Saint Edmund Campion
He was born in London and educated at the Bluecoat school, St John's Oxford and Douai, France.
To enter the Society of Jess, he went to Rome. He was 38 when he was ordained at Prague and was a very gifted preacher and teacher.
In 1580 he was sent on the English Mission. He landed at Dover and made his way to London. He travelled north on horseback and became a most wanted man after he rote 'Ten reasons in defence of the Catholic Faith.' He set up a secret printing press at Stonor Park.
After about 13 months he was betrayed by a George Eliot at Lyford and taken to the Tower of London, where he was racked a number of times and put in the 'little ease.'
During torture he frequently repeated the Holy Name of Jesus and during his trial he was so numb he could not hold up his hand.
On November 20th 1581 the death sentence was passed and the remainder of his time was spent in the Spiritual Exercises. The Lieutenant of the Tower said 'that id he would yield to change his religion he would secure him £100 a year.' Many temptations were put his way.
He was dragged to Tyburn. As the cart was drawn away from the gallows, he meekly and sweetly yielded his soul to his Saviour, protesting that he died a perfect Catholic.
He died December 1st 1581, aged 42.