July 4 – A Tudor composer, and two men burnt at the stake

On this day in history, 4th July 1623, Elizabethan composer William Byrd died.

Find out about William Byrd, his association with Thomas Tallis, and his works, in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts:

Here is a YouTube video of performances of his works:

And on this day in 1533, in the reign of King Henry VIII, two reformers were burnt at the stake at Smithfield for heresy. Reformer and theologian John Frith was burnt for his belief that Purgatory didn't exist and his views on the sacrament, and tailor's apprentice Andrew Hewt was burnt for his belief regarding the sacrament.

In this video, I explain just what was 'wrong' with these men's beliefs and how these men were betrayed. I also share contemporary sources about these men's courageous ends.

Link for further reading about Frith and Hewet - https://www.exclassics.com/foxe/foxe179.htm