Alban Roe (20 July 1583 – 21 January 1642) was an English Benedictine priest, remembered as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.

[3] The disruption caused by the dissolution of the monasteries deprived Benedictine monks of a key aspect of their life: lifelong stability within a community.

Large monasteries had disappeared and those houses which remained consisted of small fragmented groups or even isolated individuals.

Inevitably for monks at this time, this type of community led some to focus on contemplation, becoming withdrawn mystics whilst others out of necessity were more practical and individual, and focussed on the missionary aspect.

[4] Roe's conversion experience was unusual: he tried to convert an imprisoned Catholic to Protestantism, but found himself defeated in argument.

When the Prior had some cupboards removed from near to his bed, Roe declared: "There is more trouble with a few fools than with all the wise; if you pull down, I will build up; if you destroy, I will rebuild.

[8] This allowed him later in 1613 to join the English Benedictine Priory of St Laurence at Dieulouard in Lorraine (today Ampleforth Abbey), being ordained in 1615.

[9] He was zealous for the conversion of souls and lacking a church could be found in ale houses playing cards with the customers.

Richard Challoner notes him translating "several pious tracts into English, some of which he caused to be published in print, others he left behind him in manuscript.

Thinking he could win him round again, he pleaded not guilty, but objected to being tried by "twelve ignorant jurymen", who were unconcerned about the shedding of his innocent blood.

The judge sent him back to prison where he was advised by who Challoner describes as "some grave and learned priests" to follow the example of those before him and consent to being tried by the court.

On the morning of 21 January 1642, Roe together with fellow priest Thomas Reynolds was drawn on hurdles from Newgate Prison to the place of execution.