Not much is known about St. John Fisher's childhood. In 1491, at the age of 22, John became a priest. He later went on to become a proctor at Cambridge University, and he eventually became the chancellor in 1504. He was also appointed bishop of Rochester, and would hold the position for 31 years. He was a tutor for Prince Henry, who would become King Henry VIII.
St. John Fisher died because of his faith. King Henry VIII wanted to divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon because she did not produce any sons. However, Pope Clement VII refused to allow the divorce. This caused King Henry to declare himself the leader of the Church in England and allow his marriage to his wife, Anne Boleyn. St. John Fisher refused to sign an oath acknowledging that King Henry was the head of the Church. Fisher was imprisoned in the Tower of London for a year before being beheaded.