Ralph Ashley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blessed Ralph Ashley S.J.
Jesuit Laybrother and Martyr
Died	7 April 1606 Red Hill, Worcester
Honored in	Roman Catholic Church
Beatified	15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI
Feast	7 April
Attributes	Martyr's palm, letter

Ralph Ashley (who died on April 7, 1606) was an English Jesuit lay-brother. This means he was a helper in the Jesuit religious group. He became involved in the events that followed the Gunpowder Plot. He is honored as a Catholic martyr, which means he died for his faith. He was beatified in 1929, a step towards being recognized as a saint.

Ralph Ashley's Life Story

Ralph Ashley first worked as a cook at Douay College, a school for English Catholics. He left there on April 28, 1590. He then went to the English College, Valladolid in Spain.

Joining the Jesuits

At the college in Spain, he joined the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. However, he later returned to England because he was not feeling well.

Return to England

Back in England, he met Father Tesimond, a Catholic priest. Father Tesimond praised Ralph's bravery. Ralph had been captured by the Dutch during his journey but showed great courage. He arrived in England on March 9, 1598. After this, he began to serve another Jesuit, Edward Oldcorne.

Arrest and Trial

Eight years later, Ralph Ashley and Edward Oldcorne were arrested. This happened at Hindlip Hall, near Worcester. They were then taken to the Tower of London, a famous prison. Henry Garnet and Nicholas Owen, another Jesuit helper, were also there.

Ralph Ashley and Nicholas Owen faced very difficult questioning. Sadly, Owen died during this time. Ralph Ashley's statements from this period are still available today.

Final Days and Legacy

Ralph Ashley was later sent back to Worcester with Edward Oldcorne. They were put on trial there. Both were found guilty and were put to death together at Red Hill.

Ralph walked with Edward Oldcorne to their execution. It is said that as Oldcorne waited, Ashley kissed his feet. He said, "What a happy man am I to follow the steps of my Father unto death." Oldcorne died speaking the name of St Winifred. When it was Ralph Ashley's turn, he prayed and asked for forgiveness. He said that, like Oldcorne, he was dying for his religion and not because he was a traitor.

Edward Oldcorne and Ralph Ashley were both beatified in 1929.