Christopher Wharton
Male·March 28·England·16th century
Christopher Wharton was an English Roman Catholic priest and martyr who studied at Trinity College, Oxford, before converting to Catholicism and pursuing his priesthood in Reims. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1987 as one of the "Eighty Five Martyrs of England and Wales."
Key Facts
- ›Wharton was born in Middleton, Yorkshire, before 1546, and was the younger brother of Thomas Wharton, 1st Baron Wharton.
- ›He was educated at Trinity College, Oxford, where he graduated M.A. and became a Fellow before converting to Catholicism.
- ›He entered the English College at Reims on July 28, 1583, and was ordained a priest on March 31, 1584.
- ›He was arrested in 1598 at the house of Eleanor Hunt and confined in York Castle, where he was forced to hear Protestant sermons.
- ›Wharton was tried for high treason at the Lent Assizes in 1600 and condemned, refusing to renounce his faith.
- ›He was executed on March 28, 1600, and his head was displayed on a gate of York before being rescued by Catholics.
England, Wales
About Christopher Wharton
Christopher Wharton (before 1546 – 28 March 1600) was an English Roman Catholic priest and a Catholic martyr. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1987 as one of the "Eighty Five Martyrs of England and Wales."
Life and Historical Context
Born in Middleton, Yorkshire, Wharton was the younger brother of Thomas Wharton, 1st Baron Wharton. He received his education at Trinity College, Oxford, where he earned an M.A. and became a Fellow. It was during his university years that he converted to Catholicism. In 1583, he departed England to study for the priesthood at the English College at Reims, where he was ordained in 1584. He continued his studies until 1586.
Little is recorded about his specific missionary activities. However, historical accounts note that he was arrested in 1598 at the home of Eleanor Hunt, a widow, and imprisoned in York Castle. There, he and other Catholic prisoners were compelled to attend Protestant sermons. Wharton and Mrs. Hunt were tried together at the Lent Assizes in 1600. Both were condemned, Wharton for high treason and Hunt for felony. They both refused to renounce their faith, and Wharton was executed, while Eleanor Hunt died in prison.
Legacy
Christopher Wharton's severed head was displayed on one of the gates of York but was subsequently rescued by Catholics. Later, it was entrusted to the Benedictines at Downside Abbey and eventually returned to Yorkshire in 2002. The Blessed Christopher Wharton Multi-Academy Trust in Bradford is named in his honor, reflecting his significance in Catholic history.
Beatification
Christopher Wharton was beatified in 1987 by Pope John Paul II, recognizing his martyrdom for the Catholic faith. His feast day is commemorated on March 28.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Christopher Wharton born?
Christopher Wharton was born in Middleton, Yorkshire, before 1546. Specific details about his birth date are not precisely recorded.
What was Christopher Wharton's education and religious conversion?
He was educated at Trinity College, Oxford, graduating with an M.A. and becoming a Fellow. It was during his time at Oxford that he converted to Catholicism.
When was Christopher Wharton ordained and what was his missionary work?
Christopher Wharton was ordained a priest on March 31, 1584, at the English College in Reims. No specific details about his missionary work have been preserved in historical accounts.
How was Christopher Wharton arrested and tried?
He was arrested in 1598 at the house of Eleanor Hunt and imprisoned in York Castle. He was later brought to trial at the Lent Assizes in 1600 and condemned for high treason.
When and how was Christopher Wharton executed?
Christopher Wharton was executed on March 28, 1600. He refused to compromise his faith and liberty, leading to his death by execution.
When and by whom was Christopher Wharton beatified?
Christopher Wharton was beatified in 1987 by Pope John Paul II. He is recognized as one of the "Eighty Five Martyrs of England and Wales."
Where are Christopher Wharton's relics kept?
Christopher Wharton's severed head was rescued by Catholics and eventually came into the care of the Benedictines at Downside Abbey. In March 2025, a relic was placed in the Martyr's Chapel in Leeds Cathedral.
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