Margaret Ward (c. 1550–30 August 1588), called the "pearl of Tyburn",[1] was an English saint and martyr who was executed during the reign of Elizabeth I for assisting a priest to escape from prison.

[2] According to hagiographer Alban Butler, Ward was a victim of the renewed persecution in England at the time, during the reign of Elizabeth I.

[2][3] Ward decided to help William Watson, a priest and conspirator, later executed for treason, who was imprisoned in the Bridewell prison.

[3] John Roche, who was either her servant or one of the watermen who helped Watson escape on the river and exchanged clothes with him, was arrested and tried with Ward.

[2][3] They were offered release if they asked for the queen's pardon and agreed to "conform to the established Church",[2] but they refused and were hanged at Tyburn on 30 August 1588.