Edward Powell
Welsh Roman Catholic priest (1478–1540)
Who they were
Edward Powell, born in Wales about 1478, was a fellow of Oriel and doctor of divinity, called 'the glory of the university' by Oxford. A favoured court preacher, he wrote against Luther at Henry VIII's command, and was one of four theologians chosen to defend the marriage of Catherine of Aragon.
He denounced the king's marriage to Anne Boleyn, and in 1534 was attainted with St John Fisher for refusing the oath of succession and imprisoned in the Tower in harsh conditions. He was executed in 1540 with Blessed Thomas Abel.
The miracles
As a martyr he was raised to the altars without a miracle.
Why that counted as sanctity
A scholar who would not bend the truth about marriage for a king.
Connected on this site
- John Fisher Saint“He denounced the king's marriage to Anne Boleyn, and in 1534 was attainted with St John Fisher for refusing the oath of succession and imprisoned in the Tower in harsh conditions.” — this site's research
- Richard Fetherston Blessed“Refusing the Oath of Supremacy, he was sent to the Tower in 1534 and executed at Smithfield on 30 July 1540 with Thomas Abel and Edward Powell.” — this site's research
- Thomas Abel Blessed“He was executed in 1540 with Blessed Thomas Abel.” — this site's research
- Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), via New Advent - Edward Powell
- Wikidata Q5344893 — dates, feast day and identifiers (CC0)
- English Wikipedia — Edward Powell (martyr) (CC BY-SA)
Checked against the sources listed on 21 September 2026. Corrections welcome.