Anna Trapnell

Anna Trapnel (fl. 1642-1660) was a travelling Baptist prophet and Fifth Monarchist active in England in the 1650s.

Early life Trapnel was born in Poplar in the parish of Stepney to the east of the City of London to William Trapnel, a shipwright, and Anne.

In April 1654 she was arrested on charges of witchcraft, madness, whoredom, vagrancy, and seditious intent; she answered the judges’ questions with parables and bible verses and managed to avoid the death penalty.

Most of her publications began as transcriptions of her sayings which were written down by a friend during her times of spiritual rapture.

Many of her works foretold the defeat of all political rulers due to Jesus’ victorious return to earth.

Works

The Cry of a Stone, 1654 Strange and Wonderful News from White-Hall: Or, The Mighty Visions Proceeding from Mistris Anna Trapnel, 1654 Anna Trapnel's Report and Plea; or, a Narrative of Her Journey from London into Cornwall, 1654 A Legacy for Saints; Being Several Experiences of the dealings of God with Anna Trapnel, 1654 A lively voice for the king of saints and nations 1658