10 June 1537 – Deaths of Two Carthusian Monks from Starvation

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

The Carthusian Monks appearing before Cromwell. Copyright Tim Ridgway

On 10th June 1537, two Carthusian monks from the London Charter House, Blessed Thomas Green and Blessed Walter Pierson, died from starvation in Newgate Prison. They were two of nine monks who were starved to death for refusing to accept the royal supremacy. Others were hanged, drawn and quartered.

A total of eighteen Cathusian monks were killed between May 1535 and August 1540. Some were hanged, drawn and quartered, some were hanged in chains and some, starved to death. They were all punished for refusing to accept Henry VIII as supreme head of the Church. All eighteen have been recognised by the Catholic Church as martyrs.

Find out more about the Carthusian monks in the following articles:

• 4 May 1535 – The Executions of the Carthusian Martyrs
• 19 June 1535 – 3 Carthusian Monks Hanged, Drawn and Quartered
• 4 August 1540 – The Execution of Blessed William Horne, Carthusian Martyr
• The Carthusian Monastery of Granada – La Cartuja de Granada