Why the medieval Church was 'terrified' of John Wycliffe

Have you ever wondered why heretics were burned in England during the 15th and 16th centuries? We can thank John Wycliffe for that. He is probably England’s greatest rebel, having a far larger impact on society than most other possible claimants to the title like the quasi-mythical Robin Hood or anti-Norman Hereward the Wake.

Wycliffe’s writings about the abuses of the Church, its hypocrisy and misuse of power, shocked the nation and the king to such an extent that a new law was written into the statute books: De heretico comburendo.

The law banned unlicensed preaching and the teaching of any doctrine contrary to the Catholic faith. If you were suspected of this crime, you were required to hand in any heretical books and writings within 40 days. Refusal to comply or recant meant you could be handed to secular authorities for burning, as William Sawtrey was in 1401.