Thomas Cottam facts for kids

Thomas Cottam was an English Catholic priest who lived a long time ago, from 1549 to 1582. He was put to death during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He is remembered as a martyr, which means he died for his religious beliefs.

The Life of Thomas Cottam

Thomas Cottam was born to parents who followed a different Christian faith at the time. As an adult, he learned about Catholicism from a man named Thomas Pound and decided to become Catholic.

He went to Brasenose College, Oxford University, and finished his studies there in 1572. After that, he moved to London and became the head teacher at a grammar school. In London, he met Thomas Pound again. This meeting inspired him to travel to Douai, a city where many English Catholics went to study and become priests.

Becoming a Priest

In December 1577, Thomas Cottam became a deacon, which is a step before becoming a priest. He really wanted to be a missionary in India, sharing his faith with people there. So, he went to Rome and joined the Jesuit order in April 1579. The Jesuits are a group of Catholic priests and brothers.

Later that year, he got a fever and was sent to Lyons to get better. While he was there, a person who worked for the English government, named Sledd, met him. Sledd found out that Thomas Cottam planned to go back to England. He remembered what Cottam looked like and told the English ambassador in Paris about him.

Return to England and Arrest

From Lyons, Thomas Cottam went to the English College, Rheims. He still hoped to go to India if his health improved after visiting England. Around May 1580, he became a priest in Soissons. On June 5, he left for England with four friends.

However, Sledd had told the authorities about him. So, when Thomas Cottam arrived in Dover, he was immediately arrested. One of his friends, Dr. Ely, helped him escape to London using a clever trick. But because of this, Dr. Ely was in danger. To protect his friend, Thomas Cottam bravely turned himself in.

Imprisonment and Trial

Thomas Cottam was first put in a prison called the Marshalsea. It is believed he celebrated his first Mass there. He faced harsh questioning and treatment in prison. On December 4, 1580, he was moved to the Tower of London. There, he was tortured twice.

Later, he was brought to court with Edmund Campion and others. On November 16, 1581, he was given a death sentence. His execution was delayed until May 30, 1582. On that day, Thomas Cottam was put to death at Tyburn, a place in London where many people were executed.

See also

• Douai Martyrs