The Holy Maid of Kent

1534 England: Elizabeth Barton (b. 1506?), the mystical 'Nun of Kent', also known as 'The Holy Maid of London', 'The Holy Maid of Kent' and later 'The Mad Maid of Kent', was executed at Tyburn, for treason. She was put to death by King Henry VIII largely because of her prophecies.

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 ...

Categories: capital-punishment, uk, history