Nicholas Ridley, a learned English bishop and martyr, educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge, was born about 1500.  His great abilities and piety recommended his to the notice of Archbishop Crammer, through whom he was made chaplain to the king.  In the reign of Edward VI, he was nominated to the see of Rochester; and finally to the bishopric of London.  By his influence with the young king, the priories and revenues devoted to the maintenance of corrupt friars and monks were used for charitable purposes.  On the decease of Edward, he embraced the cause of Lady Jane Grey, and in a sermon warned the people of the evil that would befall Protestantism if Mary should come to the throne.  For this, and for his zeal in aiding the Reformation, he was seized by Queen Mary, sent to Oxford to dispute with some of the popish bishops, and on his refusing to recant, was burned with Latimer, 1555.