Thomas Benet (martyr) facts for kids
Thomas Benet (died 1531) was an English man from Cambridge. He was a Protestant who was killed for his religious beliefs during the time of King Henry VIII.
In 1524, Thomas Benet moved to Torrington, North Devon, with his wife and family. He wanted to live somewhere new where he could follow his religious beliefs more freely.
He was executed by burning on January 15, 1531. This happened because he was accused of heresy, which meant having religious beliefs different from the official church. The execution took place at Livery Dole outside Exeter in Devon. Sir Thomas Dennis (who lived from about 1477 to 1561), the local sheriff, was in charge.
It is said in Foxe's Book of Martyrs that Thomas Benet died with "his hands and eyes to heaven, saying 'Lord, receive my spirit!'". A special monument was built in 1909 to remember him and another person, Agnes Prest. She was also killed for her beliefs in 1557. The monument was designed by Harry Hems and paid for by people who wanted to remember them.
The Exeter Martyrs' Memorial
In 1909, a monument was put up in Denmark Road, Exeter, near Livery Dole. It is a tall, pointed stone pillar called an obelisk, made of Dartmoor granite. This monument was built to remember Thomas Benet.
The monument was designed by Harry Hems. People donated money to pay for it. It also remembers Agnes Prest, who was burned for her beliefs in 1557.
On the base of the monument, there are two bronze panels sculpted by Harry Hems. One panel shows Thomas Benet hitting the door of the Cathedral. The other panel shows Agnes Prest being burned.
