Colchester: Reformation martyr remembered at site of Benedictine abbey

Gatehouse, Abbey of Christ & St John

Bishop Thomas McMahon is to visit the 15th century gatehouse of the Abbey of Christ and St John in Colchester, Essex later this month. The building is the only part of the Benedictine Abbey to survive from the Reformation when the Abbey was suppressed by King Henry VIII. It was the site of an historic Mass in December, marking the anniversary of the martyrdom of the last Abbot.

Jennie Guthrie-Stevens, a local historian and member of the nearby parish of St James the Less, said: “After imprisonment in both the Tower of London and in Colchester Castle, Blessed John Beche made the ultimate sacrifice of giving his life for his faith. He knew that if he recanted and acknowledged the King as the Church's spiritual and temporal leader he would save his life. He acknowledged the King as his temporal lord but the Pope as his spiritual. For this he was hung drawn and quartered outside his Abbey. “

On the anniversary of his death, she and other members of the parish honoured the Abbot’s sacrifice and his memory, at a Mass in the gatehouse, which now belongs to English Heritage. Parish priest Fr Tony McKentey presided at the momentous occasion.

Jennie said: “Despite two dodgy knees I made it up the very narrow circular steps for the first Mass on site since 1539. It was a very moving experience for everyone I think, with Faith of our Fathers being belted out by everyone.”