Elizabeth Gaunt was the last woman burned alive for a political crime in England. She had sheltered a man who took part in Monmouth’s rebellion against King James II. When he was caught he made a deal. He told the authorities about Elizabeth to save himself. He was pardoned. She was arrested, tried and sentenced to burn alive at Tyburn in 1685. On the day of her execution she arranged the straw around herself at the stake to make the fire catch faster. She wanted it over quickly. The crowd watching converted to her cause on the spot. The man who betrayed her lived for decades afterwards. She was the last. Nobody burned after her.
Interesting Fact The man who betrayed her was named James Burton. He received a full royal pardon for his testimony. Elizabeth Gaunt went to the stake knowing this. She forgave him publicly before she died. He outlived her by many years. History forgot his name until recently.
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