Thomas Cranmer (1489 - 1556) was a pivotal figure in the English Reformation, serving as Archbishop of Canterbury under Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I. He played a crucial role in shaping the Church of England's theology and liturgy, most notably through his work on the Book of Common Prayer. Cranmer's theological views evolved over time, initially maintaining the "real presence" of Christ in the Eucharist while rejecting Catholic transubstantiation, and later moving towards a more reformed stance. He argued for the primacy of Scripture over church tradition and rejected certain Roman Catholic practices. Despite his Reformation leanings, Cranmer sought a middle ground between Roman Catholicism and radical Protestantism. His reformist activities led to his arrest when Mary I, a Roman Catholic, came to power. After initially recanting his evangelical beliefs under pressure, Cranmer dramatically reaffirmed his evangelical faith at his execution, where he was burned at the stake for heresy on March 21, 1556.

Reformers