Thomas Aufield facts for kids

Thomas Aufield (1552 – 6 July 1585), also called Thomas Alfield, was an English Roman Catholic who became a martyr. He is remembered for his strong faith during a difficult time in English history.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Aufield was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1552. He received a good education, first at Eton College. Later, he studied at King's College, Cambridge.

Becoming a Catholic Priest

After his studies, Thomas Aufield decided to become a Catholic. In September 1576, he traveled to the English College in Douai, France. This college was a place where English Catholics could train to become priests. However, he felt it was unsafe and returned to England in November of the same year.

In September 1580, Aufield went back to the English College, which had moved to Rheims by then. He was ordained a priest on March 4, 1581, in Châlons-sur-Marne. Soon after, he returned to England to serve the Catholic community there.

Challenges and Arrests

Thomas Aufield mostly worked in the northern parts of England. On May 2, 1582, he was arrested. He was then sent to the Tower of London, a famous prison. While there, he faced very harsh treatment. Under this pressure, he temporarily gave up his Catholic faith and returned to Protestantism. He was later released.

Returning to His Faith

After his release, Thomas Aufield went back to Gloucester. By April of the next year, he was once again in Rheims, France. He had returned to his Catholic faith around the start of the autumn term. He visited his brother-in-law in London.

Around this time, he met Captain John Davis. Davis asked Aufield to introduce him to William Allen, a leading Catholic figure. Davis had a plan involving ships that he wanted to use to help the Pope or the King of Spain. Aufield met Davis in Rouen and brought him to Rheims to meet Allen. Davis's plan was shared with the Pope, who then referred Davis to the King of Spain.

Final Arrest and Martyrdom

When these discussions did not work out, Thomas Aufield returned to England. He was arrested again for sharing Catholic books and writings. These texts were against the queen's rules about religion at the time. He was sent back to the Tower of London and faced difficult questioning once more.

Aufield was charged under a law from 1580 that made it illegal to publish any book against the queen. He was then moved to Newgate Prison. Thomas Aufield was tried and found guilty. He was executed by hanging at Tyburn on July 6, 1585. His assistant, Thomas Webley, was also executed with him.

Legacy

Thomas Aufield was recognized for his strong faith and sacrifice. He was beatified in 1929 by the Catholic Church. This means he was declared "Blessed," a step towards sainthood. His feast day, a special day to remember him, is July 6, which is the date he died for his beliefs.

See also

• Douai Martyrs