24 April 1556 Smithfield, London
101. Thomas Spurge Bocking, Essex fuller burnt 24 April 1556 Smithfield, London
102. George Ambrose Bocking, Essex fuller burnt 24 April 1556 Smithfield, London
103. John Cavel (or Cauell) Bocking, Essex weaver burnt 24 April 1556 Smithfield, London
Colchester martyrs of April 1556
104. Christopher Lister Dagenham, Essex husbandman burnt 28 April 1556 Colchester, Essex
105. John Mace Colchester, Essex apothecary burnt 28 April 1556 Colchester, Essex
106. John Spencer Colchester, Essex weaver burnt 28 April 1556 Colchester, Essex
107. Simon Joyne sawyer burnt 28 April 1556 Colchester, Essex
108. Richard Nicol Colchester, Essex weaver burnt 28 April 1556 Colchester, Essex
109. John Hamond Colchester, Essex tanner burnt 28 April 1556 Colchester, Essex
110. Hugh Laverock (or Lauarocke) Barking, Essex painter, (a lame man) burnt 15 May 1556 Stratford in Essex
111. John Apprice (or Aprice) blind man burnt 15 May 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow or Stratford in Essex
112. Thomas Drowry blind boy burnt about 15 May 1556 Gloucester, Gloucestershire
113. Thomas Croker bricklayer burnt about 15 May 1556 Gloucester, Gloucestershire
114. Katherine Hut Bocking, Essex widow burnt 16 May 1556 Smithfield, London
115. Elizabeth Thackvel Great Burstead, Essex maid burnt 16 May 1556 Smithfield, London
116. Joan (or Jone) Horns Billericay, Essex maid burnt 16 May 1556 Smithfield, London
117. Thomas Spicer Winston, Suffolk labourer burnt 21 May 1556 Beccles, Suffolk
118. John Deny (or Denny) (possibly a female Joan or Jone) Beccles, Suffolk burnt 21 May 1556 Beccles, Suffolk
119. Edmund Poole Beccles, Suffolk burnt 21 May 1556 Beccles, Suffolk
120. Thomas Harland Woodmancote, Sussex carpenter burnt 6 June 1556 Lewes, Sussex
121. John Oswald (or Oseward) Woodmancote, Sussex husbandman burnt 6 June 1556 Lewes, Sussex
122. Thomas Reed Ardingly, Sussex burnt about 6 June 1556 Lewes, Sussex
123. Thomas Avington (or Euington) Ardingly, Sussex turner burnt about 6 June 1556 Lewes, Sussex
124. Adam Forster (or Foster) Mendlesham, Suffolk husbandman burnt 17 June 1556 Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
125. Robert Lawson Mendlesham, Suffolk linen weaver burnt 17 June 1556 Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
126. Thomas Wood clergyman – pastor burnt about 20 June 1556 Lewes, Sussex
127. Thomas Milles Hellingly, Sussex burnt about 20 June 1556 Lewes, Sussex
128. Thomas Moor servant and husbandman burnt 26 June 1556 Leicester, Leicestershire
Stratford Martyrs, 11 men and 2 women.
