Boucher, Joan

Boucher, Joan was an eminent English Baptist lady, holding position in the court of Henry VIII. In the reign of Edward VI, for holding certain opinions which were deemed heretical, through the influence of archbishop Cranmer, she was condemned to be burned at the stake. With great reluctance the gentle Edward signed the death-warrant. Her death, which "was marked by perfect fearlessness and by the full peace of God," took place May 2, 1550, in Smithfield, London. See Cathcart, Baptist Ecycl. p. 119. (J.C.S.)