the hour of eight
Although it wanted half an hour or more to the time when the ceremony should commence -- eight o'clock in the morning the open place around the cathedral was packed when Dalaber reached it , and only by the good nature of a citizen , who took him into his house and let him view the scene from a window , was he able to see what passed . A high platform was erected by the great western doors of `` Paul 's Walk '' -LRB- some authorities say just within , and some just without the building -RRB- , where the cardinal 's throne , draped with purple , had been set , as well as seats for a great concourse of ecclesiastics beside . Opposite this platform was another and far humbler erection , evidently for the penitents ; whilst over the north door , the Rood of the Northern , as it was called , a great gilt crucifix had been set up ; and within the rails surrounding it burnt a fire , round which fagots were set , and great baskets containing the forbidden books , which were presently to be solemnly burnt . As the great clock boomed out the hour of eight , two processions simultaneously approached the platform . One swept out through the cathedral doors in all the pomp of power and majesty , the cardinal in scarlet robes , blazing with gems and gold , attended by innumerable dignitaries -- abbots and priors , bishops , deans , doctors , and lesser clergy , shining in damask and satin , a right goodly company . For a while all eyes were so fixed upon this glittering array that there was scarce time to note the humble six , in their penitential robes , bare-footed , and carrying tapers , who appeared , attended by their jailers from the Fleet Prison , and were set upon the opposite platform , full in view of all . It was not Cardinal Wolsey , but Fisher , Bishop of Rochester , who delivered to them a fiery oration , descanting to them on the enormity of their offences , and calling upon them to abjure their hateful heresy .