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Henry BarroweEnglish religious figure, Puritan.
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Court Service and Legal Career
- Affiliation with the Puritans
- Founding of the Barrowists
- Imprisonment and Trial
- Charges of Heresy and Condemnation
- Theological Controversies and Writings
- - "A Brief and Plaine Declaration of the Lord's Supper"
- Execution
Early Life and Education
Henry Barrow, a renowned English religious figure and Puritan, was born into a noble family with ties to John Aislaby, the Bishop of London. In November 1566, he enrolled at Clare Hall College, Cambridge, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1570.
Court Service and Legal Career
After graduating, Barrow served in the court and later became a member of Gray's Inn, a renowned law society, in 1576. His deep religious education and personal devotions led him to embrace a stricter form of Puritanism around 1580-1581.
Affiliation with the Puritans
Barrow established a close connection with John Greenwood, a leader among English Congregationalists, and adopted his beliefs. Despite residing primarily outside of London, Barrow actively participated in secret Congregationalist gatherings and remained in contact with the brotherhood.
Founding of the Barrowists
Around 1581, Robert Browne established the Brownist sect in England and the Netherlands, with G. Barrow as its eventual leader. The Brownists challenged the authority of the Established Church, believing that religious practices should be free from external coercion. They rejected church organization and the clergy.
Imprisonment and Trial
In November 1586, Barrow was arrested and brought before Bishop John Whitgift after visiting the imprisoned Greenwood at the Clink prison. Barrow protested his unlawful detention and refused to take the Oath of Supremacy, leading to his imprisonment in the Tower of London.
Charges of Heresy and Condemnation
After six months of incarceration, Barrow and Greenwood were charged with heresy in May 1587 for their refusal to attend Anglican church services. They were offered bail but faced harsh conditions and were eventually transferred to Fleet Prison. Barrow faced repeated interrogations, including an appearance before the Privy Council in 1588.
Theological Controversies and Writings
During his imprisonment, Barrow engaged in heated debates with Robert Browne, who had published a letter accusing him of apostasy. Barrow also penned several works defending Congregationalism, including:
- "A Brief and Plaine Declaration of the Lord's Supper"
- "A Defence of the True and Christian Church Against the Calumnies of Robert Browne and the False Reports of Richard Bancroft"
Execution
In 1593, Barrow and Greenwood were sentenced to death for their dissenting views. Their execution was postponed twice before they were finally hanged on April 6. Barrow's martyrdom inspired a wave of sympathy among Puritans and became a symbol of religious persecution.
