Ralph Corbie was an Irish Jesuit priest born in Maynooth in 1598. After spending his early years in northern England, he pursued theological studies in Saint-Omer, Seville, and Valladolid. He joined the Society of Jesus around 1626 and later returned to England, where he served in Durham under the name Carlington. His life ended in 1644 during the anti-Catholic persecutions, when he was arrested while wearing his vestments and subsequently executed at Tyburn alongside a fellow priest.
Life and death
Following his ordination, Corbie worked in Durham for approximately twelve years. In July 1644, Parliamentarian forces captured him at Hamsterley. He was imprisoned in Newgate, where he and John Duckett openly acknowledged their priesthood during their trial. Although a pardon was eventually issued, Corbie encouraged Duckett to accept it due to his younger age. Both men refused the reprieve and were executed at Tyburn on 7 September 1644.
Veneration
The Catholic Church recognizes Corbie as a blessed, having beatified him in 1929. He is commemorated annually on 7 September. A relic belonging to the priest is preserved at Stonyhurst.