John Duckett was a 17th-century English Catholic priest who was executed at Tyburn. Born in Sedbergh, Yorkshire, he was educated at the English College in Douai before being ordained in 1639. Following further studies in Paris, he returned to England to serve the Catholic community during the English Civil War. While traveling to perform a baptism in County Durham, he was apprehended by Parliamentary soldiers, leading to his eventual martyrdom alongside his companion, Ralph Corby.
Life and death
After his ordination, Duckett worked primarily in the north of England. In July 1644, he was arrested at Redgate Head while attempting to reach two children for baptism. Following an examination in Sunderland, he was imprisoned in Newgate alongside the Jesuit Ralph Corby. Despite the opportunity for Corby to receive a reprieve, Duckett refused to abandon his friend. Both men were executed at Tyburn on 7 September 1644.
Veneration and legacy
Duckett was declared blessed by Pope Pius XI in 1929. His memory is preserved through various tributes, including a primary school in Bishop Auckland named in his honor. Additionally, a memorial known as John Duckett's Cross was established in 1899 to mark the location in Wolsingham where he was originally arrested by soldiers.