(A.D. 1127.)
[English Martyrologies. His life in Capgrave.]
S. Henry was of Danish origin. Leaving his parents and wife, he resolved
to serve God in solitude, and escaped to Coquet Island, off the coast of
Northumberland. His relatives came after him, urging him to return to
his home; then, in an agony of doubt, he cast himself before his
crucifix, and implored God to reveal to him what was His will. Then it
seemed to him that the Saviour said to him, "Abide here, play the man,
and strengthen thine heart to resist. I have called thee in mine eternal
purpose."
So he remained, and laboured in the islet, and a few brethren joined
him, but lived in separate cells. And when he died, they heard the bell
of his little hovel ring violently, so they ran, and found him dead,
with the bell rope in his hand, and the candle by his side was alight.
His body was taken to Tynemouth, and was buried in the church of the
Blessed Virgin, near that of S. Oswin.