Ralph Ashley was an English Jesuit lay brother born in Worcestershire around 1501. After working as a cook at Douay College, he joined the Society of Jesus in Valladolid. He eventually returned to England due to health issues, where he served alongside Edward Oldcorne. His life ended in 1606 following his involvement in the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot, which led to his arrest and eventual execution in Worcester.
Life and death
After training in Spain, Ashley returned to England in 1598 to assist Edward Oldcorne. Following the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot, both men were arrested at Hindlip Hall. They were held in the Tower of London before being sent to Worcester for trial. Ashley, who sometimes used the name George Chambers, was executed at Red Hill alongside Oldcorne in April 1606, maintaining that he died for his faith rather than as a traitor.
Veneration
The Catholic Church recognizes Ashley as a martyr. He was beatified in 1929 along with Edward Oldcorne. His feast day is observed on April 7, marking the anniversary of his death.