His-story of Colchester...

Exactly 450 years ago, August and September 1557, 12 men and women in Colchester laid down their lives for Christ in Colchester.

This was the era of the counter-reformation, when Queen Mary decided that England should be catholic not protestant. In a three year period 23 Colcestrians were martyred, quite brutally, mostly burned to death.

I do not believe that Christ is calling men and women to die for Him in Colchester at this point in history- rather He is calling us to be Living Sacrifices.

These men and women are your brothers and sisters in Christ, who paved the way for you to present Christ openly to people in Colchester.

Elizabeth Folkes, Helen Ewring, Agnes Silverside, Thomas Benold, William Purcas, William Bongeor - died 2nd August 1557, outside the town hall

William Munt, John Johnson, Alice Munt, Rose Allin- died at Castle Bailey

Margaret Thurston, Agnes Bongeor- died 17 Sept 1557

These are the heroes and heroines of faith who have gone before us.

What a great privilege to partner men and women like this who have shed blood for the sake of the Gospel.

This information was provided by DNA Networks. I am in process of studying and researching the Christian history of Colchester... come back for more information!