Lollards

The Lollards were a religious movement in medieval England during the 14th and 15th centuries that challenged the Catholic Church's teachings and practices. Inspired by the ideas of John Wycliffe, they emphasized reading the Bible in English, personal faith, and criticism of church corruption. The movement promoted the idea that individuals should interpret scripture themselves rather than rely solely on clergy. Because of their views, Lollards faced persecution, but they played a significant role in early calls for religious reform that eventually influenced the Protestant Reformation.