Burning Time: The Story of the Smithfield Martyrs

Smithfield, settled on the fringes of Roman London, was once a place of revelry and the public execution of heretics during Tudor England. The Burning Time is a vivid insight into an era in which what was orthodoxy one year might be dangerous heresy the next, with Richard Rich and John Deane as the central characters. It is a gripping insight into a time when people were willing to die and kill in the name of religion.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 480 pages
\n Publication date: 22 February 2018
\n Publisher: Pan Macmillan
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Smithfield, a settlement situated on the outskirts of Roman London, once thrived as a hub of revelry. Jesters and crowds flocked to the medieval St Bartholomew's Day celebrations, tournaments were abundant, and it became the renowned location of London's most famous meat market. However, in Tudor England, Smithfield had a darker side: it served as the site of public executions of heretics.

Spanning the reigns of British history's most remarkable dynasty, "The Burning Time" offers a vivid glimpse into an era where orthodoxy could shift dramatically from one year to the next. The initial martyrs were Catholics, who defied Henry VIII's break with the papacy and remained loyal to Rome. However, with the accession of Henry's daughter Mary, who would later be known as Bloody Mary, the charge of heresy was directed towards devout Protestants who chose to burn rather than recant their beliefs.

At the heart of Virginia Rounding's captivating account of this extraordinary period are two distinct characters. The first is Richard Rich, Thomas Cromwell's protégé, who held a unique position of power, influence, and wealth under three Tudor monarchs. Rich played a significant role in sending countless devout men and women to their deaths, further solidifying his reputation as a ruthless enforcer of religious conformity.

The second character is John Deane, Rector of St Bartholomew's, who navigated the treacherous waters of changing dogma with remarkable resilience. Deane was able to assist others in surviving the tumultuous times, providing a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. "The Burning Time" is their story, but it is also the story of the hundreds of men and women who were put to the fire for their faith. It provides a gripping insight into a time when people were willing to die and kill in the name of religion.

The Burning Time serves as a reminder of the complex and often turbulent relationship between religion, power, and society. It highlights the dangers of religious extremism and the importance of tolerance and understanding in a diverse and multicultural world. Through its vivid portrayal of this historical period, "The Burning Time" invites readers to reflect on the enduring impact of religious persecution and the ongoing struggle for religious freedom.

\n Weight: 366g\n
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 31 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781447241089\n
Edition number: Unabridged ed\n