Abridgment of the Book of Acts and Monuments by Timothy Bright
Upon which day he with M. Bradford, and M. Saunders were again called to appear before Winchester, Norwich, London, Salisbury, &c. where charged with Heresy and Schism, they were required to give determinate answer, whether they would recant or no: who showing themselves bold and constant in the cause of Christ, received the sentence of condemnation, with cheerfulness and thanksgiving to God, that they were counted worthy to suffer for his name. So Doctor Taylor being condemned was committed to the Clinke, where he was bestowed till towards night, and then he was removed to the Counter. Where after he had lain a seuenight, Boner came to disgrade him: at which disgrading, whē Boner would have had him put on the Antichristian attire, he would not himself do it: but it was forced upon him by others. And when he was thoroughly furnished therewith, he set his hands by his side, walking up and down, and said: how say you my Lord? Am I not a goodly fool? how say you my masters? So the B. scraped his fingers, thombs, and crown of his head: and when he should have given him a stroke on his breast with his crosier staff, the B. Chaplen said, my Lord strike him not, for he will sure strike again. Yea that will I (q •••• Doctor Taylor ) the cause is Christ's, and I were no 〈◊〉 Christian, if I would not fight in my masters quarrel. S • 〈◊〉 Bishop being afraid, laid his curse upon him. The fo ••••• day of February, Doctor Tailors wife and his son sup •••• with him in the Counter, and the next day by two of the clock in the morning, the Sheriff of London with his officers came to the Counter, and so brought forth D. Taylor without any light: leading him to the Wolsacke, an Inn without Algate: where he was straightway put in a chamber, and kept with 4. yomen of the guard, and the Sheriffs men. Where Doctor Taylor fell down on his knees, & gave himself wholly to prayer. At the Wolsacke he remained til xi. of the clock: at which time, the Sheriff of Essex was ready to receive him. And so they set him on horseback within the Inn, the gates being shut. At Burntwood they caused to be made for D. Taylor a close hood, with two holes for his eyes, and a slit for his mouth to breath at. This they did that no man should know him, nor he speak to any man: which practice they used with others.
All the way, he was very cheerful and merry, to the great woondering of the company. At Chelmesford, the Sheriff of Suffolk met him, and took him to his charge, and persuaded him to revolt, and drank to him of the same condition. So did the gard, saying: on this condition, Master Doct. we all drink to you. When they had all drunk to him, and the cup was come to him: he stayed a little, as one studying what answer he might give: at the last he said, master Sheriff, & my masters all, I heartily thank you for your goodwil. I have hearkened to your words, and marked well your counsels: and to be plain with you, I do perceive that I have been deceived myself, and am like to deceive a great many in Hadley of their expectations. With that word they all rejoiced: yea, good master Doctor (quoth 〈◊〉 Sheriff) God's blessing on your heart, hold you there 〈◊〉 it is the comfortablest word that we heard you 〈◊〉 yet: what? should you cast away yourself in vain? 〈◊〉 a wise man's part, and I dare warrant you, you shall 〈◊〉 favor.
Thus they rejoiced very much at the words and were •••• y merry. At the last, good master Doctor (quoth the sheriffe) what mean you by this? that you think you have •• ene deceived yourself &c. Would you know my meaning plainly (quoth he) I will tell you, I have been deceived, and (as I think) I shall deceive a great many: I am as you see, a man that hath a very great carkas, which I thought should have been buried in Hadley Churchyarde, if I had died in my bed, as I well hoped I should have done. But herein I see I was deceived: and there are a great number of woormes in Hadley Churchyarde, which should have had jolly feeding upon this carrion, which they have looked for many a day. But now I know, we be deceived, I, and they: for this carkas must be burnt to ashes, and so shall they loose their bait and feeding. When the Sheriff and his company heard him say so: they were amazed, maruelling at his constancy. Departing thence, and coming within two miles of Hadley, he desired to light of his Horse to make water. which done, he leapt, and fetched a friske or twain, as men commonly do in daunsing. Why M. Doctor, quoth the sheriffe, how do you now? He answered, well God be praised, good M. sheriffe, never better, for now I know I am almost at home. And at the last, coming to Aldam Common, the place assigned where he should suffer, and understanding it was the place, he said: Thanked be God, I am even at home, & so lighted from his horse, and with both his hands rent the hood from his head: and proffering to speak to the people, who prayed for him, and saluted him, one or other thrust a tipstaffe into his mouth, and would in no wise permit him to speak. For he was threatened, and so were others, that he should have his tongue cut out of his head, except he would promise to keep silence at his death. Whē he had prayed, he kissed the stake, and set himself into a pitch barrel, which they had set for him to stand in. So praying, and calling on the name of God, he endured the torment, til one Soice with an halbert struck him on the head, that the brains fell out, and the dead corps fell into the fire.
Within viii. or ix. days, after S. Gardener had given sentence against M. Hooper, M. Rogers, M. Saunders, Doctor Taylor, and Master Bradford, being the viii. of February, six other good men were brought before the bishops to be examined for their Religion: Whose names were, William Pigot Butcher, St. Knight Barber, Tho. Tomkins Weuer, Thomas Hawkes Gentleman, John Lawrence Priest, and William Hunter Prentice. From which day, Steeuen Gardener would meddle no more in such kind of condemnations, but referred the whole doing thereof to Boner Bishoppe of London. Who taking the matter in hand, in the Consitory of Paul's, the Lord Mayor, and certain Aldermen sitting with him, the ix. day of February, he read the sentence of condemnation against the six persons, which were not executed before the month of March.
Upon the xiii. day of February, Master Robert Farrar Bishop of saint Dauies, was sent towards saint Dauies, there to be condemned and executed.
The xviij. day of February, Queen Marie, after long delay, made full answer to the king of Denmarkes letters: who had written two before to her, in the behalf of Miles Coverdale, for his deliverance, whereunto she in the ende yielded.
The xix. of February, there was a certain intimation printed in the name of Boner: where charge was given to every man and woman within his Dioces, to prepare them selves against Lent to receive reconciliation sent from pope Julius 3. by Poole his Cardinal, and Legate de latere: and so to be absolved.
Of the vi. before mentioned condemned by Boner, Tho. Tomkins was the first that suffered, the xvj. of March 1555. [ 1555] in Smithfield. His dwelling was in Shordich, in the Dioces of Lond. He was kept in prison by Boner half a yere, and was of him most cruelly used; beaten about the face; and parte of his bearde pulled off by Boner. Wherefore he caused him to be shaven, pretending that then he would look like a Catholic. After that, having with him M. Harpsfield, M. Pendleton, Doctor Chadsey, M. Willerton, and other standing by, the Bishoppe took Tomkins by the fingers, and held his hand directly over the flame of a Taper having three or four weeks: supposing by the pain thereof to terrify him, and cause him to leave off the profession of the truth. In the which burning he never moved, till the veins shrunk, and the sinews burst, and the water did spirte in Master Harpsfieldes face. In so much that Harpsfield moved with pity, desired the Bishoppe to stay; saying, he had tried him enough. This burning was in the Bishops Hall at Fulham. He was sundry times examined: The first time after he had been imprisoned about half a yere, the 8. of February. His Articles were touching the Sacrament of the Altar.
The next day he appeared again at eight of the clock before noon, and again the third time the same day at two of the clock in the after noon, where remaining constant in the doctrine of the Gospel: the Bishop gave sentence of death against him, and so being delivered to the Sheriff of London, was carried to Newgate, where he remained most joyous and constant until the xvj. of March next after. On which day in Smithfield he sealed up his faith in the flaming fire.
The same year the xvj. of March William Hunter of the age of nineteen years was martyred for the testimony of the truth, he being a prentise in London, in the first year of Queen Marie, was commanded at the Easter next following to receive the Communion at a Mass by the Priest of the parish where he dwelt in Colman street in London: which because he refused, he was threatened to be brought before the B. of London. Wherefore his master one Th. Taylor a silk mā, fearing least he should come in danger for his sake, required W. Hunter to depart from him: which he did, and came to Burntwood, where his Father dwelt, with whom he remained about the space of half a quarter of a year, till being suspected, for reading the vi. of John in the chapel of Burntwood. One Father Otwell a sumner, and one Thomas Wood vicar of Southweild, with whom also he disagreed in reasoning of points of the sacrament, he was complained of by the vicar to justice Brown: but Hunter being afraid of the vicars threats, fled. Brown sent for Hūters father with the Constable, & threatened him punishment, except he would bring unto him his son. The father to satisfy the expectation of Brown, road ii. or iii. days iourneis, & in the high way William met with his Father: who after he had with many tears declared what charge Brown had given him, the son said he would go home with him, to save him harmless whatsoever came of it. So he was brought to justice Brown, who after he had reasoned w t him out of the sixth of John, and could not pervert him, made a letter immediately, and sent William Hunter with a Constable to the bishop of London: who not able to alter Hunters mind, neither by threats nor flatteries, commanded his men to put him in the stocks in his gatehouse, where he sat two days and nights, only with a crust of brownebread, and a cup of water. After two days the B. assayed him again, and finding him constant, sent him to the convict prison, and commandeth the keeper to lay irons enough on him. So he continued in prison three quarters of a year: in the which time he had been before the Bishop five times, besides the time when he was condemned the ix. day of February in the consistory of Paul's with five other mo. After sentence of condemnation of them all, the Bishop called for William Hunter, and persuaded with him, saying: if thou wilt yet recant, I will make thee a free man in the City, and give thee forty pounds in good money to set up thine occupation withal: or I will make thee Stewarde of my house, and I will prefer thee &c. Whereto after William had said, he counted all worldly things but loss and dung, in respect of the love of Christ; with the rest he was led to Newgate, where they remained about a month, and afterward were sent down, William to Burntwood, and the other to other places in the Country.
Now when William was come down into the Country to Burntwood, which was the Saturday before the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary that followed on the Monday after, William remained till the Tuesday, because they would not put him to death then, for the holiness of the day. In the mean time his father & mother came and comforted him, and encouraged him, his mother saying: that she was glad that ever she was so happy to bear such a son, who could find in his heart to loose his life for Christ's names sake. Then William answered: for my little pain which I shall suffer, which is but short, Christ hath promised me (said he) a crown of joy: may you not be glad of that mother? with other such words of joy and comfort on both partes. Thus passing away saterday, Sunday, and Monday: on Tuesday morning, when it was morning, the Sheriff master Brocket called on to set forward to the burning of William Hunter. Whose son yet did embrace and comfort William. At the place of his martyrdom, there was a Popish priest that endeavored to pervert him at the stake, and said unto him: as thou burnest here, so shalt thou burn in hell. To whom William answered: thou liest false prophet, away thou false prophet, away. His brother being by, said unto him: William, think on the passion of Christ, and be not afraid of death. To whom he answered: I am not afraid: then lift he up his hands to heaven, and said: Lord, Lord, Lord, receive my spirit. And casting down his head again into the smothering smoke, he yielded up his life for the truth.
The eight of August, Anno 1553. William Sarton weauer of Bristow, was brought before Dalbie Chancellor of Bristow, and by him condemned, for holding against the sacrament of the altar. He was burned the 18. of September, Anno 1556.
At Bedaile, a market town in Yorkshire, were two men persecuted for the truth of the Gospel in the latter days of Queen Marie, the one named John Suell, and the other Richard Suell: their imprisonment was so sore, that their toes rotted off. In the ende, the one of them at length yielded to hear mass, and within three or four days after his liberty, he drowned himself in a river running by Richmonde, called Swaile: the other endured to the ende being condemned by Doctor Dakins. Who after sentence given against the martyr, came home to his house, and never joyed after, but died.
Anno 1555. the xxvi. of March, Master Higbed, and Master Canston, Gentlemen of Essex, were put to death for the testimony of the Gospel: the one at Hornden of the hill, and the other at the parish of Thundrest. Boner perceiving these two Gentlemen to be of worshipful estate: least any tumult should thereby arise, came down himself, accompanied with Fecknam, and certain other: and labored with fair promises and threatenings. Which when they saw would not prevail, the B. carried them both with him to London, and with them certain other prisoners also: which about the same time were in those quarters apprehended. Not long after this, these prisoners were committed to straight prison, and there attempted sundry ways by the B. and his chaplains to revoke their opinions. At length, when no persuasion would serve, they were brought to open examination at the Consistory at Paul's the 17. day of February, Anno 1555. Where being demanded whether they would recant, and they denying so to do, were assigned the next day to appear again the 18. of February.
On which day, among many other things the Bishop read unto them several Articles, and gave them respite till the next day to answer, and so committed them to prison again. The articles did touch the real presence, and that the godly martyrs who were burned, were heretics: with other to this effect. These being given them in writing, the next day was assigned to them to give their answer. Upon which day, being the first of Marche, they did exhibit their answers contrary to the determination of the Romish Church: and denying to recant, they were again dismissed and commanded to appear the Wednesday next after at two of the clock at after noon, there to receive definitive sentence.
The next Friday they were called for again: and no hope being had of their recantation, were again dismissed to prison, and commanded to appear the next day in the consistory of Paul's, between one and three in the after noon. At which hours they appearing, denied to recant, and exhibited in writing a confession of their faith: and said, they would not depart there from. After which words the Bishop began to pronounce sentence against them. Which when he began to do: M. Canston complained for that he would not answer to their confession, but condemn them in such sort: and so appealed from him to the Cardinal. Then Doctor Smith said, he would answer it: but the Bishop not suffering him to speak, willed Harpesfield to say his mind, for the stay of the people: who took their confession in hand, but answered no one sentence thereof. That done, the Bishop pronounced sentence: which they cheerfully received, and were delivered to the Sheriffs, and so by them sent to Newgate, where they remained in consultation foureteen days. Which days expyred, the three and twentieth day of Marche, they were at four of the clock in the morning delivered to the Sheriff of Essex, and so brought to their several places of burning, which they did most constantly endure the six and twentieth of the same month.
The same yere the xxviij. day of March, William Pigot, and Steeuen Knight of Maulden, two of the six that were condemned by Boner the ninth of February, were both (after their appearinges) burned for the testimony of the truth. Pigot at Braintrie, and Knight at Maulden. Their Articles and answers were like to those of Tho. Tomkins and oth Martyrs, touching the Sacrament of the Altar. &c. er
The next day, being the nine and twentieth day, I. Laurence a Priest, who was condemned with other, was brought to Colchester, and there burned sitting in a Chair, for that he was through evil usage and heavy irons, not able to go.
The next day after being the xxx. day of March, Robert Farrar B. of S. Dauies in Wales, was burned for the testimony of the truth: he was the next B. that suffered after M. Hooper: he was called before the B. of Winchester with M. Hooper, M. Rogers, M. Bradford, M. Saunders, and other aforesaid, the fourth of February, on the which day he should also with them have been condemned: but it pleased them to defer it till the xiv. day of the same month of February.
After he had received many checks and taunts of Winchester, the B. of Worcester M. Bourne &c. being found constant and resolute in the truth, he was dimissed to prison, where he remained uncondemned, til the 14. of February: and then was sent down into Wales, there to receive sentence of cōdamnation. Who then upon the 26. of February, in the Church of Carmarthen, being brought before Griffith Leyson Esquire, Sheriff of the County of Carmarthen, was there personally presented before Henry Bishop of Saint Dauis, and Constantine the public Notarie: which Henry discharged the Sheriff, and receiveth him to his own custody, and committed him to the keeping of Owen Jones. And thereupon exhorting him to recant, ministered articles unto him touching priests marriage, and the Sacrament of the Altar: which he refused to answer unto, till he saw his Commission. Which also he refused to do at another examination, the last of February. Wherefore the Bishop pronounced him contumax, and pro confesso, and committed him to his former keeper, til Monday next, being the fourth of March, there to appear again betwixt one and two of the clock. At which time appearing, he yielded an answer, and required a copy of his Articles, with respite to answer. Which was granted: and the Thursday next assigned him betwixt one and three. Where, appearing at the time, he refused to subscribe. After that he had twice more appeared, and constantly persisted in the defense of the truth, (notwithstanding he made his appeal from him to the Cardinal) the Bishop pronounced sentence against him, and after he had disgraded him, he committed him to the Secular power: who brought him to the place of execution in the Town of Carmarthen. Where he in the Markette place, on the South side of the Market Cross, the xxx. day of March, most constantly gave testimony to the truth in the flaming fire.
A little before Master Farrars death, one Richard Jones a Knightes son, coming to Master Farrar, seemed to lament the painfulnes of the death he had to suffer. To whom the Bishoppe answered again to this effect: saying, that if he saw him once to stir in the pains of his burning, he should then give no credit to his doctrine: which also fell out, for he never moved, but continued still, holding up his stumpes burning, till the time that one Richard Grauell, with a staff dashed him upon the head, and so stroke him down.
About the same month of March, one Rawlins White a Fisherman, was burned at Cardiffe, for the testimony of Jesus. He being desirous of knowledge, (him self not able to read) set his son to school, to learn to read: and used to have him read unto him the Scriptures, and other good books. Whereby he greatly profited in knowledge, and did instruct, and convert diverse. In which good course Father Rawlins continued, til at last he was taken by the officers of the Town, as a man suspected of heresy. Upon which apprehension, he was convented before the Bishoppe of Landaffe: by whom (after diverse combats) he was committed to prison in Chepstowe, with such liberty, as Rawlins might, (if he would) have escaped: but that notwithstanding, he continued still, and at the last was removed to the Castle of Cardiff, where he remained a yere, passing y e time in prayer, and exhortation to his friends, & those that came to visit him. After a yere, the Bishop caused him to be brought unto his own house by Chepstowe: where (after many assays) perceyuing he could not prevail, gave him a day of determination: which being expired, the Bishoppe calleth for him again; and after exhortation to recant, he proceedeth to the sentence of condemnation: saving before he said, he would pray for Rawlins, that God would send some spark of grace upon him. I thank you heartily for your gentleness (saith Rawlins ) and if so be that your request he godly, and lawful, and that you pray as you should pray, without all doubt God will hear you. And therefore my Lord, go to: do you pray to your God, and I will pray to my God. I know that my God will both hear my prayer, and perform my desire.
After prayer the Bishop said, Now Rawlins, how is it with thee? &c. Surely (said he) my Lord, Rawlins you left me, and Rawlins you find me, and by God's grace Rawlins I will continue. Certainly if your petitions had been good, and lawful, God would have heard them: but you honor a false God, and pray not as you should pray, and therefore hath not God granted your desire. But I am a poor simple man, as you see, and God hath heard my complaint: and I trust he will strengthen me in his own cause. When their prayer would not prevail, they advised to say a mass, to see what that would work. In the mean time Rawlins be took him to prayer in a secrete place, till such time as the Priest came to the sacring. When Rawlins heard the sacring bell ring, he rose out of his place, and came to the quire door, and standing a while, turned himself to the people, speaking these words: Good people, if there be at the least but one brother among you, the same one shall bear witness at the day of judgment, that I howe not to this Idol, meaning the host that the Priest held over his head. Mass being ended, and Rawlins persisting constant, the Bishoppe proceedeth to sentence, and having condemned him, dismisseth him to be carried again to Cardiffe, there to be put into the prison of the town, called Clockemacell, a very dark loathsome, and most vile prison: where Rawlins passed the time in singing of Psalms.
