LAT'IMER, Hum (0.1485-1555). One of the most distinguished of the English reformers. Ile was born at Thurcaston. in Leicestershire, about 1485. ]le was educated at Cambridge, and be came attached to the new learning and divinity which had beoun to establish themselves there. Be soon became a zealous preacher of the re formed doctrines. and in consequence was em broiled in many controversies. The dispute about Ilenry VI1I's marriage with Catharine of Aragon brought Latimer more into notice. Be was one of the divines appointed by the Univer sity of Cambridge to examine as to its lawful ness, and he declared on the fling's side. This secured 'Henry's favor. and he was appointed one of his chaplains and received a living in Wilt shire (1531). In 1535 he was appointed Bishop of Worcester. and at the opening of Convocation on -Tune 0, 1536. he preached two very powerful and impressive sermons. urging the necessity of reform. After a while the work of reform rather retrograded than advanced, and Latimer found himself with his bold opinions in little favor at Court. Ile retired to his diocese, and labored there in a continual round of "teaching. preach ing. exhorting. writing. correcting, and reform either as his ability would serve or the time would bear." This was his true function. Ile was an eminently practical reformer. Toward the close of Belay's reign, and when the re actionary party. loaded by Gardiner and Bonner,
was in the ascendent, Latimer resigned his bishopric (15:39), and till 1546 lived in great privacy. Ile was looked upon with jealousy and closely watched. and finally, on coming up to London for medical advice, he brought be fore the Privy Connell and east into the Tower. On the accession of Edward VI., the next year, he was released. and again appeared in publie.
declined, however, to resume his episcopal functions, although his old bishopric was offered to him. Ile devoted himself to preaching and practical works of benevolence. After the death of Edward and the accession of Nary (1533) he and other reformers were arrested in their career of activity. Latimer was put in prison, and ex amined at Oxford in 1554. After his examina tion lie was transferred to the common jail there, where lie lay for more than a year, feeble. sickly, and worn out with his hardships. On September 30, 1555. lie was summoned before certain com missioners appointed to sit in judgment upon him and Ridley. and after trial, on October 1st, he was condemned to be burned. Ile suffered along with Ridley, opposite Balliol College, on October 16, 1555. Remains and Ser111011S issued by the Parker Society (2 vols., Ox ford, 1844-45). Consult his biography by De malts (London, ISO; new ed. ISS1).