Margaret Clitherow
Margaret Clitherow was an English Catholic recusant, known as "The Pearl of York," who was martyred for her faith. She is chiefly remembered for being pressed to death for refusing to enter a plea to charges of harbouring Catholic priests during a period of intense persecution.
- Feast Day
- 25 October
- Century
- 16th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›She was born in 1556, the daughter of Thomas and Jane Middleton, and was a businessman who served as Sheriff of York.
- ›Margaret married John Clitherow, a butcher and city chamberlain, in 1571, and they had three children.
- ›She converted to Roman Catholicism in 1574 and was imprisoned multiple times for refusing to attend Church of England services.
- ›She risked her life by harbouring Catholic priests, an act made a capital offense.
- ›Margaret refused to plead at her trial, leading to her sentence of death by pressing.
- ›She was executed on March 25, 1586, by being crushed to death under heavy stones.
The Pearl of York
Catholic Women's League, Latin Mass Society
About Margaret Clitherow
Margaret Clitherow (c. 1556 – 25 March 1586)
Margaret Clitherow, born Margaret Middleton, was an English Catholic recusant who became known as "The Pearl of York." Her life and martyrdom are a significant part of the history of Catholic resistance in Elizabethan England. She is remembered for her unwavering faith and courage in the face of severe religious persecution.
Life and Historical Context
Born in 1556, Margaret was the youngest child of Thomas and Jane Middleton. Her father was a respected businessman and served as Sheriff of York. Margaret married John Clitherow, a butcher and city chamberlain, in 1571. They had three children and lived at what is now 10–11 The Shambles in York. Margaret converted to Roman Catholicism in 1574, though her husband, who remained in the Established Church, was supportive and paid her fines for not attending services. She was imprisoned multiple times for her faith, and it was during one of these incarcerations that she learned to read and write.
Martyrdom
Margaret Clitherow risked her life by actively harboring and maintaining Catholic priests. This act became a capital offense under the Jesuits, etc. Act of 1584. She provided hidden chambers for priests and even rented a separate house to conceal them and allow Mass to be celebrated. Her home became a critical safe house for fugitive priests in northern England. In March 1586, her home was searched, and a priest hole was discovered. Margaret was arrested and brought before the York assizes. She refused to enter a plea to the charge of harboring priests, which would have necessitated her children testifying and potentially being tortured. As a result, she was sentenced to death.
Margaret Clitherow was executed on Lady Day, 1586, which fell on Good Friday that year. She was pressed to death, a brutal method intended to force a plea, at the Toll Booth at Ouse Bridge in York. The execution was carried out by hired beggars, and she endured immense suffering before her death, which occurred within fifteen minutes. Her body was left exposed for six hours before being secretly buried according to Catholic rites.
Veneration and Legacy
Margaret Clitherow was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1929 and canonized by Pope Paul VI on October 25, 1970, as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Her feast day is celebrated on May 4 in England and October 25 in Wales. She is also commemorated on August 30. Her life was documented by John Mush in "Trewe Reporte of the Lyfe and Marterdome of Mrs Margarete Clitherowe." A relic, believed to be her hand, is housed at the Bar Convent in York. Margaret Clitherow is the patroness of the Catholic Women's League and a co-patroness of the Latin Mass Society. Several schools in England and a church and school in the United States are named in her honor, perpetuating her memory as a courageous witness to her faith.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Margaret Clitherow?
Margaret Clitherow was an English Catholic recusant, known as "The Pearl of York." She lived in the 16th century and is venerated as a martyr by the Catholic Church.
Why was Margaret Clitherow martyred?
Margaret Clitherow was martyred for her Catholic faith. She was executed for refusing to enter a plea to the charge of harbouring Catholic priests, which was a capital offense at the time.
How was Margaret Clitherow executed?
Margaret Clitherow was executed by being pressed to death. This involved being laid across a sharp rock and having heavy stones and rocks piled on top of her until she died, a method known as peine forte et dure, used to force a plea.
When was Margaret Clitherow canonized?
Margaret Clitherow was canonized by Pope Paul VI on October 25, 1970, as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.
Where is Margaret Clitherow associated with?
Margaret Clitherow is strongly associated with the city of York, England, where she lived, was tried, and martyred. Her home was at 10-11 The Shambles, and her shrine is located at 35-36 The Shambles.
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