Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley were two Protestant bishops burned at the stake together in Oxford in 1555. Queen Mary I had ordered the execution. As the fire was lit, Latimer turned to Ridley and said: “Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace in England as shall never be put out.” Latimer died quickly. Ridley did not. The wood was green and burned slowly. He screamed for nearly an hour. He begged the men tending the fire to raise the flames. They did not move fast enough. He was still alive when he cried out that he could not burn. He died in agony while Latimer was already gone.
Interesting Fact A memorial stone now marks the exact spot in Oxford where they died. It is called the Martyrs’ Memorial. Ridley’s last words were: “Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.” He said them more than once before the end.
