The Year 1582

JOHN PAINE, Priest *

He was born in Northamptonshire. In what college he was educated in either of our Universities at home I have not found; but he was admitted into the English College of Doway in 1575, ordained priest the following year, and sent upon the English mission at the same time with Mr. Cuthbert Maine, and there laboured with great fruit. His residence was chiefly in Essex, at the house of the Lady Petre. He was apprehended and committed in 1581, and carried to the Tower of London, where he was most cruelly racked. But his trial and execution was at Chelmsford, in Essex; of which I take the following extract from an unexceptionable witness: —

‘ The 20th of March, 1582, Sir Owen Hopton, Lieutenant of the Tower, came to Mr. Paine's chamber-door, and by knocking raised him out of bed, who had much watched before, and hastened him to come forth half-dressed, not telling him to what end; but being afterwards advertised how the matter stood, and perceiving that he was to be removed, [from the Tower to Chelmsford jail,] he desired leave to return into his chamber to make himself ready, and to fetch his purse, which he had left behind him; but this was not granted, but he was delivered to certain officers there attending, to be conducted into Essex, according to the appointment of the Council.¹

MEAIOIRS OF MISSIONARY PRIESTS [1582

Mr. Paine in his cassock only went forward with them, being the more gently dealt with that he was not bound at all. In the mean-time, the Lady Hopton took care to secure his purse for her own use.

‘ On the Friday following he was arraigned after this manner: First, his indictment was read, viz., that Mr. Paine should utter to one Eliot, at a certain Christmas, lying with him in his chamber. That many devices have been heretofore concerning the change of religion, and yet none have prosperously succeeded; but, of all others, this seemeth the best which I have heard, said he, sometime mentioned by the Earl of Westmoreland, Dr. Allen, and Dr. Bristow, that fifty men, well appointed with privy coats and dagges, should espy some opportunity when the Queen was in her progress, and kill the Queen^s Majesty, the Earl of Leicester, and Mr. Walsingham, and then to proclaim the Queen of Scots. Also, that he should say. It was no greater sin to kill the Queen than to despatch a brute beast.

‘ This being read, Mr. Paine denied the indictment, and defied all treason, protesting. That he always, in mind or word, honoured the Queen's Majesty above any woman in the world; that he would gladly always have spent his life for her pleasure in any lawfid service; that he prayed for her as for his own soul; that he Jiever invented or compassed any treason against her Majesty, or any of the Nobility 0/ England.

‘ However, Eliot swore that the indictment was true, [and to this positive deposition] Mr. Morrice, the Queen’s counsellor, joined several presumptions from Mr. Paine's having gone beyond the seas, and having been made priest by the Bishop of Cambray, and consequently, as he falsely supposed, having taken an oath to the Pope; from his having spoken with traitors in Flanders, viz. with the Earl of Westmoreland, Dr. Allen, and Dr. Bristow, and travelled with a traitor’s son, Mr. William Tempest.

‘ To these presumptions Mr. Paine answered. That to go beyond the seas was not a sufficient token of a traitor, nor yet to be made priest by the Bishop of Cambray; /or so were many others, 7iothing at all thinking of treason; that, for his part, he was not the Pope's scholar, neither had any maintenance of him, for when he was at the College it had as yet no pension from the Pope. That he had never talked with the Earl 0/ Westmoreland, and that Dr. Allen and Dr. Bristow had never talked to his knowledge of any such things; that Mr. Tempest was an holiest gentleman and never talked to him about treason; neither was it unlawful for him to keep him company, seeing that he was a servant to a right honourable counsellor. Sir Christopher Hatton.

‘ He refelled Eliot's deposition. Eirst, taking God to witness on his soul that he never had such speech with him. Secondly, he brought two places of Scripture and a statute to prove, That without two sufficient witnesses no man should he condemned. Thirdly, he proved Eliot insufficient to be a witness, for having been guilty, 'ist, of oppression of poor men, even unto death; zdly, of a rape and other notorious lewdnesses; '^dly, of breach of contract, and cozening the Lady Petre, [widow of Sir William Petre,] of money; ^thly, of changing often his religion; 5^/zfy, of malice against himself; adding, that he was also attached of murder and such like acts, and was a notorious dissembler, &c.

‘ Hereupon a jury was impanelled, who, on Friday, after dinner, brought in their verdict guilty. Upon Saturday, a little before dinner, coming again to the bar. Judge Gaudy asked Mr. Paine what he could say for himself; who answered. That he had said sufficiently, alleging. That it was against the law of God and man that lie slioidd be condemned for one man's witness notoriously infamous. Then the Judge said. If he were not guilty the jury would have found it. Mr. Paine answered. That those men of the jury are poor ignorant men, not at all understanding what treason is. But, says he, if it please the Queen and her Council that I shall die, I refer my cause to God. Then the Judge said that his own words made most against him; and if Ehot had sworn falsely, his death should be required at his hands, the which no man knew but God and himself. Mr. Paine said. That all was but treachery in seeking of his blood. In fine. Judge Gaudy pronounced the sentence of condemnation, and afterwards exhorted him to repent himself, although, said he, you may better instruct me herein. Mr. Paine demanded the time when he should suffer. It was answered, on Monday following, about eight of the clock.

‘ After he was returned to prison, the High Sheriff and others came to him and demanded whether he made Jesus Christ the only cause of his salvation. He answered affirmatively, professing unto them the Catholic truth. All Sunday till five of the clock, one Dr. Withers and Dr. Sone were with him, persuading him earnestly to change his religion, the which, said they, if you will alter, we doubt not to procure mercy for you. This Mr. Paine told me himself, saying. That the ministers, by their foolish babbling, did much vex and trouble him. I, amongst many, coming unto him about ten of the clock with the officers, he most comfortably and meekly uttered words of constancy to me, and with a loving kiss took his leave of me.

‘ The next morning, the 2d of April, about eight of the clock, he was laid on the hurdle, and drawn to the place of execution, where, kneeling almost half an hour, he earnestly prayed, then arising and viewing the gallows, he kissed it with a snailing countenance, and ascended the ladder; and the halter being fitted to his neck, he lifted up his eyes and hands towards heaven a pretty while, then began to speak to the people. And,

‘ istj He made to them a declaration of his faith, confessing one God in essence or substance, and trinity in Persons, and that the Word was incarnate for man’s redemption, &c.\ because I had informed him that the common people thought him to be a Jesuit, and that they said the Jesuits’ opinion was that Christ is not God.

‘ zdly^ He desired God to forgive him all the sins of his life past, and to have mercy on all sinners.

‘ He forgave all who ever had offended him, and by name Eliot, for whom he earnestly prayed that God would make him his companion in heavenly bliss.

‘ ^thly, He declared that his feet did never tread, his hands did never write, nor his wit ever invent, any treason against her Majesty; but that he always wished unto her as to his own soul, desiring Almighty God to give her in earth a prosperous reign, and afterwards eternal felicity.

‘ The Lord Rich willed him to confess that he there died a traitor, and to be sorry for his treason. To whom very patiently he answered, That he defied all treason, and to confess an nntruth uas to condemn his own soul. I confess truly, said he, that I die a Christian Catholic priest. And addressing himself to my Lord Rich, Sweet my lord, said he, certify her Majesty thereof, that she suffer not hereafter innocent blood to he cast away, seeing it is no small matter. Som^e affirmed that he had confessed his treason to the Lady Poole. He said. That he knew no such person. Then a minister said that Mr. Paine's brother confessed to him in his chamber, seven years ago, that he talked of such an intention. To this he answered, being somewhat moved. Bone Deus! my brother is, and always hath been, a very earnest Protestant; yet I know he will not say so falsely of me. And then he desired his brother should be sent for. They called for him, but then he w^as in town. (And when some of us came from the execution, we found his brother in our inn, of whom we asked if this was true, uttering to him all the matter. He swore unto us with great admiration that it w^as most false, and told us that he would so certify my Lord Rich. Immediately he was sent for to my Lord, and I took horse to ride away, and as yet hear no more of it.)

‘ To conclude, they would not tarry so long till his brother should be sent for. Mr. Paine often confessed that he died a Christian

Catholic priest. They desired him to pray with them in English, but he was attentive to his end in contemplation; and being often called upon by the ministers to join with them in the Lord’s Prayer, he said, That he had prayed in a tongue which he well understood. A minister asked him whether he repented not that he had said Mass; but Mr. Paine did not hear him, being in contemplation.

‘ After all, very meekly, when the ladder was about to be turned, he S2L\d., Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; and so did hang, not moving hand or foot. They very courteously caused men to hang on his feet, and set the knot to his ear, and suffered him to hang to death, commanding Bull, the hangman of Newgate, to despatch, [in the quartering of him,] lest, as they said, he should survive, and rebuked him that he did not despatch speedily. All the town loved him exceedingly, so did the keepers and most of the magistrates of the shire. No man seemed in countenance to mislike him, but much sorrowed and lamented his death; who most constantly, catholicly, patiently, and meekly ended this mortal life to rise triumphantly, his innocency known to all the world.

