John Wycliff was an English theologian, philosopher, and religious reformer whose teachings challenged many established doctrines of the medieval Church. A scholar at Oxford, he became one of the most influential and controversial intellectual figures in England during the later fourteenth century.

Wycliffe argued that the authority of Scripture should stand above that of ecclesiastical hierarchy and criticised the wealth and temporal power of the Church. His writings questioned the authority of the papacy and called for a reform of the clergy and the institutions of the Church.

In 1366 Wycliffe became involved in a political dispute concerning the annual tribute which England was said to owe to the papacy. The payment derived from the submission of England to the pope made by John, King of England in 1213. When the papacy demanded payment of arrears during the reign of Edward III of England the issue was debated in Parliament.

Writing in defence of the English crown, Wycliffe argued that a king could not permanently subject his realm to a foreign power and that the concession made by King John therefore lacked binding authority. The tribute, he concluded, was invalid. These arguments brought him to the attention of powerful figures at court, including John of Gaunt ⓘ, whose support later helped shield him during controversies surrounding his teachings.

Wycliffe also encouraged the translation of the Bible into English so that it could be read by a wider audience. His followers later became known as the Lollards, a movement that continued to spread his ideas after his death.

Wycliffe died in 1384 before the controversies surrounding his teaching reached their height. His doctrines were later condemned at the Council of Constance in 1415. The council ordered that his writings be suppressed and that his body be exhumed and burned. This sentence was carried out in 1428, when his remains were removed from their grave at Lutterworth and burned, the ashes being scattered in the River Swift.