Archive for category Martyr George Marsh
My quest to find the lost Bible of George Marsh
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Martyr George Marsh, Theology, William Tyndale on May 3, 2024
In my previous article concerning my quest to uncover the home and Bible of George Marsh I mention his Bible in passing. I mention how I have examined a Marsh family Bible in Bolton Library and how an old newspaper article suggests his Bible was seen in Bolton in the 1850’s.
My research revealed the Marsh family Bible in Bolton cannot be the Bible that once belonged to George Marsh (1515-1555) since it outdates him by 11 years. A Bible that belonged to him would need to have been printed prior to his imprisonment in 1554 and his execution in 1555. In my opinion he would have likely used the Tyndale New Testament for his own personal reading and (as a matter of fact) a reformed Church of England cleric would have used the Great Bible for ministry at that time.
I have examined the Scripture quotes in the pastoral letters of George Marsh and in the book of Martyrs and they appear to be influenced by both Tyndale and Great Bible translations. This is an immensely important observation.
I believe any Tyndale New Testament that once belonged to George Marsh would have been burned with him in Boughton, Chester in 1555. In those days condemned reformers who used the Tyndale New Testament were paraded around a city with Tyndale’s New Testament hung about their necks. In the Book of Martyrs the last reference to George Marsh having his Bible was when he held it up before being burned. Foxe writes how Marsh was offered a pardon and he refused it on the condition that it would “pluck him from God”.
This New Testament I believe was burned with him.
However, the Bible I believe he used in his public ministry was not taken with him so it may have been left at the last place he ministered before his arrest. This would imply his Bible remained in and around the areas of Bolton and Bury in Lancashire.
The question is, has this Bible been found? Or is there something more?
As I have previously stated, my quest to uncover his Bible began after I made my documentary about him. I believe it is possible that the Bible people believed (in the 19th century) to have been his may have been identified? However I also believe it is possible the Marsh family Bible in Bolton library may also be the Bible people thought was his?
I am also aware that reformers and puritans once gathered in the area of Rivington Pike to read George Marsh’s letters. This could also be an important factor in the quest. But where all this will lead, only time will tell.
Either way, a Bible that once belonged to this great man, would be of enormous spiritual significance in our time.
My quest to uncover the home and Bible of Martyr George Marsh
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Documentaries, Martyr George Marsh on April 24, 2024
“the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.” (Psalm 112: 6. KJV)
In the 16th century a farmer from Deane (Bolton) by the name of George Marsh became a curate in the Church of England and was accused of heresy and condemned at the consistory court in Chester Cathedral. Marsh was burned at the stake in Chester on April 24, 1555.
Today marks the 469th anniversary of his death.
My documentary about George Marsh has been seen by many people and has helped raise awareness of his story, even Chester town Crier gave it the thumbs up.
It was a film that took me a while to make. After learning about Marsh at Smithills Hall I had been fascinated to discover how his story was in the Book of Martyrs. Yet when I looked for the narrative in printed copies, I found that many modern versions had edited him out. This inspired me to want to know more about him. So I looked to see if any documentaries had been made and there hadn’t.
In John Rylands Library and Chetham’s Library I read through original 16th century prints of the Book of Martyrs and sure enough, his story was there. After repeatedly reading it and anything I could find about him, it was as though the story came alive to me and I couldn’t shake it off.
Before long I knew a film needed to be made about George Marsh. At that time I wasn’t a documentary maker although I had had some ambitions to become one. After a number of failed attempts to get a Marsh documentary made I decided to film it myself.
After all documentaries and films won’t make themselves.
I continued researching and in June 2012 I was ready to began filming at Chetham’s Library.
I had no budget or agenda so this allowed for freedom. I repeatedly visited Deane Church, and Smithills Hall and the story utterly consumed me.
