Thomas Pilchard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedThomas Pilchard |
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Portrait in the Chideock Martyrs Church in Chideock, England
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| Priest and Martyr | |
| Born | 1557 Battle, Sussex |
| Died | 21 March 1587 (aged 29 - 30) Dorchester |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 22 November 1987, Rome, Italy, by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 21 March, 22 November, 4 May |
Thomas Pilchard (also known as Pilcher) was an English Roman Catholic priest. He was born in Battle, Sussex, in 1557. He died in Dorchester on March 21, 1587. Thomas Pilchard is honored as a Catholic martyr. He was declared "Blessed" in 1987. He is remembered as one of the Eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales. His feast day is celebrated on May 4.
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Who Was Thomas Pilchard?
Thomas Pilchard grew up in a family of five children. His father was David Pylcher and his mother was Joane Haye. He went to school at Battle Abbey. This area was known for families who kept their Catholic faith.
His Education and Calling
In 1576, Thomas became a Fellow at Balliol College, Oxford. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1579. The next year, he left his position at the college. He then traveled to Reims, France, arriving in November 1581. In March 1583, he became a priest in Laon, France.
His Mission to England
On May 4, 1583, Thomas Pilchard returned to England. His mission was to serve the Catholic community. He worked in the Winchester area. Soon after, he was arrested and sent out of the country. Many priests felt it was important to return to England. They did not want people to think they had given up their faith.
So, on January 20, 1586, Thomas Pilchard came back to England. He continued his work for almost a year. While in London for business, someone recognized him from his time at Oxford. He was arrested in March 1587. He was then held in Dorchester Gaol (jail). Many people became Catholic because of his influence while he was in prison.
His Final Days
It was unusual for someone to be executed in that part of the county. It was hard to find someone to carry out the sentence. Finally, a butcher agreed to do it for a large payment.
During the execution, the rope broke. Thomas Pilchard fell to the ground. The executioner was forced by the sheriff's men to stab him. Thomas Pilchard then asked the sheriff, "Is this then your justice, Mr. Sheriff?"
Thomas Pilchard is remembered at the Dorset Martyrs memorial. This memorial is located on Gallows Hill in Dorchester.
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