George Douglas (martyr)

George Douglas (c. 1540 -1587) was one of the Eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales.

Born in Edinburgh, he was originally a teacher by profession. His family were from Bonjedward near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders.

Converting to Catholicism, he travelled to France around 1556 where he was ordained a secular priest in Notre Dame, Paris, in 1574- possibly at the testimonial of Mary, Queen of Scots. Returning to the north of England, he was a priest in York, where it seems he was 'apparelled in course canvas dublit and hose,' and in the East Midlands as well. Captured and found guilty in York of 'persuading the Queen's subjects away' from Protestantism, he was executed on 9 September 1587.

He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 22 November 1987.