129. Henry Adlington (or Addlinton) Grinstead, Sussex sawyer burnt 27 June 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow
130. Lawrence (or Laurence) Parnam Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire smith burnt 27 June 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow
131. Henry Wye Stanford-le-Hope, Essex brewer burnt 27 June 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow
132. William Holywell (or Hallywell) Waltham Holy Cross, Essex, smith burnt 27 June 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow
133. Thomas Bowyer (or Bowier) Great Dunmow, Essex weaver burnt 27 June 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow
134. George Searle White Notley, Essex tailor burnt 27 June 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow
135. Edmond Hurst St James's Parish, Colchester labourer burnt 27 June 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow
136. Lion/Lyon Cawch City of London merchant/broker burnt 27 June 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow
137. Ralph Jackson Chipping Ongar, Essex, serving-man burnt 27 June 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow
138. John Derifall (or Dorifall) Rettendon, Essex labourer burnt 27 June 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow
139. John Routh/Roth Wickes, Essex labourer burnt June 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow
140. Elizabeth Pepper St James's parish, Colchester wife of Thomas Pepper, weaver burnt 27 June 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow
141. Agnes George West Barefold, Essex wife of Richard George, husbandman burnt 27 June 1556 Stratford-Atte-Bow
142. Roger Bernard Framsden, Suffolk labourer burnt 30 June 1556 Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
143. Julins Palmer Reading, Berkshire schoolmaster burnt about 15 July 1556 'The Sand-pits', Nr Newbury, Berkshire
144. John Guin/Jhon Gwin shoemaker burnt about 15 July 1556 'The Sand-pits', Nr Newbury, Berkshire
145. Thomas Askin/Askue burnt about 15 July 1556 'The Sand-pits', Nr Newbury, Berkshire
Guernsey Martyrs – (Three women and one unborn male foetus)
146. Catherine Cauchés (sometimes spelt Katherine Cawches) St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands burnt 18 July 1556 St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands
147. Perotine Massey (pregnant) St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands wife of Norman Calvinist minister burnt 18 July 1556 St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands
148. Guillemine Gilbert St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands burnt 18 July 1556 St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands
149. Thomas Dungate (or Dougate) East Grinstead, Sussex burnt 18 July 1556 Grinstead, Sussex
150. John Forman (or Foreman) East Grinstead, Sussex burnt 18 July 1556 Grinstead, Sussex
151. Anne Tree (or Try) West Hoathly, Sussex burnt 18 July 1556 Grinstead, Sussex
152. Joan Waste All Hallows', Derby, Derbyshire blind woman burnt 1 August 1556 Derby, Derbyshire
153. Edward Sharp glover (possibly) burnt early September 1556 Bristol, Gloucestershire/Somerset
154. Rose Pencell burnt 17 October 1555 Bristol
155. William Shapton weaver burnt 17 October 1555 Bristol
156. John Kurde Syresham, Northamptonshire shoemaker burnt October 1556 or 20 September 1557 Northampton, Northamptonshire
157. John Noyes Laxfield, Suffolk shoemaker burnt 22 September 1556 or 1557
158. Thomas Ravensdale burnt 24 September 1556 Mayfield, Sussex
159. John Hart burnt 24 September 1556 Mayfield, Sussex
160. Unknown man shoemaker burnt 24 September 1556 Mayfield, Sussex
161. Unknown man currier burnt 24 September 1556 Mayfield, Sussex
162. Nicholas Holden Withyham, Sussex weaver burnt 24 September 1556 Mayfield, Sussex
163. Unknown man carpenter burnt 25 September 1556 Bristol, Gloucestershire/Somerset
164. John Horn burnt late September 1556 Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire
165. John Phillpott Tenterden, Kent burnt 16 January 1557 Wye, Ashford, Kent
