Blessed Robert Anderton

Biography

Blessed Robert Anderton, also known as Blessed Robert Anderton of Lancashire, was born around the year 1560 in Lancashire, England. He is revered as a Catholic martyr and was beatified by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929.

Anderton embarked on his academic journey by studying at Brasenose College, Oxford. After successfully completing his education, he decided to further his studies abroad. In 1580, he converted to Catholicism and entered the English College at Rheims, France. It was at Rheims that he formed a close friendship with another future martyr, Blessed William Marsden.

Both Anderton and Marsden were ordained as priests at Rheims, and they had a strong desire to return to England as home missioners. However, fate had a different plan for them. During their voyage back to England, their ship was unfortunately driven off course and wrecked on the Isle of Wight.

Following the shipwreck, Anderton and Marsden were eventually arrested on English soil under the charge of being priests. They firmly maintained that they had no choice in being on the Isle of Wight due to the unforeseen circumstances of the shipwreck. Their argument resulted in their being sent to London for further interrogation.

While in London, Anderton and Marsden acknowledged Queen Elizabeth I as their lawful queen in matters pertaining to temporal affairs, yet they refused to do so in spiritual matters concerning their faith as Catholics. This unwavering commitment to their religious beliefs led to their martyrdom.

On 25 April 1586, Blessed Robert Anderton, alongside Marsden, was hanged, drawn, and quartered on the beach of the Isle of Wight, England. Their heroic martyrdom serves as a testament to their steadfast loyalty to the Catholic Church during a time of religious persecution in England.

Since their martyrdom, Blessed Robert Anderton is honored and venerated as one of the Martyrs of Douai and one of the Martyrs of Oxford University. His feast days are celebrated on 25 April, 29 October (commemorating the Martyrs of Douai), and 1 December (commemorating the Martyrs of Oxford University).

Recognizing his courageous sacrifice, Pope Pius XI issued a decree of martyrdom on 8 December 1929, officially classifying Blessed Robert Anderton as a saintly martyr of the Catholic Church. Today, his example of faith and dedication continues to inspire Catholics worldwide.