Page:Men of Kent and Kentishmen.djvu/66

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MEN OF KENT

of the Reformation, and openly professing them, was for some time committed to prison at Oxford. On his release he went abroad, but on his return was committed to the Tower, and being brought to trial on charges of heresy, was at length condemned and burned at Smithfield, 4th July, 1533, maintaining to the last his fortitude, and a noble spirit of forgiveness to his persecutors. He was an eminent scholar, and wrote many learned theological treatises. While in prison he met with Simon Fish (before mentioned) whom he supported in his controversy with More; and Cranmer, in his controversy with Gardiner, acknowledged that he had received great assistance from this able man's writings.

[See "Fuller's Worthies," and "Abel Redivivus," "Foxe's Acts and Monuments," "Burnet's Reformation," Moreri, "Dictionnaire Historique."]


William Fuller

IMPOSTOR,

This notorious impostor, the rival of Titus Oates, known popularly as "Cheat-master General," was born at Milton, in 1672. Though by no means a Kentish "Worthy," his name can hardly be omitted from a list of celebrities. He was bred a Roman Catholic, and was page to Lady Milfort. In 1670 he was sent with dispatches to England, from Mary of Modena. These, instead of delivering as directed, he took to King William III. He lived some time in luxury on the reward of his treachery. When the proceeds had been spent he tried to raise more funds by