Roger Ashton facts for kids

Roger Ashton was an English soldier who lived a long time ago, in the 1500s. He was a Roman Catholic at a time when being Catholic in England could be very dangerous. He was put to death on June 23, 1592, in a place called Tyburn. Many people remember him as a Catholic martyr, someone who died for their religious beliefs.

Who Was Roger Ashton?

Roger Ashton was born in Lancashire, England. He was the third son of Richard Ashton. In 1585, he went to fight as a soldier in the Low Countries (which are parts of modern-day Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg). At this time, England was fighting against Spain.

A Change of Sides

Roger Ashton served under a leader named Sir William Stanley. Sir William was in charge of a town called Deventer, which had rebelled against the Spanish. However, Sir William Stanley, with Roger Ashton's help, decided to give the town back to Spain. They then joined the Spanish side on January 29, 1587. This was a big deal because it meant they were no longer fighting for England.

Return to England and Arrest

After some time, Roger Ashton returned to England in late 1587. He was caught in Kent with a special permission document. Soon after, in January 1588, he was sent to the Tower of London, a famous prison.

Later that year, he became sick and was moved to a less strict prison called the Marshalsea. From there, he managed to escape and went to stay with his brothers in Lancashire. However, he was caught again near Newcastle, in a place called Shields, while trying to leave the country.

Trial and Final Days

Roger Ashton was then moved to prisons in Durham and York. His trial took place in Canterbury. He was found guilty and sentenced to a very harsh punishment. He died on June 23, 1592. Even at the end, he strongly declared his Catholic faith.