Despite many obstacles I completed the documentary in 2013. However the journey was not over. While filming I had learned about a possible location for where Marsh lived. Later I learned about a Marsh family Bible in Bolton Library rumoured to be his. So I viewed both the farm and the Bible at different times. Sadly my research revealed the Marsh family Bible could not have actually belonged to George Marsh since it dates to 1566. However after reading an old newspaper article I was set yet again on another journey, this time to find his Bible. I knew it was rumoured to have been seen in Deane in the 1850’s.
Suddenly I found myself on two separate journeys, the quest to find George Marsh’s Bible and the quest to find George Marsh’s farm.
As my research progressed another Bible turned up and a number of proposed locations for the Marsh farm. However I was unable to reach any conclusive proofs for either. So the location of George Marsh’s farm became an unsolved mystery. The Bible ongoing.
Last night however I felt compelled to revisit the area and it brought back a lot of memories. So I came up with the idea to write an appeal to see if anyone has any further insight into the location of the George Marsh farm?
Over the years I have been regularly contacted by Marsh descendants, many of whom find references to George Marsh in ancestral documents. So I appeal to anyone with insight to help locate the Marsh farm.
The area at Broadgate farm is the strongest suggestion in my opinion and where my instinct has led me. The site is situated up and beyond Deane church, overlooking a lake.
I may never know for sure since I haven’t yet found any absolute proof that George Marsh lived at Broadgate Farm but information may yet be out there. If anyone does have any insight, either through ancestral research or further source information please feel free to get in touch.
It is likely that George Marsh’s farm was either a medieval timber structure or a 16th century building.
The Sentencing of George Marsh
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Church of England, Martyr George Marsh on September 12, 2023
In 2015 Chester Cathedral put on a series of “scheduled short re-enactments” of the trial of George Marsh. These took place in the Consistory Court between 10th – 12th September.
The play was called “The Sentencing of George Marsh” and was performed exactly eight years ago.
At the Cathedral that day one of the ministers prayed a long prayer and remembered Marsh and all those who have suffered for the sake of the gospel, and for all those who are still suffering for the sake of the gospel. The minister read out the Lords Prayer and the re-enactment began. The beat of the drum sounded and the actors walked up the central aisle. As the telling of the story began the narrator explained how George Marsh was born in Deane and how he was accused of heresy. It was the Bishop of this very Cathedral (George Cotes) who had Marsh executed.
The Sentencing of George Marsh did not re-enact the burning and Marsh kept his Book in his hand throughout the trial.
It was a fitting re-enactment in memory of Marsh and I viewed it as a real breakthrough. To my knowledge no such acknowledgement had ever been done before. For me, to hear the prayer and watch the re-enactment was very significant and showed me how the Church of England can recant its failings in future years. It was a hopeful moment.
On this day 12th March 1554
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Christianity, Documentaries, Martyr George Marsh on March 12, 2023
On this day in 1554, a warrant was issued for the arrest of a farmer and preacher by the name of George Marsh. At that time Marsh was a Curate in the Church of England and had been to Cambridge and had run a school and ministered in both London and Lincoln. Upon learning the Church of England had swayed over to popular culture and had committed the apostate act of bowing the knee to Roman Catholicism, Marsh left his ministry and returned to his home town to preach in Bolton, Deane, Bury, and Eccles. A warrant was issued by the Earl of Derby for preaching without a licence, and after hearing about this Marsh wondered around the area of Deane Church, and the following morning he received a letter from a friend who advised that he should in no wise flee, but abide and “boldly confess the faith of Jesus Christ.”
In those days, the authorities gave the reformers the option of either leaving the country and going to Germany or Geneva. At that time the reformation was in full bloom in those countries. After reading the letter Marsh chose to stay and handed himself in to the local sheriff, master Barton.
It was a very costly decision. Marsh stood a small trial at Smithills Hall, and was sent to Latham, Lancaster, and eventually to Chester where he was burned at the stake on April 24, 1555.
May we never forget.
Relics of Deane Church and Peel Chapel found!
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Church of England, Martyr George Marsh on May 20, 2021
Recently I had the honour of finding two historic relics connected to the ancient Parish Church of Deane. These wooden artefacts are mysterious and contain distinct wood carvings and contain the dates 1632 and 1760.
