Thomas Thwing facts for kids

Thomas Thwing (born around 1635, died 1680) was an English Catholic priest. He is remembered as a martyr, meaning someone who died for their beliefs. He was executed because people falsely accused him of being involved in a made-up plan called the "Barnbow Plot." This plot was part of a bigger false story known as the "Popish Plot." His special day is October 23.

Who Was Thomas Thwing?

Thomas Thwing was born at Heworth Hall in York, England. His family, the Thwings and Gascoignes, were known as recusants. This meant they were Catholic and refused to attend the Church of England services. At that time, being Catholic in England could be very difficult.

His Education and Work

Thomas went to school at St. Omer and then to the English College in Douai. These schools were in Europe and trained English Catholics to become priests. He became a priest in 1665.

After becoming a priest, Thomas returned to England. He worked for about 14 years, helping Catholics in secret. For a few years, he was a chaplain at Carlton Hall. This was the home of his cousins, the Stapleton family. He also started a school there.

Helping a New Convent

In 1677, a group of nuns called the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary started a new home at Heworth Manor. This manor was bought by Thomas's uncle, Sir Thomas Gascoigne. Thomas's sisters and a cousin helped a lot with setting up this new convent. Thomas became the chaplain at Heworth Manor. This is where he was arrested in early 1679.

The "Barnbow Plot" Accusations

During the 1670s, there was a lot of fear in England about Catholics. A man named Titus Oates made up a huge story called the "Popish Plot." He claimed that Catholics were planning to kill King Charles II and take over the country. This caused many innocent Catholics to be arrested and even executed.

False Accusations Against Thomas

Two former servants of Sir Thomas Gascoigne, named Bolron and Mowbray, were angry because they had been fired. They decided to get revenge and earn money by making up a story. They claimed that Sir Thomas Gascoigne and others were planning to murder the King.

At first, they did not mention Thomas Thwing. However, on July 7, 1679, Thomas, Sir Thomas Gascoigne, and others were arrested. They were taken to London for trial.

Trials and Injustice

Sir Thomas Gascoigne asked to be tried by a jury from Yorkshire. He believed local people would know the witnesses better. His trial was moved to Yorkshire. Thomas Thwing was tried on July 29, and one of the former servants, Robert Bolron, spoke against him.

Many people accused in this "plot" were found not guilty. Sir Thomas Gascoigne was acquitted. His daughter, Lady Tempest, was also found not guilty. Another person, Mary Pressicks, was acquitted too. The judges said her statement about wanting everyone to be Catholic was just an opinion, not treason.

However, Thomas Thwing was found guilty using the same evidence that had cleared his relatives. When he heard the sentence, he calmly said in Latin, "Innocens ego sum," which means "I am innocent."

His Death and Legacy

The King at first delayed Thomas's execution. But because of pressure from Parliament, the order for his death was given. Thomas Thwing was executed in York on October 23, 1680. He died for a crime he did not commit.

His friends buried his body in the churchyard of St Mary Castlegate in York. A brass plate on his coffin stated that he was an innocent priest, condemned by two false witnesses.

Remembered as a Blessed Saint

Years later, the Catholic Church recognized Thomas Thwing's innocence and sacrifice. He was declared "Venerable" by Pope Leo XIII in 1886. Then, in 1929, Pope Pius XI beatified him. This means he is now known as the "Blessed Thomas Thwing."

See also

• Douai Martyrs