The Lollards

The Society of Lollards was formed in Antwerp about the year 1300, to undertake the spiritual care of the sick and the dying, and the burial of the dead. By their kind offices they greatly won the affections of the people. They were very much persecuted by the clergy and the begging friars until Gregory XI. took them under his protection, in 1374. Female Lollard societies were formed about the same time. The origin of the name "Lollard" has been much disputed: Webster derives it from a German word signifying "to sing." A Lollard, therefore, meant one who sang the praises of God.

In England the Lollards warmly espoused the cause of Wickliffe; and in derision, all of Wickliffe's followers were called "Lollards."

In the reign of Henry V. they had become a formidable power against the Roman Catholics, so that the king was forced by the monks and clergy to resort to severe measures for their suppression.

Lord Cobham, being their leader, was ordered to be roasted alive; and this was followed by a severe persecution of all the Lollards. To this they exposed themselves by a wild separation from all authority, which really endangered both Church and State. This was the first instance in English history of persons being put to death on account of religious opinions. Soon after this they seem to have become merged into the great body of Reformers, and to have lost their identity as a distinct society.