William Filby (Roman Catholic priest) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blessed William Filby
Detail of a sketch of a stained glass window for Notre Dame Convent, Wigan, England
Born	c. 1557 - 1560 Oxfordshire, England
Died	30 May 1582 (aged 21/22 - 24/25) Tyburn, London, England
Beatified	29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII
Feast	May 30

William Filby was an English Roman Catholic priest who lived from about 1557 to 1582. He was recognized as a 'Blessed' person by the Catholic Church in 1886. This means he was honored for his strong faith.

William Filby's Life

William Filby was born in Oxfordshire, England, sometime between 1557 and 1560. He went to Lincoln College, Oxford for his education. Later, he joined a special school called a seminary in Reims, France, to study and become a priest.

He became a priest in Reims on March 25, 1581. Soon after, he returned to England to serve his church.

Arrest and Trial

In July 1581, William Filby was arrested. He was taken into custody along with another famous priest, Edmund Campion. Their arrest happened at a house called Lyford Grange.

After his arrest, Filby was held in different prisons, including the famous Tower of London. During this time, he was asked about political events, but he said he didn't know anything about them. He was sentenced on November 17, 1581.

His Final Days

William Filby was executed in Tyburn, London, on May 30, 1582. Three other priests, Thomas Cottam, Luke Kirby, and Laurence Richardson, also died with him on that day.