Thomas Abell rebus in the Beauchamp Tower consisting of the symbol of a bell with an A upon it and the name Thomas above, which he carved during his confinement 1533.
Thomas Abel or Abell, was born in 1497, he was a very educated man achieving a degree, and then a doctorate in Theology at Oxford University. He became Catherine of Aragon priest.
He was imprisoned in the Beauchamp Tower, in The Tower of London, in 1533, for refusing to acknowledge Henry the VIII’s Act of Supremacy and opposing he divorce. He was released within a few weeks with and injunction not to continue his preaching, although this injunction seem not to have mattered and he was re arrested, in December 1533, hanged at Smithfield, London, England 30 July 1540, two days after the execution of Thomas Cromwell.
Beatified 29 December 1886, Rome, Italy, by Pope Leo XIII
4 responses to Thomas Abell
Thomas was my relative and my wife and I had the privilege of visiting the Tower several years ago and seeing where Thomas was imprisoned.
I’m also descended from Thomas. I’ve been to London, but never had a chance to see that carving.My direct ancestor was Robert Abell (1605/1663) who was one the earliest settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Good too see you were there David, hope all is great.
Research is still being done to find his family that is believed to be from Ireland.
I am writing a booklet to raise funds for Mersea Island Museum in Essex, and am particularly interested in Thomas Abell, whose rebus I saw in the Beauchamp Tower.
While Rector of Bradwell on Sea he was a tenant of East Mersea Hall Manor, and is listed in the court records as ‘imprisoned of the Lord King in the Tower of London’ and having his lands forfeited. His subsequent execution is also noted in the manorial records.
On your website I found a photograph of Thomas Abell’s rebus, and would be very grateful if you can give me permission to reproduce this image in our booklet.
With thanks and best wishes
Sue Howlett
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