HOOPER, JOHN, one of the most venerated martyrs of the Reformation, was born in Somersetshire about 1495, and educated at Oxford, where, by study of the Scriptures and the works of the foreign reformers, he was converted to Protestantism. On this account he found it expedient to quit the university, and finally the kingdom, apparently about 1540. For some years he led a wandering life, part of which was spent in Switzerland, the stronghold of the Reformation, where be met with a most friendly reception from the chief divines. On the accession of Edward VI. in 1547, he returned to England, and settled in London, where he was very diligent, and greatly followed and admired as a preacher. In 1550 he was appointed bishop of Gloucester ; but his assumption of the office was long delayed by his scrupulousness as to the use of the episcopal dress. By way of over coming his reluctance he was confined to his own house, and finally committed, during some months, to the Fleet prison. Even the Swiss divines however regretted that his influence in the Church should be marred by such considerationa, and exhorted him to compliance.
Finally the matter was compromised. In 1552 he received the bishopric of Worcester in cornmendam. "While ho was bishop," Wood says, "be preached often, visited his dioceses, kept good hospi tality for the poorer sort, and was beloved of many. But when Queen Mary began to reign, in July 1553, he was pursuivanted up to London in the latter end of August, and committed to the Fleet, where, remaining some months, he was at length examined several times, and required to recant his opinions ; but standing consCant and resolute to them, was condemned to be burnt in January 1555." lie suffered accordingly on the 9th of February, at Gloucester, bearing his torments, which were dreadful, with exceeding courage. His works are numerous, chief/ controversial. (Wood, eta. Oxon.; Fox, Martyrs; Burnet. Hist. Re ; kc.)