William Cragh

William Cragh: A Medieval Warrior’s Unusual Resurrection

Imagine a tale of medieval Wales where the line between life and death blurred in the most extraordinary way. William Cragh, born around 1262 in Llanrhidian, Gower, was no ordinary warrior. He fought alongside Rhys ap Maredudd against King Edward I of England, embodying the spirit of rebellion that defined his era. But his story takes a turn into the realm of the supernatural.

The Trial and Execution

William Cragh’s journey to the gallows began in 1290 when he was captured for allegedly killing thirteen men. The sentence? Death by hanging, just outside Swansea within sight of de Briouze’s castle. But fate had other plans.

The First Hanging

On November 27, 1290, Cragh faced his first execution. His gallows collapsed during the hanging, and he was hanged again by a relative after Trahaern ap Hywel broke the crossbeam. This second attempt should have been the end of him, but fate had other ideas.

The Miracle

After being hanged, Cragh showed signs of life the day after his execution and made a full recovery. He became one of thirty-eight miracles presented in support of Thomas de Cantilupe’s canonization. This event is nothing short of miraculous—like a flicker of light in the darkest night.

The Role of Saint Thomas

Historian Robert Bartlett noted that Lady Mary de Briouze, who intervened for Cragh’s release, believed he was still alive after hearing about Trahaern ap Hywel’s death. She asked Saint Thomas de Cantilupe to restore life to Cragh through intercession.

The Pilgrimage

After recovering, Cragh undertook a pilgrimage to Hereford Cathedral with Lord and Lady de Briouze to thank Cantilupe for restoring his life. He walked barefoot on the three-day trip, wearing the rope he was hanged with around his neck. This act of devotion is a testament to the power of faith in medieval times.

The Papal Commission

A papal investigation into Thomas de Cantilupe’s saintliness was initiated by Pope Clement V in 1307, with three papal commissioners: William de Testa, Ralph Baldock, and William Durand the Younger. The investigation opened in London on July 14, 1307.

Witnesses and Evidence

The first witnesses to testify were Lady Mary de Briouze, William Codineston, and the younger William de Briouze. They confirmed that Cragh had been properly hanged and described their hatred for him. Other witnesses included Cragh himself, who claimed he had seen a vision of St Thomas.

The Decision

The investigation was conducted in an inquisitorial style with leading questions asked to witnesses. The commissioners physically examined Cragh and found some scarring on his tongue. Thirty-eight posthumous miracles attributed to Thomas de Cantilupe were examined, including Cragh’s resurrection, but no reasons were recorded for its rejection.

The Canonization

Pope John XXII formally announced Cantilupe’s canonisation on April 17, 1320, thirty-eight years after his death. This decision was a testament to the power of faith and the extraordinary events that surrounded Cragh’s life.

William Cragh’s story is a fascinating blend of history, faith, and the unexplained. His resurrection after execution challenges our understanding of life and death, making him a figure of intrigue in medieval Wales. The tale of his miraculous recovery and subsequent canonization serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories are those that defy explanation.