The Undeservedly Obscure Dead

Today: Hugh Latimer

Hugh was a Protestant theologian, Oxford educated and later a fellow at Christ's College at Cambridge University. He was on the committee that assembled the first Book of Common Prayer and was personal chaplain to Thomas Cranmer. Unfortunately for Hugh, it was the 16th century and being a Protestant under Queen Mary I was capital heresy. He was burned at the stake outside Balliol College at Oxford, where his heresy was born. He became the most famous of Protestant Martys and there's a sign comemorating the event at the spot, now called Martyr's Site. I include him because everyone should remember his famous last words of consolation to Nicholas Ridley former Bishop of London, his confederate and partner on the stake (which themselves are quoted in Fahrenheit 451): "Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out." That's pretty badass talk for a man being burned alive for the right to be a Lutheran. So, Hugh Latimer, we salute you.