‘ He had been long in prison, very ill used, cruelly handled, and extremely racked. He was once or twice demanded whether he would go to their church (for that would have made amends for all these treasons). Why, said he, you say I am in for treason; discharge me of that, and then you shall know farther of my mind for the other. All fair means, all foul means, all extremity, all policy were used to find that which was not. After his racking, the Lieutenant of the Tower sent to him his servant with this letter: —

‘ I have herewith sent you pen, ink, and paper, and I pray you write what you have said to Eliot, and to your host in London, concerning the Queen and the State; and thereof fail not, as you will answer at your uttermost peril.’

Mr. Paine’s Answer.

‘ Right Worshipful,

‘ My duty remembered, being not able to write without better hands, I have by your appointment used the help of your servant. For answer unto your interrogations, I have already said sufficient for a man that regardeth his own salvation, and that with such advised asseverations uttered as amongst Christian men ought to be believed, yet once again briefly for obedience’ sake.

‘ First, touching her Majesty, I pray God long to preserve her Highness to His honour and her heart’s desire; unto whom I always have, and during life will wish, no w'orse than to my own soul. If her pleasure be not that I shall live and serve her as my sovereign prince, then will I willingly die her faithful subject, and, I trust, God’s true servant.

‘ Touching the State, I protest that I am, and ever have been, free from the knowledge of any practice whatsoever, either within or without the realm, intended against the same; for the verity whereof, as I have often before you and the rest of her Grace’s Commissioners called God to witness, so do I now again; and one day before His Majesty the truth now not credited will be then revealed.

For Elioty I forgive his monstrous wickedness, and defy his malicious inventions; wishing that his former behaviour toward others, being well known, as hereafter it will, were not a sufficient disproof of these devised slanders.

For Host or other person living in London or elsewhere (unless they be by subornation of my bloody enemy corrupted), I know they can neither for word, deed, or any disloyalty justly touch me; and so before the seat of God, as also before the sight of men, will I answer at my utmost peril.

‘ John Paine, Priest.'

Mr. Paine's execution is recorded by Mr. Stow in his Annals, 1582: — John Paine, priest, being indicted of high treason, for words by him spoken to one Eliot, was arraigned, condemned, and executed at Chelmsford.'

He suffered April 2, 1582.

THOMAS FORDE, Priest *

Thomas FORDE was bom in Devonshire, brought up in Trinity College, Oxford, where he took the degree of Master of Arts in 1567, and was soon after admitted Fellow of that College; but not liking the Protestant religion, he quitted his Fellowship and all other temporal hopes, and went over to the College or Seminary lately instituted at Doway, where he arrived in 1571; and after having for some time there seriously applied himself to the study of divinity, he was made priest in 1573, at the same²³

THOMAS FORCE time with those two eminent divines, Richard Bristow and Gregory Martin — these being the three first that were presented to holy orders from Doway College. He took his degree of Bachelor of Divinity in 1576, and soon after returned into England upon the mission, where he laboured for some years with great fruit in the conversion of many souls. He was apprehended on the 17th of July, 1581, with Father Campion, in the house of Mr. Yates of Lyford, in Berkshire, and >vith him was carried up to London and cast into the Tower, and condemned the November following for the pretended conspiracy of Rhemes and Rome; whereas he had never been in his life either at Rhemes ori^om^,nor had the witnesses that appeared against him, [Sledd and Munday, the Oates and Bedlow of those days,] ever so much as seen Mr. Forde before his imprisonment.

ffe received sentence of death the 21st of November 1581, but was not executed till May 28, 1582. In the meantime, to make his execution and that of his companions more plausible, and that it might appear to the world, if they were not guilty of the pretended conspiracy (which even the Queen herself did not believe), that they were at least disaffected persons to her Majesty, and as such deserved to die, they sent to them the Queen’s Attorney and Solicitor, Popham and Egerton, with two civilians, Hammond and Lewis, to propose six articles to them concerning the bull of Pius V., and what obedience was to be paid to that decree, and what they thought of the Pope’s deposing power, and of certain passages of the writings of Dr. Saunders and Dr. Bristow — in fine, what they would do in case of an invasion on account of religion.

‘ To these interrogatories, Mr. John Shert, Mr. Lawrence Richardson, and Mr. Thomas Cottam would make no other answer but. That they were Catholics, and believed in all points as the Catholic Roman Church taught them. Mr. Richardson added. That in all matters not repugnant to the Catholic religion he professed obedience to her Majesty. Mr. Forde answered. That he did not know what to say to the bull of Pius V., as being a stranger to the circumstances of that bull; that as to the deposing power, he thought the Pope fnight have a power upon certain occasions, which he did not name, [as where a whole kingdom would otherwise be perverted,] to discharge subjects from their allegiance; That he would not pretend to answer for the doctrine of Dr. Saunders or Dr. Bristow; let them answer for themselves; and as to the last point, he thought it would be time enough to determine what was to be done when the case should happen. And not unlike to this were the answers of Mr. Robert Johnson, Mr. Luke Kirby, and Mr. William Filbie.

‘ On the 28th of May ^ 1582, after a long series of cruel treatments and much art used to make them either confess the feigned treason or deny their faith, the reverend priests, Mr. Thomas Forde, Mr. John Shert, and Mr. Robert Johnson, were all trailed upon hurdles from the Tower of London through the streets to Tyburn, betwixt six and seven of the clock in the morning. And first Mr. Forde being set up in the cart, blessed himself with the sign of the cross, being so weak that he fell dowm in the cart, and after he was up, he said, / am a Catholic, and do die in the Catholic religion. And therewith he was interrupted by Sheriff Martin, saying, You come not hither to confess your religion, but as a traitor and malefactor to the Queen’s Majesty and the whole realm, moving and stirring of sedition; and therefore I pray you go to and confess your fault, and submit yourself to the Queen’s mercy and no doubt but she would forgive you.

‘ Whereunto Mr. Forde answered. That supposed offence zvhereof I was indicted and condemned zvas the conspiring of her Majesty's death at Rome and Rhemes, whereof I was altogether not guilty. For the offence was supposed for conspiring the Queen's Majesty's death in the twenty-second year of her Majesty's reign, at which time I was in England remaining, and long before that; for I have remained here for the space of six or seven years, and never during that time departed this realm, — whereof I might bring the zvitness of an hundred, yea of five hundred, sujficient men, and had thereupon been discharged at the bar, if I zvould have disclosed their names with whom I had been, which I did forbear to do for fear of bringing them into trouble. Then Sheriff Martin said. Here is your own handwriting, with the testimony of worshipful men, the Queen’s Attorney, Dr. Hammond, Dr. Lewis, and others; and if that will not serve, here is one of your own companions [Mundayj\ that was the Pope’s scholar, to testify your offence. Mr. Forde answered. That notwithstanding, I am altogether not guilty, whatever you have written.

‘ He continued for the most part in prayer secretly to himself during the time that the Sheriff or any other spoke to him. Then was a scroll of his examination [of which we have spoken above] read by a minister; and Munday, the Pope’s scholar, being called as a witness against him, said. That Forde was privy to their conspiracies, but was not able to affirm that ever he saw him beyond the seas. This his assertion Mr. Forde utterly denied upon his death; and being asked what he thought of the Queen’s Majesty, and withal willed to ask her and the whole realm forgiveness, he said. He acknowledged her for his sovereign and Queen, and that he never

JOHN SHERT in his life had offended her. And so praying secretly, he desired all those that were of his faith to pray with him, and ended with this prayer, Jesii^ Jesii^ Jesu, esto mihi Jesus; and hanged until his companion, Mr. Shert (likely to terrify him the more), might see him.’

JOHN SHERT, Priest *

He was born in Cheshire^ and brought up in Brazen-nose College in Oxford, where he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1566. But soon after quitting the University, he became a noted schoolmaster in London. Then crossing the seas to the College lately erected at Dozvay, he was admitted in 1578, there studied his divinity and was made subdeacon; from whence he was sent to Rome, where he finished his studies and was made priest, and so returned to the College, now translated to Rhemes; and from thence was sent to England in 1579, the year before the pretended conspiracy of Rhemes and Rome, for which he was afterwards arraigned and condemned. After he had laboured for some time in his mission, he was apprehended and brought to the Tower on the same day with Mr. Paine, viz., July 14, 1581. And in the November following he was condemned, as we have seen, for the pretended conspiracy, though the witnesses had never seen him in their lives before his apprehension.

