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.
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.
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.
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.
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