John Larke facts for kids

John Larke was an English Catholic priest who lived around the 1500s. He was put to death on March 7, 1544, during the time of King Henry VIII. John Larke was a close friend of Thomas More, who was a very important government official in England. In 1886, John Larke was recognized as a blessed person by Pope Leo XIII.

John Larke's Life

John Larke went to Cambridge University to study. After his studies, he worked as a rector (a type of church leader) at St. Ethelburga's Bishopsgate in London for 26 years.

Moving to New Roles

Later, he moved to a good job as a rector in Woodford, Essex. But he returned to London four years later, in 1530. This happened when his friend, Sir Thomas More, chose him to be the vicar (another type of church leader) at Chelsea.

A Difficult Choice

In 1534, John Larke was asked to take the Oath of Supremacy. This was a special promise to accept King Henry VIII as the head of the Church in England. Some people believe he took the oath at first. However, when his friend, Sir Thomas More, was put to death for not taking the oath, it deeply affected John Larke. He then chose to follow his own beliefs.

His Final Days

On February 15, 1544, John Larke was accused of not agreeing with the King's new church rules. He was accused along with John Ireland, who was a vicar from Eltham, and two other men, German Gardiner and Thomas Heywood. All of them were found guilty. However, Thomas Heywood changed his mind at the last moment and was allowed to live.

John Larke, John Ireland, and German Gardiner were put to death on March 7, 1544. Another priest named Robert Singleton was also put to death with them.

See Also

• List of Catholic martyrs of the English Reformation