166. Thomas Stephens Biddenden, Kent burnt 16 January 1557 Wye, Ashford, Kent
Canterbury Martyrs of January 1557
167. Stephen Kempe Norgate, Kent burnt 15 January 1557 Canterbury, Kent
168. William Waterer Biddenden, Kent burnt 15 January 1557 Canterbury, Kent
169. William Prowting Thurnham, Kent burnt 15 January 1557 Canterbury, Kent
170. William Lowick Cranbrook, Kent burnt 15 January 1557 Canterbury, Kent
171. Thomas Hudson Selling, Kent burnt 15 January 1557 Canterbury, Kent
172. William Hay Hythe, Kent burnt 15 January 1557 Canterbury, Kent
173. Nicholas Final Tenterden, Kent burnt 16 January 1557 Ashford, Kent
174. Martin Bradbridge Tenterden, Kent burnt 16 January 1557 Ashford, Kent
175. William Carman (or Carmen) burnt day and month unknown 1557
176. Thomas Loseby burnt 12 April 1557 Smithfield, London
177. Henry Ramsey burnt 12 April 1557 Smithfield, London
178. Thomas Thyrtell (or Sturtle) burnt 12 April 1557 Smithfield, London
179. Margaret Hyde burnt 12 April 1557 Smithfield, London
180. Agnes Stanley (or Stanlye) burnt 12 April 1557 Smithfield, London
181. Richard Sharpe weaver burnt 7 May 1557 Cotham, Bristol
182. Thomas Hale shoemaker burnt 7 May 1557 Cotham, Bristol
183. Stephen Gratwick (or Steuen Grathwick) Brighthelmstone (now Brighton), Sussex burnt at end of May 1557 St. George's Fields, Southwark, Surrey
184. William Morant burnt at end of May 1557 St. George's Fields, Southwark, Surrey
185. Thomas King burnt at end of May 1557 St. George's Fields, Southwark, Surrey
Maidstone martyrs
186. Joan (or Jone) Bradbridge Staplehurst, Kent Presumably a relative of Widow Bradbridge, burnt 19 June 1557 burnt 18 June 1557 Maidstone, Kent
187. Walter Appleby Maidstone, Kent burnt 18 June 1557 Maidstone, Kent
188. Petronil Appleby Maidstone, Kent wife of Walter Appleby burnt 18 June 1557 Maidstone, Kent
189. Edmund Allin (or Allen) Maplehurst Mill, Frittenden, Kent miller burnt 18 June 1557 Maidstone, Kent
190. Katherine Allin (or Allen) Maplehurst Mill, Frittenden, Kent Wife of Edmund Allin/Allen, miller burnt 18 June 1557 Maidstone, Kent
191. Joan (or Jone) Manning Maidstone, Kent burnt 18 June 1557 Maidstone, Kent
192. Elizabeth (surname possibly 'Lewis') blind maid burnt 18 June 1557 Maidstone, Kent
Canterbury martyrs of June 1557
193. John Fishcock/Jhon Fiscoke burnt 19 June 1557 Canterbury, Kent
194. Nicholas White burnt 19 June 1557 Canterbury, Kent
195. Nicholas Pardue/Perdue burnt 19 June 1557 Canterbury, Kent
196. Barbara Final burnt 19 June 1557 Canterbury, Kent
197. Bradbridge's Widow (Bradbridge's Wife) Probably Tenterden, Kent Probably the widow of Martin Bradbridge, burnt 16 January 1557 burnt 19 June 1557 Canterbury, Kent
198. Mistress Wilson (also referred to as 'Wilson's Wife') burnt 19 June 1557 Canterbury, Kent
199. Alice Benden, possibly also referred to as 'Benson's Wife' Staplehurst (or possibly Cranbrook), Kent burnt 19 June 1557 Canterbury, Kent
Lewes Martyrs
200. Richard Woodman Warbleton, Sussex iron-maker burnt 22 June 1557 Lewes, Sussex
201. George Stevens (or Steuens) Warbleton, Sussex burnt 22 June 1557 Lewes, Sussex
202. William Mainard Mayfield, Sussex burnt 22 June 1557 Lewes, Sussex
203. Alexander Hosman Mayfield, Sussex servant of William Mainard burnt 22 June 1557 Lewes, Sussex
204. Thomasina Wood Mayfield, Sussex maidservant of William Mainard burnt 22 June 1557 Lewes, Sussex
205. Margery Morris (or Morice) Heathfield, Sussex burnt 22 June 1557 Lewes, Sussex
206. James Morris (or Morice) – son of Margery Heathfield, Sussex burnt 22 June 1557 Lewes, Sussex
207. Denis Burcis (or Burgis) Buxted, Sussex burnt 22 June 1557 Lewes, Sussex
208. Ann Ashdon (or Ashdown; also referred to as 'Ashdon's Wife') Rotherfield, Sussex burnt 22 June 1557 Lewes, Sussex
209. Mary Groves (also referred to as 'Gloue's Wife') Lewes, Sussex burnt 22 June 1557 Lewes, Sussex
210. Simon Miller (or Milner) Lynn, Norfolk burnt 13 July 1557 Norwich, Norfolk
211. Elizabeth Cooper St Andrew's Church, Norwich, Norfolk wife of a pewterer burnt 13 July 1557 Norwich, Norfolk (which calls her 'a woman')
