Adrian Fortescue (martyr) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedAdrian Fortescue T.O.S.D. |
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| Lay Dominican Martyr | |
| Born | c. 1476 Hertfordshire, England |
| Died | 9 July 1539 (aged 62) Tower Hill, London, England |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 13 May 1895, Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City by Pope Leo XIII |
| Feast | 9 July |
| Attributes | Crown of martyrdom martyr's palm cross or crucifix bound hands sword axe in neck Knight of the Order of St. John |
Sir Adrian Fortescue lived from about 1476 to 1539. He worked for King Henry VIII in England. He was also a religious man, part of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. He was put to death in 1539 and later honored as a martyr by the Catholic Church.
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Life of Adrian Fortescue
Adrian Fortescue was born in Hertfordshire, England. His father was Sir John Fortescue. His mother, Alice, was related to Anne Boleyn, who became King Henry VIII's second wife.
Early Career and Knighthood
In 1503, Adrian Fortescue became a Knight of the Bath. This was a special honor given by the King. He spent most of his time managing his lands. He also helped with local government as a Justice of the Peace.
Fortescue fought for England in wars against France. He was part of important events. In 1520, he attended the famous meeting. This was between King Henry VIII and King Francis I of France. It was called the Field of the Cloth of Gold.
Religious Life and Arrest
In 1532, Fortescue became a Knight of the Order of St. John. This was a religious and military order. The next year, he joined the Dominican Tertiaries. These were people who lived a religious life but were not monks.
He was present at the coronation of Anne Boleyn in 1533. This was when she became Queen.
In August 1534, Fortescue was arrested. The reason for his arrest was not clear. He was questioned but later set free.
Final Arrest and Execution
In February 1539, he was arrested again. In April, Parliament condemned him. He was accused of treason. This meant he was seen as disloyal to the King. These accusations were likely about his disagreement with King Henry VIII's new church rules.
King Henry VIII had broken away from the Pope. He created the Church of England. Fortescue remained loyal to the Catholic Church. This was a dangerous choice at the time.
Adrian Fortescue was beheaded at the Tower of London. This happened on July 9, 1539. His servants were also killed on the same day.
Fortescue's Family
Sir Adrian Fortescue was married two times.
First Marriage
His first wife was Anne Stonor. She passed away in 1518. They had two daughters:
- Margaret, who married Thomas Wentworth.
- Frances, who married Thomas Fitzgerald.
Second Marriage
His second wife was Anne Rede. She was a widow. With Anne, he had three sons and two daughters:
- Sir John Fortescue of Salden, who became a Chancellor.
- Sir Thomas Fortescue.
- Sir Anthony Fortescue.
- Elizabeth, who married Sir Thomas Bromley.
- Mary, whose son was Thomas Cavendish. Thomas Cavendish was a famous explorer. He sailed around the world.
Anne, his second wife, lived longer than Adrian. She later married Sir Thomas Parry.
Honoring Blessed Adrian
The Order of St. John of Jerusalem has honored Adrian Fortescue since the 1600s. They see him as a martyr. A martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs.
Pope Leo XIII officially recognized him as "Blessed." This happened on May 13, 1895.
In 1970, a special group was formed. It was called the Sub-Priory of the Blessed Adrian Fortescue. This group was part of the Order of Malta. In 1993, it was renamed the Grand Priory of England.
