Lollard

Follower of the English religious reformer John Wycliffe in the 14th century. The Lollards condemned the doctrine of the transubstantiation of the bread and wine of the Eucharist, advocated the diversion of ecclesiastical property to charitable uses, and denounced war and capital punishment. They were active from about 1377; after the passing of the statute De heretico comburendo (‘The Necessity of Burning Heretics’) in 1401 many Lollards were burned, and in 1414 they raised an unsuccessful revolt in London, known as Oldcastle's Rebellion.

The name is derived from the Dutch lollaert (mumbler), applied to earlier European groups accused of combining pious pretensions with heretical belief. Lollardy lingered on in London and East Anglia, and in the 16th century became absorbed into the Protestant movement.

The movement began at Oxford University, where Wycliffe taught, but thereafter included nonacademics, merchants, lesser clergy, and a few members of Richard II's court. Repression began in Henry IV's reign. After the failure of Oldcastle's rebellion the Lollards went underground; much of their policy was advocated by the early Protestants.