Thomas Atkinson, of Yorkshire, England, studied for the priesthood in Reims, France, where he was subsequently ordained in 1588 around the age of forty-two. Returning to England, he traveled about on foot to minister to his fellow Catholics, becoming a special friend of the poor among them. It was only after breaking a leg that the indefatigable priest resorted to traveling by horse instead. His labors in the service of persecuted Catholics became so well known that, to escape arrest by the Protestant authorities, he could only journey safely by night. In the end, he was betrayed by an informer and captured while staying at the home of a Catholic family. Then about seventy, Father Atkinson was led to prison together with the couple that had hosted him, and their children. The "incriminating evidence" found by the government officials in the priest's possession consisted of Rosary beads and the text of an indulgence. Condemned to death by drawing and quartering, Father Atkinson is said to have faced death "with wonderful patience, courage, and constancy, and signs of great comfort."
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Thomas Atkinson (died 11 March 1616) was an English Roman Catholic priest. He is a Catholic martyr, beatified in 1987.
Life
He was born in the East Riding of Yorkshire, was ordained priest at Reims, and returned to England in 1588.
He was well known, especially for visiting poor Catholics, and eventually he could not safely travel by day. He always travelled by foot until, having broken his leg, he had to ride a horse. At the age of 70 he was betrayed and taken to York with his host, Mr. Vavasour of Willitoft, and some members of the family.
A pair of beads and the form of an indulgence were found upon him, and he was condemned to be hanged, drawn, and quartered.
"Nicholas Atkinson"
Nicholas Atkinson (died 1610) was said to have been an English Catholic priest and martyr. According to the historian Charles Dodd he was executed in York in 1610, in the reign of James I. The Catholic Encyclopedia thinks that it was probable that Dodd had confused him with Thomas Atkinson, the subject of this article, although there was a Marian priest called Nicholas, or "Ninny", Atkinson.
