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Edmund Catherick

Edmund Catherick was an English Roman Catholic priest and martyr who served on the English mission for seven years. He was beatified in 1929 for his faith and martyrdom.

Key Facts

  • Edmund Catherick was likely born in Lancashire around 1605.
  • He was educated and ordained at Douai College.
  • He served on the English mission for approximately seven years, using the alias Huddleston.
  • Catherick was apprehended in the North Riding and convicted in York alongside John Lockwood.
  • He was hanged, drawn, and quartered on April 13, 1642, during the reign of King Charles I.
  • His head was displayed on Micklegate Bar, and his remains were buried at Toft Green.
Also Known As

Huddleston

Full Name
Edmund Catherick
Birth Year
c. 1605
Death Year
1642
Beatification Year
1929
Birth Place
Lancashire
Death Place
York
Relics Location
St. Gregory's Monastery, Downside (remains); Hazlewood Castle (skull, historically)
Early Life
Edmund Catherick was probably born in Lancashire about 1605 and was descended from the Catholic Catherick family of Carlton, North Yorkshire and Stanwick.
Role Type

About Edmund Catherick

Edmund Catherick (c. 1605 – 13 April 1642) was an English Roman Catholic priest recognized as a martyr. He was beatified by the Catholic Church in 1929 for his steadfast faith and sacrifice.

Life and Historical Context

Born in Lancashire around 1605, Edmund Catherick hailed from a prominent Catholic family with roots in North Yorkshire. His education and ordination took place at Douai College, a significant institution for English Catholics. Following his ordination, he embarked on his ministry in England, a period of service that lasted for seven years and concluded with his death.

During his time on the English mission, Catherick adopted the alias Huddleston, possibly in reference to his mother's family name. His ministry ended when he was apprehended in the North Riding, near Watlas. He was brought before Justice Dodsworth, a relative by marriage, which, according to some accounts, facilitated his conviction through admissions made under the guise of friendship.

Martyrdom

Edmund Catherick was arraigned in York and condemned to death alongside fellow priest John Lockwood. The execution, initially stayed by King Charles I, was ultimately carried out. Catherick and Lockwood were subjected to the brutal penalty of being hanged, drawn, and quartered. Catherick's head was displayed on Micklegate Bar as a warning, while the remainder of his body was interred at Toft Green. His remains were later transferred to St. Gregory's Monastery at Downside, and his skull was historically examined in the 19th century.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where was Edmund Catherick born?

Edmund Catherick was likely born in Lancashire, England, around the year 1605. Little specific detail is recorded about his earliest years.

What was Edmund Catherick's role in the Catholic Church?

Edmund Catherick was an English Roman Catholic priest. He served on the English mission for approximately seven years.

Why is Edmund Catherick remembered as a martyr?

Edmund Catherick was executed for his faith on April 13, 1642. He was hanged, drawn, and quartered, an act that led to his beatification in 1929.

What alias did Edmund Catherick use?

During his ministry on the English mission, Edmund Catherick was known by the alias Huddleston. This name was likely his mother's maiden name.

Where was Edmund Catherick executed?

Edmund Catherick was executed in York, England. He was dragged to the place of execution and his head was later displayed on Micklegate Bar.