About three or four weeks after, he having intelligence that his time of death drew near, sendeth forthwith to his wife, and willeth her by the messenger, that in any wise she should make ready, and send unto him his wedding garments, meaning a shirte, which afterward he was burned in. Which was accomplished according to his mind.
Now appareled in his wedding garments, when y e hour was come, and he passed to his death, in the way his poor wife and children stood weeping, and making lamentation: which so pierced his heart, that he let fall tears from his eyes: but soon after, as though he had misliked his infirmity, began to be angry with himself: insomuch that striking his breast with his hand, he used these words: Ah flesh, stayest thou me so? wouldest thou fain prevail? Well, I tell thee, do what thou canst, thou shalt not by God's grace have the victory. By this time he came to the stake, and going towards it, he fell down upon his knees and kissed the ground: and in rising again, the earth a little sticking on his face, he said these words: Earth unto earth and dust unto dust: thou art my mother, and to thee shall I return. Then went he cheerfully, and very joyfully to the stake, and set his back close thereunto: and when he had stood there a while, he cast his eye upon the Reporter of this History, calling him unto him, and said, I feel a great fighting betwixt the Fleshe and the Spirit: and the Fleshe would very fain have his swinge, and therefore I pray you when you seem anything tempted, hold your finger up to me, and I trust I shall remember myself. After the Smith had made him fast to the Stake, according as he had required him, being afraid of his infirmity, and the Officers began to lay wood to him with straw and reed,) he himself as far as he could reach, would catched the same, and very cheerfully disposed it about his body. When all things were ready, then stepped up a Priest, addressing himself to speak, and to pervert the people. Which when Rawlins perceived, he beckoned with his hand to the people, and said: come hither good people, and hear not a false prophet preach. And then said unto the preacher: oh thou naughty hypocrite, dost thou presume to prove thy false doctrine by Scripture? Look in the text what followeth: did not Christ say, do this in remembrance of me: after which words the Priest being amazed, held his peace. Then some that stood by, cried: put too fire, put to fire: which being put to, he bathed his hands so long in the flame, till the sinews shrunk, and the fat dropped away: and once he did as it were wipe his face with one of them. All this while (which was somewhat long) he cried with a loud voice: O Lord receive my soul, until he could not open his mouth. He was at the same time of his death, about 60. years of age.
About this time, Anno 1555. the 28. of March, Queen Marie was fully resolved, and declared so much to four of her Counsel, to restore the Abbey lands again to the Church. And the month before, the 19. of February, the Bishoppe of Eli, with the Lord Montague, and viii. score horse, were sent as Ambassadors from the king & Queen, unto Rome: very likely, for the cause of Abbey lands, as it appeareth by the sequel. For it was not long after, but the Pope did set forth in print, a Bull of excommunication, for all manner such persons without exception, that kept any of the Church lands. And also, all such as did not put the same Bull in execution.
About the latter end of this Moneth, Pope Julius died, a monster of nature: who missing on a time his Porke, and answer being made that his Physician forbad it, because of his goute: bursting out into a rage, he uttered these words: bring me my porke flesh in the despite of God.
An other time missing his cold Peacock, most horribly blasphemyng God, he brake into a rage. Wherevpon when one of his cardinals sitting by, labored to pacify him; what (said Julius y e Pope) if God was so angry for one apple, that he cast our first parents out of Paradise therefore: why may not I being his vicar, be angry then for my Peacock, sithence a Peacock is a greater matter then an apple? He confirmed the idol of Lauretane.
Upon Shrouesunday, which was about the iii. of March, the same year a priest in Kent, named Nightingall, parson of Crondall besides Canturbury, rejoicing at the alteration of religion, and reading to the people the popes Bull of pardon that was sent into England, he said, he thanked God that ever he had lived to see that day: adding moreover, that he believed that by the virtue of that Bull, he was as clear of sin as the night that he was borne: and immediately upon the same fell suddenly down out of the Pulpit, and never stirred hand nor foot, but so died. Testified by Robert Agustine of Cartham, who both heard and saw the same: and it is witnessed also of the whole country round about.
In the month of April and the second day, John Awcocke died in prison, and was buried in the fields.
The first of April Anno 1555. a letter was sent to the Sheriff of Kent, to apprehend Thomas Woodgate, and William Maynard for preaching secreetly, and to send them up to the Counsel. The vii. day of the same month was sent another letter to the said Sheriff, for the apprehension of one Hardwich, who went about with a boy with him, preaching from place to place.
The fiftenth of April, a letter was directed to Sir Nicholas Hare, and sir Thomas Cornewallis, willing them to examine Master Flowre alias Branch, what he meant to were about his neck written Deum time, Vitium fuge? and whom else he knew to wear the like: praying them also to speak to Boner B. of London, speedily to proceed against him for his Religion, according to the Laws, and that the Justices of peace of Middlesex, should likewise proceed against him for shedding of blood in the Church, according to the Statute: so as if he continue in his opinion he might be executed, at the farthest by the latter end of this week: and that his right hand the day before his execution, or the same day might be stricken of.
The two and twentieth of April there was a letter sent to the Justices of peace of Middlesex, with a writ for the execution of the said Flower.
The xxix. of April Master Robert Hornbye servant then to the Lady Elizabeth, was convented before the Counsel for his religion, and constantly standing thereto, was committed to the Marshalsea.
Anno 1555. the xxiiij. of April George Marsh suffered most constantly at Winchester for the testimony of the truth. For a while he was Curate to Laurence Saunders: in which condition he continued for a space. But at length by detection of certain adversaries, he was apprehended and kept in close prison by George Cotes then Bishop of Chester, in straight prison in Chester in the bishops house about the space of four months, being not permitted to have relief and comfort of his freends.
The Wednesday before Palmesunday, he voluntarily presented himself (being sought for) before Master Barton, who sent him the next day before the Earl of Darbie and his Counsel at Lathā. Where appearing before them, and not answering to their contentment touching the Sacrament of the Altar, he was committed to ward in a cold wide stone house: where he lay two nights without any bed, saving a few canuasse tentclothes, and a pair of sheets without woollen clothes: and so continued he till Palmesunday, being occupied in prayer and godly meditation.
On Palmsunday at after dinner, he appeared again: and coming with the Vicar of Prescot, the Vicar made report to the Earl, that the answer which he made, was sufficient for a beginner, unto such time as he should learn farther. Wherewith the Earl was very well pleased: and so after few words, commanded he should have a bed, with fire, and liberty to go among his servants, so he would not hurt them with his communication.
Thus he departed more troubled then before, because he had not with more boldness confessed Christ: but in such sort as the adversaries thought they might prevail against him. So he prayed to God for more strength. And after a day or two, confessed more plainly, and more boldly in such sort, as the Vicar was not well pleased.
After which, within a day or two came to him again M. Moore, bringing with him certain articles, whereunto Doctor Crome had subscribed in the days of king Henry the viii. requiring him also to subscribe: whereto he would in no sort agree, and so he departed. Within a short space after, on shrouethurseday, the Vicar sent for him again, saying: my Lord would be at a short point with him, if he would not subscribe to 4. articles: whereof three tended to the mass, and the fourth touching confession.
These articles he denied to subscribe unto, and was committed to the Porters ward: where he continued till Lowsunday. On which day after dinner, his keeper Richard Scot signified unto him, that 2. young men came to carry him to Lancaster. And so was he carried thither by them: and appeared at the sessions among malefactors, and was thrice arraigned among thieves, with irons on his feet: and with boldness confessed Christ.
Within few days after, Marsh was removed from Lancaster, and coming to Chester, was sent for of D. Cotes, the B. to appear before him in his hall, nobody being present but they twain. Where the B. communed with him, and labored to pervert him: but all in vain. And after he had taken his pleasure in punishing him, and reviling him, he caused him to be brought forth into a chapel in the Cathedral church in Chester, called our Ladies Chapel, before him, at two of the clock in the after noon: who was there placed in a chair for that purpose, and Fulke Dutton major of that city D. Wall, and other priests assisting him. And after they had caused him to take an oath, they ministered articles unto him. To which he answered according to the doctrine taught in king Edwards days: which being registered, he was returned again to his prison. Within three weeks after he appeared again: and after many vain persuasions to recant, he received sentence of condemnation, and was carried away, and put into a dark prison, where he had small comfort of any creature til his death. Yet some of the citizens that feared God, would comfort him at a hole in a wall of the city, and give him money.
When the day appointed came that he should suffer: y e sheriffes of the city, Amry & Cooper, with their officers took him out of y e Northgate where he was prisoner, who came with thē most meekly with a lock on his foot, & being at the place of his death, he refused the pardon of the Queen, which was offered him if he would recant. Which he said he would gladly accept: but forasmuch as it tended to pluck him frō God, he would not receive it upon such condition. So after he had prayed, he put off his clothes to his shirt, & being fastened to the post, by reason the fire was unskillfully made, he suffered with great patience grievous torment. So that when he had a long time been tormented in the fire without moving, having his flesh so broiled and puffed up, that it covered the chain wherewith he was fastened: he therefore was supposed to be dead. Notwithstanding suddenly he spread abroad his arms, saying: Father of heaven have mercy on me: & so yielded. Upon this y e people said, he was a martyr. And the Bish. to quiet them, shortly after made a sermon, affirming that he was an Heretike, &c. and a firebrand in hell. Whom in recompense not long after, the hand of God did so strike, that he died (as it was thought) burned of an Harlotte. This Martyr did write diverse and sundry books out of prison.
The xxiiij. of April, William Flower, sometime a Monk of Eli, and a Priest, but afterward being married, lived by teaching of children, was put to death for the testimony of the truth, and had his hand first stricken of, for striking a Priest saying mass. Comming from Lambeth (where he dwelt) about ten or eleven of the clock in the forenoon, into Saint Margaret's Church at Westminster: where he finding and seeing a priest, called John Cheltam, ministering the Sacrament of the Altar to the people, therewith being offended in his conscience, did strike and wound him upon the head, and also upon the arm and hand with his woodknife: the Priest having the same time in his hand a Challice, with certain consecrated hosts therein, which were sprinkled with the blood of the same Priest. Which act he him self after confessed to have been evil done, and therefore would submit himself to the punishment: but as concerning his belief in the Sacrament, he would not submit himself to the Popish administration.
Upon this act William Flower being first apprehended, was laid in the Gatehouse at Westminster, where he had given two groates before, the same day to one: saying, he would shortly come to him with as many Irons as he could bear. Afterward he was convented before Boner his Ordinary, the xix. of April 1555. Where (after the Bishop had sworn him upon a book, according to his ordinary manner) he ministered Articles unto him, and labored at three several appearings, to reduce Flower to his superstition, from the truth of the Gospel. To whom when Flower answered: do what you will, I am at a point, for the heavens shall as soon fall, as I will forsake mine opinion, &c. The Bishop called for depositions of certain witnesses, and pronounced sentence against him.
Upon the xxiiij. day of April he was brought to the place of Martirdome, which was in Saint Margaret's Churchyarde at Westminster, where the fact was committed. And there coming to the stake whereat he should be burned; first he maketh his prayer unto God, with a confession of the Christian faith. At the striking off of his hand he did not once shrink, but once he stirred a little his shoulders. And thus fire was set unto him, who burning there, cried with a loud voice three times: Oh Son of God, have mercy upon me. And when his voice failed, he held up his arms, till he died, being stricken down for want of fire sufficient, (where his nether partes were burned) yet he being in the fire, his tongue moved in his head.
The iii. of May, a letter was sent to George Colt, and T. Daniel, to make search for, and to apprehend I. Bernard and I. Welch, who used to repair to Sudburie: and carrying about with them the bones of Pigot that was burned, shown them to the people, persuading them to be constant in his religion. This day St. Aps was committed to little ease in the Tower, there to remain two or three days, until further examination.
The xii. day, Master T. Ross Preacher, was by the Coūsels letters, delivered from the Tower, to the Sheriff of Norfolk, to be delivered to the B. of Norwich, to reduce him to recant, or to proceed against him according to law.
The xvj. day a letter was sent to y e L. treasorer, signifying what the Lord's had done for Ross, and that order should be given according to his Lordships request, for letters to the Bishops. And as for Aps (whom the Lieftenant of the Tower reported to be mad) his L. perceiving the same to be true, should commit him to Bedlem, and there to remain until their further order.
The xxvj. a letter was sent to the L. Treasurer, to confer with the B. of London, and the Justices of peace in that County where they were to be executed, that were already condemned for religion, and upon agreement of places, to give order for their execution accordingly.
The 28. a letter was sent to the L. Treasuror, to cause speedy preparation to be made of such money, as was appointed for such persons as should carry the joyful tidings of Queen Mary's good deliverance of child.
The 29. day was a letter directed to sir Francis Inglefield, to make search for one John D. at London, and to apprehend him, and send him to the Counsel, and to make search for such papers and books as might touch the same D. or one Benger.
Upon the 30. day of May suffered together in Smithfield John Cardmaker otherwise called Taylor, prebendarie of the Church of Wels, and John Warne vpholster, of the parish of Saint John in Walbrooke. Cardmaker was an observant Frier, afterward a married minister, and in King Edward's days appointed to be reader in Paul's. Where the Papists were so much grieved at him for his doctrine, that in his reading they cut & mangled his gown with their knives. He being apprehended in the beginning of Queen Mary's days, with Master Barlow bishop of Bath was brought to London and laid in the Fleeter King Edwards laws yet being in force till the Parlement ended, which delivered the Bishops authority, and power over the professors of the Gospel. At which time these two were both brought before Winchester & other cōmissioners, who answered in such sort unto thē, that Winchester with his fellow commissioners allowed them for catholic, glad to have a forged example of a shrinking brother: which also they objected against others, commending the soberness of them twain. This notwithstanding, Barnard was led again to the Fleet. From whence he afterward being delivered, did by exile constantly bear witness to the truth. Cardmaker was conveyed to the Counter in Bredstreete, the Bishop of London procuring it to be published, that he should shortly be delivered, after that he had subscribed to Transubstantiation, and certain other Articles.
To the same prison where Cardmaker was, Laurence Saunders was brought, after sentence of death was given against him, & they had great comfort one of another. After whose departure Cardmaker remained alone, baited of the Papists. Against whom Doctor Martin took upon him to be a chief dooer by writing, whom Cardmaker did substantially confute. When the Bishop perceived no hope to pervert these constant servants of God, he pronounced sentence against them. And upon the xxx. day of Maie, John Cardmaker with John Warne were brought by the Sheriffs to y e place where they should suffer. Who being come to the stake; first the Sheriffs called Cardmaker aside, and talked with him secreetly, so long that in the mean time Warne had made his prayers, was chayned to the stake, and had reed set about him, so that nothing wanted but firing: but still abode Cardmaker with the Sheriffs. The people which before had heard that Cardmaker would recant, and beholding this manner of doing, were in a merueylous dumpe and sadness, thinking in deed that Cardmaker would now recant at the burning of Warne. At length Cardmaker departed from the Sheriffs & came towards the stake, and in his garments, as he was kneeling down made a long prayer in silence to himself, yet the people confirmed themselves in their fantasie of his recanting, seeing him in his garments praying secreetly and no resemblance of any burning.
His prayers being ended, he rose up, put of his clothes unto his shirte, went with bold courage to the stake and kissed it sweetly, he took Warne by the hand, and comforted him heartily, and so also gave himself to be bound to the stake most gladly.
The people seeing this so suddenly done, contrary to their fearful expectation, as men delivered out of great doubt: cried out for joy (with so great a shout as hath not lightly been heard a greater) saying, God be praised: the Lord strengthen thee Cardmaker, the Lord Jesus receive thy spirit: and this continued till the executioner put fire to them. Which being done, they both passed through the fire to their eternal rest.
The twelfth day a letter was sent to the Lord Treasurer, to cause writtes to be made to the Sheriff of Sussex, for the burning and executing of Dericke a Bruer at Louis, and other two: one in Stainings, and the other at Chichester.
The 23. of June, a letter was sent to Boner to examine a report, given to the Council, of 4. parishes within the Sooken of Essex, that should still use the English service: and to punish the offenders, if any such were.
With master Cardmaker & John Warne, upon the same day, and in the same company, and for the same cause were also condemned John Ardeley and John Simson, which was the 25. of May. They were both husbandmen in the parish of Wigborow in Essex, and almost both of one age, save that Simson was of the age of 34. and the other of 30. John Ardley being urged by the B. to recant, said boldly unto the B. with many other words of like constancy: If every hair of my head were a man, I would suffer death in the faith that I am now in. So the 25. of May, they both received sentence of condemnation, and were both in one day put to death in Essex, the 10. of June, John Simson at Rotchford, and John Ardley at Rayley: which they patiently endured for Christ's sake.
About the same time, one John Tooly was executed as a fellon, for railing on a Spaniard at S. James. And at the gallows he defied the Pope and his indulgences: and said, he trusted only on the merits of Christ: with other words against the Pope. For which, after he had been buried, the mitered prelates caused him to be taken up out of his grave (after they had excommunicated him for want of appearance) and committed him to the Sheriff of London to be burned the 4. of June.
Thomas Hawks was one of the 6. men condemned in one day of Boner, the 9 of February: and put to death the tenth of June. He was borne in Essex, and by profession a Courtier, and servant to the Earl of Oxford, till God took King Edward out of this world. He had borne to him a son, whose baptism he deferred to the third week, for that he would not have him baptized after the Papistical manner. For which cause, the adversaries laid hands on him, and brought him to the Earl of Oxford. The Earl sendeth him up to London, with letters to Boner. With whom Boner after much communication, and conference of his Chaplens with master Hawkes, he remained at Fulham: and the B. the next day departed to London, and came home again at night.
Upon the Monday morning very early, the B. called for him again: and there Harpesfield Archdeacon of London, reasoned with master Hawkes touching Baptism, and the mass &c. But Hawkes remained constant, & withstood him with mighty power of the Scriptures: as also the B. himself Fecknam and Chadsey, at four sundry times after.
