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Smithfield - famous place of execution
In the sixteenth-century Smithfield was an open area mainly used as a market for cattle and horses. Yet it was also the setting for executions, used so since the reign of Henry I.
A number of individuals accused of heresy were burnt at the stake here. During Henry VIII’s reign, both radical reformers and Catholics loyal to the Pope were sent to die in agonising ways at Smithfield. This included the Franciscan friar John Forest, who refused to recognise the royal supremacy, and was subsequently hanged by chains and had a fire light underneath him in May 1538. His execution was witnessed by thousands of people; the archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, and the Henrician minister Thomas Cromwell, were amongst the crowd. Anne Askew was burnt here for heresy in 1546; she had been tortured on the rack so extensively that she could no longer stand unaided.
Two executions for heresy occurred during Edward VI’s reign though only one, George Van Parris, died at Smithfield.
The executions that occurred during the reign of Mary I at Smithfield tend to be the most remembered. The phrase the ‘fires of Smithfield’, popularly used, specifically referred to the Marian martyrs. Seven Protestants were burnt at the stake here, including John Rogers, John Cardmaker, John Bradford, John Philpot, Thomas Tompkins, John Warne and John Leafe. Rogers was the first protestant to be sent to the stake during Mary’s reign, and his courageous example was regarded as inspirational by supporters. Offered a pardon at the execution, Rogers refused, told the crowd to be unwavering in their faith, was tied to the stake and the fire lit. Whilst the flames consumed his body he allegedly ‘washed his hands in the flame’ (Foxe, Acts and Monuments) until it covered his whole body; a symbolic act of washing away the sins. A plaque commemorating the Marian martyrs can be found on the site.
Smithfield - famous place of execution
In the sixteenth-century Smithfield was an open area mainly used as a market for cattle and horses. Yet it was also the setting for executions, used so since the reign of Henry I.
A number of individuals accused of heresy were burnt at the stake here. During Henry VIII’s reign, both radical reformers and Catholics loyal to the Pope were sent to die in agonising ways at Smithfield. This included the Franciscan friar John Forest, who refused to recognise the royal supremacy, and was subsequently hanged by chains and had a fire light underneath him in May 1538. His execution was witnessed by thousands of people; the archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, and the Henrician minister Thomas Cromwell, were amongst the crowd. Anne Askew was burnt here for heresy in 1546; she had been tortured on the rack so extensively that she could no longer stand unaided.
Two executions for heresy occurred during Edward VI’s reign though only one, George Van Parris, died at Smithfield.
The executions that occurred during the reign of Mary I at Smithfield tend to be the most remembered. The phrase the ‘fires of Smithfield’, popularly used, specifically referred to the Marian martyrs. Seven Protestants were burnt at the stake here, including John Rogers, John Cardmaker, John Bradford, John Philpot, Thomas Tompkins, John Warne and John Leafe. Rogers was the first protestant to be sent to the stake during Mary’s reign, and his courageous example was regarded as inspirational by supporters. Offered a pardon at the execution, Rogers refused, told the crowd to be unwavering in their faith, was tied to the stake and the fire lit. Whilst the flames consumed his body he allegedly ‘washed his hands in the flame’ (Foxe, Acts and Monuments) until it covered his whole body; a symbolic act of washing away the sins. A plaque commemorating the Marian martyrs can be found on the site.