Anne Askew, a pioneering English Protestant, was martyred for her faith in 1546 under King Henry VIII. Known for her theological writings and strong beliefs, she resisted pressure to name co-conspirators during her imprisonment. Her refusal to recant made her a symbol of Protestant defiance, later immortalized in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.
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Today on Celebrate the Bible, I’ll be sharing pieces from the collection which document the martyrdom of mistress Anne Askew.
I’m Francis Douglas.
Anne was a pioneering English Protestant mother, poet, preacher, and writer. She was martyred for her faith in 1546, during the reign of King Henry VIII.
Anne composed detailed records of her interrogations called The Examinations. These records were secretly removed and published soon after her passing. The writings highlight her intelligence, and her skill, in using Scripture to perplex her interrogators. Serving as an example of her steadfast Faith.
Her works were eventually included in Actes and Monuments — widely referred to as Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, and first printed in London by John Day in 1563. This helped make her a lasting icon of Protestant defiance.
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Let’s begin:
It’s July 1546, and we’re at London’s Smithfield Market. Instead of the usual livestock, a crowd is forming — this time drawn by an unusual scene, combined with a somber atmosphere.
A 25-year-old woman can be seen in the middle of the square. This is Anne Askew — the final Protestant martyr of King Henry VIII.
Anne was born in 1521 to an affluent family in Lincolnshire, England. She received an education one might expect under such circumstances, and demonstrated a high level of literacy and assertiveness.
She entered a marriage against her wishes, and was eventually separated from her husband, who continued to hold to the Catholic faith.
She was woman who read the Bible with much dedication, and became well known for her strong opposition to the idea of transubstantiation: this is the belief that bread and wine literally turn into the body and blood of Christ.
She relocated to London with her two children and began preaching. Recognized as the “Fair Gospeler,” she was known for her knowledge of the English Bible, and her willingness to teach it publicly.
This assertiveness drew the scrutiny of the king’s officials. In 1546, she was arrested on charges of heresy: a belief that strongly goes against the accepted religious thoughts of the day.
The king’s officials sought to determine which prominent women at court, possibly including the Queen herself, Katherine Parr, shared her prohibited Protestant belief.
Not willing to cooperate, Anne was thrown into the Tower of London. The officials overseeing this act of imprisonment commanded her to name names.
Anne gave them nothing.
She later wrote, in a shaky hand from prison: “Then they put me on the rack because I confessed no ladies or gentlewomen to be of my opinion. I sat two long hours reasoning with my lord chancellor upon the bare floor.”
Anne remained steadfast in her convictions and declined to retract her statements. On July 16, 1546, she was transported to Smithfield. Due to her inability to walk, Anne was brought in a chair.
Even at the final moment, she was offered a royal pardon if she would just say she was wrong. She refused to even look at the paper. It is said she remained calm throughout … an act later described as “a singular example of Christian constancy”.
It is believed that her ashes were scattered at the site.
Following the conclusion of King Henry VIII’s reign, his daughter Mary ascended to the throne.
But that is a story for another time.
So, until we meet again, and for celebratethebible250.com, this is Francis Douglas.
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For America 250 my presentation is: The History of the Christian Holy Bible in America.
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America 250 Semiquincentennial Bible Celebration 