Abridgment of the Book of Acts and Monuments by Timothy Bright, Volume 2 · Book 11 · Account

Abridgment of the Book of Acts and Monuments by Timothy Bright · Volume 2 · Book 11 · Account

p. 193The Historie of Thomas Cranmer Archyſhop of Canterburie, burned for the truth. Anno, 1556.

THomas Cranmer Thomas Crā mer Archb. of Canterburie.was firſt of Ieſus Colledge in Cambridge, a Maſter of Arts and fellow of the Colledge: afterward he marryed and gaue ouer his fellowſhip, and became reader in Buckingham Colledge. Whiles he was reader in that Colledge, his wife dyed, & he was receiued againe to be fellow of Ieſus Colledge: where he grew in knowledge in ſuch ſort, that he became Doctor of Diuinitie, and was appointed one of the heads, to examine ſuch as yearly were to commence Bachelers, or Doctors of Diuinitie. Who neuer would admit any to procéede in Diuinitie, vnleſſe they were ſubſtancially ſéene in the ſtory of the Bible: whereby diuerſe Fryers and other religious perſons were reiected of him. He was greatly ſollicited by Doctor Capon to be one of the fellowes in the foundation of Cardinall Wolſeys Colledge in Oxford, but could not be drawen thereunto. Whiles he continued in Cambridge, the matter of the kinges diuorce with the Lady Catherin was in queſtion now two or thrée yeares among the Canoniſtes: who could not reſolue vponupon the matter. Now by reaſon the plague was in Cambridge, Doctor Cranmer remoued to Waltham croſſe with two of his pupills to M. Creſſeys houſe, where Doctor Steuens ſecretarie, and Doctor Foxe Almoſiner finding him, conferred with him about that matter of the kinges diuorce. Hée gaue them counſaile rather to cauſe it to be diſcuſſed among the Diuines,M. Cranmers aduice touching the diſputation for the K. diuorce. whether by the worde of God a man may marrie his brothers wife or not, for the ſatiſfying of the Kinges conſcience: and that done, to referre it to iudgement how lawfull the diuorce might bée, &c. This diſcourſe p. 193they declared vntounto the king, who cauſed Cranmer immediatly to be ſent for:Cranmer ſent for to the king. and after talke with him concerning the matter, he appointed him to be chiefe doer in the diſpute, and conference: and commaunded him to ſet downe his minde fully in the caſe, and willed the Earle of Wiltſhire to giuegive him entertainment in Dureſme houſe, and to furniſh him with Bookes, and neceſſaries méete for the buſines: who prouided for him accordingly. So doctor Cranmer wrote his minde concerning the kinges queſtion, adding to the ſame, beſydes the authoritie of Scripture, of general counſails, and auncient fathers, alſo his owne opinion, that the Pope could not diſpence with y^e word of God. Wherupon y^e king ſent certaine learned mē abroad to the moſt part of the Vniuerſities in Chriſtendome to diſpute the queſtion:Embaſſage to Rome concerning the kings diuorce. as alſo in Oxford & Cambridge, wher the vnlawfulnes of the matrimonie was concluded: ſo y^t the K. prepared a ſolemne embaſſage & ſent to the B. of Rome, then lying at Bononie: whither went y^e Earle of Wiltſhire, Doctor Cranmer, Doctor Stokeſley, Doctor Corne, Doctor Bennet, and diuers other learned men and gentlemen: who when they came before the Pope, hee ſitting in the chaire of eſtate, offered his foot, but none would kiſſe it ſauing a great ſpaniell of the Earle of Wiltſhires, who ran & tooke the P. by the great toe,None would kiſſe the Popes foot but a great ſpaniel of the Earle of Wiltſhires, ran to take the Pope by the toe. Cranmer goeth to the Emperour. Cranmer ſatiſfyeth Cornelius Agryppa. & cauſed him to pul it in in haſt. In y^e end the Embaſſadours were diſmiſſed without diſputation: & D. Cranmer gratified with y^e office of a penitenciariſhip. Wherupon the Earle, and the other commiſſioners, returned againe into England: but D. Cranmer went to the Emperour (being in his iourney towardes Vienna againſt the Turke) there to anſwere ſuch men of his court as could ſay any thing on y^e contrary part. Where he fully ſatiſfyed Cornelius Agrippa an high officer in the Emp. court: for which cauſe Cornelius fel into ſuch diſpleaſure with the Emp his M. y^t he was committed to priſon, where for ſorow he ended his life. From y^e Emper. court he departed, & as he returned p. 195he ſatiſfied diuers learned men in Germany in that queſtion.

In the meane ſpace, while the matter thus proſpered: B. Warrham the Arcb. dieth, and the Archbiſhopricke was beſtowed immediatly on Cranmer, Cranmer made Archb.by the kings gift. In which place, he behaued himſelfe with great liking to the king (who would heare no accuſation againſt him) and all good men.

After the death of king Henry, in the raign of king Edw. his godſonne,K. Edward godſonne to Cranmer. his eſtate was more aduanced. Before which time of King Edward, it ſéemed that Cranmer was ſcarce throughly perſwaded in the right knowledge of the Sacrament, til being inſtructed by Ridley, he grew ſo ripe, that he tooke vponupon him the whole defence of the cauſe againſt the popiſh deuiſes. To whoſe booke, concerning that matter, Stephen Gardiner anſwereth, and M. Cranmer replieth learnedly and copiouſly to him againe.

Of this Archb. doing was alſo the booke of the reformation,Bookes of Cranmer. the Catechiſme, with the booke of Homilies. Alſo there was a confutation againſt 88. articles, deuiſed by the Conuocation houſe, of his doing, but not receiued in the time of king Henry the 8.

King Edward now not like to liue, bequeathed the ſucceſſion of the Realm to the Lady Iane, 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 Cranmer not brought to it againſt his cō ſcience.wald hardly be brought to aſſent, til he was informed by the lawyers that he might ſubſcribe therevnto.

King Edward being now dead, and Quéene Mary in poſſeſſion of the crowne, ſhe excepted Cranmer out of all pardon, and would not ſo much as vouchſafe to ſée him: but committed him to the tower, yet pardoned him of treaſon, and cauſed him to be accuſed of hereſie.

The papiſts had raiſed a ſlaunder, that the Archbiſhoppe, had promiſed to ſaye a Dyrge maſſe for King Edwardes p. 196funeral, to curry fauour of the Quéene: which he endeuouring to ſtay, gaue forth in writing his purgation, and was challenged of the Quéens cōmiſſioners for his bil. To whō he ſaid: he was ſory it paſſed him ſo as it did, (for he graunted a copie to Doctor Story who did diſperſe it) for his meaning was to hauehave made it more at large, and to hauehave ſet it on Paules Church doore, and on the doores of all the Churches in London, with his ſeale ſet thereto. At which words, they for the time diſmiſſed him.

At length it was determined that Cranmer ſhoulde bée remoued from the Tower to Oxford, there to be diſputed with, for colour ſake: although they had determined what to do with him before.

Foraſmuch as the ſentence giuen againſt Ridley and Latimer, by D. Weſton was voide, becauſe the authority of the Pope was not yet receiued into y^e land: there was a new commiſſion ſent from Rome, and a new proceſſe framed for the conuiction of Ridley, Latimer, & Cranmer. In the which commiſſion, was D. Iames Brooks B. of Gloceſter y^e popes ſubdelegate, with Doctor Martin and Doctor Story commiſſioners in the king and Quéenes behalfe.

