Simpson, Richard, Bl.
SIMPSON, RICHARD, BL.
Priest, martyr; alias Highgate; b. c. 1553 at Well, Ripon, Yorkshire, England; hanged, drawn, and quartered July 24, 1588 at Derby. After a short time as a Protestant minister, his journey to the Catholic Church caused him to be imprisoned. Released (or exiled) he began his studies for the priesthood at Douai in 1577, where he was ordained a priest. Thereafter Simpson was sent to England. He labored in the mission field for almost ten years prior to his arrest and banishment. He returned furtively, but was caught passing from Lancashire to Derbyshire. He was reprieved at the Lenten assizes of 1588 and almost conformed. His fellow inmates, Nicholas garlick and Robert ludlam, comforted and encouraged him to hold fast to the faith. He repented of his inconstancy and was condemned for high treason because he was an unlawful priest. All three were beatified by Pope John Paul II on Nov. 22, 1987 with George Haydock and Companions.
Feast of the English Martyrs: May 4 (England).
See Also: england, scotland, and wales, martyrs of.
Bibliography: r. challoner, Memoirs of Missionary Priests, ed. j. h. pollen (rev. ed. London 1924). j. h. pollen, Acts of English Martyrs (London 1891).
[k. i. rabenstein]