The first day of July, the B. did call him himself from the Porters lodge, and commanded him to prepare himself to prison: and so was he sent to be kept close prisoner in the gate house, where he remained thirteen days: and then sent Boner two men to know how he did, and whether he were the same man. To whom he answered constantly for the truth. After which answer, he heard no more of the bishop, till the 3. of September: on which day he was privately examined again of Boner, and would have had his hand to a bill of articles: to whom when Hawkes had said; it should neither come into his hand, heart nor mind, the bishop wrapped it up and put it into his bosom, and in a great anger went his way, and took his horse and rode on visitation into Essex, and Hawkes went to prison again.
After these private conferences, persuasions, and long debatings, M. Hawkes was cited to appear in the B. consistory the viii. of February: & again the ix. Where being exhorted by the B. with many fair words, to return again to the bosom of the mother Church: after that he had said to the Bishop: no my Lord, that will I not, for if I had an hundredth bodies, I would suffer them all to be torn in pieces rather then I will abjure or recant: at the last, Boner readeth the sentence of death upon him: and so was he dismissed to prison again, till the 10. of June. Then was he committed to the hands of the Lord Riche: who being assisted, had him into Essex to suffer martyrdom at Coxhall. Certain of his friends prayed him to give thē a sign, whether the pain of burning was so great, that a man might not there keep his patience in the fire, which thing he promised them to do. That if the pain were tolerable, then he would lift up his hands above his head towards heaven before he gave up the Ghost. Which thing he performed unto them. For after he had continued a long time in the fire, and when his speech was taken away by the violence of the flame, his skin also drawn together, and his fingers consumed with the fire; that now all men thought certainelye that he had been gone: then sodeinly he reached up both his hands, (burning on a light fire) over his head to the living God, and so with great rejoicing (as it seemed) did strike or clappe them three several times together. At which sight the people gave a marueylous shout. And so the blessed Martyr straightway sinking down into the fire, gave up the ghost. He wrote diverse comfortable Epistles.
The xxvj. of April Thomas Watts of Byllirica in Essex a linen draper was apprehended and brought before the Lord Rich and other Commissioners at Chelmesford, who after short communication had with him, sent him up to Boner, who after four appearances and much laboring of him to recant, in the end pronounced sentence against him, and delivered him to the Sheriffs of London: by whom he was sent to Newgate, where he remained till the ninth of June: or as some record, till the xxij. of Maie. At which time he was carried to Chelmesford, and there was brought to Scots house, keeping an In, where they were at meat with Hawkes & the rest that came down to their burning. They prayed together both before and and after their meat. Wats went and prayed privately to himself, and afterward came to his wife and six children, being there (two of which company offered to burn with him,) and comforted him: and when he had kissed them all, was carried to the fire. Where he having kissed the stake said unto my Lord Rich: beware my Lord, beware, for you do against your conscience, &c. And so patiently he ended in the Lord's quarrel.
In the beginning of this moneto of June, the time was thought to be nigh of Queen Mary's travail: but their expectation was deceived, and the Prelates and their favorers confounded: so that they dealt with one Isabell Mault dwelling in Aldersgate street in Horne Alley, to help the matter. Who before witnesses made this declaration: that she being delivered of a man child, upon Whitsunday in the morning, the xi of June, there came to her the L. North and another Lord, to her unknown, dwelling about Olde Fishstreete. Who demanded of her, if she would part from her child, and would swear that she never had, nor knew any such child. Which if she would, her son should (they said) be well provided for, and she should take no care for it. With many fair offers, if she would parte with her child.
After that came other women also, of whom, one (she said) should have been the Rocker: but she would not part with her Son, who was at the writing of this History alive, of the age of xiii. years and upward, and called Timothy Mault.
About this time came out a Book called a Caveat for England, giving warning to Englishmen of the practices of the Spaniards, and restoring of Abbey lands. Wherupon, came forth a strait Proclamation against any book or writing, that should impair the Popes dignity: whereby great peril grew unto diverse people.
With Thomas Haukes were sent down three other to be burned for the testimony of the truth. Nicholas Chamberlain at Colchester, the xiv. of June. Thomas Summer at Maningtree, the xv. of June. William Bamforde, alias Butler, at Norwich, the same xv of the Moneth of June. All which men patiently and constantly endured the torment for his names sake.
Within iii. days after that Master Bradford had saved M. Bourne, who preached a seditious Sermon at Paul's Cross, he was sent for to the Tower, where the Queen was then, to appear there before the Counsel. Where he was charged with the act of saving Bourne, which act they called seditious: and also objected against him for preaching: and so by them he was committed, first to the Tower, and afterwards to the Kings Bench: and after his condemnation, to the Counter. He was a man of singular piety, and great learning, and a special pattern of all virtue, where he became.
Bishoppe Farrar being in the kings Bench, after much laboring with, had promised the Papists to receive the Sacrament of the Altar with them at Easter in one kind. Then it happened (by God's providence) on Easter even, the day before he should do it, that M. Bradford was brought to the kings Bench, prisoner. Where he reclaimed M. Farrar, that he did not satisfy the Papists in receiving, as he had purposed. When the Keepers wife had brought him word he should on the morrow be had to newgate, and so to be burned, he put off his cap, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said: I thank God for it, for I have looked for the same a long time, and therefore it cometh now unto me not suddenly, but as a thing waited for every day, and every hour: and the Lord make me worthy thereof. And so (thanking her) he departed up into his Chamber, and went secretelie him self, and prayed a long time above: and spent the evening in prayer, and other good exercises with his friends.
The time they carried him to Newgate, was about xi. or xii. of the clock in the night, for fear of the people. And the next morning at nine of the clock, he was brought into Smithfield: whither (as he went) there came to him a brother in law of his, called R. Beswicke, and took M. Bradford by the hand. Which when Woodrooffe (being Sheriff) did behold, he came and brake M. Beswickes head, that the blood ran about his shoulders. Being come to the place of execution, he fell flat to the ground, secretly making his prayers to almighty God. Then rising up again, and putting off his clothes unto his shirte, he went to the stake, and (holding up his hands, and casting his countenance to heaven) said thus: O England, England repent thee of thy sins; beware of Idolatry; beware of false Christ's; take heed they do not deceive you. With which words the sheriffe was greatly offended. So (having comforted I. Leafe, that suffered at the same Stake with him) embracing the Reedes, he said thus: Straight is the way, and narrow is the Gate that leadeth to eternal salvation, and few there be that find it. And so constantly he ended this mortal life.
He remained in the Tower of London (before his removing to other Prisons) from the Moneth of August, in the yere of our Lord, one thousand five hundred fifty three, to the 22. of January Anno 1555. upon which day he was called out to examination before Stephen Gardener and other commissioners: before whom he appeared three times, and had great reasoning touching the real presence with him, with Boner, & Worcester: and at the last was condemned by Winchester, the last of January. Which sentence being pronounced, he fell down on his knees, and heartily thanked God, that he counted him worthy to suffer for his sake.
After condemnation diverse conferred with him, as Boner, Willerton, Creswell, Harding, Harpsfielde, and other mo: as Doctor Heath archbishop of York, Day Bishoppe of Chichester, Alphonso the Kings confessor, and another Spanish Frier: Doctor Weston, Doctor Pendleton &c.
With master Bradford was burned one John Lease, an apprentice, of the age of nineteen years. Who when two bills were sent unto him into the Counter: the one containing a recantation, and the other his confession, to know to which of them he would put his hand to. First hearing the byll of recantation read unto him, (because he could not read nor write himself,) that he refused: and when the other was read unto him, which he well liked of: instead of a pen, he took a pin, and so pricking his hand, sprinkled the blood upon the same bill: willing the Reader thereof to show the B. that he had sealed the same with his blood already. And so being condemned, he suffered patiently with M. Bradford.
Within half a yere after, God did so strike the forenamed sherife, Master Woodrooffe, which so cruelly handled M. Bradford, that his right side being stricken with a palsy, he so remained till his dying day, eyght years together.
Master Bradford wrote a whole volume of Letters, to sundry persons, out of prison. And greatly strengthened, and comforted many: to the City of London, to Cambridge into Lankesshire, and Chesshire, to the town of Walden, with a mumber other to private persons. The next day after M. Bradford & John Leafe did suffer in Smithfeeld, Williā Munge priest died in prison at Maidstone, being there in bonds for religion, & like to have suffered if he had lived.
Upon the iii. of July Anno 1555. died one James Treuisam in the parish of S. Margaret in Lothberie, and was borne upon a table without coffin or anything else, into Moore-feeld and there buried. The same night the body was cast up above the ground, and his sheet taken from him, and he left naked. After this, the owner of the field seeing him, buried him again. And a fortnight after, the sumner came to his grave, and summoned him to appear at Paul's before his ordinary, to answer such thing as should be laid against him.
The 13. of July, John Bland parson of Adesham in Kent, I. Frankesh, Nicholas Sheterden, and Humfrey Middleton were all four burned together at Canterbury for one cause: whereof Frankesh and Bland were ministers and preachers. He was twice before put in prison for the Gospel, and by suite of friends delivered: but because he could not keep silence in his liberty, but preach unto the people, he was the third time imprisoned.
The xiii or xiv. of February, he was sent to Canterbury jail, where he lay x. weeks, and then was bayled, and bound to appear at the next Sessions at Canterbury. But the matter being exhibited to the Spiritual Court, there it was heard. So that the xviij. of May he was examined by Harpsfielde: and again the xxi. And from them tossed to the Sessions, at Greenewich, the xviij. and xix. of February. And after much reasoning with the Commissary, and other of the Spiritual Court, he was condemned the xxv. day of June, by the S. of Dover, R. Thornton, sometimes a Professor assisted by the Commissary, Robert Cellius, and the archdeacon Nicholas Harpsfield. The same day were the rest afore named condemned, and suffered joyfully together at Canturburie, the xii. of July, at two stakes, all in one fire.
The same month of July, next after the suffering of the Kentishmen above named, Nicholas Hall bricklayer, and Christopher Wade of Dartford suffered: & were condemned by Maurice B. of Rochester, about y e last day of the month of June. Nicholas Hall was burned at Rochester, about the xix. of July. In which month of July three other more were condemned by Maurice: whose names were Joan Breach widow, John Horpoll of Rochester, and Margerie Polley.
Christopher Wade of Dartford in the County of Kent lynen draper, was appointed to be burned at Dartford. About x. of the clock, the Sheriff bringeth Wade pinioned, and by him one Margerie Polley of Tunbridge both singing a Psalm. Which Margerie, so soon as she spied a great multitude gathered about the place where she should suffer, waiting her coming, she said unto Wade very loud and cheerfully: you may rejoice Wade, to see such a company gathered to celebrate your marriage this day. Wade coming to the stake took it in his arms embracing it, & kissed it: and being settled thereto, his hands and eyes lift up to heaven: He spake with a cheerful and loud voice, the last verse of the 86. psalm: Shew some good tokē upon me O Lord, that they which hate me, may see it, and be ashamed, because thou Lord hast helped me, & comforted me. Neere unto the stake approached a Frier intēding some matter, while Wade was a praying. Whom when he spied, he cried earnestly to the people to beware of the doctrine of the whore of Babylon: with such vehemency, that the Frier withdrew himself without speaking any word. Thē reeds being set about him he pulled & embraced them in his arms, always with his hands making a hole against his face, that his voice might be heard: which they perceiving that were his tormentors, always cast faggots at y e same hole. Which he notwithstanding still (as he could) put off, his face being hurt with y e end of a faggot cast thereat. Then fire being put to him, he cried unto God often: Lord Jesus receive my soul. And being dead and altogether roasted, his hands were held over his head, as though he had been stayed with a prop.
The 22. of July was burned at Louis within y e county of Sussex, one Dyrick Carver Beerebrewer, in the parish of Bright-hamsteed in the same county: & the next day was also burned at Steining, John Lander late of Godstone, in the county of Surrie. Which two mē (with others) about y e end of the month of October were apprehended by Edw. Gage gentleman, as they were at prayer in the house of Dyrick, & by him were sent up to London to y e Counsel: who after examinatiō sent them to Newgate, there to attend the leisure of Boner. From whence they were brought the viii. of June next after, into the B. chamber in his house at Londō, Where being examined & earnestly persuaded with, and no hope to pervert thē: after diverse examinations they were condemned the x of June, of y e B. in his cōsistorie at Paul's, & afterwards were conveyed to the places afore mentioned: where they gave their lives cheerfully and gladly for the testimony of y e truth. Dyrick was a man blessed with temporal riches, which notwithstanding were no clog to him during his imprisonment: although he was well stricken in years, & as it were past y e time of learning, yet he so spent his time, that being at his first apprehensiō utterly ignorant of any letter of y e book: yet could he before his death read any printed English.
In his prayer at the stake he uttered these words: oh Lord my God thou hast writ̄: he that will not forsake wife, childrē, house, and all that ever he hath, & take up thy cross & follow thee is not worthy of thee: but thou Lord knowest, that I have forsaken all to come unto thee: Lord have mercy vpō me, for unto thee I commend my spirit, & my soul doth rejoice in thee. These words were the last that he spake, till the fire was put unto him. And after the fire came to him: he cried: Lord have mercy upon me: and so died.
At Chichester about the same month, was burned one Tho. Iueson of Godstone, in the county of Surrey Carpenter: after persuasion in vain to recant. When he had said: if there came an Angel from heaven to teach him another doctrine, then that which he was now in, he would not believe him, he was condemned, & committed to the secular power.
In y e latter end of this month of July, John. Aleworth died in prison at Reding, being there in bōds for y e testimony of Jesus. About y e end of July, James Abbes was brought before y e B. of Norwich, D. Hopton: to whō through his threatenings in y e end James yielded and now whē he was dismissed, & should go frō the B, he calling him again, gave him a piece of money either xx. or xl d: which whē James had received & was gone frō y e B: his conscience began to rob, & immediately to accuse his fact. In which cōbate with himself, (being piteously vexed) he went immediately to y e B. again, & there threw him his money, & said: it repented him that ever he gave his consent to persuasions: & that he gave his consent in taking money. Whē no persuasions could avail with him, he was condemned to the fire: which he endured patiently for the name of Christ, the 2. of August An. 1555. in the town of Berry.
Upon the 5. of July, John. Denley gent. John. Newman, and Patrick Packingā were condemned in the consistory of Paul's to be burned for the testimony of Jesus. The two first were met on the way by Edmond Tyrrel Esquire: a most barbarous persecutor in those days, coming from the burning of certain godly martyrs: & upon suspicion he sent thē to Boner: who after much trial and persuasion, were condemned for the cause of Christ, and afterward suffered for the same. M. Denley at Vxbridge the 8, of August, being set in the fire, with the burning flame about him, sang in it a Psalm. Which D. Story being present hearing, commanded one of the tormētors to hurl a fagot at him: which was done, so that y e blood rā down vpō his face: whereat he ceased singing a while, and clapped his hands on his face: and anon, putting his hands abroad, sang again. At the last he yielded his soul into the hands of his redeemer. Story in the mean while saying, that he that floong the fagot, marred a good old song. Not long after, suffered Patrick Packingam in the same town, About the 28. of the same month, John Newman Pewterer dwelling at Maidstone in Kent, was burned the last of August at Saffron Walden in Essex.
About the same time, Richard Hooke gave his life for the same cause at Chichester.
The same year 1555, [ 1555] about the latter end of August suffered, 6. godly martyrs together in Canterbury, for the testimony of Jesus: being condemned by the bloody Suffragā, M. Collins & Faucet. Their names were Williā Coker, Williā Hopper, Henry Laurence, Richard Collier, Rich. Wright, William Stere. Coker had given him respite of 6. days, but refused them, & so was condemned. The xi. of July, Hopper seemed at y e first to grant unto thē, but reap̄ted: & was afterward condemned. The 16. of July, Laurence being required to set to his hand to y e bill of his answers, wrote these words: You are all of Antichrist, and him foll. And there they stayed him, and would not suffer him to proceed: and wrote not follow. So the second of August they read sentence against him. Collier of Ashford was condemned the 16. of August.
After sentence given against him, he sang a psalm: y e priest crying that he was out of his wits. The same day Wright and Stere were condemned, and the day aforesaid, they constantly suffered for the testimony of Christ.
After the burning of these 6. above named, next followed the persecution of ten other servants of God: Elizabeth Warne, George Tankerfield, Robert Smith, Stephen Hardwood, Thomas Fust, William Hall, Tho. Louis, George King, John Wade, Joan Laishford.
Elizabeth Warne in the month of August, was burned at Stratford-bow: she was widow, & late wife of John. Warn Vpholster and Martyr, who also was burned in the ende of the Moneth of May last past. She had been apprehended amongst others the first day of January, in a house in Bow Churchyarde in London, as they were gathered together in prayer: and at that present was carried to the counter, where she lay a prisoner til the xi. of June. At which time she was brought into Newgate, and remained there til the ii. of July. Then she was sent by the Commissioners to Boner: who the vi. day of the same Moneth, caused her with diverse others to be brought before him to his Palace. Where, after diverse vexations, and allurements to forsake Christ, after she had said to them: (threatening her) do what you will, for if Christ were in an error, thē am I in an error, she was judged to die. The chief procuror of her death was D. Story, being (as is thought) of some alliance to her, or her late husband. G. Tankerfield of London Cook, borne in the city of York, about the age of xxvij. or xxviij. years, was in king Ed. days a papist, til Q. Marie came in. In whose days, (perceiving the great cruelty that was used) he began to doubt, and fell to prayer, and reading of the word, which God did so bless, that he grew in knowledge: which so kindled him with zeal, that he became an exhorter of others. At the last he was found out, and while he went into the Temple fields to refresh himself, having been sick before, Bearde cometh home to his house, and inquired for him: pretending to his wife, that he came to have him dress a banket at the L. Pagets. She thinking no less, went and told her husband: who when he heard it, said: a banket woman: indeed it is such a banket as will not be pleasant to the flesh. But God's will be done. And when he came home, he saw who it was. And so Tankerfield was delivered to the Constable, and brought to Newgate about the last of February, 1555. by the said Beard, yeoman of the Gard, and S. Ponder, peuterer, Constable of S. Dunstans in the west. He was sent in by sir R. Cholmley knight, & D. Man, a bloody persecutor. And being brought before Boner, & constantly maintaining the truth, was by him condemned: and suffered at S. Albōs the xxvi. day of August, for the testimony of the truth. Going down to suffer, at the sign of the cross keys where he inned, he desired the host y t he might have a good fire: which was made according as he required. Then he (sitting on a form before the fire) put off his shoes and hose, & stretched out his leg to the flame: and when it had touched his foot, he quickly withdrew it, showing how the flesh persuaded him one way, and the spirit another. After dinner y e sherife came to him, to carry him to the place of executiō. Who considering the shortness of time, his saying was, that although the day were never so long, yet at the last it ringeth to euensong &c.
