York Tyburn at Knavesmire was the principal place of execution for Catholic priests in the north of England. Margaret Clitherow was pressed to death in York in 1586. Numerous seminary priests trained at Douai and Rome were executed here as traitors for celebrating Mass. The scale of persecution in Yorkshire reflected the large Catholic population and the government fear of Spanish-backed Catholic rebellion.
At least 26 martyrs executed in York area 1570-1603
Royal sheriffs; pursuivants; armed escort
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