360 men and women are known to have died in England for their Catholic Faith between 1535 and 1681. Of these, eight are associated with Chideock. Seven were put to death and are known as the Chideock Martyrs. The eighth, John Jessop, died in prison. The eight brave men who died for their Catholic Faith:
Father Thomas Pilchard
Was a Jesuit and despite being banished, in 1586 he returned to England and became Chaplain at Chideock Castle where he was concealed. While he was there, he made many converts.
Blessed John Cornelius
Was a friend and Chaplain to the Arundells at Chideock Castle. Around Easter 1594, a servant betrayed his presence and he was arrested along with Thomas Bosgrave, a nephew of Lady Arundell, and two servants, John Carey and Patrick Salmon, all of whom had tried to save Fr. Cornelius. All four were executed at Dorchester on 4th July 1594 and beatified in 1929.
Blessed Hugh Green
Blessed Hugh Green also became Chaplain to the Arundell family and was martyred in 1642 after being arrested at Lyme Regis as he tried to escape to France. He was beatified in 1929.
William Pike
A carpenter in Chideock. Was put to death in Dorchester and beatified, together with Jessop, in 1987.
Thomas Bosgrave
Nephew of Lady Arundell. Died trying to save Father Cornelius.
John Carey
Servant of Lady Arundell. Died trying to save Father Cornelius.
Patrick Salmon
Servant of Lady Arundell. Died trying to save Father Cornelius.
John Jessop
Put in prison for his faith and died there.