BattlefieldsOxford Martyrs Burning — Latimer Ridley and Cranmer 1555-1556
Tudor

Oxford Martyrs Burning — Latimer Ridley and Cranmer 1555-1556

1555–1556
Oxfordshire, England
Also known as: Burning of Ridley and Latimer 1555 · Cranmer burned Oxford 1556 · Oxford Martyrs 1555-1556
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Oxfordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Protestant bishops
Forces
Catholic clerical authority
VS
Victor
Crown (Mary I)
Forces
Royal commission
Outcome
Bishops Ridley and Latimer burned at Oxford October 1555; Archbishop Cranmer burned March 1556 after recanting recantation
The Battle

History & Significance

The Oxford Martyrs burning was the most symbolically significant act of Marian persecution. Latimer reportedly declared Be of good comfort Master Ridley and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle by Gods grace in England as I trust shall never be put out. The burning of Cranmer — Henry VIII architect of the English Reformation — completed Mary's symbolic reversal of the Reformation. The site is marked by the Martyrs Memorial.

Casualties & Losses

Bishops Ridley, Latimer (October 1555) and Archbishop Cranmer (March 1556)

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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