John Bradford
Oil on canvas - 14 X 18
“There but for the
Grace of God, go I.”
--Rev. John Bradford, Martyr
These words are credited to John Bradford. He uttered them as he witnessed a criminal going to be executed for his crimes.
John Bradford was an ordained protestant minister in England in mid 14th Century. In 1553, upon the early death of King Edward VI, the Roman Catholic Mary Tudor, known as "Bloody Mary," rose to the throne. It was her personal goal to bring England back to Roman Catholicism. During her short reign, 300 so-called heretics were put to death.
On July 1, 1555, John Bradford was burned at the stake along with another young man named John Leaf. As the fire was lit, John Bradford asked forgiveness for his sins and for England to repent. Bless you, John Bradford. Learn more at the National Portrait Gallery of London.
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