Robert Thorpe (priest) facts for kids
Robert Thorpe was an English Catholic priest who lived a long time ago. He is remembered as a Catholic martyr. This means he died because of his religious beliefs. He was honored as "blessed" in 1987.
Contents
Who Was Robert Thorpe?
His Early Life and Training
Robert Thorpe was born in a place called Yorkshire, England. He traveled to a college in Reims (which is now in France) in 1584. There, he studied to become a priest. He became a deacon in December 1584. Then, in April 1585, he became a priest. After his training, he was sent back to England. His job was to serve the Catholic community there.
His Work and Arrest
Robert Thorpe worked as a priest in Yorkshire. He was very active in the area. One day, very early on Palm Sunday in 1595, he was arrested. This happened at the house of a man named Thomas Watkinson in Menthorpe. Someone had seen people gathering palm branches the night before. This was a sign that a Catholic service might be happening. They told a local official named John Gates.
What Happened to Him?
Robert Thorpe was found guilty of being a Catholic priest. At that time, it was against the law in England to be a Catholic priest. He was sentenced to death. He was executed in York.
Thomas Watkinson, the man who had helped Thorpe, was also arrested. He was found guilty of helping priests. He was offered his freedom if he would change his beliefs. But he refused. Thomas Watkinson was also executed.
Learn More
