2-705-248 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'The Imposture of the Holy Maid of Kent', 16th century, (1796), (mid 19th century). Elizabeth Barton (1506?-1534, known variously as The Nun of Kent, The Holy Maid of London, The Holy Maid of Kent and later The Mad Maid of Kent), was a Catholic nun who claimed to have received revelations from God. An opponent of King Henry VIII of England's Reformation of the Church, she prophesied that the king would die shortly afterwards if he was to marry Anne Boleyn. Supporters of the king had discredited Elizabeth by spreading rumours that she had engaged in sexual relationships with priests and had her arrested. After her arrest she confessed (possibly under coercion) that her revelations had been fabricated, and was executed for treason. [John Tallis & Company, London & New York]