212. George Egles/Eagles executed, August 1557 Chelmsford, Essex
Colchester Martyrs of August 1557
213. William Bongeor St Nicholas Parish, Colchester, Essex glazier burnt 2 August 1557 Colchester, Essex
214. William Purchase (or Purcas) Bocking, Essex fuller burnt 2 August 1557 Colchester, Essex
215. Thomas Benhote (or Benold) Colchester, Essex tallow-chandler burnt 2 August 1557 Colchester, Essex
216. Agnes Silverside (or Smith) Colchester, Essex widow burnt 2 August 1557 Colchester, Essex
217. Helen (or Ellen) Ewring Colchester, Essex wife of John Ewring, miller burnt 2 August 1557 Colchester, Essex
218. Elizabeth Folk Colchester, Essex 'young maiden' and servant burnt 2 August 1557 Colchester, Essex
219. William Munt (or Mount) Much Bentley, Essex burnt 2 August 1557 Colchester, Essex
220. Alice Munt (or Mount) Much Bentley, Essex wife of William Munt (or Mount) burnt 2 August 1557 Colchester, Essex
221. Rose Allen (or Allin) Much Bentley, Essex spinster, daughter of Alice Mount burnt 2 August 1557 Colchester, Essex
222. John Johnson Thorpe, Essex labourer burnt 2 August 1557 Colchester, Essex
223. Richard Crashfield Wymondham, Norfolk burnt 5 August 1557 Norwich, Norfolk which records 'one at Norwich' in July
224. Father Fruier burnt August 1557 Rochester, Kent
225. Robert Stevenson burnt August 1557 Rochester, Kent
226. Sister of George Eagles burnt August 1557 Rochester, Kent
227. Unknown Woman burnt August 1557 Rochester, Kent
228. Agnes Prest Boyton, Cornwall Spinner burnt 15 August 1557 Southernhay, Exeter
229. Thomas Benion weaver burnt 27 August 1557 Bristol
230. Joyce Lewis Mancetter, Warwickshire gentlewoman burnt September 1557 Lichfield, Staffordshire – may be the same as Joyce Bowes, August 1557 (the Regester)
231. Ralph Allerton/Rafe Glaiton Much Bentley, Essex burnt 17 September 1557 Islington
232. James Austoo (or Auscoo) burnt 17 September 1557 Islington
233. Margery Austoo (or Auscoo) burnt 17 September 1557 Islington
234. Richard Roth (or Rooth) burnt 17 September 1557 Islington
235. Agnes Bongeor (also known as Bowmer's Wife), wife of Richard Bongeor (similar name but different death date) burnt 17 September (or unknown date July) Colchester, Essex (or March 1558, Colchester)
236. Margaret Thurston/Widow Thurston-similar name but different death date burnt 17 September (or unknown date July) Colchester, Essex (or March 1558, Colchester)
237. Cicely Ormes St Edmund's Parish, Norwich, Norfolk wife of Edmund Ormes, worsted-weaver burnt 23 September 1557 Norwich, Norfolk
238. Thomas Spurdance servant of the Queen burnt November 1557 Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
239. John Halingdale/Hallingdale/Hollingday carpenter burnt, 18 November/or day unknown October 1557, Smithfield, London
240. William Sparrow burnt, 18 November/or day unknown October 1557 Smithfield, London
241. Richard Gibson gentleman burnt, 18 November/or day unknown October 1557 Smithfield, London
242. John Rough/Jhon Roughe London/Islington, Middlesex clergyman – minister at London/Islington, Middlesex burnt 22 December 1557 Smithfield, London
243. Margaret Maring (or Mering) burnt 22 December 1557 Smithfield, London
244. [Unknown forename ...] Lawton burnt March 1558 Huntingdon, Huntingdonshire
245. Cuthbert Symson/Symion London/Islington, Middlesex clergyman – deacon of the church in London/Islington, Middlesex died 28 March 1558 Smithfield, London
246. Hugh Foxe hosier died 28 March 1558 Smithfield, London
247. John Devinish/Jhon Denneshe wool winder died 28 March 1558 Smithfield, London
248. William Nichol burnt 9 April 1558 SM9515 Haverfordwest/Hwlffordd, Pembrokeshire/Sir Benfro
249. William Seaman (or Symon) Mendlesham, Suffolk husbandman burnt 19 May 1558 Norwich, Norfolk
250. Thomas Hudson Aylsham, Norfolk glover burnt 19 May 1558 Norwich, Norfolk described as 'Glouer' in
251. Thomas Carman burnt 19 May 1558 Norwich, Norfolk
252. William Harris burnt 26 May 1558 Colchester
253. Richard Day burnt 26 May 1558 Colchester, Essex
254. Christian George (female) burnt 26 May 1558 Colchester, Essex her husband had previously been married to Agnes George, mentioned above
