Thomas Holford facts for kids

Thomas Holford (1541–1588) was an English schoolteacher who became a Catholic priest. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He is honored by the Catholic Church as Blessed because he died for his faith. He was executed in Clerkenwell, London.

Who Was Thomas Holford?

Thomas Holford was born in 1541. His family lived near Nantwich, in a place called Aston, Cheshire. His father was a minister. Thomas grew up as a Protestant. He became a schoolteacher.

Becoming a Catholic Priest

Later, Thomas moved to Herefordshire. He worked as a tutor for the children of Sir James Scudamore. There, around 1579, he met a Catholic priest named Richard Davis. Through Davis, Thomas learned about the Catholic faith and decided to become Catholic himself.

On August 18, 1582, Thomas Holford went to the English College in Rheims. This was a special school where English Catholics trained to become priests. He was ordained as a priest on April 9, 1583. Soon after, on May 4, he returned to England.

Life as a Priest in England

Being a Catholic priest in England during Queen Elizabeth I's reign was very dangerous. The government did not allow Catholic priests to practice their faith openly.

Avoiding Capture

Thomas Holford and his friend Richard Davis had to be very careful. They once stayed with the Bellamy family near Harrow-on-the-Hill. On November 2, 1584, the Bellamy house was searched by authorities. Holford and Davis managed to escape capture.

Holford then went back to his home area in Cheshire. But in May 1585, he was arrested in Nantwich. While in prison, he wrote a letter to his brother. He asked for some clothes to be sent so they could be sold for money. He signed the letter Tho: Holforde.

Description from Prison

The Anglican Bishop of Chester questioned Thomas Holford in prison. The bishop described Thomas as a "tall, black (haired), fat, strong man." He also noted that the "crown of his head (was) bald" and his "beard marquessated (shaven except for a moustache)." Holford refused to leave England. He expected to be executed for his faith.

Return to London and Arrest

In 1586, Holford again narrowly avoided being caught at the Bellamy house. This was during a time when many Catholic homes in London were searched. Holford used a different name, "Acton," to stay hidden. He stayed away from London for a while.

However, he returned to London in 1588 to buy clothes. He was seen after leading a secret Mass. This service was held in Holborn, at the home of Swithin Wells. Holford was followed to a tailor's shop and arrested there.

His Final Days and Legacy

Thomas Holford was held in a prison called Newgate. He was found guilty on August 26, 1588.

Execution and Remembrance

He was executed by hanging on August 28, 1588, in Clerkenwell. This was not the usual place for executions in London. Executions were spread out across the city. This was done to make an example of those who were seen as going against the Queen. Many believe these executions were a strong reaction after the English defeated the Spanish Armada.

In a special book called the Roman Martyrology, Thomas Holford is listed as one of eight martyrs. These eight people died in London on the same day, August 28, 1588. The main martyr listed is William Dean, who was also a priest. Other priests named are William Gunter, Robert Morton, and James Claxton. The group also includes Thomas Felton, a Franciscan cleric, and two laymen, Henry Webley and Hugh More.

Blessed Thomas Holford is remembered today. A school in Altrincham is named after him: Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College. There is also a picture of him in St Joseph’s Church in Sale.