The Life of Margaret Clitherow

During the religious upheavals of the 16th century, a woman was executed in York, England. That woman's name was Margaret Clitherow. Her case attracted considerable attention since she was the daughter of the Lord Mayor of York. She was the first woman to die for her beliefs in the reformation period.

In the reign of Henry VIII, an act of Parliament proclaimed the king supreme head of the Church and nullified the Pope's authority over the English Church. Most churchmen accepted the change, with few, but notable exceptions. When Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne, doctrinal changes were introduced and enforced, and ties with Rome were severed. England had a reformed church.

Margaret Clitherow was raised in this reformed church, and like every English subject, she was required to attend Sunday services. Imprisonment, fines, and confiscation of property, were common penalties for noncompliance. Three years after her marriage, Margaret decided to "defect" to the "Old Church" which was dangerous business. The "Old Church" had gone underground where clergy and people met in secret and local houses were used for clandestine worship. Margaret's house was one of those used in the underground network.

Such actions unleashed the mighty forces of church and state. A concerted effort was undertaken to make Margaret conform. She was subject to unrelenting pressure from the "Council for the North". Add to this the disdain of family and friends. That she did not capitulate is a tribute to a remarkable young woman who would one day become known as "The Pearl of York".