Ludlam, Robert, Bl.

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LUDLAM, ROBERT, BL.

Priest, martyr; b. ca. 1551 at Radbourne (near Sheffield), Derbyshire, England; d. July 24, 1588, hanged, drawn, and quartered on St. Mary's Bridge at Derby. Like Bl. Nicholas garlick with whom he died, Ludlam (also given as Ludham, Ludleham) studied at Oxford, taught for a time, then engaged in seminary studies at Rheims, where he was ordained (May 1581). After a six-year apostolate in his homeland, he was arrested with Garlick in the home of an ancient Catholic family through the treachery of one of the sons. He and Garlick fortified the flagging faith of their fellow-prisoner, Bl. Richard Simpson. All three were tried, condemned for their priesthood, and executed together. Together they were beatified by Pope John Paul II on Nov. 22, 1987 with George Haydock and Companions.

Feast of the English Martyrs: May 4 (England).

See Also: england, scotland, and wales, martyrs of.

Bibliography: r. challoner, Memoirs of Missionary Priests, ed. j. h. pollen (rev. ed. London 1924). j. h. pollen, Acts of English Martyrs (London 1891). d. de yepes, Historia Particular de la persecución de Inglaterra (Madrid 1599).

[k. i. rabenstein]