Islington Martyrs
255. Henry Pond (or Houde) burnt 27 June 1558 Smithfield, London
256. Reinald Eastland (or Launder) burnt 27 June 1558 Smithfield, London
257. Robert Southain (or Southam) burnt 27 June 1558 Smithfield, London
258. Matthew Ricarby (or Ricarbie) burnt 27 June 1558 Smithfield, London
259. John Floyd (or Flood) burnt 27 June 1558 Smithfield, London
260. John Holiday (or Hollyday) burnt 27 June 1558 Smithfield, London
261. Roger Holland London (taken in or near St John's Wood) merchant tailor burnt 27 June 1558 Smithfield, London
262. Sir Richard Yeoman (or Yeman) Hadleigh, Suffolk clergyman – curate of Hadleigh, Suffolk burnt 10 July 1558 Norwich, Norfolk
Islington Martyrs (second group)
263. Robert Mills burnt 14 July 1558 Brentford, Middlesex
264. Stephen Cotton burnt 14 July 1558 Brentford, Middlesex
265. Robert Dynes burnt 14 July 1558 Brentford, Middlesex
266. Stephen Wight (or Wreight) burnt 14 July 1558 Brentford, Middlesex
267. John Slade burnt 14 July 1558 Brentford, Middlesex
268. William Pikes (aliases: Pikas, Peckes) tanner burnt 14 July 1558 Brentford, Middlesex
269. John Cooke sawyer burnt about 25 July 1558 Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
270. Robert Milles (or Plummer) shearman burnt about 25 July 1558 Bury St Edmunds
271. Alexander Lane wheelwright burnt about 25 July 1558 Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
272. James Ashley bachelor burnt about 25 July 1558 Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
273. Thomas Benbrike/Benbridge gentleman burnt unknown day in July 1558 Winchester, Hampshire
274. John (or Richard) Snell Bedale, Yorkshire burnt 9 September 1558 Richmond, Yorkshire
Ipswich Martyrs of 1558
275. Alexander Gooch (or Geche, or Gouch) Woodbridge or Melton, Suffolk weaver of shredding-coverlets burnt 4 November 1558 Ipswich Cornhill
276. Alice Driver Grundisburgh, Suffolk wife of a husbandman burnt 4 November 1558 Ipswich Cornhill
277. Philip Humphrey (or Humfrey) burnt November 1558 Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
278. John David/Jhon Dauy (brother of Henry David) burnt November 1558 Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
279. Henry David/H. Dauy (brother of John David) burnt November 1558 Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Canterbury Martyrs of 1558
280. John Corneford Wrotham, Kent burnt 15 November 1558 Canterbury, Kent
281. Christopher Brown Maidstone, Kent burnt 15 November 1558 Canterbury
282. John Herst Ashford, Kent burnt 15 November 1558 Canterbury, Kent
283. Alice Snoth burnt 15 November 1558 Canterbury, Kent
284. Katherine Knight/Tynley an aged woman burnt 15 November 1558 Canterbury
Note: Mary I died on 17 November 1558.
Radical Protestants executed under Elizabeth I
1. Jan Wielmacker Dutchman – member of a conventicle in Aldgate, London 22 July 1575 Smithfield, London
2. Hendrik Ter Woort Dutchman – member of a conventicle in Aldgate, London 22 July 1575 Smithfield, London
3. Matthew Hamont Hethersett, Norfolk ploughwright 20 May 1579 Norwich Castle
4. John Lewes 18 September 1583 Norwich, Norfolk
5. Peter Cole Ipswich, Suffolk tanner 1587 Norwich
6. Francis Kett Wymondham, Norfolk clergyman and physician 14 January 1589 Norwich Castle -
7. John Greenwood London Puritan divine: Separatist 6 April 1593 London -
8. Henry Barrowe (or Barrow) London lawyer : Separatist 6 April 1593 London -
9. John Penry born Llangammarch, Powys, arrested Ratcliffe, London writer and preacher 29 May 1593 St Thomas a Watering, Old Kent Road, London
Radical Protestants executed under James I
1. Bartholomew Legate Hornchurch, Essex cloth trader 18 March 1612 Smithfield, London
2. Edward Wightman Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire mercer and minister 11 April 1612 Lichfield, Staffordshire

Also mentioned by Foxe

  • John Fortune (or Cutler) (of Hintlesham, Suffolk, blacksmith, either burnt or died in prison)
  • John Warner of Bourne
  • Thomas Athoth, priest 'he may have died in prison, escaped or – less likely – been pardoned.'
