Margaret Ward
Margaret Ward was an English laywoman and martyr, known as the "pearl of Tyburn." She is celebrated for her courageous act of aiding a priest's escape from prison during the reign of Elizabeth I. Her refusal to renounce her faith led to her execution and subsequent canonization.
- Feast Day
- August 30
- Century
- 16th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Margaret Ward was born in Congleton, Cheshire, around 1550.
- ›She worked as a housekeeper or companion in London for a lady named Whitall.
- ›Ward assisted William Watson, a priest imprisoned in Bridewell, by smuggling him a rope for his escape.
- ›She was arrested, tortured by being hung by her wrists, and charged with aiding a traitor.
- ›Ward refused to ask for the queen's pardon or conform to the established Church.
- ›She was hanged at Tyburn on August 30, 1588, along with John Roche.
the "pearl of Tyburn"
About Margaret Ward
Margaret Ward (c. 1550–30 August 1588), widely known as the "pearl of Tyburn," is recognized as an English saint and martyr. Her life and death occurred during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, a period marked by renewed persecution of Catholics in England. She is primarily remembered for her courageous act of defiance in aiding a priest to escape from prison, which ultimately led to her own execution.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Congleton, Cheshire, around 1550, Margaret Ward came from a respectable family and was described as a gentlewoman. Little is known about her early life, but she served as a housekeeper or companion in London for a lady named Whitall. Ward's commitment to her faith led her to assist William Watson, a priest who was imprisoned in Bridewell. She befriended the gaoler's wife, provided Watson with sustenance, and smuggled in a rope to facilitate his escape. Despite breaking his limbs during the escape, Watson was successfully taken to a safe hiding place by Catholic watermen. However, the rope was traced back to Ward, leading to her arrest, trial, and torture. She was charged with "aiding a traitor to escape" and endured severe physical suffering, including being hung by her wrists for extended periods, rendering her crippled and paralyzed.
Martyrdom and Veneration
During her trial, Margaret Ward, along with John Roche (who may have been her servant or one of the watermen involved in the escape), was offered freedom if they would renounce their faith and seek the queen's pardon. Both refused, maintaining their steadfast adherence to Catholicism. Consequently, they were both hanged at Tyburn on August 30, 1588. Margaret Ward was beatified in 1929 and later canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Her feast day is celebrated on August 30th by both the Roman Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church. Her legacy is honored through depictions in art and the naming of churches and schools in her memory, such as St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy in Tunstall, Staffordshire.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Margaret Ward?
Margaret Ward was an English laywoman and martyr who lived in the 16th century. She is known for her act of defiance and assistance to a priest during the reign of Elizabeth I.
Why was Margaret Ward executed?
She was executed for aiding a priest, William Watson, to escape from prison. She was charged with 'aiding a traitor to escape' and refused to renounce her faith.
When is Margaret Ward's feast day?
Her feast day is celebrated on August 30th, the anniversary of her execution. This feast day is observed by both the Roman Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church.
How is Margaret Ward venerated today?
Margaret Ward was canonized in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. She is depicted in art in several churches, and educational institutions and churches bear her name.
Related Saints
Agilus
Saint Agilus was a Frankish nobleman who became a Christian missionary in Bavaria and later served as the first abbot of Rebais monastery near Paris. He is remembered for his missionary work and his role in establishing monastic regularity.
Bononio
Saint Bononio was a Benedictine abbot venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. He is remembered for his asceticism, charitable works, and restoration of discipline at the monastery of Lucedio.
Euphrasia Eluvathingal
Euphrasia Eluvathingal was an Indian Carmelite nun of the Syro-Malabar Church, known for her life of prayer and devotion. She is remembered for her canonization as a saint by Pope Francis in 2014, following reported miracles.