Theſe commiſſioners being ſet in place, in the Church of S. Mary in Oxford: one of the Popes Proctors, or els his D. called, ſaying: Tho. archb. of Canterbury, appeare here, & make anſwere to that ſhalbe laide to thy charge: that is to ſay, for blaſphemy, contumacie, and hereſie: and make aunſwere here to the B. of Gloceſter, repreſenting the Popes perſon. He being brought néerer the ſcaffold where the Biſhoppes ſate,Cranmer wold do no reuerēce to the Popes ſubdelegate. gaue reuerence to the Quéenes proctors, but would not to the Biſhop, who repreſented the Pope: alleaging, he had taken an oath, neuer to conſent to his authority again. When after many meanes vſed, the Archb. would do no reuerence: the Biſhop fell to declare vntounto him the cauſe of their comming, and their commiſſion, exhorting him with a long Oration to returne to the Popiſh church. Who p. 197hauing finiſhed his Oration, D, Martin beginneth, and declareth vntounto him as much. Who hauing alſo finiſhed, doctor Cranmer (after he had knéeled downe on both his knées, towardes the Weſt, and ſaide the Lordes praier, and riſing vp, had repeated the Articles of the beléefe) began to make profeſſion of his faith vntounto them: and proteſted againſt the popes authoritie, and chalenged the B. of periurie, for admitting the Pope contrarie to his oath.

After Gloceſter had done, D. Story then entereth to vexe the ſeruant of God, and laboureth to vphold the Popes Supremacie: and required the Biſhoppe to make a directe anſwere to the Articles. After he had played his part, Doctor Martin taketh him in hand, and laboureth to prooue his oth (made to the king againſt the Pope) vnlawfull. In the end the Iudges willed him to anſwere directly to certaine Articles. Whereto (after the Archbiſhop had anſwered) the Biſhop Brookes concludeth his examination with an Oration, to ſatiſfie the people: geuing the Archbiſhop vp, (hee ſaid) as an abiect, and outcaſt from Gods fauour. Wherein he eſtabliſhed (as much as he coulde) the Supremacie of the Pope; Seruice in Latine; the Sacrament in one kinde; Real preſence; Rites; &c. This Oration ended, D. Storie moſt arrogantly dealeth with him, and laboureth to prooue the inſufficiencie of the Archbiſhops oath againſt the Pope. And ſo (ſéeking to breake vp the Seſſion) calleth for witneſſes to be depoſed againſt the next day, whoſe names were: Doctor Marſhall, Commiſſarie, and Deane of Chriſtes church: Doctor Smith, Vndercommiſſarie: D. Treſham: D. Cooke: Periured perſons for witneſſes.M. London: M. Curtop: M. Wade: M. Searles. Againſt whom the Archhiſhop tooke exception, becauſe they had béen periured in breaking their oath made to K. Henry the eight.

Among other communication, Doctor Martin demaunded 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. Henrie p. 198the viij. the right Supreame head of the church. Yea (ſaid the Archb.) of al the people of england, as wel Eccleſiaſtical as Tēporal. And not of the church (ſaid Marten?) No, (ſaid he) What (quoth Marten) you durſte not tell the king ſo. Yes that I durſt (ꝙ the Archbiſhop) and did.The meaning of Supreme head. In the publication of his Stile, wherein he was named Supreame head of the Church, there was no other thing meant.

Thus after they had aſked him many friuolous queſtions, they cited him to appeare before the Pope, at Rome, within fourtie daies. Which he ſaid he would (if the king and Quéene would permitte him) be content to doe. But from thence they carried him to priſon againe:The Archb. condemned for not being at Rome, when they kept him in priſon in England. where hée continued, notwithſtanding hee was commaunded to appeare at Rome.

Before twenty daies of the fourtie were ſpent, the popes holineſſe ſente his Letters executorie vntounto the King, and Quéene, to degrade, and depriue him of his dignitie. And although (by reaſon of his ſtraight impriſonment) he could not appeare at Rome, yet was hee condemned to be put to death, as one wilfullie abſent, and failing (of frowardneſſe) in his appearance.

The Popes definitiue Letter was dated about the firſte of Ianuarie, and deliuered here about the middeſt of Februarie. VponUpon the receipt of which Letter, another Seſſion was appointed for the Archbiſhop to appeare, the xiiij. of Februarie, before D. Thurlebie, (whom the Archb. alwaies before vſed as his déere friend) chiefe Cōmiſſioner, & Boner. Who vponupon S. Valentines day, came to Oxford, and calling the Archbiſhoppe before them in the Quéere of Chriſtes Church read their Commiſſion, full of lies: as, that witneſſes were there at Rome examined on both parties,Impudent lies. and all thinges indifferently conſidered: (he being kept cloſe Priſoner in Oxforde.) And there put vponupon him the Robes of an Archbiſhop, made of canuas, and old cloutes, in ſcorne: with a miter, and a pal of the ſame ſute in mockery, p. 199and then put they the Croſier ſtaffe in his hand. Which being all done, Boner falleth to tryumph ouer him, making an oration to the aſſemblie: in which he ſaid to the people, this is the man that hath euer deſpiſed the Popes holyneſſe:Boner derideth the Archb. this is the man that pulled downe ſo many churches: this is the man that lyke Lucifer ſate 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 appeale out of his ſléeue, which he deliuered to them, ſaying: I appeale to the next generall Councell, and thereof tooke witneſſes of the ſtanders by. Which appeale being put vp to the Byſhop of Ely Thurleby, hee ſaid, their Commiſſion was to procéed againſt him without admitting any appeale. To whom when the Archbyſhop anſwered, that then they offered him wrong.

Ely ſaid: if it may be admitted it ſhall, and ſo receiued it of him: but procéeded to his degrading,The poore eſtate of the Archbiſhop. and ſtripped him out of his owne gowne, and put vpō him a poore yeoman bedels gowne very bare worne: and euil fauouredly made, and a townſemans cappe on his head: and ſo deliuered him to the ſecular power, without one penny in his purſe to helpe himſelfe: ſo that a gentleman of Gloceſter ſhire gaue money to the Bailiffes to beſtow vponupon him. For which déede he was ſtayed by Boner, and Ely: and if friends had not bene made, he had bene ſent to the Councel.

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 perſwaſions and threatnings they laboured him to recant: eſpecially Henry Sydall, and Frier Iohn (a Spaniard,) de Villa Garcina, Cranmer ſetteth his hand to a recantation.were moſt earneſt with him, and in the end ſo preuailed, that he ſet to his hād to a recantation that they had drawen. Which recantation was not ſo ſoon gotten, but the prelates without delay p. 200cauſed the ſame to be imprinted.

