Baron Cobham Oldcastle Sir John, an English reformer, born in the reign of Edward III., executed Dec. 14, 1417. He acquired the title of baron through his wife, the granddaughter and heiress of Lord Cobham, and fought with distinction in France. Having become a convert to the doctrines of Wycliffe, he promoted them greatly; and when the king reasoned with him, he said: " Next to God I profess obedience to my king; but as to the spiritual dominion of the pope, I can pay him no obedience." Thereupon he was confined in the tower and condemned to the flames, but escaped into Wales. A bill of attainder was passed against him, a reward of 1,000 marks offered for his head, and exemption from taxes promised to any town that should secure him. After four years he was discovered and carried to London, where he was hanged in chains on a gibbet in St. Giles's fields, and roasted to death by a fire kindled under him. He wrote "Twelve Conclusions addressed to the Parliament of England," besides several religious tracts and discourses. - See "Chronicles of the Examination and Death of Sir John Oldcastle," by Bishop Bale (London, 1554; reprinted, 1729).