Blessed Thomas Cottam

Biography

Blessed Thomas Cottam, born in 1549 in Dilworth, Lancashire, England, was the son of Laurence Cottam and Anne Brewer. He was raised in a Protestant family but later converted to Catholicism as an adult.

Cottam received his education at Brasenose College, Oxford, England, where he obtained a Master of Arts degree on 14 July 1572. Following his studies, he became the master of a grammar school in London, England. However, his calling to serve God in a more profound way led him on a transformative journey.

Seeking to deepen his faith and pursue missionary work, Cottam traveled to France and studied at Douai. He then proceeded to Rome, Italy, where he joined the Society of Jesus, more commonly known as the Jesuits, on 8 April 1579. His aspiration was to become a missionary in India.

After being ordained as a priest on 28 May 1580 in Soissons, France, Cottam returned to England in June of the same year. Unfortunately, upon his arrival in Dover, he was immediately arrested on charges of priesthood, which was considered a crime in England at the time.

Cottam was imprisoned in Marshalsea, where it is believed he celebrated his first Mass. Despite the harsh conditions, he remained devoted to his faith and steadfast in his mission. His captors tortured him before transferring him to the Tower of London, where he endured further abuse.

On 16 November 1581, Cottam was unjustly sentenced to death. On 30 May 1582, he was hanged at Tyburn, London, and became one of the Martyrs of Douai, commemorated on 29 October. Additionally, he is honored on 1 December as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University.

Recognized for his unwavering commitment to his faith and courageous defense of Catholicism, Blessed Thomas Cottam was beatified on 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII. His beatification confirmed his cultus, acknowledging him as a figure worthy of veneration within the Catholic Church.