About ii. of the clock he was brought to the place called Romeland, a green near the west end of the abbey church. After he had prayed at the stake, he said w t a cheerful voice, that although he had a sharp dinner, yet he hoped to have a joyful supper in heaven. While y e reeds were set about him, a priest came to persuade him to believe in the sacrament. But Tankerfield cried vehemently, I defy the whore of Babylon, fie on the abhominable idol. Whereat the major was sore offended, and said: though he had but one lode of fagots in the world, he would give them to the burning of him.
There was a certain knight by, that went unto Tākerfielde, and took him by the hand, and said: good brother be strong in Christ. This he spake softly: and Tankerfield said, Oh sir, I thank you, I am so I thank God. Fire being put to him, he embraced the flame, and bathed his hands therein, and so gave up his soul into the hands of Christ. Whose patience was such, that certain superstitious old women did say the devil was in him, and in all such Heretics, and therefore they could not almost feel any pain.
Robert Smith was brought to Newgate the fifth of November, in the first or second yere of the Q. by I. Matthew, yoman of the gard, & by the commandment of the Counsel. First he was servant to sir Th. Smith prouost of Eaton, frō whence he was preferred to a clerkship of x.l in Eaton. He was much confirmed in the truth, by the preachings & readings of one M. Turner of Windsor and others: Wherefore at the coming in of Mary he was deprived of his clerkship, and not long after their examinations, wherein boldly and wisely he behaved himself in the cause of Christ, he was condemned in the consistory the xii. of July, and from thence was had to Newgate, with other of the brethren. He wrote diverse letters in prison to sundry freends. He suffered at Vxbridge the viii. of August. Being at y e stake he comforted the people, willing them to think well of his cause, and not to doubt but his body dying in that quarrel, should rise again to life. And (said he) I doubt not but God will show you some tooken thereof. At length he being well nigh half burnt and black with fire, clustered together as in a lump like a black cole, all men thinking him for dead, suddenly rose upright before the people, lifting up the stumpes of his arms, and clapping the same together, and so hanging over the fire slept in the Lord.
About this time died Stephen Harwood at Stratford, & Thomas Fust at Ware, both for the testimony of Jesus.
Also about the end of August William Hail was burned at Barnet, and constantly suffered for the truth.
George King, Thomas Louis, and John Wade sickened in Lollards tower, died, and were cast into the fields, and buried in the night by the brethren. So also William Andrew died in prison, who was brought to Newgate, Anno 1555, by John Motham Cōstable of Maulden in Essex. The principal promoter of him was the Lord Rich.
The xxxj. of August suffered Robert Samuel preacher & minister at Barfold in Suffolk, his chief persecutor was M. Foster a justice of Cobdock a little from Ipswich: where he caused M. Samuel to be apprehended & put in the goal of Ipswich: frō whence being removed to Norwich, he fell into the cruel hands of the bishop Doctor Hopton & Dunnings his chancellor: who first caused him to be chained bolt upright to a great post: in such sort, that standing only on tiptoe, he was fain to stay up the whole weight of his body: besides he so pined him with hunger & thirst, his allowance being only two or three mouthfuls of bread, and three sponefuls of water for his daily sustenance, that his body was so dried up that he could not make one drop of urine to relieve his thirst. He had diverse visions during the time of his imprisonment, which he for modesties sake concealed. Sauing this one he declared, that after he had been pined iii. days, he fell in a sleep or slumber, & one clad all in white seemed to stand before him, which ministered unto him comfort in these words: Samuel, Samuel, be of good cheer, and take a good heart unto thee, for after this day shalt thou never hunger nor thirst. Which came so to pass accordingly. As he came to the fire a certain maid came unto him, and kissed him: her name was Rose Nottingham.
Next after the suffering of Robert Samuel about the beginning of September, was burned Williā Allen in Walsingham laboring man. At his suffering, such was his credit among the Justices, by reason of his well tried conversation among them, that he was suffered to go untied to his suffering: and there with patience and constancy gave witness to the truth by shedding of his blood.
The same year in the month of Septēber, Roger Coo of Melford in Suffolk a sheareman, and an aged father, after sundry conflicts with his adversaries was committed to the fire at Yexford in the county of Suffolk. He was condemned the xii. of August by the bishop of Norwich.
With the aforesaid was also condemned Thomas Cobbe of Hauerhill butcher, and was burned in the town of Tetford in the month of September.
About the vi. of September, Robert Catmer of Hith, Robert Streater of Hith, Anthony Burward of Calete, George Brodbridge of Bromfield, James Tutley of Brēchley were condemned by Thornton S. of Dover.
About the mids of September, Thomas Hayword, & John Gareway suffered at the town of Lichfield, for the testimony of the truth.
About this time, there was a godly gentleman, M. John Glover in the diocese of Lichfield and Coventry, whom the B. by his letters charged the major of Coventry to apprehend. But so soon as he had received the letters, he sent a privy watchword to John to escape and shift for himself: who with his brother William, was not so soon departed out of his house, but that yet in y e sight of them, the Sheriff, and other searchers came in to take him. But when John could not be found, one of the officers going into an upper chamber, found there Robert the other brother: a master of art in Cambridge, lying sick of a long disease: which was by him incontinent brought before the sheriffe, by whom he was committed to the jail forthwith. Not being called to his answer, he was moved to enter in bonds, and so to be dismissed. But that he refused to do, because they had nothing to lay to his charge. So he remained prisoner in Coventry the space of 10. or 11 days: being never called of the masters to answer.
The 2 day after, the B. coming to Coventry, M. Warren came to the guildhall, & willed the chief gaoler to carry him to the B. With whom after much disputation, when he could not agree: he was returned again to the common jail.
On the Friday morning, being the next day after, he with other brethren was carried to Lichfield, whither they came at 4 a clock: & were friendly entertained at the Sun. But the same night they were put in prison by Iephcot the Chancellors man: being destitute on the sudden of all necessaries. He put him into a prison (where he continued til he was condemned) a place next to y e dungeō, narrow of room, strong of building & very cold, with small light: where he was allowed a būdell of straw in steed of a bed, without anything else to ease himself withal: & was allowed no help neither night nor day, nor company of any man, notwithstanding his great sickness. Within 2. days after, the Chancellor, & one Temsey a prebendary, came to exhort him to conformity: to whō he gave none ear. He was also in the mean time of his imprisonment assailed by temptations of Satan: but God upheld his servant.
At the B. first coming to Lichfield, after his imprisonment, he was called before him, none being present but his chaplains, and servants, saving an old priest: with whom he had reasoning of the church and of the sacrament, &c. and to the end he continued constant in the truth.
After that, he was condemned of the B. Agustine Bernher, a minister reporteth of him, that for 3. or 4. days before his death, his heart grew lumpish, so that he feared least y e Lord should not assist: though he had earnestly prayed for the same. This his temptation he signified to Agustine his familiar frȳd: who exhorted him with patience to wait the Lord's leisure, and if consolation came, he would show some sign unto him thereof: whereby he might also witness the same: & so he departed. The next day when he came to y e sight of the stake, suddenly he was so mightily replenished with heavenly comfort: that he cried out, clapping his hands to Agustine, and saying in these words: Agustine he is come, he is come, &c.
In the same fire was burned with him, Cornelius Bungey a Capper of Coventry, and condemned by the B. of Coventry, and so they joyfully suffered together about the 20. of September.
John Glover and William died after, and were prohibited to be buried. John a twelve month after, being condemned to be taken up, and cast over the wall, as Doct. Dracot gave sentence. The other was prohibited to be buried by one John Thirlme of Weme in Shropshire. Where he died, and Barnard the Curate with him.
In the same diocese also, M. Edward Bourton, who required of his friend, that he might not be buried after the popish manner, was prohibited burial, and was buried in his own garden.
In the same county of Salop, Olyuer Richardine of the parish of Whitchurch was burned in Hartford West, Sir John Yong being Sheriff. Which seemeth to have been about the latter end of king Henry the eight.
After the martyrdom of those aforesaid, followed next the condemnation of William Wolsey and Robert Pygot paynter, who were judged and condemned at Eli by John Fuller Chancellor, Doctor Shaxton his Suffragan, Robert Steward Dean of Eli, John Chrystopherson Dean of Norwich, &c. Anno 1555. The eleventh of October they were burned in Wisbich.
Wolsey was a Constable at Welles, and was brought to death by one Richard Everard Gentleman, a Justice of peace. He might have departed if he listed: being willed so to do by D. Fuller: but he said he would be delivered by law, and no otherwise.
Pigot being called at y e sessions at Wisbich, would not absent himself, but appeared, & was with the other, carried to Eli to prisō: where they remained til they suffered. During which time, there came to thē one Peter Valentius a French man, who had been a remainer there about xx. years, & strēgthened them in the faith. Shaxton had been a professor, and became a revolt, and labored with them, and said: good brethren remember yourselves, and become new men: for I have been of this fond opinion, &c. To whom Wolsey answered. Ah, are you become a new man? woe be to thee thou wicked new man: God shall justly judge thee. In the ende, sentence was given against them, and they committed to the stake: where they did sing the 106. psalm, clapping (as it was thought) certain new Testaments to their breasts, which were thrown into the fire to be burned with them.
The same yere, month, and day in the which the foresaid martyrs were burned at Eli, which was an 1555 the sixtenth of October, followed also at Oxford the slaughter of M. Ridley B. of London, and M. Latimer B. sometimes of Worcester. M. Ridley was sometimes master of Penbrooke hall in Cambridge: afterward was made Chaplen to king Henry the eight, and promoted by him to be bishop of Rochester: and from thence in king Edwards days translated to London. He was replenished with singular virtues and great learning. He shown great compassion on Boners mother in K. Edwards days: whose son now full vncourtuously requited him. He was first converted to the truth, by reading Bertrames book of the Sacrament, whom also the conference with Peter Martyr & bishop Cranmer did much confirm. When Queen Marie came in first, he was committed to the tower, & from thence with the Archb. of Canterbury, and Latimer, to Oxford: and there enclosed in the common jail of Bocardo. Where at length being disseuered from them, he was committed to custody in the house of one Irish: where he remained till his martyrdom. Which was from the year 1554. till 1555, the xvi. of October. He wrote diverse letters and sundry tractations in time of his captivity.
Master Latimer of the Vniuersity of Cambridge, was first a zealous Papist, and a railer against those that professed the Gospel, as he did plainly declare in his Oration against Philip Melancthon, when he proceeded Bachelor of Divinity. But especially he could not abide Master Stafforde, Divinity Reader there. But M. Bilney had compassion of his blind zeal: and after a time came to Latimers study, and desired him to hear him make his confession. In hearing whereof he was so touched, that thereupon he left his School divinity, and grew in further knowledge of the truth.
After he came to the knowledge of the truth he fervently embraced the same, and suffered with patience many conflicts therefore. He had especial enemies in Cambridge, a black Frier, one Doctor Buckeman, Prouost of the house: and another Frier, an outlandish man, called Doctor Venetus, besides all the rabble of the Heades and Doctors: as, Doctor Watson, Master of Christ's College, whose Scholar Latimer had been before: D. Notaries, Master of Clare Hall: Doctor Phili, Master of Michael house: D. Medcalfe, Master of S. John's: D. Blithe, of the kings hal: D. Bullock Master of the Queens College: Doctor Cliffe, of Clement house: Doctor Downes, of Jesus College: D. Palms, master of S Nicholas Hostel, &c.
At the last came D. West, Bishop of Eli, who (preaching against Latimer at Barnewel Abbey) forbad him to preach anymore within the churches of the University. Notwithstanding, D. Barns, Prior of the Augustine Friers, did license Master Latimer to preach in his Church of the Augustine Friers: and he himself preached at the Church by, called Saint Edward's: which was the first Sermon of the Gospel that D. Barns preached, being upon Christmas even, upon a Sunday. Whereupon, Articles were gathered out against him by M. Tirrel, Felow of the Kings Hall: and presented to the Cardinal. Notwithstanding the enemies that Latimer had in Cambridge, he continued preaching there three years, and kept conference with Master Bilney. So that the place where they used most to walk in y e fields, was commonly called the Heretics hill.
After he had traveled in preaching three years in Cambridge, at length he was called up to y e Cardinal for heresy, & being contented to subscribe to such Articles as they propounded unto him, was dismissed. After this, by the means of Doctor Buttes, a great favorer of good men, he was among the number of those that labored in the Kings Supremacy, and went to the Court: where, after a space, he obtained a Benefice in Wiltshire, in a town called Westkington. So he left the Court, & there kept residence. There he also found enemies, as in the University, that drew articles against him. As, that he should preach against our Lady; Saints; Auemaries; &c. His chief enemies (besides the Priests of the Country) were Doctor Powel of Salesburie: Doctor Wilson, sometime of Cambridge: Master Hubberden: and Doctor Sherewood. By whose means he was cited up to W. Warham, Archb. of Canterbury, and John Stokeseley B of London an. 1531. the xxix. of January: every week for a space thrice. Being called before them, in the end he was dismissed: on what condition it is uncertain. At length, through the procurement of D. Buttes, & Cromwell, he was advanced by the king to be B. of Worcester. Who (whē holy bread, and holy water should be ministered) caused these verses to be pronounced to the people in his diocese: Remember your promise in baptising; Christ his mercy and bloudsheading: By whose most holy sprinkling; Of all your sins you have full pardoning. At the giving of holy bread, these verses following. Of Christ's body this is a token; which on the cross for our sins was broken. Wherefore of your sins you must be forsakers: If of Christ's death you will be partakers.
In his Bishopric also he suffered much trouble for well doing, but the king greatly favored him. He continued in his bishopric til the time of the vi. articles. At which time, of his own accord he resigned it. At which time also, Shaxtō B. of Salisbury, resigned his bishopric. So they kept silence til the time of K. Edward. And coming up to London, for cure of a bruise, which he received by a fall from a Tree, he was molested, and cast into the Tower, til the time of king Ed. In whose days he was set free, and preached again, with great fruit and edification of the people. He being 67. years of age, preached every sunday twice for the most part: and both winter and summer, about ii. of the clock in y e morning he would be at his book most diligently. He ever affirmed that the preaching of the Gospel would cost him his life: and persuaded himself that Winchester was kept in the Tower for the same purpose: as the Euent did truly prove. For after the death of K. Edward he was sent for by a purseuant: of whose coming he had intelligence by John Careles, & prepared himself before to go with him. The purseuant when he had delivered his letters to him, departed, affirming that he had commandment not to tarry for him, whereby it should appear they would have had him fled the realm, but he cometh up to London, & passing through Smithfield, (where merely he said that Smithfield had long groaned for him ) was brought before the Counsel. Of whom he was again cast into the Tower, where he was hardly used, yet bare it cheerfully, for when the Lieftenāts man upon a time came to him: the aged father kept without fire in frosty weather, & well nigh sterued for cold, he merrily had the man tell his master, that if he did not look the better to him, perchance he would deceive him. Which when the Lieftenant heard, fearing he should make escape, chargeth him with his words. Yea M. Lieftenant, saith he, so I said: for you look I think that I should burn, but I am like here to starve for cold.
Thus passing a long time in the tower: from thence he was transported to Oxford with Ridley and Cranmer to dispute: as hath been aforesaid. He wrote diverse and sundry letters. Among other enemies to Latimer at Oxford, there was one Hubberden, who riding by a Church side, where the youth of the Parishe were daunsing, came into the Church, and caused the bell to be tolled, and there made to the people a Sermon of daunsing. In which Sermon, he made the Doctors of the Church to answer to his call, and to sing after his time, for the probation of the Sacrament of the Altar, against Latimer, Frith, &c, and all Heretics. At the last, as he had made them sing, so after he maketh them dance also. And first he calleth out Christ and his twelve Apostles: then the ancient Doctors of the church, as in a round ring, all to dance together, with pipe up Hubberdē. Now dance Christ, now dance Peter, now Paul &c. And in conclusiō, such a dancing kept Hubberdin, that the pulpet fell, and down falleth Hubberdine and brake his leg, and died not long after. The people refused to repair the pulpet, saying: it was not for dancers.
M. Latimer also wrote to king Henry the viii. for the restoring of the free reading of holy Scriptures, which was inhibited. Anno 1531. and Anno 1546. For the which Letter, he received rather thanks then displeasure of the King: and not long after that, he was advanced to be a Bishop.
Amongst other memorable acts of Latimer, this was one worthy to be remembered: that being B. of Worcester, whē others gave newyeeres gifts of gold and silver &c. he presented the king with a New Testament for a new years gift, and a napkin having this poesie about it. Fonicatores & adulteros iudicabit Dominus.
Anno 1555. In the month of October, Ridley & Latimer were both brought forth to their final examination and execution: the Commissioners whereof, were master White, Bishop of Lincoln, master Brookes Bishop of Gloucester, with others.
Upon the 20. of September was sent down a commission to Oxford from Cardinal Poole to the parties aforesaid, to proceed against Ridley in judgment, and Latimer, except they would recant. So the last of September, they were cited to appear before the Lord's in the Divinity School at Oxford, at viii of the clock. Where first appeared Master Ridley, and then Latimer. M. Ridley (while the Commission was read) standing bare before, when he heard the Popes holiness named, and the Cardinal, put on his cap: and being thrice admonished, would not (by putting it off) give sign of reverence unto the Pope or his Legate. At the last, the Bishop of Lincoln commanded one of the Bedles to pluck his cap from his head. Master Ridley bowing his head to the officer, gently permitted him to take away his cap. After that Lincoln persuaded him with a long oration to recant: to which Rydley maketh answer, confuting the usurped supremacy of the Pope &c. In the ende they objected articles, whereto presently they required answer: but they said such as should not be prejudicial to that he should say tomorrow. So they took his answers, and appointed him again the next morrow at eight of the clock, willing the Major he should have pen, yncke, and paper, &c. So dismissing Master Rydley, they sent for master Latimer. To whom after exhortation to recant, and other conference, they propounded the same articles to him which they propounded to master Rydley. Whereto he answered presently, and was assigned to appear on the morrow again: which master Latimer was loath to do willing them to make speed in that they would do. So y e Major being charged with him, they brake up for y e day their sessiō.
The next day following, which was the first of October, master Rydley appeared again: and because he would not reverence them, his cap was snatched hastily off his head.
After the articles were read, & he required to answer, master Rydley took a sheet of paper out of his bosom, and began to read that which he had writ̄: but y e B. of Lincoln commanded y e Beadle to take it from him. To whom Rydley said, why my Lord, will you require my answer, and not suffer me to publish it, I beseech you, &c. so master Rydley seeing no remedy delivered it to an officer, that immediately delivered it to the B. of Lincoln: who after he had secretly communicated it to other two Bishops, declared the sense, but would not read it, saying, it contained words of blasphemy. Master Rydley on the other side would make no other answer then was contained in his writings: which being recorded by y e register, the B. of Gloucester fell to persuade master Rydley to recant. To whō master Ridley taking in hand to answer, the B. of Gloucester interrupted him. The B. of Lincoln with his cap in his hand, desired him to return to the unity of their Church: which intrratie, when he saw it moved not the constant servant of God. He poceeded to sentence of condemnation against him, which being published, M. Ridley was committed to the major, & M. Latimer called for: who also constantly standing to the defense of the truth, received sentence of condemnation, and was committed to the major, and continued in durance till the 16. day of October.
