Thomas Whittaker

Who they were

Thomas Whitaker, son of a Burnley schoolmaster, was ordained at Valladolid in 1638 and worked in Lancashire for five years. Seized in 1643, he spent three years in Lancaster Castle, known for continual prayer and charity to his fellow prisoners.

Naturally timid and dreading his death, he nevertheless refused every offer of life for conforming, saying: 'A reprieve or even a pardon upon your conditions I utterly refuse.' He was executed at Lancaster on 7 August 1646 with Edward Bamber and John Woodcock.

The miracles

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

Why that counted as sanctity

A timid priest made steadfast by prayer.

Connected on this site

• Edward Bamber Blessed
  “Naturally timid and dreading his death, he nevertheless refused every offer of life for conforming, saying: 'A reprieve or even a pardon upon your conditions I utterly refuse.' He was executed at Lancaster on 7 August 1646 with Edward Bamber and John Woodcock.” — this site's research