‘ Being brought from the hurdle [on which he had been drawn from the Tower to Tyburn,^ and seeing his companion, Mr. Forde, hanged before him, with a confident courage, smiling countenance, and with his hands lifted up, he spoke as followeth: — O happy Thomas! happy art thou that hast run that happy race! O benedicta anima! O blessed soul! thou art in a good case! thou blessed soul, pray for me. And being lifted into the cart, he desired all Catholics to pray for him; and turning to the place of execution by commandment of the Sheriff and seeing his companion bowelled and beheaded, he kneeled down and cried out, O Thomas! O happy Thomas! O blessed sold! happy art thou; thy blessed sold pray for me. And being found fault withal because he prayed to those that were dead, he said, O blessed Lady, Mother of God, pray for me, and all the Saints of heaven pray for me. The Sheriff finding fault with this⁴ as erroneous doctrine, he answered, That it uas both sound and true doctrine, tchich he icould noic seal icith his blood. After which he began as follows: —

‘ O blessed Lord! to Thee be all honour and praise. I give Thee most hearty thanks for that Thou didst create me of nothing to Thy likeness and similitude. Secondly, For my redejjiption by the death of Thy szceet Son, Jesus Christ,?ny Saviour and Redeemer. And lastly. That Thou zvilt bring?ne. Thy poor servant, to so glorious and happy a death for Thy sake; although in the eyes of zcorldlings contumelious and reproachful, yet to me most joyful and glorious; and for the ZL'hich I yield Thee most hearty thanks. Here he was stopped from proceeding further by the Sheriff, who said to him. Ask the Queen’s forgiveness for these treasons whereof thou art condemned; who answered. The asking of forgiveness doth imply an offence done, and for me to charge?nyself, being infiocent, zcould be contrary to my duty. We have been racked and tormented for these things, and nothing hath been found; zee have also been tzcice examined since our condemnation, zchich hath fiot been seen heretofore in any jnalef actor. Those supposed treasons for zchich I am condemned I leave betzjceen God and myself, and upon my death I am altogether innocent and faultless, and I utterly refuse to ask her forgiveness for this fact zchereof I am condemned, for that I am not guilty; but if in any other private matter I have offended, I ask her and all the zcorld forgiveness; for it is impossible for me to be guilty of the conspiracy at Rhemes or Rome, being in England long time before the said supposed treasons committed, and continuing here ever since; which Munday, his accuser, did not much deny, for he said. He never kneze him beyond the seas, neither at Rome nor at Rhemes.

‘ Then Sheriff Martin requested a minister that stood by to read his examination. Who answered. That as the man is obstinate nozc, so upon his examination zcas he as obstinate, for he uttered nothwg that is to be read. The Sheriff desired Mr. Shert again to acknowledge his offence, affirming that the Queen would deal ver}* mercifully with him, and that he had authorin' himself, if he did acknowledge his fault, to stay his execution, and to return him back without more ado. Who answered. Should I for saving this carcase condemn my soul? God forbid!

‘ Being asked what he thought of the Queen’s Majest}’, he answered, I acknozdedge her for my sovereign lady and Queen, for zchose prosperous estate and zcell domg I did alzcays pray. And being demanded whether he thought her to be supreme governor under Christ of the Church of England, he said, / udll give to Casar that

JOHN SHERT which is his, and to God that which helongeth to God. She is not, nor cannot be, nor any other, hut only the supreme pastor. What! do you mean that whore of Babylon the Pope? said the Sheriff. Take heed, Mr. Sherijf, said Mr. Shert, for the day will come when that shall he a sore word for your sold, and then it shall repent you that ever you called Christ’s Vicar upon earth the Whore. When you and 1 shall stand at one bar before that equal Judge who judgeth all things aright, then, I say, will you repent your saying, and then must I give testimony against you.

‘ And the hangman making ready at the importunate clamour of the people, who cried to despatch, saying. That he had lived too long, he delivered his handkerchief to the hangman with two shillings therein, saying. Take this for thy hire, and I pray God forgive thee. Then with a loud voice, that all might hear him, he denounced as follows: Whosoever dieth out of the Catholic Church dieth in the state of damnation. Therewith, turning almost round about, he held up his hands, wagging them to the people, and then began to pray as followeth: Domine Jesu Christe, fili Dei vivi, pone passionem, crucem et mortem tuam, etc., with his Pater, Ave, and other prayers. And when the cart was trailed away, his hands being before on high, he lit upon the rope, and so held it, and the officers pulled them down. The Sheriff then said. Notwithstanding his obstinacy, see how willing he is to live. And so he hanged till he was dead; but it seemed to me that his hands by chance as he was putting them down, fell upon the rope, which he held fast in his hands, as in that case he would have done any other thing if he had chanced upon it.’

ROBERT JOHNSON, Priest.^

He was born in Shropshire, though he is called Vigorniensis in the Doway Diary, from his being of the diocese of Worcester. In his youth he was for some time a servant in a gentleman’s family; but quitting this service, he went abroad, and was received into the English College of Doway, where, after he had sufficiently qualified himself by virtue and learning, he was made priest, and sent upon the mission in 1576, long before the pretended conspiracy⁵

D of Rhemes and Rome. In what part of England he exercised his functions, or where and in what manner he was first apprehended, I have not found; but this I have found, that, on the 5th of December 1580, he was, from some other prison, translated to the Tcwer^ where he was at three different times most cruelly racked; and in the November following he was brought to the bar, and condemned with Father Campion and others, though his execution was put off till the 28th of May 1582.

‘ Being brought from the hurdle, he was commanded to look upon Mr. Shert^ who was hanging, and then immediately cut down; and so being helped into the cart, he was commanded again to look back towards Mr. Shert, who was then in quartering. And after he had turned and signed himself with the sign of the cross, saying. In nomine Patris, etc., Despatch, quoth the Sheriff, and speak quietly. I would be sorry, answered Mr. Johnson, to trouble or ojfend your worship. — You shall not offend me, saith the Sheriff, so that you offend not God. Johnson: I am a Catholic, and am condemned for conspiring the Queen's death at Rhemes, with the other company who were condemned with me. I protest that as for some of them with whom I was condemned to have conspired withal, I did never see them before we met at the bar, neither did I ever write unto them, or receive letters from them; and as for any treasons, I am not guilty in deed nor thought. [Here his examination was read, and his answers to the six articles. Then the Sheriff said,] You shall hear also what your own companion, named Munday, can say against you. Whereupon Munday was called, and came nigh to the cart.

'Johnson. — Munday, didst thou ever know me beyond the seas, or was I ever in thy company?

‘ Munday. — I was never in your company, neither did I ever know you beyond the seas; but I was privy to your most horrible treasons, whereof you were most clearly convicted. I pray God you may repent, and that you may die a good subject.

‘ Johnson. — Munday, God give thee grace to repent thee of thy deeds; truly thou art a shrewd fellow; but there is no time now to reason these matters with thee; only I protest before God I am not guilty of any treason.

‘ Sheriff. — Dost thou acknowledge the Queen for lawful Queen? Repent thee, and notwithstanding thy traitorous practices, we have authority from the Queen to carry thee back.

‘ Johnson. — / do acknowledge her as lawfid as Queen IMary was. I can say no more; hut pray to God to give her grace, and that she may now stay her hand from shedding of innocent blood.

ROBERT JOHNSON

‘ Sheriff. — Dost thou acknowledge her supreme head of the Church in ecclesiastical matters?

^Johnson. — I acknowledge her to have as full and great authority as ever Queen Mary had; and more with safety and conscience I cannot give her,

‘ Sheriff. — Thou art a traitor most obstinate.

'Johnson. — If I be a traitor for maintaining this faiths then all the kings and queens of this realm heretofore, and all our ancestors, were traitors, for they maintained the same.

‘ Sheriff. — What! you will preach treason also, if we suffer you?

'Johnson. — I teach hut the Catholic religion.

' Hereupon the rope was put about his neck, and he was willed to pray, which he did in Latin. They willed him to pray in English, that they might witness with him. He said, I pray that prayer which Christ taught in a tongue I well understand. A minister cried out. Pray as Christ taught: to whom Mr. Johnson replied. What! do you think Christ taught in English } He went on saying in Latin his Pater, Ave, and Creed, and In manus tuas, etc. And so the cart was drawn away, and he finished this life as the rest did. They all hanged until they were dead, and so were cut down and quartered.’

Two days after, viz., on the 30th of 1582, four more reverend priests, Mr. William Filbie, Mr. Luke Kirby, Mr. Laurence Richard-son, whose right name Johnson, and Mr. Thomas Cottam, suffered for the same cause at the same place. All these are mentioned by Mr. Stow in his Annals.

WILLIAM FILBIE, Priest.^

He was born in Oxford, and there educated in Lincoln College; but not liking the established religion, he forsook that University and went oxqx to Doway or Rhemes, where, continuing his studies in the English College, he was made priest in 1581; and returning soon after to England upon the mission, and happening to go to the house of Mr. Yates of Lyford, at the same time as Father Campion and his companions were there apprehended, he was also made a prisoner, and conducted to London with them. My author relates that in their way to London, lodging at Henley, Mr. Filbie ' had in his sleep a significant dream or vision of the ripping up of⁶ his body, and taking out of his bowels: the terror whereof caused hirh to cry so loud, that the whole house was raised thereby; which afterwards was accomplished in his own. Father Campion^ s, and others his companions’ martyrdom.’

