Robert Testwood
Encyclopedia
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 the congregation. One, with a chantry priest, Mr. Ely, was about whether laymen should read the scriptures and whether the Pope should be the supreme head of the church in England. After asserting that men should read the scriptures and that the King should lead the church in England, Testwood was called 'the greatest heretic
that ever came into Windsor' by Ely. However, Testwood became particularly hated for berating the pilgrims in St George's Chapel and for smashing the nose off the statue of the Virgin Mary there. He came to the attention of Bishop Gardiner
who sent his agent, Dr John London, to arrest him. On the evidence of a former Mayor of Windsor, William Simonds, he and four others were condemned to death on 26 July 1543. However, only Testwood, Anthony Pearson
and Henry Filmer
were executed by burning.
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....
.
Testwood was a moderately well-known musician and gained a place as a chorister at Windsor College
St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle
St George's Chapel is the place of worship at Windsor Castle in England, United Kingdom. It is both a royal peculiar and the chapel of the Order of the Garter...
. He became embroiled in a number of arguments with the Windsor clergy, as well as the congregation. One, with a chantry priest, Mr. Ely, was about whether laymen should read the scriptures and whether the Pope should be the supreme head of the church in England. After asserting that men should read the scriptures and that the King should lead the church in England, Testwood was called 'the greatest heretic
Heretic
A heretic is a person who commits heresy.In literature:* Heretic, an autobiography of Peter Cameron* Heretic , the third volume in The Grail Quest series by Bernard CornwellIn music:...
that ever came into Windsor' by Ely. However, Testwood became particularly hated for berating the pilgrims in St George's Chapel and for smashing the nose off the statue of the Virgin Mary there. He came to the attention of 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:...
who sent his agent, Dr John London, to arrest him. On the evidence of a former Mayor of Windsor, William Simonds, he and four others were condemned to death on 26 July 1543. However, only Testwood, Anthony Pearson
Anthony Pearson (martyr)
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 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...
were executed by burning.