William Exmew facts for kids

William Exmew was an English Catholic priest and a Carthusian monk. He lived a quiet life dedicated to his faith. Sadly, he was put to death in London on June 19, 1535. The Catholic Church honors him as a martyr, which means someone who died for their beliefs. He was later recognized as a saint by Pope Leo XIII in 1886.

Who Was William Exmew?

William Exmew was a very smart student. He was one of the first people to study at Christ's College, Cambridge. This college was new at the time, founded by Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond, who was King Henry VII's mother. William became very good at studying old languages like Greek and Latin.

After his studies, William joined the London Charterhouse. This was a special place where Carthusian monks lived. He quickly became an important leader there. By the age of 28, he was a vicar, which is like a helper to the head of the monastery. Later, in 1534, he became the procurator. This role meant he managed the monastery's business and supplies. People knew him for his great knowledge.

Why Were Monks in Danger?

During William Exmew's time, there was a big disagreement between King Henry VIII and the Pope in Rome. The King wanted to be the head of the Church in England, but the Pope was traditionally seen as the leader. The Carthusian monks, including William, were highly respected for their honest and simple lives. Because of this, the King wanted them to agree with his new rules.

However, the monks believed that the Pope should remain the head of the Church. They refused to change their minds. This made the King's government very angry.

The King's Actions

On May 4, 1535, three important Carthusian leaders were put to death. These were John Houghton, Robert Lawrence, and Augustine Webster. They were leaders of different Carthusian monasteries.

Just two days later, William Exmew and another monk named Humphrey Middlemore were reported to Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell was a powerful advisor to the King. The report said that William and Humphrey were "stubbornly determined" to stick to their belief in the Pope's leadership.

Three weeks later, William, Humphrey, and another monk named Sebastian Newdigate were arrested. They were held in a prison called the Marshalsea. They were kept in chains for 13 days. After that, they were moved to the Tower of London.

Trial and Execution

William Exmew and his friends were put on trial on June 11. They were accused of high treason, which means going against the King. They said they were not guilty of treason. However, they firmly stated their belief that the Pope was the true head of the Church. They did not agree that King Henry VIII had the right to be called the head of the Church of England.

Because of their strong beliefs, they were sentenced to death. They were executed on June 19, 1535, at a place called Tyburn Tree in London. Many other Carthusian monks from London also faced similar fates during this time.

There is a painting of William Exmew in a church in Italy, called the Certosa di Bologna.

See also

• Carthusian Martyrs
• Forty Martyrs of England and Wales