Now all this while Cranmer was in no certayntie of his lyfe, notwithſtanding his recantation, although it was faithfully promiſed him by the Doctors. In the meane tyme whyle theſe thinges were a doyng, the Quéene taking counſaile how to diſpatch him out of the way, (who as yet knew nothing of hir ſecrete hate againſt him,Queene Mary bare ſpeciall hate to Cranmer. and looked for nothing leſſe then death) appointed Doctor Cole, and ſecretly gaue him commaundement, that againſt the 21. of March he ſhould prepare a funerall ſermon for Cranmers burning. Soone after, the Lord Williams of Thaine, and the Lord Shandoys, Sir Thomas Bridges, and Sir Iohn Browne were ſent for with other Gentlemen and Iuſtices, and were commaunded to bée at Oxforde with their retinue, leaſt Cranmers death ſhould rayſe there any tumult.

On the 21. day of March Doctor Cole commeth 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 gaue vntounto him 15. crownes, to giuegive them to the poore where hée 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 profeſſe in his recantatiō before the people, earneſtly deſiring him that he would write the ſame inſtrument with the articles with his own hād, & ſigne it with his name. Which when he had don, the Frier deſired y^t he would write another copy therof, which ſhould remaine with him, and that he did alſo. Yet the Archb. thinking his time was at hād, wherin he could no lō ger diſſemble, put his praier in his boſome with his exhortation to y^e people writtē in another paper, which he minded to recite to y^e people before he ſhould make y^e laſt profeſſion of p. 201his faith, fearing leaſt if they had heard the confeſſion of his faith firſt, they would not afterward hauehave ſuffered him to exhort the people.

About 9. of the clocke, the L. Williams of Thame, Syr Thomas Bridges, Sir Iohn Browne, &c. came with their retaine, and Cranmer was brought out of Bocardo, vntounto S. Maries Church: where hee had his ſtanding on a ſcaffold of a meane height, there wayting til maiſter Cole made him ready to his ſermon. In which, he declared cauſes why iuſtly the Quéene had determined his death: for that he was a Traitor, and an heretike, &c. And that it ſéemed méete according to the lawe of equality, that as the death of the Duke of Northumberland made euen with Tho. Moore, Law of equality.ſo there ſhould bée one that ſhould make euen with Fiſher of Rocheſter. And becauſe that Ridley, Hooper, and Farrar were not able to make euen with that man, it ſéemed méete that Cranmer ſhould be ioyned to them, to fill vp this part of equality, &c. And then turning himſelfe to the people, bad them all beware of this mans example. The latter part of his ſermon he directed to the Archb. whom he encouraged and comforted: and did promiſe in the name of al the prieſts that were preſent, that immediatly after his death, there ſhould be Diriges, maſſes, and funerals executed for him in Oxford for his ſoules health.

Cranmer The pitiful caſe of Cranmer.all this time ſtood heauy, and more then twentye times the teares guſhed out of his eyes, and dropped in abundance all the time of Coles ſermon. Which beeing ended, hee calleth backe the people béeing ready to depart, to prayers: and prayed Cranmer to expreſſe the vndoubted profeſſion of his faith that he might take away all ſuſpicion from men.

I wil do it (ſaid the Archb.) and with a good wil. So hée firſt read a praier to the people, which he pulled out of his boſome, & gaue them exhortation of contempt of the world, of obedience, of brotherly louelove, and aboue all thinges bewayled p. 202his recantation,Cranmer bewaileth his recantation. ſaying: that when he came to the fire, that hand which had ſubſcribed therevnto, ſhould firſt burne. And ſo defyed the Pope, with his deteſtable doctrine &c. The ſtanders by that looked for other matter, were all amazed at his wordes, and the filthy prieſts & prelates greatly deceiued, who raged againſt him, eſpecially Cole: ſo they pulled him downe 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, hee not long tarying in his praiers,Cranmer burneth firſt the hand wherewith he ſubſcribed. put of his apparell to his ſhirt, & prepared himſelfe to the fire: which being put vntounto him, and burning néere him, he put his right hand in the flame: which hée held ſo ſtedfaſt, ſauing that once with the ſame hand, he wiped his face, that all men might ſée his hande burned before his bodie was touched: which hée held immoueable all the time of his burning: lifting his eyes vp to heauen, and oftentimes repeating his vnwoorthy right hand: and ſo long as his voyce woulde ſuffer him, vſing oftentimes the wordes of Stephen. Lord Ieſus receiue my ſpirite.Cranmer burned. And in the greatneſſe of the flame, hée gaue vp the Ghoſt.

The wicked cannot diſcerne the ſpirits.The Spaniard beholding this conſtancie of the Archbiſhop ran, to the Lord Williams of Thame, crying, that Cranmer was vexed in minde, and died in deſperation. And this was the ende of that woorthy ſeruaunt of GOD, who ſuffered in the middeſt of Quéene Maries raigne, and was almoſt the very middle man of all the martyrs of her daies.

Why Cranmer deſired life.It was thought he deſired life, to finiſh certaine woorkes, and to reſerue himſelfe for better times, for the vſe of the Church.

About the ſame time that the Archbiſhop was burned at Oxforde, ſuffered likewiſe in Ipſwich twoo women: the one named Agnes Potten, the other called Ioan Trunchfield, either in the ſame monethmonth of Marth, or (as ſome ſaid) in the p. 203end of Februarie the next before. They ſuffered for the matter of the Sacrament, and bare their martyrdome with great patience, and godly courage.

After theſe women, the ſame monethmonth ſuffered thrée men at one fire in Saleſburie for the teſtimonie of the Goſpell. Their names were, Iohn Spicer, Iohn Spicer.frée maſon, William Coberly Wil. Coberley.Tayler, Iohn Maundrell Iohn Maundrel.huſbandman. Vppon a Sunday, they beyng at the Parriſh church called Keuell in Wiltſhire, and ſeeing the parriſh in proceſſion to follow and worſhip the Idoll there caryed, aduiſed them to leaue the ſame, and to turne to the liuing God: namely ſpeaking to one Robert Barkeſdale headman of the parriſh, but hee tooke no regard to their woords. After this the Vicar came into the pulpet, who there being about to read his beadroll, and to pray for the ſoules in purgatorie, Iohn Maundrell ſpeaking with an audible voice, ſaid, that that was the popes pinfold, the other two affirming the ſame.Purgatorie the Popes Pinfold. After which words (by the commaundement of the prieſt) they were had to the ſtockes, where they remained till Seruice was done: and then were brought before a Iuſtice of Peace, and the next day were carryed to Saleſburie, and preſented before Byſhop Capon, and William Ieffrey Chaunceller of the Dyoces: by whom they were impriſoned, and often examined priuatly. At the laſt they were examined publicklie before them, in the preſence of the ſheriffe of the Shire, one M. Saint-Iohns, and other popiſh prieſts, in the Church of Fiſherton-anger. Where the Chauncellour obiected to them, touching the Sacrament; the Popes Supremacie; Images; &c. To which when they anſwered frankly, according to the trueth, they were all there condemned, an. 1556 the xxiij. of March.

And the foure and twentith day of the ſame monethmonth, they were carried out of the gaole, to a place betwixt Saliſburie and Milton, where they were committed to the fire. Which they endured conſtantly, witneſſing the trueth. Of which 3. p. 104Caberley had the painfulleſt death, by reaſon of the ſtanding of the winde, which notwithſtanding patiently he did endure.

