John Oldcastle

John Oldcastle

Sir John Oldcastle (died 14 December 1417), English Lollard leader, was son of Sir Richard Oldcastle of Almeley in northwest Herefordshire and grandson of another Sir John Oldcastle.

He was prosecuted for heresy against the Church, and escaped from the Tower of London, after which he allegedly plotted against his old friend Henry V. He was captured and executed in London. He is presumed to be the basis of William Shakespeare's character Falstaff.

Read more about John Oldcastle:  Life, Lollardy, Open Rebellion, Capture and Death, Literary Portrayals, Bibliography

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