John Wycliffe (c. 1324–1384)

John Wyclif, the most prominent of the Reformers before the Reformation, was born at Ipreswell (the modern Hipswell).
He initiated the first translation of the Bible into the English language and is considered the main precursor of the Protestant Reformation.

The root of the Wycliffe’s reformation movement must be traced to his Bible study and to the ecclesiastical-political lawmaking of his times. He was well acquainted with the tendencies of the ecclesiastical politics to which England owed its position.

Wycliffe was most interested in theology and studying scripture.
He became known for being an excellent scholar with a thorough understanding of the law. He was made head of Canterbury Hall in 1365.

Lollard sermons, 15th century.
© The British Library/Heritage-Images

The Last Age of the Church (1356)
De Logica ("On Logic") 1360
De Universalibus ("On Universals") 1368
De Dominio Divino (1373)
On the Pastoral Office 1378
De apostasia ("On Apostacy") 1379
De Eucharistia (On the Eucharist") 1379
Objections to Friars (1380)
Works

Wycliffe Bible Translators, one of the world's largest international organizations dedicated to translating the Bible into modern languages is named in honour of John Wycliffe.

His last work, the “Opus Evangelicum”, the last part of which he named in characteristic fashion "Of Antichrist," remained uncompleted.
he again suffered a stroke, and was carried out the side-door of his church, in his chair.
It was decreed that his books be burned and his remains be exhumed. This last did not happen till twelve more years later, when at the command of Pope Martin V they were dug up, burned, and the ashes cast into the river Swift which flows through Lutterworth.