John Kemble (c. 1599 – 22 August 1679) was an English Catholic priest killed by the crown due to his ministry.

[3] In normal times, despite harsh anti-Catholic laws, the extent of persecution depended upon the sympathies of local landowners.

Around Hereford and Monmouth, where the Catholic Earl of Worcester (from 1642 Marquess) held sway at Raglan Castle, the old religion was for long periods practised with impunity, even after his own conversion to the Church of England.

From 1622 there was even a Jesuit College at Cwm, Llanrothal, near Welsh Newton, which survived until 1678, though its existence was widely known, and was twice debated in the House of Commons.

[1] Based at Pembridge Castle, the home of his nephew, Captain Richard Kemble,[4] he had seemed immune from prosecution.

When Oates' story was examined in detail the whole fraud was exposed, but it gave disgruntled Protestants and ambitious chancers an opportunity.

Before he was led out to his execution on 22 August 1679 Kemble insisted on saying his prayers and finishing his drink, and the assembled party joined the elderly priest in a final smoke and a cup of sack.

"[1] Kemble was allowed to die on the gallows before being drawn and quartered, thus he was spared the agony suffered by many other Catholic martyrs of England, Scotland and Wales.

[6] One of Kemble's hands is still preserved at St Francis Xavier Church in Hereford[4] city centre.

His body rests in the (Church of England) churchyard of St Mary the Virgin at Welsh Newton,[3] and local Catholics make an annual pilgrimage to his grave.