Lollardry was a political and religious movement that was lead by John Wycliffe, in the Mid 14th Century. They demanded a reform of the western Catholic Church. Many calling for a split from the church. Although the founder, John Wycliffe dies in 1384, his theology continued into Henry’s reign and became increasingly influential during the time of the reformation.
Since Lollards had been underground for more than a hundred years, the extent of Lollardy and its ideas at the time of the Reformation is uncertain. However, many critics of the Reformation, including Thomas More, associated Protestants with Lollards. Leaders of the English Reformation, including Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, referred to Lollardy as well, and Bishop Cuthbert of London called Lutheranism the "foster-child" of the Wycliffite heres. Scholars debate whether Protestants actually drew influence from Lollardy or whether they referred to it to create a sense of tradition. The similarity between Lollards and later English Protestant groups such as the Baptists, Puritans, and Quakers also suggests some continuation of Lollard ideas through the Reformation.
Brandon Minichiello
Since Lollards had been underground for more than a hundred years, the extent of Lollardy and its ideas at the time of the Reformation is uncertain. However, many critics of the Reformation, including Thomas More, associated Protestants with Lollards. Leaders of the English Reformation, including Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, referred to Lollardy as well, and Bishop Cuthbert of London called Lutheranism the "foster-child" of the Wycliffite heres. Scholars debate whether Protestants actually drew influence from Lollardy or whether they referred to it to create a sense of tradition. The similarity between Lollards and later English Protestant groups such as the Baptists, Puritans, and Quakers also suggests some continuation of Lollard ideas through the Reformation.
Brandon Minichiello