James Thompson (martyr) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blessed James Thompson
Illustration for Memoirs of Missionary Priests by Bishop Challoner (Jack, 1878)
Born	Yorkshire, England
Died	28 November 1582 Knavesmire, North Yorkshire, England
Honored in	Roman Catholicism
Beatified	29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII
Feast	November 28

James Thompson, also known as James Hudson, was a Catholic priest from England. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He was executed in York because of his religious beliefs. Many people remember him as a martyr for his faith.

James Thompson's Story

Becoming a Priest

James Thompson was born in Yorkshire, England. In 1580, he went to a special college in Reims. This college was for training Catholic priests. In May 1581, he became a priest very quickly. He received all his holy orders in just twelve days. This was unusual, and he even needed special permission. He was quite ill at the time, but he still became a priest.

His Mission and Arrest

Thompson was sent back to England in August 1581. His job was to serve the Catholic community there. However, being a Catholic priest was dangerous at that time. About a year later, on August 11, 1582, he was arrested in York.

He was brought before the Council of the North. This was a powerful group that governed northern England. James Thompson openly admitted that he was a priest. People in York were surprised because he was well-known there. He explained that he had only been abroad for a short time.

Imprisonment and Trial

After his arrest, James Thompson was put in prison. First, he was held in a private jail. When he ran out of money, he was moved to York Castle.

On November 25, 1582, he was found guilty. He was sentenced to death.

His Final Moments

James Thompson was executed in December 1582. This happened at a place called Knavesmire. He kept saying that he had never planned anything against the Queen. He insisted he was dying only for his Catholic faith. He refused to argue with the Protestant minister who was there. As he was being executed, he raised his hands to the sky. Then, he touched his chest and made the sign of the cross before he died.

See also

• Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
• Douai Martyrs