David Gunston
Knight of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, martyr under Henry VIII
Who they were
The Roman Martyrology for 12 July records that near London in England, Blessed David Gunston, a martyr and a knight of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, did not acknowledge King Henry VIII's power in spiritual matters and was for that hanged at Southwark. The Acta Apostolicae Sedis record that Pope Pius XI beatified the English martyrs, among whom he is listed as 'Gunston David, eques Ordinis S. Ioannis', on 15 December 1929.
The miracles
As a martyr he was raised to the altars without a miracle.
Why that counted as sanctity
He refused to acknowledge King Henry VIII's power in spiritual matters and was hanged for it.
The cause
The cause continues. No postulation address is published here yet. Favours received through this person’s intercession, and offers of help, are best sent to the religious order or congregation they belonged to, or to the diocese where the cause was opened; either will pass them to the postulation.
- Roman Martyrology, 12 July (Italian Bishops' Conference, Santo del giorno)
- Acta Apostolicae Sedis 22 (1930) - beatification letter
Checked against the sources listed on 22 September 2026. Corrections welcome.