Thomas Hudson
THOMAS HUDSON
Thomas Hudson was a glover by trade, living in the town of Ailesham in Norfolk. Although he had little schooling, he was a great student of the scriptures and preached on Sundays to any of his neighbors who were interested in hearing the Bible read and explained.
When Queen Mary began her reign, all unlicensed ministers who publicly preached to the people became marked men. Hudson would have been among the first to be arrested and thrown into prison if he had not fled from his home. He traveled to Suffolk and, by constantly changing his lodgings from one house to another, escaped arrest.
But after a time, Hudson’s desire to see his wife and family became too strong to be resisted. In spite of the danger, he went home. Soon he heard that his enemies knew of his return, so he left his house and built a crude shelter beneath a pile of nearby firewood, only coming out in the darkness. This worked until the town’s vicar threatened to burn Mrs. Hudson for hiding her husband. Hudson left his hiding place and openly walked into town, where he was arrested.
The bishop asked Hudson a great number of questions, all of which he answered honestly; and though he wasn’t an educated man, Hudson’s arguments were very strong. Finding he couldn’t do anything with the man, the bishop finally condemned him and sent him to prison.
On May 19, 1558, Thomas Hudson was taken out of prison and led to a place called the Lollards’ Pit, just outside the bishop’s gate at Norwich, along with two other condemned men. Just before the chain around him was made fast, Hudson stopped, slipped out from under the chain, and stood a little to one side. This caused many to wonder if he was about to recant or if he was coming forward for his parents’ blessing. But no one knew the real reason: Hudson had suddenly been afflicted with doubts and felt his faith growing weak. Therefore, not willing to die while feeling this way, he fell upon his knees and prayed to God, who sent him comfort. Then he rose with great joy as a reborn man and cried, “Now, thank God, I am strong and care not what man can do unto me.” So going to the stake again, he put the chain around himself, and they were all burned together.