ON THIS DAY - 18 June 1546

Anne Askew was a 25yo writer, poet and preacher, originally from Lincolnshire, whose resolute Reformist religious views (in particular those related to ‘transubstantiation’) led to her death.

Portrait of a Lady, Called 'Anne Ayscough or Askew (1521–1546), Mrs Thomas Kyme' Artist: Hans Eworth Year: 1560 © National Trust Images

After being disowned by her husband Thomas Kyme, Anne left Lincolnshire for London, where she continued in her preaching, which garnered both sympathy from other Reformists of high social standing (including the Dudleys and Seymours), as well as the attention of the Privy Council, itself divided due to differing religious beliefs of its members.

'View of Guildhall, City of London' Artist: After Samuel Wale Year: 1761 © Royal Academy of Arts

In Jun 1546, Anne was summoned to appear infront of the Privy Council at Greenwich, where she was questioned about her beliefs, along with any support from the King’s Council. Following further interrogation at Newgate Prison, Anne was subsequently taken to London’s Guildhall, where following a trial, was found guilty of heresy and condemned to death, on this day, 18 Jun 1546.

'Tower of London, c1543' (1893) © The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Anne was subsequently moved to the Tower of London, where she was subjected to two days of examination, and then torture by use of the rack — the only recorded woman to be tortured within the Tower. The intent appears to have been to implicate Queen Katherine Parr and her ladies with heretical practices; whilst it is known that Jane Guildford, Viscountess Lisle wrote to Anne, and Anne Stanhope, Lady Hertford was one of those who sent her money, Anne Askew did not concede, compromising no others; she was transferred back to Newgate Prison awaiting her sentence.

'The burning of Anne Askew, John Lascelles, John Adams and Nicholas Belenian, 1546' by English School (1904) © The Print Collector/Heritage Images

On 16 Jul 1645, Anne was taken from nearby Newgate Prison to Smithfield Marketplace, where she was burnt at the stake, the sentence for heresy. She was unable to walk due to injuries sustained following the torture (including use of the rack), and so she was carried from the prison in a chair.