Hugh Faringdon became Abbot of Reading in 1520 at a time when Reading Abbey was one of the most influential and richest abbeys in England. Hugh was on friendly terms with the king, Henry VIII and entertained him at the abbey. In 1534, Hugh even acknowledged him as supreme head on earth of the church in England. But his conscience would not prevent him for denying the Pope's supremacy in spiritual matters and in September 1539, Hugh was arrested and sent to the Tower. He was brought back to Reading and in an unfair trial was charged with treason and on 14th November 1539 was hanged, drawn and quartered along with two other monks outside the abbey gate.
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