John Churchmouse

Gender: male

Species: mouse

Appears In: Redwall and Mattimeo




John is a resident of Saint Ninian's where he lives with his family until they flee to Redwall when Cluny's army arrives in the area. He is the husband of Mrs. Churchmouse, father of Tess and Tim, father-in-law of Mattimeo, and grandfather of Martin II. After moving to the Abbey he becomes Recorder, and along with Methuselah is the only inhabitant to understand Loamscript. While he does not participate much in defeating the Scourge's horde, he plays a larger role in Mattimeo. Along with Hugo and Lettie he is not drugged by Slagar's gang when they put on a "performance" at Redwall during a feast, and they attempt to stop the masked fox when they realize what he is doing. The other two are killed and he suffers a serious head wound, being found by Matthias the next morning and brought to the Infirmary where he later reveals to the mouse Warrior what had happened. He stays behind while Matthias heads out to find the kidnapped youngsters (his two children are stolen), acts as Bellringer with Rollo, and deciphers a stone piece with Loamscript written on it. He suffers another terrible loss when his wife is snatched up by Ironbeak's flock, however not long after she is returned safely. They are eventually reunited with their rescued children, and after retiring he hands down the Recorder title to his son Tim.