a town of Wiltshire in England, seated in W. Long. 2. 40. N. Lat. 51. 20.

John, a divine, and martyr to the reformation, Bradford formation, was born in the former part of the reign of Henry VIII., at Manchester in Lancashire. Being a remarkable penman and accountant, he became secretary to Sir John Harrington, who was several times employed by King Henry, and his successor Edward VI., as paymaster to the troops abroad. Bradford at this time was a gay man, and to support his extravagance made free with the king's money; but being at last unable to support the reflection of his guilt, he determined to make restitution, and actually repaid the money. Quitting his employment of secretary, about the year 1547, he took chambers in the inner temple, and for some time studied the law; but finding himself an inclination to preach the gospel, in the following year he removed to Catharine-hall in Cambridge, where he applied with such uncommon affluence to the study of divinity, that in a much shorter time than usual he was admitted to the degree of master of arts, and soon after made fellow of Pembroke-hall. Bishop Ridley, who, in 1559, was translated to the see of London, charmed with Bradford's application and zeal, now sent for him to the metropolis, ordained and appointed him his chaplain. In 1553, he was also made chaplain to Edward VI., during which time he became one of the most popular preachers in the kingdom. Such a reformer was too dangerous to be suffered in the succeeding reign. Mary was hardly in possession of the crown, before Bradford's persecutions began. He was first confined in the Tower for sedition, where he continued a year and a half; during which time he wrote several epistles that were dispersed in various parts of the kingdom. He was afterwards removed to other prisons, and at last brought to his trial before that infernal court of inquisition in which Gardiner sat as chief inquisitor, where he defended his principles to the last, in contempt of their utmost power. They condemned him to the flames; and he was accordingly burnt alive in Smithfield, on July 1, 1555. His works are, 1. Seventy-two letters, written to various people, whilst the author was in prison; printed in Bishop Cordwale's collection. 2. Ten letters, printed in Fox's Acts and Monuments. 3. Complaint of verity, 1559, 8vo. 4. Three examinations before the commissioners, and his private talk with the priests, with the original of his life, 1561, octavo. 5. Two notable sermons 1574, octavo, 1631. 6. Godly meditations and prayers 1614, 24to. 7. Treatise of repentance, 1622. With several translations and other pieces.