Upon the fifteenth day of October, the B. of Gloucester D. Brookes, and the Vicechancelour of Oxford, D, Marshall came to master Irishes house, then major of Oxford, where M. Ridley lay, and offered him the Queens pardon, if he would recant. Which he refusing to do, they proceeded to disgrade him, & would have had him put on the surplice himself, but he would not: and while he spake against that Romish apparel (as he called it,) one Edridge the reader of the greek lecture, gave counsel he should be gagged. Nether would M. Ridley hold the chalice in his hands: but one was appointed to hold it in his hands. His degradation ended, D. Brookes called the Bailiffs, & delivered to them master Ridley, with charge to keep him safe from any man's speaking with him, and that he should be brought to the place of execution, when they were commanded.
The night before he suffered, his beard was washed, and his legs. And as he sat at supper the same night at M. Irishes (who was his keeper) he bad his hosts and the rest at the boorde to his marriage: for tomorrow (said he) I must be married, and so shown himself as merry as at any time before. When they arose from the table, his brother offered all night to watch with him: but said he, no, no, that shall you not, for I mind God willing to sleep as quietly tonight, as ever I did in my life.
When everything was ready for their, execution in y e ditch over against Bailey College, they were brought forth by the major and bayliffes. Master Ridley had a fair black gown, furred and faced with Foynes, such as he was wont to wear being B, and a tippet of Veluet furred likewise about his neck, a velvet nightcap upon his head, and a corner cap upon the same, going in a pair of slippers to the stake.
After him came Master Latimer in a poor Bristow frize frock all worn, with his buttened cap, and a kerchiefe on his head, a new long shroud hanging over his hose down to the foot: which at the first sight stirred men's hearts to rue upon them. Master Ridley looking back, espied master Latimer coming after, unto whom he said: Oh be you there? Yea (said master Latimer ) have after as fast as I can follow. First master Ridley entering the place, marvelous earnestly, holding up both his hands, looked towards heaven: then shortly after espying master Latimer, with a wonderful cheerful look, ran unto him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and as they that stood near reported, comforted him saying: be of good heart brother, for God will either asswage the fury of the flame, or else strengthen us to abide it.
With that, went he to the stake, kneeled down by it, kyssed it, and most effectually prayed: and behind him kneeled Master Latimer, as earnestly calling upon GOD as he. Doctor Smith who recanted, preached a Sermon, scant in all a quarter of an hour, against them, in the mean while that they were a preparing to the fire.
M. Ridley being in his shirt, stood upon a stone at the stake, and held up his hands and said: Oh heavenly father, I give unto thee most hearty thanks, for that thou hast called me to be a professor of thee, even to the death, &c. Then the smith took a chain of iron, and brought the same both about D. Ridleyes and Latimers middles: and as he was knocking in the staple, master Ridley took the chain in his hand, and shaked the same, for it did gyrd in his belly, and looking aside to the smith, said: Good fellow, knock it in hard, for the flesh will have his course. Then his brother brought both him and master Latimer gunpowder: which he said he would take as sent from God: then brought they a fagot kindeled with fire, and laid it down at Ridleyes feet. To whom master Latimer spake in this manner: be of good comfort M. Ridley, and play the mā, we shall this day light such a candle by God's grace in England, as (I trust) shall never be put out. And so the fire was given unto them. When Doctor Ridley saw the fire flaming up towards him: he cried with a wonderful loud voice, In manus tuas Domine commendo spiritum meum, Domine accipe spiritum meum. And after repeated often in English, Lord, Lord receive my spirit: master Latimer crying as vehemently on the other side, Oh father of heaven receive my my soul: who received the flame as it were embracing it, and soon died M. Ridley, by reason of the evil making of the fire, had his nether partes all burnt, before the upper parts were touched, and endured great torment with much patience: so they both slept in the Lord, faithful witnesses of his truth.
Master Ridley wrote diverse letters and treatises of exhortation.
The next month after the burning of Ridley and Latimer, which was the month of November, died Stephen Gardener, a man hated of God and all good men. He was (during the time of Queen Anne, ) an enemy to the Pope,: but after her decease the time carried him away, that he became a Papist: till again in King Edward's time, he began to rebate from certain pointes of popery. Agayne, after the decay of the Duke of Sommerset, he quite turned to popery, and became a cruel Persecutour. He having intelligence of the death of Ridley and Latimer, deferring his dinner til three or four of the clock at after noon, cometh out (rejoicing) to the old Duke of Norfolk, who tarried for his dinner till then, at Gardiners house, and said: Now let us go to dinner. And being set down, began merely to eat: and had eaten but a few bittes, when the sudden stroke of God's terrible hand fell upon him, so that immediately he was taken from the table, and brought to his bed: where he so continued xv. days, and then died, his tongue being black, and swollen in his head. When Doctor Day Bishop of Chichester came to him, and began to comfort him with words of God's promises, & with free justification in the blood of Christ our Savior, repeating the Scriptures unto him: Winchester hearing that, what my Lord (said he) will you open that gap now? then farewell all together. To me, and to such other in my case you may speak it: but open this window to the people, then farewell all together.
Next after the death of Master Ridley and Master Latimer, followed three other courageous Soldiers of Jesus Christ. John Webbe Gentleman, George Roper, and Gregory Park. John Webbe was brought before the suffragan of Dover, the sixteenth day of September before: the other two long after. Which (beside sundry other times) the the iii. day of October, were all three together brought before the said Judge, and by him condemned. And about the ende of October, or in the latter end of November (as it is otherwise found) they were brought out of prison to their martyrdom: who by the way said certain Psalms mournfullie. Roper was a young man, of a fresh color, courage and complexion. The other two were somewhat more elderly. Roper coming to the stake, and putting off his gown, fet a great leap. So soon as the flame was about him, he put out both his arms from his body like a Rood, and so stood steadfast, continuing in that manner (not plucking his arms in till the fire had consumed them, and burnt them off. And thus these worthy Martyrs at Canterbury gave witness to the truth,
The xiii. of December died William Wiseman in the lolards Tower, a Clothwoorker of London. Some thought that through famine, or other evil handling, he was made away. After his death he was thrown into the fields, and charge given that none should bury him. But the brethren buried him in the night.
In the same year, about the vii. of September, James Gore deceased in prison at Colchester, being captive for defense of the truth.
Master John Philpot (after he had been imprisoned by the Lord Chancellor a yere & a half for his free speech in the convocation house) was the second of October an. 1555. called for before the Queens Commissioners, M. Cholmeley, Master Roper, Doctor Story, and one of the Scribes of the Arches, at Newgate Sessions Hall. Where they had nothing particular to charge him with by the Law: neither would he otherwise answer. So they sent him again to prison. Afterwardes he was commanded to appear the xxiiij. day of October, which he did. And after much railing against him, and many threatenings, they sent him to the B. of London's Colehouse, where he found Tho. Whittle Priest, in the stocks: who once (through infirmity) had relented to the Papists, but feeling remorse and torment in his conscience, went to the B. Register, desiring to see his bill again. Which as soon as he had received, he tare in pieces: and after that was joyful, & received comfort. Whē the B. heard thereof, he beat him, and pulled a great piece of his beard from his face, and cast him into prison. Which he endured joyfully for Christ's name.
Boner understanding of master Philpots imprisonment, sent him bread, and meat, and drink, with fair words, and promise of favor. And within a while after, one of his Gentlemen was sent for him, and brought him to the presence of Boner. Who understanding by Master Philpot the cause of his trouble to have risen by his speech in the convocation house, said, he would not as then burden him with his conscience, and said moreover, that he meruailed they were so merry in prison, singing and rejoicing. To whom M. Philpot answered, that they sang Psalms, and that he trusted he would not be offended therewith, since S. Paul saith. If a man be of an upright mind, let him sing: and we therefore (said he) to testify that we are of an upright mind to God, though we be in misery, do sing. So he was had again to the Colehouse, where he had other six companions of the same affliction.
He was examined in all 14. several times: the fourth time in the Archdeacons house of London in the month of October, before the Bishops of London, Bath, Worcester and Gloucester: with whom after dispute, of the church of Rome and authority thereof, he was again dismissed.
The Bishops rose up and consulted together, and caused a writing to be made, whertoo they put their hands. So he was again carried to his Colehouse M. Philpot thought then they conspired his death.
The 5. examination was before the Bishops of London, Rochester, Coventry, saint Asses, with another. Doctor Story, Curtop, Doctor Sauerson, Doctor Pendleton, with other Chaplens and gentlemen of the Queens Chamber, and others in the Gallerie of the B. of London's palace. Where Boner, because he said he minded on the morrow to sit in judgment on him, exhorted him to play the wise man's part, and to conform himself. To whom Philpot answered, he was glad judgment was so nigh: but refused Boner, as not being his ordinary.
After much dispute of the Romish church, and revilings of Doctor Story against Master Philpot, he was had again to the Colehouse, the Bishop of London promising him favor, and that he had in his hands to do him good. To whō Philpot answered: my Lord, the pleasure that I will require of you is to hasten my judgment, and so to dispatch me out of this miserable world unto my eternal rest. The B. for all his fair promises performed no kind of courtesy unto him: for a whole fortnight after, he had neither fire, nor candell, nor good lodging.
The sixth examination was before the Lord Chāberlaine, the vicont Hereford: the L. Ritch, the L.S. John's, the Lord Windsore the L. Shandoys, sir John Brydges lieftenant of the Tower, with the B of London, and Doctor Chadsey. The sixth of November, Anno 1555. Before whom he was reasoned with touching the Romish Church, and of the Sacrament of the Altar. The Lord's temporal being half amazed at that which they heard, and not giving M. Philpot an evil word.
The vii. examination was had the xix. of November, before the B of London, and Rochester, the Chancellor of Litchfield, and Doctor Chadsey.
The next morning Boner sent for master Philpot to come to Mass. To whose messenger he answered, his stomach was too weak to digest such raw meats of flesh, blood and bone.
The next day the B. sent again for him, and ministered false articles against him, and could bring no witness: but would have had his prison fellows sworn against him. Which because they refused, they were put in the stocks, and also M. Philpot with them, where they sat from morning till night.
The Sunday after at night betwixt 8. and 9. the Bishop came to the Colehouse himself, and caused master Philpot to be had into another place of imprisonment, and there caused him to be searched, but the searcher missed of his last examination which he had written: yet took two Letters from him which were of no great importance.
The viii. examination was before the B. of London, of Saint Dauis, master Mordant and others in the B. chapel: where the B. would have had him answered only, yea, or nay to certain Articles. Which Philpot would not, but made his appeal: which the Bishop said he would stay in his own hands. So was he had again to the colehouse.
The 9. time he was examined of the B. alone with his Chaplains: the next day after in the Wardrope. Where master Philpot would not hear so much as Articles read against him: refusing Boner as being not his ordinary. At the last, they fell to reason of the Sacrament of the altar, and the mass: the Bishop and diverse of his Chaplains setting upon master Philpot. To whom he gave no place nor cause of triumph: but sufficiently maintained the truth therein. So for that time he was dismissed to his prison again.
And the next day the tenth time was examined of the B, his register and others: and charged with the book of Catechism, made in king Edwards days, and certain conclusions agreed upon both in Oxford and Cambridge, &c. But M. Philpot refused him for ordinary, & would not answer: but appealed to him that was in place of the Archbishopric of Canterbury, because he knew not of his imprisonment, who was then Archbishop.
The 11. examination was on S. Andrew's day before the Bish. of Duresme, of Chichester, of Bath, of London: the Prolocutor master Christophorson, Doctor Chadsey, master Morgan of Oxford, master Hussey of the Arches, Doctor Weston, Doctor Harpesfield, master Coosins, master Johnson, register to the B. of London: these disputed against master Philpot touching the true Church, and of the Sacrament of the Altar, and of the antiquity of the religion which master Philpot professed. Of which company master Morgan behaved himself above all the rest, most insolently against him: who asked master Philpot howe he knew that he had the spirit of GOD, scoffingly. To whom Philpot answered: by the faith of Christ which is in me: Ah by faith, do you so, saith Morgan? I ween it be the spirit of the buttery, which your fellows have had, which have been burned before you: who were drunken the night before they went to their death: and I ween went drunk unto it. To whom Master Philpot answered: It appeareth by your communication, that you are better acquainted with the spirit of the the butterie, then with the spirit of God. Wherefore I must needs tell thee thou painted wall, and Hypocrite: In the name of the living GOD, whose truth I have told thee, that God shall reign fire and brimstone upon such scorners of his word, and Blasphemers of his truth as thou art. Morgan, What, you rage now. Philpot. Thy foolish blasphemies have compelled the spirit of God which is in me, to speak that which I have said unto thee thou enemy of all righteousness. By thine own words do I judge thee, thou blind and blasphemous Doctor, for as it is written: By thy words thou shalt be justified, & by thy words thou shalt be condemned. I have spoken on God's behalf, and now have I done with thee Morgan. Why then, I tell thee Philpot thou art an heretic, and shalt be burned for thine heresy, and afterward go to hell fire. Philpot: I tell thee thou hypocrite, I pass not this for thy fire and fagot, neither (I thank GOD my Lord) stand in fear of the same: my faith in Christ shall overcome them, &c.
In fine, Chadsey persuaded him to consider of himself, and to be well advised. To whom M. Philpot said, he would his burning day were tomorrow: for this delay, (said he) is every day to die, & yet not to be dead. So for that time they dismissed him.
The 12. examination was on Wednesday the fourth of December before the Bishop of London, Worcester, & Bangor. After Mass the Bishop called him before him into his Chapel, and recited the Articles, which often times he had done before, with depositions of witnesses, of whom some were not examined. Philpot again refused him for Judge.
So he was had away, and anon after he was called for to come before him, & the Bishop of Bangor. Who being before them, they caviled with him, where his religion was an hundredth year ago, accusing him of singularity &c. and so dismissed him til after noon. At which time he appeared again, and after reasoning with him touching the real presence: they again dismissed him till Thursday after, which was the 13. examination. On which day he appeared before the Archb. of York, and other Bishops, as the bishop of Chichester, Bathe, London, &c & they reasoned with him touching the true Church, and the authority thereof, and universality. But being not able to deal or prevail with him in strength of argument, nor verity of their cause, they departed.
The same day at night again, Boner called for him, and required him to say directly, whether he would be conformable or not. To whom he answered, that he required a sure proof of that Church whereto Boner called him: which when Boner could not prove, they gave him over until the xiii. or xiv. day of December. On which days the Bishop sitting judicially in his Consitory at Paul's, caused him to be brought thither before him and others, and objected unto him 3. articles. 1. That he refused to be reconciled to the Church. 2. That he had blasphemed the mass, and called it Idolatry. 3. That he denied the real presence. And exhorted him to recant, and to return to his Romish Church.
Whereto when M. Philpot had shown that he was not out of the church, & that he had not spoken against the mass, nor sacrament of the Altar. He was once again dismissed till the sixteenth day of the same month: on which day when neither threatenings, nor fair allurementes could move him. The B. after he had brought forth a certain instrument containing articles and questions, agreed upon both in Oxford and Cambridge: and had exhibited two books in print: the one the Catechism made in King Edward's days, anno. 1552. The other concerning the true report of the disputation in the Conuocation house, which Philpot acknowledged to be his penning, without any just cause he could pretend against him by form of law, proceeded to his tyrannical sentence of condemnation. & so committed him to the Sheriff: whose officers led him away. And in Pater noster row, his servant meeting him, lamented: to whom Philpot said, content thyself, I shall do well enough, thou shalt see me again. So the officers had master Philpot to Newgate: whom Alexander the keeper used very rigorously, and would not strike off his irons under four pound, but put him in Limbo. Whereof the Sheriff understanding, caused Alexander to use him more gently.
Upon Tuesday at supper, being the 17. of December, he had word from the Sheriff to prepare himself: for the next day he should be burned. Master Philpot answered, and said: I am ready, God grant me strength, and a joyful resurrection. In the morning, the sherifes came about viii. of the clock, and called for him, and he most joyfully came down unto them, When he was entered into Smithfield, because the way was foul, two Officers took him up, to bear him to the stake. To whom he said merrily: what? will you make me a Pope? I am content to go unto my Iourneyes ende on my feet. But first coming to Smithfielde, he there kneeled down upon his knees, saying with a loud voice these words. I will pay my vows in thee, O Smithfield.
When he was come to the place where he should suffer, he kissed the stake, and said: Shall I disdain to suffer at this stake, seeing my Redeemer did not refuse to suffer most vile death on the cross for me? Then meekly he said the 10. 107. and 108. Psalms. The fire being put unto him he yielded his soul unto God (whose truth he had witnessed) the eyghteenth day of December. He wrote many fruitful Letters.
Anno. 1556. To begin the new yere withal, about the xxvij. of January, were burned in Smithfield these seuē persons following: Thomas Whittle, Priest, Bartlet Green Gentleman, John Tudson Artificer, John Went Artificer, Thomas Brown, Elizabeth Foster, wife, Joan Warren, alias Lashford, maid: all together in one fire. The Articles objected against them: were, touching the seven Sacraments; the Sacrifice of the Mass; the Sea of Rome; &c.
Thomas Whittle was apprehended by one Edmund Alabaster, and carried to the Bishop of Winchester lying sick, hoping to be preferred for his diligence: but the Bishop repulsed him. So he was had to Boner, who did beat & buffet him, and cast him into prison. D. Harpsfielde offered him a Bill to subscribe unto, consisting of general terms, the rather to deceive Whittle. So he subscribed, but afterward felt such horror in his conscience, that he could not be in quiet till he had gotten his bill again, and rent away his name from it. So the Bishoppe condemned him, after many persuasions to have made him recant, and committed him to the Secular power. He wrote diverse Letters of comfort and exhortation.
The next day after was Bartlet Green condemned. He had been Student in Oxford, and there by hearing the lectures of Peter Martyr, he came to have knowledge of the truth. Afterward he was Student of the common laws in the Temple.
The cause of his first trouble was an answer to a letter of Master Goodmans, banished at that time beyond the Seas. Wherein he wrote that Queen Marie was not dead: whereof Master Goodman desired to be satisfied. These Letters came into the Counsels hands, and they would have made treason thereof, if the laws would have served. But after they had long detained him in the tower and elsewhere, they sent him to Bishop Boner, to be ordered after their Ecclesiastical manner. Against whom Sir John Bourne, then Secretary to the Queen, was a principal dooer.