He was committed to the Tozver with the rest on the 22nd of July, and arraigned and condemned the following November^ upon the testimony of witnesses that had never seen him in their lives before his imprisonment; and whereas he showed a more than ordinary cheerfulness and constancy upon this occasion, he was ordered to be pinioned with iron manacles, which he endured from the time that he received sentence, November 20, till the 30th of May, when he was executed. On which day, being Wednesday, he was drawn with his three companions ‘ from the Tower of London along the streets to Tyburn, about seven of the clock in the morning.

‘ When they were come to the place of execution, Mr. Filbie, being the youngest (not above twenty-seven years of age), was first taken from the hurdle; and being lifted into the cart, he blessed himself with the sign of the cross, saying. In nomine Pains, etc., and then said. Let me see my brethren, looking to the others who lay on the hurdle; and therewithal holding forth his hands to them, he said. Pray for me. Then speaking to the company he said, I am a Catholic, and I protest before Almighty God that I am mnocent of all these matters whereof I am condemned; and I hope to be saved by the merits and death of our Saviour Jesus Christ, beseeching Him to have meixy on me, and forgive me mine offences. And therewithal a proclamation was read for keeping the peace; and at the end thereof was said, God save the Queen, to which he said. Amen.

‘ The people asking him for what Queen he prayed, he answered. For Queen Elizabeth, beseeching God to send her a long and quiet reign to His good-will, and make her His servant, and preserve her from her enemies. With that Mr. Topcliff and others willed him to say, God save her from the Pope. To whom he answ^ered. He is not hei' enemy. After that, one of the Sheriff’s men standing in the cart with Mr. Filbie said to him. What hast thou there in thy handkerchief } and therewithal taking the handkerchief from him, found a little cross of wood within it, which he holding up in his hands, said. Oh! what a villainous traitor is this that hath a cross! divers times repeating it, and some of the people saying the same. M hereunto Mr. Filbie answ-ered nothing, onty smiling at them. He was no more ashamed, says my author in the margin, of this his Saviour s banner than of his crown, wEich he made shift to shave.

‘ Then the articles, wdth the preface of the book printed by authority, were read, and his answers to them. To the sixth article he answered. That if he had been in Ireland he would have done as a priest should have done; that is, to pray that the right might take place. Some upon this asked him. Did Saunders do well in that business of Ireland? I know not, said he; I was not privy to his doings; I never saw or spoke with him; let him answer for himself.

‘ Then Sheriff Martin called upon the hangman to despatch; and the rope being about his neck, the Sheriff said, Filbie, the Queen IS merciful unto you, and we have authority from her to carry you back if you will ask her mercy and confess your fault; don’t refuse mercy offered; ask the Queen forgiveness. To whom Mr. Filbie answered, / never offended her. Well, then, said the Sheriff, make an end; and thus desiring all Catholics to pray for him, he prayed, saying his Pater and Ave, and In manus tuas, etc.; and when the cart was drawing away, he said. Lord, receive my soul; and so hanged, knocking his breast several times, till some pulled down his hands; and so he finished his mortal life.’

LUKE KIRBY, Priest *

He was born in the bishopric of Durham, according to Raissius; others say at Richmond, in Yorkshire. He was Master of Arts in one of our Universities; but going abroad to Doway, in Flanders, was received into the English College there, 1576, and made priest in 1577, and the year following sent upon the mission; where he had not been long before he again went abroad, and travelled to Rome, partly for devotion, and partly for further improvement in learning. Here he remained in the English College till 1580, when he returned into England, and was not long after apprehended; for I find by a printed diary of things transacted in the Tower of London from 1580 till 1585, that on the 5th of December 1580, Luke Kirby, Thomas Cottam, and other priests, were brought to the Tower from other prisons, and that these two, on the loth of the same’ month, suffered the torture called The Scavenger's Daughter, of which I find frequent mention in the memoirs of the sufferings of the Catholics in those days. Raissius and the Doway Diary tell us that Mr. Kirby was thrust into a hoop or circle of iron, in which his whole body was, as it were, folded up, and his hands, feet, and head⁷ bound fast together. Perhaps this cruel engine is the same as that which the other diary calls The Scavenger's Daughter.

On the 20th of November following, Mr. Kirby received sentence of death, at the same time and for the same cause with Father Campion and others, but suffered not till the 28th of May 1582. When Mr. Filbie had finished his course, he was brought from the hurdle to see him hang; ‘ and being lifted up into the cart, he began thus: O my friends^ O my friends! I am come hithei' for supposed treason^ although indeed it be for my conscience. Then he prayed, O my Saviour Jesus Christ, by whose death and passion I hope to be saved^ forgive me^ sinful sinner ^ my manifold sins and offences, &c. And being commanded to turn towards the place of execution, his companion Mr. Filbie being beheaded, and, as the manner is, the executioner lifting up his head between his hands, and crying, God save the Queen, Mr. Kirby said. Amen; and he being asked what Queen, he answered. Queen Elizabeth, to whom he prayed God to send a lo7ig and prosperous reign, and to preserve her from her enemies. Mr. Charke, the minister, bid him say. From the Pope's curse and power. Mr. Kirby replied. If the Pope levy war against her or curse her unjustly, God preserve her from him also, and so direct her in this life as that she may further and mamtain Christ’s Catholic religion, and at last inherit the kingdom of heaven.

‘ After this he made a solemn protestation of his innocency in that whereof he was condemned, adding. That if there were any man living that could justly accuse him in any 07ie point of that whereof he was condemned, he was ready to submit himself to he7' Majesty's clemency; and seeing Munday present, he desired he might be brought in to say what he could; who being brought in, said that being at Rome, Mr. Kirby persuaded him and another young man named Robinson to stay there and not to come to England, for that shortly some stir or trouble was like to come; and seeing that could not stay him, he said that he willed him to persuade those that w^ere his friends to the Catholic religion against the great day. Mr. Kirby answered. That it was imlike that he, who knew before his departure from Rome how he was affected m religion, would utte7' a7iy such words to hhn to persuade the people. Munday replied. That it was like, because he delivered him some hallowed pictures to carry with him. Mr. Kirby answered. That because he mistrusted hhn he woidd not deliver, nor did not deliver, any to him; but he said he gave him two Julios to buy pictures, and that now he was very ungratefidly dealt withal, being by him falsely accused, he having been such a benefactor to all his country7nen, although he knew them to be otherwise affected in religion than himself was; For, he said, he spoke to some of the Pope's chief est officers, and was like through them to come to trouble. To others, he said, he gave the shirt off his own hack, and travelled with others forty miles for their safe conduct, and only for good-will. And as for Munday, he had written a letter to a friend in Rhemes to deliver him fifteen shillings, which he never received, because he never went to receive it; and he urged Munday again, in the fear and love of God, to say but the truth; alleging farther How one Nichols, who in his book uttered much more of him than Munday did, yet his conscience accusing him, he ca7ne to his chamber in the Tower, and in the presence of four, whereof he named his keeper to be one, recanted and denied that which before he had affirmed in his book. See Mr. Kirby's letter below.

‘ Then the Sheriff interrupted him, and said. Even as he hath recanted his error and is sorry for it, so do you. Mr. Kirby, not regarding his words, passed on, and showed likewise that this Munday, in presence of Sir Owen Hopton and others, did say that he could charge him with nothing, which Munday denied; but he affirmed it again, and said that thereupon one that was present said that upon that confession he might take advantage. The Sheriff asked who that was. He answered, It was one Coudridge. After this his answer to the six articles was read. Where to the first, being examined, he said. That the Excommunication o/Pius V. was a matter of fact, wherein the Pope might err, the which I do leave to himself to answer for. [And as to the power of deposing princes for certain causes,] he now explained himself. That it was a question disputable in schools, and he did only yield his opinion. Notwithstanding, said he, 1 do acknowledge to my Queen as much duty and authority as ever I did to Queen Mary, or as any subject in France, Spain, or Italy doth acknowledge to his King or Prince. And as for Dr. Saunders and Bristow, they might err in their private opinions, the which I will defend no farther than they do agree with the judgment of Christ’s Catholic Church.

‘ Being demanded whether he thought the Queen to be supreme governess of the Church of England, he answered. He was ready to yield her as much authority as any other subject ought to yield his Prince, or as he woidd yield to Queen Mary, and more with safety of conscience he could not do. Then Sheriff Martin told him. That the Queen was merciful, and would take him to her mercy, so he would confess his duty towards her and forsake that man of Rome, and that he had authority himself to stay the execution and carry him back again. Who answered. That to deny the Pope's authority was denying a point of faiths which he would not do for saving his life, being sure that this would be to damn his soul. Then was it tendered him that if he would but confess his fault and ask the Queen’s forgiveness she would yet be merciful to him. He answered again, That his conscience did give him a clear testimony that he never offended, and therefore he would neither confess that whereof he was innocent, neither ask forgiveness where no offence was committed against her Majesty. Well, then, said Sheriff Martin, do but acknowledge those things which your fellow Bosgrave hath done, such as appeareth by his examination, and I will yet save your life; who denied likewise to do this. [By these numbers of proffers, says my author, it is plain they judged them innocent in their conscience of those pretended treasons.]