But what could they be? Well, as the picture shows they appear to be designed as frames to display items. This implies the intention behind these designs may well have been to hold objects of historic or cultural significance. Another possibility is that they were designed to hold family portraits and wood from two buildings that have survived the passage of time.
When these relics were brought to my attention, I recognised the reference to Deane Church. I immediately contacted Lee Higson (CVM, Lay minister C of E) and local Church historian Eric Morgan. Upon viewing the second relic I recognised a link. The reference to Peel Chapel implied these relics were artefacts preserved from internal structures and a building that has long disappeared. Peel Chapel was built in 1760 and demolished in 1874, and was a daughter Church of Deane.
The artefacts read:
“Relic of Deane Church 1632“
“Relic of Peel Chapel 1760“
The word relic is an interesting one and can have multiple meanings. The most common usage refers to venerated items of a saint. The church of Rome for example has many examples of relics allegedly connected to passages of Scripture or the lives of saints. In that context they are generally regarded as First, Second or Third Class Relics. Another usage is Contact Relics. However, I do not believe these items have anything to do with these classes or distinctions.
I believe these artefacts are what is known as Cultural Relics. This means the items are part of something that has long disappeared. They are basically keep sakes, recycled from historic structures of Deane Church and Peel Chapel.
These finds are thrilling and a special moment for any historian or history fanatic. For me, finding these relics was an extra special delight since Deane Church is the ancient place of worship once attended by George Marsh (1515-1555). As a Curate, Marsh ministered in this very Church, and is also the subject of a historical biographical documentary I released in 2014. Although there is no evidence the relics relate to Marsh, a 17th century Puritan link is possible.
Bolton and Deane was known historically as the Geneva of Lancashire and the tradition that 17th century Puritans would often get together and read the letters of George Marsh is widely established. These meetings are said to have taken place around the Noon Hill, Rivington Moor area. It should be noted that 1632 (the date on the relic) was the date when Charles 1 issued a charter for the colony of Maryland and 1620-1640 is the official timeframe for the Puritan Migration to New England. Maybe the first of the two relics are connected to structures or pews once used by Puritans in Deane Church?
These relics have now been returned back to the C of E. But what these relics are is a matter for research and discussion. How they will contribute to the history of Deane Church and Peel Chapel remains to be seen.
What can be certain is that finds like these can inspire hope that there is a future within the Church of England.
WILLIAM SALESBURY The Man from Llansannan, now on YouTube
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Documentaries, Martyr George Marsh, The Welsh Bible on April 17, 2020
Hello all, I trust you are well. Here is some good news: my long awaited documentary on 16th century Welsh Bible translator William Salesbury is now available from free viewing on YouTube.
To introduce the narrative, William Salesbury was a Welsh man who lived in the 16th century and sought for many years to publish a New Testament in his own language. At that time the Welsh language was being ignored, but Salesbury cared greatly for his own people and wanted to preserve the Welsh language and give the Welsh speaking people a Bible that they could call their own. In order to see his quest fulfilled, he himself underwent much travelling and suffering.
William Salesbury is a hero of Wales and a historically mysterious character and today many have never even heard of him. Yet his legacy has continued on for over 400 years. With this in mind, it should be no surprise to learn that the documentary has taken me many years to complete and I have chosen release it this year, because 2020 is the 500th anniversary of his birth.
Today, (April 17) is also the day Luther went before the diet of Worms. History is not unfamiliar with suffering. So let us remember, even though suffering continues and the world appears to be uprooted and in a mess, let us know that Christ is King and Sovereign. The Bible says that Jesus Christ upholds “all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1: 3)
So focus your attention on the Word of your souls health and take some time out from ‘COVID-19’ and uplift your souls and read, read, read the New Testament.
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forevermore.
