William Davies (priest) facts for kids

William Davies was a Welsh Roman Catholic priest who lived a long time ago. He died on July 27, 1593. He is remembered as a Catholic martyr, which means he died for his beliefs. In 1987, he was officially recognized as 'Blessed' by the Catholic Church. There is even a special chapel in Anglesey built to remember him.

Early Life and Studies

William Davies was born in North Wales. He was likely born around 1555. His exact birthplace was probably Croes yn Eirias, which is now part of Conwy County. Croes yn Eirias means "Torch Cross" and is near Colwyn Bay.

In 1582, William Davies traveled to Reims in France. He went there to study to become a priest. He received his first church orders in 1583. Then, in April 1585, he became a priest.

A Secret Printer

After becoming a priest, William Davies returned to Wales. He worked as a missionary, sharing his Catholic faith. He also worked with a friend, Robert Pugh. Together, they secretly printed a book called Y Drych Christianogawl.

This book is thought to be the first book ever printed in Wales. They might have used a printing press hidden in a cave. This cave was located above the sea near Llandudno.

Imprisonment and Faith

In March 1592, William Davies was arrested. This happened in Holyhead, Wales. He was with four students at the time. He was trying to help them travel to a Catholic college in Spain. Robert Pugh, his friend, managed to escape.

Davies confessed that he was a priest. He was then put in a dark prison. This prison was a dungeon in Beaumaris Castle. He was kept away from his students at first.

Life in Prison

After about a month, Davies was allowed to spend time with his students. They could be together for an hour each day. He even managed to hold Mass for them. The jailer became less strict over time. They might have been able to escape, but they chose not to.

Many Catholics came to the prison to ask for his advice. Protestant ministers also came to argue with him about religion.

Facing the Judges

Later, at a court hearing, Davies and his students were sentenced to death. When they heard this, Davies began to sing a hymn called the Te Deum. The others joined in. The judge decided to wait for the Queen's decision before carrying out the sentence.

Davies was then sent to Ludlow. There, he met more Protestant ministers. They tried to make him attend a Protestant church service. But Davies loudly recited Latin prayers instead.

Moving Between Jails

From Ludlow, he was sent to other prisons. He even had to share a prison cell with criminals. Eventually, he was sent back to Beaumaris Castle. He was reunited with his young students there.

For about six months, they lived like a religious community. They spent their time praying and studying together.

Final Days and Legacy

At another court hearing, it was decided that William Davies must die. He was accused of being a traitor. He was offered his life if he would just attend a Protestant church once. But he refused.

Despite some local people disagreeing with the sentence, it was carried out. William Davies was executed at Beaumaris Castle. He died for his Catholic faith on July 27, 1593.

Remembering William Davies

Blessed William Davies is remembered on July 27 each year. His companions kept his priest's robe as a special relic. Even though they were sentenced to life in prison, they eventually escaped. The youngest student later told their story to a bishop in Spain.

In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI visited the UK. He was given a special copy of Y Drych Christianogawl. This was the secret book William Davies helped print. It was a gift from the people of Wales.