Of the early life of John Thules little is known, though it is generally believed that he was born in Whalley. It seems that he went to Douai when quite young and at the age of 22, proceeded to the English College in Rome to complete his studies. He was ordained in 1590 and returned to England in 1592, where he was arrested as soon as he had landed. Hespent several years of suffering in Wisbeach Castle before escaping and acoming to Lancashire. Here he had the Chorley weaver Roger Wrenno as his travelling companion. His work for the Church in Lancashire was so successful that the Earl of Derby issued orders for his immediate arrest. He was then taken to Lancaster Castle but escaped. He and Wrenno walked at night, in what they believed was a southerly direction, towards the River Ribble, but at daybreak they found themselves outside Lancaster Castle. Accepting that this was a sign that they should suffer martyrdom, they gave themselves up to the authorities. Both men were martyred at Lancaster on March 18th 1616.

Source: Edward Popham, The Martyrs of the Salford Diocese