Christopher Wharton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedChristopher Wharton |
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| Priest and Martyr | |
| Born | between 1540 and 1546 Middleton, Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 28 March 1600 (aged between 53 - 60) York, England |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 28 March (individual)
29 October (Martyrs of Douai) 22 November (Eighty-five Martyrs of England and Wales) |
Christopher Wharton was an English Roman Catholic priest who lived from before 1546 until 1600. He is honored by the Catholic Church as a martyr, meaning he died for his religious beliefs. He was officially recognized as "Blessed" in 1987.
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Who Was Christopher Wharton?
Christopher Wharton was born in Middleton, Yorkshire, England, sometime before 1546. He was the second son of Sir Thomas Wharton and Agnes Warcop. His older brother was Thomas Wharton, 1st Baron Wharton.
His Education and Conversion
Wharton went to Trinity College, Oxford, a famous university. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1564. While studying there, he decided to become a Catholic.
In 1583, he left England. He went to the English College in Reims (now in France) to train as a priest. He became a priest in 1584. He continued his studies until 1586, when he returned to England.
His Arrest and Trial
We don't know much about his work as a priest in England. However, a judge named Baron Savile said he knew Wharton from Oxford after 1596.
In 1599, Wharton was arrested at the home of Eleanor Hunt, a widow. She was also arrested and taken to York Castle. While in prison, he and other Catholic prisoners were forced to listen to Protestant sermons.
Wharton and Mrs. Hunt were put on trial in 1600. Wharton was found guilty of a serious crime against the government. Mrs. Hunt was found guilty of another serious crime. Both were offered freedom if they changed their religious beliefs, but they refused.
His Death and Recognition
Christopher Wharton was executed on March 28, 1600. Eleanor Hunt died in prison.
In 1987, Pope John Paul II officially recognized Christopher Wharton as "Blessed." He is one of the "Eighty-five Martyrs of England and Wales," a group of people who died for their Catholic faith during that time.
Relics
A relic connected to Christopher Wharton was kept safe by the Benedictine monks at Downside Abbey. It was later returned to a special chapel at Myddelton Grange.
Legacy
A group of schools in Bradford, England, is named after him. It is called The Blessed Christopher Wharton Multi-Academy Trust.
See also
- Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
- Douai Martyrs
