Humphrey Littleton facts for kids

Humphrey Littleton (died 7 April 1606) was a member of the Lyttelton family. He was executed because he was involved in the Gunpowder plot. This was a plan to blow up the King and Parliament.

After the plot failed, two men named Robert Wintour and Stephen Littleton escaped. They were caught at Hagley Park on 9 January 1606. Humphrey Littleton had tried to hide them. He also told the authorities where Edward Oldcorne was hiding. Wintour, Oldcorne, and both Littletons were all executed.

Humphrey Littleton's Story

Humphrey Littleton was one of eight sons of Sir John Lyttelton. He grew up in Frankley. His brother or cousin, also named John Littleton, had been a member of Parliament. This John had lost his family lands because he was involved in a rebellion. However, King James I later gave these lands back to John's wife, Muriel. She lived at Hagley Park.

How Humphrey Got Involved

Before the Gunpowder Plot was discovered, Humphrey Littleton did not know the full plan. He thought Robert Catesby, the plot's leader, was just gathering soldiers. He believed they were going to fight in a place called Flanders. Catesby even offered to take one of Humphrey's sons to be his helper.

After the plot failed, Humphrey did not join the main plotters. His nephew, Stephen Littleton, came to him with Robert Wintour. These two men had escaped from a fight at Holbeche House. They were trying to get away from the authorities.

Hiding the Fugitives

Humphrey Littleton helped these two men hide. He arranged for a farmer who rented land from him to keep them safe. He also made his own servants promise to keep it a secret.

However, the authorities found out. Humphrey's cook, John Fynwood, told them where the men were. On 9 January 1606, officers searched Hagley Park. Humphrey said he was not hiding anyone. But another servant, David Bate, showed them where the plotters were trying to escape. All three of them – Humphrey, Stephen, and Robert Wintour – were arrested.

Telling on Others

Humphrey Littleton had visited a priest named Father Oldcorne. He had attended a religious service with him. Humphrey then told the authorities that Father Oldcorne was hiding at Hindlip Hall.

This information led to more arrests. Four more people were caught at Hindlip Hall. They were found in secret hiding places called priest holes. These people included Father Oldcorne, Ralph Ashley, Henry Garnet, and Nicholas Owen. It was ironic because Nicholas Owen had actually built these secret hiding places! Also, Muriel Littleton's brother was the one who searched Hindlip Hall.

Humphrey's End

At Father Oldcorne's trial, Humphrey Littleton publicly said he was sorry. He felt he deserved to die for betraying his friends.

Humphrey Littleton died on 7 April 1606. He was executed in a very harsh way, along with Father Oldcorne, John Wintour, and Ralph Ashley. This happened at Red Hill, near the city of Worcester. The farmer who helped hide the fugitives, John Perkes, and his servant, Thomas Burford, were also executed. Nicholas Owen died while being questioned by the authorities. Henry Garnet was executed in London. Stephen Littleton was executed in Stafford.