View or download the full ‘St John of Bridlington’ activity booklet here.
He was a Yorkshireman who:
- became a famous saint.
- grew up in the village of Thwing, about 6 miles from Bridlington.
- became a canon of the Priory at Bridlington.
- was later made the Prior (canon in charge) there.
- was well known for his prayers, his study and his kindness.
- died of the plague in 1379, aged about 59 yrs.
- was recognised as very special by the Church and was made a saint.
- became famous throughout the land and pilgrims visited his shrine in the Priory to say their prayers and ask for his help
Why was Prior John made a saint?
- He was faithful in saying his prayers and in helping other people.
- Often his prayers were answered by miracles.
- These miracles brought help and healing to many people.
- The best known of his miracles was the saving of five fishermen from Hartlepool who were caught in a storm on the sea near Bridlington.
- The books about John the Prior mention 15 miracles while he was alive and 12 after his death in 1379.
Pope Boniface IX declared Prior John to be a saint on the 24th September, 1401.
Suggested Activities
- Imagine you lived in Bridlington in about 1400. Write a letter to a friend in Hull telling them about Prior John being made a saint and why you think this was happening.
- What sort of things do you think someone would have to do today to be recognised as a saint? Present a case for someone you think should be made a saint, setting out the reasons.