William Sawtrey

William Sawtrey

William Sawtrey (died March 1401) was an English priest and follower of John Wycliffe. He was the first Lollard martyr.

Sawtrey was born in Bishop's Lynn, Norfolk, and was rector of St Margaret's in the town. Like many others at the time he was receptive to the message of reformation of the church and its practices, which were seen as obscuring the message of Christianity. He said, "Instead of adoring the cross on which Christ suffered, I adore Christ who suffered on it."

In 1399 the Bishop of Norwich questioned Sawtrey over his beliefs and consequently had him arrested and imprisoned on charges of heresy. After a time he recanted his beliefs and was released, though he felt as if he had betrayed Christ.

Later he moved to London and preached Lollardism at St Osyth's, eventually attracting the attention of church authorities.

Thomas Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury, summoned Sawtrey to appear at St Paul's Cathedral in London on February 12 1401 to be questioned once again over his beliefs. His views on a number of issues (including transubstantiation and adoration of the cross) were found to be contrary to the position of the church, and he was indicted on eight counts of heresy. Arundel tried to persuade him to changes his views, but Sawtrey defended his position with scripture and refused to be swayed.

On February 26 1401, Sawtrey was condemned as a relapsed heretic, the punishment for which was death by burning. He was degraded (stripped of his priesthood) and given over for execution. He appealed to the King and Parliament but both appeals were denied.

In March he was burnt at the stake before a crowd at Smithfield, London.


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