John Bradford Prebendary of St Paul's Cathedral Date of Birth: 01.01.1510 Country: Dive

1. Early Life and Education
2. Legal and Theological Studies
3. Ministry and Preaching
4. Imprisonment and Martyrdom
5. Execution and Legacy

Early Life and Education

John Bradford was born in 1510 into a prosperous family. He received a thorough education at Manchester Grammar School, demonstrating a talent for mathematics and finance. Consequently, he served under John Harrington, Treasurer of the English Army during Henry VIII's campaigns.

Legal and Theological Studies

Bradford enrolled at Inner Temple in London to study law. However, influenced by a companion, he embraced the English Reformation and abandoned his legal pursuits. In 1548, he entered Christ's College (now St. Catharine's College), Cambridge, to study theology, later transferring to Pembroke College. There, he earned the moniker "Saint Bradford" due to his devout nature.

Ministry and Preaching

In 1550, Bradford was ordained by Bishop Nicholas Ridley and became an itinerant preacher, primarily in Lancashire and Cheshire. Upon Edward VI's death in 1553, the Catholic Mary I ascended to the throne. Known for his Anglican leanings, Bradford was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Imprisonment and Martyrdom

During his incarceration, Bradford continued to write religious tracts and preach to those who gathered around him. He shared a cell with three other reformers: Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, Bishop Nicholas Ridley, and Hugh Latimer. Together, they studied the New Testament, and all four eventually became martyrs. It was in the Tower that Bradford witnessed prisoners being led to execution and famously remarked, "But for the grace of God there goes John Bradford." This phrase became an adage, now often expressed as, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." Bradford was sentenced to death on January 31, 1555, and transferred to Newgate Prison on either June 30 or July 15 for execution by burning at the stake.

Execution and Legacy

The execution, scheduled for 4 am, was delayed due to a large crowd. Bradford was chained to the stake in Smithfield, London, alongside a young man named John Leaf. He asked for forgiveness from any he may have wronged and turned to his companion, saying, "Be of good comfort, brother; for we shall have a merry supper with the Lord this night!" Bradford was buried in Smithfield, London, at the Marian Martyrs' Monument.