‘ Then the people cried. Away with him, and he began to pray in Latin. The ministers and others desired him to pray in English, and they would pray with him; who answered. That in praying with them he should dishonour God; but if you were of one faith with me, then, said he, I would pray with you. Withal he desired all those that were Catholics to pray with him, and he would pray with them; and so, after he had ended his Patei' Noster and began his Ave, the cart was drawn away, and there he hanged till he was dead, and till his two companions, Richardson and Cottani, were brought to take a view of him. His speeches were intricate because many did speak unto him, and of several matters; but here are the principal things by him uttered to my remembrance.’

A True Copy of a Letter sent by Mr. Kirby to some of his Friends.

‘ My most hearty commendations to you and the rest of my dearest friends. If you send anything to me, you must make haste, because we look to suffer death very shortly, as already it is signified to us. Yet I much fear lest our unworthiness of that excellent perfection and crown of martyrdom should procure us a longer life.

‘ Within these few days John Nichols came to my chamber window with humble submission to crave mercy and pardon for all his wickedness and treacheries committed against us, and to acknowledge his books, sermons, and infamous speeches to our infamy and discredit to be wicked, false, and most execrable before God and man. Which, for preferment, promotion, hope of living, and favour of the nobility, he committed to writing and to the view of the world; whereof being very penitent and sorrowful from his heart, rather than he would commit the like offence again, he wisheth to suffer a thousand deaths. For being pricked in conscience with our unjust condemnation, which hath happened contrary to his expectation, albeit he offered matter sufficient in his first book of recantation for our adversaries to make a bill of indictment against us, yet he minded, [expected,] then nothing less, as now he protesteth. He knoweth in conscience our accusations and the evidence brought against us to be false, and to have no colour of truth, but only of m^alice forged by our enemies; and for Sledd and Munday^ he is himself to accuse them of this wicked treachery and falsehood, and of their naughty and abominable life, of which he was made privy, and which for shame I cannot commit to writing. In detestation of his own doings and of their wickedness, he is minded never hereafter to ascend into pulpit, nor to deal again in any matter of religion; for which cause he hath forsaken the ministry, and is minded to teach a school, as I understand by him, in Norfolk. In proof whereof he showed me his new disguised apparel, as yet covered with his minister’s weed. I wished him to make amends for all his sins, and to go to a place of penance; and he answered me, he was not yet conformable to us in every point of religion, nor ever was, but lived at Rome in hypocrisy, as he hath done ever since in his own profession. Again he thought, that if ever he should depart the realm, he could not escape burning.

‘ He offered to go to Mr. Lieutenant and to Mr. Secretary Wahingham^ and declare how injuriously I and the rest were condemned, that he himself might be free from shedding innocent blood, albeit he was somewhat afraid to show himself in London ^ where already he had declared our innocent behaviour, and his own malicious dealing towards us in his book and sermons.

‘ To give my censure and judgment of him, certain I think that he will within a short time fall into infidelity, except God of His goodness in the meantime be merciful unto him, and reclaim him by some good means to the Catholic faith; yet it should seem he hath not lost all good gifts of nature, whereas in conscience he was pricked to open the truth in our defence, and to detect his own wickedness, and treacheries of others practiseid against us to our confusion. Now I see, as all the world hereafter shall easily perceive, that the doings of this man do confirm the old saying. That rather than God will have wilful ynurther concealed^ He procureth the birds of the air to reveal it.

‘ I am minded to signify to Sir Francis Walsingham this his submission unto us, except in the mean time I shall learn that he hath (as he promised faithfully to me) already opened the same. Mr.

Richardson and Mr. Filbie have now obtained some bedding, who ever since their condemnation have laid upon the boards. Mr. Hart hath had many and great conflicts with his adversaries. This morning, the loth of January^ he was committed to the dungeon, where he now remaineth. God comfort him; he taketh it very quietly and patiently. The cause was for that he would not yield to Mr. Reynolds of Oxford in any one point, but still remained constant the same man he was before and ever. Mr. Reynolds, albeit he be the best learned of that sort that hath from time to time come hither to preach and confer, yet the more he is tried and dealt withal, the less learning he hath showed. Thus beseeching you to assist us with your good prayers, whereof now especially we stand in need, as we, by God’s grace, shall not be unmindful of you, I bid you farewell, this loth January 1582.

‘ Yours to death and after death,

' Luke Kirby.’

N.B. — Mr. Hart here mentioned was Mr. John Hart, a native of Oxfordshire, who, for conscience’ sake, leaving the University of Oxford, passed over into Flanders, was admitted into the English College of Doway in 1571, made Bachelor of Divinity in that university in 1577, and the year following ordained priest. Returning into England, he was apprehended injune 1580, and on the 29th of December of that same year was from the Marshalsea translated to the Tower, He was cruelly tortured in prison, and in the November following condemned to die; but on the day designed for execution he was by a reprieve taken off the sledge and returned to prison: he was afterwards sent into banishment in 1584, and entered into the Society of Jesus. Mr. Reynolds published in print his conference with Mr. Hart, though, as it is supposed, very partially, ’Tis allowed at all hands that Mr. Hart acquitted himself with honour in this controversy; whom therefore Mr. Camden is pleased to compliment with the title of Vir prce cceteris doctissimus. He died at Jareslaw in Poland, 1594.

LAURENCE RICHARDSON

LAURENCE RICHARDSON, alias JOHNSON,

Priest.

Laurence RI chard son was bom in Lancashire^ and educated in Brazen-nose College in Oxford^ and was a Fellow of that College, but quitting his Fellowship and the Protestant religion, as a great many of the most hopeful subjects did in those days, he went over to Doway College in 1573, where, having passed through his course of divinity, he was made priest in 1577. His labours upon the mission were in his native county of Lancashirey where he was much esteemed for his extraordinary zeal and piety. He was apprehended in some part of the year 1581, and being in prison at the time that the pretended plot of Rhemes and Rome was set on foot by the enemies of the Catholics, he was also charged, with the rest of the priests then in prison, of that pretended conspiracy, though he was in England at the time that he was asserted to have been plotting at Rhemes ^ and the wretches that were his accusers had never seen him there or elsewhere before his imprisonment. However, all this was not regarded in his trial, and he was condemned, November 21, 1581, and executed the 30th of May 1582. My author, an eye-witness of his death, tells us, ‘ That immediately after the cart was drawn away from Mr. Kirhy^ Mr. Richardson and Mr. Cottaniy priests and graduates, were brought together to look upon him whilst he was hanging; and that he being cut down, they were put up into the cart, where, with cheerful countenances, they signed themselves with the sign of the cross, saying. In nomine PatriSy etc. Mr. Cottamy turning him about, said, God bless you all; our Lord bless you ally with a smiling countenance. Mr. Richardson being commanded by the Sheriff’s man to look upon his companion who was in cutting up, said. Oh! God's will be done: with that, one Field y a preacher, said. Despatch y despatch: to whom Mr. Cottam said, with smiling countenance. What are you — an executioner or a preacher? fie y fie! A minister standing by said. Leave off those jests; it is no time to jest; he is a preacher, and not an executioner; he cometh to exhort you to die well. Mr. Cottam replied. Truly by his words he seemed to be an executioner; for he saidy Despatch y despatch. Then Mr. Richardson being placed⁸ right under the place where he was to hang, divers persons moved speeches to him all at one time. To whom he answered, I pray you do not trouble me: if you demand any questions of me^ let them be touching the matter whereof I was condemned^ and do not move new questions; and thereupon he was turned back to look upon Mr. Kirby, who was then in quartering, which he did; and the head being cut off, they held it up, saying, God save the Queen: and he being demanded what he said, I say ^ Amen^ I pray God save her.

‘ And further he said, I am come hither to die for treason^ and I protest before God I am not guilty of any treason^ more than all Catholic bishops that ever were in this land since the conversion thereof till our time; and were they alive, they might as well be executed for treason as I am now. To whom a minister replied. The case is not the same; for then Popish priests lived under Popish princes, and did not disobey them, and so were no traitors. Whilst they were talking with Mr. Richardson, Mr. Cottam took Bull the hangman by the sleeve, and said to him, God forgive thee and make thee His servant; take heed in time and call for grace, and no doubt but God will hear thee. Take example by the executioner of St. Paul, who during the time of the Saint's execution, a little drop of blood falling from St. Paul upon his garment, white like milk, did afterwards call him to remembrance of himself, and so he became penitent for his sins, and became a good man; whose example I pray God thou mayest follow, and I pray God give thee His grace.

