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Protestants burned at the stake for refusing to deny their faith, Smithfield, London, 1556
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Protestants burned at the stake for refusing to deny their faith, Smithfield, London, 1556
A priest, 4 laymen and 2 women burned at the stake at Smithfield, London, 27 January 1556, for refusing to deny their Protestant belief. Reign of Mary I (Bloody Mary). Wood engraving 1848
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Media ID 14840140
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Bloody Mary Burning Capital Punishment Faith Heresy Mary I Mary Tudor Persecution Priest Protestantism Punishment Queen Mary I Queen Of England And Ireland Smithfield Stake Ann Ronan Pictures Roman Catholicism Wood Engraving
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful print captures a chilling moment in history - the burning of Protestants at the stake for their unwavering faith. The scene takes place in Smithfield, London, on January 27th, 1556, during the reign of Queen Mary I, famously known as "Bloody Mary". In this wood engraving from 1848, we witness a priest alongside four laymen and two women bravely facing their punishment for refusing to renounce their Protestant beliefs. The image evokes strong emotions and raises important questions about concepts such as faith, death, punishment, and religion. It serves as a stark reminder of the persecution faced by those who dared to challenge religious norms during this tumultuous period in English history. The composition highlights both male and female figures engulfed by flames while tied to stakes. Their stoic expressions reflect unwavering conviction even in the face of imminent death. This depiction underscores not only religious fervor but also gender equality within these acts of resistance. Smithfield's significance as a location adds historical depth to this portrayal. As one of London's most prominent public execution sites throughout centuries past, it witnessed countless acts of capital punishment driven by religious conflicts. Queen Mary I's role is crucial here; her staunch adherence to Roman Catholicism led her to enforce strict measures against Protestants during her reign. This wood engraving stands as an enduring testament to the turbulent times that shaped England's religious landscape in the sixteenth century.
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