John Rogers is burned at the stake, becoming the first English Protestant martyr under Mary I of England.

John Rogers (circa 1505 – 4 February 1555) stands as a pivotal figure in English Reformation history, remembered primarily as an influential clergyman, a dedicated Bible translator, and a poignant commentator on religious texts. His life and work were deeply intertwined with the tumultuous religious shifts of 16th-century England, particularly under the reigns of King Henry VIII and Queen Mary I.

Rogers played a critical, guiding role in the production of the Matthew Bible, a groundbreaking compilation of the Holy Scriptures rendered into vernacular English. This monumental work emerged during the reign of Henry VIII, a period marked by England's nascent break from the ecclesiastical authority of Rome and an increasing desire for accessible religious texts for the common populace. The Matthew Bible, published in 1537 under the pseudonym "Thomas Matthew," was largely a masterful compilation and revision of the previous translation efforts of William Tyndale, whose work had been foundational but incomplete, and Miles Coverdale. Rogers, who had served as Tyndale's literary executor, was uniquely positioned to bring these threads together, ensuring that a significant portion of Tyndale's final revisions saw the light of day. This Bible, remarkably, gained the royal license from King Henry VIII, making it the first English Bible to be authorized for general use in churches, paving the way for future standard English translations like the Great Bible and the King James Version.

However, Rogers' unwavering commitment to Protestant theology ultimately led to his tragic demise. He holds the somber distinction of being the first English Protestant executed as a heretic under the reign of Queen Mary I. Ascending to the throne in 1553, Mary Tudor, a devout Roman Catholic, was vehemently determined to reverse the Protestant reforms initiated by her father, Henry VIII, and her half-brother, Edward VI. Her reign saw a systematic and brutal suppression of Protestantism, leading to the infamous "Marian Persecutions." Rogers, having been a prebendary of St Paul's Cathedral and a vocal advocate for the reformed faith, was an obvious target. Arrested in 1554, he faced trial for heresy, steadfastly refusing to recant his beliefs, even when offered clemency. On 4 February 1555, John Rogers was burned at the stake at Smithfield in London, becoming the inaugural martyr of the approximately 300 Protestants who suffered similar fates during Mary's five-year reign. His courageous stand and public execution were not only a testament to his faith but also served, paradoxically, to galvanize Protestant sentiment, turning many against Mary's extreme policies and strengthening the resolve of the English Reformation.

Frequently Asked Questions about John Rogers

Who was John Rogers?
John Rogers was a significant English clergyman, Bible translator, and commentator during the 16th-century English Reformation. He is best known for his key role in compiling and editing the Matthew Bible and for being the first Protestant martyr executed under Queen Mary I.
What was the Matthew Bible and what was Rogers' role in it?
The Matthew Bible was a seminal English translation of the Bible published in 1537. Rogers, using the pseudonym "Thomas Matthew," was the principal compiler and editor. He largely brought together the previously translated works of William Tyndale and Miles Coverdale, ensuring a comprehensive and accessible English Bible that received royal authorization from Henry VIII.
Why was John Rogers executed?
John Rogers was executed as a heretic on 4 February 1555, during the reign of Queen Mary I. Mary, a devout Catholic, sought to restore Roman Catholicism in England and persecuted Protestants who refused to renounce their reformed faith. Rogers, a prominent Protestant, was targeted for his unwavering beliefs.
Where was John Rogers executed?
John Rogers was publicly executed by burning at the stake at Smithfield in London. This site became notorious for the execution of numerous Protestant martyrs during Queen Mary I's reign.
What is the significance of John Rogers' execution?
His execution was highly significant as he was the first Protestant martyr of the Marian Persecutions. It set a precedent for the brutal religious policy of Mary I and, rather than suppressing Protestantism, his steadfastness in the face of death inspired many and contributed to the strengthening of Protestant identity in England.