Oxford Martyrs 1555 Latimer & Ridley

Hugh Latimer and Hicholas Ridley were burnt at the stake in Oxford on 16th October 1555 during the reign of Queen Mary ( 1553-8).

In 1534 the Act of Supremacy was passed in England. It made Henry V111 head of the English Church instead of the Roman Catholic Pope in Rome. It was the beginning of the English Reformation. There was a rapid advance towards Protestantism after the accession of King Edward V1

Henry V111 was followed by Edward V1 1547-53,and Lady Jane Grey 1553 both protestants.

Mary (1553-1558) was Roman Catholic and wanted the church in England to return to Roman Catholicism. Those in high places who opposed her were arrested for treason and some were martyred for heresy - refusing to subscribe to certain articles of faith such as the existence of purgatory an the need to venerate saints.

Hugh Latimer had become the bishop of Worcester in 1535. Forced to resign his see in 1539. He popularized the idea of the reformation

Nicholas Ridley was appointed bishop of Rochester. In 1550 he became bishop of London. he denied the doctrine of transubstantiation - that Christ’s natural body is present in the bread of the Eucharist after consecration.blood.

The trial happened at the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. They were imprisoned at the former Bocardo Prison.

They were burnt at the stake just outside the city walls to the north, where Broad Street is now located.

Latimer , at the stake is said to have immortalized himself by exhorting his fellow victim Ridley with these words - we shall this day light a candle, by God’s grace, in England as I trust shall never be put out

If you visit Oxford a cross on Oxford’s Broad Street marks the site of the execution.

Thomas Cramner - see more information available under his name.
Act of Supremacy - see more information under Henry V111 and Act of Supremacy

Sources used
Britannica Online Encyclopedia
History Today
Wikipedeia