Joan Boughton

Joan Boughton (c. 1410s – 28 April 1494) was an English martyr.

Boughton was an old widow of eighty years or more who held views associated with John Wycliffe. She was said to be the mother of a lady named Young, who was also suspected of following Wycliffe. She was burnt at Smithfield on 28 April 1494.

In Hilary Mantel's novel Wolf Hall, Thomas Cromwell witnesses her execution as a boy. Cromwell helps the Lollards who gather remains of Boughton after the execution crowd has departed.

References

 "Boughton, Joan". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.