‘ Then the six articles were read, and Mr. Richardson's answer, who said. As touching the doctrine of Dr. Saunders and Dr. Bristow, he allowed of it no further than they agreed with the true Catholic Church of Rome. Topcliff and some ministers said he built his faith upon Saunders: to whom he answered, I build not my faith upon any one man whatsoever, but upon the whole Catholic Church. Then the rope being put about both their necks, and fastened to the post, the Sheriff said. Now, Richardson, if thou wilt confess thy faults and renounce the Pope, the Queen will extend her mercy towards thee, and thou shalt be carried back again. Mr. Richardson answered, I thank her Majesty for her mercy; but I must not confess an untruth or renounce my faith.

‘ All this while Mr. Cottam was in prayer, and uttering divers good sentences, saying. All that we here sustain is for saving of our souls; and therewithal lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, O Lord, Thou knowest our innocency. Then he was bid to confess his treasons. O Lord, said he, how willingly would I confess if I did know anything that did charge me; and if we had been guilty of any such thing, surely one or other of us, either by racking or death, would have confessed it, or else we had been such people as never were heard of. And I protest before God, that before my coming into England I was prepared to go into the Indies; and if I were to be set at liberty, I would never rest but on the journey towards those countries. With that the Sheriff said, The Queen will be merciful to thee, if thou wilt thyself. He answered, I thank her Grace; saying further. Do with me what you think good. Therewithal the Sheriff commanded that the rope should be loosed from the post, and he removed down from the cart.

‘ Then Mr. Richardson was once more called upon to confess and' ask pardon of the Queen. He answered. That he had never offended her to his knowledge. Then he was willed to pray, which he did, desiring all Catholics to pray with him. He said his Pater, Ave, and Creed; and when the cart began to move, he said. Lord, receive my sold! Lordjesu, receive my soul T

THOMAS COTTAM, Priest, S.J *

Thomas COTTAM was bom in Lancashire, and brought up in Brazen-nose College, in Oxford, where he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts, March 23, 1568, from whence he went to London, and was there for some time a schoolmaster; but embracing the Catholic religion, he left the kingdom and went over to Doway, to the English College lately founded there. From Doway, after some time, he was sent to Rome, where he entered the Society of Jesus. ‘ But there, falling into a consuming and lingering sickness, he was, by his superiors, sent to Lyons, in France, to try if by change of air he might be recovered; but the sickness so grew and increased upon him that he was made an unfit man for them and thereupon they dismissed him. Whilst -Mr. Cottam was at Lyons, Sledd, that infamous Judas, intending to work some mischief, came from Rome in the company of divers Englishmen, whose names and marks he took very diligently; and being come to Lyons, found Mr. Cottam there, and travelling in his company from thence for some days, understood of him that he meant very shortly to return home to his native country. Whereupon Sledd took his marks more exactly and precisely; and being arrived at Paris, he there presented⁹ to the English Ambassador the names and marks he had taken, who sent them over to the Queen’s Council, and from them they were sent to the searchers of the ports.’

In the meantime, Mr. Cottam went to Rhemes, where the College had lately been translated from Doway, and there, ‘ being a deacon and a good preacher long before, he was made priest; and hearing of company that was ready to go into England, he made great haste to go with them, and earnest suit to have leave, partly for his health, and especially for the great zeal he had to gain and save souls.

‘ He arrived at Dover in Jime 1580, in the company of Mr. Johfi Hart and Mr. Edward Rishton, two learned priests (who are also both condemned), and another, a layman. After these four had been searched to their skins and nothing found about them, Mr. Hart was stopped and taken for Mr. Orton (whom he nothing at all resembled). Mr. Cottam was likewise stopped because the marks which Sledd had given of him were indeed very clear and apparent in him. And for the avoiding of charges, Mr. Allen, then Mayor of Dover, and Stevens, the searcher, requested the layman, Mr. Cottam^s companion, [Dr. Ely, Professor of the Canon and Civil Law in the University of Doway,'\ who called himself Havard, to carry him as a prisoner to my Lord Cohhani, who agreed very easily thereunto; but as soon as they were out of the towm, I cannot, said Havard, in conscience, nor will not, being myself a Catholic, deliver you, a Catholic priest, prisoner to my Lord Cohham; hut we will go straight to London, and when you come there, shift for yourself, as I will do for myself. Coming to London, Mr. Cottam went immediately to one of the prisons, and there conferred with a Catholic, a friend of his, recounting to him the order and manner of his apprehension and escape. His friend told him that in conscience he could not make that escape, and persuaded him to go and yield himself prisoner, whereupon he went to his friend Havard, [Dr. Ely^ and requested him to deliver him the Mayor of Dover's letter to my Lord Cohham. Why, what will you do with it? said Havard. I will go, said Mr. Cottam, and carry it to him and yield myself prisoner, for I am fully persuaded that I cannot make this escape in conscience. Why, said Havard, this counsel that hath been given you proceedeth, I confess, from a zealous mind, hut I doubt whether it carrieth with it the weight of knowledge; you shall not have the letter, nor you may not in conscience yield yourself to the persecutor and adversary, having so good means offered to escape their cruelty. But Mr. Cottam still persisting in his demands. Well, said Mr. Havard, seeing you will not be turned from this opinion, let us go first and consult with such a man (naming one but newly come over, whom Mr. Cottam greatly honoured and reverenced for his singular wit and learning and for his rare virtues), and if he he of your opinion, you shall have the letter, and go in God's name. When they came to this man, he utterly disliked of his intention, and dissuaded him from so fond a cogitation. Mr. Cottam, being assuaged but not altogether satisfied, went quietly about his business, and never left London for the matter. The Mayor of Dover's letter being sent back to him again, within two or three days after cometh up the host of the inn where Mr. Cottam was taken.

‘ This host, as Providence would have it, met with Havard, and taking him by the shoulder, said. Gentleman, you had like to have undone me, because the prisoner you promised to deliver is escaped. Wherefore you must come with me to one Mr. Andrews, my Lord Cohham's deputy, and give him satisfaction in the matter. Havard was somewhat amazed at this sudden summoning, but after awhile, coming to himself, he said. Why, my host, if I deliver you the prisoner again, you will he contented? Yes, said the other. Deliver me the prisoner and I have nothing to say to you. Upon this they went to Mr. Cottam' s lodging, but he was removed, the people of the house knew not whither. The host would fain have had this Havard, so called for the time, to go with him to the said Andrews, but Havard sought all means to avoid his company, being sure, if he had once come within the persecutor’s paws, he should not escape them so easily; and being then loth to fall into further trouble, he said to the other. My host, there is no such necessity why I should go to Mr. Andrews, for if I did, perhaps he woidd pick some quarrel with me hy reason of the prisoner's escape, and I might come to trouble and you woidd reap no gain or profit thereby. But this I will do for your discharge, I will bring you to a merchant who, I think, will give you his hand that I shall bring you the prisoner by four of the clock, or else that 1 shall deliver you my body again. I am content, saith he, so that I have the one of you two. To the merchant, therefore, they went, who, at the request of Havard, his brother-in-law, gave his hand and promise for the performance of the condition before specified. (Which promise, though punctually performed, cost the merchant eight months’ imprisonment afterwards; but how justly will be one day examined before the just Judge.) Thus Havard, leaving his host in the merchant’s house, went forth into the city, with another in his company, to see if he could meet with Mr. Cottam.

‘ And coming into Cheapside, there by chance he met him, and after ordinary salutations, he said, Mr. Cottam, such a man is come to town, and hath so seized upon me for your escape, that either you or I must needs go to prison; you know my state and condition, and may guess how I shall be treated, if once I appear under my right name before them; you know also your own state. Now it is in your choice whether of us shall go, for one must go, there is no remedy; and to force you I will not, for I had rather sustain any punishment whatsoever. Mr. Cottani, lifting up his eyes and hands to heaven, said these words: Now God he blessed! I should never while I lived have been without scruple^ if I had escaped from them. Nothing grieveth me^ but that I have not despatched some business that I have to do. Why, said Havard, ’tis but ten of the clock yet, and you may despatch your business by four of the clock and then you may go to them. Whither is it^ said he, that I must go? To the sign of the Star^ quoth Havard, in New Fish Street., and there you must inquire for one Mr. Andrews, my Lord Cohham's deputy; to him you must surrender yourself. I will, said he; and so they parted, and never saw one the other after.

