+ BISHOP THIRLBY OF ELY, 1570 ,

CHEERFUL IN ADVERSITY

Biography

HE was absent on an Embassy in France on Elizabeth's accession. On April 2,1559, he concluded the treaty of Cateau Cambresis, and on his return to England he at once joined the other Bishops in opposition to the Bill of Royal Supremacy. He refused the oath and was deposed July 5,1559, was committed to the Tower June 3, 1560, and endured there the miseries of close and separate confinement until September 1563, when the plague was raging. Elizabeth was then at Windsor Castle, and there was set up, Stowe writes, in the market-place of Windsor a new gallows to hang up all such as came there from London, so that no person might come from London upon pain of hanging without judgment. With this panic at Court the Protestant Bishops were naturally uneasy at receiving orders to house the illustrious prisoners from the town. Thirlby was allotted to Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury, and wrote to him cheerfully that he was an unbidden guest, who, according to the proverb, " wotteth not where to sit," and that he doubted how to travel without danger because of the plague. Yet" need maketh the old wife trot." Dr. Thirlby remained unshaken in Parker's custody for seven years, when, stricken by grave illness, he was released by death.

"According to the multitude of the sorrows of my heart thy comforts have given joy to my soul."—Ps. xciii. 19.

Matthew Parker first protestant Archbishop of Canterbury. It is often said that the term "nosey Parker" comes from him, as he was always making inquiry into business that was not his own.