The Lollards of the Chiltern Hills; Glimpses of English Dissent in the Middle Ages (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVIII JOHN KNOX IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE In the spring of 1553 it became evident that the delicate, precocious boy-king was passing away. The Court removed to Greenwich, and the poor lonely little Edward was soon confined to the chamber of his last illness. On April 14th a remarkable incident took place at the Council table. John Knox, afterwards so famous in the history of the Scottish Reformation, was at this time in England, and had been appointed one of the King's chaplains. He had been offered first the see of Rochester, and then a living in London, but had declined, owing to conscientious scruples; and he was now summoned before the Council to state the grounds of his refusal. Having explained his objections to the polity of the English Church, he was courteously dismissed. As he had no objection to undertake itinerant work, he was asked shortly afterwards to go on a sort of preaching tour through Buckinghamshire. The following minute appears in the Council Register: --"At Grenewich, the 2nd of June, 1553. A letter to the Lord Russell, Lord Windesour, and the rest of the gentlemen within the Countie of Buckingham, in favour of Mr. Knockes, the preacher, according to the minutes." Two leading members of the Council at this time, the Earl of Bedford and Sir Thomas Cheyne, were intimately associated with South Bucks. Cheyne belonged to the old Lollard stock already more than once referred to. It is noticeable that Knox seems to have begun his labours near Bedford's seat of Chenies. He may very likely have been entertained at the old manor-house, still standing, which was built a few years before his visit, and perhaps at Lord Windsor's seat at Bradenham. The Lord Russell to whom he was commended was probably Lord Francis, afterwards...