Ridley, educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge, became chaplain to Archbishop Cranmer in 1537 and bishop of London in 1550. During his episcopate he became convinced of Reformed views on transubstantiation and, in turn, convinced Hugh Latimer. He took part in the compilation of the Book of Common Prayer in 1549 and 1552. At the death of Edward VI in 1553 he supported the attempt to have Lady Jane Grey succeed to the throne. He was subsequently imprisoned and burnt at the stake with Latimer in 1555.