Robert Bickerdike

Who they were

Robert Bickerdike, a Yorkshire layman of York, was arrested for giving a glass of ale to the priest John Boste. Acquitted of treasonable words, he was tried again at the judge's insistence.

He had defended the martyr Francis Ingleby, saying he was no thief, 'but as true as thou art'. He was condemned and executed at York in 1585.

The miracles

As a martyr he was raised to the altars without a miracle.

Why that counted as sanctity

A layman who died for a kindness to a priest.

Connected on this site

• Francis Ingleby Saint
  “He had defended the martyr Francis Ingleby, saying he was no thief, 'but as true as thou art'.” — this site's research
• John Boste Saint
  “Robert Bickerdike, a Yorkshire layman of York, was arrested for giving a glass of ale to the priest John Boste.” — this site's research