About the 23. of Aprill, Anno, 1556. were burned in Smithfield at one fire,vi. at one fire in Smithfield. vj, conſtant Martyrs, ſuffering for the teſtimonie of the truth, viz. Robert Drakes Robert Drakesminiſter, William Timmes Wil. Timmes.Curate, Richard Spurge Rich. Spurge.Shereman, Thomas Spurge Tho, Spurge.Fuller, Iohn Cauell Iohn Cauell.Weauer, George Ambroſe Geo. AmbroſeFuller, all of Eſſex, and ſo of the dyoces of London, and were ſent vp, ſome by the L. Ritch, and ſome by others at ſundrie times vntounto Stephē Gardiner B. of Wincheſter about the 22. of March, Anno. 1555. who vppon ſmal examination ſent ſome of them vntounto the kings bench, others vntounto the marſhalſea: where they remained almoſt al the yéere, vntill the Biſhops death, and had nothing ſaid vntounto them till Doctor Heath was choſen Chauncellour: to whom foure of theſe priſoners made their ſupplication, requiring fauour and deliuerance. VponUpon the receipt hereof, Syr Richard Reade knight, one of the officers of the Court of Chauncery, was ſent the ſixtéeen of Ianuary vntounto the marſhalſea to examine thoſe foure: Richard Spurge, Thomas Spurge, George Ambroſe, & Iohn Cauell. The effect of which was, that they were complayned vponupon, for not comming to the Church, by the parſon of Barking, vntounto the L. Rich: which they confeſſed to be true, and declared what moued them to abſent themſelues.

About the iiij. day of March next after, Robert Drakes, Parſon of Thunderſley in Eſſex, was alſo examined.

In Quéene Maries dayes 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 ſaide Maſter Tirrell tooke for a hainous matter, & charged one Gye which was his heardman, p. 205that frequented Sermons, and the ſocietie of the godly, to fetch M. Timmes vntounto him. Who made excuſe, and ſaide he could not finde him. Then ſtepped foorth another of his men, one Richard Shierife, that with the Conſtable, went and fetcht him to M. Tirrel. Who had talke with him alone thrée houres together, and ended his talke with Maſter Timmes, A ſhort anſwer of maſter Timmes.in a heate, calling him traytorly knaue. Why (ſaid Timmes) in king Edwards daies you did affirme the trueth as I doe now. Affirme (quoth Tirrel,) Nay by Gods bodie, I neuer thought it with my heart. Wel (ſaide Tim.) then I pray you M. Tirrel, beare with me, for I hauehave béene a traytor but a while, but you hauehave béene a traytor vj. yeares. 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 behaued him ſelfe in ſuch ſorte, as the Conſtables that brought him reported, that they neuer heard the like. In the Kings bench he was mightely ſtrengthned by the good men which he found there with the other fiue.

The xxi. of March hee was brought to publike examination. Firſt in the Biſhops Pallace at London, where hée enquired of him, touching the Sacrament of the Altar: Whereunto he anſwered contrarie to the Popiſh doctrine, and was reaſoned with of the B. Chaplens, with no great authoritie of ſcriptures, or fathers.

The xxiij. day of the ſame monethmonth next after, the Biſhop ſent againe for Timmes and Drakes, and ex officio obiected articles. And on the xxvi. day of the ſame monethmonth, he miniſtred alſo the ſame Articles to the other foure. To which Popiſh articles they anſwered negatiuely. And in concluſion, the xxviij. of March, they were all brought particularly to the Conſiſtorie, before the Biſhoppe of London, to bée condemned for hereſie. Where (when he required Timmes and the reſt to recant) he replyed vntounto him, that he himſelfe p. 184had written againſt the vſurped power of the Biſhoppe of Rome, hauing prefixed his Preface to Wincheſters booke, De vera obedientia. After much debate, partly of Biſhop Boner, and partly of one Doctor Cooke, & Doctor Pendleton, to peruerte the conſtant Profeſſour of Ieſus Chriſt: when they could not preuaile againſt him, they condemned him (as an Heretike) to be burned. And procéeded againſt the other v godly men, fellow Priſoners with M. Timmes. who all together the xiiij. of Aprill, ſuffered for witneſſing to the trueth.

About this time, or ſomewhat before, came down certain Commiſſioners, aſſigned by the Quéene and Counſell, into Norfolke and Suffolke,Commiſſioners into Norfolk and Suff. to enquire of matters of Religion. VntoUnto which Commiſſioners there was a Supplication put vp by ſome well diſpoſed men in thoſe quarters: praying them to hauehave pitie and compaſſion, & praying God to moue the Queenes heart, according to the examples of Darius, Aſſuerus, Traianus, Theodoſius, &c. to call back thoſe commandementes and Commiſſions, which had paſſed againſt the Saints of God.

The firſt day of April this preſent yere, Iohn Harpoole, Iohn Harpool.of the Pariſh of Saint Nicholas in Rocheſter, and Ioane Beates Ioan Beats.widowe, were condemned by Maurice, the Biſhop of Rocheſter: and ſuffered death by fire in the ſame Towne, for the teſtimonie of Ieſus Chriſt, againſt the Sacrifice of the Popiſh Altar.

Next after theſe enſued the death of Maſter Iohn Hullier, Iohn Hullier,Conduct in the kings Colledge at Cambridge: who ſuffered vnderunder Doctor Thurlebie, biſhop of Elie, and his Chancellour, for the ſincere ſetting forth of Gods Goſpell, the ſecond of April.

Not long after the death of Robert Drakes, and William Timmes, and the other Eſſex martirs, vi. other bleſſed martirs ſuffered al at one fire in the towne of Colcheſter, whoſe names were theſe: Chriſtopher Liſter, Sixe martirs at one fire in Colcheſter. Chr. Lyſter.of Dagneham, huſbandman, p. 207Iohn Mace Iohn Mace.of Colcheſter Apothecary, Iohn Spē ſer Iohn Spenſer.of Colecheſter weauer, Iohn Hammon Iohn Hammō.of Colcheſter Tanner, Symō Iaine Symon Iayne.ſawier, Richard Nicholas Richard Nicholas.of Colcheſter weauer. With theſe 6. was alſo ioyned another, named Roger Graſbrooke, but he ſubmitted himſelfe. Of theſe y^t B. made a quicke diſpatch: for ſoone after they were deliuered to one Iohn Kingſtone bacheler of the ciuill Law, and then commiſſary to the B. by the Earle of Oxf. & other commiſſioners, and by him ſent vp to his Lord and M. The B. cauſed them to be brought vntounto his houſe at Fulham, where in the open church were miniſtred vntounto them articles touching the Romiſh church, the maſſe, tranſubſtantiation, and other the Popes trumperie. To which when they anſwered according to the veritie of the Goſpell, they were of him condemned, and ſent to Colcheſter, where the 28. of April moſt chéerefully, they ſuffered, (to the great encouragement of others) for the teſtimonie of Ieſus.

The ſixtéenth day of Maye, Hugh Lauerock Hugh Lauore. of 68, yeeres.of the pariſh of Barking, painter, of the age of ſixtie eight, a lame creeple, and Iohn Ap Price Iohn ap Pricea blinde man were burned at Stratford Bow for the conſtant profeſſion of the Goſpell, againſt the ſuperſtition of Antechriſt, being condemned by Boner.

At their death Hugh Lauerocke, Lauerock comforteth his felow.after he was chained, caſting away his crooch, and comforting Iohn Ap Price his felow Martir, ſaid vntounto him: Be of good comfort brother, for my Lord of London is a good Phiſition, he will heale vsus both ſhortly: Thée of thy blindnes, and me of my lamenes. And ſo patiently they ſuffered together.

