Who are the saints and martyrs represented in our churches, and what can their lives teach us today? Join Fr Lawrence Lew as he journeys into the hidden Catholic history of England through the ancient Church of St Etheldreda in Ely Place, Holborn, London's oldest Catholic Church.

Hidden behind quiet Georgian facades in the heart of the city stands a powerful witness to the faith, sacrifice, and perseverance of the English saints and martyrs.

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St Etheldreda's Church tells the story of a Catholic faith that endured centuries of persecution during the English Reformation. Within this sacred space, the stories of the English Catholic martyrs who gave their lives for Christ, including St John Houghton and the other Carthusian Martyrs, who were executed for remaining faithful to the Mass, the Eucharist and the Catholic Church.

Fr Lawrence explore's the nave, stained glass, saints, angels and sacred imagery of this remarkable church, and reflects on the meaning of martyrdom, the communion of saints and the call every Christian receives through baptism to become a witness to the Gospel.

The saints depicted here are shown in the ordinary clothing of their own time, reminding us that holiness is not reserved for another age. God calls ordinary men and women in every generation to become saints through courage, faith, charity and fidelity to Christ.

At the heart of these stories is the Eucharist. The English martyrs died so that future generations might continue to receive the Mass and the sacraments. Their witness speaks powerfully to the modern world, calling Christians to remain faithful even in times of darkness, confusion and hostility to the faith.

The saints and martyrs of England, Wales and Scotland continue to inspire Catholics and Christians throughout the world. Their lives challenge us to ask what we will do with the gifts that God has given us and whether we too are willing to live courageously for truth, holiness and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:30 Hidden Catholic London
1:20 Catholicism Goes Underground
1:53 The Ship of Christ
2:47 The Communion of Saints
3:27 Why Saints Still Matter
4:00 Saints in Elizabethan Clothing
4:45 The Choirs of Angels
6:02 Window of English Martyrs
6:47 Symbols of Christian Martyrdom
8:00 A Light In The Darkness
9:11 What Will You Do?
9:54 Prayer to England’s Martyrs

About Catholic Martyrs
Catholic martyrdom is the supreme witness of faith—an act of total love in response to God’s love. In Catholic teaching, martyrs testify to Christ even “unto death,” freely uniting themselves to the Cross and showing that grace empowers real human freedom and courageous charity.

In the Catholic understanding, martyrdom is bearing witness to Christ “even unto death.” The martyr’s death is a supreme testimony to the truth of the faith, to Christ who died and rose, and to the charity that unites the martyr to him.

About the St Ethelreda's
St Etheldreda’s Church in Ely Place, Holborn, is one of the oldest Catholic churches in England and one of the most important surviving medieval churches in London. Hidden behind the historic Georgian buildings of Ely Place near Hatton Garden, St Etheldreda’s has been a centre of Catholic worship, prayer, and pilgrimage for centuries. Originally built in the 13th century as the chapel of the Bishops of Ely, the church survived the English Reformation, anti-Catholic persecution, the Great Fire of London, and the Blitz, becoming a powerful symbol of the endurance of the Catholic faith in England.

Today, St Etheldreda’s Church is renowned for its beautiful Gothic architecture, medieval crypt, stained glass windows, and deep connection to the English saints and martyrs. Located in central London near Holborn, Farringdon, and the City of London, St Etheldreda’s remains one of the most significant Catholic landmarks in Britain and a unique destination for those interested in English Catholic history, saints, martyrs, medieval churches, and Christian heritage.

📍 14 Ely Pl, London EC1N 6RY