Ronald Wightman had already been drawn back to Market Square in Lichfield at least four times since he arrived in England a few days earlier -- a plaque on the wall of the Church of St. Mary's the source of fascination.

Report by Victoria Hoe Ronald Wightman stands in front of the plaque in memory of his ancestor Edward Wightman who was burned at the stake in 1612.

"Edward is an almost mythical person I have always wanted to know more about," said Ronald. "I have been interested since I was a college student."
Edward was a mercer from Burton-on-Trent, a centre of Puritan dissent at the beginning of the 17th century. He took to preaching, and expressed views extreme even to Puritans.
In March 1611 he posted a petition to James I, then at Royston, criticising the errors of the Church of England. He denied the doctrine of the Trinity, the Incarnation of Christ and the three creeds. He denounced the practice of celebrating the Eucharist and the baptism of infants. He also claimed to be 'that person of the Holy Ghost spoken of in Scriptures".
James had a fear of puritanical fanatics from his upbringing in Scotland, and had Edward arrested. Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry Richard Neille tried and excommunicated Edward, and a Royal Warrant was sent to the Sheriff of Lichfield to burn him.
The episode has been said to be 'one of the foulest blots upon the history of our country'. On March 9, 1612 the Sheriff took Wightman to the Market Place, chained him to the stake and set fire to the faggots (kindling).
Ronald explained: "After they had set fire they gave him his last chance to recant his heresies, and he did. The crowd rushed forward, throwing faggots away, with some becoming seriously burnt."

A grim painting of Edward's final moments in St. Mary's

Edward was unchained and returned to prison, but brought again in front of the consistory court at the cathedral and told to recant legally. He declined and blasphemed, so the writ was renewed. On April 11, Easter Saturday, he was taken back to the Market Place and burned to ashes -- the last man to be burned at the stake for his religious opinions in England. "A great deal were opposed to the execution", said Ronald. "He was caught in the middle of a power struggle between the church and crown. They needed someone to be a scapegoat, and he was known as professing other beliefs. They were just trying to find someone to sacrifice to show support for the King," he said. "This was the time of James I, and it was a major mistake writing some of his religious feelings and passing them on. The clerics proceeded to use him as the reason for their political power structuring."

During their stay in this country, Ronald and his wife stayed in the manor house, built in the 1300's, where Edward lived -- Wykin Hall on the outskirts of Hinckley, in Leicestershire. "We were invited by the people who live there today. They have had it two generations", said Ronald.
"I had spoken to them before, and they said 'Please look us up -- we would like to have you see the home.' To stay in their home was great -- our home is 200 years old, but something this old, we can't comprehend."
Ronald and his wife are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. "A very important doctrine of the church is to search out our records", said Ronald. They have five children and eleven grandchildren, and several are interested in the history. "I am a financial consultant, but this research can be all-consuming. If I had the means and the time, it would be my only interest.
"Edward's story was a hotbed of religious curiosity throughout the generations."