Hugh Latimer (circa 1487 – 1555) was one of the three "Oxford Martyrs of Anglicanism". The others were Ridley and Cranmer. All three were put to death for their faith under the reign of Mary, who became known as "bloody Mary".
He was born in Leicestershire and educated at Cambridge University. he was bought up as a devout Roman Catholic - it was the default religious position at the time.
He met with other Reformers at the White Horse Inn in Cambridge - it has now been demolished but a blue plaque marks its place:
Others who attended included Miles Coverdale, William Tyndale, Matthew Parker, Thomas Cranmer, Robert Barnes, Matthew Parker and Thomas Bilney. It was Bilney (c.1495-1531) who first organised these meetings and he was instrumental in Latimer's conversion. Latimer said of Bilney: "By his confession I learned more than in twenty years before".
Latimer then became an ardent supporter of the Reformation in England. He sided with Henry VIII over his divorce and then became Henry's chaplain. He later became the Bishop of Worcester but resigned in protest at Henry's refusal to allow more reform. He was a popular preacher under Edward's reign. But when Mary came to the throne he was arrested, tried and sentence to death for heresy.
Latimer's final words when burnt at the stake with Ridley on 16 October 1555 were: "we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out."
Ridley and Latimer at the stake
Some of Latimer's sermons can be found here
Some of Latimer's works can be found here.
No comments:
Post a Comment