David Gonson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedDavid Gonson |
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Portrait of Blessed David Gonson in Prague
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| Martyr | |
| Born | c. 1510 Deptford, Kent, England |
| Died | 12 July 1541 St Thomas Waterings, Southwark, England |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 15 December 1929, Rome by Pope Pius XI |
| Feast | 12 July |
David Gonson (born around 1510 – died 12 July 1541), also known as David Gunston, was a brave Knight of Malta. He is remembered as a martyr for his Catholic faith during a time of big changes in England.
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David Gonson's Early Life
David Gonson was born in a place called Deptford, in Kent, England. His father, William Gonson, was a Vice-Admiral, which means he was a high-ranking officer in the navy. His family was well-known and connected to important people.
In 1533, David Gonson joined a special group called the Order of Malta. This was an old Christian order that helped protect pilgrims and fought in battles. He joined them in Valletta, which is in Malta.
Serving the Order
David Gonson spent time serving on ships for the Order of Malta. He sailed in the Mediterranean Sea until 1540. That year, he returned to England.
Big changes were happening in England at this time. King Henry VIII was making many changes to the church. This period is known as the English Reformation. The King wanted to be the head of the church in England, not the Pope.
A Difficult Choice
In 1540, King Henry VIII decided to close down the Order of Malta in England. David Gonson faced a very tough decision. He believed that the Pope, not the King, was the true head of the Church. He refused to agree with the King's new rules about religion.
Another knight, Sir Philip Babington, accused David Gonson of saying that King Henry was not the supreme head of the Church of England. He also said Gonson called the King a "heretic," which means someone who believes things that go against accepted religious teachings.
Because of this, David Gonson was put in prison. First, he was held in the famous Tower of London. Later, he was moved to Marshalsea Prison.
Trial and Execution
In 1541, David Gonson was put on trial. He was found guilty of treason. Treason means going against your country or ruler. In this case, it meant refusing to accept the King's authority over religious matters. A law had been passed saying that anyone who supported the Pope's power over the King's was committing treason.
On 12 July 1541, David Gonson was put to death in Southwark, England. The place was called St Thomas' Waterings. This spot was often used for executions during the 1500s for people who disagreed with the King's religious rules or were found guilty of treason.
Honored as a Blessed
Many years later, David Gonson was recognized for his strong faith. On 15 December 1929, Pope Pius XI declared him "Blessed" in Rome. He is one of the One Hundred and Seven Martyrs of England and Wales. These are people who died for their Catholic faith during the English Reformation.
