Carthusian martyrs, painting by Fray Juan Sánchez Cotán
Carthusian martyrs, painting by Fray Juan Sánchez Cotán
On 4th August 1540, a number of men were executed for treason, including Carthusian monk William Horne, laybrother of the London Charterhouse, who was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn for treason for refusing to accept King Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church.

Horne was one of 18 Carthusian monks killed between May 1535 and August 1540. Some were hanged, drawn and quartered, some were hanged in chains and others were starved to death. All 18 have been recognised by the Catholic Church as martyrs.

Here are links to articles giving more information on the Carthusian Martyrs:

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3 thoughts on “4 August 1540 – Blessed William Horne”
  1. Hi Claire
    I’ve just had a look at what you wrote last year on 4th May. I replied with a note about my local Carthusian, Augustine Webster, who suffered a dreadful death. I had not realised that in November 2013 a local person sent a reply asking if I could help with more local details about Melwood Priory, which I probably can.

    Will you please send him my e-mail address and he can contact me if he is still seeking information. You received his message on November 15, 2013.

    I always try to answer requests for help, so would really appreciate this.

    Thanks,
    Marilyn

  2. I shudder every time I am reminded on how these poor men suffered in their persecution and execution. The barbarism never fails to strike home the brutality of these times, even all these centuries later, and it never will for me.

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