History Of Bishop Bonner
HISTORY OF BISHOP BONNER
Edmund Bonner, bishop of London, who took so prominent a part in the persecution of the Protestants during Queen Mary’s reign, was born at Hanley in Worcestershire about the year 1500. He was educated at Oxford and, having been admitted to the priesthood, entered the household of Cardinal Wolsey.
All through Henry’s reign, Bonner appeared to be very earnest in his opposition to the pope and strongly in favor of the Reformation. Upon Henry’s death, however, he refused to take the Oath of Supremacy for Edward and was sent to prison until he agreed to be obedient to the new king, was released, and later imprisoned once again until Queen Mary took the throne.
Mary saw just what she needed in Bonner, who threw himself into the work of persecuting the Protestants with all his energy. It’s said that two hundred of the martyrs of this time were personally tried and sentenced by him. Bonner was a harsh, persistent man, with no pity or compassion for the people brought before him. Nothing short of complete surrender would satisfy Bonner. So far did his rage against heresy carry him that he is said to have called for rods and beaten stubborn witnesses himself on several occasions.
When Elizabeth came to the throne, she singled Bonner out to mark with her disapproval, sending him to prison in her second year for refusing to accept her as the head of the Church of England. He remained there for ten years, dying in misery and wretchedness at the age of seventy. Although no one had seen Bonner for over ten years, his memory was so fresh and he was so hated by the people that he was buried at midnight to avoid a riot.