"Then the smith took a chain of Iron, and brought the same about both Dr. Ridley's and Master Latimer's middle … then Dr. Ridley's brother did bring him gunpowder in a bag, and would have tied the same about his neck. Master Ridley asked what it was 'Gunpowder,' his brother said. 'Then,' said he, 'I will take it to be sent from God; therefore I will receive it as sent of Him. 'And have you any,' said he, 'for my brother?' meaning Master Latimer, 'Yes, sir, I have' quoth his brother. 'Then give it unto him,' said he. So his brother went and carried off the same gunpowder to Master Latimer.
Then they brought a fagot, kindled with fire, and laid the same down at Dr. Ridley's feet. To whom Master Latimer spake in this manner: '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.' And so the fire being given unto them, when Dr Ridley saw the fire flaming up towards him, he cried with a wonderful loud voice, 'Lord, Lord, receive my spirit;' Master crying as vehemently on the other side, 'O Father of heaven, receive my soul!' who received the flame as it were embracing of it. After that he had stroked his face with his hands, and as it were bathed them a little in the fire, he soon died (as it appeared), with very little pain or none.
Ridley lingered for some time in excruciating pain, the fire being choked, but burning fiercely beneath, while it could not reach any of the vital parts. At last the flame rose and exploded the gunpowder, and his lifeless body fell over the chain at Latimer's feet."
The following is the 'Bill of Charges' made out for burning Ridley and Latimer.
| For three loads of wood fagots to Burn Ridley and Latimer Item one load of furze fagots For the carriage of these four loads Item, a post Item, two chains Item, two staples Item, four labourers Total bill |
12 shillings 0 pence 3 shillings 4 pence 2 shillings 0 pence 1 shilling 4 pence 3 shillings 4 pence 0 shillings 6 pence 2 shillings 8 pence 25 shillings 2 pence |
It appears to have cost the Government of Mary One Pound 5 Shillings and Two Pence to burn the two martyrs; such was the money value of the transaction, but the real price paid was the overthrow of the Romish religion in England."
Demaus.
(In UK currency today £1.27p — In Euros 1.89 EURO)