The next day after the martirdome of theſe two, there ſuffered in the fire in Smithfield, iiij. womē: Katherin Hut of Barking, widow, Ioane Hornes of Bellerica, maide, Elizabeth Thackuis of great Burſtead, maide, Margaret Ellis of Billerica, maide: theſe w^t other mo, were perſecuted, and ſent vp to Boner, ſpecially by ſir I. Mordāt, & Edmund p. 208Tyrrell Eſquire, and were condemned by him the third of Aprill, and burned the ſixtéenth of Maye.

The 5. day of May was Thomas Drewry Tho. Drewry.a blinde boy, and Thomas Croker Tho. Croker.Bricklayer martyred in the fire at Gloceſter, being condemned by D. Williams then Chaunceller. Who when he ſaid that the Chaunceller taught him that which he called Hereſie in the pulpit, and the Chaunceller bad him doe as he had done. No ſaid the boy to him, though you can ſo eaſily diſpenſe with your ſelfe, and mocke with God, the world and your conſcience: yet I will not ſo do. Then God hauehave merciemercy vponupon thée (ſaid the Chaunceller) for I will reade ſentence againſt thée: and ſo did, and committed him to the ſecular power to be burned with Thomas Croker.

The 21. of May Anno 1556. Thrée men, Thomas Spicer Tho. Spicer.of Winſtone laborer, Iohn Denny, Ioh. Denny.and Edmond Poole, Edm. Poole.were burned at Beckles for witnes bearing to the trueth. They were perſecuted by Syr Iohn Tyrrel Knight, of Gipping hall in Suffolke: and were condemned by Dunning Chauncelour of Norwich, and maiſter Monges the regiſter, ſitting at the towne of Beckles. Where the Chancellour himſelfe burſt out in teares, exhorting them to returne to the papiſtical Church. Which when they refuſed, he read the ſentence againſt them euen with teares, and deliuered them to the Secular power (Sir Iohn Sylliard being then high Sheriffe of Norfolke and Suffolke) notwithſtanding that the writ de comburendo, was not yet come downe.

After they had prayed, they (making confeſſion of their Faith) came to, I beléeue the Catholike Church. That is well ſaide (quoth Sir Iohn Sylliard) I am glad to heare that. It is the beſt word I heard of you yet. To the which wordes Edmunde Poole anſwered, that though they beleue the Catholike Church, yet doe they not beléeue in their Popiſhe Church: and therefore no parte of their beléefe. They (being all at the ſtake, and the fire burning about p. 209them, praiſed God in ſuch an audible voice,The Martyrs praiſe God in the flames of fire. as it was wonderfull to all thoſe that ſtood by.

By the procurement of ſir Iohn Tyrrel knight, and other his fellow colleagues, there were perſecuted, out of y^e towne of Winſon in Suffolke theſe perſons here, following: Anno. 1556. Miſtris Ales Twaites gentlewoman, of the age of 60. yeares and more, and two of her ſeruauntes, Humfrey Smith and his wife, William Catchpoole and his wife, Iohn Mawlin and his wife, Nicholas Burlingham and his wife, and one Rought and his wife. There were alſo driuen out of the Towne of Mendleſame in Suffolke, Simon Harleſtone and Catherin his wife with his fiue Children, William Whitting and Catherin his wife, Thomas Dobſon and his wife, Iohn Deacon, his wife and his maide, William Deacon, Thomas Woodward the elder, one Reynoldes wife a pore widowe, one mother Symons maide, beſydes thoſe that were conſtrained to do againſt their conſciences. The cauſe of their perſecution was, y^e they denyed the Popes ſupremacie, held the Quéene to bée ſupreme, y^e miniſters might marry, &c. Many of theſe perſōs were of great ſubſtance, & had poſſeſſions of their owne.

The laſt day of the monethmonth of May Iohn Slech being impriſoned in the kinges bench for the doctrine of the Goſpell there died & was buried on the backſyde of the ſame priſon.

About the 6. day of Iune next following Thomas Harland Tho. Harland.of Woodmancote Carpenter, Iohn Oſwald. Iohn Oſwalde.ibid. huſbandman, Thomas Auington Th. Auington.of Ardinglye Turner, & Thomas Read, Tho. Read.ſuffered at Lewis together for the teſtimony of the Goſpel. In the ſame towne of Lewis and the ſame monethmonth ſuffered, Thomas Wood, Tho. Wood.and Thomas Milles, the 20. day of the ſame monethmonth, for the teſtimonie of Ieſus.Iohn Milles.

In the which monethmonth William Adheral miniſter dyed in the kinges bench the 24. day of the ſame monethmonth, and was buried on the backe ſide. And ſo alſo Clement whéelwright dying there, was buryed vponupon a dunghill the 25. of Iune.

p. 210A merchants ſeruant at Leceſter. Thirtene at one fire.The xxvj. of Iune ſuffered a merchants ſeruant at Leyceſter, for the teſtimonie of the goſpell.

The xxvij. ot Iune, xj. 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, H. Adlington.Laurence Pernam, L. Pernam.Henry Wye, Henry Wye.William Halliwell, W. Hallywell.Thomas Bowyer, Th. Bowyer.Georges Searles, G. Searles.Edmund Hurſt, Edm. Hurſt.Lion Couch, Lyon Couch.Rafe Iackſon, Rafe Iackſon.Iohn Deryfall, Iohn Derifall.Iohn Routh, Iohn Routh.Elizabeth Pepper, Eliz. Pepper.Agnes George: Agnes Georgevntounto whom the ſixt of Iune Anno 1556. Doctor Darbyſhire Boners Chancellor in forme of law miniſtred articles of Poperie, to which they made their anſweres in ſimplicitie of good conſcience. When they were condemned and the day appointed that they ſhould ſuffer, which was the xxvij. of Iune, they were carried to Stratford bowe, and deuided in two partes into ſeuerall chambers. Afterward the Shiriffe came to each part, and told them that the other parte had recanted; and ſhould not therefore ſuffer death,The ſubtiltie of the diuell. counſailyng them to doo the like, &c. To whom they anſwered: as their brethren had doone before, that their faith was not builded on Man, but on Chriſt and his ſure worde. So the Shiriffe ſéeing no hope to preuaile, had them to the ſtake, which they kiſſed and embraced very hartely. The two womē were looſe and not tied to any ſtake,Two women ſtood looſe at the ſtake. and ſo they all gladly ſuffered (for the goſpels ſake) the extremitie of the fire.

In the company of thoſe before ſaid, were thrée more condemned to die, whoſe names were: Thomas Freeman, William Stannard, & William Adams. Theſe being in the hands of the ſecular power, Cardinall Poole Cardinall Poole pardoneth certaine condemned for the goſpell.ſent diſpenſation for their liues, by meanes whereof they eſcaped.

The Sunday after the condemnation of the ſixtéene aforeſaid, Fecknam Deane of Paules preached at the croſſe, that they had as many ſundry opinions, as they were perſons: wherevpon they ſet foorth a confeſſion of their fayth, and ſet to their handes.

p. 211After the burning of theſe in Stratford, the ſame monethmonth died in the priſon of the kings bench in Southwarke, one Tho. Parret, and was buried in the backeſide the 27. day of Iune. Alſo Martine Hunt (as is reported) in the ſame priſon was famiſhed the 20. day. At which time likewiſe died in the ſame priſon Iohn Norice, and was buried on the backſide.

