The Wigborough Martyrs 1555

In 1555 John Simson and John Ardley, both of whom were husbandmen of the town of Wigborough were brought to London, arraigned before Bonner at St Pauls on May 22nd in the presence of a great multitude, condemned, and delivered to the sheriffs and sent down into Essex where they were burnt on the 10th of June: Simson at Rochford and Ardley at Rayleigh.

Plaque in Rochford Market Square (1956)
'Faithful unto death (Rev.11.10)
To the glory of God and in thankful memory of John Simson, a native of Great Wigborough, Essex, who was burnt at the stake at or near this place on June 10th, 1555 for his Protestant beliefs.'

Obelisk in Rayleigh High Street
'Near this spot suffered for the truth Thomas Causton 26 March 1555, John Ardley 10 June 1555, who in reply to Bp. Bonner said
"If every hair of my head were a man, I would suffer death in the opion and faith I now profess."
'The noble army of Martyrs praise Thee'

Thomas Causton was from Tillingham

Panel by T.B. Millatt for Great Wigborough Church c1960

The Essex Society for Family History Monumental Inscriptions record for Great Wigborough records this as Reference C19 on north wall of tower, but 9 Nov 2018 it was in store in tower in room at top of stone stairs.
Date: 1555