John Foxe

John Foxe (1516–April 8, 1587) is remembered as the author of the famous Foxe's Book of Martyrs.

Life in London under Edward VI

With the death of Henry VIII in January of 1547, the accession of the boy-king Edward VI and the formation of a Privy Council dominated by pro-reform Protestants, Foxe's prospects (and those of the evangelical cause generally) changed for the better. In the middle or latter part of the year, Foxe moved to London and probably lived in Stepney. Between 1547-48 he completed three translations of Protestant sermons which were published by Hugh Singleton. One sermon was by Martin Luther (ESTC 16983), another by Urbannus Regius--An Instruction of the Christian Faith (ESTC 120847). At some point during this time Foxe found a patron in Mary Fitzroy, Duchess of Richmond, who hired him as tutor to the orphan children of her brother, Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, a Catholic who had been executed for treason in January 1547. Surrey's his father, Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk was then imprisoned in the Tower of London. The children were Thomas, who would become the fourth duke of Norfolk and a valuable friend of Foxe's); Jane, later countess of Westmorland; Henry, later earl of Northampton; and Charles, who would command the English fleet against the Spanish Armada. Foxe lived in the duchess' London household at Mountjoy House and later Reigate Castle.

Related Topics:
Henry VIII - Accession - Edward VI - Privy Council - London - Stepney - Translations - Sermons - Hugh Singleton - Martin Luther - Urbannus Regius - Patron - Mary Fitzroy - Duchess of Richmond - Tutor - Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey - Treason - Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk - Tower of London - Thomas - Jane - Countess of Westmorland - Henry - Earl of Northampton - Charles - Spanish Armada - Mountjoy House - Reigate Castle

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Foxe was ordained deacon by Nicholas Ridley on June 24, 1550. His circle of friends, associates, and supporters at this time included John Hooper, William Turner, John Rogers, William Cecil, and John Bale. Bale is thought to have had a strong material influence in Foxe's interest and work on a definitive English martyrology. From 1548-1551, Foxe wrote works of religious controversy, arguing with reformer George Joye on such topics as adultery, excommunication, and canon law.

Related Topics:
Nicholas Ridley - John Hooper - William Turner - John Rogers - William Cecil - John Bale - Martyrology - George Joye - Adultery - Excommunication - Canon law

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~