Rev. A cypress just felled, the axe stuck into the stump.
Leg. s v a v iv s . o l e t . (It smells more sweetly.)
2*35. (See Woodcut.)
MB. -ZE. from the collection of Sir M. M. Sykes. Unique ?
This medal is cast in the coarse, hut expressive, style of the
period, and corresponds with the usual portraits of More. The
reverse typifies him under the form of a cypress, which has
fallen untimely by the stroke of the axe, but whose odour is
more fragrant after death than even during life. More was
born in London in 1480, educated at Oxford, entered the law
as a profession, and received the great seal in 1529 from Henry
VIII., with whom he became a great favourite, till, not approving
of the King’s divorce, he resigned the seals, and retired to
his house at Chelsea. Henry’s love was soon , after changed to
hatred; and on More’s refusing to take the oath of supremacy
he was dragged from his retirement, tried and condemned, and
beheaded on Tower Hill, 6 July, 1535.
24. S i r T h o m a s M o r e . Died 1535.
Half-length figure of Sir Thomas More, three-quarters, I.,
cap, cloak trimmed with fur, a chain round his neck, to which
a cross is hanging. Leg. e f f i g i e s t h o m æ m o r i m a r t i r i s a n g l i .
(The portrait of Thomas More, English Martyr.)
Rev. Bust of St. Thomas à Becket, three-quarters, r., mitred,
wearing archiépiscopal robes, reading a hook, and holding a
cross-staff. Leg. s . t h o m a s a r c h i e p . c a n t v a r . m a r t . a n .
1171. (St. Thomas, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr,
1171.)
All engraved ; with loop for suspension.
1-5.
MB. Æ. Unique?
This is not a contemporary medal, having probably been
executed in the 17th century. I t exhibits a parallel between
two Chancellors of England, both of the name of Thomas, both
champions of their faith, and both put to death under royal
displeasure.
25. M y l e s C o v e r d a l e . Translator of the Bible. 1535.
Bust of Coverdale, three-quarters, r., in cap and ecclesiastical
dress. Leg. m y l e s c o v e r d a l e b i s h o p o f e x e t e r .
Rev. Inscription, t o c om m em o r a te t h a t g l o r i o u s e v e n t
t h e PUBLICATION OF t h e FIRST ENGLISH BIBLE BY MYLES
COVERDALE OCT® 4™ 1535 AND OF THE THIRD CENTENARY
OF THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION CELEBRATED OCT® 4th 1835.
DAYIS . BIEM.
1-7.
MB. M.
Myles Coverdale, the translator of the first complete English
Bible, was born in Yorkshire in 1488. He was amongst the
first to abandon their allegiance to the Church of Rome, and in
1535 published his translation of the Bible with a dedication to
Henry VIH. In 1551 Coverdale was appointed to the see of
Exeter, hut at the accession of Mary he was banished from the
country. He returned to England after her death and died in
February, 1569. This and the following medals commemorate
the third centenary of the publication of Coverdale’s Bible,
celebrated in England 4 October, 1835.
26. M y l e s C o v e r d a l e . Translator of the Bible. 1535.
Bust of Coverdale, three-quarters, r., &c.; same as the last.
Leg. MYLES COVERDALE.
Rev. Inscription, t o c om m em o r a te t h a t g l o r i o u s e v e n t
THE PUBLICATION OF THE FIRST ENGLISH BIBLE BY MYLES
COVERDALE BISHOP OF EXETER OCT® 4. 1535. AND THE THIRD
CENTENARY OF THE REFORMATION OCT. 4. 1835.
1-4.
MB. M.
27. M y l e s C o v e r d a l e . Translator of the Bible. 1535.
Bust of Coverdale, three-quarters, r., «fee.; same as No. 25.
Leg. MYLES COVERDALE TRANSLATOR & PUBLISHER OF THE FIRST
ENGLISH BIBLE OCT® 4. 1535.
Rev. A Bible chained and fastened by lock: around, E n g l a n d
UNDER THE DOMINION OF THE CHURCH OF ROME. Leg. FOR THE