The Oxford Martyrs Memorial Royal Black Preceptory No. 84 has its origins in the General Gordon Preceptory R.B.P.74 encamped in Farnham, Surrey, England. In 1974 several members of the Farnham Preceptory decided to form the Martyrs Memorial
R.B.P.
84 in Oxford. The Warrant, dated 14th November 1974, was granted and the preceptory was opened in the following month on 7th December.The Preceptory takes its name from the Martyrs Memorial in the centre of Oxford dedicated to the memory of the Protestant Martyrs , Archbishop Cranmer and Bishops Ridley and Latimer who were burned at the stake for their stand against the unscriptural teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
The preceptory, which belongs to the South of England District, is stronger in membership today than at any time in its history and draws its membership from a wide geographic area including from Orange Lodges in, Oxford, Bristol, Plymouth and Bedford. The members hope that at some stage they will be able to revive the old Plymouth warrant which went dormant a few years ago. The future of R.B.P. 84 is secure and is attracting not only new members but also young and enthusiastic members who take a great interest and pride in the Royal Black Institution.
Brief History of the Oxford Martyrs
The Martyrs were burned in 1555 and 1556 during the reign of Queen Mary, the Roman Catholic sister of Queen Elizabeth I. King Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey had severed England from the influence of the Pope of Rome and made England a free country, as Luther did in Germany. Indeed, the Martyrs, especially Cranmer were much influenced by Luther's example.
Thomas Cranmer and his friends were burned to death in Broad Street, Oxford. On the road outside Balliol College there is a cobbled cross which is the exact spot where Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was martyred for his faith and his allegiance to the English Crown.
Opposite this cross, on the wall of the College is a beautifully carved plaque on which is written; Near the Cross in the middle of Broad Street HUGH LATIMER - one time Bishop of Worcester NICHOLAS RIDLEY - Bishop of London THOMAS CRANMER - Archbishop of Canterbury were burned for their faith in 1555 and 1556.
Cranmer supported the writing of the English Bible. He wrote the Church of England Book of Common Prayer which is well known for the Service of Holy Communion, Baptism, Marriage and Burial Services, contained therein.
© Copyright 2002 Provincial Grand Black Chapter of England- Sir Knight S.Roberts PGT