Richard Reynolds
Richard Reynolds was an English Bridgettine monk who became a martyr for his faith. He is remembered for his execution in London for refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy to King Henry VIII. Reynolds was canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
- Feast Day
- May 4
- Century
- 16th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Richard Reynolds was a Bridgettine monk of Syon Abbey, born in Devon in 1492.
- ›He was educated at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and joined Syon Abbey in 1513.
- ›Reynolds was known for his knowledge of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, and was a spiritual counsellor at Syon Abbey.
- ›He was arrested in April 1535 and imprisoned in the Tower of London.
- ›Reynolds was executed by drawing and quartering on may 4, 1535, at Tyburn Tree in London.
- ›He was canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1970 among the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
St Richard Reynolds Catholic College
About Richard Reynolds
Richard Reynolds, O.Ss.S.
Richard Reynolds (c. 1492 – 4 May 1535) was an English Bridgettine monk of Syon Abbey, who became a martyr for his refusal to accept King Henry VIII's Oath of Supremacy. He was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Devon in 1492, Richard Reynolds received his education at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. He entered the Bridgettine order and joined Syon Abbey in 1513. He was noted for his erudition, being described by Reginald Pole as the only English monk proficient in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. His role as a spiritual counselor within the Syon community may have led to his involvement with Elizabeth Barton, the 'Holy Maid of Kent,' whom he had helped arrange a meeting with Thomas More. This association proved particularly detrimental to Reynolds in the eyes of the Crown.
Martyrdom
Reynolds was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London around mid-April 1535, alongside other religious figures who opposed the King's religious policies. He was tried for denying royal supremacy. An additional charge against him was attempting to dissuade others from acknowledging the king's authority, with a witness claiming Reynolds referred to Queen Catherine as the true queen. Reynolds maintained he had expressed no opinion against the king except in confession when compelled. All four were executed on May 4, 1535, by drawing and quartering at Tyburn Tree. His remains were quartered, with parts displayed in London, including at the gate of Syon Abbey.
Veneration and Legacy
Richard Reynolds was beatified in 1886 and later canonized in 1970. His feast day is observed on May 4. Commemorations and depictions of Saint Richard Reynolds exist in various churches, including a statue in Isleworth and a painting in Rome. A section of the dissolved Syon Abbey is considered a relic due to its connection with his quartered remains. The college bearing his name in Twickenham serves as a modern testament to his enduring veneration.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Richard Reynolds?
Richard Reynolds was an English Bridgettine monk of Syon Abbey who lived from c.1492 to 1535. He was known for his learning, particularly his fluency in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.
Why was Richard Reynolds executed?
Richard Reynolds was executed for refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy to King Henry VIII, which denied the Pope's authority and affirmed the King's as supreme head of the Church of England. He was also accused of attempting to dissuade people from submitting to the king's authority.
When and where was Richard Reynolds martyred?
Richard Reynolds was executed on May 4, 1535, by drawing and quartering at Tyburn Tree in London.
When was Richard Reynolds canonised?
Richard Reynolds was canonised by Pope Paul VI on October 25, 1970, as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
What is Richard Reynolds' feast day?
Richard Reynolds' feast day is May 4, the anniversary of his execution.
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