The Queen's Priest

The Story of Blessed Thomas Abell

By: Theresa Abell Haynes

Narrated by: Alex Bhat

The Queen's Priest is a gripping historical novel based on the true story of Thomas Abell, the 16th-century priest who defied King Henry VIII and spent seven years of his life in the Tower of London.

Father Thomas Abell's tranquil life in Oxford is shattered when the powerful Cardinal Wolsey summons him to the royal court. Embroiled in King Henry VIII's quest for a divorce, Wolsey asks Thomas to become Queen Katherine’s personal chaplain—and the king's loyal spy. Then, when a covert mission to Spain forces Thomas to choose between the king's demands and his own conscience, he must decide who he will serve. Will he risk everything to do what is right?

The Queen's Priest reveals the treacherous landscape of Tudor England, where speaking truth could cost a man everything. Follow Thomas's journey from reluctant priest to fearless champion of the faith.
The Queen's Priest is based on the true story of Blessed Thomas Abell, who carved his name and family emblem into the Tower of London. Visitors today can see his graffiti in the Beauchamp Tower.

Theresa Abell Haynes is a journalist and historical novelist with a master's degree in the Religious Roots of Europe from Lund University in Sweden. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband.

©2025 Theresa Abell Haynes (P)2025 Theresa Abell Haynes

Wonderful narration of an amazing story!

Fantastic Audiobook!

The Queen’s Priest is based on the true story of Thomas Abell, chaplain to Catherine of Aragon—King Henry VIII’s first wife. You might remember the rhyme: Divorced, Beheaded, Died; Divorced, Beheaded, Survived. Abell was a remarkable hero of the Faith who ultimately found himself imprisoned in the Tower of London.

Set during a pivotal moment in history, not just for the English court, but also for the early Reformation. Luther's 95 thesis and Tyndale's translations were all happening at around this time, and a small part of the story.

The reader did a fantastic job on the book, and it really made me feel like I was there with all of the complex supporting characters.

If you enjoy historical accounts of faith-filled heroes like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, you’ll appreciate The Queen’s Priest. I truly loved it and I’m a very picky reader!

Great historical Novel!!

This was a great read. The struggle of Thomas to be accepted by the Queen and then grappling with responding to the claims that the king’s marriage was in sin. The story is a must read for anyone interested in the royal family especially Henry VIII and Queen Catherine.