William Knight
English layman, Roman Catholic martyr
Who they were
William Knight of South Duffield was denounced as a Catholic by his Protestant uncle when he claimed his inheritance, and imprisoned at York Castle.
A fellow prisoner pretending to want to become a Catholic trapped Knight and his companions into instructing him, then betrayed them. Condemned for persuading him to the faith, they died with joy and fortitude at York on 29 November 1596.
The miracles
As a martyr he was raised to the altars without a miracle.
Why that counted as sanctity
A layman betrayed for sharing his faith.
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.
Connected on this site
- George Errington Blessed“George Errington, a gentleman, was put to death at York on 29 November 1596, under Elizabeth I, together with William Knight, William Gibson and Henry Abbott.” — this site's research
- Henry Abbot Blessed“With him also suffered George Errington of Herst, Northumberland; William Gibson of Ripon; and Henry Abbot of Howden, Yorkshire.” — Wikipedia
- William Gibson Blessed“With him also suffered George Errington of Herst, Northumberland; William Knight of South Duffield and (after a short reprieve) Henry Abbot of Howden, also in Yorkshire.” — Wikipedia
- Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), via New Advent - William Knight
- Wikidata Q8014083 — dates, feast day and identifiers (CC0)
- English Wikipedia — William Knight (martyr) (CC BY-SA)
Checked against the sources listed on 21 September 2026. Corrections welcome.