Ralph Crockett facts for kids

Ralph Crockett was an English priest who lived a long time ago. He was born in Barton, Cheshire, around 1522. He died in Chichester on October 1, 1588. He is remembered as a Catholic martyr. This means he died for his religious beliefs. He was later honored in 1929.

Ralph Crockett's Early Life and Education

Ralph Crockett went to school at Christ's College, Cambridge. After his studies, he worked as a schoolmaster in Norfolk for one year. He then moved to Gloucester Hall, Oxford for another year.

Next, he went to Ipswich. There, he taught as a schoolmaster for five years. Around 1581, it became harder for Catholics in England. This was after the death of Edmund Campion. Because of this, Ralph Crockett moved back to Cheshire. He stayed there for about two years.

Becoming a Priest and Returning to England

In 1584, Ralph Crockett traveled to France. He began studying to become a priest at the English College. This college was located in Rheims at the time. He became a priest in Rheims in 1585.

He continued his studies for another year. However, his health was not good. He asked to go back to England. He left Dieppe with three other priests. Their names were Thomas Bramston, George Potter, and Edward James. Their ship landed on April 19, 1586, in Littlehampton, Sussex. This area was very closely watched by the government.

Facing Trial and Martyrdom

After the Spanish Armada failed, the English government took strong actions. They were especially strict with Catholic priests they had captured. Ralph Crockett and Edward James were chosen for a trial. Two other men, John Oven and Francis Edwardes, were also tried.

The trial happened in Chichester on September 30, 1588. Ralph Crockett, Edward James, and Francis Edwardes were sentenced to death. They were found guilty under the Jesuits, etc. Act 1584. This law made it illegal for priests to come into England. John Oven was spared because he took the Oath of Supremacy. This oath meant he would accept the Queen as the head of the church.

Ralph Crockett bravely went to the scaffold. He blessed the crowd in Latin. This made some people angry. But when he started praying in English, the crowd cheered for him. Both Ralph Crockett and Edward James faced their deaths without fear. They were executed after forgiving each other.

Ralph Crockett's Legacy and Honor

Ralph Crockett's father, Adam, later became Catholic. He joined the Catholic Church on the European continent. Ralph's family continued to be Catholic, even when it was difficult. They were known as "recusants" because they refused to attend official church services.

In 1929, Ralph Crockett was honored. He was beatified by Pope Pius XI. This means he was declared "Blessed" by the Catholic Church. His special day is October 1. You can see him in beautiful stained glass windows. One is in Shrewsbury Cathedral. Another is in the Church of the Holy Name in Oxton, Wirral.

See also

• Douai Martyrs