HISTORY | RELIGION
The False Messiahs of London
The end is never a resurrection
There have been dozens of false prophets and messiahs throughout the centuries since Christ died. It’s never a dull moment to set yourself up as the second coming so you can bag a few virgins and swindle the desperate. Several men and a few women in London have tried and it never ends well.
In 1562, Elizeus Hall was sent to prison after claiming that he was a messenger from God. Hall recounted how his journey through the gates of Heaven and Hell took two days to complete. A round-trip which he couldn’t cash in his air miles. He was also a catholic and the Church at the time, didn’t trust Catholics. Sent to Bridewell Prison where several convicted believers were to be housed. Back in the late 16th century, they were often hung by their hands to make them betray their faith before being drawn and quartered.
William Hacket, messiah #628, was paraded through the streets of London in a cart. The 1591 affair left Queen Elizabeth decidedly not amused as she had him arrested for treason and then executed. When you anoint yourself King of Europe and then threaten to bring down a plague, the last thing you should do is throw shade at the Queen accusing her of having no right to the throne.
