Socialism and the Pope

Fuller, the quaint historian of these times, described Legate in these terms of justice and bigotry combined:-

"Person comely, complexion black, age about forty years; of a bold spirit, confident carriage, fluent tongue, excellently skilled in the Scriptures. His conversation, for aught I can learn to the contrary, unblameable; and the poison of a heretical doctrine is never more dangerous than when served up in clean cups and washed dishes."

Legate declared that Jesus was not God, but only the anointed of God. For this preaching he was cast into Newgate prison, but subsequently released. He preached against the Trinity more boldly than ever, and was summoned again to appear before the Ecclesiastical Court. The Bishop of London presided. He was aided by several bishops and priests. Legate was convicted of heresy for the second time and handed over to secular judges. On March 3, 1612, he was pronounced to be a contumacious and obstinate heretic. Fifteen days later, he was taken from prison to Smithfield and fastened to the stake, in the midst of a great number of spectators, and burnt to death. A pardon was offered him, when he was at the stake, if he would recant, but he refused it.

Describing Legate's death, Fuller says:-

"Never did a scare fire at midnight summon more hands to quench it, than this at noonday did eyes to behold it. At last, refusing all mercy, he was burnt to ashes.

Bartholomew Legate was the last person to die at Smithfield as a martyr for religious truth. The great judge, Lord Coke, declared that Legate had not been tried by the proper court, and warned the King that the execution was illegal.