Sebastian Newdigate facts for kids

Sebastian Newdigate (born September 7, 1500 – died June 19, 1535) was an English monk. He belonged to the Carthusian religious group. Sebastian spent his early life at the royal court. Later, he decided to become a monk.

He was executed for treason on June 19, 1535. This happened because he would not accept King Henry VIII's new power. The King wanted to be the head of the Church in England. Many people saw Sebastian's death as a martyrdom. The Catholic Church later declared him "blessed" (beatified).

Early Life and Family

Sebastian Newdigate was born on September 7, 1500. He was born in Harefield, Middlesex, England. He was the seventh of fourteen children. His father was John Newdigate, a lawyer for the King. His mother was Amphyllis Neville.

Sebastian's family kept records of their children's births. These records show that Sebastian was born at Harefield. They also mention his godparents. His godparents were William Bynchester, George Osborne, and Joan Weddon. The records also say he "after became a delicate courtier." This means he was a graceful and polite person at court.

Life as a Courtier and Monk

Sebastian Newdigate grew up at the royal court. He might have studied at Cambridge University. He became a member of King Henry VIII's special group of advisors. This group was called the Privy Chamber. It is said that the King liked Sebastian very much.

Sebastian Newdigate married Katherine Hampden. She was a widow with two daughters. Their names were Amphyllis and Elizabeth. However, some historians are not sure if Sebastian actually married. They think Katherine might have married a different person named Newdigate.

It is believed that Sebastian joined the London Charterhouse in 1524. This was a Carthusian monastery. He joined after his wife passed away. However, he probably didn't become a monk until 1526. This was because the King gave him a special duty in 1526.

Sebastian's sister, Jane, worried about him. She thought the strict life of a monk would be hard for him. This was because he had lived a fancy life at court. But Sebastian stayed at the Charterhouse. He became a deacon in 1531. He was ordained as a priest before he died.

Conflict with King Henry VIII

In 1534, King Henry VIII asked everyone to take an oath. This was called the Oath of Succession. It meant people had to accept Anne Boleyn as the King's lawful wife. Sebastian signed this oath. But he added "in as far as the law of God permits."

The Carthusian monks at the Charterhouse refused to accept the King's new power. They did not believe the King should be the head of the English Church. On May 4, 1535, their leader, John Houghton, was executed. Two other Carthusian leaders were also executed.

Sebastian Newdigate was arrested on May 25, 1535. He was arrested with two other monks. Their names were Humphrey Middlemore and William Exmew. They were arrested for saying the King was not supreme. They were held in a prison called the Marshalsea. They were tied to pillars for 14 days.

The King himself visited Sebastian in prison. He offered Sebastian wealth and honors. This was if Sebastian would change his mind. But Sebastian refused. He was then sent to the Tower of London. The King visited him there again. Still, Sebastian would not change his beliefs.

The three monks were sentenced to death on June 11. They were found guilty of treason. On June 19, they were taken to Tyburn. They were executed in a very harsh way. Their bodies were then put on display in London.

Sebastian's bravery inspired many people. His family and others stayed strong in their Catholic faith. Sebastian and other Carthusian monks who died then are honored. Pope Leo XIII declared him "blessed" on December 9, 1886.