Hugh Latimer

c. 1487 – October 16, 1555

Bishop & Reformation Martyr

We shall this day light such a candle as shall never be put out

Biography

English Protestant bishop who became one of the leading preachers of the English Reformation. Burned at the stake in Oxford alongside Nicholas Ridley under Queen Mary I.

Faith & Testimony

As the flames were lit, Latimer spoke to Ridley: 'Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man! We shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.' His words have echoed through centuries.

Sources

Latimer — Wikipedia — English Reformation martyr
Sermon on the Plough (1548) — Latimer's most famous sermon, a powerful call for faithful preaching and reform in the English church
Foxe's Book of Martyrs — Latimer and Ridley — Foxe's account of the Oxford Martyrs, including Latimer's famous words: 'We shall this day light such a candle...'