Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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Before 30th April 1399 William Sawtry aka Salter was a priest at two Norfolk churches, St Margaret's in Lynn and Tilney.
On 30th April 1399 William Sawtry aka Salter was taken to Henry le Despenser [aged 58], Bishop of Norwich, ordered he be examined. The examination lasted for two days, held at the Bishop's palace, South Elmham Hall. He charged with heresy and held in an episcopal prison.
On 25th May 1399 William Sawtry aka Salter publicly abjured Lollardy in King's Lynn.
On 26th May 1399 William Sawtry aka Salter appeared before Bishop Henry le Despenser [aged 58] in St John's Hospital, King's Lynn, the next day, and swore on the Gospels that he would never again preach Lollardy. He also promised to never hear confession without a license from le Despenser. His abjuration was repeated in the Bishop's Chapel, South Elmham several days later.
In 1401 William Sawtry aka Salter moved to London and began working as a parish-priest at St Osyth's, where he preached Lollard beliefs.
On 12th February 1401 William Sawtry aka Salter appeared before ArchbIshop Thomas Arundel [aged 48] at St Paul's Cathedral. He was charged with heresy.
On 26th February 1401 William Sawtry aka Salter was sentenced to death.
On 2nd March 1401 William Sawtry aka Salter was burned at the stake for heresy at Smithfield [Map]. He was the first follower of Lollardy to die for his beliefs.
On 10th March 1401. Henry IV's [aged 33] Royal Assent was given to "De heretico comburendo", by which heretics were to be burned at the stake in reaction to the Lollard movement.
The request "... the said church would be injured or gravely oppressed or even perturbed by certain perverse doctrines, or wicked, heretical or erroneous opinions; nevertheless, various perfidious and perverse people of a certain new sect, believing damnable things of the said faith, the sacrament of the church, and its authority, rashly usurping the office of preacher, contrary to divine and ecclesiastical law, perversely and maliciously preach and teach these days, publicly and secretly, under simulation of the colour of sanctity, various new doctrines and wicked, heretical and erroneous opinions, contrary to this same faith and the holy decrees of the sacrosanct church ...".
The answer: "and they shall cause these same persons to be publicly burnt in a high place; and may punishment of this sort strike fear into the minds of others.".
On 2nd March 1401 William Sawtrey was the first heretic to be burned although his burning pre-dated the statute.