Lancaster Martyrs

Plaque listing the Lancaster Martyrs
who we remember today

Today is the Feast of the Lancaster Martyrs, the 15 priests and laymen who were executed in Lancaster for their Catholic faith.  August 7th marks the day of the final executions in 1646 of three of the martyrs Blessed Edward Bamber, Blessed Thomas Whitaker and Blessed John Woodcock.  In the Cathedral's 150th Anniversary we reported Canon Billington's report of the Lancaster Martyrs he records

"The three were drawn together to the place of execution on August 7 1645, the Catholics being much comforted and edified, and the Protestants astonished and confounded to see the cheerfulness and courage with which these servants of God went to meet that barbarous and ignominious death to which they were condemned"

For details of each of these three marytrs 

Thomas Whitaker one of the Lancaster Martyrs

My faith is my crime

Today the exhibition comes to an end, the day will include Mass, a talk, followed by a walk to the Martyrs mark and vespers. 

The exhibition has been appreciated by many visitors.  It would not have been possible without the hard work of many people - our thanks to them for their generosity of time and effect and creative talents.

We'll have a post of some of the exhibits, if you have memories or favourite sections about the exhibition let us know using the feedback form and we'll include some of them in our final posting on this year of faith exhibition.