Thomas Sherwood (martyr) facts for kids

Thomas Sherwood (born around 1551, died 1578) was a brave Catholic man. He was arrested because people thought he was going against the queen. This happened after he visited a house where Catholic religious services, called Mass, were secretly held. He is remembered as a martyr, someone who died for their beliefs.

His Life Story

Thomas Sherwood was born in London around 1551. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth Sherwood, were also Catholics. They were even put in prison for their faith. His father, Henry, worked as a woolen draper, selling cloth. Thomas was also a cousin of Francis Tregian the Elder, who was later imprisoned for helping another Catholic priest.

Becoming a Student

When Thomas was fifteen, he left school. He started helping his father in the woolen business. He worked there for ten years. In 1576, he decided to travel to Douai, a city in France. He wanted to study at the new English College there to become a priest.

Before he could go, he came home to sort out his money. He also needed to get funds to pay for his studies.

His Arrest

While in London, Thomas visited the home of Lady Tregonwell. It seemed that Catholic Mass was secretly held there. Lady Tregonwell's son, George Marten, was Protestant and did not like this.

One day, he saw Thomas in the street. George Marten started shouting, "Stop the traitor!" This led to Thomas being brought before a judge.

His Trial

There was no clear proof against Thomas. However, he spoke openly about his beliefs. He was asked about a special paper from the Pope, Pius V, called a "bull." This paper said that Queen Elizabeth I was no longer a true ruler because she was "excommunicated" (kicked out of the Catholic Church).

Thomas said he didn't know about the paper or the excommunication. But he did say that if the queen was truly excommunicated, her rule might not be lawful. Because of this answer, he was sent to the Tower of London.

The Privy Council, a group of royal advisors, ordered his home to be searched. They found a large sum of money, about 20 to 30 pounds. Thomas had borrowed this money to help his sick father. The money was taken away from him.

His Death

Thomas Sherwood was tortured twice on a device called a rack. The authorities wanted him to tell them where Catholic Mass was being held. But Thomas stayed silent and did not give any names.

After this, he was thrown into a cold, dark prison cell. He suffered from hunger and cold for three winter months. The cell was below the water level. When the River Thames rose with the tide, rats would be forced into his dark room.

William Roper, who was the son-in-law of Thomas More, tried to help. He was only allowed to give Thomas some straw to lie on. Roper also sent money to the jailer to buy food for Thomas. But the money was sent back because the prison leader would not let Thomas receive any help.

Execution

After a quick trial, Thomas was sentenced to a very harsh execution. This took place on February 7, 1578, at Tyburn. He was only 27 years old.

Thomas's mother was also often found at Mass. She was put in prison many times for a total of fourteen years. She eventually died in prison. His brother, John, went to another country and joined the Jesuits, a Catholic religious group.

His Beatification

People said that Thomas Sherwood was a small man. He was also described as witty, cheerful, and loved by many. He was officially recognized as "Blessed" by Pope Leo XIII. This happened through a special decree on December 29, 1886. This process is called beatification.

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "Bl. Thomas Sherwood". Catholic Encyclopedia. (1913). New York: Robert Appleton.