Thomas Ford (martyr) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedThomas Ford |
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Portrait in The English Convent in Bruges
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| Priest and Martyr | |
| Born | Devonshire, South West England |
| Died | 28 May 1582 Tyburn, London, England |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII |
| Feast | 28 May |
Thomas Ford was a brave Catholic priest who lived a long time ago in England. He was born in Devonshire and sadly died on May 28, 1582, during the time of Elizabeth I, who was the Queen of England. He is remembered as a martyr, which means he died for his strong beliefs.
His Life and Studies
Thomas Ford went to Trinity College at Oxford University. He earned a special degree called a Master of Arts on July 24, 1567. After that, he became a 'fellow' there, which is like being a senior member or teacher.
In 1570, he decided to study to become a priest. He traveled to the English College in a place called Douai. He was one of the very first students from this college to become a priest. He was ordained in March 1573 in Brussels.
Returning to England
After finishing his studies and getting another degree in Divinity in Douai, Thomas Ford returned to England on May 2, 1576. At this time, being a Catholic priest in England was very dangerous. Queen Elizabeth I had made the Church of England the official church. Catholics who practiced their faith openly faced harsh punishments.
Thomas Ford worked as a chaplain, helping Catholic families practice their faith in secret. He first stayed with James Braybrooke in Sutton Courtenay. Later, he moved to Lyford Grange to serve Francis Yate and a group of Bridgettine nuns.
Arrest and Trial
On July 17, 1581, Thomas Ford was arrested by a government spy named George Eliot. He was arrested along with another famous Catholic priest, Edmund Campion. Just a few days later, on July 22, he was sent to the Tower of London. While there, he was put through difficult questioning.
On November 16, Thomas Ford and another priest named John Shert were brought to court. They were accused of planning against the Queen, even though the charges were made up. They were said to have conspired in places like Rome and Rheims, but Thomas Ford had not even been in those places at the times mentioned.
His Death
Despite the false accusations, both Thomas Ford and John Shert were found guilty on November 21. They were sentenced to death. On May 28, 1582, Thomas Ford, John Shert, and another priest named Robert Johnson were executed in Tyburn, London.
Many years later, in 1886, all three priests were honored by the Catholic Church. They were declared "Blessed," which is a step towards becoming a saint. They are remembered for their courage and strong faith.
