One Hundred and Seven Martyrs of England and Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blessed Thomas Hemerford and One Hundred and Six Companion Martyrs |
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| Died | Between 12 July 1541 (David Gonson) – 29 December 1680 (William Howard, 1st Viscount Stafford), within England and Wales, many at Tyburn |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 15 December 1929, by Pope Pius XI |
| Feast | 4 May, various for individual martyrs |
| Attributes | martyr's palm knife in chest noose in neck book or bible crucifix chaucible Eucharist various religious habits crown of martyrdom |
The One Hundred and Seven Martyrs of England and Wales are also known as Thomas Hemerford and One Hundred and Six Companion Martyrs. They were a group of people, including priests and regular citizens, who were put to death in England between 1541 and 1680. They faced charges like treason, which means going against the ruler or country.
These individuals are seen as martyrs by the Roman Catholic Church. A martyr is someone who dies for their religious beliefs. They were officially recognized as "Blessed" (a step towards sainthood) on December 15, 1929, by Pope Pius XI.
Who Were These Martyrs?
This group includes 107 people who were chosen from a larger number of Catholic priests and laymen. They were executed during a time when being Catholic was very difficult in England. Many of them were put to death because they practiced their faith or helped others do so.
Some well-known names among them include Thomas Hemerford, David Gonson, and William Howard, 1st Viscount Stafford. These people came from different backgrounds but shared a strong belief in their faith.
Remembering the Martyrs
In England, these martyrs are honored with a special day of remembrance called a feast day. This day is May 4th. On this day, they are remembered along with other Catholic martyrs who were recognized between 1886 and 1929.
The May 4th feast day also honors the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. These forty individuals are considered saints in the Catholic Church. Before the year 2000, the Forty Martyrs had their own separate feast day on October 25th.
In Wales, May 4th specifically celebrates the martyrs from both England and Wales. Three of the 107 martyrs, William Gunter, Edward Jones, and Philip Powell, had strong connections to Wales.
See also
Images for kids
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An image representing the One Hundred and Seven Martyrs of England and Wales.
