Anthony Pearson (martyr)

Anthony Pearson (or Pierson) was a 16th-century English Protestant who was executed for heresy during the reign of King Henry VIII of England.

He was a regular and popular Protestant preacher in Windsor, Berkshire and at the country homes of the local Protestant gentry, including Thomas Weldon of Cannon Court, Cookham and Sir Philip Hoby of Bisham Abbey.

[1] He was convicted on the evidence of the former Mayor of Windsor, William Simonds, who was a Catholic.

Simonds had a powerful friend in Bishop Gardiner's agent, Dr John London.

[2] When he reached the place of execution, Pearson embraced the post in his arms and kissed it, saying, "Now welcome, mine own sweet wife; for this day shalt thou and I be married together in the love and peace of God.