Edward Wightman

Edward Wightman (Burbage, December 20, 1566 – April 11, 1612) was an English radical Anabaptist, executed at Lichfield on various charges of heresy brought by the Church of England, though little of his own words and none of his own writings survive. He was the last person to be burned at the stake for heresy in England. Edward Wightman was born at Wykin Hall, Burbage, near Hinckley and like most infants was christened in traditional orthodox fashion. He attended Burton Grammar School and entered the clothiers business of his mother's family. Eventually, he served an apprenticeship as a woolen draper in the town of Shrewsbury. He married Frances Darbye of Hinckley in 1593 and settled in Burton. Apart from his mercer's business in Burton...