[A.D. 1551-Feb. 9, 1555.] JOHN HOOPER had been educated at Merton College, Oxford, and afterwards became a monk at Cleeves, in Somerset, his native county. He returned to Oxford, however, where he soon embraced the reformed doctrines, and was consequently obliged to leave the University in 1539. After many wanderings in Ireland, in France, and in Switzerland, Hooper returned to England on the accession of Edward VI.; and in 1549 became one of the accusers of Bishop Bonner, who was deprived in that year. Having with much difficulty overcome his own scruples as to the lawfulness of wearing episcopal robes[26], Hooper, who had been appointed to the see of Gloucester by the influence of the Earl of Warwick, was consecrated at Lambeth by Archbishop Cranmer. In the following year (1552) Bishop Hooper surrendered his see to the Crown. Bishop Heath of Worcester was deprived at the same time. Gloucestershire was at first converted into an archdeaconry, dependent on Worcester; but the two sees were afterwards (Dec. 1552) united, and bestowed on Hooper. The bishops were to be entitled of “Gloucester and Worcester,” and were to reside one year in each city, alternately. This arrangement only continued until the death of Edward VI.
After the accession of Mary, Hooper was summoned to London, (August 1553,) and was for some time confined in the Fleet prison; his see was declared void, and after an examination before Bishop Gardiner and others, he was condemned to be burnt as a heretic. The sentence was accordingly carried out at Gloucester, Feb. 9, 1555. A monument has lately been erected on the scene of his death.
[A.D. 1554-1558.] JAMES BROOKES, “a zealous papist,” succeeded, but to the see of Gloucester only. On his death the see remained vacant for three years.
[A.D. 1562-1579.] RICHARD CHEYNEY held the see of Bristol _in commendam_. On his death the see remained vacant until
[A.D. 1581-1598,] JOHN BULLINGHAM was appointed to it. Until 1589 he held Bristol _in commendam_.
[A.D. 1598-1604.] GODFREY GOLDSBROUGH held the see of Worcester _in commendam_.
[A.D. 1605, translated to London 1607.] THOMAS RAVIS, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford. He was a prelate of some learning, and was the translator of part of the New Testament in James the First’s Bible.