  • John Ashedon of Catsfield

Posthumous proceedings

  • William Tracy of Toddington, Gloucestershire, 'worshipful esquire', exhumed and burnt, 1532
  • John Tooley, poulterer, exhumed and burnt, 4 June 1555
  • James Trevisam, died 3 July 1555 and summoned posthumously to appear before the bishop
  • Catherine, wife of Peter Martyr Vermigli, exhumed 1556, Cambridge
  • Martin Bucer, Professor of Divinity, exhumed and burnt 6 February 1557, Cambridge
  • Paul Fagius, Lecturer in Hebrew, exhumed and burnt 6 February 1557, Cambridge
  • Joan Seaman, early 1558, refused burial at Mendlesham
  • John Glover, gentleman, 'about the latter end of Queen Mary', ordered to be exhumed
  • William Glover, September 1558, refused burial at Wem, Shropshire
  • Edward Burton, 15 January 1559, refused burial at Shrewsbury

Those who sickened or died in prison

No. Name Residence Description Date of death Place of death References
Henry VIII
1. Christopher, a Dutchman Antwerp, Flanders 1531 died in prison at Westminster
2. John Porter Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire and St Sepulchre's, London tailor 1542 Newgate Prison, London
3. Thomas Sommers London merchant About 1542 Tower of London,
Mary I
1C. John Alcock (or Awcock) Hadleigh, Suffolk shearman 2 April 1555 Newgate Prison, London
2. William Minge clergyman – priest 2 July 1555 Maidstone Prison, Kent
3. John Aleworth July 1555 Reading Prison, Berkshire
4. ... Tingle September 1555 Newgate Prison, London
5. George Kyng (or King) September 1555 sickened in Lollard's Tower
6. Jhon Lesse September 1555 Newgate Prison, London
7. John Wade September 1555 sickened in Lollard's Tower
8. William Androwes (or Andrew, or Andrews) Horsley, Essex carpenter September 1555 Newgate Prison, London
9. James Gore 7 December 1555 Colchester Prison, Essex
10. William Wiseman clothworker 13 December 1555, Lowlar's Tower/Lollard's Tower, Lambeth Palace, London
11. Margaret Eliot (or Ellis) Billericay, Essex maid May 1556 Newgate Prison, London
12. William Sleeke (or Slech) 31 May 1556 'King's Bench' Southwark, Surrey
13. William Adheral minister 24 June 1556 'King's Bench' Southwark, Surrey
14. John Clemente wheelwright 26 June 1556 'King's Bench', Southwark, Surrey
15. Thomas Parret 27 June 1556 'King's Bench', Southwark, Surrey
16. Martyne Hunte 29 June 1556 'King's Bench', Southwark, Surrey
17. John Morris (or Morice) 29 June 1556 'King's Bench', Southwark, Surrey
18. John Careless Coventry, Warwickshire weaver 1 July 1556 'King's Bench', Southwark, Surrey
19.–21. William Dangerfield, his wife Joan and their infant child sickened in prison
22.–24. Three people October 1556 Chichester Castle, Sussex (or Canterbury Castle, Kent, according to Knox)
25. John Clark in or after November 1556 Canterbury Castle, Kent
26. Dunston Chittenden in or after November 1556 Canterbury Castle, Kent
27. William Foster Stone, Kent in or after November 1556 Canterbury Castle, Kent
28. Alice Potkins Staplehurst, Kent in or after November 1556 Canterbury Castle, Kent
29. John Archer Cranbrook, Kent in or after November 1556 Canterbury Castle
30. John Thurston taken at Much Bentley, Essex May 1557 Colchester Castle, Essex
31. N. Ambrose about June 1557 (according to Foxe), or July 1557 (according to Farr) Maidstone Prison, Kent
32. John Dale Hadleigh, Suffolk weaver Bury St Edmunds Prison
33. Matthew Withers (or Wythers) June 1558 Newgate Prison, London
34. Thomas Tyler June 1558 Newgate Prison, London

See also

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