Elizabeth Barton (1506?–April 20, 1534) was known as both The Nun of Kent and The Holy Maid of London. She was a supporter of the Roman Catholics in a time in English history when the King, Henry VIII had declared himself head of the Church of England so that he could divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn. Pope Clement VII (as head of the Catholic church) had outlawed this action, excommunicating Henry in the process.
Barton claimed that she received messages from God during epileptic seizures prophesying the death of the King within six months should he go through with the marriage to Anne Boleyn. As an opposition spokesperson against the actions of the King she received great notability both in London and across England, and her claims were supported by many churchleaders within the Catholic church. Henry lived for fourteen years after his marriage to Boleyn.
In April 1534 Elizabeth Barton was captured by the King's troops and was hanged at Tyburn for treason.
Last updated: 10-08-2005 04:40:24