A large crowd, estimated at 7,000, turned out to watch the execution. Some were sympathetic, some hostile, and some wished merely to see a rare and memorable event, for it was not every day that the local bishop was burned a heretic. Like other martyrs who had been burned that week he was offered a pardon and his life if he recanted; but he refused to recant. The local authorities had decided to save money and carry out Hooper’s execution on the cheap … So the flames, after burning Hopper’s legs, did not reach the rest of his body; and soon the flames were almost extinguished. Hooper cried out in agony for the fire to come to him. The sheriff sent for more faggots … By now both his legs had been burned off … Then one of his arms was burned away, but he continued to strike his breast with the other hand as he called on God to receive his soul. He was still alive, and conscious, three-quarters of an hour after the faggots were lit, although he had lost both legs and arms; but at last he died.
Bloody Mary’s Martyrs, pp. 70-72