After the death of the thrée aforeſaid, Roger Bernard, Roger Bernard.a labouring man, dwelling in Franſden in Suffolke, was taken in the night by maiſter Tamages men, becauſe hée woulde not goe to Church. Adam Foſter Adam Foſter.of the age of ſixe and twentie yeres, huſbandman, dwelling in Mendleſham in Suffolke, was taken at his owne houſe by the Conſtables of the Towne, George Kiuert, and Thomas Mouſe, and carryed to Syr Iohn Tyrrell aforeſaid knight, who ſent him to Aye dungeon, and from thence to Norwich, where hée was condemned of the Biſhoppe Hopton. Robert Lawſon Rob. Lawſon.a ſingle man of thirtye yeeres, a linnen Weauer, was apprehended in the night by one Robert Keerich, at the commaundement of Sir Iohn 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 chéerefully and ioyfully ſuffered for the teſtimony of Ieſus.

Bernard being threatned at Norwich of the prieſts whipping, burning, ſtocking, and ſuch like, to terrifie him, when flattery would not ſerue, ſaid vntounto them: Friends I am not better then my maiſter Chriſt, and the prophets which your fathers ſerued after ſuch ſort, and I for his names ſake, am content to ſuffer the like at your hands,A worthy anſwere of the martyr. if God ſhall ſo permit, truſting that he will ſtrengthen me in the ſame according to his promiſe, in ſpite of the Diuell and all his miniſters.

The 20. of Aprill, the ſame Biſhop had before him one p. 210duplicate page p. 211duplicate page p. 212Iohn Fortune otherwiſe called Cutler, of Hintleſham in Suffolke a blacke ſmith, a man in ſpirit zealous, and ardent: in the ſcriptures ready, in Chriſtes cauſe ſtoute, & valiant: in his anſweres maruellous: patient in ſuffering, and conſtant in the doctrine of the Goſpel.

Him the B. of Norwich, very likely condemned alſo after diuers examinations. Whether he died in the fire or otherwiſe was preuented by death, it is vncertaine. But his ſentence of condemnation, was drawne and regiſtred. About this time the firſt of Iuly, died one Iohn Careles Iohn Careles a worthy confeſſor.of Couentry, a weauer, in the Kings bench, after long impriſonment the ſpace of two yéeres. In which captiuity, firſt being in Couentry gaole, he was there in ſuch credite with his kéeper, that vponupon his worde onelie, hée was let out, to plaie in the Pageant about the Cittie with other his companions: and that done, keeping trueth with his keeper, returned agayne into priſon at his houre appointed.

After that, béeing brought vp to London: hée ſhewed ſuch patience, and conſtant fortitude, that hee longed for nothing more earneſtly then to come to the promotion to dye in the fire for the profeſſion of his fayth: but hee was preuented by death in the priſon, through ſicknes, and was buried on a dunghill in the fieldes.

In the mean time y^t he was in the kings bench, he was in great perturbation of minde and conſcience: wherevppon hée wrote to maiſter Philpot, then beeing in the Cole-houſe, and receyued from him a comfortable letter. Hée had béen examined of Doctor Martin, who vrged him to detect his fellowes, and reaſoned with him about Predeſtination, cauilling and ſcoffingly. Hée was a man of a moſt heauenly ſpirite, and wrote diuers letters to ſundry afflicted then for the Goſpel,Iohn Careles letters. as to Philpot, to Bradford, to maiſter Greene, maiſter Whitle, M. Timmes, Henry Adlington, &c. a great number.

p. 213The ſame monethmonth of Iuly ſuffered at Newbery 3. godly and conſtant martirs of Chriſt, Iulius Palmer, Iohn Guin, Thomas Askine. Iulius Palmer. Iohn Guin. Th. Askin.Iulius Palmer was ſometime a Student and felow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford, and afterward Schoolemaſter in the Towne of Reding. He was borne in Couentrée, and before his calling to the knowledge of the trueth, a great aduerſarie to the Goſpel, and a contemner of the miniſters of the trueth. In ſo much as hee was expelled his Colledge in the end of king Edwards daies, for popery.Iul. Palmer expulſed his Colledge in K. Edwardes time for poperie. So that for his maintenance, he was faine to apply himſelf to teach children in the houſe of Sir Fraunces Knolles. In which trade he continued til the comming of Q. Marie. In whoſe daies he was reſtored againe to his place by her Viſitors. Where being placed a while, and vnderſtanding the cruell dealing of the Papiſtes againſt the ſeruantes of God: and ſéeing their conſtancie: in the hearing of diuers of his friends, he burſt out into theſe words, or ſuch like: Oh raging crueltie, O tirannie tragicall, and more then barbarous.

From that day forward, he ſtudiouſly ſought to vnderſtand the trueth, and ſeriouſly ſtudied P. Martires Commē taries vponupon the firſt to the Corinthians. And at length grew vp in ſuch ripenes of the trueth, that he ſpared not to declare certaine ſparkes thereof in his outward behauiour and doings. Wherefore, being abhorred of diuers (eſpecially of M. Cole, the Preſident) which were before his friends: hée addreſſed himſelfe to depart the houſe. And being demaunded by a friend of his, how he woulde liue, anſwered: The earth is the Lords, and the fulnes thereof. &c.

After the geuing ouer of his Felowſhip, he was placed by Patent, Schoolemaſter at Reding, and there was accepted of thoſe that feared God. But there hee remayned not long. For certain diſſembling Hipocrites, who (pretending zeale to the Goſpel) crept into familiaritie with him, and in his abſence, ſpared not to rifle his Studie, and writings. Among p. 214which was his Replication to Meruines verſes, touching Wincheſters Epitaph and other Arguments both in Latine and Engliſh, againſt the Popes procéedings, and eſpecially againſt their brutiſh tyrannie towardes the ſeruants of God.

Which theſe companions hauing found, did threaten him that except he would geue vp his ſchoole to a friend of theirs, (Thomas Thackam, Th. Thackam a falſe diſſembling hipocritea falſe diſſembling knaue, and a chéefe woorker of his death) they woulde deliuer thoſe his writings to the Counſell. Whereupon, for ſauegarde of his life, he was forced to depart vponupon the ſodaine, and tooke his iorney towardes Eueſham, where his mother dwelt, Hoping to receiue of her certaine Legacies, by his Fathers will due vntounto him certaine yeares before. Who ſo ſoone as he came to his mother, and aſked her bleſſing, ſhe curſed him, vpbrayding him with his forſaking of Oxforde, and his comming from Reding. She threatning him fire and fagagotte,The mother threatneth her ſonne Iulius Palmer with fire and fagot. in ſteade of his Legacies. So being deſtitute of all worldly helpe, he aduiſed himſelfe to goe cloſely to Reading, there to receiue his quarters ſtipende, which he lefte vnreceiued at his departure, and to conuey from thence his ſtuffe. Which he did not ſo ſecretly, but that he was eſpied, and there by meanes of one Maſter Hampton, a falſe hypocrite, vnderunder pretence of friendſhippe, he was betrayed, and within ſhort ſpace was taken at the ſigne of the Cardinals hatte in Reading, and was put into a vile, ſtinking, and blinde Dungeon. Where tenne dayes he hanged by the handes and féete, ſo high, that welnéere no part of his bodie touched the ground.

