Hugh Latimer, born about 1490, one of the chief promoters of the reformation in England, was educated at Cambridge, receiving the degree of Master of Arts. At the beginning of the Reformation, he was a zealous papist; but after conversing with the martyr Bilney, he renounced the Catholic faith, and labored earnestly in preaching the gospel.  Henry VIII, being pleased with his discourses, made him bishop of Worchester; but being opposed to some of the king’s measures, Latimer finally resigned.  After the death of his patron, Cromwell, the latter’s enemies sought him out, and he was sent to the Tower.  He was released by Edward VI, but refused to be restored to his diocese, and remained with Cranmer, assisting in the Reformation.  When Mary came to the throne, he was again sent to the Tower, thence with Cranmer Ridley to dispute with popish bishops at Oxford.  Here he argued unusual clearness and simplicity, but was condemned and burned at the same stake with Ridley, 1555.