This display will explore the turbulent life and death of Thomas Becket, who rose from relatively humble origins to the position of Archbishop of Canterbury before coming into conflict with Henry II over the balance of power between Church and State. His murder in 1170 – whether on the orders of the king remains a bone of historical contention – sent shockwaves through England and beyond; his spilt blood was reported to have miraculous powers of healing, and before long he had been canonised by Pope Alexander III. At the heart of the display of more than 100 artefacts is the unprecedented loan of one of the Miracle Windows from Canterbury Cathedral, made in the early 13th century to surround the now-lost shrine to Becket; new research into this window suggests that some of its panels have been in the wrong order for centuries, and so this will be the first chance to see the window as it was supposed to be seen in some 350 years. The display runs from 20 May–22 August; find out
Online exhibit marks 50th anniversary of canonization of 40 Martyrs of England and Wales
Relic of Blessed Edward Oldcorne’s Eye. Credit: British Jesuit Province/Stonyhurst College.)
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Catholics in Britain suffered intense persecution, with hundreds of people being martyred for their faith.
LEICESTER, United Kingdom – During the 16
th and 17
th centuries, Catholics in Britain suffered intense persecution, with hundreds of people being martyred for their faith.
On Oct. 25, 1970, Pope St. Paul VI canonized the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, which included such names as Edmund Campion, Henry Walpole, and Saint Ward.
St Thomas More’s Hat. Property of the British Jesuit Province. Image copyright Stonyhurst College.