Robert Ludlam facts for kids

Robert Ludlam (born around 1551 – died July 24, 1588) was an English priest. He is remembered as a martyr, meaning he died because of his religious beliefs. This happened during the rule of Queen Elizabeth I.

Early Life and Becoming a Priest

Robert Ludlam was born in Derbyshire, England, around the year 1551. His father was a farmer. In 1575, he started studying at St John's College, Oxford, a well-known university. He stayed there for about two or three years. However, he left without finishing his degree.

On November 25, 1580, Robert Ludlam joined the English College in Rheims, France. This college trained English Catholics to become priests. The next year, in September, he was ordained as a priest. He then returned to England on April 30, 1582.

His Work and Arrest

Not much is known about Robert Ludlam's work as a priest in England. One person who knew him said he was free in England for six or seven years. This person also said that Robert Ludlam was a very kind man. He traveled a lot and helped many people in the country. Because of this, he was well-liked.

On July 12, 1588, Robert Ludlam and another priest named Nicholas Garlick were arrested. They were at Padley, the home of John Fitzherbert. Fitzherbert was a Catholic who refused to attend Church of England services. The police were trying to arrest Fitzherbert. Finding two priests there was an unexpected bonus for them.

Trial and Martyrdom

In Derby Gaol, which was a prison, Ludlam and Garlick met another priest, Richard Simpson. Simpson had already been sentenced to death earlier. He had been given a delay, possibly because he seemed like he might attend a Protestant service. However, after meeting Ludlam and Garlick, Simpson remained strong in his faith.

The three priests were put on trial on July 23, 1588. They were found guilty of treason, which meant they were accused of going against the queen. They were sentenced to a harsh form of execution. The sentence was carried out the very next day, on July 24, 1588, at St Mary's Bridge in Derby.

Robert Ludlam was the last of the three priests to be executed. People who saw it said he was smiling while Garlick was being executed. He was still smiling when it was his turn. His last recorded words were Venite benedicti Dei. This means "Come, you blessed of God." He said this just before he was pushed off the ladder.

Legacy

Robert Ludlam, Nicholas Garlick, and Richard Simpson were declared "venerable" in 1888. This is a step towards becoming a saint. They were among the eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales. A martyr is someone who dies for their faith. They were "beatified" by Pope John Paul II on November 22, 1987. Beatification means they are recognized as having entered heaven and are able to intercede for people on Earth.

In 1999, a theatre in Derby was named after Robert Ludlam. It is called the Robert Ludlam Theatre.

See also

• Douai Martyrs