John Stone
John Stone OSA was an English Augustinian friar and doctor of theology who was executed during the dissolution of the monasteries. He is remembered for his steadfast refusal to acknowledge King Henry VIII's spiritual supremacy over the English Church, leading to his martyrdom. Stone was canonized in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
- Feast Day
- October 25
- Century
- 16th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›He was an English Augustinian friar and a doctor of theology from Canterbury.
- ›Stone refused to sign documents acknowledging Henry VIII as supreme head of the Church in England during the dissolution of monasteries.
- ›He was tried for treason under the Treason Act of 1535 and sentenced to death.
- ›His execution, likely on December 27, 1539, involved hanging, drawing, and quartering, with his remains displayed as a warning.
- ›Stone was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 and canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970.
- ›He is one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
Austin Friar Martyr 1539
University of Kent Catholic Society
About John Stone
John Stone, OSA, was an English Augustinian friar and a doctor of theology from Canterbury, who met his death as a martyr in 1539. He is venerated as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970.
Life and historical context
Little is known about John Stone's early life or his activities within the Augustinian Order, though it is conjectured he joined the order in Canterbury, the site of his death. He served as a professor and Prior in Droitwich before returning to Canterbury. Stone was a vocal opponent of King Henry VIII's divorce from Queen Catherine, denouncing it as contrary to morality and justice. During the time of the Reformation Parliament, he publicly condemned the King's claim to spiritual supremacy over the English Church.
Following the Act of Supremacy in 1534 and the subsequent Treasons Act, all religious were required to acknowledge Henry VIII as head of the church. When the Augustinian friary in Canterbury was visited in December 1538 as part of the dissolution of monasteries, Stone was the only friar to refuse to sign documents acknowledging the king's supremacy and surrendering the friary. He was subsequently sent to Thomas Cromwell in London, imprisoned in the Tower, and returned to Canterbury for trial in October 1539. He was tried for treason under the 1535 Treason Act.
Trial and execution
The trial of John Stone was a brief affair, with a jury finding him guilty of High Treason. The sentence was handed down on December 6, 1539. His execution was notably delayed and possibly timed to coincide with the arrival of Anne of Cleves in Canterbury on December 27, 1539, as part of the reception festivities. The execution was carried out at the Dongeon (now Dane John), a prominent landmark within the city walls. Stone was hanged, drawn, and quartered, and his head and body were displayed at the city entrance as a warning to others.
Veneration and legacy
John Stone was soon venerated as a martyr. Pope Gregory XIII sanctioned a painting depicting him as a martyr and permitted an engraving of him to be printed in 1584. His name was placed at the forefront of the list of martyrs presented for beatification. He was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 and canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970, alongside 39 other English martyrs. He is recognized as a patron saint of the University of Kent Catholic Society. His feast day is observed on May 12th, with the Augustinians commemorating him on October 25th.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was John Stone?
John Stone was an English Augustinian friar and doctor of theology from Canterbury. He was executed in 1539 during the dissolution of monasteries in England.
Why was John Stone executed?
John Stone was executed for treason because he refused to acknowledge King Henry VIII's claim to spiritual supremacy over the English Church and to sign documents surrendering his friary. He steadfastly opposed the King's claims.
When was John Stone canonized?
John Stone was canonized on October 25, 1970, by Pope Paul VI. He is recognized as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
What is John Stone's feast day?
The feast day for John Stone is May 12. The Augustinians commemorate him on October 25.
Where is John Stone venerated?
John Stone is venerated within the Catholic Church. He is one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, a group recognized for their martyrdom during the English Reformation.
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