Anthony Pearson (martyr)
Encyclopedia
Anthony Pierson was a 16th century English Protestant martyr during the reign of Henry VIII
, one of the Windsor Martyrs
.
He was a regular and popular Protestant preacher in Windsor, Berkshire
and at the country homes of the local Protestant gentry, including Thomas Weldon
of Cannon Court, Cookham
and Sir Philip Hoby
of Bisham Abbey
. Pearson fell foul of William Simonds, a zealous Catholic in Windsor, who had a powerful friend in Bishop Gardiner
's agent, Dr John London. He arrested Pearson and four others and three of them were burnt to death on 4 August 1543. When he reached the place of execution, he embraced the post in his arms, and kissing it, said, "Now welcome, mine own sweet wife; for this day shalt thou and I be married together in the love and peace of God. He was executed alongside Robert Testwood
and Henry Filmer
.
Henry VIII of England
Henry VIII was King of England from 21 April 1509 until his death. He was Lord, and later King, of Ireland, as well as continuing the nominal claim by the English monarchs to the Kingdom of France...
, one of the Windsor Martyrs
Windsor Martyrs
The Windsor Martyrs were 16th century English Protestants martyred at Windsor in Berkshire. Their names were Robert Testwood, Anthony Pearson and Henry Filmer....
.
He was a regular and popular Protestant preacher in Windsor, Berkshire
Windsor, Berkshire
Windsor is an affluent suburban town and unparished area in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. It is widely known as the site of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family....
and at the country homes of the local Protestant gentry, including Thomas Weldon
Thomas Weldon
Thomas Weldon was an English politician and member of the Royal household during the Tudor period.Thomas was the son of Hugh Weldon, Sewer to King Henry VIII. He lived at Cannon Court at Cookham in Berkshire. He married twice and had seven children. He was the uncle of Edward Weldon MP. Thomas was...
of Cannon Court, Cookham
Cookham
Cookham is a village and civil parish in the north-easternmost corner of Berkshire in England, on the River Thames, notable as the home of the artist Stanley Spencer. It lies north of Maidenhead close to the border with Buckinghamshire...
and Sir Philip Hoby
Philip Hoby
Sir Philip Hoby was a 16th century English Ambassador to the Holy Roman Empire and Flanders....
of Bisham Abbey
Bisham Abbey
Bisham Abbey is a Grade I listed manor house at Bisham in the English county of Berkshire. The name is taken from the now lost monastery which once stood alongside. Bisham Abbey was previously named Bisham Priory, and was the traditional resting place of many Earls of Salisbury...
. Pearson fell foul of William Simonds, a zealous Catholic in Windsor, who had a powerful friend in Bishop Gardiner
Stephen Gardiner
Stephen Gardiner was an English Roman Catholic bishop and politician during the English Reformation period who served as Lord Chancellor during the reign of Queen Mary I of England.-Early life:...
's agent, Dr John London. He arrested Pearson and four others and three of them were burnt to death on 4 August 1543. When he reached the place of execution, he embraced the post in his arms, and kissing it, said, "Now welcome, mine own sweet wife; for this day shalt thou and I be married together in the love and peace of God. He was executed alongside Robert Testwood
Robert Testwood
Robert Testwood of London was an English Protestant martyr during the reign of Henry VIII, one of the Windsor Martyrs.Testwood was a moderately well-known musician and gained a place as a chorister at Windsor College. He became embroiled in a number of arguments with the Windsor clergy, as well as...
and Henry Filmer
Henry Filmer
Henry Filmer was a 16th century English Protestant martyr, one of the Windsor Martyrs, during the reign of Henry VIII.Filmer was a Protestant tailor and church warden of St John's Church at Windsor who complained about the overly Catholic sermons of the vicar...
.