Topic: 6. Sacrifices of self: Martyrology after Reformation (16th-18th Century)
During the volatile period between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, the concept of martyrdom underwent significant reinterpretations across different Christian denominations. This section explores how Catholics, Protestants, and Anabaptists each uniquely perceived and portrayed martyrdom. Protestants, countering the Catholic notion of sainthood, crafted new martyrologies to establish a lineage of sacrifice rooted in what they deemed as true faith. Similarly, the Anabaptists viewed the state of persecution, as chronicled in their martyrologies, as a testament to being part of the true church. This collection includes a wide array of early modern Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist, and Anabaptist printed sources and images. It is further enriched by a comprehensive bibliography spanning from the 19th to the 21st Century, offering modern perspectives on these historical interpretations
The Martyrdome of Thomas Benbridge, Anno 1558 July 19. (1583)
from: Foxe, J. Book of Martyrs, 1684
Atla Digital Library
The Order and Manner of Taking up ye Body of John Wycliffe, and Burning his Bones 41. Years After his Death. (1563)
from: Foxe, J. Book of Martyrs, 1684
Atla Digital Library
The Order and Manner of the Burning of the Constant Martyr of Christ, John Lambert. (1563)
from: Foxe, J. Book of Martyrs, 1684
Atla Digital Library
The patient Martyrdome of a Poore Woman at Exeter, Being one Prests Wife. (1570)
from: Foxe, J. Book of Martyrs, 1684
Atla Digital Library
The Talke Betwene Maister Bradford, and Two Spanish Friers (16th Century)
National Portrait Gallery, London
Thomas Münzer. Stolbergensis pastor Alsted. Archifanaticus patronus et capitaneu seditiosorum rusticorum decollatus. (1702)
from: Corvinus, J. F. Anabaptisticum et enthusiasticum Pantheon, 1702, p. 12
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Munich
Three Carthusian Martyrs (19th Century)
St Hugh's Charterhouse, Parkminster, England
Three Godly Martyrs Burned in Smithfield, Anno 1558 March 28 (1570)
from: Foxe, J. Book of Martyrs, 1684
Atla Digital Library
Three Panel Frontespiece: Anabaptist Murdering a Woman; Monstrous Representation of Anabaptism; Execution of Anabaptist Leaders in Münster (1702)
from: Corvinus, J. F. Anabaptisticum et enthusiasticum Pantheon, 1702, frontespiece
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, Munich
A declaration of great troubles pretended against the realme by a number of seminarie priests and Iesuits; sent, and very secretly dispersed in the same, to worke great treasons under a false pretence of religion with a provision very necessarie for remedie thereof. Published by this Her Maiesties proclamation
London: n. p., 1591.
Cromwell's Conspiracy. A Tragy-Comedy, Relating to Our Latter Times. Beginning at the Death of King Charles the First, and Ending With the Happy Restauration of King Charles the Second
London: n.p., 1660.