On this day in Tudor history, 18th December, two former archdeacons died: Protestant martyr John Philpott was burnt at the stake at Smithfield (1555), and historian and Catholic apologist Nicholas Harpsfield died in London (1575)...
- 1555 – Burning of John Philpott, former Archdeacon of Winchester and Protestant martyr, at Smithfield. He had been imprisoned in London's coalhouse prison after writing letters to fellow Protestants to encourage them to stay strong in their faith. He was moved to the tower of St Paul's Cathedral, where he was put into solitary confinement before being condemned for heresy by Bishop Bonner. See video below.
- 1575 - Nicholas Harpsfield, historian, Catholic apologist, priest and former Archdeacon of Canterbury, died in London. He had been released from Fleet prison four months earlier due to ill health. See video below.
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