Thomas Sprott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blessed Thomas Sprott |
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| Martyr | |
| Born | c. 1571 Skelsmergh, near Kendal in Westmorland |
| Died | 11 July 1600 (aged about 29) Lincoln, Lincolnshire |
| Honored in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 22 November 1987, Saint Peter's Basilica by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 11 July |
Thomas Sprott (who died on July 11, 1600) was an English martyr. A martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs. His friend and colleague, Thomas Hunt, also known as Thomas Benstead, was also a martyr. Both men were important figures in the history of the Roman Catholic Church in England.
About Thomas Sprott
Thomas Sprott was born around 1571 in a place called Skelsmergh, near Kendal in Westmorland, England. He died in Lincoln on July 11, 1600, alongside Thomas Hunt.
Sprott went to a special school called Douai College in France. There, he became a priest in 1596. After that, he was sent back to England to serve the Catholic community. At that time, being a Catholic priest in England could be very dangerous. Thomas Sprott had also hoped to join a group called the Jesuits.
About Thomas Hunt
| Blessed Thomas Hunt | |
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| Martyr | |
| Born | possibly as "Thomas Benstead" c. 1573 Norfolk, England |
| Died | 11 July 1600 (aged about 27) Lincoln, Lincolnshire |
| Honored in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 22 November 1987, Saint Peter's Basilica by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 11 July |
Thomas Hunt was born in Norfolk, England, around 1573. Some records suggest his real name might have been Bensted or Benstead. He also studied to become a priest, first at the Royal English College in Valladolid and then in Seville, both in Spain. He became a priest in 1599.
Hunt's time serving in England was short. He was first put in prison at Wisbech. However, he managed to escape with five other people.
Arrest and Trial
Some months after their escape, Thomas Sprott and Thomas Hunt were arrested in Lincoln. They were found with special items used in Catholic services, like holy oils and two Breviaries (prayer books).
When they went to trial, it was not proven or admitted that they were priests. There was also no clear evidence against them. The judge, Sir John Glanville, was upset when the jury did not find them guilty right away.
Thomas Hunt then spoke up. He said that if the judge thought they were guilty, he should make the decision himself. Hunt did not want the jury, who might not understand the law, to be responsible for what he called "innocent blood."
The judge did not like the phrase "innocent blood." He told the jury to find them guilty, and they did. It is said that 16 days later, Judge Glanville died after falling from his horse.
Honored as Martyrs
Thomas Sprott and Thomas Hunt are remembered as two of the eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales. They were officially honored as "Blessed" by Pope John Paul II on November 22, 1987. This means they are recognized for their strong faith and sacrifice.
See also
