Francis Ingleby facts for kids

Francis Ingleby (born around 1551 – died June 3, 1586) was an English Roman Catholic who was put to death in York, England. This happened during the time when Queen Elizabeth I ruled the country. He is remembered as a martyr for his faith.

Francis Ingleby: A Story of Faith

Francis Ingleby was born in North Yorkshire, England, around the year 1551. He was one of several sons of Sir William Ingleby and Anne Malory, who lived at Ripley Castle. Francis likely studied at Brasenose College, Oxford, and later became a student of law.

Becoming a Priest

In 1582, Francis traveled to the English College, Reims, which was a school for English Catholics. He paid for his own studies there. About a year later, he became a priest. This was a brave choice at the time, as being a Catholic priest in England could be very dangerous.

People described Francis as being short but strong. He had fair skin, a chestnut-colored beard, and a slight squint in his eyes.

A Dangerous Mission

In 1584, Francis Ingleby returned to England. He began to preach with great passion in York. However, his work was risky. In the spring of 1586, he was arrested. People became suspicious when someone with him showed him too much respect, more than a poor man would usually get.

Francis was also linked to Margaret Clitherow, a Catholic woman who was later executed for helping priests. He was found guilty of being a priest in England, which was against the law at that time.

His Final Days

Francis Ingleby was sentenced to death in York. When his sentence was announced, he bravely said in Latin, "Credo videre bona Domini in terra viventium." This means, "I believe to see the good things of our Lord: in the land of the living."

As chains were put on his legs at the prison door, he even made a small joke. He smiled and said, "I fear me I shall be overproud of my boots." Francis Ingleby was executed on June 3, 1586, at a place called Knavesmire in York.

Honored for His Faith

Francis Ingleby was later honored by the Roman Catholic Church. On November 22, 1987, Pope John Paul II declared him "Blessed." This means he is recognized as someone who lived a holy life and died for his faith.

His brother, David Ingleby, was also a strong Catholic. He was known as "the Fox" and had to leave England for safety.

See also

• Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
• Douai Martyrs