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Robert Testwood

1490 – 1543

English martyr

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About Robert Testwood

Lived 1490 – 1543 (aged 52–53). Robert Testwood was an English singer.

Robert Testwood of London was an English Protestant martyr during the reign of Henry VIII, one of the Windsor Martyrs.

Testwood was a moderately well-known musician and gained a place as a chorister at Windsor College. He became embroiled in a number of arguments with the Windsor clergy, as well as the congregation. One, with a chantry priest, Mr. Ely, was about whether laymen should read the scriptures and whether the Pope should be the supreme head of the church in England. After asserting that men should read the scriptures and that the King should lead the church in England, Testwood was called 'the greatest heretic that ever came into Windsor' by Ely. However, Testwood became particularly hated for berating the pilgrims in St George's Chapel and for smashing the nose off the statue of the Virgin Mary there. He came to the attention of Bishop Gardiner, who sent his agent, Dr John London, to arrest him.

On the evidence of a former Mayor of Windsor, William Simonds, he and four others were condemned to death on 26 July 1543. However, only Testwood, Anthony Pearson and Henry Filmer were executed by burning at Windsor.

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Important facts

Born
1490
Birth century
Died
1543
Occupation
Nationality

People in Robert Testwood's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Robert Testwood's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Robert Testwood?

English martyr

When was Robert Testwood born?

Robert Testwood was born in 1490.

When did Robert Testwood die?

Robert Testwood died in 1543.

What was Robert Testwood's occupation?

Robert Testwood was a singer.

What nationality was Robert Testwood?

Robert Testwood was English.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Robert Testwood

· Wikidata: Q7350326

· DBpedia: Robert Testwood

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Robert Testwood. https://biography.guide/robert-testwood/

MLA: "Robert Testwood." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/robert-testwood/.

Chicago: "Robert Testwood." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/robert-testwood/.

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