Thomas Thwing was a 17th-century English Catholic priest who served the English Mission for approximately fourteen years. Born in York to a recusant family, he was educated at St Omer and the English College in Douai. He acted as a chaplain at Carlton Hall and later at Heworth Manor, where he was eventually arrested. He was executed in York in 1680 after being falsely accused of involvement in the Barnbow Plot, a conspiracy fabricated during the era of the Popish Plot.
Life and arrest
After his ordination, Thwing provided spiritual care to various locations, including a school at Quosque. His arrest in 1679 stemmed from the accusations of two former servants of Sir Thomas Gascoigne. These individuals falsely claimed there was a plan to assassinate King Charles II. Although many others accused of involvement were acquitted, Thwing was found guilty of conspiracy during his trial in York.
Martyrdom and veneration
Despite an initial reprieve from the King, Thwing was executed at Tyburn in York on October 23, 1680. Upon receiving his sentence, he declared his innocence in Latin. He was later beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1929. He is remembered as Blessed Thomas Thwing and is commemorated in the Catholic tradition.