29th February in Reformation History

This is the location where Scotland’s first martyr for reformation was burnt at the stake on this day, 29th February 1528. His name was Patrick Hamilton.

This is an account of what happened to him on this spot.

Having been found guilty of heresy he was taken from the Cathedral of St Andrews to the stake outside St Salvatore’s where he continued to pray. He had in his hand a copy of the four gospels which he gave to one of his friends; his cap and gown and other upper garments he gave to his servant saying:

“This will not profit in the fire; they will profit thee. After this, of me thou canst receive no commodity, except the example of my death, which I pray thee bear in mind. For albeit it be bitter to the flesh and fearful before man, yet is it the entrance to eternal life, which none shall possess that denies Christ Jesus before this wicked generation.”

He was then offered his life if he would recant, to which he replied:

“As to my confession, I will not deny it for awe of your fire, for my confession and belief is in Christ Jesus. Therefore I will not deny it; and I will rather be content that my body burn in this fire for confession of my faith in Christ than my soul should burn in the fire of hell for denying the same. But as to the sentence pronounced against me this day by the bishops and doctors, I here, in the presence of you all, appeal contrary the said sentence and judgment given against me, and take me to the mercy of God.”

Being chained to the stake, the wood and some powder was set alight, which caused a small explosion burning his left hand and side of his face before going out. Time and time again the wood was set on fire only to go back out again, causing the suffering Patrick to shout “Have you no dry wood? Have you no more gunpowder?”

Whilst waiting for dry wood he was once again offered his life if he would only recant and cry out to the Virgin Mary, to which he replied:

“You are late with your advice, when you see me on the point of being consumed in the flames. If I had chosen to recant, I need not have been here. But I pray you come forward and testify the truth of your religion by putting your little finger into this fire in which I am burning with my whole body.”

Friar Campbell continued to harass him, Patrick replied saying:

“Wicked man! Thou knowest it is the truth of God for which I now suffer. So much thou didst confess to me in private, and thereupon I appeal thee to answer before the judgment-seat of Christ.”

Eventually the flames took hold proper and in a final act he raised his hand, his last words being.

“How long Lord shall darkness overwhelm this kingdom? How long wilt Thou suffer this tyranny of men? Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”

His execution took a total of six hours. He was 24 years of age.

Sad as his death was, it was remarked that “the reek (smoke) of Mr Patrick Hamilton has infected all it blew on”.

Reformation in Scotland had begun.