The xvij. of November, at two of the clock in the after noon, he was presented before the Bishop of London, and two other Bishops: Master Dean, M. Roper M. Welch, Doctor Harpsfielde, D. Dale, Master George Mordant, and Master Dee. Before whom, after he had shown the cause of his imprisonment, to have been his Letter written unto Master Goodman: Doctor Chadsey (being sent for) reported, that in the presence of Master Moseley, and the Lieftenant of the Tower, he should speak against the Real presence, and Sacrifice of the mass, & that their Church was Antichristian. This Master Green confessed that he had said. So after some talk with other, Master Welche desired of the Bishoppe, that he might have license given him to talk with him apart, and then with flattering behavior, and fair words, he labored to pervert him, and reasoned w t him touching the marks of the church. Wherein Master Green (shown himself able sufficiently to answer that which he did object. Afterwarde, he had private conference with Boner, in his bedchamber: who also labored him all he might, but the spirit of God was of more power: and M. Green (notwithstanding) continued constant in his holy profession.
In the ende, the B. perceiving himself not able to alter his constant mind, the xxviij. of November he examined him upon certain points of Christian Religion: and and out of his answers drew articles, whereto Master Green set to his hand. The fifteenth day of January, in his Consitory at Paul's, accompanied with Fecknam, and other of his Chapleins, after he had condemned the other six, he called for master Green, and asked him if he would recant. Which when he denied, the Bishop proceeded in sentence and condemned him, and committed him to the Sheriffs of London, to be carried to Newgate, where he continued in prayer and godly meditation, till the 28. of January. At which time he with the rest were carried to the place of execution. Whither going by the way, as also at the stake, he uttered often times Latin verses: Christ Deus, sine te spes est mihi nulla salutis: Te duce, vera sequor: te duce, falsa nego. He confessed himself to to one Master Cotton of the temple his friend, that he had been scourged with rods of Boner: but else for modestye sake kept it secrete. He was of nature most mild, and gentle. He wrote diverse Letters and exhortations.
Thomas Brown borne in the parish of Byston within the diocese of Eli, came afterward to London, where he dwelled in the parish of S. Brides in Fleetstreete, a married man of the age of 37. Who because he came not to his parish Church, was presented to Boner by the Constable. When Boner labored to persuade him, and seeing himself not able to prevail by the word, to overthrow him, proceedeth to his cruel Sentence, and so committeth him to the Secular power. So he abode the cruel fire amongst the rest.
The same day also was John Tudson, borne in Ipswich, condemned. Who being complained of to sir Roger Chomley, and Doctor Story, was sent to Boner. And after much persuasion to recant, according to his manner, he pronounced sentence against him.
John Went, borne in Langham in Essex, within the diocese of London, of the age of 27. years, examined by Doctor Story, upon the sacrament of the popish Mass, because they disagreed with him in the real presence, was sent to Boner, and of him condemned for the profession of the truth.
With the five above recited were condemned two women, Isabell Foster a wife, and the other a maid called John Warne, alias Lashford. Isabell was married to one John Foster Cutler of the parish of saint Brides in Fleetstreet being of the age of 55. years. She was sent to Boner for not coming to the church, and constantly maintaining the truth of her profession, was of him condemned.
John Lashford borne in the parish of little Alhallowes in Thames street, was the daughter of one Robert Lashford Cutler, and of Elizabeth, who afterward was married to John Warne Vpholster: who was persecuted for the Gospel of God to the burning fire, and after him, his wife, and after her this John Lashford their daughter, after she had remained prisoner in the Counter 5. weeks, and certain months in Newgate.
After these 7. above rehearsed, shortly after in the same month, the 31. of January, 4. women and one man were burned at Canterbury at one fire. Their names were John Lomas a young man, Anne Albright, John Catmer, Agnes Snoth widow, John Sole wife. Lomas was condemned the xviij. of January, Snoth, the xxxi. Albright, alias Chamixes, the xviij. Sole, the xxxi, and at the same time, Joan Catmer: all five at one fire. Who (when the fire was flaming about their ears) sang Psalms. At the sight whereof, sir I. Norton Knight wept bitterly.
The Judges, and the other Assistantes which sat upon them, were Richard Faucet. John Warren, John Milles, Robert Collins, and John Baker, the Mayor.
The History of Thomas Cranmer Archyshop of Canterbury, burned for the truth. Anno, 1556.
THomas Cranmer was first of Jesus College in Cambridge, a Master of Arts and fellow of the College: afterward he married and gave over his fellowship, and became reader in Buckingham College. Whiles he was reader in that College, his wife died, & he was received again to be fellow of Jesus College: where he grew in knowledge in such sort, that he became Doctor of Divinity, and was appointed one of the heads, to examine such as yearly were to commence Bachelers, or Doctors of Divinity. Who never would admit any to proceed in Divinity, unless they were substancially seen in the story of the Bible: whereby diverse Friars and other religious persons were rejected of him. He was greatly solicited by Doctor Capon to be one of the fellows in the foundation of Cardinal Wolseys College in Oxford, but could not be drawn thereunto. Whiles he continued in Cambridge, the matter of the kings divorce with the Lady Catherin was in question now two or three years among the Canonistes: who could not resolve upon the matter. Now by reason the plague was in Cambridge, Doctor Cranmer removed to Waltham cross with two of his pupills to M. Cresseys house, where Doctor Stevens secretarie, and Doctor Fox Almosiner finding him, conferred with him about that matter of the kings divorce. He gave them counsel rather to cause it to be discussed among the Divines, whether by the word of God a man may marry his brothers wife or not, for the satisfying of the Kings conscience: and that done, to refer it to judgment how lawful the divorce might be, &c. This discourse they declared unto the king, who caused Cranmer immediately to be sent for: and after talk with him concerning the matter, he appointed him to be chief doer in the dispute, and conference: and commanded him to set down his mind fully in the case, and willed the Earl of Wiltshire to give him entertainment in Duresme house, and to furnish him with Books, and necessaries meet for the business: who provided for him accordingly. So doctor Cranmer wrote his mind concerning the kings question, adding to the same, besides the authority of Scripture, of general counsails, and ancient fathers, also his own opinion, that the Pope could not dispence with y e word of God. Wherupon y e king sent certain learned mē abroad to the most part of the Universities in Christendom to dispute the question: as also in Oxford & Cambridge, where the unlawfulness of the matrimony was concluded: so y t the K. prepared a solemn embassage & sent to the B. of Rome, then lying at Bononie: whither went y e Earl of Wiltshire, Doctor Cranmer, Doctor Stokesley, Doctor Corn, Doctor Bennet, and diverse other learned men and gentlemen: who when they came before the Pope, he sitting in the chair of estate, offered his foot, but none would kiss it saving a great spaniell of the Earl of Wiltshires, who ran & took the P. by the great toe, & caused him to pul it in in hast. In y e end the Ambassadors were dismissed without disputation: & D. Cranmer gratified with y e office of a penitenciariship. Wherupon the Earl, and the other commissioners, returned again into England: but D. Cranmer went to the Emperor (being in his journey towards Vienna against the Turk) there to answer such men of his court as could say anything on y e contrary part. Where he fully satisfied Cornelius Agrippa an high officer in the Emp. court: for which cause Cornelius fell into such displeasure with the Emp his M. y t he was committed to prison, where for sorrow he ended his life. From y e Emper. court he departed, & as he returned he satisfied diverse learned men in Germany in that question.
In the mean space, while the matter thus prospered: B. Warrham the Arcb. dieth, and the Archbishopric was bestowed immediately on Cranmer, by the kings gift. In which place, he behaved himself with great liking to the king (who would hear no accusation against him) and all good men.
After the death of king Henry, in the reign of king Edw. his godsonne, his estate was more advanced. Before which time of King Edward, it seemed that Cranmer was scarce thoroughly persuaded in the right knowledge of the Sacrament, til being instructed by Ridley, he grew so ripe, that he took upon him the whole defense of the cause against the popish devises. To whose book, concerning that matter, Stephen Gardener answereth, and M. Cranmer replieth learnedly and copiously to him again.
Of this Archb. doing was also the book of the reformation, the Catechism, with the book of Homilies. Also there was a confutation against 88. articles, devised by the Conuocation house, of his doing, but not received in the time of king Henry the 8.
King Edward now not like to live, bequeathed the succession of the Realm to the Lady Jane, niece to to king Henry the 8. by his sister, with the consent of the Counsel & Lawyers, fearing least Mary should alter religion: but Cranmer wald hardly be brought to assent, til he was informed by the lawyers that he might subscribe thereunto.
King Edward being now dead, and Queen Mary in possession of the crown, she excepted Cranmer out of all pardon, and would not so much as vouchsafe to see him: but committed him to the tower, yet pardoned him of treason, and caused him to be accused of heresy.
The papists had raised a slander, that the Archbishop, had promised to say a Dyrge mass for King Edward's funeral, to curry favor of the Queen: which he endeavoring to stay, gave forth in writing his purgation, and was challenged of the Queens cōmissioners for his bill. To whō he said: he was sory it passed him so as it did, (for he granted a copy to Doctor Story who did disperse it) for his meaning was to have made it more at large, and to have set it on Paul's Church door, and on the doors of all the Churches in London, with his seal set thereto. At which words, they for the time dismissed him.
At length it was determined that Cranmer should be removed from the Tower to Oxford, there to be disputed with, for color sake: although they had determined what to do with him before.
Forasmuch as the sentence given against Ridley and Latimer, by D. Weston was void, because the authority of the Pope was not yet received into y e land: there was a new commission sent from Rome, and a new process framed for the conviction of Ridley, Latimer, & Cranmer. In the which commission, was D. James Brooks B. of Gloucester y e popes subdelegate, with Doctor Martin and Doctor Story commissioners in the king and Queens behalf.
These commissioners being set in place, in the Church of S. Mary in Oxford: one of the Popes Proctors, or else his D. called, saying: Tho. archb. of Canterbury, appear here, & make answer to that shall be laid to thy charge: that is to say, for blasphemy, contumacy, and heresy: and make answer here to the B. of Gloucester, representing the Popes person. He being brought nearer the scaffold where the Bishops sat, gave reverence to the Queens proctors, but would not to the Bishop, who represented the Pope: alleging, he had taken an oath, never to consent to his authority again. When after many means used, the Archb. would do no reverence: the Bishop fell to declare unto him the cause of their coming, and their commission, exhorting him with a long Oration to return to the Popish church. Who having finished his Oration, D, Martin beginneth, and declareth unto him as much. Who having also finished, doctor Cranmer (after he had kneeled down on both his knees, towards the West, and said the Lord's prayer, and rising up, had repeated the Articles of the belief) began to make profession of his faith unto them: and protested against the popes authority, and challenged the B. of perjury, for admitting the Pope contrary to his oath.
After Gloucester had done, D. Story then entereth to vex the servant of God, and laboreth to uphold the Popes Supremacy: and required the Bishoppe to make a direct answer to the Articles. After he had played his part, Doctor Martin taketh him in hand, and laboreth to prove his oth (made to the king against the Pope) unlawful. In the end the Judges willed him to answer directly to certain Articles. Whereto (after the Archbishop had answered) the Bishop Brookes concludeth his examination with an Oration, to satisfy the people: giving the Archbishop up, (he said) as an abject, and outcast from God's favor. Wherein he established (as much as he could) the Supremacy of the Pope; Service in Latin; the Sacrament in one kind; Real presence; Rites; &c. This Oration ended, D. Story most arrogantly dealeth with him, and laboreth to prove the insufficiency of the Archbishops oath against the Pope. And so (seeking to break up the Session) calleth for witnesses to be deposed against the next day, whose names were: Doctor Marshall, Commissary, and Dean of Christ's church: Doctor Smith, Vndercommissarie: D. Tresham: D. Cook: M. London: M. Curtop: M. Wade: M. Searles. Against whom the Archhishop took exception, because they had been perjured in breaking their oath made to K. Henry the eight.
Among other communication, Doctor Martin demanded of him, who was Supreme head of the church of England. To whom the Archbishop answered, Christ, as of the whole body. Why (quoth D. Martin ) you made K. Henry the viii. the right Supreame head of the church. Yea (said the Archb.) of all the people of england, as well Ecclesiastical as Tēporal. And not of the church (said Marten? ) No, (said he) What (quoth Marten ) you durst not tell the king so. Yes that I durst ({quod} the Archbishop) and did. In the publication of his Style, wherein he was named Supreame head of the Church, there was no other thing meant.
Thus after they had asked him many frivolous questions, they cited him to appear before the Pope, at Rome, within forty days. Which he said he would (if the king and Queen would permit him) be content to do. But from thence they carried him to prison again: where he continued, notwithstanding he was commanded to appear at Rome.
Before twenty days of the forty were spent, the popes holiness sent his Letters executorie unto the King, and Queen, to degrade, and deprive him of his dignity. And although (by reason of his straight imprisonment) he could not appear at Rome, yet was he condemned to be put to death, as one willfully absent, and failing (of frowardness) in his appearance.
The Popes definitive Letter was dated about the first of January, and delivered here about the midst of February. Upon the receipt of which Letter, another Session was appointed for the Archbishop to appear, the xiv. of February, before D. Thurlebie, (whom the Archb. always before used as his deer friend) chief Cōmissioner, & Boner. Who upon S. Valentines day, came to Oxford, and calling the Archbishop before them in the Queere of Christ's Church read their Commission, full of lies: as, that witnesses were there at Rome examined on both parties, and all things indifferently considered: (he being kept close Prisoner in Oxford.) And there put upon him the Robes of an Archbishop, made of canuas, and old cloths, in scorn: with a miter, and a pal of the same suit in mockery, and then put they the Crosier staff in his hand. Which being all done, Boner falleth to triumph over him, making an oration to the assembly: in which he said to the people, this is the man that hath ever despised the Popes holiness: this is the man that pulled down so many churches: this is the man that like Lucifer sat in place of Christ &c.
And so prosecuted his oration, lying and railing on the good Archbyshop: & afterward went to his degradation. At what time the Archb. pulled an appeal out of his sleeve, which he delivered to them, saying: I appeal to the next general Council, and thereof took witnesses of the standers by. Which appeal being put up to the Bishop of Eli Thurleby, he said, their Commission was to proceed against him without admitting any appeal. To whom when the Archbyshop answered, that then they offered him wrong.
Eli said: if it may be admitted it shall, and so received it of him: but proceeded to his degrading, and stripped him out of his own gown, and put vpō him a poor yeoman bedels gown very bare worn: and evil favoredly made, and a townsemans cap on his head: and so delivered him to the secular power, without one penny in his purse to help himself: so that a gentleman of Gloucester shire gave money to the Bailiffs to bestow upon him. For which deed he was stayed by Boner, and Eli: and if friends had not been made, he had been sent to the Council.
In this meanetime, while y e Archb. was thus remaining indurance (whom they had kept in prison now by the space of 3 years) by all flattering persuasions and threatenings they labored him to recant: especially Henry Sydall, and Frier John (a Spaniard,) de Villa Garcina, were most earnest with him, and in the end so prevailed, that he set to his hand to a recantation that they had drawn. Which recantation was not so soon gotten, but the prelates without delay caused the same to be imprinted.
Now all this while Cranmer was in no certayntie of his life, notwithstanding his recantation, although it was faithfully promised him by the Doctors. In the mean time while these things were a doing, the Queen taking counsel how to dispatch him out of the way, (who as yet knew nothing of hir secrete hate against him, and looked for nothing less then death) appointed Doctor Cole, and secretly gave him commandment, that against the 21. of March he should prepare a funeral sermon for Cranmer's burning. Soone after, the Lord Williams of Thaine, and the Lord Shandoys, Sir Thomas Bridges, and Sir John Brown were sent for with other Gentlemen and Justices, and were commanded to be at Oxford with their retinue, least Cranmer's death should raise there any tumult.
On the 21. day of March Doctor Cole cometh to the Archb. in the morning, the very same day which was appointed for his execution, & asked him if he had any money. To whom he answered that he had none: he gave unto him 15. crowns, to give them to the poor where he would, and so went about his Sermon. By which dealing the Archbyshop began to suspect more and more what they went about.
Afterward came to him the Spanish Frier bringing, a paper with articles, which Cranmer should openly profess in his recantatiō before the people, earnestly desiring him that he would write the same instrument with the articles with his own hand, & sign it with his name. Which when he had don, the Frier desired y t he would write another copy thereof, which should remain with him, and that he did also. Yet the Archb. thinking his time was at hand, wherein he could no longer dissemble, put his prayer in his bosom with his exhortation to y e people writ̄ in another paper, which he minded to recite to y e people before he should make y e last profession of his faith, fearing least if they had heard the confession of his faith first, they would not afterward have suffered him to exhort the people.
About 9. of the clock, the L. Williams of Thame, Syr Thomas Bridges, Sir John Brown, &c. came with their retain, and Cranmer was brought out of Bocardo, unto S. Mary's Church: where he had his standing on a scaffold of a mean height, there waiting til master Cole made him ready to his sermon. In which, he declared causes why justly the Queen had determined his death: for that he was a Traitor, and an heretic, &c. And that it seemed meet according to the law of equality, that as the death of the Duke of Northumberland made even with Tho. Moore, so there should be one that should make even with Fisher of Rochester. And because that Ridley, Hooper, and Farrar were not able to make even with that man, it seemed meet that Cranmer should be joined to them, to fill up this part of equality, &c. And then turning himself to the people, bad them all beware of this man's example. The latter part of his sermon he directed to the Archb. whom he encouraged and comforted: and did promise in the name of all the priests that were present, that immediately after his death, there should be Diriges, masses, and funerals executed for him in Oxford for his souls health.
Cranmer all this time stood heavy, and more then twentye times the tears gushed out of his eyes, and dropped in abundance all the time of Coles sermon. Which being ended, he calleth back the people being ready to depart, to prayers: and prayed Cranmer to express the undoubted profession of his faith that he might take away all suspicion from men.
I will do it (said the Archb.) and with a good will. So he first read a prayer to the people, which he pulled out of his bosom, & gave them exhortation of contempt of the world, of obedience, of brotherly love, and above all things bewailed his recantation, saying: that when he came to the fire, that hand which had subscribed thereunto, should first burn. And so defyed the Pope, with his detestable doctrine &c. The standers by that looked for other matter, were all amazed at his words, and the filthy priests & prelates greatly deceived, who raged against him, especially Cole: so they pulled him down from the stage, and led him to the fire: the Spanish Frier and the other railing on him in the way. When he came to the place of execution, he not long tarrying in his prayers, put of his apparel to his shirt, & prepared himself to the fire: which being put unto him, and burning near him, he put his right hand in the flame: which he held so steadfast, saving that once with the same hand, he wiped his face, that all men might see his hand burned before his body was touched: which he held immovable all the time of his burning: lifting his eyes up to heaven, and oftentimes repeating his unworthy right hand: and so long as his voice would suffer him, using oftentimes the words of Stephen. Lord Jesus receive my spirit. And in the greatness of the flame, he gave up the Ghost.
