Bickerdike, Robert, Bl.
BICKERDIKE, ROBERT, BL.
Martyr; b. at Low Hall (near Knaresborough), Farnham, Yorkshire, England; hanged, drawn, and quartered at York, Oct. 8, 1586. He was arrested for giving apriest, St.John boste, a glass of ale. At his trial he was also accused of using treasonable words, i.e., of defending the reputation of Bl. Francis ingleby en route to the latter's execution. Bickerdike was acquitted, but Judge Rhodes, determined to have his blood, had him removed from the-city jail to York Castle, retried, and condemned for being reconciled to Rome and fortreasonable opinions. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on Nov. 22, 1987with George Haydock and Companions.
See Also: england, scotland, and wales, martyrs of.
Bibliography: r. challoner, Memoirs of Missionary Priests, ed. j. h.pollen (rev. ed. London 1924). j. morris, The Catholics of York under Elizabeth (London, 1891).j. h. pollen, Acts of English Martyrs (London 1891).
[k. i. rabenstein]