The Blessed Nicholas Postgate

NICHOLAS POSTGATE

Blessed Nicholas was one of 85 Martyrs beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1987. Born in Egton in 1596, he trained for the priesthood in France before returning to Yorkshire.

He was martyred in York in 1679 and was one of the last Catholics in this country to be put to death for their faith.

Canon Paul Farrer, whose role as Episcopal Vicar for Spirituality and Worship includes responsibility for pilgrimages, is hoping as many people as possible will come together on this very special occasion. “Blessed Nicholas Postgate rightly enjoys a cherished place in our diocese and his intercession continues to strengthen us all.” he said.

“It is important that we continue to celebrate the Priest of the Moors. He is a gift to our diocese.”

Blessed Nicholas, known as the Martyr of the Moors, lived from 1596 to 1679, when he was executed as part of the anti-Catholic persecution in England at the time.

Postgate was born at Kirkdale House, Egton, Yorkshire, England His parish, which was known by the extinct name of Blackamoor, extended between Guisborough, Pickering and Scarborough. Thomas Ward, who later wrote about him, knew him well. He was exceptionally conscientious in performing his pastoral duties: the historian J.P. Kenyon remarks that “for nearly half a century he tramped the high moors of North Yorkshire and the plains of the Holderness, ministering to a scattered flock”.

The Postgate Society which is under the patronage of Bishop Terry, exists to spread knowledge of Blessed Nicholas and to promote interest in Catholic history during penal times, has a brand new website at: postgatesociety.org.uk

Everyone is welcome to attend meetings, which take place at St Anne’s Hall, Ughthorpe.

For more details visit the website or write to Monica Ventress, The Postgate Society, 53 Ceremony Wynd, Clairville Grange, Middlesbrough TS4 2WG

or email: postgatesociety@rcdmidd.org.uk

For More information about Nicholas Postgate contact The Postgate Society