Elizabeth Barton

c.1506-1534. “Maid of Kent.” Born at Aldington, Kent, England; she appears to have been neurotic, but her trances attracted attention and local admiration. She claimed to be in touch with the Virgin Mary, but her utterances had a political character. She condemned Henry VIII when he divorced Catherine of Aragon. Her later declaration that he was no longer king in the sight of God was regarded as likely to provoke rebellion. She was tried, confessed imposture (some say under duress), and was condemned and executed.