Laurence Humphreys

Laurence Humphreys (1571–1591) was an English Catholic martyr and saint. He was born in Hampshire, into a Protestant family.[1]

Laurence Humphreys (martyr)
Born1571
Hampshire
Died1591
Winchester, Hampshire, U.K.
Beatified1929 by Pope Pius XI
Feast7 July

In his youth, he often read the Bible and other religious works and practiced the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy by visiting the sick and those in prison, as well as teaching others about the faith. When he was eighteen years of age, he met several times with the local priest, who persuaded him to convert to Roman Catholicism.[1]

In 1591 he became seriously ill, and while delirious called Queen Elizabeth a harlot and a heretic while in this state. These words were overheard, and before he had completely recovered he was arrested and committed to Winchester jail. At his trial, he claimed to have no recollection of saying such things about the queen, but he did not dispute the evidence placed before him and was willing to be punished because of his actions of which he had no memory. He was later condemned and executed[1] at the Barditch (or City Ditch).[2][3]

Laurence Humphreys was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1929. His feast day is 7 July.

References
  1. Brown, C.F. Wemyss. "Laurence Humphreys." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 7. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1910. 9 Feb. 2013
  2. Pollen, John Hungerford, "Venerable Laurence Humphrey", Acts of the English Martyrs Hitherto Unpublished, p.233, Burns and Oates, Ltd., London, 1891
  3. Barditch (or City Ditch)
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