The Spaniard beholding this constancy of the Archbishop ran, to the Lord Williams of Thame, crying, that Cranmer was vexed in mind, and died in desperation. And this was the ende of that worthy servant of GOD, who suffered in the midst of Queen Mary's reign, and was almost the very middle man of all the martyrs of her days.
It was thought he desired life, to finish certain works, and to reserve himself for better times, for the use of the Church.
About the same time that the Archbishop was burned at Oxford, suffered likewise in Ipswich two women: the one named Agnes Potten, the other called John Trunchfield, either in the same month of Marth, or (as some said) in the end of February the next before. They suffered for the matter of the Sacrament, and bare their martyrdom with great patience, and godly courage.
After these women, the same month suffered three men at one fire in Salesburie for the testimony of the Gospel. Their names were, John Spicer, free mason, William Coberly Tailor, John Maundrell husbandman. Vppon a Sunday, they being at the Parrish church called Keuell in Wiltshire, and seeing the parish in procession to follow and worship the Idol there carried, advised them to leave the same, and to turn to the living God: namely speaking to one Robert Barkesdale headman of the parish, but he took no regard to their words. After this the Vicar came into the pulpet, who there being about to read his beadroll, and to pray for the souls in purgatory, John Maundrell speaking with an audible voice, said, that that was the popes pinfold, the other two affirming the same. After which words (by the commandment of the priest) they were had to the stocks, where they remained till Service was done: and then were brought before a Justice of Peace, and the next day were carried to Salesburie, and presented before Bishop Capon, and William Jeffrey Chaunceller of the Dyoces: by whom they were imprisoned, and often examined privately. At the last they were examined publicklie before them, in the presence of the sheriffe of the Shire, one M. Saint-John's, and other popish priests, in the Church of Fisherton-anger. Where the Chancellor objected to them, touching the Sacrament; the Popes Supremacy; Images; &c. To which when they answered frankly, according to the truth, they were all there condemned, an. 1556 the xxiij. of March.
And the four and twentieth day of the same month, they were carried out of the jail, to a place betwixt Salisbury and Milton, where they were committed to the fire. Which they endured constantly, witnessing the truth. Of which 3. Caberley had the painfullest death, by reason of the standing of the wind, which notwithstanding patiently he did endure.
About the 23. of April, Anno, 1556. were burned in Smithfield at one fire, vi, constant Martyrs, suffering for the testimony of the truth, viz. Robert Drakes minister, William Timmes Curate, Richard Spurge Shereman, Thomas Spurge Fuller, John Cauell Weaver, George Ambrose Fuller, all of Essex, and so of the dyoces of London, and were sent up, some by the L. Ritch, and some by others at sundry times unto Stephē Gardener B. of Winchester about the 22. of March, Anno. 1555. who upon small examination sent some of them unto the kings bench, others unto the marshalsea: where they remained almost all the year, until the Bishops death, and had nothing said unto them till Doctor Heath was chosen Chancellor: to whom four of these prisoners made their supplication, requiring favor and deliverance. Upon the receipt hereof, Syr Richard Read knight, one of the officers of the Court of Chauncery, was sent the sixteeen of January unto the marshalsea to examine those four: Richard Spurge, Thomas Spurge, George Ambrose, & John Cauell. The effect of which was, that they were complained upon, for not coming to the Church, by the parson of Barking, unto the L. Rich: which they confessed to be true, and declared what moved them to absent themselves.
About the iv. day of March next after, Robert Drakes, Parson of Thundersley in Essex, was also examined.
In Queen Mary's days there were two sermons preached in Master Tirrels Wooddes, the one named Plumborowe-woodde, and the other Bechers-wood: and an hundred at once were at the Sermons. The Sermons were preached by Master Timmes, Deacon, and Curate of Hocley in Essex. This preaching the said Master Tirrell took for a heinous matter, & charged one Gye which was his heardman, that frequented Sermons, and the society of the godly, to fetch M. Timmes unto him. Who made excuse, and said he could not find him. Then stepped forth another of his men, one Richard Shierife, that with the Constable, went and fetched him to M. Tirrel. Who had talk with him alone three hours together, and ended his talk with Master Timmes, in a heat, calling him traytorly knave. Why (said Timmes ) in king Edwards days you did affirm the truth as I do now. Affirme (quoth Tirrel, ) Nay by God's body, I never thought it with my heart. Well (said Tim. ) then I pray you M. Tirrel, bear with me, for I have been a traitor but a while, but you have been a traitor vi. years. After this he was sent to the B. of London, and from him to the B. of Winchester, and so to the kings Bench.
When he came to the Bishop of London, there was with him the B. of Bangor, before whom he behaved him self in such sort, as the Constables that brought him reported, that they never heard the like. In the Kings bench he was mightily strengthened by the good men which he found there with the other five.
The xxi. of March he was brought to public examination. First in the Bishops Palace at London, where he inquired of him, touching the Sacrament of the Altar: Whereunto he answered contrary to the Popish doctrine, and was reasoned with of the B. Chaplens, with no great authority of scriptures, or fathers.
The xxiij. day of the same month next after, the Bishop sent again for Timmes and Drakes, and ex officio objected articles. And on the xxvi. day of the same month, he ministered also the same Articles to the other four. To which Popish articles they answered negatively. And in conclusion, the xxviij. of March, they were all brought particularly to the Consitory, before the Bishoppe of London, to be condemned for heresy. Where (when he required Timmes and the rest to recant) he replied unto him, that he himself had written against the usurped power of the Bishoppe of Rome, having prefixed his Preface to Winchesters book, De vera obedientia. After much debate, partly of Bishop Boner, and partly of one Doctor Cook, & Doctor Pendleton, to peruerte the constant Professor of Jesus Christ: when they could not prevail against him, they condemned him (as an Heretike) to be burned. And proceeded against the other v godly men, fellow Prisoners with M. Timmes. who all together the xiv. of April, suffered for witnessing to the truth.
About this time, or somewhat before, came down certain Commissioners, assigned by the Queen and Counsel, into Norfolk and Suffolk, to inquire of matters of Religion. Unto which Commissioners there was a Supplication put up by some well disposed men in those quarters: praying them to have pity and compassion, & praying God to move the Queens heart, according to the examples of Darius, Ahasuerus, Traianus, Theodosius, &c. to call back those commandments and Commissions, which had passed against the Saints of God.
The first day of April this present yere, John Harpoole, of the Parish of Saint Nicholas in Rochester, and Joan Beates widow, were condemned by Maurice, the Bishop of Rochester: and suffered death by fire in the same Town, for the testimony of Jesus Christ, against the Sacrifice of the Popish Altar.
Next after these ensued the death of Master John Hullier, Conduct in the kings College at Cambridge: who suffered under Doctor Thurlebie, bishop of Eli, and his Chancellor, for the sincere setting forth of God's Gospel, the second of April.
Not long after the death of Robert Drakes, and William Timmes, and the other Essex martyrs, vi. other blessed martyrs suffered all at one fire in the town of Colchester, whose names were these: Christopher Lister, of Dagneham, husbandman, John Mace of Colchester Apothecary, John Spēser of Colechester weauer, John Hammon of Colchester Tanner, Symō Iaine sawier, Richard Nicholas of Colchester weauer. With these 6. was also joined another, named Roger Grasbrooke, but he submitted himself. Of these y t B. made a quick dispatch: for soon after they were delivered to one John Kingstone bacheler of the civil Law, and then commissary to the B. by the Earl of Oxf. & other commissioners, and by him sent up to his Lord and M. The B. caused them to be brought unto his house at Fulham, where in the open church were ministered unto them articles touching the Romish church, the mass, transubstantiation, and other the Popes trumpery. To which when they answered according to the verity of the Gospel, they were of him condemned, and sent to Colchester, where the 28. of April most cheerfully, they suffered, (to the great encouragement of others) for the testimony of Jesus.
The sixteenth day of Maye, Hugh Lauerock of the parish of Barking, painter, of the age of sixty eight, a lame cripple, and John Ap Price a blind man were burned at Stratford Bow for the constant profession of the Gospel, against the superstition of Antichrist, being condemned by Boner.
At their death Hugh Lauerocke, after he was chained, casting away his crooch, and comforting John Ap Price his fellow Martyr, said unto him: Be of good comfort brother, for my Lord of London is a good Physician, he will heal us both shortly: Thee of thy blindness, and me of my lamenes. And so patiently they suffered together.
The next day after the martyrdom of these two, there suffered in the fire in Smithfield, iv. womē: Katherin Hut of Barking, widow, Joan Horns of Bellerica, maid, Elizabeth Thackuis of great Burstead, maid, Margaret Ellis of Billerica, maid: these w t other mo, were persecuted, and sent up to Boner, specially by sir I. Mordāt, & Edmund Tyrrell Esquire, and were condemned by him the third of April, and burned the sixteenth of Maye.
The 5. day of May was Thomas Drewry a blind boy, and Thomas Croker Bricklayer martyred in the fire at Gloucester, being condemned by D. Williams then Chaunceller. Who when he said that the Chaunceller taught him that which he called Heresy in the pulpit, and the Chaunceller bad him do as he had done. No said the boy to him, though you can so easily dispense with yourself, and mock with God, the world and your conscience: yet I will not so do. Then God have mercy upon thee (said the Chaunceller) for I will read sentence against thee: and so did, and committed him to the secular power to be burned with Thomas Croker.
The 21. of May Anno 1556. Three men, Thomas Spicer of Winstone laborer, John Denny, and Edmond Poole, were burned at Beckles for witness bearing to the truth. They were persecuted by Syr John Tyrrel Knight, of Gipping hall in Suffolk: and were condemned by Dunning Chancelor of Norwich, and master Monges the register, sitting at the town of Beckles. Where the Chancellor himself burst out in tears, exhorting them to return to the papistical Church. Which when they refused, he read the sentence against them even with tears, and delivered them to the Secular power (Sir John Sylliard being then high Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk) notwithstanding that the writ de comburendo, was not yet come down.
After they had prayed, they (making confession of their Faith) came to, I believe the Catholic Church. That is well said (quoth Sir John Sylliard ) I am glad to hear that. It is the best word I heard of you yet. To the which words Edmunde Poole answered, that though they believe the Catholic Church, yet do they not believe in their Popish Church: and therefore no parte of their belief. They (being all at the stake, and the fire burning about them, praised God in such an audible voice, as it was wonderful to all those that stood by.
By the procurement of sir John Tyrrel knight, and other his fellow colleagues, there were persecuted, out of y e town of Winson in Suffolk these persons here, following: Anno. 1556. Mistress Ales Twaites gentlewoman, of the age of 60. years and more, and two of her servants, Humfrey Smith and his wife, William Catchpoole and his wife, John Mawlin and his wife, Nicholas Burlingham and his wife, and one Rought and his wife. There were also driven out of the Town of Mendlesame in Suffolk, Simon Harlestone and Catherin his wife with his five Children, William Whitting and Catherin his wife, Thomas Dobson and his wife, John Deacon, his wife and his maid, William Deacon, Thomas Woodward the elder, one Reynoldes wife a pore widow, one mother Symons maid, besides those that were constrained to do against their consciences. The cause of their persecution was, y e they denied the Popes supremacy, held the Queen to be supreme, y e ministers might marry, &c. Many of these persons were of great substance, & had possessions of their own.
The last day of the month of May John Slech being imprisoned in the kings bench for the doctrine of the Gospel there died & was buried on the backsyde of the same prison.
About the 6. day of June next following Thomas Harland of Woodmancote Carpenter, John Oswald. ibid. husbandman, Thomas Auington of Ardinglye Turner, & Thomas Read, suffered at Lewis together for the testimony of the Gospel. In the same town of Lewis and the same month suffered, Thomas Wood, and Thomas Milles, the 20. day of the same month, for the testimony of Jesus.
In the which month William Adheral minister died in the kings bench the 24. day of the same month, and was buried on the back side. And so also Clement wheelwright dying there, was buried upon a dunghill the 25. of June.
The xxvj. of June suffered a merchants servant at Leycester, for the testimony of the gospel.
The xxvij. ot June, xi. men and two womē were burned in one fire at Stratford the Bow by London: whose dwellings were in sundry places in Essex. Their names were Henry Adlington, Laurence Pernam, Henry Wye, William Halliwell, Thomas Bowyer, Georges Searles, Edmund Hurst, Lion Couch, Rafe Jackson, John Deryfall, John Routh, Elizabeth Pepper, Agnes George: unto whom the sixth of June Anno 1556. Doctor Darbyshire Boners Chancellor in form of law ministered articles of Popery, to which they made their answers in simplicity of good conscience. When they were condemned and the day appointed that they should suffer, which was the xxvij. of June, they were carried to Stratford bow, and divided in two partes into several chambers. Afterward the Sheriff came to each part, and told them that the other parte had recanted; and should not therefore suffer death, counsailyng them to do the like, &c. To whom they answered: as their brethren had done before, that their faith was not built on Man, but on Christ and his sure word. So the Sheriff seeing no hope to prevail, had them to the stake, which they kissed and embraced very heartily. The two womē were loose and not tied to any stake, and so they all gladly suffered (for the gospels sake) the extremity of the fire.
In the company of those before said, were three more condemned to die, whose names were: Thomas Freeman, William Stannard, & William Adams. These being in the hands of the secular power, Cardinal Poole sent dispensation for their lives, by means whereof they escaped.
The Sunday after the condemnation of the sixteen aforesaid, Fecknam Dean of Paul's preached at the cross, that they had as many sundry opinions, as they were persons: whereupon they set forth a confession of their faith, and set to their hands.
After the burning of these in Stratford, the same month died in the prison of the kings bench in Southwarke, one Tho. Parret, and was buried in the backside the 27. day of June. Also Martin Hunt (as is reported) in the same prison was famished the 20. day. At which time likewise died in the same prison John Norice, and was buried on the backside.
After the death of the three aforesaid, Roger Bernard, a laboring man, dwelling in Fransden in Suffolk, was taken in the night by master Tamages men, because he would not go to Church. Adam Foster of the age of six and twenty years, husbandman, dwelling in Mendlesham in Suffolk, was taken at his own house by the Constables of the Town, George Kiuert, and Thomas Mouse, and carried to Syr John Tyrrell aforesaid knight, who sent him to Aye dungeon, and from thence to Norwich, where he was condemned of the Bishoppe Hopton. Robert Lawson a single man of thirtye years, a linen Weaver, was apprehended in the night by one Robert Keerich, at the commandment of Sir John Tyrrel aforesaid, and sent to Norwich, and then was there condemned of the Bishop.
These 3. were, after they were condemned, had to Berrie where they cheerfully and joyfully suffered for the testimony of Jesus.
Bernard being threatened at Norwich of the priests whipping, burning, stocking, and such like, to terrify him, when flattery would not serve, said unto them: Friends I am not better then my master Christ, and the prophets which your fathers served after such sort, and I for his names sake, am content to suffer the like at your hands, if God shall so permit, trusting that he will strengthen me in the same according to his promise, in spite of the Devil and all his ministers.
The 20. of April, the same Bishop had before him one 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 John Fortune otherwise called Cutler, of Hintlesham in Suffolk a black smith, a man in spirit zealous, and ardent: in the scriptures ready, in Christ's cause stout, & valiant: in his answers marvelous: patient in suffering, and constant in the doctrine of the Gospel.
Him the B. of Norwich, very likely condemned also after diverse examinations. Whether he died in the fire or otherwise was prevented by death, it is uncertain. But his sentence of condemnation, was drawn and registered. About this time the first of July, died one John Careles of Coventry, a weauer, in the Kings bench, after long imprisonment the space of two years. In which captivity, first being in Coventry jail, he was there in such credit with his keeper, that upon his word only, he was let out, to play in the Pageant about the City with other his companions: and that done, keeping truth with his keeper, returned again into prison at his hour appointed.
After that, being brought up to London: he shown such patience, and constant fortitude, that he longed for nothing more earnestly then to come to the promotion to die in the fire for the profession of his faith: but he was prevented by death in the prison, through sickness, and was buried on a dunghill in the fields.
In the mean time y t he was in the kings bench, he was in great perturbation of mind and conscience: whereupon he wrote to master Philpot, then being in the Cole-house, and received from him a comfortable letter. He had been examined of Doctor Martin, who urged him to detect his fellows, and reasoned with him about Predestination, cavilling and scoffingly. He was a man of a most heavenly spirit, and wrote diverse letters to sundry afflicted then for the Gospel, as to Philpot, to Bradford, to master Green, master Whitle, M. Timmes, Henry Adlington, &c. a great number.
The same month of July suffered at Newbery 3. godly and constant martyrs of Christ, Julius Palmer, John Guin, Thomas Askine. Julius Palmer was sometime a Student and fellow of Magdalene College in Oxford, and afterward Schoolmaster in the Town of Reding. He was borne in Couentree, and before his calling to the knowledge of the truth, a great adversary to the Gospel, and a contemner of the ministers of the truth. In so much as he was expelled his College in the end of king Edwards days, for popery. So that for his maintenance, he was fain to apply himself to teach children in the house of Sir Francis Knolles. In which trade he continued til the coming of Q. Marie. In whose days he was restored again to his place by her Visitors. Where being placed a while, and understanding the cruel dealing of the Papists against the servants of God: and seeing their constancy: in the hearing of diverse of his friends, he burst out into these words, or such like: Oh raging cruelty, O tyranny tragical, and more then barbarous.
From that day forward, he studiously sought to understand the truth, and seriously studied P. Martires Commētaries upon the first to the Corinthians. And at length grew up in such ripeness of the truth, that he spared not to declare certain sparks thereof in his outward behavior and doings. Wherefore, being abhorred of diverse (especially of M. Cole, the President) which were before his friends: he addressed himself to depart the house. And being demanded by a friend of his, how he would live, answered: The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof. &c.
After the giving over of his Felowship, he was placed by Patent, Schoolmaster at Reding, and there was accepted of those that feared God. But there he remained not long. For certain dissembling Hipocrites, who (pretending zeal to the Gospel) crept into familiarity with him, and in his absence, spared not to rifle his Study, and writings. Among which was his Replication to Meruines verses, touching Winchesters Epitaph and other Arguments both in Latin and English, against the Popes proceedings, and especially against their brutish tyranny towards the servants of God.
