By Isle of Wight Observer
Kenneth Marsden, an 82-year-old descendant of Blessed William Marsden, made a poignant visit to Cowes on Saturday, April 29, just days after the anniversary of the martyr’s execution more than 400 years ago.
William Marsden, one of the Isle of Wight’s two Catholic martyrs, was executed alongside Blessed Robert Anderton on April 25, 1586 near Cowes. The pair, who were ordained as Catholic priests abroad, were betrayed and captured after their ship sought shelter during a storm.
Their execution served as a brutal warning against priests ordained overseas and those who supported them. Both men were later beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1929, with a memorial in Cowes erected in their honour in 2003.
Kenneth, accompanied by members of the Veterans and Community (VC) Gallery, came to try to trace the place where his ancestor was executed for his faith. The group attended a special commemoration at the St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, in Cowes. The VC Gallery, a registered charity based in Pembrokeshire, supports service veterans and the wider community through art and cultural projects aimed at improving health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
After a Mass led by parish priest, Fr Jonathan Redvers Harris, attendees gathered at the Island martyrs’ memorial, where Fr Jonathan conducted prayers in memory of the two martyrs.
The visit was a moving experience for Kenneth and his companions from the VC Gallery. Their camaraderie and personal stories added warmth to the event, with tales of diverse life experiences shared over lunch in the church hall.
Mal Butler