Oldcastle Revolt religious beliefs were considerably influenced by Lollard cleric William Swynderby, who preached in Almeley during his youth. Lollardy was a politico-religious movement initiated by prominent theologian John Wycliffe in the 1370s during his service in the University of Oxford. Lollard beliefs were outlined in the 1395 The Twelve Conclusions of the Lollards, which dealt with their opposition to capital punishment, rejection of religious celibacy, and belief that members of the Clergy should be held accountable to civil laws. The Conclusions also rejected pilgrimages, ornamentation of churches, and religious images because these were said to take away from the true nature
John Wycliffe Black the Blind, representing the County Councils Association and later served on the Advisory Committee on the Welfare of the Blind, which reported to the Minister of Health. He also took an interest in issues relating to Mental Health. He was sometime chairman of the Mental Hospital Association and served on a Ministry of Health committee to inquire into scientific and ancillary mental health services. Black died at his home, The Rowans, 88 Holmfield Road, Leicester on 18 June 1951, aged 88 years. John Wycliffe Black John Wycliffe Black (21 July 1862 – 18 June 1951) was an English shoe manufacturer