Cambridge martyr remembered
Sunday 1 April was the beautifully sunny although breezy day on which fifty people gathered on Jesus Green, Cambridge, to honour the memory of the only Cambridge martyr actually put to death in the city.
John Hullier was burned for his faith in Christ alone, on 2 April 1556, on Jesus Green.
Educated at Eton and King’s College, Cambridge, Hullier became curate of Babraham just outside Cambridge, before ministering at King’s Lynn, where controversy over his doctrine led to him being brought before the Bishop of Ely; and subsequent martyrdom.
This year’s commemorative meeting was arranged by Cambridge Presbyterian Church, in particular by Mr Heber Martin. It was led by Rev. Ian Hamilton, minister of Cambridge Presbyterian Church.
Referring to Hebrews 11, Mr Hamilton urged those present to be people of like faith. He had earlier taken part in a BBC Radio Cambridgeshire broadcast in which he explained why Hullier was being remembered.
By arrangement with Cambridge City Council, a copper beech tree had been planted and a plaque fixed to a nearby bench. Several present at the meeting were thought to be descendants of John Hullier; and one of these, Peter Hullier, unveiled the plaque.
The cost of the tree and plaque was covered by donations, with a small surplus being given to the Protestant Truth Society.
Peter Kinley
