Martin, Thomas

Martin, Thomas an English jurist noted for the part he took in the Marian persecution, was born at Cerne, in Dorsetshire, in the first half of the 16th century, and was educated at Winchester School and at New College, Oxford. In 1555 he was made chancellor of the diocese of Winchester. Martin wrote in Latin, Life of William of Wykeham, the founder of New College. He vehemently opposed the marriage of priests, and thus also created considerable excitement. He also took part with Story in the trial of archbishop Cranmer at Oxford. He died in 1584. See Hook, Eccles. Biog. s.v.; Strype, Annals; Wood, Athenae Oxon.