Martyrdom (see Persecution) by W. Martin

... But there were some two hundred and seventy martyrs - little known men ... Everyone knows Latimer's bold words to his brother Bishop Ridley: 'Play the man Master Ridley and we shall this day light a candle such as shall not be put out'. The candle was lighted doubtless. But it may be questioned if it was Latimer, Ridley, Cranmer and the greater martyrs who did most to light it. It is not easier for a bishop to be a martyr than for an ordinary poor man ... Ordinary men are more shocked by the suffering of the great, but more convinced by the heroism of their fellows ... There could be no doubt about Mary's Protestants, whose only guerdon was the martyr's death for conscience sake ...The determination which took simple folk to an agonising death by fire, rather than give up their faith, made the protestant cause.
W. Martin: Groundwork of British History page 276-7