Richard Langley (martyr) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Venerable Richard Langley |
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|---|---|
| Born | Grimthorpe, Yorkshire |
| Died | 1 December 1586, York, England |
| Means of martyrdom | Hanged |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
Richard Langley was an English Catholic man who lived a long time ago. He is remembered because he helped Catholic priests during a time when it was against the law. He died in 1586 and is considered a special person called a 'martyr' by the Catholic Church. He was officially recognized as 'blessed' in 1929.
Richard Langley's Life Story
Richard Langley was likely born in a place called Grimthorpe in Yorkshire, England. He probably inherited a family estate named Rathorpe. However, he spent most of his life living on his own property in Ousethorpe, which is in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Helping Catholic Priests
During the time of Queen Elizabeth I, it was against the law in England to be a Catholic priest or to help them. Richard Langley chose to help Catholic priests. He even offered his home as a safe place for them to stay. He built a secret underground hiding spot, possibly under his house in Grimthorpe, where priests could hide if they were in danger.
Discovery and Arrest
Sadly, someone told the authorities about Richard Langley's secret hiding place. On October 28, 1586, a group of soldiers and officials, including some important leaders and church ministers, came to search his homes in Grimthorpe and Ousethorpe.
They found two priests hiding at his Grimthorpe house. Richard Langley himself was arrested at his Ousethorpe home. All three were taken to prison in York.
Trial and Death
Richard Langley and the priests were brought before a powerful leader known as the President of the North. The priests were accused because of their religious role. Richard Langley was accused of helping them.
During the investigation, Richard Langley refused to take a special promise. This promise would have meant saying that the Queen was the head of the church, which went against his Catholic beliefs. He also did not try to get on the good side of the powerful leaders.
The first group of people chosen to decide his case was sent away and a new group was chosen. Richard Langley was sentenced to death. This happened even though there wasn't clear proof that he knew the priests were breaking the law by being there. He was hanged in York. After his death, his body was not given a proper burial.
