Robert Anderton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedRobert Anderton |
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| Priest and Martyr | |
| Born | c. 1560 Lancashire |
| Died | 25 April 1586 (aged 25 - 26) Isle of Wight |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI |
| Feast | 25 April (together with his companion) 29 October (one of the Douai Martyrs) |
Robert Anderton (born around 1560 – died April 25, 1586) was an English Roman Catholic priest. He is remembered as a martyr, meaning he died for his beliefs. Along with his friend, William Marsden, they are honored by the Roman Catholic Church. Their special day, called a feast day, is celebrated every April 25.
Contents
Who Were Robert Anderton and William Marsden?
Robert Anderton's Early Life
Robert Anderton was born in Lancashire, England, around the year 1560. He likely studied at Brasenose College and finished his studies at Oxford University in 1578. Later, while he was in Reims, France, people thought Robert was a very good speaker and a talented teacher. He became a priest on March 31, 1585.
William Marsden's Early Life
William Marsden was also born in Lancashire, England. He probably went to St Mary Hall, Oxford for his studies. Robert and William were close friends from when they were young. They even went to Oxford University at the same time, though they attended different colleges.
Their Journey to Faith
The two friends traveled to Douai, a city in France. There, they decided to become Roman Catholics. In 1580, they joined the English College at Reims. Both Robert and William became priests there. They also helped teach younger students at the college.
Their Journey to England and Capture
Setting Sail for England
After finishing their studies, Robert Anderton and William Marsden decided to return to England. They began their journey on February 4, 1586. As they crossed the English Channel, a big storm hit their ship. They prayed that they would reach land safely, rather than dying at sea.
Forced Landing and Arrest
The storm pushed their ship onto the shore of the Isle of Wight. As soon as they landed, local officials quickly arrested them. In court, they argued that they hadn't broken any laws by landing in England. They explained that the storm had forced them ashore, so their landing was not planned.
| Blessed William Marsden |
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| Priest and Martyr | |
| Born | c. 1560 Lancashire |
| Died | 25 April 1586 (aged 25 - 26) Isle of Wight |
| Honored in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI |
| Feast | 25 April (together with his companion) 29 October (one of the Douai Martyrs) |
Trial and Legacy
The Oath of Supremacy
Because of their arrest, Robert and William were taken to London. There, they were given a chance to take the Oath of Supremacy. This oath would mean they accepted Queen Elizabeth as the head of the Church of England.
They told the court that they respected Queen Elizabeth as their rightful queen in all matters of government. However, they would not take the Oath of Supremacy, as it went against their religious beliefs.
Their Fate and Recognition
During that time, refusing to take the oath was considered treason under a law called the Second Act of Supremacy. Because they would not take the oath, Robert Anderton and William Marsden were found guilty of treason.
Their sentence was confirmed, and a public announcement explained why they were found guilty. They were then taken back to the Isle of Wight, close to where their ship had landed. On April 25, 1586, they were put to death. They were both around 25 or 26 years old.
The exact spot where they died is not known for sure. Some people think it was at Mark's Corner, near Parkhurst Forest. Others believe it might have been in Gurnard, above the sailing club. Wherever it was, the spot looked out over Cowes Roads, the area where they first sought shelter from the storm.
Honoring Their Memory
In 1929, Pope Pius XI officially recognized Robert Anderton and William Marsden as "Blessed." This is a step towards being declared a saint in the Catholic Church.
There is a beautiful stained glass window dedicated to Blessed Robert Anderton. You can find it in St Mary's Catholic Church in Euxton, England.
A special plaque was also put up to remember them. It is in the garden at St Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight.
See also
