Thomas Hitton facts for kids
Thomas Hitton (died February 1530) is often seen as the first English Protestant martyr of the Reformation. This was a big change in how people practiced Christianity in Europe. Before Hitton, some followers of Wycliffe, called Lollards, had also been executed for their beliefs.
Hitton was a priest who joined William Tyndale and other English people living outside England. They were in the Low Countries (modern-day Netherlands and Belgium). In 1529, Hitton secretly returned to England. His goal was to connect with Tyndale's supporters. He also helped to share smuggled books, like the first English Psalter translated by George Joye.
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Hitton's Arrest and Trial
Hitton was caught near Gravesend while trying to reach a ship. He had letters from the English exiles with him. Because of this, he was arrested for heresy. Heresy meant having beliefs that went against the official teachings of the church.
He was questioned about his beliefs. Later, he was found guilty by Archbishop William Warham and Bishop John Fisher.
His Execution and Legacy
Thomas Hitton was executed by being burned at the stake in Maidstone on February 23, 1530.
After his death, George Joye honored Hitton in his new prayer book. Joye included "Sainte Thomas mar." (referring to Hitton) in the calendar. This showed that Joye saw Hitton as a saintly martyr.
William Tyndale also wrote about Hitton's execution. Tyndale said that Hitton bravely stood by his faith, even when facing death. He mentioned that the bishops of Canterbury and Rochester were involved in Hitton's death.
Thomas More's View
Thomas More, a powerful figure in England, did not agree with Hitton's beliefs. More called Hitton "the devil's stinking martyr." More was the Lord Chancellor, a very important government position. He took a personal interest in Hitton's case.
Thomas More criticized George Joye for honoring Hitton. More was upset that Hitton's name was put in a calendar of saints in a prayer book. He noted that Hitton was listed as "saint Thomas the martyr" on February 23.
Hitton's Beliefs
Thomas Hitton strongly believed that the Scriptures (the Bible) were the most important guide for faith. He also thought that while baptism was necessary and marriage was good, they did not always need to be done by a priest or inside a church. He even believed that baptism "would be much better if it were spoken in English." This was a bold idea at a time when church services were usually in Latin.
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