Coventry Martyrs

Records suggest that the possession of Protestant literature, and of the Scriptures in English (illegal at the time), were a significant part of the case against them.

[6] Those martyred were as follows: Joan Washingby (born Ward), who had been a Lollard in various towns,[7] for 20 years, but had also previously abjured (about 1495) in Maidstone.

A widow, Mistress Smith, was due to be discharged when a document was discovered in her sleeve, containing (in English) the Lord's Prayer, Ten Commandments and Apostles' Creed.

He appears to have acted as librarian to the group, keeping tracts, English scripture portions, commentaries and mystical writings on their behalf.

[14] When Mary succeeded to the throne, he was imprisoned for 15 months, for belief in two (instead of seven) sacraments, and for refusal to hold to the doctrines of transubstantiation, the necessity of confession to a priest, and the universal authority of the Pope.

[17] The site of the executions in the manorial park at Cheylesmore, just south of the city wall at the time, was known into the nineteenth century.

In addition, two streets were named after the movement and bore witness to their fate – Lollard Croft and Martyrs Close.