Blessed Humphrey Middlemore
Blessed
Feast Day: June 19
Death: June 1, 19
Biography
Blessed Humphrey Middlemore was a devout Carthusian monk at the London Charterhouse during the tumultuous period of King Henry VIII's reign in England. Born in an unknown year, little is known about his early life and background.
Blessed Humphrey Middlemore played a significant role as a priest and procurator at the London Charterhouse. His unwavering commitment to his faith and the teachings of the Catholic Church led him to take a firm stand against the actions of King Henry VIII, particularly regarding the king's marriage with Anne Boleyn. Middlemore refused to recognize the validity of the King's marriage, citing religious and moral reasons.
Due to his refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the king's marriage, Humphrey Middlemore was charged with treason. In 1535, he, along with two other brother monks who shared his beliefs, were imprisoned and later martyred for their defiance of the reigning monarch.
On June 19, 1535, in the city of London, England, Humphrey Middlemore was hanged, drawn, and quartered at the infamous execution site of Tyburn. This barbaric method of execution was a common punishment for treason during those times.
Blessed Humphrey Middlemore, along with his fellow Carthusian monks, demonstrated exceptional courage and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Their martyrdom serves as a testament to their dedication to the Catholic Church and their refusal to compromise their beliefs for political expediency.
In recognition of their sacrifice, Humphrey Middlemore and the other Carthusian Martyrs were beatified on December 20, 1886, by Pope Leo XIII. Their feast day is celebrated on June 19, and they are also commemorated on May 4 as part of the collectively recognized Carthusian Martyrs.
As a symbol of their martyrdom and devotion to their faith, the Carthusian Martyrs, including Blessed Humphrey Middlemore, continue to inspire and serve as role models for Catholics around the world, reminding us of the enduring power of religious conviction in the face of persecution.