Latimer, Hugh

(c. 1485–1555)

   Bishop and Martyr.

   Latimer was born in Leicestershire and was educated at the University of Cambridge. He was consecrated Bishop of Worcester in 1535, having advised King Henry VIII during the break with Rome. However, as a Reformer, he was compelled to resign his see in opposition to the Catholic teaching contained in the Six Articles imposed in 1539. During the reign of King edward vi, he was a popular court preacher and his series of sermons ‘On the plough’, preached against ecclesiastical abuse, became famous. He accused the more worldly bishops of ‘pampering their paunches . . . munching in their mangers and moiling in their gay manors and mansions’. He is primarily remembered as a martyr. He was burnt at the stake as a Protestant in Oxford during the persecutions of Queen mary. As the fire was lit, he said to his companion Nicholas ridley, ‘Be of good cheer, Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day light a candle by God’s grace in England as I trust shall never be put out!’

   A.G. Chester, Hugh Latimer, Apostle to the English (1954);

   H.S. Darby, Hugh Latimer (1953).