After all this, hee was brought before the Mayor of Reading, and there thoſe falſe Brethren which before had robbed his ſtudie, obiected againſt him, Treaſon, Sedition, Murther, and Adulterie, &c. Which when they coulde not proue, they laide vntounto his charge the writings that they had ſtolne out of his Studie.

p. 215Wherefore once againe he was called out of pryſon, and appeared before the Mayor, and Byrd the officiall, and two other Iuſtices, to render an accompt of his faith. And when they had gathered of his owne mouth ſufficient matter to entrap him, they deuiſed a byll of inſtructions againſt him, to be directed to Doctor Geffery, who had determined to hold his viſitation the next tueſday at Newbery, beyng the ſixtéenth day of Iuly. So he was ſent to Newbery, and came thether on the Munday at night, and with him Thomas Askins his felow priſoner, where they found Iohn Grome their faithfull brother in the Lord.

So the xv. of Iuly the pryſoners appeared before Doctor Geffery and other Commiſſioners, where after reaſoning of the authoritie and vniuerſalitie of the church of Rome, and of the preſence in the Sacrament &c. when no allurements nor perſwaſions would preuayle, they were all thrée condemned and burned together.

Being at the place of their martyrdome, Palmer comforteth his fellowes with the promiſes of God, and pronounced with an audible voice the xxxj. Pſalme.

But the other two made their prayers ſecretly to almightie God, all thrée falling to the ground: and as Palmer beganne to riſe, there came behind him a popiſh prieſt, exhorting him to recant, to whome Palmer Palmer at the ſtake.anſwered: Away, away, tempt me no longer, away, I ſaid, from mée all yée that worke iniquitie, for the Lord hath heard the voyce of my teares. And foorthwith they put of their rayment, went to the ſtake and kiſſed it, and when they were bound to the poſt, Palmer ſaid: good people pray for vsus, that we may perſeuere to the end, and for Chriſtes ſake beware of popiſh teachers, for they deceiue you.

Which as hée ſpake, a ſeruaunt of one of the Bayliffes, threwe a faggot at his face, that the bloud guſhed out in diuerſe places. Thus fire being put to them they all crying Lord Ieſu ſtrengthen vsus, Lord Ieſu aſſiſt vsus, Lord Ieſu p. 216receiue our ſoules, they ended this mortall life.

Palmer was about 24. yeares old when he ſuffered. The laſt time of his being at Oxford, one Barwicke then fellow of Trinitie Colledge a rancke papiſt began to reaſon with him, and perceiuing him to be earneſt and zealous, ſaid vntounto him in the hearing of Maiſter Thomas Perrey & others there preſent. Well Palmer, well, now thou art ſtoute and hardie in thyne opinion, but if thou were once brought to y^e ſtake, I beléeue thou wouldeſt tell me another tale. I aduiſe thée beware of y^e fire: it is a ſhrewd matter to burne.

Truly ſaid Palmer Palmer diuers times in daunger of burning.I hauehave bene in daunger of burning once or twiſe, and hetherto I thanke God I hauehave eſcaped it, but I iudge verily it wil be mine end at the laſt: welcom be it, by the grace of God.

In déed it is an hard matter for them to burne, that hauehave the minde and ſoule linked to the bodie, as a théefe is tyed in a paire of Fetters. But if a man be once able through the helpe of Gods ſpirite to ſeparate and deuide the ſoule from the bodie: for him it is no more maiſterie to burne, then for me to eate a péece of bread.For whom it is eaſy to burne.

About the ſame monethmonth of Iuly Agnes Wardal of the towne of Ipſwich, a vertuous woman, and one that hated the Romiſh traſh, was perſecuted by Richard Argentine a phiſition in the towne, Phillip Vlmes, Edmond Leach Iohn Steward, and Mathew Butler, malicious enemies of Gods children. But by Gods great prouidence they eſcaped their handes, and was deliuered.

In the ſame monethmonth alſo Peter Mone a Tailer of the towne of Ipſwich with his wife were called before the B. kéeping viſitation at Ipſwich, and through frailtie yelded to the Byſhop. Whereof after they fsll into great griefe of conſcience, when they came home to their houſe: and looking when they ſhould be ſent for againe to the B. the next day, who had appointed them then to appeare. The time appointed drawing nigh, they heard the belles ring for the p. 217B. departure out of the towne. So they eſcaped farther trial.

Againſt theſe, was one Richard Smart a Portman of the towne, an earneſt member of the Popiſh Church: but afterwardes he repented him thereof with teares.

In the Iſle of Gerneſey 3. women, Katherine Couches Catherine Couches. Guillemme Gilbert. Perotine Maſſey. The mother and 2. daughters at Gernſey.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 anye time, yet were they condemned by Syr Iames Amy Dean, and the Curates of the Iſle to be burned for Heretikes. Which, when the Bayliefes and Iurates vnderſtood, howe they had not examined them of their faith, & yet condemned them for heretikes: they would not ſit in iudgement that day, but ordeyned they ſhould firſt bée examined of them. Which being done, an Act and ſentence was deliuered againſt them to the former effect, that they ſhould be executed as heretikes: no accuſer hauing béene heard againſt them,Cruelty againſt the mother and her 2. daughters. and the innocent parties proteſting they would entirely obey the ordinances of the Church. So ſentence being giuen againſt them by Elier Goſſeline Bailieffe, (notwithſtanding they had appealed from the ſame to the king, Quéene, and Councel) yet were they the 18. of Iuly all burned together at 3. ſtakes, the mother in the middeſt, 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 poore women fell into the fire,Marueilous cruelty. Perotine great with child, braſt aſunder by the vehemencie of the fire, and her infant being a faire manchild fell into the fire, and eftſoones taken out of the fire by one W. Howſe, was laid vppon the graſſe, from thence it was had to the prouoſt, and from him to the Baylife. Whoſe cenſure was, that it ſhould be caried backe, and caſt into the fire: p. 218ſo was the child baptized in his owne blood to fil vp the number of the ſaints.

Néere about the ſame time that theſe 3. women with the infant were burned, there ſuffered for the doctrine of the Goſpel at Gréenſtéed in Suſſex two men Thomas Dungate, Tho. Dungate.and Iohn Foreman, Iohn Forman.and one woman called mother Dree, the 18. of Iuly.

About the 26. of Iune, one Tho. Moore Tho. More.of the age of 24. ſeruant in a mans houſe in Leiceſter, was condemned and burned, becauſe hée ſaid, his maker was in heauen and not in the pixe.

About the ſame time, the 11. of March, Iohn Iackſon was examined of Doct. Cooke, concerning the Church and Sacrament of the altar. In which quarrel, the godly confeſſor behaued himſelfe boldly and wiſely againſt the Biſhop. Who when no other argument would ſerue, he commanded him to priſon againe: but what became of him it is vncertaine.

