Thomas Sherwood

Who they were

Thomas Sherwood was born in London in 1551; his parents too were imprisoned for their faith. After working for about ten years in his father's woollen business, he was preparing to go to Douai to study for the priesthood when he was recognised and betrayed in Chancery Lane.

Questioned about the queen's excommunication, he said that if she were truly excommunicated her rule could not be lawful. Sent to the Tower in November 1577, he was racked twice to make him name those he had heard Mass with, but he would not, and he was kept naked and starving in a dark dungeon. Condemned for treason for denying the queen's supremacy, he was executed at Tyburn on 7 February 1578. He was remembered as cheerful even under torture and a help to many poor Catholics.

The miracles

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

Why that counted as sanctity

A young London Catholic racked in the Tower and executed before he could study for the priesthood.