Chesham Museum in Bucks, presented a costumed walking tour in the footsteps of Thomas Harding, England's last Lollard martyr who was arrested for reading William Tyndale's books. This was to commemorate five hundred years of Tyndale's New Testament. The guided walk began at Waterside in Chesham before moving to Hodd’s Wood, where they found Thomas Harding (acted by Mathew Appleby)  reading the prohibited Tyndale text, ‘The obedience of a Christian Man’ instead of attending the parish church.

Thomas Harding explained that he was arrested and that, after his home was searched, several Tyndale books were uncovered including ‘The New Testament’ and ‘The Practice of Prelates' which led to his wife, Alyce, being arrested too. Thomas Harding gave a detailed description of his inquisition by Bishop Longland at Woburn Palace and of his imprisonment at ‘Little Ease’ for seven weeks.

Then the walk traced the course of Harding’s final journey to St Mary’s Church, where there was a re-enactment of his trial and sentencing by Vice General Dr Rayne (acted by Rev Charmaine Muir). Next they moved on to Sills Yard, traditionally believed to have been the place of his last night in custody; and onward to the Waggon and Horses forge, where embers were prepared for the fire. The walk concluded at The Dell on White Hill, the site where Harding was executed. Tyndale Society member Andrew Hope explained the local tradition for the belief that a final act may have hastened the end of his suffering.

While recounting these events, the walk also broadened its focus to the wider community of Chesham’s Lollards. It reflected on their quiet faith, the pressures they faced and the realities of living under suspicion — where trust could not always be assumed and where some chose to recant under fear of persecution. In particular, it recalled the example of Alyce, whose devotion was noted by her contemporaries and whose influence extended within her community. This walk and Andrew Hope’s expert contribution offered a thoughtful and reflective exploration of faith, conscience and courage in a time of profound religious tension.

Report by Amy Davies