‘ Mr. Cottam, after he had despatched all his business, went at four o’clock all alone to the place appointed, and there yielded himself prisoner (an invincible proof of his being innocent of any treason), and was carried to the court, lying then at Nonesuch or Otlands, from whence, after five days’ conference with divers ministers that laboured, but in vain, to pervert him, he was sent to the Marshalsea for religion, and not for treason, and from thence to the Tower, there to be racked, not for to reveal any secret treason, as the adversaries most falsely pretend, but tormented because he would not confess his private sins unto them, as he both confidently and truly affirmed to their faces at his arraignment. After a long confinement, he was led to Westminster, and there unjustly condemned [with Father Campio7i and others; and on the 30th of May following drawn to Tyburn, where we have seen his behaviour in the cart, and how he was set down again before Mr. Richardson^ s execution.]¹⁰

swerve a jot from my faith for anything; yea, if I had ten thousand lives, I would rather lose them all than forsake the Catholic faith in any point; and with that he was lifted up into the cart again, and the sheriff said withal, Despatch him, since he is so stubborn.

‘ Then he was turned backward to look upon Mr. Richardson, who was then in quartering, which he did, saying. Lord Jesus, have mercy upon them! O Lord, give me grace to endure to the end; Lord, give me constancy to the end. Which saying he uttered almost for all the time that Mr. Richardson was in quartering, saving once that he said. Thy soul pray for me; and at the last he said, O Lord, what a spectacle hast Thou made unto me! which he repeated twice or thrice. And then the head of Mr. Richardson was held up by the executioner, who said, as the custom is, God save the Queen; to which Mr. Cottam said, I beseech God to save her and bless her, and with all my heart I wish her prosperity as my liege and sovereign Queen and chief governess. They willed him to say. And supreme head in matters ecclesiastical; to whom he answered. If I would have put in those words I had been discharged almost two years since. Then the Sheriff said. You are a traitor if you deny that. Mr. Cottam said. No, that is a matter of faith; and unless it be for my conscience and faith, I never offended her Majesty. And with that he looked up to heaven and prayed secretly; then uttered these words. In te Domine speravi, non confundar in ceternum — In Thee, O Lord, have I hoped; let m^e not be confounded for ever: and O Domine, tuplura pro me passus es, etc. — O Lord, Thou hast suffered more for me, — three times repeating plura, more.

‘ Then the Sheriff said to him. Yet, Cottam, call for mercy and confess, and no doubt the Queen will be merciful unto you. Who answered. My conscience giveth me a clear testimony that I never offended her: adding. That he wished her as much good as to his own soul; and for all the gold under the cope of heaven he would not wish that any one hair of her head should perish to do her harm; and that all that he did here suffer was for saving his soul; desiring Almighty God, for His sweet Son’s sake. That He would vouchsafe to take him to His mercy, saying. That Him only he had offended; and desiring God that if there were anything more unspoken which were convenient to be spoken. He woidd now put it into his mind.

‘ And then he prayed, desiring forgiveness of all the world, and saying. That he did from the bottom of his heart forgive all. Adding, That the sins of this realm have deserved infinite punishment and God's just indignation, and desiring Him, of His mercy, that He would turn His wrath from this people, and call them to repentance, to see and acknowledge their sins. Then he begged all Catholics to pray with him; and having said his Pater, and being in the middle of his Ave, the cart was driven away. He hanged till he was dead; and being stripped, he was found to wear within his shirt a shirt of very coarse canvas, without sleeves, which reached down beneath his middle, which was likely in the nature of a hair shirt for the punishment of his body; with which kind of things England is not now acquainted.’

He suffered May 30, 1582.

Father Lewis of Grenada, in his abridgment of his Catechism, chap. 22, gives an account of the death of Mr. Cottam and the other six, his companions, from an eye-witness, and looks upon them as illustrious martyrs.

WILLIAM LACY, Priest *

WILLIAM LACY was a Yorkshire gentleman, [born at Hauton,] who for some time enjoyed a place of trust in that country under Queen Elizabeth, and had a fair prospect of being advanced higher had not his religion stood in his way. He was one of the chief gentlemen of those days whose house w^as open to the priests that came over from the Colleges abroad, where they always met with a kind welcome, and were sure to want no service or assistance that he could afford or procure them. But as he was taught by these gentlemen that neither he nor his could in conscience frequent the Protestant churches, his absenting himself was soon taken notice of, and he was obliged to give up his charge. Neither was this all, but so many means were found to distress him, and such heavy fines imposed upon him every month for his and his family’s recusancy, that he was obliged to leave his house and home, and to travel about, sheltering himself sometimes with one friend, sometimes with another; and being never able to stay long in a place without danger of being apprehended and imprisoned by the adversaries of his faith. At length, his wdfe dying, he took a resolution, though he was now pretty well advanced in years, to go abroad in order to dedicate the remainder of his days to the service of God and his neighbours in the ecclesiastical state.¹¹

WILLIAM LACY

He had no sooner taken this resolution, but he took the first opportunity to pass over into France to the College lately translated from Doway to Rhemes^ where he was received according to his merits, and diligently applied himself to the study of divinity, frequenting the schools with the young divines, and giving great edification to all by his humility and other virtues. After having for some time exercised himself in this manner in the English College at Rhemes^ he went from thence to Pont-d-Musson^ in Lorraine, to follow his studies there; from whence his devotion carried him to Rome, to visit the holy places consecrated by the sufferings of the apostles and martyrs. Here he procured a dispensation that he might be made priest; for having been married to a widow, he could not be ordained without a dispensation — which was the easier granted him in consideration of his personal merit and great virtues. So having made the Spiritual Exercises in the English College of Rome, he received all his orders, and shortly after returned home to labour in the mission, which he did with great fruit for the space of about two years, bringing over many souls to Christ and His Church.

He frequently visited the Catholics that were prisoners for their conscience in York Castle, where, on the 22d oi July 1582, having been with others present at Mass, celebrated before day by Mr. Bell, and making the best of his way out of the Castle, upon the keepers and turnkeys taking an alarm, he was seized under the Castle walls, and carried in the morning before the Lord Mayor of York and Councillor Check, who, having strictly examined him, committed him prisoner to the Castle, with orders that he should be loaded with irons; which he kissed when they were put on him by the keepers. With this load of chains he was hurried away to Thorp, the Archbishop’s seat, to be examined by him. What passed here, says my author, between him and the Archbishop, we could by no means come to know, because after this interview Mr. Lacy was cast into a dungeon by himself, so that we could not have any access to him.

Upon the nth of August he was brought to the bar, where he was arraigned for having been made priest at Rome; which he acknowledged, and which appeared from the letters of ordination he had about him at the time of his apprehension. But the judge, not content with this confession, pressed him farther with that murthering question whether he acknowledged the Queen to be supreme head of the Church of England. He replied. That in this matter, as well as in all other things, he believed as the Catholic Church of God and all good Christians believed. Upon this he was brought in guilty of high treason, and had sentence to die as in cases of high treason. He heard the fatal sentence with a serene countenance and an undaunted courage, saying, God be for ever blessed! I am now old^ and by the course of nature could not expect to live long. This will be no more to me than to pay the common debt a little before the time. I am rejoiced, therefore, at the things which have been said to me; we shall go into the house of the Lord, and so shall be with the Lord for ever.

The day appointed for his death was the 22d of August, when Mr. Lacy and Mr. Kirkeman, another gentleman of the same character, were laid upon a hurdle and drawn to the place of execution. On the way they made their confessions to each other; and when they came to the gallows, Mr. Lacy first made his prayer to prepare himself for his last conflict, and then ascending the ladder, began to speak to the people, and to exhort them to provide for the salvation of their souls by flying from heresy. But the ministers apprehending that the cause of their religion would suffer by such discourses, procured to have his mouth effectually stopped by hastening the hangman to fling him off the ladder, and so put an end to his mortal life.

He suffered at York, August 22, 1582.

RICHARD KIRKEMAN, Priest *

He was born at Addingham, in Yorkshire, of a gentleman’s family, and being already advanced in learning, went over to the English College of Doway, where, following his studies, he was made priest and sent upon the mission in 1578. His apostolic labours were in the Northern provinces, where, being on a journey, he was stopped on the 8th of August, 1582, by Justice Worthy within two miles of Wakefield, who having examined him who he was, what business brought him into that part of the country, &c., and not being satisfied with his answers, was for sending him and his servant to prison as vagrants and dangerous fellows. Mr. Kirkeman, perceiving how matters were like to go, thought it best to acquaint the justice with what he was, and to leave the issue to Providence;¹²

RICHARD KIRKEMAN and accordingly, calling for a pen, he wrote with his own hand. That he was a Catholic priest. Upon this the justice asked him no more questions, but ordered his baggage to be searched (where they found a chalice and other utensils for saying Mass), and both him and his servant to be carried to York^ where the assizes were forthwith to beheld. Their first night’s lodging was at Tadcaster^ where they had the bare floor for their bed. The next day they arrived at York, where Mr. Kirkeman was, without more ado, immediately brought to the bar.

