John Bodey facts for kids

John Bodey (1549 – 2 November 1583) was an English Roman Catholic scholar and lawyer. He was put to death in 1583 because of his beliefs, and was later honored as a saint in 1929.

John Bodey's Early Life and Studies

John Bodey was born in Wells, Somerset, in 1549. His father was a rich merchant. John went to school at Winchester College. Later, he studied at New College, Oxford, which is a famous university. In 1568, he became a Fellow there, which means he was a senior member of the college. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1576.

Leaving Oxford and Becoming a Teacher

In June 1576, John Bodey and seven other students were asked to leave their college. This happened because they were Roman Catholics, and at that time, England's official religion was changing. The Bishop of Winchester, Robert Horne, made this decision.

The next year, John Bodey went to Douay College in France. He went there to study civil law, which is a type of law based on Roman rules. But he came back to England in February 1578. When he returned, he became a schoolmaster in Hampshire.

Arrest and Trials for His Faith

In 1580, John Bodey was arrested. He was kept in prison in Winchester and had chains on his legs. In April 1583, he was found guilty of a very serious crime called high treason. This crime meant going against the ruler or the government. John Bodey's crime was that he did not agree with the Royal Supremacy. This was the idea that the King or Queen of England was the head of the Church, not the Pope.

Second Trial and Final Days

Many people felt that John Bodey's first sentence was unfair. So, he had another trial in August 1583, in Andover, Hampshire. He was found guilty again.

While in prison, John Bodey wrote a letter to a friend. He said that the chains he wore for his faith were more valuable than gold in Heaven. He also asked for prayers for strength and courage. He knew he might be put to death soon.

John Bodey was executed in Andover on 2 November 1583. He was put to death in a very harsh way for his religious beliefs.

John Slade, a Fellow Teacher

John Slade was another schoolmaster who was arrested with John Bodey. Like Bodey, Slade had studied at New College, Oxford. He also had to leave because he was Catholic. He then went to Douai to study law.

Since Catholics were not allowed to practice law in England, John Slade became a private tutor. He taught in a gentleman's home in Dorset. He was later arrested and held in prison with John Bodey in Winchester. John Slade was executed in Winchester on 30 October 1583, also for his faith.

See also

• Catholic Church in the United Kingdom
• Douai Martyrs