James Thompson
Catholic priest and martyr of York
Who they were
James Thompson of York went to Reims in 1580 and, though so ill he could barely stand, was ordained within twelve days in 1581. Sent to England, he was arrested at York in 1582 and openly confessed his priesthood.
Condemned for treason, he died with great joy and peace at the Knavesmire on 28 November 1582, declaring that he died in and for the Catholic faith and making a great sign of the cross as he hung.
The miracles
As a martyr he was raised to the altars without a miracle.
Why that counted as sanctity
A sick young priest who died joyfully for the Faith in his own city.
The cause
The cause continues. No postulation address is published here yet. Favours received through this person’s intercession, and offers of help, are best sent to the religious order or congregation they belonged to, or to the diocese where the cause was opened; either will pass them to the postulation.
- Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), via New Advent - James Thompson
- Wikidata Q2598078 — dates, feast day and identifiers (CC0)
- English Wikipedia — James Thompson (martyr) (CC BY-SA)
Checked against the sources listed on 21 September 2026. Corrections welcome.