Edward Jones (martyr) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedEdward Jones |
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Statue of Edward Jones in the church of St Etheldreda, Ely Place, London
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| Martyr | |
| Born | Llanelidan in Dyffryn Clwyd, Wales |
| Died | 6 May 1590 London |
| Beatified | 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI |
| Feast | 6 May |
Edward Jones was a brave Welsh man who lived a long time ago, in the 1500s. He was a Catholic priest who was put to death for his beliefs. He is remembered as a martyr, which means someone who dies for their faith. He was officially recognized as "Blessed" by the Catholic Church in 1929.
Edward Jones's Life Story
Edward Jones was born in a place called Llanelidan in Dyffryn Clwyd, Wales. When he was young, he was baptised into the Anglican Church, which was the main church in England at that time.
As he grew older, Edward traveled around Europe. During his journeys, he learned more about the Catholic Church and decided to become a Catholic himself. In 1587, he officially joined the Catholic Church in a city called Reims.
Edward then decided he wanted to become a priest. He studied at a special school called Douai College. On June 11, 1588, he became a priest in a place called Loon.
In December 1588, Edward Jones returned to England. At that time, being a Catholic priest in England was very dangerous. He stayed for a while in a shop on Fleet Street in London.
In 1590, Edward was arrested in that very shop by a man named Richard Topcliffe. This man pretended to be a Catholic to trick Edward. Edward was taken to the Tower of London, a famous prison, where he was treated very harshly.
He later had a trial at the Old Bailey court. Edward was very brave and spoke well in his own defense. He argued that any statements made under harsh treatment should not be used against him. The court even praised him for how courageous he was.
However, he was still found guilty of high treason, which meant he was accused of going against the king or queen. On May 6, 1590, Edward Jones was put to death near the shop where he was captured. A sign was placed above the gallows, saying he was being punished "For treason and favouring of foreign invasion." He was put to death along with another man named Anthony Middleton.
Becoming "Blessed"
Edward Jones was recognized as "Blessed" by the Catholic Church on December 15, 1929. His special day of remembrance is May 6 each year.
More to Explore
- Blessed Edward Jones Catholic High School
- Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
