Richard Topcliffe: The Queen’s Torturer
Richard Topcliffe, born in 1532, was a lawyer and Member of Parliament. He gained a reputation for sadism and cruelty as Elizabeth I's interrogator, thoroughly enjoying his work.
Topcliffe, known for his improved torture methods, had a specially adapted cellar in Westminster. He tortured Robert Southwell, Henry Garnet, John Gerard, and other Jesuit priests and citizens.
Topcliffe was dismissed by Archbishop Whitgift for his fantasies about the queen and sadistic behavior. However, he was rewarded for helping track down the Jesuit Counter-Reformation threat in England.
Topcliffe died in 1604 at home in his bed, having retired to Yorkshire and his home at Badley Hall near Ashbourne.
While researching for a future project, I discovered Topcliffe. I consider Topcliffe to be in the same category as historical figures like Genrikh Yagoda - significant yet often omitted from books.
#GenrikhYagoda
This deep dive will be posted after I post my project on “The Saint Brice’s Day Massacre.” Stay tuned for details on where to find my work.
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