Larke, John, Bl.
LARKE, JOHN, BL.
Priest, martyr; d. hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn (London), March 7, 1544. For most of his life, Fr. Larke was rector of St. Ethelburga's, Bishopsgate, London (1504–42). For some of that time he was rector of Woodford, Essex (1526–27). Chancellor (St.) Thomas more nominated him as rector of Chelsea, a position Larke held from March 29, 1530 until his attainder. He was indicted Feb. 15, 1543 for refusing to acknowledge the royal supremacy in spiritual matters. Charged with him were BB. Fr. John ireland, German gardiner, and John heywood (who recanted on the hurdle). Their heads and quarters were buried under the gallows. He was beatified by Pope Leo XIII on Dec. 9, 1886.
Feast of the English Martyrs: May 4 (England); March 11 (Diocese of Brentwood).
See Also: england, scotland, and wales, martyrs of.
Bibliography: b. camm, ed., Lives of the English Martyrs, (New York 1904), I, 541–47. r. challoner, Memoirs of Missionary Priests, ed. j. h. pollen (rev. ed. London 1924; repr. Farnborough 1969). j. h. pollen, Acts of English Martyrs (London 1891).
[k. i. rabenstein]