Last Abbot of Westminster, born Feckenham Forest, Worcestershire, England, c.1515;died Wisbech Castle, 1585. His family name was Howman. He joined the Benedictines at Evesham, and after the dissolution of the monasteries was rector of Solihull. Cranmer threw him into prison, but he was released under Mary and later made Abbot of Westminster. He showed great kindness to heretics, and after Wyatt's rebellion his intercession saved Elizabeth's life and subsequently procured her liberation. On her accession he refused to save his monastery by apostasy, and spent 23 years in jail, where he died from privation, a striking example of Elizabeth's ingratitude.