Examinations and Letters of the Rev. John Philpot

My heart is steadfast, O GodAfter the deaths of Henry VIII and his son Edward VI, Henry's daughter Mary Tudor ascended the English throne (reigned 1553-58). Upon her coronation, England was again thrown into turmoil, with Catholicism reinstated after Henry's Protestant turn. One of those who took a prominent stand against the reinstitution of Catholicism was John Philpot. Philpot took part in public debates with Catholic spokesmen until he was arrested for his attacks on the doctrine of transubstantiation. He spent eighteen months in Newgate prison. During that time he was 'examined' fourteen times and finally convicted as a heretic. He was taken to Smithfield in London on December 18, 1555, and after reciting Psalms 106, 107, and 108, he was burned at the stake.