1555 Martyrs memorial, Palace Green, Ely

Palace Green, Ely

History of the Palace Green

The Palace Green Ely is believed to have been the site of the burning of William Wolsey and Robert Pygott in 1555. Wolsey was the constable of Welney, Upwell and Outwell; Robert Pygot was a painter from Wisbech. They were found guilty of heresy during the reign of Queen Mary I and were burned at the stake. they had been found guilty of reading from the Tyndale Bible. This English language bible was a forbidden book during the time of Queen Mary.

See The Ely Martyrs by Reg Holmes, 1983.

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1737 (July)

Mary Bird was burned at the stake for the crime of ‘petty treason’. This meant plotting against the head of a household, usually a husband. It is not known exactly where the execution took place in Ely. Twenty seven women were burned for petty treason in England and Wales between 1735 and 1799. Those convicted of witchcraft were normally hanged.