X-Nico

2 unusual facts about Swithun Wells


Saint Swithun

Saint Swithun Wells, executed during the reign of Elizabeth I of England (d.1591)

Swithun Wells

Wells was born at Brambridge, Hampshire in 1536, and was christened with the name of the local saint and bishop Swithun.


Edmund Gennings

He and Polydore Plasden were seized by Richard Topcliffe and his officers whilst in the act of saying Mass in the house of Saint Swithun Wells at Gray's Inn in London on 7 November 1591 and was hanged, drawn and quartered outside the same house on 10 December.

John Gennings

The brothers separated soon after, and Edmund continued his short ministry until he was arrested on 7 November 1591, after saying Mass in the house of Swithun Wells at Gray's Inn.


see also