The Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul which is celebrated on 29th June meant a great deal to Father Nicholas Postgate, our martyr of the moors. It was the date he left the English College at Douai in 1630 to join the English Mission. After a very basic education at Egton, probably by his grandfather, William Postgate, Nicholas worked hard at his College studies and emerged as a Doctor of Divinity.

It seems he also undertook work for the College. This may have happened because upon entry on 4th July 1621 at the age of about 21, he would be older than other students and may have been cast in the role of leader. It is possible he later helped as tutor or assisted in other ways with the work of the College.

The Douai Diary records his efforts by noting magna cum fidelitate, diligentia ac College emolumento which tells us that he worked hard, was of very fair character and gave good service to the College. He also gained an extraordinary reputation for zeal and piety. After passing his examination that led to his award of Minor Orders, he was promoted sub-deacon and then deacon before being ordained on 20th March 1628. He sang his first Mass on 2nd April that year but remained a further two years or so at Douai.

Life there was not easy. By our standards, living conditions were primitive, money was always in short supply and the food was poor. At the time, Douai was in the Spanish Netherlands and was receiving financial support from the King of Spain and the Vatican, in addition to contributions from other wealthy subscribers but despite those donations, there was always a shortage of funds.

Any student who entered as an alumnus had to pay for board and lodgings, although accommodation was free, whilst any who entered as convictor had to pay for everything – in advance. The English College had agents throughout England who ensured that money for students’ fees was collected in advance and sent to Douai. Nicholas Postgate entered as a convictor which meant he had to pay his own fees and expenses – and it is almost certain he received financial support from a wealthy backer, perhaps the Smith family of Egton Bridge.

Having achieved distinction at Douai, the time came for Father Nicholas Postgate to return to England. Departure from Douai marked the beginning of his celebrated mission around the North York Moors but also in the Wolds and parts of the former West Riding. We do not know the duration of his return journey nor are we sure where he landed but it was probably the small seaside village of Sandyford near Whitby.

That is now called Sandsend and it is likely he arrived under cover of darkness to be met by helpers, then taken to safe accommodation to rest awhile. That accommodation may have been in or around Mulgrave Castle (not the present structure) and its wooded surrounds. Alternatively, he may have used one of the moorland trods to make his way to Grosmont Priory Farm before heading off to his first chaplaincy at Saxton near Tadcaster.

Nicholas Rhea

Nicholas Rhea is author of 130 books including the Constable series upon which the ITV drama, Heartbeat, was based. He contributes to several periodicals including the Darlington and Stockton Times where his Countryman’s Diary is now in its 36th year. Beginning his education at St Hedda’s Primary School, Egton Bridge, his next book is shortly due. It is ‘Blessed Nicholas Postgate – Martyr of the Moors’ (Gracewing).