Edward Oldcorne
Male·April 7·England·16th century
Edward Oldcorne was an English Jesuit priest and a Roman Catholic martyr. He was caught up in the investigation following the Gunpowder Plot due to his associations, though his direct involvement remains unclear. Oldcorne was beatified in 1929.
Key Facts
- ›Edward Oldcorne was born in York in 1561, the son of a Protestant father and a Catholic mother.
- ›He was educated as a doctor before deciding to enter the priesthood and joining the Jesuits in Rome in 1588.
- ›Returning to England in late 1588, he worked primarily in the West Midlands, particularly Worcestershire, for 17 years.
- ›In November 1601, he went on a pilgrimage to St Winefride's Well for a cancer cure, which later drew suspicion when he returned with others involved in the Gunpowder Plot.
- ›Following the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot, Oldcorne was arrested at Hindlip Hall and subsequently imprisoned in the Tower of London.
- ›Despite being tortured, no evidence connected him to the Gunpowder Plot, and he was executed by hanging, drawing, and quartering on 7 April 1606.
Edward Oldcorne alias Hall
About Edward Oldcorne
Edward Oldcorne, also known by the alias Hall, was an English Jesuit priest and a Roman Catholic martyr. Born in York in 1561, he was the son of a Protestant father and a Catholic mother. After receiving an education as a doctor, Oldcorne felt called to the priesthood and pursued his studies at the English College at Reims and later in Rome, where he was ordained in 1587 and became a Jesuit the following year.
Life and Ministry
In late 1588, Oldcorne returned to England and began his missionary work, primarily in the West Midlands, particularly in Worcestershire, where he served for seventeen years. He was known to associate with other Jesuits, including Father John Gerard, Father Henry Garnet, and Oswald Tesimond, and sometimes found refuge in houses adapted to conceal priests, such as Hindlip Hall near Worcester.
Connection to the Gunpowder Plot
Oldcorne's life became intertwined with the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. He was present at a pilgrimage to St Winefride's Well in early November 1605, a gathering that included individuals later implicated in the plot, such as Everard Digby. Following the plot's discovery, Oldcorne was at Hindlip Hall and was arrested in January 1606 along with Henry Garnet and others. Despite being tortured in the Tower of London, no evidence was found to connect him directly to the plot.
Execution and Legacy
Edward Oldcorne was executed on 7 April 1606 at Red Hill, Worcester, by hanging, drawing, and quartering. He is recognized as a martyr for his faith. His beatification took place in 1929. Among his surviving relics is his right eye, preserved at Stonyhurst College. A secondary school in Worcester, Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, is named in his honor.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Edward Oldcorne's role in the Gunpowder Plot?
Edward Oldcorne's direct involvement in the Gunpowder Plot is unclear. He was associated with individuals who were part of the plot and was caught up in the subsequent investigation, leading to his arrest and execution.
When was Edward Oldcorne beatified?
Edward Oldcorne was beatified in 1929. This designation recognizes him as a martyr within the Roman Catholic Church.
Where did Edward Oldcorne work as a priest?
After returning to England in late 1588, Edward Oldcorne worked primarily in the West Midlands, especially in Worcestershire, for seventeen years. He also spent time in Warwickshire.
What were the circumstances of Edward Oldcorne's death?
Edward Oldcorne was executed on 7 April 1606 at Red Hill, Worcester. He was hanged, drawn, and quartered, a severe punishment reserved for treason at the time.
Are there any relics of Edward Oldcorne preserved?
Yes, relics of Edward Oldcorne are preserved, notably his right eye, which is kept at Stonyhurst College. It is believed his eye was dislodged during his execution.
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