Here many questions were put to him, as where he had lived; whether he had ever been beyond the seas, and in what place, and for how long a time; whether he had not withdrawn her Majesty’s subjects from their allegiance; whether he had said Mass in and where, &c. To these questions he candidly answered. That he had lived with Mr. Dimock, who died in prison for the Catholic faith; that he had been two years abroad; that he never withdrew any man from his allegiance to the Queen, but persuaded as many as he could to embrace the true religion, and administered the Holy Sacrament, as time and place would permit; that he had said Mass in Northumberland, but a's to particular places and persons, he would not 7iame them. Upon these answers an indictment was drawn up against him, and a jury impanelled, who brought him in guilty of high treason, — first, for being a priest of the Seminary of Doway or Rhemes; secondly, for persuading the Queen’s subjects to the Catholic religion.

After the jury had brought in their verdict, Mr. Kirkeman was carried to the gaol, where he was again examined by Justice Worthy and Justice Manwaring, who not being able to extort out of him what they wanted, Mr. Worthy in a passion called him Papist and traitor, and loaded him with reproaches and injuries. To whom Mr. Kirkeman calmly replied. You might, sir, with the same justice charge the apostles also with being traitors, for they taught the same doctrine as I now teach, and did the same things for which you condemn me.

After this he was brought again to the bar to receive sentence, which was pronounced upon him in the usual form. Mr. Kirkeman, with a wonderful calmness and modesty, addressing himself to the judge upon this occasion, begged of him. That he would consider well what he did; that he looked upon himself as a wretched sinner and infinitely unworthy of so great an honour as that of martyrdom. The judge, who understood not this language, told him. That the sentence pronounced upon him was agreeable to what the law directed in those cases, and that he had now nothing else to do but to prepare himself for death. The confessor again begged of him, To consider his unworthiness of so great a favour. The judge warmly answered him, That his wickedness had well deserved that kind of death. It must then he so, said Mr. Kirkeman, and I must be honoured with so sublime a dignity. Good God! how unworthy am I of it! But since it is Thy holy wilf Thy holy will he done on earth as it is in heaven; and with that he began with a loud voice that hymn of joy and thanksgiving, Te Deum laudamus.

Four days before his death he was sent for by the High Sheriff and two ministers. What passed between them was kept private, nor had the Catholics any opportunity of learning it from himself; for from that time he was kept in a dungeon by himself, waiting with patience, and preparing himself for his passage into eternity.

On the 22d of August he was pinioned down on the hurdle, and drawn with Mr. Lacy to the place of execution. Here he employed himself in silent prayer till his companion had happily finished his course; then being called upon by the officers, he cheerfully went up the ladder; and, addressing himself to the multitude of spectators, which was very great, he began to make an exhortation to them, but was interrupted and ordered to desist. Upon which, going up a little higher on the ladder, and lifting up his eyes towards his heavenly country, upon which his soul aspired, he pronounced these words of the royal prophet, Heu mihi^ quia incolatus meus prolongatus est; hahitavi cum hahitantihus Cedar ^ multum incola fuit anima mea! And so was flung off the ladder, and yielded up his soul to his Creator.

JAMES THOMPSON, Priest.^

Mr. JAMES THOMPSON was born and brought up in Yorkshire^ in the west part thereof, and about the city of York. From thence he went over to the College lately translated from Doway to Rhemes^ where he was made priest, and sent back to England in 1581. He was apprehended on the nth of¹³

JAMES THOMPSON

August^ 1582, in the city of York, in the house of Mr. Branton, a Catholic, then prisoner for his conscience in the Kidcote; and being examined by the Council¹⁴ what he was, he frankly owned himself to be a priest. At which, when some seemed to be surprised, because he had been for some years before well known in that city, and they could not imagine how he should be made a priest, he told them. He had been beyond the seas, and was ordained there, though his stay was but short, not above one year, because the state of his health obliged him to return home sooner than he had designed.

They bid him tell them sincerely whether his returning into England was not in order to reconcile the Queen’s subjects to the Church of Rome. He answered. That the cause of his returning into England was that which he had already told them; for he had laboured under a very ill state of health from Candlemas till the beginning of May. But withal, says he, I will tell you ingenuously that I returned in order to do some service to my country. They asked him if he had reconciled any. He answered. That where opportunity was offered he had 7iot been wanting to his duty. They asked how many and what persons he had reconciled. He desired to be excused from answering a question by which he might bring others into danger. Then they asked whether he acknowledged the Queen’s Majesty for the supreme head of the Church. He answered. That he did not acknowledge her for such. Very well, said they; you need say no more; you have said enough. He answered. Blessed be God!

Yet not content with this, they further asked him whether he would take arms against the Pope if he should invade the kingdom. He replied. When that time shall come, I will shew myself a true patriot. But, said they, will you fight against the Pope now? He answered. No. Upon which, after many reproaches and injuries, they ordered him to prison, and commanded that he should be loaded with double irons; where he remained for seventeen days, and then, chained as he was, was led through the streets from his first prison to the Castle. Here he was put to the common side amongst the felons, where he remained some time; and then, through the interest of friends, was removed to a chamber where he had the company of two other priests, prisoners for the same cause.

On the 25th of November he was brought to the bar, tried and condemned, and had sentence of death pronounced upon him in the usual form as in cases of high treason; at the hearing of which he was so transported with joy, that he seemed to have quite forgot the pains of his disease under which he had so long laboured. After sentence he spent his time, night and day, either in prayer and meditation, or in labouring to gain souls to God and His Church, in which he had good success by the Divine blessing and the opportunity of the place; for being put again into the company of felons after his condemnation, he prevailed on some of them, by his exhortations and good example, to renounce their errors and sins, and, in spite of the devil and his ministers, to die good Catholics and true penitents.

When the day of execution was come, and the hurdle upon which he was to be drawn to the gallows was before his eyes, being asked by one how he found himself affected, he answered. That in all his life he had never been so joyful. A minister upon this occasion offered to talk to him, but Mr. Thompson would not have anything to say to him; and the rest that were to suffer with him (though not for the same cause) followed his example, and plainly told the minister. That they would by no means give ear to his doctrine. When he was come to the place of execution, he there prayed for a long time and with great fervour, and then going up the ladder, he spoke to the people, declaring. That he died in the Catholic faith and for the Catholic faiths calling God to witness. That he had never been guilty of any treason against his Queen or country. So, after he had again prayed for a while, commending his soul to his Creator, he was flung off the ladder, and was observed, whilst he was hanging, first to lift up his hands towards heaven, then to strike his breast with his right hand, and, lastly, to the great astonishment of the spectators, distinctly to form the sign of the cross.

He suffered at York the 28th of November 1582.

Footnotes

1. Bd. John Paine. — From Allen’s Brief e Historic, published in 1582, and from the Diary of Douay College; see also Lives of E. M., I. ii. ↩

2. Her Majesty's faithf id subject, and your worship's humble prisoner', ↩

3. Bd. Thomas Forde. — From the Records of Douay College, and from Allen’s Brief e Historie; see also Lives of E. M., I. ii. ↩

4. Bd. John Shert. — From Allen’s Brief e Historic, and from Arnoldus Raissius in his printed Catalogue of the Martyrs of Douay College, and from the Records of that house; see also Lives of E. M., I. ii. ↩

5. Bd. Robert Johnson. — From the same authors; see also Lives of E. M., I. ii. ↩

6. Bd. William Filbie. — From the Douay Diary, and from Allen’s Briefe Historic in 1582; see also Lives of E. M., I. ii. ↩

7. Bd. Luke Kirby. — From Allen’s Briefe Historie, and from Raissius’s Catalogue; see also Lives of E. M., 1. ii. ↩

8. Bd. Laurence Richardson, alias Johnson. — From Raissius’s Catalogue of Martyrs, and Douay Diary; his death from Allen’s Brief e Historie; see also Lives of E. M., 1. ii. ↩

9. Bd. Thomas Cottam. — From Allen’s Briefe Historic, and from Raissius’s Catalogue, p. 37; see also Lives of E. M., I. ii. ↩

10. When the cart was drawn away from Mr. Richardson, Mr. Cottam said, O good Laurence, pray for me: Lord Jesus, receive thy sold; which he repeated several times. All this time Mr. Cottam was with the Sheriff and the ministers upon the ground, having the rope still about his neck. I could not well hear what persuasions the Sheriff and ministers had with him, but I do conjecture that what they said was, that if he would renounce his faith he should have his pardon, for I heard him well utter these words, I will not ↩

11. Bd. William Lacy. — From Bridgewater’s Concertatio, edition of 1588, fol. 96, 2; see also Lives of E. M., I. ii. ↩

12. Bd. Richard Kirkeman. — From Bridgewater’s Concertatio, fol. 100, and from the Douay Records; see also Lives of E. M., I. ii. ↩

13. Bd. James Thomson. — From Bridgewater’s Concertatio, fol. loi; and from a Manuscript account sent over to Douay, by the Rev. Mr. Ralph Fisher; see also Lives of E. M., I. ii. ↩

14. Senatus. ↩