Thomas Atkinson (priest)
Encyclopedia
Thomas Atkinson was an English Roman Catholic priest. He is a Catholic martyr, beatified in 1987.
, was ordained priest at Reims
, and returned to England in 1588.
He was well known, especially for visiting poor Catholics, and eventually he could not safely travel by day. At the age of 70 he was betrayed, and taken to York with his host, Mr. Vavasour of Willitoft
, and some members of the family.
A pair of beads, and the form of an indulgence
were found upon him, and he was condemned to be hanged, drawn, and quartered.
Life
He was born in the East Riding of YorkshireEast Riding of Yorkshire
The East Riding of Yorkshire, or simply East Yorkshire, is a local government district with unitary authority status, and a ceremonial county of England. For ceremonial purposes the county also includes the city of Kingston upon Hull, which is a separate unitary authority...
, was ordained priest at Reims
Reims
Reims , a city in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France, lies east-northeast of Paris. Founded by the Gauls, it became a major city during the period of the Roman Empire....
, and returned to England in 1588.
He was well known, especially for visiting poor Catholics, and eventually he could not safely travel by day. At the age of 70 he was betrayed, and taken to York with his host, Mr. Vavasour of Willitoft
Willitoft
Willitoft is a hamlet in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, it forms part of the civil parish of Bubwith. It is situated just south of the A163 road and west of the B1228 road. It is approximately east of Selby and north of Goole....
, and some members of the family.
A pair of beads, and the form of an indulgence
Indulgence
In Catholic theology, an indulgence is the full or partial remission of temporal punishment due for sins which have already been forgiven. The indulgence is granted by the Catholic Church after the sinner has confessed and received absolution...
were found upon him, and he was condemned to be hanged, drawn, and quartered.