Statute “De Haeretico Coniburendo”, the “Act for the burning of Heretics” passed in late 1400 or January 1401 was soon implemented – designed to suppress the Lollards, those godly followers of the teachings of John Wycliffe. The Act soon claimed its first victim, William Sawtrey. He was burnt at Smithfield on 26th February 1401. Just how horrific the martyr fires of Smithfield were is illustrated to us by the martyrdom of John Bradby.
