The Works of Hugh Latimer

Hugh Latimer (1485-1555), was an English Protestant who advanced the cause of the Reformation in England through his vigorous preaching and through the inspiration of his martyrdom.

In 1525 (then an orthodox Roman Catholic) Latimer came into contact with a group of young Cambridge divines who were influenced by Martin LutherÕs new doctrines. He attributed his conversion to Protestantism to the ministrations of the groupÕs spiritual leader, Thomas Bilney.

His sermons attracted large crowds and were often patronized by the court. But because of his success in popularizing the idea of the Reformation, Latimer was immediately marked for proscription when the Catholic Mary Tudor ascended the throne. In September 1553 he was arrested on charges of treason; taken to Oxford for trial, he was burned there with the Reformer Nicholas Ridley on Oct. 16, 1555. At the stake Latimer immortalized himself by exhorting his fellow victim Ridley with the words, Òwe shall this day light such a candle, by GodÕs grace, in England as I trust shall never be put out.Ó