John Fisher Biography

Birth of John Fisher

Studies at the University of Cambridge from 1484, where at Michaelhouse, Cambridge, he comes under the influence of William Melton, a pastorally-minded theologian open to the new current of reform in studies arising from the Renaissance

Appointed Vicar of Northallerton

Appointed Chaplain and confessor to Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and Derby, mother of King Henry VII

Under Fishers guidance, Lady Margaret founds St. Johns and Christs Colleges, and also the two "Lady Margaret" professorships of divinity at Oxford and Cambridge. Elected Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University

Under Fishers guidance, Lady Margaret founds St. Johns and Christs Colleges, and also the two "Lady Margaret" professorships of divinity at Oxford and Cambridge

Elected Chancellor of Cambridge University, and re-elected annually for ten years and then appointed for life

Tutor to Prince Henry, afterwards Henry VIII

Rochester is the poorest diocese in England and is seen as a first step on an ecclesiastical career, but Fisher stayed there, presumably by his own choice, for the remaining 31 years of his life. By Papal Bull Fisher is appointed Bishop of Rochester at the personal insistence of Henry VII

By Papal Bull Fisher is appointed Bishop of Rochester at the personal insistence of Henry VII

Appointed President of Queens College

King Henry VII and the Lady Margaret die, Fisher is appointed to preach the funeral oration on both occasions

Possible author of the royal treatise against Luther, published 1521, entitled Assertio septem sacramentorum which wins the title Fidei Defensor for Henry VIII

Possible author of the royal treatise against Luther, published 1521, entitled Assertio septem sacramentorum which wins the title Fidei Defensor for Henry VIII

The "Long Parliament" of Henrys reign begins its series of encroachments on the Church, Fisher, as a member of the upper house, warns Parliament that such acts could only end in the utter destruction of the Church in England

Startles his hearers by the directness of his language and most of all by declaring that, like St. John the Baptist, he was ready to die on behalf of the indissolubility of marriage. Appears at the divorce tribunal on Catherines behalf, she refuses to attend

Sent to the Tower for refusing to take the oath of succession

Sent to the Tower for refusing to take the oath of succession. Like Thomas More, Fisher takes the line that since the statute condemns only those speaking maliciously against the King's new title, there is safety in silence

Falls into a trap laid for him by Richard Rich, who perjures himself to obtain Thomas Mores conviction.

Fisher was taken in by Richard Rich and says that he is convinced "that the King was not, nor could be, by the Law of God, Supreme Head in earth of the Church of England".

Rich tells Fisher that for his own consciences sake the King wished to know, in strict secrecy, Fishers real opinion.

Falls into a trap laid for him by Richard Rich, who perjures himself to obtain Thomas Mores conviction.

Fisher was taken in by Richard Rich and says that he is convinced "that the King was not, nor could be, by the Law of God, Supreme Head in earth of the Church of England".

Rich tells Fisher that for his own consciences sake the King wished to know, in strict secrecy, Fishers real opinion.

The See of Rochester is declared vacant

Put on trial in Westminster Hall before a court of seventeen, including Thomas Cromwell, Anne Boleyns father, and ten justices, the only testimony is that of Richard Rich, Fisher is condemned to death

Put on trial in Westminster Hall before a court of seventeen, including Thomas Cromwell, Anne Boleyns father, and ten justices, the only testimony is that of Richard Rich, Fisher is condemned to death

Paul III creates Fisher Cardinal-Priest of S. Vitalis, in the hope of inducing Henry to ease Fishers treatment, the effect is precisely the reverse

A special commission for Fishers trial is issued, he is arraigned in Westminster Hall on a charge of treason, in that he denied the king to be supreme head of the Church

Found guilty of treason & sentenced to death

A special commission for Fishers trial is issued, he is arraigned in Westminster Hall on a charge of treason, in that he denied the king to be supreme head of the Church

Found guilty of treason & sentenced to death

Deprived of his position of Bishop of Rochester by the Act of Attainder, treated as a commoner, and tried by jury, found guilty, and condemned to be hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn. A special commission for Fishers trial is issued, he is arraigned in Westminster Hall on a charge of treason, in that he denied the king to be supreme head of the Church

Death of John Fisher, executed

Executed for refusing to acknowledge the King as Head of the Church. Deprived of his position of Bishop of Rochester by the Act of Attainder, treated as a commoner, and tried by jury, found guilty, and condemned to be hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn

Canonized in by Pope Pius XI along with Thomas More, after the presentation of a petition by the English Catholics