William Flower (martyr)

On Easter Day 1555, intending to assault the celebrant at what he saw as a Popish mass, he made his way across the Thames to St Margaret's Church, Westminster.

This time, however, he entered the church of Saint Margaret armed with a wood-knife (a large cleaver used by hunters for disjointing carcasses).

He struck the priest administering the sacrament on the head and again on his arm, wounding him grievously and causing his blood to spill into the chalice containing the consecrated hosts.

On 24 April 1555 Flower was brought to St Margaret's Church and outside the churchyard was tied to a stake and his right hand cut off.

Flower did not flinch at this: And thus fire was set unto him, who burning therein, cried with a loud voice, "O the Son of God, have mercy upon me!