Anthony Brookby

Anthony Brookby (Brorbey) (executed 19 July 1537) was an English Franciscan theologian. He offended Henry VIII, and became a Catholic martyr.

Brookby was a lecturer in theology at Magdalen College, Oxford. He was versed in Greek and Hebrew, and enjoyed a reputation as an eloquent preacher. In one sermon, Brookby attacked the king's actions and mode of living. ^[1]

He was arrested, put to the rack, and tortured in order to make him retract what he had said. Disabled as a result of his tortures, Brookby was cared for by a pious woman for a fortnight. By the command of the king, an executioner strangled him to death, with the Franciscan cord which he wore around his waist. ^[1]

The year of his death has been questioned, with the Victoria County History for Kent placing the event in 1534. ^[2]

Friar Anthony Brookby was declared venerable by Pope Leo XIII in 1886

References

1. Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Anthony Brookby"  . Catholic Encyclopedia . New York: Robert Appleton Company.
2. Friaries: The observant friars of Greenwich. Vol. 2. London: Victoria County History. 1926. pp. 194–198.{{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)

• Mary Jean Stone, Faithful unto Death (London, 1892), iv, 76;
• Anthony Parkinson, Coll. Anglo-Minor. (London, 1726), 239;
• Thaddeus, The Franciscans in England (London, 1898), III, 17;
• Danielle, Martirio e Morte d'alcuni Frati di San Francesco, III, 16.

Attribution

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain : Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Anthony Brookby". Catholic Encyclopedia . New York: Robert Appleton Company.