Christopher Bales facts for kids
Christopher Bales, also known as Christopher Bayles or Christopher Evers (born around 1564 – died 1590), was an English Catholic priest. He is remembered as a martyr, which means he died for his religious beliefs. In 1929, he was honored by the Catholic Church as "beatified," a step towards being recognized as a saint.
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Christopher Bales' Story
Christopher Bales was born in a place called Coniscliffe, near Darlington in England, around the year 1564. When he was about 19, he went to study at the English College in Rome, Italy, in 1583. This college was a special school for English Catholics who wanted to become priests.
However, Christopher became very ill with a serious lung sickness. Because of his health, he had to move to another college in Reims, France. He continued his studies there and became a priest on March 28, 1587.
Returning to England
In November 1588, Christopher Bales returned to England. At this time, it was against the law for Catholic priests trained abroad to be in England. He was soon arrested and faced very harsh questioning. He was treated severely but remained patient and strong.
Christopher was put on trial and found guilty of "high treason." This charge meant he was accused of betraying his country. His "crime" was being a priest who had been trained outside England and then returning to practice his faith. He bravely asked the judge if Augustine of Canterbury, an important early Christian leader in England who also came from abroad, was considered a traitor. The judge said no, but explained that the law had changed since Augustine's time, making it treason for priests like Christopher to return.
His Final Days
Christopher Bales was put to death on March 4, 1590, in Fleet Street in London. A sign was placed on the gallows where he died. It said he was being punished "for treason and favouring foreign invasion." From the ladder, he told the people that his only "treason" was being a priest.
On the same day, two other people were also punished for helping Christopher. Nicholas Horner was put to death in Smithfield because he had made a jacket for Christopher. Another man, Alexander Blake, was also put to death for letting Christopher stay in his house.
Alexander Blake's Story
Alexander Blake worked with horses, and he was found guilty of helping Christopher Bales. He was put to death right outside his own home on Gray's Inn Lane.
See also
- Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
- Douai Martyrs
