William Pike facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedWilliam Pike |
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Portrait in the Chideock Martyrs Church in Chideock, England
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| Martyr | |
| Born | about 1555 Dorset, South West England |
| Died | 22 December 1591 (aged about 36) Dorchester, Dorset, England |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 22 December |
William Pike was an English man who lived a long time ago, in the 1500s. He is remembered as a martyr by the Roman Catholic Church. This means he died because of his strong religious beliefs. In 1987, he was given the special title of 'Blessed' by Pope John Paul II.
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Who Was William Pike?
William Pike was born in a place called Dorset, in South West England. Many records suggest he came from this area. He might have lived in a village called Moordown, which is now part of modern Bournemouth.
Life and Work
William Pike was a carpenter, which means he worked with wood. He is also thought to have lived in a place called West Moors. This area is near the border of Hampshire.
His Family Connections
Some historians believe William Pike was connected to a family from Bristol. He might have been the brother of a woman named Martha Pike. Martha's husband, Henry Falkner, was also a Catholic. Henry Falkner mentioned William Pike in his will, showing they were close.
Why Was William Pike Important?
William Pike lived during a time when England was going through big changes in religion. The King or Queen of England was seen as the head of the church. This was called the Royal Supremacy.
Standing Up for His Beliefs
William Pike was a Roman Catholic. He did not agree that the English monarch should be the head of the church. He believed the Pope was the spiritual leader. Because he refused to accept the Royal Supremacy, he was arrested.
His Martyrdom
William Pike was executed on 22 December 1591 in Dorchester, Dorset. He died because he would not give up his Catholic faith. He is believed to have become Catholic because of another man named Thomas Pilchard.
Becoming 'Blessed'
Many years later, in 1987, William Pike was officially recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II. This means he is honored as a 'Blessed' person. It is a step towards becoming a saint.
