John Woodcock (martyr) facts for kids

John Woodcock was a brave Franciscan priest who lived a long time ago, from 1603 to 1646. He was from Lancashire, England. Sadly, he was executed in August 1646. This happened because of a law that made it illegal to be a Catholic priest in England at that time. He was also known by the name "Martin of Saint Felix."

Who Was John Woodcock?

His Early Life and Family

John Woodcock was born around 1603 in a place called Woodcock Hall in Leyland, England. His parents were Thomas and Dorothy Anderton Woodcock. They were a middle-class family. During this time, being Catholic in England was very difficult. John's father followed the official religion to protect their family's property. However, his mother remained true to her Catholic faith.

Becoming a Priest

Around 1623, John decided to become Catholic. This made his father very unhappy. So, John went to live with his grandfather. Later, with help from a man named Edward Squire, John traveled to Belgium. He studied at a school in Saint-Omer. After finishing his basic studies, he went to the English College in Rome. There, he learned more about being a priest.

John tried to join a group of priests called the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in Paris. But he became very sick. He then traveled around Europe for a while. Eventually, he joined the English Franciscans in Douai. In 1631, he received his religious clothing from Henry Heath. He was given the new name Martin of St. Felix. A year later, Arthur Bell officially welcomed him into the order. For some years, he worked as a chaplain in Arras. In 1635, he briefly served in England. But he was sent back to France because he was still unwell. He went to Spa, Belgium to get better.

Returning to England and Arrest

In 1643, John Woodcock learned that Henry Heath, the priest who had welcomed him, had been executed. This made John want to return to England. Late in 1643, he landed in Newcastle-on-Tyne. On his very first night in Lancashire, he was arrested.

He was held in Lancaster Castle for two years. On August 6, 1646, he admitted to being a priest. Because of this, he was sentenced to death. Two other men, Edward Bamber and Thomas Whittaker, were also sentenced with him.

His Execution and Legacy

On August 7, 1646, John Woodcock was executed. The Franciscan Sisters in Taunton still have an arm-bone of John Woodcock. Sometimes, he used the name "Farington."

John Woodcock was one of the eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales. A martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs. He was declared "Blessed" by Pope John Paul II on November 22, 1987.