In the reign of Edward VI, an Exeter clergyman named William Herne, an enthusiast for the gospel, told one of the city's aldermen that he would rather be torn apart by wild horses than ever again say the Catholic Mass. In December 1553, Queen Mary newly enthroned, the alderman entered his parish church to find Herne at the altar, in his old vestments and all ready to go. Speechless, the alderman simply pointed to the spectacle before him; 'but parson herne openlye in churche spak alowde onto hym. It is no remedye man, it is no remedye.'

LRB 24 September 2009 | PDF Download