Henry Walpole
Henry Walpole was an English Jesuit martyr executed in York for refusing the Oath of Supremacy. After witnessing the execution of Edmund Campion, Walpole renounced his law practice and followed in Campion's footsteps, joining the Jesuits. He is remembered for his martyrdom and his canonization as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
- Feast Day
- 7 April
- Century
- 16th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Henry Walpole was born in Docking, Norfolk, in 1558.
- ›He was educated at Norwich School, Peterhouse, Cambridge, and Gray's Inn.
- ›Walpole joined the Jesuits in 1584 and was ordained a priest in Paris in 1588.
- ›He was arrested in Bridlington, Yorkshire, on December 4, 1593, after arriving in England by ship from Dunkirk.
- ›Walpole was tortured on the rack in the Tower of London.
- ›He was tried in York on April 3, 1595, convicted of high treason for refusing the Oath of Supremacy, and executed on April 7, 1595.
About Henry Walpole
Henry Walpole (1558 – 7 April 1595)
Henry Walpole was an English Jesuit martyr, executed in York for his refusal to take the Oath of Supremacy. His life and death represent a significant event in the history of English Catholic resistance during the Elizabethan era.
Early Life and Conversion
Born in Docking, Norfolk, in 1558, Henry Walpole received a comprehensive education at Norwich School, Peterhouse, Cambridge, and Gray's Inn, where he studied law. His association with known recusant gentry drew the attention of government spies. A pivotal moment in his life was attending the public disputations held by Edmund Campion and subsequently witnessing Campion's execution in 1581. Campion's martyrdom profoundly affected Walpole, leading him to abandon his legal career and dedicate himself to the Catholic faith. He expressed his devotion by writing a book of poetry honoring Campion, which was circulated secretly in London, putting him under suspicion.
Jesuit Ministry and Martyrdom
Fleeing to France, Walpole eventually arrived in Reims on July 7, 1582, and was admitted to the English College in Rome on April 28, 1583. He entered the Society of Jesus as a probationer on February 2, 1584. After continuing his studies in France, he was ordained a priest in Paris on December 17, 1588. Walpole served as a military chaplain to Catholic refugees in the Netherlands, was captured, tortured, and later ransomed. He also assisted in founding English seminaries in Seville and Valladolid. In 1593, he traveled to Spain to seek permission to found a seminary at St. Omer.
His journey back to England in December 1593, disguised as a merchant, ended in his arrest at Bridlington, Yorkshire, after being betrayed by a fellow passenger. He spent sixteen months in prison, enduring torture on the rack and suspension by his wrists in the Tower of London. In the spring of 1595, he was sent to York for trial. Found guilty of high treason for refusing the Oath of Supremacy, he was executed on April 7, 1595, alongside Alexander Rawlins.
Veneration
Walpole was beatified in 1929 and canonized as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales in 1970. His feast day is observed on April 7. A Catholic church in Burnham Market, Norfolk, is named in his honor, and his life has been documented in various biographies and historical accounts.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Henry Walpole born?
Henry Walpole was born in Docking, Norfolk, in 1558. He was the eldest son of Christopher Walpole and Margery Beckham.
What was Henry Walpole's early life and education?
Walpole was educated at Norwich School, Peterhouse, Cambridge, and Gray's Inn. While at Gray's Inn, his association with recusant gentry attracted the attention of government spies.
How did Henry Walpole become a Jesuit?
After attending Edmund Campion's disputations and witnessing his execution, Walpole gave up his law practice and followed Campion's path. He joined the English College in Rome in 1583, became a probationer of the Jesuits in 1584, and was ordained a priest in Paris in 1588.
What led to Henry Walpole's arrest and execution?
Walpole was arrested in Bridlington, Yorkshire, on December 4, 1593, after a stormy sea voyage from Dunkirk. He was imprisoned for sixteen months, tortured in the Tower of London, and then sent to York for trial. He was convicted of high treason for refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy, acknowledging the queen's authority in religion.
When was Henry Walpole canonized and what is his feast day?
Henry Walpole was beatified in 1929 and canonized in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. His feast day is celebrated on April 7.
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