William Tracy (JP) facts for kids

William Tracy (died 1530) was an English official and an early follower of Martin Luther's new religious ideas. After he died, his will and even his body became part of the big changes happening during the Protestant Reformation in England.

William Tracy's Life and Beliefs

William Tracy was a local judge during the time of King Henry VII and Henry VIII. He also served as a sheriff in 1513. He started to believe in the religious ideas of Martin Luther. Luther was a German priest who wanted to change some things about the Christian church.

Just before William Tracy died in October 1530, he wrote his will. In it, he said he believed in "justification by faith". This was a new idea that people could be saved by believing in God, not just by doing good deeds or giving money to the church. He also chose not to leave any money to the clergy (church leaders).

The Controversy Over His Will

When his will was presented to the church courts, people said it was against church teachings. This was because of his beliefs and his choice not to give money to the clergy. The case went all the way to a big meeting of church leaders.

On February 27, 1532, the church leaders decided that Tracy's will was indeed against their teachings. They said he was not worthy of a proper Christian burial. The Archbishop ordered that Tracy's body be dug up. An official named Dr. Thomas Parker went further than he was told. He had Tracy's remains burned.

What Happened Next

William Tracy's younger son, Richard Tracy, and his mother were in charge of carrying out the will. Richard asked Thomas Cromwell, a powerful person in the government, to look into what happened. Because of this, Dr. Thomas Parker had to pay a fine for burning the body.

The Will's Importance to Reformers

William Tracy's will became very important to people who wanted to change the church. Owning a copy of it was often seen as a sign that someone supported these new ideas.

In 1535, a book was published called The Testament of Master Wylliam Tracie. It included explanations by William Tyndale and John Frith, who were both important reformers. More versions of the will were printed later. Important figures like Hugh Latimer and John Bale used Tracy's story to speak out against the traditional church leaders.

William Tracy's Family

William Tracy was married to Margaret, who was the daughter of Sir Thomas Throckmorton. They had two sons, William and Richard.

• William, the older son, inherited the family lands. His great-grandson, Sir John Tracy, later became a Baron and Viscount in Ireland.
• A judge named Robert Tracy was a younger son of the second Viscount.
• The family title ended when the eighth Viscount died in 1797.

William Tracy also had a sister named Elizabeth. Her son, James Bainham, was executed in 1532 for his religious beliefs.