Martyrs and martyrdom in England, c.1400-1700

Concepts of Christian martyrdom changed greatly in England from the late middle ages through the early modern era.

The variety of paradigms of Christian martyrdom (with, for example, virginity or asceticism perceived as alternate forms of martyrdom) that existed in the late medieval period, came to be replaced during the English Reformation with a single dominant idea of martyrdom: that of violent death endured for orthodox religion.

Yet, during the seventeenth century, another transformation in conceptions of martyrdom took place, as those who died on behalf of overtly political causes came to be regarded as martyrs, indistinguishable from those who died for Christ.

The articles in this book explore these seminal changes across the period from 1400-1700, analyzing the political, social and religious backgrounds to these developments.

While much that has been written on martyrs, martyrdom and martyrologies has tended to focus on those who died for a particular confession or cause, this book shows how the concepts of martyrdom were shaped, altered and re-shaped through the interactions between these groups.

Thomas S. Freeman is Research Officer at the British Academy John Foxe Project, which is affiliated with the University of Sheffield.

Thomas F. Mayer is Professor of History at Augustana College. Contributors are: John Coffey, Brad S. Gregory, Victor Houliston, Andrew Lacey, Danna Piroyansky, Richard Rex, Alec Ryrie, and William Wizeman.