Chester Theatre Club are searching for a descendant of a Chester man who was condemned to death by burning in the 16th century.

During the recent Heritage Open Days project, actors from the city company reenacted the trial of George Marsh at Chester Cathedral.

During the reign of the Catholic queen Mary Tudor, Marsh, a Protestant cleric, was brought to trial at the cathedral’s consistory court in 1555 but refused to change his religious beliefs. He was found guilty of heresy by the court and condemned to death by burning, which was carried out just outside Chester in Boughton.

Tony Kemp (left) as chancellor and John McGinn as Bishop of Chester in the Consistory Court

One member of the public who watched the drama unfold, was very moved and approached one of the vergers to say how much he appreciated the depiction as he was a descendant of George Marsh.

He congratulated the cathedral and the Chester Theatre Club for such a moving representation of his ancestor’s life but did not leave his name.

Actor John Turner, who played Marsh, said: “Unfortunately, he left no name and by the time we had changed out of our costumes, he had gone. It would have been wonderful to talk to him and perhaps find out more about Marsh. He is mentioned in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs but more personal details would be fascinating.”

If you are the descendant of George Marsh who watched a performance of the trial, please contact the newsdesk on 01244 606455, email cheshire.news@trinitymirror.com or tweet @ChesterChron.

The original script for the piece was taken from a work written by Hilary Egan and commissioned by the former Cheshire County Council.