John Payne (martyr) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintJohn Payne |
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Icon of Saint John Payne
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| Martyr | |
| Born | c. 1532 Peterborough |
| Died | 2 April 1582 (aged 49 - 50) Chelmsford |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 29 December 1886 by Leo XIII |
| Canonized | 25 October 1970 by Pope Paul VI |
| Feast | 2 April, 25 October |
Saint John Payne (born 1532, died 1582) was an English Catholic priest. He is remembered as a martyr, which means he died for his religious beliefs. He is one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, a group of people honored by the Catholic Church.
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The Early Life of John Payne
John Payne was born in Peterborough, England, around the year 1532. When he was older, in 1574, he went to the English College in Douai. This was a special school for English Catholics who wanted to become priests. While there, he helped manage the college's money. He became a priest on April 7, 1576.
His Work as a Priest
Soon after becoming a priest, on April 24, 1576, John Payne returned to England. At this time, being a Catholic priest in England was very dangerous. He often stayed with Lady Anne Petre at her home in Ingatestone, Essex. Her house even had a secret hiding place, called a "priest hole," for priests to use if they were in danger.
John Payne also worked in London. He sometimes pretended to be a steward (a manager) for Lady Petre to avoid suspicion. He helped people become Catholic or return to the Catholic faith. One person he helped was George Godsalve, who later also became a Catholic priest.
Arrest and Imprisonment
In early 1577, John Payne was arrested at Ingatestone and put in prison. However, he was released fairly quickly. He then went back to Douai in November of that year. He likely returned to England and continued his work by late 1579.
Later, he was arrested again and taken to the Tower of London on July 14. He was questioned and even tortured on a device called a rack. This happened on August 14 and again on October 31.
On March 20, 1582, he was suddenly taken from his prison cell. He was moved to Chelmsford jail. He wasn't even allowed to get his belongings, which were taken by the Lieutenant's wife.
The Trial of John Payne
John Payne was put on trial in Chelmsford on March 22. He was accused of treason. This meant he was charged with plotting to kill Queen Elizabeth I and her important officials. He was also accused of trying to put Mary, Queen of Scots, on the throne.
Payne strongly denied these charges. He said he was loyal to the Queen in all things that did not go against his Catholic faith or his loyalty to the Pope. The main person accusing him was a man named Eliot, whose story was not very reliable. Despite Payne's denials, the court found him guilty.
His Execution
John Payne was executed on April 2, 1582. He was dragged from prison to the place of execution. Before he died, he prayed for a long time and then kissed the scaffold. He stated that he was innocent and declared his faith.
Many people had gathered to watch. Lord Rich, an important official, told Payne to admit his treason. Payne again said he was innocent. A Protestant minister claimed that Payne's brother had once admitted Payne's treason. Payne replied that his brother was a Protestant but would never say such a thing. He asked for his brother to be brought forward, but he was not found in time.
The execution went ahead. The crowd watching felt sympathy for John Payne. They even pulled on his feet to make his death quicker. This was to prevent him from suffering more during the harsh execution process.
Becoming a Saint
John Payne was one of many important Catholic martyrs who died during this time. They are now known as the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
Pope Leo XIII officially recognized John Payne as "blessed" on December 29, 1886. Later, Pope Paul VI declared him a saint on October 25, 1970. This happened along with the other Martyrs of England and Wales.
Schools and Churches Named After Him
Today, a Roman Catholic secondary school in Chelmsford is named after him. It is called St John Payne Catholic School.
There is also a Roman Catholic church named St John Payne in Colchester. This church serves the local community near the Essex-Suffolk border.
