John Oldcastle
English Lollard leader
1360 CE to 1417 CE
Sir John Oldcastle (died December 14, 1417) is an English Lollard leader.
Being a friend of Henry V, he long escapes prosecution for heresy.
When convicted, he escapes from the Tower of London, then leads a rebellion against the King.
Eventually, he is captured and executed in London.
He forms the basis for William Shakespeare's character John Falstaff, who was originally called John Oldcastle.
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The Atlantic Lands
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Rumors as late as 1414 have the Herefordshire-based Lollard leader, Sir John Oldcastle, communicating with Owain, and reinforcements are sent to the major castles in the north and south.
But by this time things are changing.
Henry IV had died in 1413 and his son King Henry V has begun to adopt a more conciliatory attitude to the Welsh.
Royal pardons are offered to the major leaders of the revolt and other opponents of his father's regime.
The heirs of those who had suffered in the last reign are restored gradually to their titles and estates.
On the other hand, where Henry sees a grave domestic danger, he acts firmly and ruthlessly—such as the Lollard discontent in January 1414, including the execution by burning of Henry's old friend Sir John Oldcastle, so as to "nip the movement in the bud" and make his own position as ruler secure.