Martha Simmonds facts for kids

Martha Simmonds (also spelled Simmons; born Calvert; baptized around 1624 – 1665) was an English writer. She was a member of the Quakers, a religious group. After she joined the Quakers, she wrote and published several short books called pamphlets. She became well-known for her connection to another Quaker, James Naylor. Their actions together in Bristol led to a big controversy. Naylor received a harsh punishment because of these events.

Martha Simmonds' Early Life

Martha Calvert was baptized in 1624. Her father, George Calvert, was a vicar in a place called Meare. Her mother's name was Ann Collier. Martha had two older brothers, Giles and George. They were publishers and booksellers in London. Their shop was called the Black Spread Eagle. It was located near St Paul's Churchyard.

Becoming a Quaker

Martha became a Quaker sometime between 1654 and 1655. The Quakers were a new religious movement at that time. They believed in a direct connection with God. They often challenged traditional church practices. After joining, Martha started writing pamphlets. Her brothers, Giles and George, helped publish her writings.

Martha's Published Works

In 1655, her brother Giles published two of her pamphlets. These were When the Lord Jesus Came to Jerusalem and A Lamentation for the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. Later, Giles also published her work called O England, thy Time is Come. In this pamphlet, Martha wrote about two years of her public religious actions. She showed her repentance in various local communities. In 1656, a second edition of her pamphlet Lamentation was released. This edition shared more details about her life and her first two publications.

Marriage and Imprisonment

By the end of 1655, Martha married Thomas Simmonds (or Simmons). He used to be a printer in Birmingham. Thomas was known to Martha's father and brother. Martha herself faced time in prison. This happened after she appeared in Colchester wearing sackcloth and ashes. This was a traditional sign of sadness or repentance. She was also accused of disturbing the peace during church services.

Involvement with James Naylor

Martha Simmonds is most known for her involvement with James Naylor. Naylor was a prominent Quaker leader. Some people at the time believed Martha had a strong influence over him. Other Quakers even tried to separate Naylor from her by force.

The Bristol Event

In 1656, Martha, along with another woman named Hannah, accompanied James Naylor into Bristol. Naylor rode on a horse, in a way that reminded people of Jesus entering Jerusalem. Local Quakers met them. However, they were soon arrested. Naylor was accused of acting as if he were Jesus Christ. This was seen as a serious religious offense. Martha's husband believed she was a main leader in this event. More recent studies also suggest Martha inspired this controversial act.

Naylor's Punishment

On December 27, 1656, James Naylor received a very harsh punishment. He had his tongue pierced with a hot spike. A letter "B" was also branded onto his forehead. Martha Simmonds, Hannah, and another woman named Dorcas Erbery were present. They stood at the base of the pillory where Naylor was punished. This scene was compared to the three Marys at Jesus's crucifixion.

Later Life and Death

Martha Simmonds died in 1665. The exact day and place of her death are not clear. By this time, she had become estranged from the Quaker community. Her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Calvert, was still a printer. However, Elizabeth had also lost her faith in the Quakers.