John Lambert (martyr) facts for kids
John Lambert was an English Protestant who lived a long time ago. He was known for his strong beliefs about Christianity. Sadly, he was put to death in 1538 because his ideas were different from what the official church taught at the time. He is remembered as a martyr, which means someone who dies for their beliefs.
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John Lambert's Life and Beliefs
John Lambert was born with the name John Nicholson in a city called Norwich, England. He went to Queens' College, Cambridge, a famous university. There, he became friends with Thomas Cromwell, who was an important person in the government. Lambert even became a "fellow" at the college, which is like being a senior member or teacher. This happened because Catherine of Aragon, the queen, supported him.
Later, John Lambert had disagreements about religious ideas. He changed his name and moved to Antwerp, a city in what is now Belgium. In Antwerp, he worked as a priest for English traders. He became friends with other important religious thinkers like John Frith and William Tyndale. He was also part of a group of scholars who met at the White Horse Tavern in Cambridge.
Standing Up for His Beliefs
When Lambert returned to England in 1531, he was watched closely by Archbishop William Warham. But Warham passed away in 1532. John Lambert then started teaching Greek and Latin to earn a living.
In 1536, he was accused of having beliefs that went against the church. This was called heresy at the time. He managed to avoid trouble until 1538. That year, he was put on trial for disagreeing with a church teaching called transubstantiation. This teaching says that during a special church service, the bread and wine truly become the body and blood of Christ. Lambert believed differently. Even Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, who later shared similar views, spoke against Lambert's ideas at the time.
John Lambert was eventually burned at the stake. It is said that Thomas Cromwell watched and was very upset. Lambert is remembered for his brave words as the flames rose: "None but Christ, none but Christ!"
John Lambert in Pop Culture
The actor Ben Price played John Lambert in the third season of the TV show The Tudors, which was shown on Showtime.
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