Thomas Cranmer (Williams): 1555-1556: Degradations and Burnings (136ff.)

1555-1556. In the years 1555 and 1556, England experienced a wave of religious persecution that resulted in the burnings and degradations of several religious figures. Among the victims were Latimer and Ridley, both of whom were tried in September and October of 1555. During his trial, Latimer rebuffed friar Pedro de Soto, while Ridley remained unshaken in his faith. Despite their steadfastness, the ecclesiastical and legislative machinery was in place to burn the "heretics," and on 16 October 1555, the fires were lit. Latimer died quickly, but Ridley suffered a longer and more painful death.

 

Cranmer, who had been a close ally of Henry VIII, was also among those targeted for persecution. He was forced to watch the burning of Latimer and Ridley, and then was divested of his office on 4 December 1555. Despite this, he planned to appeal to a General Council, as Luther had done before him. However, Mary Tudor was determined to see him burn as well.

 

Romanists attempted to persuade Cranmer to renounce his faith, using arguments such as the health of his soul, the happiness of Mary and Philip II, his physical health, and the example he would set for others. They also tried to convince him to avoid the flames. In January 1556, Cranmer penned the first of several recantations, in which he declared himself willing to submit to the laws of the land and accept the pope as the chief head of the Church of England, within the limits of God's laws and the laws and customs of the realm. Mary and Pole were delighted by this, and an official degradation was scheduled for 14 February 1556.

 

During the degradation, Cranmer was dressed in various religious garments, including a subdeacon's surplice and alb, a priest's garb, a bishop's robes, and the attire of an ABC, complete with miter, pall, and crozier staff. Finally, he was dressed in a poor yeoman-beadle's outfit, which was worn and badly made. The degradation was carried out by Bloody Bonner, Harpsfield, and Thirlby, with Bonner mocking Cranmer throughout the proceedings. Thirlby, who had previously been a benefactor of Cranmer's charity and kindness, reportedly hated his task.

 

Despite his recantations and degradation, Cranmer had one more recantation "up his sleeve." He published a fifth recantation in early March 1556, and a sixth on 18 March. Romanists claimed that Cranmer was a weak man trying to save his own skin, but others believe that he was attempting to buy time and avoid the flames for as long as possible. Regardless of his motives, Cranmer was eventually burned at the stake on 21 March 1556.