Robert Nutter facts for kids

Robert Nutter (born around 1550, died 26 July 1600) was an English Catholic priest. He was also a Dominican friar and is known as a martyr. A martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs. He was declared "Blessed" by the Catholic Church in 1987.

Who Was Robert Nutter?

Robert Nutter lived during a time of big changes in England. This period, called the English Reformation, saw many disagreements about religion. Even with these changes, most English Catholics, especially in places like Lancashire, stayed loyal to their faith.

Early Life and Education

Robert Nutter was born in Burnley, Lancashire. He started studying at Brasenose College, Oxford in 1564 or 1565. Later, he and his brother, John Nutter, went to the English College, Reims. This college was a special school for English Catholics who wanted to become priests. Robert became a priest in France on 21 December 1581.

Robert Nutter's Arrests and Imprisonment

After becoming a priest, Robert Nutter returned to England. It was very risky to be a Catholic priest in England at that time. He was arrested and sent to the Tower of London on 2 February 1584. His brother, John, who was also a priest, was arrested too.

Robert was kept in a deep pit for 47 days. For 43 of those days, he wore heavy chains. He was also subjected to a painful device called the "scavenger's daughter" twice. This device forced the body into a very uncomfortable position.

On 10 November 1584, he was put back in the pit. Robert saw his older brother, John, being executed. After this, Robert was released. The authorities hoped he might accidentally lead them to other Catholics.

Escape and Final Capture

Robert was arrested again and sent to France on 21 January 1585. He traveled with 20 other priests and one layman (a person who is not a priest). They sailed from Tower Wharf on a ship called the Mary Martin.

He landed in Boulogne, France, on 2 February. In July, he visited Rome. But he soon returned to England to help new priests travel safely. When they arrived in Gravesend, Robert used a different name, "Rowley." However, he was recognized.

On 30 November 1585, he was arrested again. This time, he was sent to Newgate Prison in London. In 1587, he was moved to Marshalsea Prison. Then, in 1590, he was sent to Wisbech Castle in Cambridgeshire. While in prison, he joined the Dominican Order, becoming a friar.

In 1597, while still in prison, he signed a paper supporting a Jesuit leader. Later, in 1598, he and another martyr, Edward Thwing, asked the Pope to appoint an "archpriest" for England.

On 10 March 1600, the prison gate was left unlocked by mistake. Robert and his friends managed to escape! Some of them were never caught again. But those who went south were captured. Robert Nutter was sent to Lancaster. He was executed there on 26 July 1600.

Why Is Robert Nutter Remembered?

Robert Nutter is remembered as a brave person who stood strong for his Catholic faith. He was declared "Blessed" by Pope John Paul II in 1987. People said he was a man with a strong body, but an even stronger spirit. They believed he faced death without fear.

Who Was John Nutter?

John Nutter was Robert's older brother. He also became a Catholic priest and was a martyr.

John Nutter's Journey and Arrest

John Nutter studied at St John's College, Cambridge. In 1578, the English College at Douai moved to Rheims for a while. John and Robert arrived there in August 1579. John became a priest in France in September 1582. He then left for Yorkshire, England, in November.

However, strong winds blew his ship towards the Suffolk coast. John had become very ill before the journey. As his illness worsened, he went ashore at Dunwich. The ship then got stuck on a sandbank. People from the town searched the ship for anything they could save. They found a bundle of Catholic books.

John Nutter was questioned at the inn where he was resting. He admitted that he was a priest. He was arrested and taken to the Marshalsea Prison. He stayed there for a year. Then, he was put on trial and found guilty. Soon after, he was executed at Tyburn. He died alongside other martyrs: James Fenn, George Haydock, Thomas Hemerford, and John Munden.

See also

• Douai Martyrs