Humphrey Monmouth

London merchant

Humphrey Monmouth. A London merchant and acquaintance of Bible translator William Tyndale.

The story so far…

Week 2: At Austin Friars / Visitation

We learn that Cromwell met Tyndale when he stayed six months with the master draper, Humphrey Monmouth.

Week 4: An Occult History of Britain (Part 2)

In 1528, Wolsey warns Cromwell that there will be raids on suspects heretics and Gospellers in London. Cromwell forewarns Monmouth so that there are no incriminating papers in his house. He is a popular man and his business is damaged by his stint in The Tower. There is no case to bring against him.

Week 5: Make or Mar / Three-Card Trick

The merchant is with the other aldermen at the house of Antonio Bonvisi when Cromwell strolls in one day in 1530. Monmouth is sitting far away from the “great man” Thomas More, who so recently locked him up. Heretics and heretic hunters, breaking bread together.

Week 11: 'Alas, What Shall I Do For Love?' (Part 2) / Early Mass

Monmouth speaks at an impromptu meeting at John Petyt’s funeral. He calls brother Petyt a martyr but also stresses their responsibility to keep the peace.

Week 17: The Map of Christendom (Part 2) / To Wolf Hall

Today, More was escorted to the scaffold by Humphrey Monmouth, serving his turn as Sheriff of London. Monmouth is too good a man to rejoice in the reversal of fortune. But perhaps we can rejoice for him?

Week 21: Angels

Christmas 1535, Monmouth comes to Cromwell with Robert Packington to ask for help for William Tyndale. Neither Cromwell nor Anne can help the translator in an imperial jail.

Week 35: Wreckage (II) (Part 2/2)

On the street, Monmouth and Packington ask him about Tyndale and he says he has done all he can do. Richard says ‘they sound as if they are planning a surprise. Perhaps it is a present?’ Cromwell does not like surprises.

Week 43: Nonsuch

Monmouth dies in 1537.

   Other mourners brought him word of what passed: a simple interment, before dawn. Monmouth refused candles or papist emblems, but he left money in his will for sermons. He wanted no funeral bell, but provided for the bell-ringers to have their fee: which was like him, a man who considered the humble and the poor.