Blessed Edwarde Oldcorne

The fifth of November turned my thoughts to this rather famous Jesuit Priest who I have no doubt is one of my ancestors among the many Oldcorn's I have on my Family Tree.

I have not as yet been able to tie in his exact relationship to me, but in my research on the Oldcorn line I have never found an Oldcorn who was not related.

Why the fifth of November made me think of him was because of Guy Fawkes Night.  In 1605 a man  by the name of Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and King James I in London.He was one of a group of men who thought the King was treating Roman Catholics unfairly.It didn't work, the barrels of gunpowder were discovered in the cellars, the "Gunpowder Plot" uncovered, the King and Parliament were saved.  Guy Fawkes and his conspirators were arrested, tried and hung.

Edwarde Oldcorne was a friend of Guy Fawkes and Christopher Wright and he fell victim to the "Gunpowder Plot" he was falsely accused arrested and tortured on a rack for five day's while they tried to get information from him.  He was held in Holt Castle during his trial.

Edwarde was hanged drawn and quartered on the 7th of April 1606.  He was Beatified 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI.

Growing up in England I remember the 5th of November very well.

"Remember Remember the fifth of November, The gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot,"

This little rhyme was quoted by us children over and over as we prepared for Guy Fawkes night.   Weeks before the 5th of November bonfires were prepared on spare lots in neighborhoods in readiness to light and burn the stuffed effigy of  Guy Fawkes.

Children would go door to door collecting money, saying "a penny for the guy"

In the evening bonfires were lit, lots of firework displays. Potatoes Roasted on the fires.  The weather was cold, the air was filled with smoke and lots of loud bangs.  Looking back it must have been very dangerous out there.  I wonder if things have changed over the years.

When I was very young I did not enjoy it I was very afraid of the fireworks and would hide in the house until it was over.