Robert Barnes

Lutheran cleric

The story so far…

Week 36: Augmentation

Robert Barnes comes to Austin Friars. Cromwell remembers meeting him when he was brought before the cardinal. He had escaped with his life that time, and later fled to the continent. But now he is chaplain to the king and mediates between England and the Lutheran princes. Barnes shows his frustration with the pace of religious reform in England.

Week 39: Vile Blood (Part 2/2)

Barnes preaches at Robert Packington’s funeral. ‘It’s a miscalculation. Barnes’s sermon is so inflammatory that he has no choice but to take him into custody. Better in my hands, he says, than in the Bishop of London’s prison.’

He takes Thomas Avery to see Barnes in the Tower. Barnes warns Cromwell that ‘the Pope will unleash his terror now,’ with England in rebellion. He wonders why Cromwell has not yet killed Reginald Pole. ‘I like my life to be full of interest, Father Barnes. Nothing about killing interests me.’

Barnes fears ‘our dread sovereign’ who hesitates instead of turning to the true religion. Cromwell believes he has made advances in the right direction.

Week 44: Corpus Christi (Part 1/2)

The Lutheran princes send delegates to Henry’s court. Robert Barnes and Cuthbert Tunstall are on England’s negotiation team.

Late summer, 1538. Robert Barnes: ‘Suppose the king is losing his nerve?’

Week 45: Corpus Christi (Part 2/2) / Inheritance

Barnes tells John Lambert that his outspoken views will ‘ruin us all’ and neither he, nor Cranmer, nor Cromwell will protect him. Barnes excuses himself during proceedings. ‘He looks sick. Perhaps he has been.’

Afterwards, Cromwell says ‘Barnes played the hypocrite … But for the grace of God, he would be standing there himself, accused.’

   Rafe says, 'Rob has done himself no harm today.'