The firſt day of Auguſt Anno 1556. Ioan Waſt Ioan Waſt a blind woman.a blinde woman from her birth of the age of two & twenty, was condemned and burned in the towne of Darbie, for maintayning the doctrine in King Edwardes daies. They that ſate vponupon her, were Sir Rafe Bayne Biſhoppe of the dioces, Doctour Dracot his Chauncelour, Syr Iohn Port Knight, &c. Shée being preſt and halfe aſtonied through their terrours and threates, and deſirous (as it ſeemed) to prolong her life, offered vntounto the Biſhoppe then preſent, if hée woulde before that companie take it vppon his conſcience that the doctrine which hée would hauehave her to beléeue concerning the Sacrament, was true; and that he would at the dreadfull day of iudgement, aunſwere for her therein (as Doctour Taylor in diuers of his Sermons did offer) ſhée woulde then further aunſwere them.Her offer to the Iudges. Which when it would not bée ſtood vntounto, the poore woman perceiuing the ſame, anſwered againe: that if they refuſed to p. 219take of their conſcience, that it was true which they would hauehave her to beléeue, ſhée would anſwere no further: but deſired them to doo their pleaſure. And ſo after certaine circumſtances, they pronounced ſentence agaynſt her, and deliuered her to the Bayliffes of the towne of Darbie, to be put to death: where chéerefullie ſhe ſuffered in the fire for the teſtimonie of the truth whiche ſhée before had profeſſed.

This poore blinde mayde would hyre with mony ſuch as would not fréely, do ſo much, for to read certain chapters of the New Teſtament vntounto her, and would bargayne with them, how often to read one chapter vponupon a price. Although ſhée was borne blind, yet could ſhée without a guide goe to any Church in the towne, or to any other place or perſon, that vſed to reade vntounto her, or had anie godlie exerciſes.

The 8. of September ſuffered Edward Sharpe Edw. Sharpe.borne in Wiltſhire, of the age of 60. yéers, at Briſtow: where he conſtantly mainteined the quarrel of Chriſt againſt Antichriſt, to the death.

The 24. of September ſuffered 4 men, Iohn Hart, Foure at Mayfield in Suſſex.Tho. Rauenſdal, a Shoemaker, and a Collier, al foure together at Mayfield in Suſſex, for the teſtimony of Ieſus, &c.

The next day after was a young man put to death at Briſtow for the like teſtimonie.A young man at Briſtow. Not lōg after whoſe death ſuffered the xxvij. of September, Iohn Horne, I. Horne, and a woman.and a woman at Wootton VnderUnder hedge, in Gloceſterſhire.

In the pariſh of Wootton VnderUnder-hedge, William Dangerfield, W. Dangerfield.(after he had béene a ſpace from home for feare of the crueltie of the time) being a profeſſor of the Goſpell, repayred to his wife lying in childbed of the tenth childe: who was not ſo ſoone come home, but was eſpied; and apprehended, and had to priſon by the cruel ſentence of D. Brookes, biſhop. In whoſe cruel handling he remayned ſo long, till his féele were almoſt freited off with Irons.

p. 200After the apprehenſion of the huſband, the wife alſo was taken with hir yong borne childe (being but fourtéene daies old) out of her childbed, and carryed into the common gaole, and there placed among théeues and murtherers,Great crueltie. where both ſhe and hir infant could neuer come to fire, but ſhée was driuen to warme the clothes that ſhe ſhould put about the childe, in hir boſome.

While they both lay thus incloſed, y^e B. ſubtilly got promiſe of the huſband to recant, declaring vntounto him that his wife had ſo done already. (which was vntruth) So they ſuffered him vponupon that promiſe to go to his wife. To whom he declared with a ſorrowful hart, how hée had bin circumuented: and pulled out of his boſome a copie of his recantation,The wife encourageth her huſband. wherto he had granted his promiſe. At the ſight wherof, his wiues heart claue aſunder, ſaying: hath Sathan ſo preuailed, &c. So hee departed from hir with teares, and praied GOD he might not liue ſo long as to call euill good, and good euill: ſo going homeward to his houſe, he took his death, and ſhortly after dyed, according to his prayer. After this, Ioane his wife continued in priſon with her infant: which being ſtarued in priſon with cold and famine, (the milke of the mother failing through euill vſing,) was ſent away when it was paſt all remedie: and ſhortly after died. And not long after the mother died alſo, beſides, an old woman of 90. yeres, mother of her huſband, being lefte alone in the houſe comfortleſſe.

In the MonethMonth of October next following, ſuffered a Shoomaker,A Shoomaker at Northhampton. at Northhampton, for the ſtedfaſt profeſſing of the trueth.

After whom, not long, in the ſame monethmonth died thrée godly Confeſſors in the Caſtle of Chicheſter, and were buried in the fieldes.

In the ſame monethmonth was burned alſo one Hooke Hooke.a true witneſſe of the Lord, at Cheſter.

As Boner was the cruelleſt among the biſhops, ſo Harpſfield p. 221among all the archdeacōs (except Dunning of Norw.) was the cruelleſt: by whoſe meanes there were now xv. Profeſſors of the Goſpel together in priſon, in Canterburie Caſtle. Whereof fiue were famiſhed to death,Fiue famiſhed and x. burned at Canterbury and ten burned. The names of the famiſhed were theſe: Iohn Clarke, Dunſtan Chittenden, vncondemned: Walter Foſter, of Stone, Alice Potkins, wife, of Staplehurſt, Iohn Hurſt of Cranbrock, Weauer, condemned to be burned. Alice Potkins A wittie and godly anſwere of Alice Potkins.being aſked of her age, ſaid ſhe was 49. yeres olde, according to her old age: and according to her young age, ſince ſhe learned Chriſt, ſhe was of one yeares age.

In the moneths of September, Nouember, and December, in the Dioces of Couentrée and Lichfield, much trouble fell to diuers perſons, for the profeſſion of y^e Goſpel, through the crueltie of the Biſhoppe, named Rafe Bane, and a more cruell Chauncellour, called Doctor Draicotte. By whoſe meanes many perſons were driuen to beare fagots in thoſe quarters.

Thus endeth the fourth yere of Quéene Maries Reigne, In which yeare, the number of the ſlaine for the Goſpell,The ende of the fourth yere of Q. Marie. Eightie foure perſons put to death in the fourth yere of Q. Marie. came to 84. perſons. Beſides ſuch as fled, and priuately by practiſes were made away.

About this time, Sir Iohn Cheeke, ſometime Schoolemaſter to King Edward the ſixt, being in Germanie, out of all danger, would néedes take his iourney with Sir Peter Carewe, to Bruxels, with king Philips ſafe conduct to paſſe and repaſſe, by the meanes of the Lorde Paget, and Sir Iohn Maſon, who pledged for his ſafe conduct, king Philippes fidelitie. But in his returne, when hee had brought the Lorde Paget on his way, from Bruxels towarde England, he, (with Sir Peter Carewe,) was taken by the prouoſt-marſhall, ſpoyled of their horſes, and clapped into a Carte, their legges, armes, and bodies, tied with halters to the bodie of the Carte: And ſo ſhipped (being blindfolded) p. 222vnderunder the hatches, and brought to the Tower of London, Where at the length, Sir Iohn Cheeke Sir I. Cheeke.was brought to recant, and was drawen (vnwares) to ſitte in place where the poore Martirs 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 mortall life, repenting him greatly of his fall before his death.

The ende of the eleuenth Booke.