Norwich bulletin., 1915-02-10
FAMOUS TRIALS
TRIAL OF ANNE AskEW.

The tragedy of Anne Asl1ew is one Of the most pathetic in the annals of English history. She was q. martyr to her religion and at a pericd when many others were compelled to suffer through q strict adherence to their faith
 Anne Asaew. who was the second daughter. Of Sir William Askew of an old Lincolnshire family, was reluct- antly compelled to give her hand ill marriage to Thomas kynle of Kelsey.
 Her presumption for daring to exer- else her own judgment in religious matters so inceusad her husband that he drove her with ignonliry from his house. To sue for a separation she went to London.
 In London he me with a favorable reception at court and was particular iy favored by the Queen, Catherine ParT, who approved in secret the doctrines of the Reformation. In March, 1545, she underwent an eNanai- nation for hersey. first at Sad1er's then before the Lord Mayor Of London, who committed her to the Counter The substance and particulars Of these examinations were written by herself and were published after her death. On the 23d Of March q relation suc- ceeded after several attempts in bail ing her. But she was soon a.pprehend- ed again and summoned before King Henry VITI.'s council at Greenwich. Here she replied to the inquiries with
 Llrrnness and without preVaTicarIorl.; She was remanded to Newgate, and
 not allowed to receive visits from any one, not even Dr. Latimer.
 Anne, herself, wrote to the King and Chancellor, explaining her opinions; but her letters served only to agera- to tho Tower and interrogated re- specting her patrons at court, but she heroically refused to loetTay them. Aune's ma gnanimity served but to incense her prosecutors, who endeaN- ored to exort & confession from her by tho rack, but she sustained the torture with fortitude and resig1a- tion. The Chancellor, Wriothcsley, commanded the lieutenant of the Tower to strain the instrument of his vengeance. Upon receiving a refusal, he threw off his SoF-n and exercised himself tho office of REecutioneT. When Anne was released from the
 rack every limb was disloc3ted and she fainted through pain After she recovered she remained sitting on tine ground for two hours calmly reason ing with her torInentors. She was carried back to her confinement and partfcn and life were offered to her if she would Fecant: but she refused and was condemned to the stake. X report having been circulated that Ill0 ldu -c1uSUs -AflllG "EOIG a letter to John LasceneS, her former tutor, and to the puiblic justifying her self on the charge. She also drew up a confession of her faith and an attes- tation Of her innocence. which she concluded by a prayer for fortitude and perseverance,. X gentleman who saw her the day previous to her exc cution observes that amidst all her pains and weaknesses, being unable to arise or stand without assistance, her expression of mingled enthusiasm and resignation showed 8 sweetness and serenity inexpTessibiy affecting. At the stake letters were brought to her from the Chancellor eXhortirg her to recant and promising her pardon. Avertins her eyes from the paper she replied that T came not hitller to deny my Lord and Master" The same prop ositfon was made to the four prisoners who were to suffer with her, but with out success. While ShaEton, an apos- tate from his principles, haranged the prisoners, she listened atteutiveIy nicely distinguishing even at that ter rible moment between what she thought true and what erroneous. Anne -Asf1eT suffered nlaItyrdorl on July 18th, 1556, in the 25th year of her age. She vas so weak that she had to be carried in Q. chair to the stake at which she was burned. She was tied to the stake with @ chain around her waist which supported her body. On g bench under St. Bartholomew s Church sat Lord Cl1ancelor Wriothes- ley, the Dukes of Norfolk and Bed ford, the Lord Mayor and others to witness the shameful tragedy