Simon
George Marsh 500th anniversary sermon now on YouTube
Posted by simon peter sutherland in 500th Anniversaries, Martyr George Marsh on July 27, 2015
George Marsh, Martyr 500th anniversary 2015
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Martyr George Marsh on March 6, 2015
Marsh 500th anniversary sermon flyer
This year 2015 is the anniversary of the births of Scottish reformer John Knox, 17th century Puritan Richard Baxter and of the Protestant Reformed martyr, George Marsh.
Marsh was born in Deane, Bolton in 1515. He was a farmer by trade and married at the age of 25 and upon the death of his wife around 1548-49, he attended Cambridge during the English reformation and became Curate to Lawrence Saunders. He was hunted down during the reign of Mary Tudor and he handed himself in at Smithills hall, Bolton. He stood trial at Lathom House, and was imprisoned at Lancaster Castle and taken to Chester where he would stand trial at the Cathedral and where he was condemned a heretic and burned alive at the stake in Spittle Boughton on April 24th 1555.
As part of this, I think it is vital to the Christian Church that we always remember our own history and that we keep alive the memory of those who suffered for the testimony to the Word of God.
During the reign of Mary Tudor (1553-1558), at least 300 Protestant Christians were executed for their refusal to submit to the doctrines and demands of the Roman Catholic Church. They held the Bible in their hands and could not deny what is written in favour of the doctrines of men.
Today there are many political spin doctors within large Churches who seek to remember the reformation but move on from it. But the truth be told, we can’t. We see the likes of Rick Warren trying to persuade people to unite with Rome and look to what unites us rather than what divides us. But when its all said and done, the divide is made: The Roman Catholic Church has made the division and their views of Protestants are far more extreme than any fundamentalist Protestant could ever be.
In 1995 Pope John 11 apologised for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in burnings at the stake, yet in reality it was not his place to apologise in the 20th century for something that happened in the 16th century. Each man is responsible for his own actions, not for the deeds of others.
My aim is not to create more division between Protestants and Catholics, because as far as I am concerned, the divide is made. Anyone who believes what is written in the Bible cannot have unified fellowship with any Churches who forthright deny the Truth. We can talk together, debate together, reason together, and learn to live without harming anyone, but we cannot unite as one in Faith. On that we must stand strong.
The reformers of the 16th century knew this and they would not conform to false teaching no matter what the cost. George Marsh was one of them and he lost everything for the cause of the Gospel, even his own life.
My appeal to all Churches throughout the world who hold to the Reformed tradition, would you please consider remembering the life of the martyr and indeed all the martyrs at this vital time in our history. It is important to stress that this 500th anniversary will never occur again, so it is the responsibility of the Christian Church to remember our brethren in Christ.
Deane Church, Bolton. Marsh’s local Church.
© 2015 Simon Peter Sutherland
If you have access to a pulpit and your a Deacon, or Dean, Curate, Priest, Elder or Pastor and are willing to tell this story at your local Church, you can find the story of George Marsh in the Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. If you do not have a copy, you can find it online or you can find sources at Deane Church’s website or if you wish, you can watch a documentary I produced on Marsh which is available free on YouTube
I will also be giving a sermon on the life of George Marsh on Sunday 19th April 2015 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Manchester. All welcome.
George Marsh, Martyr 500th anniversary appeal 2015
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Martyr George Marsh on March 4, 2015
“Martyr George Marsh” Revelation TV premier
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Documentaries, Martyr George Marsh on June 5, 2014
Special thanks to Tim Vince and the folks at Revelation TV and the Lancashire County Council Corporate Communications Team (Lancaster Castle) the first ever documentary on “Martyr George Marsh” will be given a Network premier this month. George Marsh’s story is recorded for us in the “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs” and the documentary is scheduled for a midnight showing on the evening of Monday 9th, that is technically Tuesday 10th June, and again at 12: 30 am on Saturday 14th June 2014.
- Details are as follows;
- Tuesday 10th June 2014 at 12 am.
- Saturday 14th June at 12: 30 pm.
Thanks everybody. Praise the Lord!
-
You are currently browsing the archives for the Martyr George Marsh category.
Simon Peter Sutherland
-
Simon Peter Sutherland 