Edward Oldcorne was a 16th-century Jesuit priest from York who served the Catholic mission in the West Midlands of England. After his training in Reims and Rome, he spent many years working covertly in Worcestershire, often finding refuge in houses like Hindlip Hall. Although he was caught up in investigations following the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot, he was not proven to be a conspirator. He was eventually executed at Red Hill in 1606, and he is recognized as a blessed martyr in the Catholic Church.
Life and mission
Born in 1561, Oldcorne was educated at St Peter's School before pursuing religious studies in France and Italy. Following his ordination in 1587, he returned to England to serve as a missionary. For seventeen years, he operated in the Midlands, providing spiritual care and shelter to Catholics. During this time, he traveled to Holywell to seek healing for a throat ailment, a journey that later drew government suspicion due to the individuals present.
Arrest and death
Following the uncovering of the Gunpowder Plot, Oldcorne was discovered hiding at Hindlip Hall. Despite undergoing torture, no evidence linked him to the conspiracy to destroy Parliament. He was taken to the Tower of London and subsequently executed at Red Hill on 7 April 1606. He died alongside his fellow Jesuit, Ralph Ashley, after being sentenced to death for his religious activities.
Veneration and legacy
The Catholic Church beatified Oldcorne in 1929. His memory is preserved through a portrait in the Church of the Gesù and a Catholic college in Worcester named in his honor. Some of his relics, including an eye, are kept at Stonyhurst College. He is commemorated annually on his feast day, 7 April.