John Rigby

John Rigby (circa 1570 – June 21, 1600) was an English Roman Catholic layman who became one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. His life and death exemplify the religious persecution faced by Catholics in England during the reign of Elizabeth I.

Life and Historical Context

Born around 1570 at Harrock Hall in Wrightington, Lancashire, John Rigby was the son of Nicholas Rigby and Mary Breres. In 1600, Rigby was employed as a steward for Sir Edmund Huddleston. His troubles began when he was sent to the Old Bailey to explain the absence of Sir Edmund's daughter, Mrs. Fortescue, who was summoned on a charge of recusancy (failure to attend Anglican services).

During this encounter, a commissioner questioned Rigby about his own religious convictions. Rigby openly acknowledged his Catholic faith and was subsequently imprisoned in Newgate. The following day, on the feast of St. Valentine, he signed a confession detailing his reconciliation to the Roman Catholic faith by Saint John Jones, a Franciscan priest, approximately two to three years prior. He stated that since his reconciliation, he had not attended Anglican services.

Rigby was transferred between prisons, including the White Lion. He was twice given the opportunity to recant his faith but steadfastly refused both times, telling the judge that his sentence for treason was "the thing which I desire."

Execution and Legacy

Rigby's sentence was carried out on June 21, 1600, at St Thomas Waterings, where he was hanged, drawn, and quartered. The account of his execution notes that he was cut down prematurely and, despite landing on his feet, was held down while being disemboweled. Witnesses reported that the people present complained about the barbarity of the execution. Rigby offered the executioner a piece of gold as a token of his free forgiveness.

He was canonized in 1970, and his feast day is observed on October 25th. The priest who had reconciled Rigby to the Catholic faith, Saint John Jones, had died at the same location, St Thomas Waterings, two years earlier.

In his honor, St John Rigby Roman Catholic Sixth Form College in Orrell, Greater Manchester, is named after him, with one of its buildings, Harrock House, named after his birthplace. Stained glass windows depicting John Rigby are present in churches such as Our Lady & All Saints Church in Parbold.