Which these companions having found, did threaten him that except he would give up his school to a friend of theirs, ( Thomas Thackam, a false dissembling knave, and a chief woorker of his death) they would deliver those his writings to the Counsel. Whereupon, for safeguard of his life, he was forced to depart upon the sudden, and took his journey towards Euesham, where his mother dwelt, Hoping to receive of her certain Legacies, by his Fathers will due unto him certain years before. Who so soon as he came to his mother, and asked her blessing, she cursed him, upbraiding him with his forsaking of Oxford, and his coming from Reding. She threatening him fire and fagagotte, in stead of his Legacies. So being destitute of all worldly help, he advised himself to go closely to Reading, there to receive his quarters stipende, which he left vnreceiued at his departure, and to convey from thence his stuff. Which he did not so secretly, but that he was espied, and there by means of one Master Hampton, a false hypocrite, under pretence of friendship, he was betrayed, and within short space was taken at the sign of the Cardinals hatte in Reading, and was put into a vile, stinking, and blind Dungeon. Where ten days he hanged by the hands and feet, so high, that welneere no part of his body touched the ground.
After all this, he was brought before the Mayor of Reading, and there those false Brethren which before had robbed his study, objected against him, Treason, Sedition, Murder, and Adultery, &c. Which when they could not prove, they laid unto his charge the writings that they had stolen out of his Study.
Wherefore once again he was called out of prison, and appeared before the Mayor, and Byrd the official, and two other Justices, to render an accompt of his faith. And when they had gathered of his own mouth sufficient matter to entrap him, they devised a byll of instructions against him, to be directed to Doctor Geffery, who had determined to hold his visitation the next tuesday at Newbery, being the sixteenth day of July. So he was sent to Newbery, and came thither on the Monday at night, and with him Thomas Askins his fellow prisoner, where they found John Grome their faithful brother in the Lord.
So the xv. of July the prysoners appeared before Doctor Geffery and other Commissioners, where after reasoning of the authority and universality of the church of Rome, and of the presence in the Sacrament &c. when no allurements nor persuasions would prevail, they were all three condemned and burned together.
Being at the place of their martyrdom, Palmer comforteth his fellows with the promises of God, and pronounced with an audible voice the xxxj. Psalm.
But the other two made their prayers secretly to almighty God, all three falling to the ground: and as Palmer began to rise, there came behind him a popish priest, exhorting him to recant, to whom Palmer answered: Away, away, tempt me no longer, away, I said, from me all ye that work iniquity, for the Lord hath heard the voice of my tears. And forthwith they put of their raiment, went to the stake and kissed it, and when they were bound to the post, Palmer said: good people pray for us, that we may persevere to the end, and for Christ's sake beware of popish teachers, for they deceive you.
Which as he spake, a servant of one of the Bailiffs, threw a faggot at his face, that the blood gushed out in diverse places. Thus fire being put to them they all crying Lord Jesus strengthen us, Lord Jesus assist us, Lord Jesus receive our souls, they ended this mortal life.
Palmer was about 24. years old when he suffered. The last time of his being at Oxford, one Barwicke then fellow of Trinity College a rank papist began to reason with him, and perceiving him to be earnest and zealous, said unto him in the hearing of Master Thomas Perrey & others there present. Well Palmer, well, now thou art stout and hardie in thine opinion, but if thou were once brought to y e stake, I believe thou wouldest tell me another tale. I advise thee beware of y e fire: it is a shrewd matter to burn.
Truly said Palmer I have been in danger of burning once or twice, and hitherto I thank God I have escaped it, but I judge verily it will be mine end at the last: welcome be it, by the grace of God.
In deed it is an hard matter for them to burn, that have the mind and soul linked to the body, as a thief is tied in a pair of Fetters. But if a man be once able through the help of God's spirit to separate and devide the soul from the body: for him it is no more maisterie to burn, then for me to eat a piece of bread.
About the same month of July Agnes Wardal of the town of Ipswich, a virtuous woman, and one that hated the Romish trash, was persecuted by Richard Argentine a physician in the town, Phillip Vlmes, Edmond Leach John Steward, and Matthew Butler, malicious enemies of God's children. But by God's great providence they escaped their hands, and was delivered.
In the same month also Peter Mone a Tailer of the town of Ipswich with his wife were called before the B. keeping visitation at Ipswich, and through frailty yielded to the Bishop. Whereof after they fsll into great grief of conscience, when they came home to their house: and looking when they should be sent for again to the B. the next day, who had appointed them then to appear. The time appointed drawing nigh, they heard the belles ring for the B. departure out of the town. So they escaped farther trial.
Against these, was one Richard Smart a Portman of the town, an earnest member of the Popish Church: but afterwards he repented him thereof with tears.
In the Isle of Gernesey 3. women, Katherine Couches the mother, and one Guillemme Gilbert, and Perotine Massey her daughters, were burned for the cause of the Gospel, & refusing to come to Church. Notwithstanding, they protested to hold nothing against the Popish Church: neither was there heard any information against them: neither were they examined before of their religion at any time, yet were they condemned by Syr James Amy Dean, and the Curates of the Isle to be burned for Heretics. Which, when the Bayliefes and Iurates understood, howe they had not examined them of their faith, & yet condemned them for heretics: they would not sit in judgment that day, but ordained they should first be examined of them. Which being done, an Act and sentence was delivered against them to the former effect, that they should be executed as heretics: no accuser having been heard against them, and the innocent parties protesting they would entirely obey the ordinances of the Church. So sentence being given against them by Elier Gosseline Bailieffe, (notwithstanding they had appealed from the same to the king, Queen, and Council) yet were they the 18. of July all burned together at 3. stakes, the mother in the midst, the eldest daughter on the right side, and the youngest on the left.
They were first strangled, but the rope brake before they were dead: so the poor women fell into the fire, Perotine great with child, brast asunder by the vehemency of the fire, and her infant being a fair manchild fell into the fire, and eftsoons taken out of the fire by one W. Howse, was laid upon the grass, from thence it was had to the prouost, and from him to the Baylife. Whose censure was, that it should be carried back, and cast into the fire: so was the child baptized in his own blood to fil up the number of the saints.
Neere about the same time that these 3. women with the infant were burned, there suffered for the doctrine of the Gospel at Greensteed in Sussex two men Thomas Dungate, and John Foreman, and one woman called mother Dree, the 18. of July.
About the 26. of June, one Tho. Moore of the age of 24. servant in a man's house in Leicester, was condemned and burned, because he said, his maker was in heaven and not in the pyx.
About the same time, the 11. of March, John Jackson was examined of Doct. Cook, concerning the Church and Sacrament of the altar. In which quarrel, the godly confessor behaved himself boldly and wisely against the Bishop. Who when no other argument would serve, he commanded him to prison again: but what became of him it is uncertain.
The first day of August Anno 1556. John Wast a blind woman from her birth of the age of two & twenty, was condemned and burned in the town of Darbie, for maintaining the doctrine in King Edward's days. They that sat upon her, were Sir Rafe Bayne Bishoppe of the diocese, Doctor Dracot his Chancelor, Syr John Port Knight, &c. She being pressed and half astonied through their terrors and threats, and desirous (as it seemed) to prolong her life, offered unto the Bishoppe then present, if he would before that company take it upon his conscience that the doctrine which he would have her to believe concerning the Sacrament, was true; and that he would at the dreadful day of judgment, answer for her therein (as Doctor Taylor in diverse of his Sermons did offer) she would then further answer them. Which when it would not be stood unto, the poor woman perceiving the same, answered again: that if they refused to take of their conscience, that it was true which they would have her to believe, she would answer no further: but desired them to do their pleasure. And so after certain circumstances, they pronounced sentence against her, and delivered her to the Bailiffs of the town of Darbie, to be put to death: where cheerfully she suffered in the fire for the testimony of the truth which she before had professed.
This poor blind maid would hire with money such as would not freely, do so much, for to read certain chapters of the New Testament unto her, and would bargayne with them, how often to read one chapter upon a price. Although she was borne blind, yet could she without a guide go to any Church in the town, or to any other place or person, that used to read unto her, or had any godly exercises.
The 8. of September suffered Edward Sharpe borne in Wiltshire, of the age of 60. years, at Bristow: where he constantly maintained the quarrel of Christ against Antichrist, to the death.
The 24. of September suffered 4 men, John Hart, Tho. Rauensdal, a Shoemaker, and a Collier, all four together at Mayfield in Sussex, for the testimony of Jesus, &c.
The next day after was a young man put to death at Bristow for the like testimony. Not long after whose death suffered the xxvij. of September, John Horne, and a woman at Wootton Under hedge, in Glocestershire.
In the parish of Wootton Under-hedge, William Dangerfield, (after he had been a space from home for fear of the cruelty of the time) being a professor of the Gospel, repaired to his wife lying in childbed of the tenth child: who was not so soon come home, but was espied; and apprehended, and had to prison by the cruel sentence of D. Brookes, bishop. In whose cruel handling he remained so long, till his feel were almost freited off with Irons.
After the apprehension of the husband, the wife also was taken with hir young borne child (being but fourteen days old) out of her childbed, and carried into the common jail, and there placed among thieves and murderers, where both she and hir infant could never come to fire, but she was driven to warm the clothes that she should put about the child, in hir bosom.
While they both lay thus enclosed, y e B. subtly got promise of the husband to recant, declaring unto him that his wife had so done already. (which was untruth) So they suffered him upon that promise to go to his wife. To whom he declared with a sorrowful heart, how he had been circumvented: and pulled out of his bosom a copy of his recantation, whereto he had granted his promise. At the sight whereof, his wives heart clave asunder, saying: hath Satan so prevailed, &c. So he departed from hir with tears, and prayed GOD he might not live so long as to call evil good, and good evil: so going homeward to his house, he took his death, and shortly after died, according to his prayer. After this, Joan his wife continued in prison with her infant: which being starved in prison with cold and famine, (the milk of the mother failing through evil using,) was sent away when it was past all remedy: and shortly after died. And not long after the mother died also, besides, an old woman of 90. years, mother of her husband, being left alone in the house comfortless.
In the Moneth of October next following, suffered a Shoemaker, at Northhampton, for the steadfast professing of the truth.
After whom, not long, in the same month died three godly Confessors in the Castle of Chichester, and were buried in the fields.
In the same month was burned also one Hooke a true witness of the Lord, at Chester.
As Boner was the cruellest among the bishops, so Harpsfield among all the archdeacōs (except Dunning of Norw.) was the cruellest: by whose means there were now xv. Professors of the Gospel together in prison, in Canterbury Castle. Whereof five were famished to death, and ten burned. The names of the famished were these: John Clarke, Dunstan Chittenden, uncondemned: Walter Foster, of Stone, Alice Potkins, wife, of Staplehurst, John Hurst of Cranbrock, Weaver, condemned to be burned. Alice Potkins being asked of her age, said she was 49. years old, according to her old age: and according to her young age, since she learned Christ, she was of one years age.
In the months of September, November, and December, in the Dioces of Couentree and Lichfield, much trouble fell to diverse persons, for the profession of y e Gospel, through the cruelty of the Bishoppe, named Rafe Bane, and a more cruel Chancellor, called Doctor Draicotte. By whose means many persons were driven to bear fagots in those quarters.
Thus endeth the fourth yere of Queen Mary's Reign, In which year, the number of the slain for the Gospel, came to 84. persons. Besides such as fled, and privately by practices were made away.
About this time, Sir John Cheeke, sometime Schoolmaster to King Edward the sixth, being in Germany, out of all danger, would needs take his journey with Sir Peter Carewe, to Brussels, with king Philip's safe conduct to pass and repass, by the means of the Lord Paget, and Sir John Mason, who pledged for his safe conduct, king Philippes fidelity. But in his return, when he had brought the Lord Paget on his way, from Brussels toward England, he, (with Sir Peter Carewe, ) was taken by the prouost-marshall, spoiled of their horses, and clapped into a Carte, their legs, arms, and bodies, tied with halters to the body of the Carte: And so shipped (being blindfolded) under the hatches, and brought to the Tower of London, Where at the length, Sir John Cheeke was brought to recant, and was drawn (unawares) to sit in place where the poor Martyrs were brought before Boner, and other Bishops, to be condemned. The remorse whereof wrought such effect in him, that not long after he left this mortal life, repenting him greatly of his fall before his death.
The twelfth and last Book.
CArdinall Poole three years after his return into England, advised himself of the reforming of the University of Cambridge. To perform which charge, were chosen Cutbert Scot, not long before consecrated B of Chester, Nicholas Ormanet an Italian, archpriest of y e people of Bodalon in the diocese of Veron, professed in both laws, bearing y e name of Lord Pope his Datary, T. Watson elected B. of Lincoln, John Christophorson elected B. of Chichester, and Henry Cole, prouost of the College of Eaton.
The 9. of January. Anno 1556. The inquisitors aforesaid came to Cambridge, & took up their lodgings all of them in Trinity college with M. Christophorson master of the College. The next day after their coming, they interdicted two Churches, namely, S. Mary's, where Martin Bucer, and S. Michaels, where Paulus Phagius was buried, now three or four years past. During which time unto that day, the Priests never ceased to celebrate masses and other ceremonies in these Churches, and that without scruple, till the coming of these Commissioners. Who commanded hereafter, that the assemblies which should be made for executing of holy ceremonies, should be removed to y e kings Chapel.
On the xi. day the Vicechancellor of the University, w t the Masters of houses, and the rest of the Graduates, were commanded to appear before the Commissioners in their habits: & so did in the gatehouse of Trinity college, which was adorned for the Commissioners. Where the vicechācellor aforesaid, having on a tissue cope, sprinkeled the Commissioners with holy water, and purposed to cense thē, but they refused it there. Which notwithstanding afterward in the Queens College, and elsewhere they refused not.
There M. John Stokes orator of the University welcomed them with an oration, whereto the B. of Chichester answered, with thankful acceptation of the courtesy of the university, and so declared the cause of their commission. From thence they were brought to the kings College, where was song a mass of the holy Ghost. From thence they went to the interdicted Church of saint Mary's: where Pecocke preached against heresy and heretics, naming Bylney, Cranmer, Latimer, Rydley, &c. That being ended, they proceeded to their visitation, which Robert Brassey master of kings College, a worthy aged man would not admit in his college, because the visitation of his house was wholly reserved to the B. of Lincoln. Which exception they took all in great displeasure.
The 12. of January, they resorted to kings college, for that College, (time out of mind) had been counted never to be without an heretic or twain. The M. of that College, master Brassey maketh his exception again to their visitaon: but it would not serve.
In that College some there were that refused to take their oath, because they had given it to their College before: and also would not be brought thereby to accuse themselves: yet at the length (with much a do) they were contented to be sworn. Three days long lasted the Inquisition. There after this it was advised, that the University should themselves first decree against Bucer and Phagius, and after make Supplication to the Commissioners, for the confirming of this decree. So the University authorised their Vicechancellour, to be the common factor for the University. Which Supplication being put up to the Commissioners the xiii. day, was of them granted: and afterward confirmed by the whole consent of the University, and signed with the common seal the fourteenth day, by the Vice-Chaunceller by Doctor Yong Doctor Haruey, Swineborne, Marpetide, &c. After they had all dyned together at master Bacons, master of Gonwell hall: by and by they carried it to the Commissioners to their Lodging. Their condemnation being openly read, then was it desired to send out process to cite Bucer and Phagius to appear, or any other that would take upon thē to plead their cause against y e next mūday. So the next day process went out to cite the offenders.
But when neither of the parties accused would appear at the time appointed, although they might at the first have condemned them: yet a second process was published, and sentence deferred till the 26. of the same month On which day the Major was also warned with his brethren to be present to behold what should be determined.
When they had taken their places, there was exhibited to the commissioners the process that was lastly published to cite them.
This being done, y e B. of Chester maketh a speech, & reciteth y e sentence out of a scroll, and condemned Bucer & Phagius of heresy. After sentence thus read, he commanded their bodies to be digged out of their graves, & first to be disgraded from holy orders, he delivered them to the secular power.
All this being ended, they dispatch a purseuante to advertise the Cardinal what they had done, and required the writ de comburendo. And while he went on his message, they willed all suspected books to be brought for to be burned with the corps of Bucer and Phagius.
The purseuante being returned with the writ: upon the receipte thereof they appointed the 6, day of February for the accomplishment of the matter.
So the Vicechanceller on that day taking with him, Marshall the common notarie, went first to saint Michaels church, where Phagius was buried: there he calleth forth Andrew Smith, Henry Sawyer, and Henry Adams, men of the same parish, and bound them with an oth to dignity up Phagius bones and to bring them to the place of execution. Marshall took their oaths, receiving the like of Roger Smith, and William Hasell the town Sergeants, and of John Capper warden of the same Church, for doing the like with Bucer. Their cofins being taken up, they were linked with a chain to a post on the market hill, and fire put too, were burned: and a number of condemned books with them; which while they were burning (that gave the people cause greatly to mislike their cruelty) on the market hill, Doctor Watson enueyeth against them in the pulpet in S. Mary's church: although Bucer taught no other thing, then both he and Scot had subscribed to in king Edwards days.
The next day after the B. of Chester went with great solemnity to the Church of our Lady and Saint Michael. Which done, the Commissioners bestowed a few days in punishing such as they thought had offended, and enacted certain Statutes, prescribing, at how many Masses every man should be, day by day, and how many Pater nosters and Auies every man should say, when he should enter into the Church. And in his entrance, after what a 〈◊〉 his should • owe himself to the Altar: and at what time of the Mass a man should stand, when sit down, with a number of such superstitious toys. Which things being thus ordered, the University bestoweth the degree of Doctor upon Ormane • and Cole, and to the holy reformers dep ••• who yet before they departed, gave commandment that the Masters of every house should copy out their Statutes, which contained certain 〈◊〉 rules for every house particularly. Swineborne master of Clare hall, being demanded whether he would have their engrossed in paper, or parchment, answered: it made no matter, paper would for continuance serve the turn well enough.
Accordyng as they dealt with the bodies of Bucer and Phagius at Cambridge, so likewise at Oxford, they used Per Martyrs wife (while she lived, a grave and sober matron.) Anno 1552. she departed this life.
Now when B. Brookes of Gloucester, Nichol, Ormanet, Datary, Robert Morwen, president of Corpus Christi College, Cole & Wright, Doctors of the Ciuil law, came thither as the Cardinals visitors. They among other things having commission for the same, ministered an oath to such as had acquaintance with her, that they should not conceal what they knew touching religion, concerning her faith. Who because they understood not her language, answered: they could know nothing. Which the commissioners also certified the Cardinal. But that notwithstanding, he left not the matter so, but wrote down his letters, a good while after, to Marshall, the Dean of Friswides, that he should dignity her up, and lay her out of Christian burial, because she was buried nigh S.